More Forever Homes Have Been Found

Twix

 

Chesney

Lolly

Bobby Beans

Cookie

Hula

Licorice

Lucy

String Bean

Look Who's Found New Forever Homes!

Today I will share photos of the animals I've met and photographed and played with that have found their new forever homes.  My heart sings a joy of relief for these animals and I hope they are happy and content with their new families.

Agusto

 

Jake

 

 

Jazznellie

 

Are You Ready To Be A Responsible Pet Owner?

Avalon (70978)

You've heard me talk about responsible pet ownership throughout my blog so far.  I'm bringing them to the forefront today because we really want these animals to go to a good forever home.  It breaks our hearts when these pets have to come back.

Let's start with the basics.  Before you get to the Shelter.  You (and/or your children, as in my case) are at home and just "dying" to have a puppy or a kitten because they are so cute.  First fact:  puppies and kittens grow up.  They will look nothing like what you fell in love with at the Shelter.  There is no telling what they will look like or how big they will get for sure.  Your desire is still there because surely you have ample love to go around.  What all is involved with pet ownership and do you have what it takes?  In a nutshell:  food, water, potty breaks, exercise, vet visits, love, and attention.

The obvious things are collar, leash, food, and treats.  The cost of these run any where from basic (cheap) to extravagant (expensive) depending on your disposable income and desires.  You will need a cat carrier (the shelter provides a cardboard carrier at the time of adoption) and litter box with litter for cats.  Food requires bowls, but you can use your own dishes or you can buy specific dishes for the pet.  Some dogs (cats too) would prefer to have their own beds.  You can go to Goodwill or some other inexpensive re-use store and purchase a good blanket or comforter for a couple of dollars or you can go all out and buy an expensive bed specific to your pet's needs.  Other pets will be happy sharing your bed with you. 

Some people buy their pets coats for rain and winter.  This is not a necessity, but some animals do appreciate it.  Some owners even go so far as to buy costumes for their pets for various holidays.  Again, not a necessity to be a responsible pet owner.  There are so many more purchases companies would like you to make for your pet, but these are extras.  They are not the basics that are required to be a responsible pet owner.

Older dogs usually come potty trained.  Puppies never do.  Like toddlers, puppies require potty training.  Some people crate train. Some people wing it and think that it's okay if the dog soils the carpet because he or she didn't know better.  Some people use puppy pads.  You have to decide what's right for you because like it or not, the puppy will have to relieve itself at some point.  Sometimes it's just a matter of marking territory. 

I have no clue how to train a cat to use the litter box or if you even need to.  I've had four cats in my life and adopted them all past the age of six months.  They already knew how to use the litter box.  I needed to put it out and show them where it was.  The rest came naturally.  This may be different with the youngest kittens.  The best thing to do is ask your vet for tips.  Some cats prefer to go outside to relieve themselves.

 Dogs need walks daily, sometimes as many as four or more times.  My greyhound requires three walks a day, a few breaks outside in between, and a good run at least once a week.  Know what the requirements are for the animal and know that you will be able to meet them.  If you can't, it will not be a good match.  Trouble will brew. Cats don't need much time.  They are usually very independent.

Do you have time for a pet? If you travel a lot, dog ownership should not be a consideration.  If you travel some and are willing to pay to board or hire a pet-sitter, dogs are a good choice.  Sometimes you can take dogs on vacation with you.  Look into hotels/motels that allow pets when making travel arrangements.

Puppies, kittens, dogs, and cats all need wellness-visits.  This requires regular checkups with your veterinarian.  You should have a vet lined up before you make the trip to the Shelter.  Get to know the vet and make sure he or she is someone you respect and who you can develop a good rapor with.  You will be spending many years with them taking care of your pet.  Vet visits are not free.  Neither is medicine or surgery.  Do you have the income to provide for this necessity?  Also plan on a few emergency visits.  Pets have a way of getting into the darnedest things. 

