My Fire Hydrant

This week, in support of Petfinder‘s Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week, I am posting adoptable Small Paws Rescue pooches every day. Don’t you need a Fluffy Friend?

What a sweet little gentleman! Huck is a very friendly, very laid back and a wonderful senior kind of guy. He loves to run around outside and explore, so he needs a fenced in yard. He has some cataracts, but he walks well on his leash and he’s house broken. He’s a very easy dog, who is not a picky eater. And there’s a really adorable video of him that will make you fall in love–with him!

Huck needs a home!

This week, in support of Petfinder‘s Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week, I am posting adoptable Small Paws Rescue pooches every day. Don’t you need a Fluffy Friend?

Meet Rocky. He’s a sweet 7-year old boy who just wants to be loved. He’s a happy little guy who gets along well with other dogs, but would also do well as an only dog. He love to snuggle and cuddle.

He has a frozen knee due to an old injury but it doesn’t bother him and doesn’t require medical attention. And he’s also diabetic. He gets 2 insulin shots a day–and he doesn’t mind getting them one bit.

Rocky also has diabetes and receives 2 insulin injections per day. The cost of his insulin and syringes per month is approximately $25-30 dollars. Syringes cost about $10 per month and the insulin is $50 per bottle but it lasts a long time! (2 months or more) He is not bothered by this routine at all. In fact, when you say come and get your medicine, he runs down the hallway like he is going to get a big, juicy hamburger!

Rocky is fully house trained and crate trained–which is an advantage of adopting an adult dog. When he needs to be taken outside he goes to the door and gives it a little tap. If you don’t respond, he’ll lay down in front of you and STARE at you until you let him out!

He’s a cleaver little gentleman, and would be a wonderful addition to your home.

Cooper and Mason

Since this is Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week AND ALSO Deaf Pet Awareness Week, it seemed appropriate to check in with my friend, Michele–who shares her life with less adoptable pets, deaf Boxers.

Last year, Michele was dealing with the news that her Boxer, Cooper, had been diagnosed with Stage III Mast Cell Cancer. And also adjusting to adding a 4th Boxer to her pack — Mason — because Michele failed Foster 101. Both Cooper and Mason are deaf.

Michele tells me, “In the past year, Mason has learned over 20 signs but his favorite sign is ‘good boy.’ People who see us walking always ask about him and his deafness when we sign; they say they would have never thought a dog could communicate through sign. I also still get calls from people who have deaf dogs. And also from people who realize their old dogs are going deaf. And I think my old girl is losing her hearing some too — she startles a lot more as she is getting older — but she knows the signs, so we communicate.”

Michele goes on,

Geddy, Mama Michele, and Mason

So a little over a year has passed since our lives were touched by a new Boxer in the house, can I just say it’s been a whirlwind!

Bailey, Cooper, Geddy and Mason are all sleeping on my bed as I write this update.  Sleep is what Cooper does most of his days now.  The vet is completely astonished that we still have him in our lives and he is doing as well as he can.  The cancer has spread to some organs but he seems to be still happy when he’s awake and will take any opportunity to lie on my lap…. Which of course no matter what weight loss he has had, he’s still a BIG boy!

Our Bailey has had two tumors removed from her this past year, both were benign which is a blessing, however she had her shoulder injured last fall with a run in with our crazy pup and her arthritis has really kicked in.  She still runs the roost and is the Queen around this house!

Geddy is still our sweet boy and has enjoyed Mason the most since we got him.  They are the best and worst of friends… we call it the love hate relationship as Mason gets the most pleasure out of torturing Geddy!

Then there is Mason…. Or as we like to say, the DEMON SPAWN!  Oh yes, I have to say he’s tested my patience this past year!  He’s every Boxer owners nightmare with bad behaviors… he’s mouthy, he loves to destroy toys… he’s torn up any toy I can find, which includes the ones that say SUPER TOUGH or UNCHEWABLE!  That makes me laugh when I bring them back the next day.  He was a challenge to get him crate trained, to not chew on everything he could in our house and walk on a leash without wanting to chew it up also!

