Black dogs are waiting for homes!

Let's do a little experiment. Take a moment to study the faces of the three dogs below. All dogs are adoptable dogs through Pet Haven. They are Skipper, Zipper, and Jonnie Cakes.

OK now close you eyes and picture the dogs. Which one comes to mind first?

Congratulations if Zipper the black dog stuck in your mind. You are a very rare person who is attracted to the black dog. I was recently at an event with all three of these dogs. Three out of four people walked right past Zipper to get a closer look at Skipper and Jonnie Cakes. Guess which one of the three has already been adopted? Yes Jonnie Cakes the dog with the least amount of black. Black dogs are more often over looked in shelters and at adoption events. There is even a name for this: Black Dog Syndrome. Start Seeing Black Dogs is a website totally devoted to the plight of the black dog. Here is what they have posted on their website.

Start Seeing Black Dogs Definition of Black Dog Syndrome:
“Did you know that Black Dogs are generally the last to be adopted and are euthanized in shelters in much larger numbers? People may consider them too “plain”, think they are menacing, or simply don’t notice them because their dark color makes them disappear in their kennels. Those involved in animal welfare have dubbed these phenomena "Black Dog Syndrome."

Wikipedia Definition of Black Dog Syndrome:
“According to Wikipedia, Black Dog Syndrome is defined as “the low adoption and high euthanasia rate of black dogs in shelters. Black dogs are often the last to be adopted from shelters.”

Pet Haven has some great black dogs awaiting homes. Maggie, Harold, Koda, Coal, and Zipper. If you are ready to adopt please take some time to start seeing black dogs. They will love you forever.

Gotta Love a Beagle!

Beagles are one of my favorite breeds. We have had four foster beagles. They are social, curious, intelligent, and brave. Beagles have a joy for life that is contagious. Which is why-in my opinion-this very vocal breed has survived. Made famous by the Peanuts character-Snoopy,beagles were bred in England as trail hounds to hunt rabbits. When they have the scent they bark to alert hunters of the whereabouts of their prey. The purpose of the white tail tip is to make them easy to follow in the field-kind of a white flag location marker.

This weekend we had a former foster beagle stay with us. Toby is a beautiful three year old red tick beagle. Friends and fellow Pet Haven volunteers, Cindy and daughter Elanor came over to meet him. In 2007 they wanted to add Toby to their family but his current owner had already adopted him. They did however find the beagle of their dreams in another Pet Haven dog, Annie.

Beagles are scent hounds and have a tendency to ignore everything but an interesting scent. They are likely to get in trouble following their nose into the garbage or even worse onto your dining room table. Annie pictured above in a 'mocha comma' had just helped herself to a brownie mix and coffee grounds. Baaad girl!

If you are looking for an all around good family dog a beagle could be for you. They are not good apartment dwellers because of their loud voices. Here is a little video of Toby and Mister playing. Well mostly Toby doing what beagles do best-BARK!

Coats for Canines

'Coats for Canines' is a winter coat drive for the puppies up north at Red Lake Rosie's Rescue. It can get down to 20 below on the reservation and many pups come into the shelter with such bad mange they are almost hairless. Can you imagine being outside in January naked? OK now you have the right picture in your mind and we could use your help to keep these puppies toasty warm. Coats for Canines is collecting and creating dog coats in a variety of styles and sizes. My mom in Nebraska is knitting sweaters. Pictured here they are being modeled by two Red Lake dogs Emma and Harley that are being fostered through Pet Haven. Mom is making up thepattern as she goes along. She did say she would write up some instructions so look for that in a future post. If you have any left over yarn we could use it. We are also sewing coats out of fleece. Leftover pieces of fleece would be helpful too. As this project develops we will be adding knitters and sewers. Not handy with the needles? We are also collecting new or used coats. Any of these donations can be dropped off at the sale address below. Contact us at laura.leonard55@gmail.com and let us know how you can help.

This Saturaday September 26th from 9-1 we are having a fabric sale (used to be a seamstress in another life) at 2211 Pierce St Ne Mpls 55418 to raise funds for supplies.

Wide variety of fabrics--contemporary, reproductions, batiks, Christmas, and more. Fat quarters, yardage, and scrap bags. Small samples of Italian designer wools. Retro drapery panels. Apron collection. Quilting books, frames and accessories. Christmas notions and crafts. Sewing patterns-some collectibles.

