The Shelter Chronicles: Holiday Leftovers...

Isn't that always the way it works? All the stuff that was on sale during the holidays is now back mingled in with the regular stock, no longer a big bargain. Of course, lots of stuff made it out of the store and some of it just in the knick of time! However, once the excitement is over the returns begin...

Okay, so what is my point here using this iffy holiday analogy? Basically, we had many adoptions over the holidays and some dogs were even free! Now the remaining dogs are still there at the shelter, but now for the regular price. And, of course, we've had the usual returns for all kinds of crazy reasons and they will continue. Hopefully not too many!

These dogs listed below are all wonderful and sweet and STILL deserve a loving home. Their only crime in some cases is that they are "mature" rather than "young." They didn't manage to find homes during the holidays but are still hopeful that their person will come along.

All our dogs still get love but their days will be numbered as this is the way it is at a city shelter. Please, if you are considering adding a dog to your family, please consider one of these fantastic dogs who have plenty of life to live and love to give.

Just because the holiday season is over, you can still have the spirit!


Nanuk A0989125

This guy is really cool. He's like a big polar bear who wants to be your velcro friend. I love how he stays right by my side when I take him into the yard. He's around 7 years old and has a lot of spunk, let me tell you. He's on the vocal side which some folks might like if you are looking for a "watch dog." However, beyond a bark, I don't think there is a bite!

China A0973208

I just love this picture as it really captures the personality of this girl. She's a hoot! China is a very sweet dog who is the best pal of Kenga (below). She is around 7 years old. She loves to chase a ball and chew it into a foaming glob! Then, she expects you to throw it! Yuk!! This lady is funny because I thought she wasn't friendly when I met her through the bars of her kennel. Then I met her out of the kennel and she was a total babe. Who knew????

Kenga A0973202

Kenga is the flip side of her sidekick China. Kenga's a little older and not as excited by chasing a ball although she likes to do it. I think she likes to race China to the ball even though Kenga always defers to China (maybe she just doesn't like that foamy mess of a ball?). Kenga is so cute, she looks like a mini cow with her black spots. She loves to hang out and get lots of love. Most of all she loves to roll around in the grass and enjoy a beautiful day! It's so simple...

Patch A0953371

Patch is so sweet and gentle although he always seems a little worried. He came in as a stray covered with ticks and filthy. Poor kid! Now he's all white and pretty again but that scary past has stuck with him making him a little shy. Patch would be best as a one and only although we don't know how he is with other dogs. He is a big boy and would do best with a knowledgeable person. He is so cute, just look at him. He loves the attention and is a beautiful soul.


Buddy A0413332

I have yet to figure out why a gorgeous dog like Buddy has been at the shelter for so long? He's a really pretty smooth collie/shepherd mix. He's 7 years old but full of energy! Buddy is new to the leash so he needs some training with that. It also can make him a bit fearful towards larger dogs when he is on a leash. Otherwise he's just a peppy guy who LOVES to run and chase after a ball or toy! He loves people and has a great smile. I think he is terrific!

Duke A0690792

Duke is another dog who is around 7ish and has lots of pep and fun in him. He's come a long way at the shelter and he's doing great. I would say he's an easy dog to handle and very responsive to verbal commands. My favorite thing about Duke is when he turns into a speed demon and zips all around the yard like a crazy guy! It's very funny!!! He'd do best in an adult family.

Ranger A0953814

This guy Ranger is another one of those, why is he still at the shelter dogs! He even went through the K9 Connection program and did fabulous! In fact he was an A student!!! He'd be a great companion to an adult family. He is loving and fun to be around. He would be so happy with some space to frolic, but an active person would do just as well. Ranger can't figure out how to be more appealing to the public and, frankly, we think he's perfect just as he is. So come check him out, he's waiting!!!

All of these dogs are currently available to the public at the West Los Angeles Animal Care Center!!!! See more of our wonderful animals at: www.laanimalservices.com

The Shelter Chronicles: A holiday sale?

