Showing posts with label foster puppies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label foster puppies. Show all posts
Saturday, March 24, 2012
"Spyro" and "Sonic Boom" are nice names for puppies
I question my own judgment when I allow the children to name the foster puppies. "Spyro" and "Sonic Boom" are our current foster pups, named by our very own video-game-obsessed 6-year-old, Alex. Do you know anyone who is interested in adopting a puppy soon? These guys are available in about two weeks, and they are angelic! Don't worry, you can change their names!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Sometimes, You Just Need to Hold a Puppy
When you're all alone
and there is nothing to do,
When you're feeling tired,
When you're feeling blue...
You Just Need to Hold a Puppy.
When your husband is mad
Because you haven't mopped the floor
And your feelings are hurt,
And you can't take any more
You Just Need to Hold a Puppy.
When your friends have ditched you
And your life is a mess
And you're not getting it right
And you're feeling stressed
You Just Need to Hold a Puppy.
I foster puppies to help them out of rough situations, but I foster to help myself as well. Puppies... they love unconditionally, which is more than I can say for human beings. Sometimes, You Just Need to Hold a Puppy.
and there is nothing to do,
When you're feeling tired,
When you're feeling blue...
You Just Need to Hold a Puppy.
When your husband is mad
Because you haven't mopped the floor
And your feelings are hurt,
And you can't take any more
You Just Need to Hold a Puppy.
When your friends have ditched you
And your life is a mess
And you're not getting it right
And you're feeling stressed
You Just Need to Hold a Puppy.
I foster puppies to help them out of rough situations, but I foster to help myself as well. Puppies... they love unconditionally, which is more than I can say for human beings. Sometimes, You Just Need to Hold a Puppy.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Lindsay's Writing Assignment
My daughter, Lindsay, is 10 years old. She will be turning 11 in just a few days. Lindsay never ceases to amaze me with the beautiful way she looks at life. Today I was reading the papers that came home in her folder from school, and I happened across a lovely piece of writing about Lindsay's take on dog fostering. I thought it would be nice to share this with you.
Her writing assignment consisted of composing a letter to her teachers detailing her favorite part of the holiday weekend. Keep in mind that on the weekend referenced in the letter, Lindsay enjoyed playtime with friends and a splendid New Year's Eve Party (and she was allowed to stay up to see the ball drop). Yet, she chose to write about her experience with fostering puppies in our home.
It makes me so happy to participate in a volunteer activity that my daughter enjoys so much.
If you are interested in fostering a pet in your home, click here to contact a local shelter:
* Franklin County Humane Society
* Roanoke Valley SPCA
Check out the right side of my blog...look at how many puppies I have had the opportunity to help in just a short time. It is truly a rewarding experience.
Her writing assignment consisted of composing a letter to her teachers detailing her favorite part of the holiday weekend. Keep in mind that on the weekend referenced in the letter, Lindsay enjoyed playtime with friends and a splendid New Year's Eve Party (and she was allowed to stay up to see the ball drop). Yet, she chose to write about her experience with fostering puppies in our home.
It makes me so happy to participate in a volunteer activity that my daughter enjoys so much.
If you are interested in fostering a pet in your home, click here to contact a local shelter:
* Franklin County Humane Society
* Roanoke Valley SPCA
Check out the right side of my blog...look at how many puppies I have had the opportunity to help in just a short time. It is truly a rewarding experience.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Color-Coding Puppies
In the world today, people use color codes like they are going out of style. If we're not stopping at a red light, we're going at a green light. Colors tell us what file to pull and what emails to read first. Our teams have colors. Our schools have colors. We use colored highlighters and subject dividers. Pharmacists use colors to differentiate between drugs and drug strengths.
Apparantly, I use color code to identify puppies.
I'm one of the luckiest girls in town. Franklin County Humane Society called on me the other day to take care of four precious lab puppies in my home. When my new friend Michelle met me with the pups, we put them one in a time into my car, and I realized that I am completely unable to tell the pups apart. They all look very similar. They have a few unique qualities, but to the new foster mom's eye, it is tough to differentiate between any of them.
I bought collars for the babies on the first day.