Thanks in advance from all the Red Lake puppies!

Separation anxiety

With Riley, our former Pet Haven foster dog, here for a few days I thought a post about separation anxiety might be helpful. Riley suffers from SA and is on the drug Clomicalm to help ease his fears of being alone. His owner is working with a fabulous behavioral vet Dr Pachel. An in home consultation was done so that the program is completely tailored to Riley and his living situation. There is a great website, Stacy's Wag'N'Train, with lots of info on separation anxiety. This site teaches ways to give your dog more self-confidence so he can manage being on his own without flipping out. Rescue Remedy is an oil that is rubbed on a dog's ears. This can be found at local co-ops. Their site also has some calming tips for humans too. Something we all need when dealing with our furry SA friends. Working with any of the trainers at Canine Coach will give you personal hands-on ways to help your dog feel safe at home. Separation anxiety is one of the hardest problems to work out so it may take a variety of resources to figure out the best plan. And there are many doggie daycares now that will gladly watch your pooch while you are away. And the dogs will have a blast too.

Rescue Buddy Boarding has a few guests with this very problem.

Yes Mister, at right, we are talking about you. These dogs are totally happy while they are here because we can be with them 24/7.

Separation anxiety can make it seem to the owner like they are a prisoner in their own home. They are afraid to leave because their dog either barks and annoys the neighbors, chews up the new wood blinds, or uses the living room rug like he has never been housetrained and then chews it up. Riley even had to have a canine tooth removed from chewing his way out of a kennel. And then at 2am he set off the alarm at Pampered Pooch Playground , one of those doggie daycares I mentioned before, where he was staying . Thanks to Keith the owner for being so understanding. Oh Riley and Mister you are very lucky boys to have found families that love you so much. Now snap out of it! Good luck everyone in your quest for an independent content dog while you are away.

Home for Life a new kind of animal shelter—the long-term animal sanctuary. They provide an environment that is safe and stable, a place to belong… a home for life. They provide lifetime care for cats and dogs with special needs who cannot find a home, but who can still lead a quality life.

Thursday September 24th, Home for Life is having a fundraising Gala at 6:30.

Location: The Westin Edina Galleria 3201 Galleria Edina, Minnesota 55435

Join special guest Victoria Stilwell, dog trainer and host of Animal Planet's hit TV series It's Me or the Dog, at Home for Life's annual fall gala! Other event highlights include:

• Live auction
• Wine tasting sponsored by The Wine Market, and featuring Kristen Kowalski, proprietor of The Wine Market and one of only six women in Minnesota accredited by the International Sommelier Guild
• Dinner buffet and dessert
• Home for Life's world famous dog parade

Tickets are $100 per person. Sounds like an action packed evening with your donation going to help homeless animals that would have no other options for a happy ever after life.

Playtime

This is a quick Sunday evening post to let Jenny know that Sawyer is having a good time. This video was from yesterday when Jonnie Cakes was visiting. Riley a former foster of ours just arrived today. If you notice in the background of the video I had to put up a higher fencing. It is taller than the van. Riley already tried to jump over it. That boy! More on his escapades tomorrow.

Sawyer what a tease!

Sawyer is here with us for the week. It is his first time away from all family members including his canine sister since he was adopted. And he is adjusting very well. He is eating and sleeping just fine. I do not think Sawyer would have a problem with not eating. Gotta love a boy that is into his food. And Sawyer listens so well. Good job Jenny!

Today we had a visit from a Pet Haven foster dog while her foster attended the Gophers game. Too bad it was not a good day for the maroon and gold but it was a good day for Jonnie Cakes. Today she got adopted. Jonnie and Sawyer had so much fun playing. While JC was here Sawyer played a little game of keep away. Jonnie did get a chance with the cow briefly. Then it was time for Jonnie Cakes to say goodbye. Sawyer even got to come along to see his new friend off to her forever home.

So you want to adopt a dog?

