Three love bugs who happened to be Pitties at the West LA Shelter

All three of these dogs need homes as soon as possible especially Hiro as he has been there the longest. Please network them! Thanks so much!

Fun Fun Fun at the WLA Shelter! Adoptions & rescues watch this!!!!

Another lesson in don't judge a book by its cover. It's in the DNA!

Don't call me a Pit Bull!

How a dog looks can be very deceiving indeed.  A study done by Maddie's Fund Veterinary Medicine program at University of Florida  makes the point over and over...and over.  It's simple, do DNA tests on a bunch of dogs, ask people what they think the primary breed of the dog is and then compare the DNA test results. The results will amaze you.

I had to laugh at some of the results because you have to wonder how some of these dogs got together?! It's a fascinating study and it will definitely make you reassess what you thought you knew about identifying dog breeds.  All I can say is those American Eskimo Dogs sure get around! ;-)

On a more serious note, I can tell you that every shelter out there is WAY off on their guesses as to what kind of dog breeds they have.  One reason there are so many Pit Bulls in the shelters is that most mutts look like a what we think of as a "Pit Bull."  How many dogs on this list would be categorized as a Pit Bull at your shelter?

Most importantly, this study proves another reason why BSL is such nonsense. How do you identify a dog as a Pit Bull?  I seriously doubt they are doing DNA testing on every dog.  How can BSL be legal when they don't even know the breed of the dog?  I'm starting to think that we need to eradicate the term Pit Bull from our vocabulary and call a spade a spade: it is a mixed breed dog!

So, check out this study, you'll be really amazed at some of the mixes.

http://sheltermedicine.vetmed.ufl.edu/library/research-studies/current-studies/dog-breeds/dna-results/

URGENT! Sonora doesn't deserve for the shelter to be her last home.

Please Network Sonoma!!! She's in trouble, out of time and needs to be rescued ASAP!

Have you considered becoming a foster parent to a shelter dog or cat?

If yes, you are my hero! :-)  You already know how satisfying it is to help a wonderful animal that is waiting for a home in an over-crowded shelter system.

If no, why not?  The shelter picks up the tab and you get to socialize and even save the life of an amazing animal that will be grateful for your help.  The clock is ticking for each and every animal at the shelter. Only YOU can help them.

These are some of the dogs currently in the foster program at LA Animal Services.  Please consider fostering one of these worthy dogs or cats.  You will be helping these animals more than you can know!

A1319399

Gentle! Mellow! Amazing! These are just a few of the descriptions used
to describe IRIS, a spayed female Labrador/Chinese Sharpei. Iris is
about 2 years old who draws second looks from people when they see her
sleek black coat

A1279901

Maxine has a very sweet temperament and loving with people once she
has a chance to relax. Maxine has played in the yard with a large dog
and did just fine. Her previous owner commented that she was not good
with small dogs.

A1312722

June is a bundle of energy! She is a beautiful 1 years, 6 months old
unaltered female Staffordshire Bull Terrier with a beautiful,
expressive face and incredible ears.
June is young and has an abundance of energy.

A1324154

Mandy is a very sweet dog who walks well through the kennels. She is a
very attentive dog who follows commands and is able to sit, lie down,
do high fives and roll over.

A1304694

Boots is a spayed 6 year old cat who is very easy going and friendly.
Boots owner passed away and so she ended up at the animal shelter. She
has been to the L.A. Love and Leashes adoption store and is okay with
traveling.

A1316457

Sweet Pea is a spayed 2 year old cat who is very friendly and kind.
Sweet Pea’s owner decided that they didn’t have time for her any more
so they brought her to the animal shelter. 

A1318703

Chester is a spayed 6 year old cat who is friendly and longing for a
permanent home. Chester’s owner had to move and could not find a place
that accepted pets so he ended up at the animal shelter.

A1296764

Neo is a neutered 6 year old cat who is very calm and sweet. Neo’s
owner passed away and so he ended up at the animal shelter. He has
been to the L.A. Love and Leashes adoption store and is okay with
traveling. 

A1315398

Susie is a sweet, spayed 2 year old stray cat. Susie is friendly and
gets along with everyone. She has been featured at the L.A. Love and
Leashes adoption store.

A1303409

Sonora loves people. She is very affectionate and loves to be petted.
She walks well on a leash. She knows her sit and down commands and
responds to strong verbal correction that is sometimes necessary when
she gets too excited.