Princess (71734)

Do you have a temperament that can welcome a kitten, puppy, cat, or dog?  I hate to state the obvious, but some people really should not be pet owners.  Owning an animal requires patience.  These pets will make mistakes and those mistakes will irk you.  But you have to be willing to accept that and train with a positive and kind temperament.  Remember to sign up for puppy or dog training classes.  It's an investment that will last a lifetime and it will help with the positive bonding of you and your dog.

Dogs get lonely and have a tendency to panic when you leave them alone.  Make sure you leave them with their own "lovey" or "pacie."  Something with your smell on it, preferably.  This doesn't guarantee they won't go looking for something to destroy, but it could decrease the occurrences.

Chief Finn (71816)

Know that puppies chew.  Everything in sight, they're not particular.  The point is teething hurts and they need something to chew.  Again, no different than a baby.  Provide your puppy with ample chewable toys that will not hurt him or her and everyone will be happy.  Put away and lock up anything you do not want destroyed.  I know of a dog who has chewed a couch and a mattress because there were no toys available to her liking.  Lucky for her, she was adopted by a couple who had patience for such behavior.  Older dogs chew too.  Make sure they have good choices to satisfy their chewing needs as well.

Kittens chew too.  Again, it's that teething process.  Kittens will prefer to chew on their owner's arms.  A simple "Ahh" shriek should stop them, or at least start to teach them that chewing on people is not good.  Kittens and cats like to dig with their claws too.  Don't panic, just shriek.  It will lessen over time.  My ten-year old cat still mistakes me for a tree at times.  He doesn't mean to hurt me, he just needs to release some energy.  Getting a good scratching pad helps to reduce the occurrences too.

Cookie (71701)

Know that if you take a cat home and let it out at all, chances are good he or she will become a hunter.  Like it or not.  Raleigh, my cat, has brought home a few gifts to show me he loves me and is so thankful that I love him too.  These gifts are not to my liking so I don't let Raleigh in until he has removed the gift.  I reward him with more love and petting.  I love to hear him purr.  I specifically do not have a cat door because I have no desire to have the gifts in the house.  Some people don't mind the gifts and have a cat door.  If you don't want the gifts, get a kitten and keep it indoors.  Cats live much longer when they live indoors.  Some cats just need time outside.  I had two cats that were indoor cats but I would let outside on occasion.  They stayed on the deck.

Puffy Doodle (70082)

BobbyBeans (71665)

Are you a Cat Person or a Dog Person?  Do you travel a lot?  Do you mind neediness or do you prefer aloof-ness?  I liken cats to adults and dogs to children as far as neediness goes.  Children require constant attention and direction, as do dogs.  Adults come and go as they please, as do cats. In dogs and cats alike, different breeds have different requirements. 

When you have decided you are ready to be a responsible pet owner, you may want to research which type of animal would best fit your living situation.  It will be rare that you find a specific cat breed at the shelter.  While many of the dogs that show up at the shelter are mutts (mixed breeds), some show more qualities of one breed over another in their mix, and some are purebred (most likely without their AKC papers).  There are small lap dogs, large active dogs, large couch potato dogs, and small hyper-active dogs.  Do you have children or other pets at home.  It's important to know how your new pet will get along with what you already have in the house.  Sometimes it means you actually have to take the pet home for a visit to see if there is comradeship or animosity.  When I was living on my own, I had my first cat and thought she would like a brother or sister.  I went to the ASPCA to find one and was called in by the sweetest kitten.  I brought that kitten home and my cat had a hissy fit.  It was a sad night for me.  Clearly I could not keep this kitten and had to take him back.  A year later, I tried again.  This time I had a backup for the kitten in case it did not work.  My established cat and the new kitten got along "purfectly."  Sometimes it's a matter of you just don't know until you try it. 

