Tag: Dogs rescue

Shelter Dog Flips Out After Being Adopted

For some shelter dogs, their second chance at life never comes. They spend days, weeks, months in a shelter without anyone choosing them or giving them a chance to be loved. But luckily for one shelter dog, that wasn’t the case.

Every good story should have a hero and this story has a sweet but shy dog called Benny as our hero. He had no idea what his future was going to be or how long he would be in the shelter for.

Unfortunately for Benny, the shelter he was in was Carson Animal Care Center, which is a high-kill shelter in Gardena, California. This mean’t that Benny was literally between a wonderful life and possibly being put down if someone didn’t save him. Well someone did.

Earlier this month, Benny was rescued and adopted by a loving family. Well Benny shows us all what that mean’t to him. This is a fantastic reaction.

This is why rescuing a shelter dog is wonderful. It is a great thing to do for both you and the dog. We have discussed it before and while we can articulate much through our words, we can articulate much more through adoption videos like this.

4 Ways To Make Your Senior Rescue Dog Healthier

A senior rescue dog is the sweetest dog. We love them so much and they deserve our love as they enter the twilight of their lives. We do have a special challenge with every senior rescue dog. How do we make senior rescue dogs active and healthy. Our dog experts share their dog training tips.

4 Ways to Make Your Senior Rescue Dog Healthier and More Active

  1. Make Getting Around Easier

Simple task such as climbing into bed with you can become akin to climbing Mt. Everest for your elderly dog. Sure, just a few years ago she’d make that leap without a second thought, but her hips are a little stiff now, maybe her knees hurt, and there was that time she tried to jump, and missed.

Something as simple as foam stairs leading to your bed gives her the freedom to climb on the bed, couches, or into her favorite window nook without pain.

  • All dogs, especially seniors, thrive on routine. Keeping your senior’s favorite walking routes clear can alleviate anxiety. Do this in both the yard, and in your house.

A lift to get into the car is helpful as well.

  • Lay down traction on slippery floors. Tile and hardwood can be tough to navigate with paws, and a slip of the leg can mean a major joint issue for a senior. Putting down a carpet pathway helps them get around the house. If you have wood stairs, it’s a good idea to provide traction there as well.
  1. Exercise is For The Mind as well as The Body

Walking your dog is important. If they are healthy enough to walk, even if it’s just to the mailbox and back, they should do it. Obviously, you need to find the sweet spot between enough exercise and over-use, but they should get some kind of stimulation physically. Remember that dogs are programmed to walk (much like humans, so the walk is good for you, too). Even brief walks help stimulate your senior’s mind, and can relieve anxiety and boredom.

Many times lethargy is attributed to age, when in fact the dog is simply bored silly.

Senior Rescue Dog Getting Active

Swimming is a great way to get your senior moving without stressing their joints.

It may feel silly at first, but if your dog is hurting but you want them to have walk-time, putting them into a doggie stroller can solve this problem. So will simply walking with them in your backyard as they sniff around.

  1. Watch the Weather

Older dogs, like older people, can have trouble regulating their body temperatures. This is especially dangerous in the heat and humidity of summer. Your buddy may be able to do a brisk 15-minute walk in the crisp fall air, but the stifling humidity of august can have 5-minutes feeling like an eternity for her.

Take care to watch their breathing rate in the heat, or extreme cold. Provide cool water in the summer, and take them into the air conditioning after exercising or playing in the heat.

  1. Play

This can be part of exercise, and it is sometimes surprising to new senior-rescuers, but senior rescue dogs still like to play. It may take some research, but you can find something they’ll love to play with. Try out different toys, tennis balls, bones, cat toys (make sure they’re not too small), and ropes. You may just find that they love playing with the box that the toy came in best.

6 Steps To Bring A Rescue Dog Home

Have you decided to save a life and bring a rescue dog home?

Congrats, you are giving a forgotten rescue dog a second chance at life. Once you bring a rescue dog home, they will reward you with years of unlimited love.

Once you decide to adopt, it is useful to know what to actually do from the minute you pick them up, through their first few months in your house. These 6 tips will guide those critical first few months, helping you bring a rescue dog home into a calm, loving environment while helping them with what can be a scary transition.