If interested please contact:

Shawn C. Colon

Animal Care Technician Supervisor

West Los Angeles Center

11361 W. Pico Blvd.

West Los Angeles, CA 90064

(310) 207-8976 (office)

(310) 207-4965 (fax)

shawn.colon@lacity.org

www.laanimalservices.org

SAAFLA fundraising to help inner-city dogs continues...

First this is a really great video describing probably the biggest problem we see in LA, the overwhelming number of Pit Bulls in the shelters and on the streets.  Lori Weise founder of Downtown Dog Rescue has dedicated her life to helping the low-income areas of LA and educating the public about Pit Bulls and responsible dog guardianship. Lori and Dogman have been working together providing FREE dog training for Pit Bulls at the Coliseum in Downtown LA on Sunday mornings.
For more info: www.downtowndogrescue.org

SAAFLA is continuing to raise funds for the worthwhile endeavor of providing free services to low-income communities working closely with LAAS, Downtown Dog Rescue, The Amanda Foundation and others to provide free Spay & Neuter, free vaccinations, and free microchipping!  These services are being provided at the Yo Watts recreation center on a monthly basis through July 2012.

However, after July we are still looking forward to continuing to provide these much needed services to the communities who need them the most and who can't afford them. Stay tuned for further projects that will educate you, inspire you and provide for the animals who need help.

Btw, if you haven't seen the documentary Street Dogs of South Central, you really should!  It's a beautifully done film that captures the problem and why we need to help.  There are so many animals who may actually have a home, but get out and wander the streets because they are not fixed. Their families don't realize that their dog may end up at the shelter and ultimately killed.  To find out the next screening of this doc go to www.streetdogsmovie.com.

Let's not judge, let's fix it! Let's S/N every dog we can and microchip every dog that is S/N. It's pretty simple and it makes a huge impact on the community! Let's work together to solve this very solvable problem!

You can donate towards this goal at www.saafla.org. Thank you!

Lola
The Doggie Matchmaker

PLEASE HELP NETWORK THIS GREAT DOG WHOSE TIME IS RUNNING OUT. $500 PLEDGED SO FAR TO AN APPROVED RESCUE.

Kane ID# A1165629

Kane is SWEET as sugar!

Kane is a beautiful 5 yr. old brown and white,  neutered pit bull terrier.  He was surrendered to the West Los Angeles Animal Shelter on July 5, 2011 after his owner lost his home.  It wasn't Kane's behavior or anything about this wonderful boy that brought him to the animal shelter.  He just didn't have a home anymore. 

Kane is described by those who have worked with him as a "gentle giant."  He responds well to correction.  He walks extremely well on leash and shows no  aggression towards the other dogs when walking through the kennel.  He is a little shy at first but warms up quickly.  He knows sit and knows how to give his paw. He is not reactive towards other dogs but needs a little work on focusing.  He is housebroken.

Kane is available for the adult foster program and it is his hope that he will find a home again either in the foster program or a forever home.  He is a wonderful, gentle dog. Please help Kane find his forever home.   CONTACT MIRJA AT MBISHOP355@AOL.COM.

West LA City Shelter  310-207-3266  Tues-Sat 8-5,  Sun 11-5 

11361 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064 

Contact: Samantha Westbrook, NEW HOPE COORDINATOR

213-485-0494 / CELL  213-792-5811  aninewhopewla@lacity.org.

Sandy the Staffie Seeks Suitable Situation! Seriously!

Sandy A#1219443

Sandy is a 3 yr. old spayed Staffordshire Terrier who has been at the West Los Angeles Animal Shelter since Oct. 9, 2011.  Sandy and her 10 puppies originally came to the shelter on June 4, 2011.

Sandy or momma as we lovingly called her was a good mom who cared for her pups until it was time to separate from them.  She cried and tried to reach them when they were put in a separate run.  She had to be moved to a different part of the shelter where she could not see them. Her pups were all adopted very quickly and it was our wish that Sandy too would find a good home. 

In Sept. the volunteers and staff were thrilled when a family came to the shelter to see her and decided to adopt her.  It was our hope with Sandy, as it is with all of our dogs,  that she find a good home with people who would love and care for her.  Sadly for Sandy that did not happen.  She was returned by the adoptive family because the landlord did not approve.  They described Sandy as friendly with everyone and a good dog which we all knew from her previous time at the shelter.  