He also is my youngest son’s best friend, who will wait by the window every day without fail 5 minutes before he gets off the bus.  He will fall asleep with him at night and slowly creep out of his bed once he’s asleep as to not wake him up and he has the sweetest face anyone could imagine. He has a special sense about him when the older dogs are not feeling good, always “trying” to be on is best behavior or giving them extra kisses on the head when they are laying down.  He is so smart, sometimes too much for his own good, but he has learned so many signs, he knows the routines when we leave or go to bed and although he was this little guy when we got him, he towers over all the other dogs with his gangly “pup” legs!  He is a blessing and as I look over on the bed, his head resting on the back of my Cooper, I realize he’s brought new life into Cooper as well and may just be what’s helping us keep our house full of Boxers!

Mason

Both Mason and Cooper were classified early on as “less adoptable dogs.” How lucky for them that Michele saw their potential. And how lucky for Michele and her family. These two sweet boys are well-loved members of Michele’s family. They just communicate with their human pack members in a slightly different way.

Not less adoptable. Totally more adaptable.

~

If you’re interested in more information on what great pets deaf dogs can make,
visit Deaf Dogs Rock.

~

This week, in support of Petfinder‘s Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week, I am posting adoptable Small Paws Rescue pooches every day. Don’t you need a Fluffy Friend?

Gentle Petunia

I featured Little Petunia last year during Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week. She is a sugar-challenged dog: She’s diabetic and gets one injection each morning.

She’s a very clever older girl. Her eyesight is not so good, but once she learns her way around the house it’s not a problem.

Like many older dogs, she comes to you already housetrained. She likes her crate. She enjoys riding in the car and walking on her leash. She enjoys the company of other dogs. She’s also gentle and loving. She’s a blend of Bichon and Maltese. And (added bonus!) she knows how to stand on her hind legs and do the Bichon wave!

This little girl enjoys people. She’s and affectionate bundle of fluff who only wants to be petted and loved. Seriously, how can you resist that sweet face? Is Petunia the dog for you?

Ms. Snowball 6

This week, in support of Petfinder‘s Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week, I am posting adoptable Small Paws Rescue pooches every day. Don’t you need a Fluffy Friend?

Snowball is another little Fluff who has been on the Petfinder wall for over a year. She’s a special girl. She’s blind. She’s just a bit shy, until she gets to know you. She needs for someone to schedule her potty times, because she doesn’t know how to ask to go out.

And she’s also known as Snowball6–Bichons, being white and fluffy, can be commonly mistaken for snowballs.

Snowball used to have a family, but they had to give her up for adoption. While she waits for her new home, Snowball is being fostered in Colorado with a Small Paws volunteer family.

Snowball knows how to walk on a leash, but she also enjoys a fenced-in yard. She is house-trained. She’s very loving. And because she’s a senior gal, she’s very mellow.

Do you like to stay at home? Snowball will be very happy to keep you company! This sweet girl is just waiting for you to fill out the adoption form and bring her home to become part of your family!

This week, in support of Petfinder‘s Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week, I am posting adoptable Small Paws Rescue pooches every day. Don’t you need a Fluffy Friend?

I mentioned Southpaw last year–and he’s still on the Petfinder board looking for a home!

SouthPaw

This sweet boy is very playful and an excellent snuggler. He enjoys playing with his toys. His blindness does not stand in the way of a walk on a leash, if you will help to guide him. He has a HUGE personality! He enjoys the company of other dogs–but he needs to get comfortable with them first due to his blindness. And play, play, PLAY! This little man is a playboy!!

He is quite simply the most adorable gentleman pooch you may ever meet. He’s a little tiger in a Bichon/Poodle body, with peach-tinged hair and a delightful face.

Southpaw is sight-challenged: he has cataracts. But the dogtors say that this can be fixed with surgery. This has not stopped Southpaw from learning his way around his foster home and having a good time. You’ll notice in his photo that he also wears a belly band. Southpaw is slightly incontinent.

He loves to snuggle with his human, but he also will play or nap by himself. He enjoys sleeping under the covers! This boy has got it all!

Don’t you need a playful cuddler?

How can a pet be less adoptable? They’re old; the wrong breed; have special needs; they’re not as pretty; or they’re simply different or the wrong color.

Next week, the good folks at Petfinder are devoting the entire week to celebrate less adoptable pets, to bring attention to these sweet furbabies, and to encourage pet parents to think about adopting a special needs furkid. And to do my part to encourage adoption, I’m going to feature a “special needs” Fluff from Small Paws Rescue–and you will see just how adoptable a “less adoptable pet” can be!