I researched dog breeds before I rescued the greyhound.  I had two young children and a cat that was (and still is) king of the house.  The dog I brought home needed to fit in with that.  I didn't have time to potty train, I knew I needed something older, preferably past the puppy stage.  When I came across the greyhounds, I knew I found a perfect fit for my family.  I took my time researching rescue centers.  I found one I liked and sent in my application before we went.  I took my children with me but not the cat.  We visited with several greyhounds that would meet my requirements.  Two fit my family perfectly.  We chose Phoenix over Bear because of size.  My kids could handle Phoenix, who is quite muscular, but not Bear, who was even more muscular.  Only I was able to handle Bear.  And that's how it works.  That's how you find a pet that's the right size for you.  The people at the rescue center told me how to create a positive bond between the dog and the cat and I haven't had a problem.  The two get along better than by two children do at times!

Now you're ready for your trip to the Shelter.  Be forewarned, all the animals will pull at your heartstrings.  And no, you can't take all of them home.  It's too much for one person to handle.  Sometimes that's how the animals make their way to the shelter.  Someone thought they could handle so many animals at one time.  Find a few that meet your requirements and pull your heartstrings the strongest.  Ignore the age unless it's important you have an older animal.  Only choose a puppy if you really have the time to work with the puppy.  Remember, that takes a lot of time and effort and patience.  Get in the kennel with the animal and bond.  Don't force it, but recognize it may take a little while for the animal to warm up to you.  Some of these animals are very shy, while others will beg for attention.  Some may not want anything to do with you and that's okay.  That is not the animal for you.  It's just like falling in love because that's what it is; you'll know when you find the one that's right for you.

It's okay if you don't find what you're looking for on first trip.  You are welcome to come back as often as you like.  Every day if you think it would help.  If you're looking for a specific breed, talk to the staff, they may have waiting lists started.

When you've found that perfect pet for you, you are ready to take him or her home and start being a responsible pet owner.  Here's to many years of happiness between you and your forever pet.  Pets really do become part of your family.  Don't forget to make that first appointment with your Vet.

Meet Three Surrendered Cats

What does it mean to be surrendered animal?  It means someone other than Animal Control brought them to the Shelter.  It could be for reasons such as the animal belonged to an elderly person who passed away, someone who moved and is no longer allowed to have pets, someone who has developed an allergy to their pet(s), the pet didn't get along with other animals in the home, or sometimes it's as simple as they were found and brought in.

Twix (66035)

Meet Twix.  Twix was surrendered because he did not get along with the other animals in the home.  This doesn't make Twix a bad pet.  It means that if you adopt Twix, make sure you have no other animals at home and are not interested in getting any until Twix has passed on.  While Twix is a shy cat, he is also a lovely cat who enjoyed my company.

Twix is four and a half years old and has no information about him online.  Make sure to visit the Shelter so you can get acquainted with Twix personally.

Lucy (71956)

Meet Lucy.  Lucy is a cat that was found and surrendered.  This can most likely be interpreted as Lucy may have been a tom(asina)-cat. Some kind soul brought her to the Shelter to find a responsible owner.  She was one of the unsociable cats I talked about yesterday.  Lucy warmed up to me after I caught her in her Great Escape.  Lucy just needs a good home and to feel comfortable and loved before coming out of her shell.  It's hard on a girl to have to fend for herself in the wild.  Lucy is not on the Shelter's website anymore.  I certainly hope Lucy found a good forever home. 

Avery (71408)

Meet Avery.   Avery is the last of the surrendered animals I will discuss today.  Avery was found at a city park and brought in by another kind soul.  Avery has been at the Shelter for 12 days as of Thursday.  One of the things that I've discovered at the Shelter is that sometimes the paperwork doesn't match the cat or the website.  The website lists Avery as 9 years old.  I'd be more inclined to say Avery is about 9 months old.  Avery was playful and attentive with me and would love someone to come in and give her a good home.  If you look at Avery's photo on the Shelter's website (http://services.wakegov.com/adoptiongallery/), you will find a picture that is less than perfect.  It's hard to even tell if Avery is there. 

