Questions to Ask Before You Adopt A Dog

Thinking about adopting a shelter or rescue dog?  Congratulations!  Your decision to Adopt a Pup will save a life.  Actually, it will save two lives.  You'll be saving the dog you adopt, and by getting one dog out of the shelter you've made room for another pup that needs to be saved as well!

Before you bring your new best friend home though, you'll want to find out as much as you can about the shelter dog, or rescue dog, you'll be adopting.  Here's a list of 9 Important Questions to Ask Before You Adopt A Dog or Puppy.

When you go to a shelter and see all those cute adoptable puppies and dogs, you can't help but want to save them all!  You can't take them all home, but here are the questions you should ask to help you make the best decision on which dog is right for YOU. 

It's important to ensure the dog you adopt is the right fit for you and your family

HOW BIG WILL THIS DOG GET?

As an Adoption Counselor at an animal shelter, one of the first things people often ask is "How Big will this dog get?"  It's an important question.  Considering the breed/mix and current age and size of the dog, shelter staff can estimate fairly well how big a dog will be when full grown. If the dog is a young puppy, it's not as easy. Sometimes you can only guess how big they'll get.  

Most dogs will be full grown by the age of 18 months.  Giant breeds such as Great Danes can continue growing for 2 years.  It's important to know how large a dog could get in case there are size restrictions for dogs in the apartment or the HOA (Home Owners Association) where you live.  

If you have small children it could be a concern that a large dog could jump on the kids and knock them over.  It may not ever become a concern, but it's something you should be prepared for.  You may need some additional training to Prevent your Dog from Jumping up on people.

WHAT BREED OR BREED MIX IS HE?

Ask about the attributes of the breed(s) so you know what to expect.  Energy level and tendencies of the dog's breed are import. If you’re looking for a hiking or running companion then a high energy dog like a Siberian Husky or Border Collie might be a great companion for you.  If you prefer a mellow dog that doesn't need much exercise, a Husky or Border collie may not be a great fit! A dog with a less intense energy level like a Shih Tzu, Boston Terrier, or Basset Hound  may be a better fit for your lifestyle.

WILL SHE SHED A LOT?

Will a dog that sheds a lot be an issue for you?  Just because a dog has a smooth coat or very thin hair that doesn't mean she won’t shed.  My sister has a Pug and the shedding drives her crazy!  

If your tolerance for shedding is low, look for non-shedding breeds or dogs that are mixed with a non shedding breed such as the Poodle, Maltese, Shih Tzu, Goldendoodle, or Bichon Frise.   By all means DON'T get a Siberian Husky!  It "snows" indoors at least twice a year! LOL!!

If shedding is a concern for you, look for a dog that is a non-shedding breed or mixed with non-shedding breeds.

IS HE PEOPLE FRIENDLY AND DOG FRIENDLY?

It's important to find out if a dog is friendly.  Not just friendly towards people but friendly towards other dogs as well, or at least not aggressive towards other dogs. Shelter staff and volunteers don't always know for sure, but at most shelters and rescues they behavior test them to tell if a dog likes people and other dogs. They assess the dog upon intake and they interact with him on a regular basis. If they have play groups for the dogs they’ll be able to tell if he’s dog friendly or if he dislikes being around other dogs. 

I HAVE A DOG AT HOME, CAN I BRING HIM IN TO MEET THIS DOG?

Sometimes people who already have a dog(s) worry about bringing another dog into their home.  Ask the shelter to arrange a meeting with your current dog and the one you want to adopt to see if they get along. If they can’t accommodate a meeting, make sure you can bring the dog back if he doesn't get along with your current dog(s).  Ask for guidance on how to properly introduce the dog to your current pets.  Set the dogs up for success, don't just throw them together and hope it works out!

I wasn't sure how Icy and Phoebe would get along, but with the right introduction they became close sisters!

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE ADOPTION FEE?