1. Know your Rescue Dog’s Background, But Don’t Let It Make You Soft

Many rescue dogs, unfortunately, come from rough backgrounds. Many are abandoned or abused.  Some live tied to a chain with very little shelter or are left in a crate for hours on end.

Knowing where your rescue came from can help you help them acclimate to their new home.

But, don’t let traumas of the past make you too lenient with your new buddy. Dogs are incredibly resilient, and after a period of adaptation will push the limits of what they can get away with. Letting them know the boundaries, in a gentle, loving way, from day one will head off any behavior problems in the future.

If you bring a rescue dog home, especially a young dog, and decide that because they come from a bad background, you’ll let them do whatever they want in your house, expect trouble in the future. You have a tremendous opportunity to teach them that humans are compassionate, forgiving teachers, and they are now in a loving home with reasonable boundaries.

Get everyone in the family on board. Use the same words for training. Have everyone show the dog the same path to the door to go out, or however you’ll train them to let you know they need to use the bathroom. Have everyone follow the same feeding and exercise routines. Consistency is key, and this allows for a positive training approach.

2. Show Them Around Slowly

It’s tempting to bring your new dog home and let them run wild. There’s an undeniable cuteness to watching a dog that was depressed, confused and scared while living in a cage just an hour before now running around, exploring her new home with her nose.

But, most experts agree that keeping some rooms off limits at first will help your rescue become orientated in their new home while knowing that there are places they can’t go. This is a useful exercise in your yard as well. Blocking off flowerbeds, sections of the lawn, or parts of the fence that could lead to an easy escape can keep your dog safe.

3. Be Loving and Patient

Your rescue is undergoing a lot of change in a short time. They’re adapting to a new family, a new home, a new neighborhood. Even if your resume dog is house trained, they may not know the best routes to the door to let you know it’s time to go out.

Accidents will happen. As rescue dogs are often accustomed to being yelled at or physically punished following a bathroom accident.

Show them that cleanup is no big deal, there will be no yelling, and that the only physical touch they’ll receive in your home is of a loving nature. A confident dog is easily trainable. Use these as teachable moments.

4. Baby Proof the Area

This is important. Treat your new pup’s arrival the same way you would if a toddler was visiting. Hide exposed wires. Pick up small objects from the floor. Put cleaners and chemicals out of reach. Dogs, even seniors, explore with their noses and mouths. Remove all possibly harmful objects and you’ll avoid dangerous problems.

5. Establish Routine

Dogs thrive on routine. So, imagine how upsetting it is to go from their old way of life to living in a rescue with multiple dogs and other animals to being driven in a car to a strange home with new people. This ties in with number 1. Show them the ways of their new home and new life slowly, consistently, and patiently.

Guide them to the rooms they’re allowed in. Take them outside and let them explore your yard safely. If you are in an apartment, a few laps around the neighborhood will help your rescue get used to the area and feel more confident. Walking is also a great way for dogs to release mental energy and stress while bonding with their new family.

From day 1, start them on their feeding, exercise, play, and rest schedule. It’ll take a few days, maybe even a few weeks, but once the settle, they’ll be thrilled to know that 9-am is breakfast, 10am is walk time, and it’s all naps and play till dinner.

6. Be Flexible When You Bring a Rescue Dog Home

Know that your dog’s true personality may be in hiding. Dogs like to please, so for the first few weeks, expect them on their best behavior. Anyone who’d adopted a rescue will tell you – after 2 – 4 weeks, they’ll let their full personalities bloom.

They may be more or less energetic than at first, and they may eat more or less. They may show a rambunctious side.

Whatever the change, be ready for it. Since you established their routine early and set boundaries, these transitions are easy. You’ll have a confident, happy dog who’s thriving in their new forever home.

3 Key Factors In Picking A Rescue Dog

Here are a few important steps to consider when picking a rescue dog.

1. Size of Rescue Dog

Every year, thousands of dogs are given away or abandoned because the puppy that someone bought grew to be bigger than anticipated.

This is an unacceptable mistake.

If you live in an apartment or a small home, do not get a Great Dane puppy hoping it will stay tiny. It won’t. If your building has a weight restriction, don’t get a dog that exceeds that restriction by a significant amount. A 30-lb Beagle might squeak by on a 25-lb limit. A 130-lb Saint Bernard will not. Please do not put a dog in this situation.