Considering adopting a dog? Well it is a 10-15 year commitment so let's think about this. Do not get me wrong I would love it if you were able to open your home to a rescue dog. I just want to make sure you know what you are getting yourself into. Are you prepared to take on another responsibility right now? And please do not think your teenager is going to help out. Because they are already too busy and do you even see them anymore? Having a dog is like having a toddler that never grows up. No kidding it is! Think you are going to get to sleep in on Sunday morning? HA! Want to clean up a big mess? Want to go out after work for happy hour? HA! Want to clean up a big mess? The weather is nice now but soon it will be 20 below zero. Are you still going to be taking Fido out for his daily exercise? Because if you do not he will tear up that brand new sofa you spent your tax return on. And can you really afford more medical bills? Just the yearly exam is $200+. And after eating your sofa, surgery could be required to remove swallowed stuffing. Ca-ching again! Oh the fun does not stop there. You are invited up to a friend's cabin for the weekend last minute. No dogs allowed. What now? You have finally been given permission to work out of your home office. FYI-phone calls are a definite signal to your dog that he MUST start barking at the wind, digging a major hole in your garden, or throwing up on that replacement sofa.

OK you stayed with me this far. So you are either a glutton for punishment or you are sincerely ready to add the most adoring member of your family. Adopting a rescue dog will be one of the most rewarding things you will ever do. That dog will love you unconditionally everyday to his last breath. And the joy he will bring you will lift your spirits and enhance your life beyond your dreams. Yes your life will be changed but in a minute you will not be able to remember what your life was like before you had a dog. And you will wonder why you did not adopt sooner. Adopting a dog is a 10-15 year commitment. And that is just way too short a time to spend with the best friend you will ever have.

Oh Mister!

Mister our most frequent guest is staying with us for a few days this week. His parents do so much for him that he does not even realize. See Mister does not really like to be left "alone". Not that he is ever totally alone. He has two canine sisters Missy and Ahnung and a feline brother Henry that are at home with him. But in Mister's eyes they are nothing compared to the company of his humans. And when they are not around Mister can get into a little mischief-like chewing up a Blackberry. So his parents take him to a variety of doggie daycares so he is a happier dog. This takes a lot of extra planning, driving, and money. Mister I hope you appreciate what your humans do for you.

Dusty and Maebelle: update

Dusty , our first foster dog from Red Lake Rosie's Rescue and his Aussie sister Maebelle are enjoying a bed built for two. What a life of luxury. Dusty has come a long way from being a cast-off up on the reservation. It is not all a life of relaxing however. Maebelle does therapy work in the schools teaching kids with learning problems to read. And soon Dusty will be taking over so Maebelle can retire. Dusty loves kids and he is a quick learner. And the kids will love him too. His nickname is "Mr Wiggle Butt" because his whole body wiggles when he wags his tail. These success stories are why we continue to take in foster dogs. Look for stories on our new foster Jake  from Pet Haven coming next week.

Help families keep their pets!

The Pet Project  is a new non-profit that provides a variety of services to help people in need keep their pets. Kim Carrier is collecting pet food to be distributed to local food shelves. On her website she has a list of apartment buildings that allow pets. She is working with vets to provide low cost vaccinations and spay/neuter.  

Here is a link to Sunday's Star Tribune FRONT PAGE article: http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/59136197.html?elr=KArksUUUycaEacyU 

Sammy Jo was surrendered to Pet Haven because her family could no longer afford her care. Every dog or cat that The Pet Project helps is one less pet in rescue.  

 

Pet Project has three events coming up, Woofstock, Beer with your Buddy and Pet Rock.  It would be great to see all of you there. Thanks Kim for all you are doing to help families keep their beloved pets.

9/11-a day of service and remembrance

This is an extra entry I wanted to post on 9/11. I was listening to MPR on my way to get Meko adopted. Yeah for Meko!. For those of you still looking for a way to get involved or for those of you already sharing your time this is an easy thing to do. Just pick one good deed to do during this week to honor the officers and families that were lost on 9/11. Change the world one good deed at a time. Check it out. http://911dayofservice.org/

Sunday at the Twins Game

Looking for something to do on Sunday morning? Stop by the Chuck & Don's tent at the Metrodome before the Twins game. Pet Haven will have four beautiful dogs there for you to meet. All dogs are in need of forever homes. Pepper would even settle for a foster home. Donate a can/bag of dog or cat food to help struggling families keep their pets. Come by and see how you can help.

Take me out to the ball game!

Join us at the Twins game on Sunday, 9/13!