Sandy loves to play with her toys but more than anything she loves her people. She is good with other dogs and she is just a fun dog to be around as can be seen in this video.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTM3zGss7Xc

Please help Sandy find her forever home. She is at the West Los Angeles Shelter now!!! -- mirja bishop

West LA City Shelter  310-207-3266  Tues-Sat 8-5,  Sun 11-5 

11361 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064 

Contact: Samantha Westbrook, NEW HOPE COORDINATOR

213-485-0494 / CELL  213-792-5811  aninewhopewla@lacity.org.

A1145097 - Tulip, 8 year old, spayed, Boxer / Staffy Mix. VERY SAD

TULIP'S FOSTER FELL THROUGH!!!! WE WERE INFORMED LATE LAST NIGHT THAT TULIP'S FOSTER WAS IN A BAD CAR ACCIDENT AND SHE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO FOSTER TULIP.

A1145097 - Tulip, 8 year old, spayed, Boxer / Staffy Mix.



This poor dog was ALMOST OUT OF THE SHELTER but when we went to pull her they found a micro chip! So Tulip was put on hold while they tried to contact her former owner's. But the numbers were disconnected, mail returned and no one that we can find missing Tulip....now that she is available to be pulled her foster falls through!!! On top of it, WLA has a temporary moratorium volunteers walking dogs over 20 lbs so while already stressed, you can imagine what she's going through now. The new hope coordinator at WLA Stated:

SHE IS EXTREMELY STRESSED, LICKING THE BARS OF HER CAGE ALL DAY EVERYDAY. TULIP IS A VERY SWEET AND HAPPY DOG....THEY'VE LISTED HER AS 8 BUT SHE TRULY SEEMS 4-5 AT MOST. SHE HAS A LOT OF LIFE IN HER BUT NO PLACE TO LIVE IT. PLEASE PLEASE CROSSPOST AND NETWORK THIS SWEETHEART!!!

THE ONLY REASON TULIP IS STILL ALIVE AT WLA IS BEAUSE THE SHELTER WAS GRACIOUS ENOUGH TO WAIT WHILE WE ORGANIZED LOGISTICS....BUT NOW WE ARE BACK TO SQUARE ON! TULIP IS IN DESPERATE NEED OF A RESCUE OR PRIVATE ADOPTER!!!!



Samantha Westbrook
New Hope Coordinator / Baby Bottle Coordinator
West Los Angeles Animal Care Center
11361 W. Pico Blvd Los Angeles CA 90064
Shelter: 213 485 0494/ 0495/ 0496
Cell: 213 7925811
ani.newhopewla@lacity.org
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 7am - 4pm
Thursday 6.30am - 3.30pm

Goofy gus named Henry A1140473, don't hate me cos I'm a BBD

Henry- 2 years old Black Shep mix

What a fun loving boy Henry is or can be when he's lucky enough to hang out with someone long enough to relax and be his regular old self. This boy is sweet and full of energy. He'd love to have a nice yard to run around in, maybe learn a few tricks, play fetch, the works! Definitely a dog who would benefit greatly from some training. Great guy to run with! I know his person is out there somewhere, he's too good to pass up! Henry is urgent! He's been at the shelter since August!!!!!!

Favorite- 7 years old Pit mix

How could someone, right before Xmas no less, dump their dog of 7 years at the shelter for no good reason??? The irony that his name is "favorite" doesn't escape me... It's just so sad. This is a very good dog, except right now he's super depressed. Favorite is so sweet and mellow. He's a good guy and appears to do well with other dogs too! He's very quiet at the shelter even with all that barking going on. I would love to see this boy go to a family with some kid because, apparently Favorite loves kids!

Adopt, don't Shop!!!!

Beautiful Cleo, see the video! WLA ID #A1143282

See her today at the WLA Animal Shelter
11361 W. Pico Blvd.

SUPERLATIVES ARE NOT ENOUGH!!!!!!! Luna A1159270 @ SLA shelter today

Luna (A1159270, 2 years, a sizable 60 pounds) is a miracle dog. This canine is categorically one of the best ever. Gentle, attentive, a great leash walker, an absolute people charmer who loves even the littlest baby, Luna was not ashamed in the least to be kissing another girl in the hallway. When her tongue came out and dusted Bessy's nose and mouth, then washed off every bit of dirt that might have been on or around her snout, everyone around had to giggle. Luna's so big and she's so gentle. Her fawn brindle coat is like velvet to the touch. A perfect therapy dog perhaps -- but definitely a fine example of how the most wonderful dogs wind up at the shelter. She needs to delight many more people -- as soon as possible. Best way is to adopt her today. Call the South L.A. shelter at (213) 485-0117 or -0119. And kindly let us know that her moonglow is lighting up your home.

