Thursday, August 20, 2015

Dog Breeds: Maltese and Maltese Mixes

As you know, I barkingly paw, sharing information about the dog breeds so you can make an informative decision when you are looking to adopt.  The Maltese is a cool dog especially for those wanting a small dog or who live in an apartment or condo where having a big dog might not work very well!  WOOF!!

Friday, August 14, 2015

Friday's Friend: Dog Adoption, Operation Paws for Homes

My friends at Operation Paws for Homes have had a unique pawsome opportunity to meet dogs from the Turks and Caico Islands- an Island Pup- A Potcake.  Many of the dogs are wondering the streets looking for food. Through an arrangement with TCSPCA, who works with rescue organizations, Operation Paws for Homes is able to assist in helping these beautiful dogs find "Forever Homes!"

Please meet Potcake Miss P.!!

"Miss P."
(C) Operation Paws for Homes
A petite, 1 1/2 year old, 30 lb. sweetheart, Miss P. is loves all things 4-legged.  

Ruffingly, she can be a bit shy around humans, so extra TLC will be pawsome for her.  Miss P. just needs time and patience so she can learn who she can trust. The constant wagging tail is a positive sign of the lovin's she has to share!

My human met one of these Potcake dogs from the Turks and Caico Islands and just pawed about how great they are!  Of course, I reminded him of me- woof!

Interested in meeting Miss P.?  Please complete an application at Operation Paws for Homes Application,

If you would like to learn more about dog adoption, please visit Operation Paws for Homes Adoption Guide.


Friday's Friend: Dog Adoption, Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League"

WOOF! WOOF!! uh, er, arf?  I'm having barkingly pawsome time with these huge dogs from the Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League- these dogs are so cool -you've got to meet one-

Meet Juno! He wants to meet you so he pawed a letter -
"Juno"
(C) Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League
"HERROO there!

I’m a 3 year old Great Dane named Juno and I’m some sight to see as I trot like a horse down the street boasting my brindle coloring. I definitely make heads turn! My Foster mom and dad always get people trying to pet me all the time and I’m more than happy to lean on them while they do so. I didn’t always use to be that way… when I first came to my foster home I was very underweight and scared of anyone I didn’t know that made fast movements towards me; I also was not very sure what to do with other dogs or how to play. Since then I gained back my weight and also have found that I love to play with other dogs and run as fast as I can as they try to chase me.

I have a few corks; I won’t dare wake you up in the morning…even when I have to go to the bathroom; but as soon as I see movement… GAME ON! I will nuzzle my nose under your arms and give you kisses to wake you up. If that doesn’t work I will start talking to you and slowly put all my weight on you till you start to get the idea. I will admit I like to get all the love in the house, if I see mom and dad kissing I may start talking so that all the attention back on me. My parents keep telling me I’m a “giant”… but I think they are trying to say “lap dog”, I love to snuggle and I may end up on top of you if you don’t notice my subtle  advances. My mom is with me all day almost every day but I really don’t think I would mind a fur sibling… not a puppy though; I’m still not sure what to do with those guys… why are they always so hyper?! It scares me! No, I would like someone that can run around and play chase with me! I can’t wait for my "Forever Home" to find me so I can start talking to, leaning on and trusting them for love."

Paws, licks and hugs- Juno

Interested in meeting Juno and learning about dog adoption?  Please visit the Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League.

"Juno"
(C) Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League


Friday's Friend: Cat Adoption, PetConnect Rescue

"Adam"
(C) PetConnect Rescue
Meet Adam! A cute little kitten born in mid-March!  He was rescued from a South Carolina shelter by PetConnect Rescue.  He's made the journey here to the Washington D.C. area and settled very quickly into his foster home.

Meowster loves to play with toys and playing "King" of the mountain on his cat tree.

"Adam"
(C) PetConnect Rescue
When it's time for a good cuddle or he wants your attention, he makes this really cool chirp noise- to let you know.

Now all Adam needs is a "Forever Home" to spend his life with human pawing over him night and day!!!  MEOW!! BARK!! WOOF!!!!!

Adam is healthy up-to-date on vaccinations and is the perfect little gentleman about using his litter box.