For photo ID purposes, I will give you my color code:
Blue: Caine, our biggest pup and the only boy. He is such a lovey dovey. He is the Alpha. He is very gentle and sweet. He likes to be held. He climbs into the bowl of food when he eats.
Pink: Cassie, or we call her "Ears." Her ears are beautiful, and look like those of a Shepherd. She is funny and playful. She is also sweet and best on the leash, so far.
Green: Carrie, our sweet little human (in a dog's body). She does not want to go outside. She is a couch potato. She gives soft kisses and wants to be held. She is such a cuddler.
Purple: Charity, our little teeny puddin pie. She is precious. She also likes to be held. She is so little compared to her brother Caine. She enjoys long walks on the beach and sleeping in on Sundays (just kidding).
These pups are available for adoption from Franklin County Humane Society.
Apparantly, I use color code to identify puppies.
I'm one of the luckiest girls in town. Franklin County Humane Society called on me the other day to take care of four precious lab puppies in my home. When my new friend Michelle met me with the pups, we put them one in a time into my car, and I realized that I am completely unable to tell the pups apart. They all look very similar. They have a few unique qualities, but to the new foster mom's eye, it is tough to differentiate between any of them.
I bought collars for the babies on the first day.
For photo ID purposes, I will give you my color code:
Blue: Caine, our biggest pup and the only boy. He is such a lovey dovey. He is the Alpha. He is very gentle and sweet. He likes to be held. He climbs into the bowl of food when he eats.
Pink: Cassie, or we call her "Ears." Her ears are beautiful, and look like those of a Shepherd. She is funny and playful. She is also sweet and best on the leash, so far.
Green: Carrie, our sweet little human (in a dog's body). She does not want to go outside. She is a couch potato. She gives soft kisses and wants to be held. She is such a cuddler.
Purple: Charity, our little teeny puddin pie. She is precious. She also likes to be held. She is so little compared to her brother Caine. She enjoys long walks on the beach and sleeping in on Sundays (just kidding).
These pups are available for adoption from Franklin County Humane Society.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Oreo is crate-trained! So proud of our girl
When I foster, I usually only have about two weeks with the pup.
When the pup goes back to the SPCA to be available for adoption, I want her to be as "adoptable" as possible. I am pleased to report that Oreo is now crate-trained. I open the door for her, and she runs into the crate. Crate-training a puppy is easy, especially if the pup is treat-motivated.
The most important things about crate-training are:
* The crate must always be a "happy" place for the dog
* The crate can never be used as punishment
* The crate is viewed by the pup as her "den." The crate also should be viewed by the human as the pup's "den."
* The crate is great for when you are out of the house (as long as that time is limited), or when you are sleeping. Never crate for extended periods of time.
Oreo is happy in her crate. She runs in there, gets a treat, wags her tail, and lays down for a quick nap. She is so precious!
Click this link for more information about crate training, from The Humane Society of the United States:
Crate Training a Puppy
My precious girl, "Oreo," on the patio
When the pup goes back to the SPCA to be available for adoption, I want her to be as "adoptable" as possible. I am pleased to report that Oreo is now crate-trained. I open the door for her, and she runs into the crate. Crate-training a puppy is easy, especially if the pup is treat-motivated.
The most important things about crate-training are:
* The crate must always be a "happy" place for the dog
* The crate can never be used as punishment
* The crate is viewed by the pup as her "den." The crate also should be viewed by the human as the pup's "den."
* The crate is great for when you are out of the house (as long as that time is limited), or when you are sleeping. Never crate for extended periods of time.
Oreo is happy in her crate. She runs in there, gets a treat, wags her tail, and lays down for a quick nap. She is so precious!
Click this link for more information about crate training, from The Humane Society of the United States:
Crate Training a Puppy
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Foster Parents Needed: 757 area
Friends in Virginia Beach and surrounding areas:
Animal Rescue of Tidewater is an organization near and dear to my heart. I have always looked at my cousin Debra as a role model. She is my inspiration for fostering pups in my home. Debra is the Founder of Animal Rescue of Tidewater (ART).
Debra is an amazing woman. Her bio from www.artanimals.org:
ART is always accepting foster parent applications.
An interesting tidbit about ART: Foster homes are not required to cover any expenses involved in caring for the animal. The expenses are covered by an ART member who serves as the animal’s financial sponsor.