You should also consider the size of the dog, even if you have no such limitations. Do you want a big dog that can roughhouse with you?

Do you want a medium size rescue dog that fits in bed with you, but can also run around the yard chasing squirrels without you living in fear that it will break a brittle bone?

Maybe you want a lap dog that you can carry around with you.

These are all key questions to ask yourself before you adopt a rescue dog. Most people reading this site love dogs and have only the dog’s best interest at heart. But, even the strongest among us has taken that trip to the rescue thinking we want a Pom only to find that an irresistibly cute Rottweiler grabs a hold of our heart. If this happens, and you know that you can accommodate the Rottie, then go for it. But, if you can’t keep a big dog, stick with your original plan.

2. Activity Level of Rescue Dog

This one is tricky because it changes over the course of a dog’s life. Puppies that were tearing the house apart grow into calm, easy-going dogs.

Quiet puppies can turn into high-energy adults.

But, knowing the general disposition of the breed you’re choosing can help with this.

Remember that dogs are living beings with individual personalities. Take some time to think about what you want your relationship with your new dog to be:

  • Do you want to hike with her?
  • Are you looking for a Netflix and ice cream partner?
  • Do you like to walk the city with your buddy by your side?
  • Are you taking him off-leash to run the beach or in the countryside?
  • Do you want a little of all of the above?

Researching breeds can help. It’s not absolute since, though. There are lazy Terriers and high-energy English Bulldogs. But, in general, breed energy requirements are a good indicator.

If you are looking at a mixed breed, try to evaluate the dominant breed, if possible. If not, see if you can spend some time alone with the dog to get a better feel for how it behaves outside of the shelter. Remember, being in a rescue around multiple dogs, with new people coming in and out to meet them can change a dog’s behavior. Some will be scared, others overly excited. See how they are away from the excitement.

3. Age of Rescue Dog

The age of the dog you’re considering is key.

Are you high energy? Yes? A puppy may be right for you. Remember, no matter how energetic you are, puppies have a tremendous amount of energy to burn. This can lead to much mischief. If you’re not ok with losing a pair of shoes or two, go older.

Are you medium energy? Consider a dog between 1 and 3 years old. At this point, bigger dogs will have settled down considerably. Smaller dogs are still in late-puppyhood through the one or two year mark, so they’ll give you much playfulness, but the destructive period is mostly over.

Are you prone to long binge-watching sessions on the couch? Think a 20-minute walk is the height of your exercise life? Like a calm, quiet house? Consider adopting an adult or senior dog.

Now, don’t think that seniors or adults are not playful. They are. In fact, it’s not uncommon for senior dogs to regain a puppy-esque playfulness after leaving a rescue or shelter. But, those energy bursts are short-lived. A good walk with your new friend and she’ll be more than happy to lay on the couch with you for hours afterward.

Adults and seniors also come with the added benefit of knowing their disposition already. It’s tough to judge where a puppy’s personality will lead, but with a dog 3+, you have a good idea of who they are right away.

Why Microchips Alone Are Not Enough To Keep Pets Safe

Keeping your dog safe is every dog lover’s number one priority. 

Countless books, websites, and training guides stress the importance of making sure your pet always has their ID tags attached to their collar. And, most recommend microchipping your dog. 

Why Microchip Your Dog?

A tiny chip, about the size of a grain of rice, is injected under the skin around your dog’s neck (between their shoulders). This chip can be scanned by veterinarians, shelters, rescues, and other doggie allies. 

Each chip has an electromagnetic transponder with a code – kind of like the barcode you see on products – that is registered with different lost pet finding services. Home again and Avid are two of the biggest. Before putting the chip into your dog, it is scanned, validated, then scanned after implanting in your dog’s skin to make sure it worked. 

Because of it’s ability to be easily read and help identify your lost dog, microchipping has become very popular. And, it sounds like a great idea. 

The Shortcomings of Microchips

The biggest reason that microchips fail your dog is that they need to be scanned in order to work. 

If your pup gets lost, then is picked up by animal control, a helpful neighbor, or simply wanders into a friendly shelter, this is great. They can be scanned, and you’ll be notified quickly that your dog has been located. 