Interested in meeting Adam and learning about cat adoption? Please complete the PetConnect Rescue Online Application and one of their Adoption Coordinators will contact you!

To learn more about cat adoption procedures, fees, and applications, please visit the PetConnect Rescue Adoption Guide.



Friday's Friend: Dog Adoption, Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc.

WOOF!! WOOF!!!!  HAPPY FRIDAY!!  IT's YELLOW FRIDAY!!  My friend at Lab Rescue has introduced me to a Yellow Labrador Retriever for the second Friday in a row so I paw it "YELLOW FRIDAY!"  Labrador Retrievers are great dogs -no matter the color!! WOOF!

I'd like you to meet my friend Nippy!
"Nippy"
(C) Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc.

Nippy is a 7 year old, 75 lbs., Yellow Labrador Retriever who is looking for his Forever Home!  He will need to go to a home with a fenced yard as he's not always good about taking care of business while on a leash- arf?- and the humans shouldn't leave him home alone for a long work day.

We Labradors love to play. We love to play fetch. We love to run. We make great listeners.  We love to be with our humans and much as dogly possible. We are gentle dogs. We are sweet dogs. Nippy is all of that and more- as each of us are unique!  BARK!!

All of that in one and he is house trained but doesn't care for or need a crate. He does fine with the reign of the house.
 
WOOF! Don't let his name fool you- he doesn't nip or bite or - and, the name can be easily changed to something like, well, Noah, which I happen to think is a great name for a great dog!  WOOF!!

Being the smart dog he is, much like me, Nippy knows the commands: "sit, come and down."  He is working to master others for you too!

Nippy has no experience with children so he's approved for ages 10 and older.  Though he met a cat, sniffed, and went on his way, he doesn't have any cat history.

Interested in meeting Nippy and learning about dog adoption?  Contact Lab Rescue.

"Nippy"
(C) Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc.


Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Guide for Training Abused Rescue Dogs


(C) Allen Pearson, All Rights Reserved

If you visit an animal shelter, you will be welcomed by all breeds of dogs in every shape, size and color. As you look into their eyes, you wonder to yourself, “How could anyone let this happen?” It is, indeed, very heartbreaking to know that most of these shelters receive new animals as frequently as every day. Awful as it sounds, there are people out there who simply do terrible things to these poor, innocent animals. As a result, some dogs become completely broken and incapable of standing up again. However, there are those that manage to rise up for another chance – a better life in the hands of a new “family.”

If you have decided to adopt a dog who had a “rough” start out of the goodness of your heart, then bear in mind that a few more challenges would come your way. So, for the purpose of helping you through the process, here are some tips on how to train an abused rescue dog.

Look Deeper into the Dog’s Past
Although this might not always be possible, it would be a huge help if you knew about the history of the dog you are about to adopt. This will give you a better understanding of the dog’s behavior and provide information regarding possible negative triggering factors which should be avoided. And as you shun the triggers, it will help start build a trusting relationship.

Safety is a Priority
It is advisable to ask the animal shelter about the dog’s common reaction to other animals or people, because you don’t want it to be attacking anyone as soon as you move him into his new home. You may try to request to bring along your other pets (if you have) during your visit to the shelter for a meet-and-greet. Also, as much as possible, every member of the family should be there during the visit so that you can formally introduce the dog to his new family and somehow start to build trust.

During the training, keep in mind that abused dogs are usually scared of their new environment. So, it is important that you observe precautionary measures. Have barriers to prevent him from bolting, unless you want to end up chasing after your dog because he ran out of your yard.

(C) Allen Pearson, All Rights Reserved

Building Trust is a Must
One of the essential elements of a good relationship is trust. However, making an adopted dog, especially one that has been abused in the past, trust a new owner does not happen with a snap of a finger. In such scenario, building trust will take time. You can start this by establishing a routine that is not demanding on the dog’s part. For instance, you can set feeding schedules, a time for outdoor activities, and the like. Additionally, show your dog that you truly care. Give him a safe place where he can retreat and provide rewards for good behavior.