With thanks, Andrea & Mindy ivegonetotheodogs@gmail.com (323) 363-4909

2 GREAT dogs NEED a HOME TODAY: Romeo & Fiona at WLA

FIONA - ID# A1123702

"Great Dog! Great Personality!" were the words used by one of the volunteer trainers in describing Fiona. Fiona is a young tan and white spayed pit bull terrier who was found running around with several other dogs near some stables. She has called the West Los Angeles Animal Shelter her home since June 13, 2010. She is thought to be about 1 1/2 yrs. old. Fiona is a high energy dog who loves to play in the yard. Chasing balls is one of the joys of her life. She does not show well in her shelter environment but once she gets out and experiences a little bit of freedom her true personality shines through. Her wish is to find a "forever" home and a yard of her very own where she could frolic and sniff to her heart's content. Fiona is stronger than she looks and needs leash training but she is a smart girl and would be an ideal candidate for training.

ROMEO - ID# A1118039

They tell me that my last day is Oct. 14, 2010. I don't understand why that has to be because my lady friends at the shelter both human and doggie think that I am sweet and handsome. Yes I do get along with the ladies! I love, love, love to play ball but you already know that. I'm smart so I know that I will soon learn to "leave it" when I'm told to do that but I do so love that ball. I have a lot of energy so I am the happiest when I can run but my volunteer friends compliment me on how nicely I walk. I'm only 1 1/2 yrs old and I need a chance to make someone happy. I've already been neutered so I'm ready to go to my "forever home" as soon as someone wonderful comes for me. Please help me go home!!!


To Adopt Fiona or Romeo:

Contact: Samantha Westbrook, NEW HOPE COORDINATOR

213-485-0494 / CELL 213-792-5811

West LA City Shelter 310-207-3266 Tues-Sat 8-5, Sun 11-5
11361 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Contact: Samantha Westbrook, NEW HOPE COORDINATOR
ani.newhopewla@lacity.org.

RESCUED!!! Ghost Dog, Luke A4183774 at the Downey Shelter

LUKE HAS BEEN RESCUED!
YOU CAN STILL DONATE TOWARDS HIS CARE, SEE BELOW.

Meet Luke.

This one photo of him tells the story of a thousand words.

The story of heartache, despair, abuse and neglect.

Please help him!!!!

Charlotte Fails is tracking pledges and you can email her:CFails@AmericanGolf.com

Sweet Pea A1113718 at WLA Shelter Pit Bull lovers only!

Sweet Pea, 6 year old PBT, totally sweet & ball obsessed! She needs out ASAP... Don't wait until the last minute, she's a sweet girl who deserves a home.

West LA Shelter
11361 W. Pico Blvd Los Angeles 90064
Cell: 213 792 5811
Shelter: 213 485 0494/0495/0496
Hours: Tue-Sat: 8-5, Sun: 11-5, Closed Mondays
ani.newhopewla@lacity.org
www.laanimalservices.com

The dog days of August.= DOGS IN DANGER!!!

You may not have heard that this time of year is very difficult for shelter animals, especially dogs. It seems like more dogs come in and fewer get out. Everyone is on vacation, out of town and fewer dogs seemed to be rescued.

Over at WLA there are several dogs who are OUT OF TIME and will be killed in the coming weeks. Right now, 3 dogs have a death date of August 29th. Jazz, Donny and Tyler... These poor guys through no fault of their own are going to be victims of the system, if they don't get out this week.

Thanks to Mirja Bishop for the descriptions below...

DONNY - ID#A1110189

Donny is a 3 yr. old unaltered male, black and white American Staffordshire Terrier. He was picked up as a stray and has been at the West Los Angeles Animal Shelter since April 26, 2010. Donny is described as a sweet boy who does well on his walks. He can be "all over the place" until he settles down. He likes to play ball and will exchange the ball for a treat. He is good on leash but has shown some signs of leash aggression. Donny does not like kittens or cats. He has played in the yard with a female dog and been quite friendly but not so with male dogs.

TYLER - ID#A1104733

Tyler is a 6 yr .old unaltered male, black and white Labrador Retriever mix. He was picked up as a stray and has been at the West Los Angeles Animal Shelter since April 3, 2010. Tyler is described as being very intelligent. He corrects very easily when needed. He is easy to walk and shows his gratitude by wagging his tail the entire time. He is very friendly and loves to get treats. He did well when meeting another dog through the fence and is described as being good with other dogs unless they are aggressive towards him. He has shown some food aggression. He needs time and attention and then will connect with his handler. He is described as being a "sweet" dog.