ART animals may be strays, owner surrenders, or transfers from local animal shelters...they are all HOMELESS, and would love to live in your home.
Some people ask how long they would foster a pet in their home. Through Animal Rescue of Tidewater, a foster animal may spend as little as one week, or as long as six months, in his/her foster home. With prior notice, the ART sponsor will secure a temporary foster home, or board the animal, while you are away on vacation.
If the pet has any behavioral issues, a behaviorist will work with you and the animal, or the animal may be moved if you are not comfortable working with the situation.
Requirements to foster pets for ART:
-your resident pets be altered and up to date on shots (including monthly heartworm preventive for dogs)
-the number of animals in your home (resident and fostered) may not exceed city code
-and if you rent, written proof of permission from your landlord to have pets in your home
For more info: fostering@ARTanimals.org
If you would like to apply to foster for ART, please continue to the foster application.
Animal Rescue of Tidewater is an organization near and dear to my heart. I have always looked at my cousin Debra as a role model. She is my inspiration for fostering pups in my home. Debra is the Founder of Animal Rescue of Tidewater (ART).
Debra is an amazing woman. Her bio from www.artanimals.org:
Debra founded ART in 1999 because the Virginian Pilot wrote an article about the individual rescue efforts of her and her husband, Steve Ballard. That article provoked others in the community to call her and share that they, as individuals, were also dedicated to saving homeless animals in the community. Believing in the power of association, Debra invited everyone to a meeting in January of 1999, and ART was born. Debra is extremely proud to be associated with an organization that recognizes the importance of working closely with area shelters, SPCAs and other rescue groups, creating collective successes that would be unattainable by any singular group. Debra is also passionate about the importance of advocacy in generating change, and spends a great deal of time networking with policy makers at the local, state and national level. She was the founding Chair of the Animal Welfare Coalition of Hampton Roads, a regional body of service providers who work collaboratively to address the needs of animals. Debra serves as Treasurer of the Board of the Virginia Federation of Humane Societies, a state body whose Strategic Plan aims to end the killing of healthy, adoptable dogs & cats in VA by 2016. She is also on the Animal Welfare Review Board for the City of Norfolk, a City Council appointment. She is a top Real Estate Broker with RE/MAX Allegiance, serves on the Board of the Hampton Roads REALTORS® Association and leads her own real estate team proudly known as “the Housedogs”! In her spare time, she is happy just sitting on the deck with her husband Steve enjoying their beloved dogs.
ART is always accepting foster parent applications.
An interesting tidbit about ART: Foster homes are not required to cover any expenses involved in caring for the animal. The expenses are covered by an ART member who serves as the animal’s financial sponsor.
ART animals may be strays, owner surrenders, or transfers from local animal shelters...they are all HOMELESS, and would love to live in your home.
Some people ask how long they would foster a pet in their home. Through Animal Rescue of Tidewater, a foster animal may spend as little as one week, or as long as six months, in his/her foster home. With prior notice, the ART sponsor will secure a temporary foster home, or board the animal, while you are away on vacation.
If the pet has any behavioral issues, a behaviorist will work with you and the animal, or the animal may be moved if you are not comfortable working with the situation.
Requirements to foster pets for ART:
-your resident pets be altered and up to date on shots (including monthly heartworm preventive for dogs)
-the number of animals in your home (resident and fostered) may not exceed city code
-and if you rent, written proof of permission from your landlord to have pets in your home
For more info: fostering@ARTanimals.org
If you would like to apply to foster for ART, please continue to the foster application.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Now's the Time to Foster! Roanoke, Virginia
Fostering pets is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, right up there with having children and antagonizing my husband.
The pound is full of puppies and kittens that need a 2 week home. Do you have 2 weeks to spare? RVSPCA gives you everything you need; this is only a time commitment. Call 540-339-9505 to speak to Ann Marie for more information.
www.rvspca.org
The pound is full of puppies and kittens that need a 2 week home. Do you have 2 weeks to spare? RVSPCA gives you everything you need; this is only a time commitment. Call 540-339-9505 to speak to Ann Marie for more information.
www.rvspca.org
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Teeny Tiny Puppies
I go on vacation in a few weeks, so I was eager to get another two week foster puppy in before I leave. (Addicted? I think so.) To my relief, a call came in from Franklin County Humane Society. They needed a foster mommy to come to the rescue for three sweet foster puppies: Rikki, Rose, and Rita.