Duke * A0690792 * 5-7 years old * Shepherd mix

Duke here is a really great dog. He's got a lot of heart considering he's been at the shelter since JULY! But, even though he's led this less than optimal existence, he's actually a very chill dog with a nice personality. Duke definitely likes to run laps and get his ya-yas out whenever possible, but in the meantime, he's happy to wait his turn.
Duke has some obedience training and knows sit and down (with luring). He also knows to pay attention when he's being spoken to... What a good boy. This guy is a great companion and would do well in a variety of situations. Not sure how he is with other dogs, but with some socialization he should be fine. Duke is NOT a hard dog and totally trainable! You really can't ask more from a shelter dog...
He's great! Come meet him and take him home already!

Did you know the city shelters are having a sale? The first 300 adoptions are FREEEEEEE!
Disclaimer: Only get a dog because you really want one, NOT because they are "free." Nothing in life is really free you know...

Other dogs needing homes ASAP! ON SALE NOW!

Buddy A0413332
Patch A0953371
Ranger A0953814
McKenzie A0968481
Kenga A0973202
China A0973208
Bea A0975236
Daisy A0945946

The Shelter Chronicles: Xmas wishes to Jack

One more success story for the rescue team of SAAF,LA among others!
Jack is BACK (out of the shelter)! Yea! I love good news...


Jack on his new bed with his new toy!

A beautiful foster family portrait with Jack!

Jack is finally out of the shelter people! Merry Xmas!

Thanks to the work a lot of generous people, Jack was finally pulled from the West Valley shelter by Linda Blair Worldheart Foundation with the aid of another rescuer and a fantastic foster family! Way to go team!

Gosh, it really does take a network of rescuers to save a dog!

There are going to new beautiful pix of Jack with his foster family on Linda Blair's site: www.lindablairworldheart.org

Feel free to donate to her wonderful organization! Linda is located in Acton, CA about an hour out of LA. She can really use volunteers on the weekends so contact her if you're game. She has taken several of our West LA dogs in the recent past and we think she's the best!

Merry Xmas! especially for Jack!!!!

The Shelter Chronicles: I couldn't Bea-lieve it!

The Bea-utiful Bea!

Last time I wrote about Bea, well, she still was having some issues. However, things have REALLY changed and she is a totally different girl! Trust and lots of love have given Bea a new lease on life. She's so much happier! Her fear is subsiding as she learns that people aren't all so bad. This girl is a special dog who deserves a wonderful home.

Bea's definitely on the shy side and isn't used to the "world,"so whoever adopts this amazing being needs to go slow and respect that she will need time to adjust to any new situation. However, she is so loving and sweet that I doubt it will be a stretch for that special someone who adopts her.


Bea is Queen for a Day at a "crazy" mobile adoption event!
Love that doggie throne!


The store and the adoption "EVENT!"

So, here's the story regarding the weirdest mobile pet adoption event that I've ever done. It starts out that I'm driving to the event and when we get close to the store I see all these people outside of the store. Gee, guess who these people are? They are PROTESTORS! For what? It's a protest against puppy mills. It's a store that sells PUPPIES!

Well, I thought my head would explode! I would never want to cross that picket line, I totally agree with them. So, now what?

I get there and immediately hook up with the protestors to get their take on having this adoption event at this store. They were very cool and understood our situation. As it turns out one of the orgs who would normally protest this store had struck a deal with the store owner to go humane. This supposedly means that he will stop selling puppy mill dogs. However, he still has puppies in the store that cost $1500 and up so...

Anyway, I decided to stick it out for the dogs and hung around for the entire event. No adoptions but it was really more educational than anything else, on both ends. Some people were so touched by the shelter dogs and others didn't even see them, they went straight to the wall of puppies. Some the employees seemed open to learning the errors of selling dogs this way and others just looked annoyed. Who knows what they really thought, but for me, it succeeded in confirming that we live in a in a very ignorant world.