Ask what’s included in the adoption fee and what additional costs you might have to pay.  Most shelters and many rescues will have the dog spayed/neutered and include that in the adoption fee.  Vaccinations required up to the dog’s current age, such as Rabies, may also be included.  If you’re adopting a puppy, vaccinations and spay/neuter may need to be done later, at your cost.

DOES SHE HAVE ANY MEDICAL PROBLEMS THAT YOU KNOW OF?

Ask if the dog has been treated for any illness or injury at the shelter, or if they are aware of any medical  issues.  If so, ask about follow-up care, prognosis, and potential costs. Kennel Cough and other respiratory illnesses are common in a shelter environment. I fostered an awesome dog with a terrible case of kennel cough. I had to be careful because I had a dog myself at home and my foster needed to be quarantined in a separate room for a couple of weeks.  

Some shelters will send you home with necessary medications for minor ailments. Ask if the dog's illness is contagious and what precautions may be needed if you have other dogs at home. Ask about known behavioral concerns as well and how best to address them.

WHERE DID THIS DOG COME FROM, HOW LONG HAS HE BEEN HERE?

Ask whether the dog was a stray picked up on the street, an owner surrender, puppy mill or hoarder rescue.  Most will probably be strays with little background information, but ask if there is any information on the dog’s history that might be helpful.

Ask how long the dog has been in the shelter.  Sometimes, long term shelter pets may have become fearful or withdrawn to some degree. They've been living much of their lives in a cage and may need some extra TLC and time to re-adjust to having space and being a pet again!  

I shared a blog post about a beautiful long term shelter dog who had been at the shelter for over 2 years!  I eventually found out she was adopted. I was so happy for her and I'm grateful to whomever adopted her.

If the dog was an owner surrender, ask why the owner gave him up. But be aware that sometimes owners lie. They have been known to say that a dog is a "bad dog" when in reality they just didn't put the time in to train the dog, or had unrealistic expectations. 

My foster dog Rudy was the Best dog!  I wanted to adopt him so badly, but it wasn't the right time for us to add another dog to our family.

WHAT'S THIS DOG'S STORY?

There may be little known about the dog's history, but try to find out whatever you can.  Any information they can provide is helpful. 

Ask if the dog has ever bitten anyone that they know of, or if he displays aggression during feeding or playing with toys.  "Resource Guarding" can be a potentially dangerous behavior if it's not dealt with properly.  This type of behavior should have been detected on intake of the dog, but ask to be sure. 

When shelters say that an adoptable dog "should be the only pet in the home" it usually means they do not get along with other dogs or cats, and they may even be aggressive. Ask the question!

Ask if they know whether or not the dog has any fear of, or issues with; kids, cats or other pets, men, etc.

You can ask if the dog is potty trained. Puppies almost never are, older dogs often are. One good indication that shelter staff and volunteers see is if a dog "holds it in" for a long time, not wanting to soil their kennel, it often means they've been potty trained at some point. They're trying to hold it in until someone takes them outside!  

Dogs who defecate in their kennels, stepping in or laying in their poo, are often not house-broken at all.  They can certainly be trained, it just takes some time.  

Any dog brought into a new home environment needs to be shown when and how they are expected to potty. You can't expect them to figure out where the doors are or when and where they're expected to do their business all on their own!

Asking these questions can help you make the best decision about which dog is right for your family, and will give you an idea of what to expect as you bring your new best friend home. Avoid the heartbreak of finding out that you can't handle the dog you've adopted or that the dog isn't a good fit for you. No one should have to go through the pain of returning their adopted dog to the shelter, especially the dog!

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OTHER BLOG POSTS YOU MAY LIKE:

If you've adopted a dog with fear issues, find tips on how to Help your Fearful Dog.

Is your heart set on a particular breed of dog?  No need to shop, there are Breed Specific Resuce Organizations for nearly every breed of dog! 

