Archive for November 2008


Angels for Shelter Dogs

November 30th, 2008 — 06:40 am
dog rescue
Angels for shelter dogs are also known as dog rescue transport volunteers and coordinators. What these volunteers do saves countless dogs from being euthanized due to overcrowding in shelters.

The way it works is when a shelter’s space begins to be limited for additional dogs, a call goes out to a volunteer who handles the coordination of transporting the dogs from the shelter to dog rescue groups. This is much easier said than done! The process is very detailed and one glitch can cancel the entire arrangement.

The two groups that the volunteer coordinates are the rescuers and the transporters. The rescuers rehabilitate the dogs, network with other groups and find homes for the dogs. The transporters actually ferry the dogs to the rescuers, many times at their own cost.

The coordinator makes the calls, ensures the drivers have maps, chooses a meeting point, does all the paperwork to get the dogs out of the shelter and into dog crates or dog carriers, makes sure there are leashes and collars, and that their vaccinations are current. All of this costs money!

The volunteers’ reward comes when the dogs are placed in foster homes and then adopted by a loving owner. Countless hours are donated by these caring volunteers. They do a real service to their communities by saving lives, as well as saving taxpayer money.

If you’d like to get involved, please contact your local shelter and volunteer, or provide a cash donation to help defray the costs of this worthwhile endeavor.



By: Debbie Foster

About the Author:

Debbie Foster is a lover of animals and owns Pet Beds Unlimited.com. You’ll find a wide selection of quality pet beds, dog crates, dog carriers, dog pens, cat beds, cat carriers, large dog beds and pet strollers at http://petbedsunlimited.com.



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Comment » | Pets

8 Things to Do Before You Adopt a Dog

November 28th, 2008 — 07:25 pm
dog rescue
Numbers are just numbers. They are representative of real things but carry no real meaning without association. Two apples. Three children. Ten dollars. If I don’t put at least one word at the end of those numbers, they wouldn’t mean much to you. You can’t just walk up to somebody on the street, blurt out, “Fifteen,” and expect them to understand what you’re trying to get across. The words which surround the number give it power. The opposite also holds true.

If I say to you, “4 million,” that probably doesn’t mean anything. If I say to you, “dogs put to death,” that probably carries some emotional strength. But if I combine numbers and words and tell you that a conservative 4 million dogs are put to death every year in the US alone, that might give you pause. It certainly raised my eyebrows, particularly because it’s an accurate figure.

With so many dogs needlessly facing a premature death, the banner has gone up. There are dog rescues everywhere. There are good people devoting time and energy to give these poor animals a second chance. Most importantly, there are folks like you and me who are willing to adopt these lovable creatures in the hopes of sparing a life and making them a part of our family and I applaud every one of you who has done so.

For those of you considering joining our ranks and adopting a dog in need, I wish you years of love and companionship. But it would be irresponsible not to warn you to know what you are getting into before you take the plunge. Better to save the right dog for you and your family than to make a failed attempt and be turned off the experience. With that in mind, consider the following points before you head off to save a life and remember that it is important that you adopt the dog which best fits your lifestyle and personality. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! The more you know the better!

1. Try to find out some history on your prospective pooch. Was he a stray? Did his former owner turn him in? A little background investigation can help you and your new friend adjust as you begin your new life together.

2. If the dog was turned in by its previous owner, try to determine why. Most common reasons such a moving, landlords and divorce don’t make much of a difference. But behavioral problems are certainly relevant factors.

3. Try to estimate the dog’s age or have a veterinarian provide you an educated guess. An older dog may require more medical care. That’s not a reason not to adopt. Old dogs need love as much as (or more than) young dogs. But it may mean additional considerations you want to be prepared for.

4. Does the dog have any known medical or behavioral issues? If so, are they extreme? You should know what you’re getting into before you take your pup home and be sure you’re qualified and capable of providing the additional time and patience required for a “special needs” dog.

5. Has the dog shown aggression towards other animals? If you already own pets and are adopting an addition, try to find out if the dog has had problems with other animals while at the shelter or rescue. Regardless the answer, introduce your new pet to the existing “pack” cautiously.

6. How long has the dog been living at the shelter? A continuously caged environment isn’t a natural environment for a dog. They will often unlearn previously understood rules such as housebreaking. A lengthy stay does not rule out a pet as adoptable, but, knowing the length of its stay will prepare you to be patient with its training when it comes home with you.