I happily agreed to foster the little sweeties.
Wow! I am such a lucky foster mom!
Introducing my three little ladies:
Rikki is a tan brindle baby with awesome dark blue eyes. She is a silly girl, the largest of the three, and the most "puppyish." She is a blast!
Rita is a tan and white little lovie. She wants to be held all the time. She is constantly under my feet. I have tripped on her seventeen times since we got her on Saturday. What a little blessing!
Rose looks nothing like her sisters (maybe a different daddy?) She is the tiniest of all, and she can easily fit in my two hands if I cup them together. She is my most vocal puppy, singing to me about everything! She looks like a beagle puppy.
To find out more about adopting one of these puppies, please call:
Franklin County Humane Society Inc.
Planned Pethood Clinic & Adoption Center
(540)489-3491
http://plannedpethoodrockymount.com/
I happily agreed to foster the little sweeties.
Wow! I am such a lucky foster mom!
Introducing my three little ladies:
Rikki is a tan brindle baby with awesome dark blue eyes. She is a silly girl, the largest of the three, and the most "puppyish." She is a blast!
Rita is a tan and white little lovie. She wants to be held all the time. She is constantly under my feet. I have tripped on her seventeen times since we got her on Saturday. What a little blessing!
Rose looks nothing like her sisters (maybe a different daddy?) She is the tiniest of all, and she can easily fit in my two hands if I cup them together. She is my most vocal puppy, singing to me about everything! She looks like a beagle puppy.
To find out more about adopting one of these puppies, please call:
Franklin County Humane Society Inc.
Planned Pethood Clinic & Adoption Center
(540)489-3491
http://plannedpethoodrockymount.com/
Friday, May 6, 2011
My sweet, shy girl
At this time, Rosa is still available at Roanoke Valley SPCA.
I have heard that she sits quietly, waiting for the perfect family to come along and choose her. As you may have read in previous blog posts, Rosa is my sweet, shy girl. She was fearful at first, and I thought I was in WAY over my head. Then, in just a few days, Rosa came around. She slept on my chest as I laid on the couch. She mirrored my other dogs' actions. She gently took food morsels from my hand. She touched my heart.
She loves Sammy and Gracie (my two doxies). She loved them from the start, even when she had to warm up to me.
I bet she misses my couch. My couch is great...totally comfortable and will fit my entire family (including Kevin, Lindsay, Alex, Sammy, Gracie, myself, and any given foster pup).
I hope she finds a family with equally as impressive a couch.
I have been thinking of Rosa often, watching the RVSPCA website, waiting for the celebratory moment when I realize that she has been adopted. When I find out that a lucky person has taken Rosa home, I will throw a party! We will drink champagne and laugh about all of Rosa's silly ways.
You think I'm exaggerating, and I can assure you that I'm not. You're all invited. Come one, come all! Watch the website with me, and let me know if you notice her adoption before I do!
I have heard that she sits quietly, waiting for the perfect family to come along and choose her. As you may have read in previous blog posts, Rosa is my sweet, shy girl. She was fearful at first, and I thought I was in WAY over my head. Then, in just a few days, Rosa came around. She slept on my chest as I laid on the couch. She mirrored my other dogs' actions. She gently took food morsels from my hand. She touched my heart.
She loves Sammy and Gracie (my two doxies). She loved them from the start, even when she had to warm up to me.
I bet she misses my couch. My couch is great...totally comfortable and will fit my entire family (including Kevin, Lindsay, Alex, Sammy, Gracie, myself, and any given foster pup).
I hope she finds a family with equally as impressive a couch.
I have been thinking of Rosa often, watching the RVSPCA website, waiting for the celebratory moment when I realize that she has been adopted. When I find out that a lucky person has taken Rosa home, I will throw a party! We will drink champagne and laugh about all of Rosa's silly ways.
You think I'm exaggerating, and I can assure you that I'm not. You're all invited. Come one, come all! Watch the website with me, and let me know if you notice her adoption before I do!
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