November 20th, 2009
Posted by Francesca
Who doesn’t love playing in a big pile of dry and fluffy leaves? It’s so much fun and I feel sorry for dogs who live where no leaves fall. Sharkey and I discovered some really big piles the other day and jumped right in. One thing’s for sure – while playing, it’s really important to pay attention to what’s going on around you.
1 Look Sharkey - it's one of those things they call a leaf blower. That can only mean one thing at this time of year - fluffy, dry leaves!
2 See? What did I tell you? Let's go leaf diving!
3 Oh, this is so much doggone fun!
4 Sharkey, if you're trying to hide, you need to do a much better than that - you're sticking out like one big Q-tip!
5 Not good enough - I can still see you Sharkey!
6 What's up, Sharkey? Is everything OK? Why do you look so concerned?
7 OMG!! A giant leaf sucker! We need to get out of here FAST!!!
8 Phew! Shaun to the rescue!
9 Why Shaun - Is there still time to play?
10 Good thing we were so gallantly rescued. We might have been sucked right up with all those leaves!
Posted on November 20th, 2009 in Pet Secrets, Photo Galleries, Playing | direct link to this entry |
November 18th, 2009
Posted by Pia
How fostering a pooch can add a little spice to your life
I often talk about the myriad benefits of fostering an animal. It’s a great way for those who cannot adopt to get a furry cuddle fix and help an animal in need! It is also a great way for someone who is uncertain if they are ready to commit to a companion animal to test the waters.
I thought I’d share my latest foster with all of you, as she is quite the little treasure! Here is Ms. Pepper- the original Spice girl!
1 With the ears of a rabbit, one blue eye and one brown, Pepper is like no pooch I've ever met!
2 I find her black nose with pink nostrils to be quite fetching!
3 Pepper has had it rough in her short life. She was rescued from an abusive home, so she needed a little stability before we could assess her true personality and what kind of home would be a good fit.
4 Some rest and time to adjust are among the most important things a foster home can provide, especially for animals whose time is up at a shelter and who may be a little shaken by the experience.
5 While with me, Pepper relaxed and daydreamed about what her forever home would be like.
6 I even caught her reading some Freud.
7 Who new she was so analytical?
8 Professor Pepper is quite the pooch!
9 Deep in thought....
10 She also played with some new toys...
11 And enjoyed some good backrolls!
12 By fostering Pepper we were able to learn she was fine with cats.
13 More than fine, actually -- I often discovered her lounging in the afternoon sun like a lady of leisure with my uber-tolerant rescued feline, Max.
14 Her adventures with me included...
15 ...meeting a giant version of herself...
16 ...and a stop in San Francisco.
17 It turns out she had always wanted to visit and drive across the Golden Gate bridge.
18 Here we are with Alcatraz behind us.
19 Knowing I'm able to help an animal in need makes it all worth it!
Rescue groups always have more animals they want to save than places to house them. Contrary to what many people think, most rescue groups do not have a physical facility and they rely solely on fosters to be able to save the animals they re-home. It’s heart wrenching for these rescuers to have time run out for a wonderful adoptable animal before a home or foster can be found. So fostering is literally the life-saving link in so many happy endings.
And fostering can take many forms. Typically a rescue group will first do a home visit to assess what is a good fit for you, what other animals are in the home if any, and to hear what you are able to provide. To find a rescue group in your area and learn about fostering opportunities, visit AdoptAPet.com
Next week I’ll talk more about fostering and share the very happy ending to Pepper’s journey to her forever home.
In Kinship,
Dr. Pia Salk.
PS: Remember to tell us your pet adoption stories for an opportunity to win a $10,000 donation to the One Hope Network shelter of your choice — not to mention a trip to New York City (my hometown!) to see the Martha Stewart show!
Posted on November 18th, 2009 in Adoption | direct link to this entry |