Patience is a Vital Ingredient
You need to understand that abused dogs, physically or emotionally, will have a fear-based behavior where they react to a frightening or unwanted stimulus. Bear in mind that dogs may react in different ways. They might avoid the situation by hiding from you, cower and become submissive, or become aggressive that they attack as a result of extreme fright. The process of helping the rescue dog cope from his past will not be easy. You are going to certainly need a huge bundle of patience and understanding.

(C) Allen Pearson, All Rights Reserved

Consistency is Necessary
Your training should be consistent, and this goes for several aspects. For instance, when your dog fails to obey or show good behavior, do not get upset and become too hard on him. Just keep your cool and try the process again. However, you should not falter and always blame bad behavior on his abusive past, because this will not correct the behavior. If you keep on lingering on the dog’s past, this will not do any good for his future.

Consistency should also be practiced when giving rewards. Providing treats for your dog is a great way to get through him and will help make the entire process flow smoothly. Nevertheless, giving well-deserved rewards is not equivalent to spoiling, so do not overdo it. Also, be mindful of giving him high value treats especially when you cannot be consistent about it.

Training an abused rescue dog is not easy; however, it is very possible! And not only will you be able to help an animal in need, but you will also have a truly rewarding experience for giving him a second chance to a better life. Just keep these essentials in mind, and you will definitely be on the right track.

About the Author: Jordan Walker: 
 Jordan is the lead content curator for Coops And Cages as well as a couple of other pet related blogs. His passion for animals is only matched by his love for 'attempting' to play the guitar. If you would like to catch him, you can via Google+ or Twitter: @CoopsAndCages

Saturday, August 8, 2015

Friday's Friend: Dog Adoption, Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc.

HMMMMMMM- this young lady is so happy it's almost hard to contain her so I can introduce her to you. She is so happy she can hardly stand it!

Why is this 64 lbs., 5 year old, female Yellow Labrador Retriever so bouncingly happy? You mean, besides getting to meet me? WOOF!!!!!!!! Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc., came to her rescue which brought a smile to her heart which shows on her face-

Good Golly - meet Miss Molly!

"Molly"
(C) Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc.

Molly was freed from her kennel where she was taken by a kind rescuer, then brought to a fosters home where she began to start feeling better.  Having a diagnosis of heartworms,Lyme, and Ehrichia, she was treated by the vet which furthered her ability to feel well and want to get outside and play. She is loving car rides too!!  BARK!!

Molly is a very sweet, pretty and laid back girl. She enjoys attention, belly rubs, and cuddling or relaxing with her humans.

Good on a walk with a lead, takes treats very gently, knows "sit" and "come" and is learning other commands, Molly is loving her new found life.

She has no known experience with cats or children.  She is approved for children ages 10 and older. She is good with other dogs.

Molly is up to date on vaccines. Interested in meeting this sweetheart, contact Lab Rescue- please tell them "Noah" sent you!  WOOOOF!!!!


Friday, August 7, 2015

Friday's Friend: Cat Adoption, PetConnect Rescue

I've had the meowly purrfect (puleeze don't tell my buddies!) pleasure to meet up with "Miss Cathy" from PetConnect Rescue and Miss Meggie!

"Meggie"
(C) PetConnect Rescue, Inc.
Approximately 7 weeks old as of August 3, 2015, this sweet tuxedo mix kitten is looking for her "Forever Home!"

She just arrived to PetConnect Rescue along with a few other buddies from a partner shelter in North Carolina.

Meggie meowly purrs to rough-and-tumble with her buddies, Mitzi, Marnie, Mimi and Margo.

She is a soft and cuddly kitty who loves to sit on a lap and be petted! 

Meggie would do well as your only kitty if her human was home most of the time, but, would love to have a kitty friend like one of her buddies or a similar aged kitten to help her burn off some of her energy!
 
Meggie is healthy and up-to-date on her vetting.

Interested in meeting Meggie?  Please complete the PetConnect Rescue Application and one of their Adoption Coordinators will contact you.  

If you are interested in learning about cat adoption, procedures and process, please visit PetConnect Rescue Adoption Guide.
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Friday's Friend: Cat Adoption, PetConnect Rescue

It is my most MEOWINGLY, BARKINGLY, PAWSOME pleasure to catch up with my dear friend "Cat Lady" from PetConnect Rescue and her buddy Lester!