Chuck & Don's (like Pet Haven) is one of the founding members of a new animal welfare coalition, Minnesota Partnership for Animal Welfare (www.mnpaw.org). Stop by the Chuck & Don’s tent at the Metrodome Plaza and visit pet ambassadors from the Minnesota Partnership for Animal Welfare (MnPaw). We’ll be at the game collecting pet food donations for the Second Harvest Food Shelf. You can help! Families in need are trying to feed their pets during these tough times. Bring a can or bag of cat or dog food to gates H and F. Second Harvest will distribute the pet food collected to local food shelves.

Four Pet Haven pups will be hanging out at the tent in hopes that Sunday will be their lucky day to find their forever home:

Skipper

Sonoma

Pepper

Jonnie Cakes

Suzy's Labor Day

 Here is an update from one of our foster dogs, Suzy. We should all be as lucky to have such a romantic life. Check out Suzy's Valentine surprise on the Pet Haven blog.

"Suzy ended the summer with an action packed weekend at the cabin.  She ran and ran and ran and ran through the woods, along the beach, in the water, through the fields.  After periodic naps in her breezy kennel on the deck, she'd play some more.  Her cousin, Sadie (my brother's black lab), was a fabulous playmate for three days - chasing each other all around, sharing bones together, and swimming/retrieving.  We went on a couple boat rides where Suzy intently watched the loons pop up on the surface, then dive down and pop up again far away.  She also enjoyed watching the sparks fly up in the air from the bonfire, then disappear (she got rather confused by this).  ha!  The grand finale to the summer was chasing a fishercat (a larger type of weasel) through the trail and up the trees.  While at first we were startled by her chasing it, the two actually ended up making it a bit of a game for a few minutes - hilarious to watch! 

Suzy had a summer filled with new experiences and she seems to enjoy them all!  We are still amazed at how quickly she learns and how sweet she always is!  Love her SOOOOOO much!  We're looking forward to getting her acquainted with our new neighbor's boxer named Duke.  Hopefully she can have a friend living right across the hall to play with. :)"


Pictured at right: Suzy, Sarah, and Adam with a whiteboard that will be used for a special message at their wedding.  Suzy would love to attend but she decided she would have more fun playing at Rescue Buddy Boarding & Beyond. Weddings can be kind of long for a young energetic girl and we are thrilled to have Suzy visit us again. Congrats to Adam and Sarah. Thanks for loving Suzy and bringing a little romance into all of our lives.                                     

Loose dog-part 2

Sadie a basset/husky mix a foster dog from Pet Haven taught me and her foster Cindy a lot about what to do when you dog disappears. Sadie was adopted three times and escaped four times-twice with her last family who still have her. She is safe and sound and in lock down mode. This is what we and her new family did to find her.
1.  Call your vet and surrounding vets and report the dog missing. Call the vet where the last rabies shot was given if different from your vet. This number will be on the dogs tag and might be used when dog is found.
2. Call whatever company the microchip is registered to. Home Again sends out lost pet notices to all surrounding vets in your area.
3. Call the animal control or humane society in the community where you live. Some of these agencies will be very helpful and some will not depending on the size of your town and the resources they have. Ask what they can do to help you and what you need to do to work with them.
4. www.lostandpound.com has a lot of useful info.
5. Print up tons of lost dog flyers with your dog's photo on them. Post these everywhere in your neighborhood. Hand them out to everyone you meet walking by esp. if they have a dog. Police officers and postal carriers are happy to keep an eye out too.
6. Post an ad on Craigslist in the 'Pets' and in the 'Lost and Found' categories. Update these every few days. Beware of crank calls saying they have your dog. Luckily I received two of these after Sadie was found.
7. Put food and water and a favorite toy outside by your house. Placing these under a picnic table makes a safe place for the dog to eat. If you can go high tech install a doggie cam to monitor visits. Sadie's family even had an alarm system they set up across the gate.
8. Contact all of your neighbors so they can watch for signs of your dog returning to your house. The more eyes the better. They may help post flyers.
9.  Walk the neighborhood early in the morning and late at night when there is less activity. Carry a leash and treats. Look for places a dog could be hiding in/under like sheds or decks.
10. When all else fails a live trap can be used safely. We have used Falls Creek Animal Pest Control. 651-235-0829. Beisswengers also rents traps if you feel comfortable doing this yourself. The largest size is for a large raccoon-perfect for Miss Sadie the escape queen.