I know it's tempting, especially during the holidays, but Please Don't get someone else a puppy as a gift! Getting a puppy for someone else could turn out to be the worst "gift" you ever give.

Leave us a comment and tell us what other questions you think are important to ask when adopting a new pet? 

Adoptable Dogs In Need of Love & Exposure

There are two adoptable dogs at the BIDEAWEE Animal Shelter in New York, where I volunteer, that are waiting for someone to love them and give them a loving home.  Pace and Gracie are not as easy to find homes for as some of the other adoptable dogs at the shelter, for a couple of reasons. They both need some extra help and exposure to find their forever homes.  

I'm sharing their stories here in the hope that readers will share these dogs on social media to help get them in front of more people.  The more exposure these two dogs get, the better their chances will be of finding their forever homes.  I'm asking for your help to spread the word about these two dogs in need of loving homes.

Adorable Pace recently had hip surgery and will need some extra love and care.

One of these dogs in need is Pase, an adorable and super loving dog who just had hip surgery.  Pace needs a home that can provide a lot of extra care.  He may potentially need follow up hip surgeries as well.

Pase is a goofy, energetic, and snuggly two year old Labrador Retriever mix who came to BIDEAWEE in early November, 2016 from Alabama. Pase weighs in at 65 pounds, but he's 65 pounds of love! His beautiful brown eyes sparkle with curiosity, watching everything around him. His smile is large and happy, and when you catch him smiling you're sure to feel your mood elevate as well. 

Pase gets along well with other dogs, although a meet and greet is always recommended!  While he's gentle, he's also fairly large at 65 lbs and very energetic, so the Bideawee animal shelter recommends he go to a home without young children.

Pace is positively Adorable!!  This sweetie needs a home with people who can provide some extra TLC.

Pase also considers himself a lap dog and isn't totally aware of his size relative to yours! How many of us have experienced that, LOL!?  He'll wiggle his way towards you and try and curl up in a ball in your lap. Despite his best efforts, he's rarely able to fit his whole body in your lap and will resort to being half on & half off. 

His dream forever home has an active and attentive owner who will give him all the love, exercise, and stimulation this adorable boy needs. Pase would be thrilled to live with somebody who works from home as he gets bored easily and loves companionship. But hey, who doesn't need a 65 pound fur-ball as a coworker!?

The other dog available for adoption is a stunning pooch named Gracie. Boasting a dark ebony coat, with beautiful be-speckled paws and the deepest brown eyes you've ever seen, this girl is simply gorgeous! During her time at Bideawee, Gracie has already won over the staff and volunteers with her sweet personality!  

Stunning Gracie is shy but loving and full of personality!

This sweet girl is definitely shy at first, but once she knows you, her sparkling personality shines bright!  Gracie is an active girl, who would love a family that will enjoy spending time taking her on long walks, and exploring different places.  All this sweet girl needs is a family that will be by her side, guiding her through life! 

Both of these beautiful shelter dogs are badly in need of a second chance at love and life.  They are available for adoption from BIDEAWEE, Long Island New York.  Founded in 1903, Bideawee is America's first No-Kill animal rescue!

If you interested in adopting a dog, I hope you will please consider Pace or Gracie!

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Two Adoptable Dogs Looking For LOVE!

There are several days in April devoted to pet adoption, but really Anytime is a great time to give a shelter pet a home!  There are so many pets in need at shelters and rescues everywhere.

Today I'm spotlighting two dogs beautiful shelter dogs who are in need of a loving home.  They are from Bideawee, in Long Island New York.  I grew up on Long Island, and Bideawee has been a fixture in our community ever since I can remember.  Talk to any native Long Islander and chances are a good percentage of them will say they adopted a pet from Bideawee at some point in their lives!

The two dogs I'm spotlighting today are Frank and Neida.  They are Long Stay adoptable animals at Bideawee who need a little extra care and patience.  They are part of Bideawee's Long Stay Animals, known as the Bideawee Bunch.  Frank and Neida have been waiting for quite some time for that special person or family to take them home! 