Photographing black animals is not easy.  We should give the staff at the Shelter a little slack for their photos.  It's more important they take good care of the animals and find them good forever homes.  Lucky for the Shelter, we Meredith girls have come to the photographic rescue.  It is our mission to make sure these animals have the best possible photo on the website representing them.  I'm sure Avery's photo will be updated shortly.

How Long Does It Take to Find a Forever Home?

I was back at the Shelter this week and met a lot of new animals.  I did not have a chance to get all the way to the back to see all the animals this week as the cats were very demanding of my time.  Each cat (kittens too) meowed very loudly for me to take their photo and give each of them cuddle time.  Even the less-than-social ones.  Two of them tried to take advantage of the opportunity to escape.   What they didn’t know is that I am a seasoned cat-person.  I was too quick for them!  (They couldn’t tell that about me because I smelled like the dogs. I had been hanging out with the dogs before I entered the cat room.)  

 Of the fifteen animals I photographed this week, one is going home with an employee until a rescuer comes for her.  Three have no searchable information.  Three have been at the shelter less than a week.  Three have been at the Shelter for less than two weeks.  Two have been at the Shelter for less than a month, but more than two weeks.  And three have been at the Shelter for more than a month.

Shadow (70025) playing hide-n-seek

Of the three that have been at the Shelter for more than a month, two were surrenders.  Shadow was surrendered because he does not get along with other cats.  Shadow was one of the unsociable cats.   He did just fine with me, but he wasn’t happy when he realized there were other cats in the same room as him.  That’s when the hissing started.  He let me easily put him back in his pad.  I’ll blog more about the surrendered animals tomorrow.  Shadow has a good picture on the Shelter's webpage.  I'm including pictures of him playing here.

Shadow plays with the sting of my dressing gown. 
My attempt to cox him out of his temporary home.

It seems like there is a good turn-over of the animals.  Every time I’ve been to the Shelter, there have been empty kennels.  I’ve seen a lot of animals come in and yesterday I even got to see one go out.  Since starting this class I’ve seen that two animals I’ve posted about have been adopted.  The puppies seem to go the quickest.  The kittens go fairly quickly as well, but sometimes people get a little scared thinking the kittens are too young.  If the kittens have already been separated from their mother, it’s important they find a new home as quick as possible.  The same is true for the puppies.  I don't photograph or blog about the puppies or kittens as they usually have a quick turn-over.  I’ve observed that the older the animal is, the longer it takes to get adopted.   Everyone has their own “ideal” for a good adoptable age.   I just ask that you keep your heart open and ignore the age of the animal.  They all need good homes, despite their age.  The ones that have been there the longest are the neediest for a good forever home.   Please consider them on your next visit.

Learning As I Go

Jake (71306) before correction

This week’s assignment is to pick one of my many photos from last week that I did not post.  I’m supposed to evaluate it and offer my own critique of three of its strengths and weaknesses or areas for improvement.

The photo I chose to critique is of Jake.  You’ll notice I’ve done a great job of capturing Jake’s personality.  It’s hard to tell he’s a Rottweiler mix by this photo because I’ve caught him in his playful mood.  Jake is very playful and needs someone who can give him the time and space he needs to play.  I’ve also done a great job of showcasing the catch lights in his eyes and focusing on his face.  With this picture, who wouldn’t want to take Jake home?  

The biggest weakness I notice in this photo is the yellow cast of the photo.  I’ve corrected the cast this week so the focus is now completely on Jake, with a truer color presentation.   I did this by going back into Photoshop and correcting the color balance of highlights, shadows, and mid-tones.  By increasing the opposite colors of these balances, I was able to correct the color in this image.  I've also gone into my camera (or rather, Professor Johnstone has) and corrected the way the white balance is read from custom (I would set it up) to auto (the camera sets it up automatically).  The reason for this change is the light changes from area to area at the sheter, and also if I'm photographing outside.  This should mean that I would need to make less improvements through Photoshop.  Another area for improvement actually had to do with sizing this photo for the internet.  I have since corrected this problem so you will see the entire photo, whether on your smart phone or your wide-screen desktop computer screen.