But what if you can’t adopt? You can still help! If you’re a blogger or a tweeter, make a post about adopting. If you’re on Facebook, “like” Petfinder and tell your friends about Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week. You can go to a shelter or animal center and volunteer or donate money or goods. Or give your neighbor a phone call–anything to spread the word!

What will you do to celebrate less adoptable pets?

This weekend, July 15-17, Petfinder is joining with over 1,500 rescue groups and shelters across North America for what could be the largest adoption event in Petfinder history. This is in honor of Petfinder’s 15th Birthday! And they want to get 15,000 pets into furever homes THIS WEEKEND! Whew!

What can you do to participate and help? If you can’t adopt a pet, you can:

1. Add Petfinder’s free 15th Birthday PicBadge to your Facebook and/or Twitter profile.
2. RSVP “Yes” to Petfinder’s Big Birthday Adoption Event invitation on Facebook and on Tweetvite to show your support. Then share the invitation with your friends.
3. Share a shelter-nominated pet from Petfinder’s Big Birthday Adoption Weekend photo gallery on your blog, Facebook, or Twitter.
4. Download, print and post Petfinder’s customizable birthday flier around  your neighborhood and ask local businesses to display Petfinder’s customizable birthday cards.
5. Sign the online birthday card and add your pet’s picture (Tyler is there!)
6. Write a blog post or op-ed about the value of pet adoption and link back to the Petfinder Birthday page.
7. Contact your local shelter and volunteer for their big event.

I’m in New York City today so that I can attend the Bideawee Gala tonight!

We (Iams) will receive the “Bideawee Corporate Award” in recognition of our corporate contributions to foster the health and well being of pets (The Bideawee Gala and  A Short History of Bideawee).

Also receiving an award this evening is Mr. Joseph Garrison. Joe has had a huge involvement as a member of Bideawee’s Board of Directors. But the thing I like most about him is devotion to his dog. Joe adopted Austin – his gentle and beloved Wheaten Terrier – from Bideawee. They have been inseparable since! Joe and Austin were regular participants at Bideawee’s management and Board meetings, fundraising events and community outreach activities. He is being honored for his exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to Bideawee’s values and mission of promoting and supporting safe, loving, long-term relationships between people and companion animals.

Joe was first elected to the Bideawee Board of Directors in December 1994 and served as Officer of the Board in the positions of Vice Chair (2004-2007), Secretary (2008) and Treasurer (2007 and 2009). As a Board Officer, Joe served regularly in the Executive Management Committee (2004-2008). He also served and chaired several standing Board Committees, including Nominating (2005, 2006 and 2008), Finance (1998, 2003, 2006, Chair 2007 and 2009), Compensation (2007, 2009), Audit (Chair, 2008). Last but not least, Joe also served in ad hoc Board committees including the Oversight Committee (1996-2001) and the Senior Advisory Committee (2009). Joe retired from active Board membership at the end of 2009 and joined our Board Emeritus group in January 2010.

A very active 16-year tenure on the Board of Directors, and he continues to serve in the Board Emeritus group. Now that’s devotion to a cause!

(Also of interest: Bidawee’s commitment to Organizational Excellence)

I’ve been writing the past couple of days about Bideawee in New York City, and I thought I should mention that I got to visit Bideawee last year. While I was there I learned that on average, pets stay with the Center around 32 days before being adopted by their forever family. They usually have around 100 animals available, with more cats than dogs (25-30 dogs/70-75 cats). Bideawee does its best to set the pet up for successful adoption—and they succeed! The national average for pet returns is 15-20%. Bidawee’s returns is only 5%! People come from all over the country to find their match at Bideawee. And the pets come from all over too! While I was there, I got to meet some Chihuahuas from California (where there has been an outbreak of “purse” dogs) and some puppies from Tennessee.

Unlike other adoption centers I’ve visited, Bideawee Manhattan is more horizontal than vertical. Instead of being laid out on one level, Bideawee has four floors to accommodate all its services and facilities. And every available space is used with economy and efficiency.

One of the cat rooms

Puppies being socialized

Hello! Wanna play?

One of the veterianry clinic's exam rooms.

Surgery room within the veterinary clinic

The Intensive Care Unit

Penny, one of the office cats.

Another office cat.

One Sweet face looking for a home

This kitten is climbing the walls looking for his family.

Come play with me!

A sweet face and a gentle purr.

Waiting patiently for a new family.