Hard for me to believe this sweet, innocent cat is actually the class clown of his litter- he seems so quiet and reserved-   He will keep you laughing and entertained with his adventures and antics!

Pawingly, if there is a game of wrestling or chasing the toy mouse, or chasing a wand or whatever else cats like to play with, Lester will be in the meowst of it all!  He will pawingly amaze with his jumping ability giving you meowing grand demonstrations of his pawfect skills jumping high to catch a toy at the end of a wand or leaping into a lap at full speed.

Lester was born in early April and was rescued from a local shelter with his siblings (Lance, Laurie and Leonard).

What can be more pawfect than one playful kitten, besides a barkingly grand dog- like me, that is?  ARF!  Well, two, of course!! Lester would be meowing purred to be adopted with one of his siblings so he'd have a play buddy!

Lester is current on vaccinations, tested negative for FIV/FeLV and always uses his litter box. To meet delightful Lester, please complete the PetConnect Rescue Application and their Adoption Coordinators will contact you.

Interested in learning about cat adoption, adoption procedures, fees, and applications, please visit, PetConnect Rescue Adoption Guide may be viewed by clicking here.



Friday's Friend: Dog Adoption, Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League, Inc.

WOOF!!! I'm very pleased to welcome the Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League, Inc. to my "Friday's Friend" posts.

BARK!  BARK! arf?!  These dogs are huge!  Am pawed to have the opportunity to meet them- my human met two Great Danes at a photo shoot one time and couldn't get over what handsome and huge dogs they are!  This week, I'd like you to meet my new paw buddy, "Hershey!"

"Hershey"
(C) Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League, Inc.
A special treat this week, is Hershey wanted to greet you herself-

"Woof Woof! My foster humans call me 'Hershey.' I know I shouldn’t brag but I am a beautiful and young 4 year old Harlequin Great Dane mix. I’ve been with my foster humans for almost 9 months. I don’t really like to bark about where I came from- let’s just say it wasn’t good. I felt crummy all the time, I was scared of everything, and I pretty much wouldn’t leave my foster mom’s side. She was really patient with me when I was sick because boy was I sick for a long time!
  
Some might say I was sick as a dog!! (I know I shouldn’t brag but I’m a funny girl!) Luckily, the vet human and my foster humans have nursed me back to health. These days I feel so happy all the time (even though they won’t let me have and chicken or beef- they say I have bad allergies).

My foster humans have helped me learn to really love life. Foster Mom and Dad take me to the park. I love the park! I get to run around with all the other dogs. At the park I like it when the other dogs let me chase them! At home, I’ve learned that playing fetch and chowing down on treats are pretty much the best things ever! I have the best couch at home, woof, I sure love hanging out on the couch too. Even though I had it tough before, I was smart enough to teach my humans to give me biscuits when I sit, shake their paw, and lay down. Who knew humans were so easy to train?!? 

"Hershey"
(C) Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League, Inc.
When I’m not playing in the park with other dogs, I love snuggling with my foster humans. They tell me I’m too big to be a lap dog but that doesn’t stop me from laying right on top of them! I love life with them but they say that someday there will be another family for me. If I got pick my new family I’d definitely want a fur sibling to play with and a big backyard so I can roll in the grass whenever I wanted! If my future family is as great as my foster parents tell me, I can’t wait until I meet them!"

Thank you Hershey for telling us about you!  WOOF!!!!!

To learn more about Hershey and how she can make her way into your heart and lap forever, she is looking for her "Forever Home" through Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue. Please visit, MAGDRL.


Friday's Friend: Dog Adoption, Operation Paws for Homes

"Lola and Sammy"
(C) Operation Paws for Homes
My friends at Operation Paws for Homes have been really busy lately and I am barkingly pawed to share the news of their work!!

Giving dogs a second chance is what rescues do- they assist dogs in getting the care they need, in finding a good human to love on them- like my human does me, right dad?i -and a "Forever Home" to spend their lives!

Lola and Sammy have had a bit of a rough start in life.  They were dropped at a shelter when they were only about 8 weeks old.  Pawingly, they had little chance of adoption and survival due to a skin condition- one that is easily treatable!  arf??