Just so you know this is what your dog is doing while you are trudging through 12" of snow, or pouring rain, or 100 temps.  Bad dog.

Keep the puppies warm!

Everyone is back in school. Seems a bit early to be thinking about winter. But not for Red Lake Rosie's Rescue-an outdoor shelter in northern Minnesota. All too soon the bitter wind will be blowing and the litters of puppies will be trying to survive the below zero temps. Karen Good sent out a plea for funds to help purchase bales of straw and cedar chips for insulation. Please consider making a taxable donation and keep a puppy warm this winter. http://redlakerosie.blogspot.com/

Garage Sale on a Stick

It has been days since I posted something. Consistency has never been a virtue of mine. And three days in a garage sale tent does not help the energy or creativity flow. I did have some fun with the posting on Craigslist as a "Sale on a Stick". And I laughed as I hung a big pink pig with a blue ribbon on a stick in the front yard. It did spark some interest even though I think I was the only one amused by it all. My friends were confused at my delight in the stuffed pig as I usually refer to stuffed animals as "trash can fillers".

Buddy was the best garage sale dog ever. He either played with his new "purchase" or hung out under my chair. He did salivate when he thought he was getting my prized pig to play with. But he was able to choose another treasure instead. Buddy only sprinted after a squirrel spilling his water bowl once. Those pesky rodents. Never a fan. Our sale was a success. Lovely things were sold. And customers seemed thrilled to take over ownership of our once loved cast-offs. Now there is money for the last day of the state fair. And as I posted on Facebook: sell crap to eat crap. Life is good.

Loose dog tips-part 1

Let's face it. If you have a dog chances are that furry friend has gotten loose at least once. Either by rushing the door when the delivery guy comes-Molly,  jumping over the fence out of the blue-Riley, squeezing past you when you open the gate to take the trash out-Jack, jumping out the passenger door OVER  a stunned passenger-Bailey, or my favorite-the automatic van side door opens on its own for no reason other than to let the dog/s out-Libby, Hank, and Buddy. Yes these situations are all from personal experience. Luckily no dogs were harmed or loose for more than a few minutes.  Here are a few tips I learned from my escapades with fancy free dogs.
1.As hard as it is-and I have not mastered this yet-do not run after the dog. He will think you are playing the chase me game and continue to run. I do however follow the dog to keep him in sight either on foot or in the car. A trainer suggested that you lay down and call the dog's name in a really high pitched silly voice. This actually worked once. Of course handfuls of treats help. But we are not always that prepared.
2. Calling the dog's name in a normal voice brought my own dog back from up the alley. He looked at me like
he never left. Silly boy. Frantically yelling Fido's name will send him flying away. Would you want to come back to a screaming maniac?
3. Calling for your dog can also elicit help from your neighbors. The more eyes you have the more territory you can cover. Your dog could be in their back yard.
4. If you can keep track of your dog wait to approach him until he stops to sniff or lift his leg. Then calmly and quietly get close enough to take hold of his collar. No collar? That is what the scruff of the neck is for-built in handle. Note to self-keep the collar on.

5. When you get the dog back praise him and treat him for returning. He will want to come back next time if his return is rewarded. Again would you want to come back to the screaming meanie?

Sadie from Pet Haven taught me many lessons about what to do when your dog is lost for days. Check back for tips I learned from the Sadie searches. Hopefully some of you will have some to add too.

Meko needs a foster or forever home

Meko is a rescue dog with Pet Haven. His mom was a golden long-haired retriever and his dad was a German short-haired pointer. He is at one of Pet Haven's doggie daycares while he waits for a foster or forever home. If you have room in your home please let me know. This is what his former foster had to say about him:

Meko is housetrained-no accidents lately. He's good with children and other dogs.  Keith from Pampered Pooch Playground says he's the "best dog he's ever had at doggie daycare".   We don't need to crate him--he can be left alone, only chews on his toys and loves stuffed animarls. He's really such a good good boy, not a barker or anything and was literally the most laid back dog at the MN Paw event, it was pretty funny how sleepy he was with all the commotion.  We're working on heeling on the leash and he's getting really good, but need to use the EZ walk halter.   I love rollerblading with him--he's strong and fast.