7. What breed is the dog and what are that breed’s characteristic traits? Be sure to get a dog that matches your life style! If you are a couch potato, a high energy dog which requires a lot of exercise may not be the best fit for you.

8. Finally, what is the shelter or rescue group’s return policy? Despite your best intentions, you may discover you and your dog are not a good fit after you bring him home. If you do need to return the dog, it is a good idea to know the official return policy in advance. Most rescue groups insist that you return the dog directly to them rather than gifting it to another owner or taking it to another shelter. In fact, it is often stated in the contract you sign with them during the adoption process.

Rescuing a dog is a wonderful act! Having decided to adopt, take your time, ASK QUESTIONS and get the pup that best fits your personality and lifestyle. A little advance recon will better prepare you both for a lasting, happily-ever-after friendship worth all the time spent and more.



By: David Hobbs

About the Author:

David is a contributing writer for www.bunnyroobeagle.com, a site devoted to the love, care, feeding and adoption of dogs, cats and more exotic pets.



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Comment » | Pets

Where can I get a rescue dog for the disabled?

November 28th, 2008 — 06:25 pm
rescue dog
Xai asked:


My husband and I live in a lovely house in the countryside with our little boy, and have decided that it’s time now for us to get a dog. We want to get a rescue dog, for obvious reasons, and a few years back I met a lady who worked for a dogs for the disabled charity. She told me that they often have dogs who have either failed the training or are considered too old to work anymore. We feel that highly trained dog like this would be ideal for us however I no longer know the number of the charity she worked for. Can anyone give me a lead to a similar charity? We live in Hampshire (UK).
Chetco that news story was from about 8 miles away from where I live! Arwen thanks for those links – I have e mailed them all this morning.

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5 comments » | Dogs

Can you guess the puppy? (no mixed breeds)?

November 28th, 2008 — 10:07 am
uk rescue dog
Cocobutter asked:


I felt like putting this up ’cause I thought you would like a fun game. Just guess the breeds. (none of them are mixed). Which ever got the most correct (or closest, if it was a tie) wins!!!!!

The puppies:

1. http://topdrawerpup.com/assets/images/January%2013%20Shiz%20Tzu%20cross.jpg

2. http://www.flashbackkennel.com/soldpoopup1b.jpg

3. http://www.pjlighthouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/cute-chihuahua-love-heart-puppy-pjlighthouse-02.jpg

4. http://www.bbc.co.uk/northyorkshire/content/images/2006/01/25/puppy_4_weeks_300×400.jpg

5. http://www.k9stud.com/images/MinpinGal/MinpinGal_A20083875852.jpg

6. http://www.allsmalldogbreeds.com/images/smalldogbreeds/klein-german-spitz.jpg

7. http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/images18/CotonDeTulearJuicy2MonthPuppy.JPG

8. http://www.gotpetsonline.com/pictures-gallery/dog-pictures-breeders-puppies-rescue/boston-terrier-pictures-breeders-puppies-rescue/pictures/boston-terrier-0229.jpg

9. http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b177/KevinColden/SS%20Images/FinneganFrenchBulldog.jpg

10. http://www.breederretriever.com/photopost/data/721/pekingese4.jpg

That’s all!

Please answer my question if you can: Where can i find hoshi no kaabi episode 67?

Thanks SO much!

PS: I will give answers when i choose best answer!

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9 comments » | Dogs

How do I go about finding reputable dog breader?

November 27th, 2008 — 03:50 pm
uk dog rescue
destiny asked:


I have been looking for a Pug terrier for sometime (not just for christmas!!) I would like to buy one in the new year! Can someone recommend a good breader in the UK?

I would also consider a rescue a dog!
Hello….I stated UK!!!!
Thank you tejas_yuki JML for your very insightive, helpful answers…and for actually reading the question before answering!!!

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7 comments » | Dogs

Career Dog Training

November 27th, 2008 — 04:54 am

Things to Know Before Considering a Career in Dog Training

People who are really passionate about dogs will sometime choose a life’s career in this field so they can use their love for dogs everyday to help them, making it their goal to become a professional dog trainer.

Do you fall in the category of people who pursue their career in dog training just because someone said it is a good thing to do, or, because you have fallen so in love with dogs and want to fall even deeper?

Respect for Fundamentals

Before choosing a career in dog training you should know it not only requires a love for dogs, you also need knowledge about their basic behaviors, and you will need the skills on how to handle and discipline them properly. Experienced dog trainers have a good working relationship with many dog owners, dog handlers and of course their pets.