Operation Paws for Homes stepped in and are they ever glad they did- WOOF!!! AND I am too!!  

Lola who is around 5 months old and 26 lbs., is a great pup!  She is full of life and love and always up for an adventure!!  ARF!!!   She's figured out how to use stairs and loves to be the first to venture outside and explore.

Barks, one of the fun things about Lola is she loves to herd things.  She will collect stuff from around the house and put them into piles- so if you can't find something- it may be there!  Paws to you Lola!

And, she just loves to be with her human and cuddle!  Very content to be loving on you!

Now Sammy, is about 5 month old, 36 pounds.  She is pawcellent loveable girl who very smart and a quick learner. 

Sammy would do great in a home with other dogs, or children that she could run and play with!  She and her sister Lola who she is fostered with are best buds and love to play together.

The skin condition?  WOOF-  it's Demodex mange which is not contagious.  According to Operation Paws for Homes and their vets,  "They have dogs all the time in the rescue that are being treated for it and none of them has ever been contagious. Our vets have all told us the same thing, sarcoptic mange is the one that is contagious."

For further reading, here is an article from VCA Animal Hospital, mange-demodectic-in-dogs.  My human saw them last week at a photo shoot and could not believe how great they looked!  And, how happy they were!

Interested in meeting either or both Lola and Sammy?  To do so, please complete the Operation Paws for Homes Application.

Interested in learning about dog adoption?  Please visit Operation Paws for Home Adoption Guide.

Monday, August 3, 2015

3 Surprising Things That Your Dog Will Love

What does your dog love? Food, toys and walks I hear you say. Well this is usually true of most dogs but what else does your dog love? Read on to find out.

When we take into account the needs of our beloved dogs we consider their physical needs such as a healthy diet and an interesting exercise schedule. We often take into account their mental health too so we train them, take them on social outings and make sure that they are happy and satisfied with their lives.

There are some things that we don’t expect our dogs to enjoy very much though, these will probably surprise you. So what exactly do you do that makes your dog happy even when you are not trying?

Pushing Him Off
When we push a dog off as he or she jumps up we are, from our viewpoint, rejecting their affection. We can often feel guilty about the perceived rejection. Sometimes we even get frustrated and enhance the rejection a little.

The dog sees this type of behavior in a very different way though. He loves being pushed off when he jumps up because you are interacting with him. This is particularly true if your dog has never been taught a command to keep all of his feet on the ground.

When your dog jumps up and you respond by touching and speaking to him he loves it, simply because you are touching and speaking to him.

Scolding Certain Acts
Most dogs love being spoken to. They love their people and being spoken to is an interaction that most dogs welcome with open paws. This is because, from a dog’s viewpoint, every type of attention is welcome and subsequently the dog will repeat anything at all which he receives attention for.

This type of interaction is usually most precious to the dog who receives little attention at any other time. Many people ignore their dogs until the animal does something unhelpful, then quickly speak to the dog when he carried out an act they don’t like, which of course the dog loves so will repeat the behavior in order to repeat the attention that it got him.

Having Specific ExpectationsThe dog loves to know exactly what is expected from him. Many people move the goalposts when trying to get a dog to behave in a certain way. This will leave the dog confused and often unhappy.

For a dog to know where he stands you don’t need to be harsh or strict with him you simply need to be consistent. For instance if you allow your dog onto the sofa sometimes yet push him off at other times and for no apparent reason your dog will be confused.

If you train your dog to behave in a certain way and only impose your requirements sometimes your pet will be muddled by your actions. Therefore it is important that with kindness, consistency and careful understanding you show your dog how he is expected to behave and maintain the same standards throughout your relationship together.

It doesn’t matter how chaotic your lives are together as long as you are happy and give permission for the chaos, because the dog knows from your permission exactly where he stands. And every dog loves to know where he stands.

Bio:
Sally Gutteridge is a member of the International Society of Animal Professionals. She is a qualified British Military dog trainer and trainer of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. She is soon to be fully qualified Canine Behavior Manager. With the rehabilitation experience of many broken rescue dogs and the careful training of many Shih Tzu dogs, Sally has written the definitive course on improving your dog's behavior and your understanding of it. She shares her knowledge at Shih Tzu Web.