Honestly, I found it one of the most uncomfortable experiences ever in terms of conflict of interest. I won't go into the details but there's no way any of us would do another event at this location if this store owner continues to sell puppies.


Into the Xmas spirit. Check out these hams!!!


Oh wait, here are the real hams!

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah from the jolly volunteers of WLA!

The Shelter Chronicles: Jack and more updates

Take This Boy Home for Xmas! Please...

Well it seems that Jack has avoided death by the skin of his little wet nose! At the last minute the decision was changed to a transfer rather than, well, you know. You can find him now settling in (not for too long I hope) at the West Valley Shelter. Poor fellow, he so doesn't deserve to still be bouncing around the shelter but at least this move will buy him some more time. I'm still working to find a home, a foster or a rescue who will take him...

The other two doggies, Nina and Josie were miraculously saved thanks to the most dedicated volunteers ever! Debbie and Kat were at the shelter keeping tabs and making phone calls. These people worked all day at the shelter making sure that everything went smoothly with the generous adopters of Nina and Josie, although the girls didn't stay together. Nina is now in Palm Springs and Josie is still near by in Santa Monica! I think they needed to move on in their lives and make new friends. Yay for them, they made it!

The Shelter Chronicles: JACK!

The Fabulous JACK! In Trouble :-(
A0922499 - Sharpei mix - YOUNG!!!!

Okay, you know that I have a bone to pick regarding this awesome dog... His idiot first adopter neglected to treat his skin issues and it worsened. Then they returned him and tried to blame it on his behavior. Yeah, right! No one is buying it, especially since Jack has proved himself to be a terrific fellow, friendly, easy and adorable! This guy is a family dog! Not a dog you throw into your backyard to guard your house (which makes no sense by the way since the dog should live in the house if you want him to guard it!) Anyway, I am immensely disappointed to tell you that Jack's going to be KILLED this week (Wednesday) if he doesn't find some kind of rescue situation ASAP. What is going on here? How is this great guy being overlooked? Please come see him and meet him face to face! You'll see why I'm so baffled by the fact that his situation has come to this, probable death.

Also, Jack was at the Roxbury park event this weekend and was fantastic! He was a breeze to have at the park, even though he was surrounded by dogs, kids, adults, bikes, skateboards, etc. He shows no reactivity. Don't get me wrong, he'll need some training, I mean he is an adolescent. Jack is a great dog and I really hope with all my heart that someone saves him soon...

Some more pix from Roxbury Park! These dogs are available and at the WLA Animal Shelter!

Nina-see the last entry for more info on her. She's also scheduled to be put down this week!

Sea Pea now at West Valley & Nina Adopted!

Principe & France Still waiting, both are green-listed.

Buddy Still waiting, also on the green list (soon to be red)

Come to the WLA Shelter to meet these guys, they need YOU!

The Shelter Chronicles: Bad news for a sister act...

Josie A0965343 & Nina A096542

These two girls were surrendered by their owner because they were moving. These two sweethearts have been at the shelter since July 16th 2008. Because of their great personalities and even temperaments, they've done well at the shelter.

Josie is a 3 year old, female American Staff. Josie is a sweet dog that is friendly with people and other dogs.
Nina is a 8 year old, female American Staff. Like her daughter Josie, Nina is friendly toward people and other dogs. Nina does have an old eye injury that does not bother her.

They are both great on leash and very easy to handle. Both are lover girls and absolutely wonderful dogs!!! They are medium size and and appear healthy. Please help them!!!!!

Josie and Nina will be attending the Roxbury Park Adoption Event

on December 6th!

**These two are on Red Alert and need to be rescued by no later than 5pm Wednesday December 10th 2008.**

If you are able to help please call the New Hope Coordinator at:

Samantha Westbrook
New Hope / Baby Bottle Coordinator
West Los Angeles Animal Shelter
11361 W. Pico Blvd
Los Angeles CA 90064
Shelter: 213 4850494/0495/0496
Cell: 213 792 5811
ani.newhopewla@lacity.org