Jake (71306) after correction

Also something worth noting this week is that the Shelter is offering a Mem"aww"rial Day Special on their fees this weekend.  Here's the link to this weekend's fees:  http://www.wakegov.com/pets/events/default.htm

More good news.  After checking the Shelter's website for adoptable pets http://services.wakegov.com/adoptiongallery/ it appears Jake found a home!  Congratulations Jake.  I hope you enjoy many years of happiness with your new family.

Do You Think Dogs Can Talk to Us?

When I visit the Shelter, I can walk into one of the dog areas and it can be perfectly calm and quiet.  The dogs do not get alarmed by me for the most part.  Sometimes, however, one dog will become quite anxious and start most of the other dogs in the room barking to the point of giving some of the more mild-mannered dogs a migraine.


On Wednesday, I came in contact with two dogs that where showing symptoms of a migraine.  I have first-hand experience of migraines.  Mine are typically set off by florescent lights, the only lighting available within the shelter.  When you have a migraine, even the slightest noise is sickening.  You don't want to eat.  You just want to lie in quiet darkness until the pain goes away.  Both of the dogs I visited with today had no desire to acknowledge me as I approached them, their eyes were sad, they refused to get up.  I felt like these were the dogs that needed my company most that day so they were the only two I chose to visit with.  I spent a lot of time with each one.

Chesney (71034)

Chesney (71034) is a six-year old wolfhound mix who was lost or found.  He has been at the Shelter since May 8th.  He was camera shy, but enjoyed my company.  He clearly had a headache and wished the other dogs would quiet down.  I stayed with Chesney and calmed him.  He snuggled up close to me, never enough to put is head in my lap, but always enough to show me he appreciated the calm I brought to the room.  Chesney enjoyed my petting and got comfortable for a while.  It was sad when I had to leave him, like he knew someone else would come in the room and make the other dogs bark again. 

Me and Lolly, taken by Prof. Johnstone

Prof. Johnstone had me go into Lolly's kennel with her.  Lolly (70503) was another stray, scared and timid.  She almost appeared abused or as if symptoms of hip dysplasia were already evident in the Labrador mix.  Lolly is only five months old and has been at the Shelter since April 27th.  Prof. Johnstone stayed at the back of the kennel taking photos with both my camera and her own.  Lolly warmed up to me easily, making herself comfortable in my lab, offering me kisses as payment for her thanks in my interest.  Lolly is so sweet, I want to take her home with me. 

As I've stated before, I'm out of room at our small residence.  The best I can do is get Lolly's and Chesney's photos out there so someone who could care for them would adopt them.

Julia (front) and Olivia (back) with Lolly

While at the Shelter on Wednesday, I met another Meredith girl who looked very familiar.  She was not part of our class.  We spent time trying to figure out how we knew each other, but were both certain it was Meredith.  Turns out we both took a phys ed class together.  Olivia was at the Shelter with her friend Julia, just looking.  Julia wanted a brother or sister for the dog she currently owns.  Julia said she had a large backyard.  I immediately introduced Olivia and Julia to Lolly.  Both of them grew as attached to Lolly as I had.  I stayed with them answering their questions, watching the bonding taking place.  Oh Lolly, I prayed, this may be your forever family.

Julia and Olivia were both ready to Lolly home, but were trying to be responsible pet owners.  They decided to go home and think about it.  I do hope they came back for Lolly.

I've included before and after photos of Lolly to showcase how photographs can improve the adoption potential of animals.  In searching for Chesney's previous photo, I found happy news.  He is no longer up for adoption.  Congratulations Chesney!