Neida, a beautiful girl in need of a loving home

It isn't every day that you meet a lady as unique and gorgeous as this gal! Please allow me to introduce you to Neida, a Border Collie/Terrier mix. She is a stunningly beautiful 6-year-old pooch, who boasts one sky blue eye, and one that's cocoa-brown! Neida is full of personality and affection and has been with us here at Bideawee for over a year. 

Neida's dream home would be the one that can give her all the time and patience that she deserves, so she can settle in, and bond with her family gently and quietly. She longs for a family that she can trust, and who will make her feel safe. In return, Neida promises a lifetime of love, friendship, and faithfulness. 

Handsome Frank is looking for someone to love who will love him back!

Everyone please come on over and meet Frank! He is a charming and handsome 3 year old Chinese Shar-Pei mix, who dons the most adorable little ears! If they don't get you, Frank's wrinkly face and happy-go-lucky smile certainly will. Over-flowing with spirit and love, Frank is gung-ho for his people pals and playtime alike. He loves to run around and play games! Weighing in at 50 pounds, he's a great size for anyone seeking a medium-sized companion! Frank is seeking an adult-only home that can provide him with daily exercise, adventures, and playtime. A home with a canine companion is a possibility as well, as long as Frank and his future doggie siblings hit it off on the meet and greet! If Frank sounds like the one, please ask about adopting him today.  

Frank and Neida's adoption fees have already been covered so their adoptions are FREE!  Contact BIDEAWEE if you are interested in Frank (ID: 1650 or Neida (ID: 0809) they're at the West Hampton location.

Bideawee is America's First No-Kill Animal Rescue, saving lives since 1903

There was a third dog named Scout in the Bideawee Bunch that I was supposed to spotlight as well.  He had been at Bideawee for Five long years!  That is way too long for any pet to wait for a loving home!  I just learned that Scout has finally been adopted!  I am overjoyed to see this long timer finally go to a forever HOME.  Scout is proof that no matter how bleak a shelter pet's future seems, there is always hope.

Bideawee is a wonderful organization.  They do so much for pets in need throughout our community.  They are extra special to me for two reasons;  

😺 Icy and I do our Therapy Dog volunteer work through Bideawee.  They provide us with assignment where we can do the most good helping people, and they give us the support we need to do so.

😺 The biggest reason Bideawee is so special to me is that I'm filled with gratitude to them for giving my family the joy of our lives, Ginny, a Golden Retriever mix.  I was 7 years old when we got Ginny, and in my early twenties when we lost her.  Having Ginny in my life was so important to me, she was one of the greatest gifts a child could have in her life.  She was my true Heart Dog.  

My childhood dog Ginny, the joy of my life.  I'm so grateful to have loved you, I'll never stop missing you my sweet girl.

Frank and Neida could be one of the greatest gifts in someone's life too, if given the chance.  I hope you'll consider giving Frank or Neida a loving home.  If you can't adopt right now, please share this to help them find a loving home with someone else!

Thank You!!

A RESCUE ORGANIZATION FOR EVERY DOG BREED

There's a breed-specific rescue organization for nearly every breed of dog out there!  If you want a puppy or dog and you have your heart set on a specific breed of dog, please consider a rescue organization for that breed before hitting the local puppy store,  buying a dog online, or even before contacting reputable breeders. 

There's a rescue organization for nearly every dog breed

When you get a dog online, you know virtually nothing about the dog or the person behind the dog.  You have no idea what you're getting into or what the real story is with respect to the dog's health or background. That dog may even have been stolen and is being re-sold online!  Puppy stores also have the reputation of getting many of their puppies from puppy mills, where the breeding dogs are kept in horrific conditions.  If you don't want to support or encourage those efforts, you can still get the dog breed of your dreams, from a breed specific dog rescue organization. 

