Creative Pet Adoption Strategies

As told by Darcy Gray to Carrie Boyko, CEB

© Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley
Gracie

Dear Carrie:  I went on a brief road trip to Idaho last week and stopped by the Iconoclast bookstore in Ketchum. At the register, I noticed a display advertising a Labrador Retriever mix named Gracie as available for adoption; she'd been at the local no-kill Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley for 100 days so far, waiting for the right home. Described as well-mannered and a great hiking companion, there's no reason Gracie hasn't been adopted except that it's just a slow time for adoptions. ( Be sure to visit the link above and watch Gracie's video).

Here's what really caught my attention (and the part that made me think of you). The animal shelter had bound a book with Gracie's photo on the cover. The title was "Gracie's Story". When I opened the book, I saw that the first page said this: 

"I don't have much of a story yet. 

Will you adopt me and help me write the rest?" 

The remainder of the pages were blank.

I thought it was really cool that the Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley came up with such a creative way to help a dog find a home! I hope you don't mind, but I wanted to share Gracie's story with you because I'm hoping maybe some of you fantastic pet bloggers will post about Gracie and the wonderful effort by the Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley to gain exposure for Gracie and hopefully get her adopted. :) 


Thanks,
Darcy Gray
TOM BIHN, maker of the Citizen Canine Carryall
Super Dog Sunday™ Sponsor, 2012

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Rescuing Rover: To My Best Friend

by Sandy

© reader copyright on file
Shiloh

To My Best Friend

That cold winter day when we first met

I surely didn't know

That you would be the special one

Who soon with me, home would go

The nice man took you from your cage

So the two of us could meet

You were cute but I didn't think

That you were the right one for me

Back into your cage you went

I heard you cry as I walked away

"Don't worry, boy, she'll be back"

I heard the nice man say

"Somewhere", I thought, "there must be

A perfect dog to share my life"

And so my search continued on

I looked near and far both day and night

I didn't find what I thought I wanted

Perhaps I had no clue

So I went back to that shelter

And decided just to "settle" for you

To my surprise we bonded so fast

It happened right from the start

How could I have ever imagined

That so quickly you would steal my heart

In my search I had been so wrong

It didn't take long to see

That a power greater than I had known

That my want had not been my need

People often say I saved you

If only they could see

The void in me had been so great

That it was you, my friend, who saved me

If you have a story or poem about rescuing your best friend, I'd like to share it with my readers. Feel free to send submissions for the Rescuing Rover column to AllThingsDogBlog@gmail.com. Include at least one photo of your dog that was taken by you. 

RESCUING ROVER: Meet Lucy, Scruffy and Bud

as told by Patty Milliron

© courtesy P.M.
An Adorable Pack of Rescues!

Lucy, at far left, is a foster we kept. She was picked up by the pound in heat, and was heart worm positive.  She was a mess. She is a loving, devoted girl.  She's around 4 now.  


Scruffy, in the middle is 6.  He is a very smart boy and Ioves to snuggle with his mommy and fish on the kayak with his daddy.  


Bud is 8.  He was another rescue.  He was dumped in our Petsmart parking lot one cold, rainy November night.  He was raw and bloody from the chest up. He had apparently been kept on a choker chain in the back yard.  


Bud is a perfect example of a cute puppy bought at a puppy store (his owners were kind enough to drop off his papers with him) without much forethought. The little puppy got big, wasn't trained, and his owners had a baby.  


Bud is a sweet, gentle, passive dog . . . until he gets nervous.  Through the 7 years we've had him, he has chewed himself out of two metal crates, fortunately with no injuries to him.  Now for our house, that's been another story. Ha!  

Read other RESCUING ROVER Stories:

Abby--The Good Sister

Duke Returns his Owner's Favor

Discover the Dogs for the PAWS Project

The Rescue Dog that Helped Rescues

Can't get enough? 

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© Carrie Boyko, all rights reserved

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Darby's Story: The Life of an Adopted Dog

by guest blogger, Kristine Tonks
of Rescued Insanity

© M. Steward

I don’t take the time to read children’s books very often. When I heard about Darby’s Story: The Life of an Adopted Dog by Martha Steward, I jumped at the opportunity. Any book starring a sweet rescue dog is automatically on my reading list. I doubt anyone could look at the cover of this book without falling in love.


This isn’t a typical boy-meets-dog story. After all, neither Darby the husky mix, nor Drew the young child, are quite conventional. The book begins with the author and her son, Drew, attending an adoption event at a local pet store. Instead of rushing toward the energetic puppies, the two think carefully about the kind of dog who will best fit their lifestyle. Once they spot quiet Darby, relaxing in his crate, they take the time to get to know him first before making the big decision to bring him home. This way they ensured that not only would they be happy with Darby, but he would be equally happy with them. It’s an important message for all who are thinking of owning a dog.