JAZZ - ID#A1106409

Jazz is a 4 yr. old neutered male, brown and white American Staffordshire Terrier. He was picked up as a stray and has been at the West Los Angeles Animal Shelter since April 10, 2010. He is described as a sweet boy who is a little timid. He knows "sit" and loves treats. He warms up quickly and enjoys being petted and brushed. He especially likes to have his tummy rubbed. He is described as being "all over the place" when first taken out of his run but is good with recall. He walks well on leash. He enjoys playing catch. He did exhibit a negative reaction to one of the other male dogs.

Please DONATE, NETWORK, RESCUE & SHARE this info far and wide.

Contact:
Samantha Westbrook
New Hope / Baby Bottle Coordinator
West Los Angeles Animal Care Center
11361 W. Pico Blvd, LA, CA 90064
Shelter: 213 485 0494/ 0495/ 0496
Cell: 213 792 5811
ani.newhopewla@lacity.org

Monday's Dog: Darwin A272936 at Pasadena Humane

Darwin (A272936) is one year and seven months old and was found roaming stray in the street by a kind hearted person, who brought him to us. Darwin (A272936) has been here since early July and unfortunately, has not been adopted yet.

He has proven to be a very clever boy and to have a heart of gold. This big lovebug is a staff and volunteer favorite and received top scores in all his behavior tests. This means that he is great with other dogs, loves to be petted and touched, has no problems giving up food or fancy toys. He is across-the-board a fantastic dog!

Darwin (A272936) adores his trips to the park nearby and our volunteers say that he gets really excited to be on the grass in this hot weather! He would dearly love to find a home and would surely be in heaven if he had a yard to play in. If you can help Darwin to find a forever home where he can lounge around in the sunshine and snuggle up with you in front of the TV, please contact us TODAY. He is such a fun dog with lots of youthful energy that he will make someone a terrific companion for walks to the park or long hikes!

Darwin (A272936) weighs approximately 70 pounds and will be neutered and microchipped before he leaves the shelter. If you can help him by rescuing, adopting or networking him, you can contact us for more information at 626-792-7151 ex. 116 for Lorna, ex. 121 for Kevin, ex. 128 for Stephanie and you can email us at rescue@phsspca.org, kevin@phsspca.org or svogita@phsspca.org.

Thank you!!

Video of the week! Romeo A1118039 He sure is!

Dog of the WEEK: Clara A1117624, what a face!

Clara, Pit Bull, Female, Young, Large

Clara is a Gorgeous Pittie girl. Very sweet and gentle, but your typical Pitt Bull Terrier who loves people and does everything full throttle! She is STRONG, but very much a people pleaser. She also loves to play fetch and knows some basic commands. She is just an all around amazing dog!

The other great thing about Clara is that she really likes other dogs and seems to be good at getting along with dogs of different sizes and ages as well. She'd probably love to have a playmate who could keep up with her, however, that isn't necessary since she would get on with with most any dog. Recently, she was introduced to one of our older female dogs and she definitely picked up on that the older gal was up to rowdy play so she toned it down a bit and they did great!

Clara is a great dog with a terrific temperament who really needs a loving home where she would be part of the family. She would NOT be happy as a "backyard dog" without social interaction, but what dog would? Plus with her beautiful white coat she shouldn't be out in the sun all the time...

Please come meet with gentle giant and see what I mean! She's at the West LA Animal Shelter right now!

SAVE A LIFE, ADOPT

Call to NETWORK! Gorgeous Muddy finally unchained needs a home!

Those of you who read this blog know that this cause is very close to my heart. This dog was tethered his ENTIRE life. Thankfully, he was rescued and now needs to find a real home.

Please help this very sweet boy - look at that face! - he is in desperate need of a foster!

MUDDY (after Muddy Waters) is a special boy. He has seen so much in his short 9 months, and he has remained sweet as pie though it all. He is mild mannered, a little shy, mellow and calm. He is fantastic with kids and people, loves to give kisses, and adores other dogs. Now it is time for Muddy to get a little love himself...a woman who has devoted her life to freeing chained dogs found Muddy chained in a yard- that is where he had spent his young tethered life. This kind soul has never lived inside a house before - and he needs a calm, happy home so he can get used to being part of a family. He is neutered, up to date on shots, and just a very tender spirit. PLEASE, PLEASE if you or someone you know can find it in their heart to foster Muddy, he would be so grateful.

Thank you for networking Muddy, and please contact Deana at unchainsocal@yahoo.com if you can help.