What is your “Dog Division”?

There are two types of careers in the dog world: the pet service training and the dog training. Both are very popular in demand however, there are more opportunities in the dog training field verses a career in pet service training.

Pet dog training involves teaching the dog how to live as a companion with his master and learning the basics such as obedience, being potty trained and learning acceptable behaviors which may include eliminating bad behaviors such as biting and barking.

Service training, on the other hand, involves specified training on services required by people with disabilities and those undergoing therapy. Some service dog trainers teach dogs to be search and rescue dogs such as the ever important police dogs or even hunting dogs.

These are highly intensive trainings and require the handler to get sufficient preparation to lead the dog in employing its specialized functions.

Understanding of Canine Psychology

A good dog trainer will need to understand a dogs behavior, the way they think and why they react to certain things. Trainers will need to constantly work with a dog to teach them to react in a desired way to any given command. Trainer should understand the basics of associative conditioning.

Where Can You Learn Dog Training Education?

A dog training career requires that you have basic skills in dog training and handling. There are no degrees in dog training yet, for there are no colleges and universities offering such. The good news is that there are dog ’academies’ or ’schools’ that provide the basic training you will need. Still it must be said the best dog trainers have a natural abilities with dogs and are often self taught on how to be successful when handling them.

Some have apprenticed with excellent dog trainers while others simply have a natural talent for training dogs. There are also a number of dog training organizations that could provide the latest information on dog training.

A good dog trainer works with both the attitudes of people and dogs

Dog training involves training the handlers of the dog as well Therefore if you are pursuing a career in this field, it is very important that you have good people skills and that you can tolerate all types of people.

There are impatient owners who expect fast learning from their dogs, and they are reluctant to taking advice openly, however, others are relatively open to suggestions. During your career in dog training you will be working with both types of dog handlers and many other personality types too. In short, a career in dog training is not only limited to dog training but also an experience of people training as well.

Dog training is not limited to “training” alone; there are also certain aspects that you should be knowledgeable of, like the maintenance of proper dog hygiene, nutrition and grooming.

Having a vast knowledge of what accessories to use and training aids that are available will help during dog competitions. It is also important to be able to distinguish different dog breeds and have an understanding of their fundamental differences.

You don’t have to be a master in dog training to be an excellent trainer; you only have to develop certain skills necessary in working with dogs and their handlers, by using sufficient knowledge on theories, then have the capacity to use them in a practical way.

Comment » | Dogs

Labrador Retrievers Make A Great Family Pet

November 27th, 2008 — 04:54 am

For those of you considering having a pet dog, it would be a great idea for you to get a Labrador Retriever dog for a pet. The popularity of this type of dog is on the increase and there are a lot good reasons for this including this breed’s very likeable nature. Besides their very likeable nature, the Labrador Retriever dog is also very well adjusted to being around children, who in any case would like this particular breed, especially as they are very gentle towards them.

Intelligent dogs

Another great characteristic of the Labrador Retriever dog is their ability to be trained easily, they are willing to learn the basic rules of the home, and in addition, they are able to learn a few tricks as well. Undeniably the Labrador Retriever dog picks up things very fast, and they are also a very compliant animal that will always serve their master with great respect. Having such wonderful qualities, the Labrador Retriever dog is a a wonderful dog – with children and adults alike.

As the owner of a Labrador Retriever dog you’ll, of course, need to assume a lot of duties regarding the upkeep and welfare of your pet. In fact, having a Labrador Retriever dog at home also provides you a great opportunity to instill a sense of responsibility in your children who must be educated on how to correctly own as well as care for their dog.

You should make sure that your Labrador Retriever dog is given plenty of exercise as they are very energetic and thus will need to burn their energy in a practical way. You should also give them a lot of space to run about as well as be taken on regular walks. Furthermore, the Labrador Retriever dog demands and should be given a great deal of attention and you must do your best, as their owner, to give them love and make them feel like they are your friend and not just an acquisition to the home.

For their part, the Labrador Retriever dog will desire companionship from humans, and so it’s never recommended to leave them on their own. If you are getting ready for a vacation, be sure to leave them with someone dependable who will give them the attention and care they need. In the case of a Labrador rescue dog, you must be super vigilant about how you keep them and you should ensure that they are showered with a lot of love and care, and they must be made to feel wanted too.

All in all, bringing home a Labrador Retriever dog will undoubtedly be a boon for you and your family who will soon fall in love with this lovable, smart and terrific pet Labrador.