Do a Google search of rescue organizations for the breed of dog you want and you'll no doubt find a bunch of listings.  For example,  I adopted Phoebe from the county shelter when I lived in Phoenix. She's a Havanese (a mix actually). Phoebe is such a sweet, smart little dog, typical for that breed.  If I wanted to get another Havanese dog or puppy, I'd do a search on  "Havanese Rescue Organizations in [my city or state]".  That search will turn up numerous listings of places I could adopt a Havanese dog from, close to my area.  It's much faster and more efficient than waiting and hoping that the dog breed of your dreams will land in an animal shelter close to you.

I could scour all the local animal shelters and adoption web sites waiting for that perfect Havanese to appear, but I may not be successful.  Although many purebred and designer dogs pass through shelters, it's hit or miss and they tend to get adopted very quickly.  As an Adoption Counselor at the shelter, I could always tell which dogs would go fast.  Most of the purebreds and Anything-A-Poo type dogs were the first to be adopted.  

There's A Rescue Organization For Nearly Every Dog Breed

While I was volunteering at the Phoenix shelter, I kept searching for a Siberian Husky puppy to come into the shelter.  I had everyone on alert in case one came through.  At the time, I really wanted a puppy, but of the very few Huskies that came through our shelter the youngest one was at least a year old.  I had just started volunteering and wasn't aware that there were specific rescue organizations out there, lots of them.  Now I know better!

One of the benefits of adopting a dog from a rescue is that unlike many animal shelters, most rescues have the resources and the time to really get to know the pets in their care.  They can work with the dog on issues such as walking on leash, potty training, or behavioral issues like resource guarding or fearfulness.  They're able to spend the time needed to prepare the dog for adoption and find the right person or family to facilitate a successful adoption.  Shelters don't usually have that luxury, especially municipal shelters who are notoriously underfunded and understaffed. 

If you think you might be ready for a puppy or a dog soon, start researching rescue organizations for the breed of dog you want  now.  It can take time to find that specific breed of dog ready to be adopted from a quality rescue.   If you're willing and able to drive into a neighboring state to get your dream dog, expand your online search to include rescues in neighboring states as well.  

Locate a couple of rescues that may be able to supply you with the pup you want.  If they have a Facebook page, start connecting with them!  Let them get to know you.  Don't be that stranger who emails and says "Hi, I want a French Bulldog puppy... can I come get one this weekend?"  That won't go over very well.

Rescues aren't like the county shelter, with totally open adoption policies.  They're usually pretty careful about who they adopt their dogs out to.  Expect them to ask you some questions - possibly lots of questions! They want to make sure the dog is going to the right home and that the owner and dog are a good fit to ensure a lasting match.

There are Rescue Organizations for nearly every breed of dog

Be prepared before you reach out to a breed specific rescue organization.  You want to demonstrate that you are knowledgeable about the breed of dog you want and that you understand the needs of that breed.  

For example, if you wanted a Husky they'll want to be sure you understand that a Husky is a very high energy dog that needs a ton of exercise and that they can be sly escape artists.  If you lead a sedentary lifestyle and have no fenced in yard, you are likely to be rejected as a Husky adopter.  

Don't feel offended if the rescue organization asks questions about your home environment, your lifestyle, and whether or not you can afford Veterinary care.  They're asking because they want to make a good match for the dog and for you, one that will last the dog's lifetime.  When you initially connect with the rescue, try to find out what their adoption requirements are so you will be prepared.

There are rescue organizations for most dog breeds, including Siberian Huskies

When we are ready to add another Husky to our family, I definitely want that Husky to be a rescue.  I already know a couple of rescue organizations I want to work with and I'm connected with them online.

I hope this will help you Adopt Rather Than Shop even if you have your heart set on a specific breed of dog or cat.  Happy Tails!!

Check out more of our dog tips & information in these posts:

8 Questions To Ask Before Adopting A Dog

Dog Theft Is Increasing! How To Prevent Dog Theft

A Puppy For Christmas?  Wait, Not So Fast!

