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Rescue A Dog

A friend shared this video with me. I thought more people should see it - a new friendship, a new beginning. It was very sad to watch but Edie's story has a happy ending. It took a team effort between volunteers with the American Maltese Association and Hope For Paws to rescue this dog from her scheduled death.

Adopt a Shelter Dog!

When it's time to add a dog to your family, there are options other than buying a pup from a breeder or a pet store. What about adopting a shelter dog? These animals are often strays who have lost their way, or much loved pets who can't stay with their owners any more. Shelter staff are experienced in making sure dogs have a good temperament, and in many cases these dogs are neutered, vaccinated and microchipped before they're adopted. This can save you time and money.

When you're choosing a shelter dog, it's important that you don't fall for the first pair of soft brown eyes you notice. To avoid this trap, write a list of all the features you'd like in a dog. Do you like long hair, and do you have the time to keep it tidy? What about exercise? If you're a runner, you'll enjoy a working breed who will gladly pound the footpath with you, but this would be a very bad choice for an elderly person who doesn't walk much. Do you want a small dog that fits in your lap, or do you like bigger dogs? If you have a family, make sure they all have an input into making the list.

Armed with your list, go to your shelter and have a chat to the staff. They'll introduce you to the dogs that meet your criteria, and tell you what they know about their background. They may be able to give you an idea about how they get along with children, or whether or not they enjoy the company of other dogs. That sort of information may allow you to cross some dogs off your list.

Spend a little time with each of the dogs they recommend, and see how you get on with them. Obviously you won't get a great deal of information from that short period of time, but you'll notice if they're interested in being with you, or if they are reluctant to come too close. Don't forget that a shelter isn't always a relaxing place for a dog, and they may be more nervous and anxious than they'd otherwise be.

You don't need to make a decision right then. Go home, and chat with your family. Ideally, you'll all agree on one particular dog, but if not, work towards a consensus.

The big day has arrived - you're going to collect your new family member. When you take him home, allow him time to settle in, and become familiar with his new home. Expect some teething problems, for example you may need to teach him where he can go to the toilet. It's a good idea to feed him the same food he was eating in the shelter, to avoid any upset tummies. You can gradually change him over to your preferred diet over the course of a week or two.

Shelter dogs are wonderful companions, and you can take pride in the fact that you've given a dog a new home, and a family who love him.

This guest post is brought to you by Dog Fence DIY's staff veterinarian Dr. Susan Wright. Dog Fence DIY has a variety of different types of electric dog fence systems to choose from. They have everything you need all in one spot. Dog Fence DIY helps with finding the system right for you and your pet, installing your pet containment system, and the proper training needed to make sure your pet is getting full use our of it.

Supreme Court Issues Stay of Execution

Trevor the Rottweiler-Shepherd cross was an abused dog.  City of Whitehorse bylaw officers brought him to a Humane Society Yukon shelter.  He was nursed back to health and adopted in May.  The woman who adopted Trevor signed a contract agreeing to return him to the shelter if she could not care for him.  She violated that contract by giving Trevor to her brother.

While in her brother's care, Trevor is alleged to have attacked seven people, biting some.  The brother surrendered Trevor to the City of Whitehorse pound, where he was declared dangerous and scheduled to be killed.

Humane Society Yukon challenged the city in court, casting doubt on whether Trevor is dangerous and the legality of his being surrendered to the pound in light of the adoption contract.  City staff staunchly maintain their prerogative to kill him.

A Yukon Supreme Court judge has ordered a behavioural assessment prior to rendering a decision.

Shelters Struggle to Find Homes For Black Dogs

A report from the U.S. says that black dogs spend longer in shelters before being adopted.  Apparently the same is true for black cats.  One theory is that it is harder to see a black animal's face and that is how adopters usually make their first connection with a new pet.

Shelters have responded by trying to do a better job of "marketing" black animals so adopters will notice them more.  They've improved lighting, put colourful collars on them, and given them unique toys.  They've even reduced adoption fees and held special adoption events for black dogs.

Read the news article

Lost and Found Dog Returns the Favour

Last March, Blewett the black lab was lost in the wilderness for weeks.  People couldn't catch him, but they left him food.  Finally, Jay and Janie Smith were able to befriend him and give him a new home.  They named him Blewett because he had been lost in Blewett Pass, Washington.

On Monday, they were out for a walk when Blewett raced down to the river's edge to show them another lost dog.  Pepper, who is 11 years old, may have been swept away by the river on Saturday before struggling to make it back to shore.  He was wearing his dog tag, so thanks to Blewett, he's now safely back at home.

Read the story in the Seattle Times (opens in a new window)

Be inspired by this two-legged dog, Faith!

When I first saw a forwarded email about this two-legged dog, I thought it must be a photoshoped image.  It took me a few minutes to analyze the photo and said "it doesn't look at it was photoshoped at all!"  Then, I saw the video clip of this dog!  I couldn't believe my eyes.  I was very shocked and moved by the story of this amazing two-legged dog!  (I had tears in my eyes!)  This dog truly inspires us NOT to give up! Check out her story:Faith - a two-legged dog!

I hope more organizations and national TV shows will hire them to talk to the people and kids.  I am sure this precious dog (and her owners who rescued her) will motivate people and kids - keep trying and never give up!

Pet CPR:new pet-rescue program in Calgary

" Firefighters in Calgary are being trained to perform CPR on animals and administer oxygen to them as part of a new program announced Wednesday, a day after crews rescued eight animals from a house fire." CBC News reports today.