Comment » | Dogs

Building the Perfect Dog: The Golden Labrador Retriever?

November 27th, 2008 — 04:54 am

Some people have known for a long time that particular crossbreeds of animals are an improvement on each of the original breeds. It’s a matter of finding which breeds cross best with other breeds. Many of these crossbreeds even go on to become established breeds by themselves. The Golden Labrador Retriever is an example of this, bred from Labrador and Golden Retrievers. Even at an early age, they readily show the best of both the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever.

The Best Dog?

Both Labrador and Golden Retrievers are dogs that love people and are eager to please. Note that not all dogs are alike, and poor training will always make a disobedient, fearful dog (regardless of breed), but overall, a Labrador/Golden Retriever puppy is a born people pleaser. They are fascinated by people and seem to easily bond with them. They also have a lot of strength and stamina, which comes in handy for service and search and rescue dogs.

Best Seeing Eye Dogs

According to service dog experts and charities that train seeing eye dogs in England, the best dog for the job is a Labrador/Golden retriever crossbred. There is an excellent breeding program run in England by Guide Dogs to raise dogs to be seeing eye dogs. A Labrador/Golden Retriever puppy is first tested at about eight weeks of age to see what his personality is like.

Their training never really stops. Many a Labrador/Golden Retriever puppy fails the program and is put up for adoption as a pet. To take a Labrador/Golden Retriever puppy and turn out a dependable life-saver costs an average of $70,000 (US). They work until old age or illness forces them to retire, and then they are placed in care homes for the remainder of their lives.

Other Things to Know

Although many online Labrador puppies information web sites will say that a Golden Labrador is always yellow, this is not true. Every now and then there is a black or chocolate Labrador/Golden Retriever puppy born. You can register your Labrador/Golden Retriever puppy with the American Canine Hybrid Club.

Each day, there is a newborn Golden / Labrador Retriever puppy who makes that first step to being a drug sniffing dog, cancer sniffing dog, service dog or a search and rescue dog. They all can rescue us from ourselves and our selfishness and help give our souls back to ourselves.

Comment » | Dogs

just a quick one for anyone who has re-homed a dog?

November 26th, 2008 — 07:37 am
uk dog rescue
sarah asked:


hi peeps, just a quick one to ask how much of a donation are dog shelters (RSPCA etc) asking for now-a-days?
i last went, when i was collecting my dog, 8 years ago and so not sure if it has gone up since then.
Surely it must of!
i had to have him put to sleep due to old age and am looking for another puppy/young dog, but really want to rescue one
Oh and its uk only!
Thanks for the help
xxxxxx

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Comment » | Dogs

Dog Life Jackets

November 26th, 2008 — 06:11 am

Water Safety for Dogs

If you love to take your dog with you everywhere you go, then you may want to purchase a dog life jacket. People who enjoy boating and want to take their dog with them should seriously consider purchasing a water life jacket for their dog. If you are like me, your dogs are just as important to you as your children. You would never let your small child near deep water without a life jacket on, and then the same should be said for your dog wearing a life jacket too.

A dog life jacket is a waterproof coat made especially for dogs that will allow him to easily move around enough to swim or partake in any number of other fun water activities that you have planned for the day. Dog life jackets also have a handle built in on the dogs back so that you can grab hold of it and pull your dog out of the water in an emergency.

Having a life jacket for your dog could be the main factor in saving their life one day and for that reason many recommend its use at beaches, boating or anywhere near deep water. Dogs can be very curious and can create distractions when they are boating or even on a pier or dock. It is very easy for a dog to be distracted by a bird or a bright object like a windsurfer, possibly causing them to fall off your boat or the dockside. If that happens and they have a life jacket on, then you will be able to bring them to safety easier and faster or it will give them a better chance to swim to safety.

Dogs also have a tendency to get excited and overdo it when they are playing in the water. Unfortunately, dogs have been known to drown when playing in water with a toy, ball or stick. They can get too tired without noticing it because they are keenly focused on playing with you or the toy. A tired dog can very easily fall victim to a strong current or a rip tide.

That is why a dog life jacket is very important, it is not dumb to want to keep your dog alive by having them wear one, because it will greatly increase their chances of survival if they are in danger due to deep water or strong currents. There are many sites on the internet from which you can purchase dog clothing such as a dog life jacket, or your pet shop should also be able to order one in for you. Dog life jackets are very important to have for your dog during any outing around water and you can purchase them in any size needed to fit your dog.

Comment » | Dogs

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