Have you adopted a pet from a breed specific rescue, or do you plan to?  Tell us about it in the comments, you know how much we love hearing from you!

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A Tale of Two Spay Neuter Tragedies

I wasn't going to write another post on the importance of spaying and neutering pets but some recent conversations have compelled me to do so. 

February was SPAY/NEUTER AWARENESS MONTH. All month long people were blogging about the importance of spaying and neutering pets, but not everyone agrees and not everyone is concerned about not spaying and neutering pets.

One of many unneutered dogs that ended up in the shelter

I'd like to share the stories of two dogs who were not spayed and neutered.  Things took a serious turn for the worse because of it.

The first story is about my sister's beautiful Dalmation, Suki.  I want to stress that this happened years ago, and she would never be persuaded like this again. My sister got Suki from a "professional breeder".  Suki was apparently show quality but the breeder agreed to sell her to my sister at a pet quality price if my sister would agree to breed her at least once, allow the breeder to show her, and give the breeder pick of the litter of puppies. My sister really wanted Suki and thought having a litter of puppies would be a fun "experience".  She was dead wrong. 

The breeder's contract stipulated that Suki was not to be indiscriminately bred, the Breeder would provide an appropriate male stud when the time was right. She cautioned my sister about guarding Suki when she came into heat, explaining that an un-neutered male within a mile or more can scent a dog in heat and would go to great lengths to get to her.

My sister did her best to guard the chastity of her sweet girl. However, while on a potty break in their own backyard an un-neutered neighbor dog jumped their 6 foot fence and mated with her. It happened in what seemed like seconds to my sister, and she couldn't get that dog off Suki!

Poor Suki ended up preggers. My sister called the breeder, who proceeded to chew her out (pardon the pun) for "not being careful"  What was she supposed to do, get a medieval chastity belt for the dog?!

So my sister brought Suki to the vet to abort the puppies. I know, sounds awful but my sister had signed a contract agreeing not to "indiscriminately" breed her pure bred dog. The breeder steadfastly insisted on terminating the dog's pregnancy and made breach of contract threats to my sister! Apparently, if she had puppies with a mutt poor Suki would be ruined for life. She could no longer be considered a "show quality" dog or breed show quality Dalmation puppies in the future.

But something went terribly wrong during surgery and Suki nearly bled to death! Thankfully they were able to save her and had to perform an emergency hysterectomy. Don't even ask about the breeders response to that - Yikes! 

It was touch & go for awhile, but in the end Suki was a happy, healthy member of the family bringing joy to everyone for many years! Except that time she jumped up on the dining table and snatched all the S'mores fixings I had laid out during a family BBQ - LOL!!  Angel Suki, you are still sorely missed. We'll never forget you sweet girl.

An un-neutered male dog who ended up at the shelter where I volunteered

This next crazy incident happened to a nice couple we met in one of my dog Icy's training classes. They had two gorgeous Leonbergers, a male and a female.  In the contract, the breeder they got the dogs from stipulated that they were not to spay or neuter the dogs until they were 2 years old. 

Many Veterinarians and breeders state that giant dog breeds shouldn't be spayed until they reach their full height at around 2 years old for purposes of bone and joint growth. They feel that if the dog is spayed/neutered before 2 years old there is a greater chance of joint issues such as hip dysplasia.  I'm not a Veterinary health professional so I'm not qualified to confirm or dispute that.

The couple did their best to keep their two dogs apart, but eventually the inevitable happened and the female ended up pregnant at about a year old.  She had beautiful puppies, which the couple decided to sell on the internet (Grrrr!!).  The 6 pups were all pre-sold to people the couple had never met. 

Adorable videos were posted online for the future parents so they could keep up with the pups' growth.  All was well until they were 8 weeks old.  The puppies went to their new homes, all except one. The one puppy couldn't go to her new home because she became sick. Very, very sick. After weeks of suffering for the puppy and several thousand dollars in treatment for the owners, the little girl had to be humanely euthanized by their Veterinarian. They couldn't save this poor little puppy.