An Unfound Dog Remains Unfound

However, if you’ve lost a dog, you know that the chances of them being randomly found is just short of a miracle. 

Dogs can roam enormous amounts of territory in a short time. 

Couple that with the dangers presented by:

  • High traffic areas
  • Dog thieves 
  • Countless places to hide
  • Vast amounts of wooded areas
  • Speeding, Texting-and-Driving drivers

and any hope that your dog will be found and scanned diminishes greatly. This is why microchips fail more often than they succeed. 

GPS Trackers Are Better Than Microchips

Now, imagine your dog slips out of your yard. You’re away at work. When you come home, you can’t find your furbaby!

Instead of drawing up Lost Dog posters, or posting your pup’s info on social media… or praying that they’ll be found and scanned, imagine if there was a way to know exactly where they are…

Now there is: GPS Dog tracking device. 

It can:

  • Track your pet’s location – accurate to 10ft!
  • Monitor your pet’s activity level – know if they’re on the move
  • Read your pet’s body temperature – if they escape in the cold, or if they’ve been injured, you’ll know if they’re body temp is in the healthy range 
  • Transmit your dog’s location, including turn-by-turn directions, to your cellphone

12 Wonderful Things Humans Have Done For Animals In 2016

Whether 2016 was a great year for you or not, there is no denying that some pretty amazing things happened. It just so happens that 12 of these awesome things were animal related. Here are 12 wonderful things humans did for animals this past year.

Goat with anxiety wears duck costume to make her feel safe:

When Polly’s owner bought her a duck costume, she didn’t realize it would help with Polly’s major anxiety problems – and make for one of the cutest pictures ever.

Pup lives in his own Harry Potter-like room:

After moving to a new house, the Chihuahua’s owner decided to create a space for him. She turned the cabinet under the stairs into his very own bedroom – furnished with a dresser, tiny bed, and lots of snacks. Just like Harry Potter.

Chicken on bed rest gets to watch nature documentaries:

After an injury, a chicken, named Strawberry, was put on bed rest. So she wouldn’t get bored, her owners set up an iPad with shows for her to watch. Her favorites were nature documentaries and shows with other chickens.

Dog receives his own letters:

Pippa is obsessed with getting the mail for her family. So, if there isn’t any mail that day, her mailman will write her a letter she doesn’t go home empty pawed.

Cat gets wrapped in Christmas bandages:

When Missy was bitten by a snake, she had to be hospitalized. Her nurses wanted to make her time there more festive, so they put Christmas-colored bandages on her.

Pup takes last walk on beach with hundreds of new friends:

Walnut’s dad had to make the difficult decision of putting him down. He wanted to make Walnut’s last walk memorable, so he asked people on Facebook to join them. To his surprise, hundreds of people showed up!

Mice are given their own storefronts:

Thanks to a group of artists, some mice got to experience their very own trip to the mall. The artists wanted to build some storefronts with mice in mind. The mice definitely approved.

Dog that was abused gets stuffed animals that look just like her:

When Justice was rescued, her mouth and legs were bound with electrical tape, leaving her with a scar across her snout. The shelter that saved her wanted to raise awareness and money to stop animal abuse, so they created a line of stuffed animals modeled after her.

A family celebrated Christmas early for their dying dog:

After Scooby’s family realized he wouldn’t make it to Christmas, they decided to celebrate it early. They even decorated the house and gave him presents!

Shelter dogs get treated to Puppuccinos:

One shelter decided to treat their pups to some afternoon Puppuccinos. It gave the dogs something to look forward and improved their chances of getting adopted.

Man surprises cat by dressing up as his favorite toy:

A man decided to surprise his cat and dress up as his favorite shark toy. The cat seemed more confused than surprised, but it was a nice gesture to say the least.

Man surprises dog by dressing up as his favorite toy:

And finally, one of the top trending animal stories of 2016. Unlike the cat with the shark toy, Jolena was very excited when her dad surprised her dressed up as her favorite Gumby toy.

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  • Orla O’Keefe

    Most of my day is spent playing with dogs. When they nap, I’m here working on my blog. You’re welcome to reach out and connect with me.

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