The rest of the book goes on to illustrate the funny and interesting ways in which a dog added to the life of Drew and his mother. As the boy grew up, Darby was there to keep him entertained. Sometimes it seemed Darby was more of a sibling than a pet. The two even competed for prime seating in the car. Throughout the story, the small family went through many changes. They moved to a farm and adopted several other animals. Each one, especially the cat, provided a new challenge for Darby. I enjoyed Steward’s insertion of her guesses at what could be on his mind. Like many dog owners, I often do the same.

© courtesy M.S. book image

By the end of the tale, I was on the verge of tears. As we all know, the life of a dog is much too short. They could live for centuries and it wouldn’t be long enough. The author dealt with the last few years of Darby’s contented life with delicacy. Steward even included valuable notes on helping children say goodbye to a beloved friend. There was sadness, of course, but also joy for the memories they shared.

In my opinion, Darby’s Story is the perfect bed-time story book. While younger children may have a difficult time grasping some of the concepts, I think all would enjoy snuggling down to hear about Darby’s fun adventures with his multi-species family. I know the photo of the large dog sleeping with the baby goat will give me pleasant dreams for many nights to come. 


Want to win a copy of Darby's Story for a special child in your life? Comments here on this post, as well on about this post on our Facebook page, will be entered in a special drawing to win a free copy of Darby's Story. The winner's name will be announced next week on March 11, 2011. 


More on Darby's Story:
The website
The blog
Authorhouse (to purchase your own copy)

5 Minutes for Fido just about always has some sort of commentary on my posts. What are they up to today?

© courtesy K. Tonks

Kristine Tonks is a former history student who has recently discovered a passion for all things dog; she writes Rescued Insanity. If she hadn't adopted her dog, Shiva, from the shelter when she did, the piles of books would have taken over her house. Kristine feels that rescuing Shiva is by far the best thing she has ever done. Kristine also reviewed A Small Furry Prayer Dog Rescue and the Meaning of Life here on All Things Dog Blog.

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Dogs for the PAWS Honors Oliver

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© Annamarie Johnson

Oliver is proud to be a part of the PAWS Pack. He's #74! You can visit all of the other dogs accepted to this project, that honors rescue dogs from around the country, at Dogs for the PAWS. When you're there, be sure to stop in to read Oliver's story: A Retriever Family Adds  a Pocket Pup. 

And one more thing...don't forget to leave a comment for Annamarie. She's done a fabulous job with all the dogs' paintings. Even Oliver is spouting about them today over at 5 Minutes for Fido. Enjoy!

Ask the Vet, with Dr. Pat: Using Teeth to Age a Dog

by Pat Bradley, DVM

© Elizabeth G, reader copyright on file
How Old is Oreo?
The Spiderman in back...

Dear Dr. Pat:


We just recently adopted another toy poodle and he's very energetic, clumsy, and is teething. The rescue is "sure" he is 2, but when we brought him to the vet they said there is no way he's even a year old. I know there is no exact way to find his age, but is there some way I can get an estimate? Maybe his teeth or something? 


Thank you, Elizabeth
------------------------------------------------


Dear Elizabeth:


Ahhhh poodle teeth. Teeth are definitely the most accurate way to tell a dog’s age. Before I talk about poodles specifically, let me talk about teeth in general.


Age:

• 6 weeks: baby teeth start coming in well
• 6 months: all baby teeth have fallen out; adult teeth start coming in
• 1 year: all the adult teeth are in and look perfect and white, like they just came off the showroom floor. (You might even see that sparkle, like when Captain America smiles).

After this, we can only guess by the amount of stain, tartar and wear:

• 1-2 years: a little brown stain, mostly on back teeth and the large canines
• 2-3 years: a little tartar, especially on back teeth
• 3-5 years: moderate tartar and staining on back teeth, some on front teeth
• 5-7 years: moderate-severe tartar and staining
• 7-10 years: wear showing on incisors (those little gnawing teeth in the front)
• Over 10 years: severe tartar and wearing and staining on most teeth.

You can see why it's not uncommon to have people give estimates that are wildly different. What’s the difference between a “little stain” and “moderate stain”? How many dental cleanings has this “unknown dog found wandering in the street” had in the past?


Now specifically to toy poodles, who are almost in a class by themselves. For many of these little guys, their adult teeth never got the message that they were supposed to keep working for the life of the dog. They act like they're supposed to take early retirement and fall out like the baby teeth did.


Personally, I believe the teeth of toy poodles are in cahoots with the tooth fairy. Someone has to keep her employed while the rest of us are taking better care of our teeth.


But let’s get back to your new dog. If he’s “teething”, he’s definitely under a year of age. But it’s also possible that you’ve adopted a new family member who just loves to chew on things. In any case, make sure you give him plenty of safe, healthy chew toys, and lots of love -- no matter how old he is.


Pat

Have a question for Dr. Pat? You can reach her at 
LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com.

For a personal consultation about your pet's needs, visit Holistic Veterinary Services. To read Dr. Pat's other articles, visit herArchives page.

Dr. Pat's opinion or advice does not replace an actual exam with a veterinarian

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