It was utterly devastating for the couple.  They felt so awful and grieved the sweet little puppy so deeply. 

Please spay and neuter your pets!

Why am I sharing these tragic stories with you?  I'm doing it to illustrate how difficult it can be to prevent unwanted litters when you don't spay and neuter. And sometimes the consequences aren't just a few puppies you can't find homes for, sometimes the consequences are far greater. 

If your Veterinarian advises a family to wait until a certain age to spay/neuter their pet for medical reasons, I understand. But please know the risks in doing so and put safeguards in place. Ask your Veterinarian or breeder for suggestions on how to prevent pregnancy in dogs.

Having two dogs (or cats) of both genders living in the same house that are not spayed or neutered is a disaster waiting to happen.  It was foolish of the breeder to think the couple above would be able to keep the dogs apart, living under the same roof, for nearly 2 years!  The breeder should have advised them to wait until one of the dogs was old enough to spay or neuter before bringing another dog into the household.

A sweet shelter kitty whose owner had passed away.

What do you think the dog owners in these two stories could have done to avoid these tragic outcomes?  What would you have done differently?  Please leave us a comment and share your thoughts, we love when you Bark & Meow back at us!

If this resonates with you, you may also like my earlier post on Tens of Thousands of Puppies From One Dog.

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You can't BUY Love but you can adopt It!

Money can't buy me love, but adoption sure can!  Phoebe is living proof of that.

Don't you agree?  Leave us your thoughts in the comments, we always love to hear from you!

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5 Hero Dogs and a Human

Awhile back I had the privilege of volunteering at one of the most fun and heartwarming events of the year, the 13th annual HERO Awards in Phoenix, Arizona!  The event benefited the Phoenix county shelter, with proceeds going towards low cost and free spay/neuter services the shelter provides to the community.


Diva, an amazing therapy dog who was honored at the Hero Awards

 

Award winners are animals who have demonstrated outstanding courage, ability to overcome extreme challenges, and the will to survive.  Also honored is one Human Hero, someone who has made an exceptional contribution to the lives of animals.

To celebrate the positive impact animals have on our lives, 5 exceptional Hero Dogs and one Human Hero were honored.  Grab a tissue because you'll be both inspired and moved to tears by their stories!

DIVA:
Diva is a Therapy Dog who, for the past 9 years, has brought joy and healing to hundreds of kids at Phoenix Children's Hospital.   When she's not busy visiting sick children in the hospital, she's working with kids in local schools, helping them improve their reading and writing skills.  Diva was a HUGE hit a the hero Awards, surrounded by adoring fans all evening!  She has the prettiest smile and the most loving temperament.  I loved meeting Diva and talking with her family, especially since my dog Icy and I are also a Therapy Dog team!



Me with Diva and her Mom, an incredible woman who serves our community in many ways.

CHARLIE:
Charlie came into the shelter as a puppy with his fur half gone and his skin torn and itchy.  He had a horrible case of mange.  He was in such bad shape that he was slated for euthanasia!  Lucky for Charlie, a wonderful local rescue group, Medical Animals in Need  (MAIN) rescued him and later found him a loving home with a family that included a seeing eye dog named Kagan. A strong bond formed between the two dogs, they're inseparable and are considered a seeing-eye team!  These dogs and their parents were so sweet, I really enjoyed spending time with them. Charlie was super sweet and never left Kagan's side.




Charlie (left) with Kagan and their parents.  You can just see the unbreakable bond these two dogs have!

LEO:
On his 10th combat rotation in Afghanistan, Army Ranger SFC Cory Remsburg suffered a traumatic brain injury.  He spent 3 months in a medically induced coma followed by 3 years in hospitals and rehab centers, working to regain speech and movement.  Leo is his service dog, who Cory credits as being one of the most crucial remedies in his recovery.  Leo was himself close to death, on a euthanasia list in North Carolina.  Cory's sister rescued Leo specifically with her brother in mind.  She somehow knew these two, who had both escaped death, would end up healing each other!  

Leo is a beautiful dog with a dark, thick fluffy coat.  Slight flecks of brindle reflected off the lights.  On stage receiving their Hero Award  and pendant for Leo, Cory joked about Leo's breed, saying he did a DNA test because everyone kept asking what kind of dog he was.  According to the DNA test, Leo is a combination of just about every breed of dog known to man, LOL!  Cory has become a celebrity in his own right, traveling extensively, sharing a message of hope and inspiration.  He's even met and been honored by President Obama.  Leo and Cory are both heroes, I'm so glad I had the opportunity to meet them!



One of the wonderful items available in the silent auction was a photo on canvas of Heidi, a Scout dog who served in Viet Nam.  I love this piece, such a beautiful dog!  Decades ago, families donated their dogs to the war effort.  I consider myself to be patriotic but I have to admit, I couldn't possibly give my dog up to go to war!

RONIN:
Ronin, a K9 Officer was fatally shot during pursuit of a gunman who had been threatening local businesses and innocent bystanders. The armed suspect ran through a neighborhood with Ronin and his partner, Officer Zygmont in hot pursuit.  When the gunman was cornered he opened fire, critically wounding Officer Zygmont and killing Ronin.  Ronin is a true hero who made the ultimate sacrifice.  In memory of his K9 partner, Officer Zygmont and his wife formed the non-profit Blue Line K9, which offers support and financial assistance to K9 teams across the country.  I am grateful to both Officer Zygmont and to Ronin for their service to our community.  Rest In Peace, angel Ronin.

STORMY:
Stormy, a gorgeous German Shepherd, was found at a construction site following a severe monsoon.  She was rescued by construction workers from underneath heavy debris.  To their surprise, Stormy wasn't along under there - she had a litter of puppies with her!  They had to be dug out by hand to prevent the structure from collapsing.  Stormy was in bad shape; emaciated and anemic, she had wires deeply embedded in her skin.  If that wasn't bad enough, she had a prolapsed uterus, a belly full of gravel since she had no food, and advanced heartworm disease.  She was given a 25% chance of survival, but she fought hard for herself and her puppies.  She and her puppies ultimately survived and thrived!  Stormy is so sweet and loving, it was a pleasure to meet her and her owner.

I'm holding Ranger, a super sweet dog who had been in the shelter for 6 long months before finding his forever home at the Hero Awards!  Congrats to Ranger and his new Mom!

Dr. Kit Slocum:
The Human Hero award went to "Dr. Kit", a local Veterinarian, for her tireless work helping animals in low income and underserved communities.  Many low income pet owners don't have access to transportation so Dr. Kit bought a mobile RV clinic and drives Vet services directly to them.  By reducing unwanted litters in Phoenix area neighborhoods with high numbers of strays, Dr. Kit has helped reduce the number of animals entering shelters. It's estimated that she has saved approximately 10,000 lives from euthanasia!  That certainly says Hero in my book.

CONGRATULATIONS to these deserving Hero Award recipients!

"Since 2006, Friends of Animal Care and Control has funded over 91,000 surgeries through the Spay Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP) preventing hundreds of thousands unwanted dogs and cats from entering our Valley shelters.  In fact, the ASPCA calculated that every two spay/neuter surgeries performed in Maricopa County, directly reduces euthanasia in our shelters by one dog or cat! This means there is no more cost effective way to save a life than by funding spay & neuter."

"...Since the Spay Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP) was launched in 2006, 55,000 fewer pets have lost their lives in Maricopa County shelters..."

- Friends of Animal Care and Control

This wonderful event, held at the beautiful Montelucia Resort & Spa, was hosted by Friends of Animal Care and Control and sponsored in large part by PetSmart Charities.