Lolly, before

Lolly (70503) after

This week's assignment also included watching NOVA special, Dogs Decoded.  The video, about an hour in length, follows the study of the domestication of dogs, how they communicate with people, and how tameness and aggressiveness are bred.  This video shows that dogs are clear descendants of the wolf.  And a study of tameness vs. aggressive breeding was compiled on the silver fox in Siberia, Russia.  Studies proved how these qualities really are a result of nature, not nurturing.  Several studies were performed on both the foxes and wolves that involved nurturing dogs with aggressive genes to be tame.  Both studies proved that tameness is not learned but bred. I think this study further proves my theory, and that of other animal workers, of why you should let your pet choose you rather than you choosing your pet.  This video also went down a medical study path with the Boxers, showing how the breed can speed up medical research with humans.  I found that quite interesting.  To my knowledge, no animals were hurt during the research.  It was all composed of blood that was collected and tested from both dogs and humans.  Also in the video, scientists studied how dogs and people communicate and how dogs are more connected to humans than monkeys. It was a very interesting video.  If you ever have a desire to watch it, it can be found on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JM1JsGr76Ro&noredirect=1

How Do We Put an Animal's Best Paw Forward?

Agusto (69920)

This is Agusto.  If you're interested in him, and he is a sweet, sweet cat, his number is 69920.  Agusto has been at the animal shelter for a little over a month now. He is two years old.  Notice how bright his eyes are and how fadded the background is.  While this was a great photo to start with, I've enhanced it through Photoshop.  It's kind of like a woman wearing makeup.  Something she does to enhance her natural beauty. I've added a little light to his eyes by adding a dodging layer in Photoshop.  The better to see with. And I've darkened or faded the background by adding a vignette to the background.  I've also cropped in around Agusto.  He's really shy about sharing his home online!

Smokey (52906)

My inspiration came from Smokey (52906).  Smokey is a female cat that has been at the shelter for 370 days. She's 11 years old.  Luckily, Smokey found someone to foster her.  I'm not sure who took this picture because the photographers' names are not listed on the Animal Shelter's website. But look at how bright Smokey's eyes are.  That was created by "dodging" the photograph, or lightening certain areas.  And the background has been "burned" or darkened by adding a vignette.

Agusto and Smokey would love to go home with someone.  Agusto was ready to go home with me and I have not personally met Smokey.  She is enjoying life in a foster home.  She is patiently awaiting her forever home.  I don't think Raleigh (my cat) and Agusto would get along very well.  Two male cats, the adjustment is huge.  There's territory to be marked and while both would be neutered and therefore cannot actually spray, they will urinate to mark their territory.  But if you don't have a cat at home, especially another male cat, that should not happen.  Agusto loves to be petted too.  And he will give you a friendly bite.  It's not aggression.  It's playing.  Tell him no and he will stop.  Smokey appears to get along well with other cats as that is the case in her foster home.  She has not been around dogs yet, so at this age I wouldn't recommend subjecting her to that. 

Be sure to visit the Wake County Animal Shelter's website at http://www.wakegov.com/pets/default.htm  Click on "View Animals At The Shelter" to see who is available to be adopted or if you've lost your pet.

How Much Is That Doggy In The Window?

The kids and I went to the Shelter last Saturday.  "Mommy, please.  I'll contribute money.  I'll walk and feed it.  Please.  Mommy.  Please." 

"How much do you think it costs to take a dog home," I asked.

"I have $35.  Is that enough?" was my son's reply

"Sadly, no."

"I'll do more chores, I'll ask for more money."

My son is an innocent bystander to this course.  He wants a dog of his own badly.  Never mind we already have a dog.  And a cat.  And goldfish.  He just wants someone else to love.  This I understand.  I gave my mother the same begging speech.

How much does it cost to adopt an animal from the Wake County Animal Shelter?  Dogs cost $45.  Cats cost $15.  Rabbits cost $20. 

What's included in that price?  A microchip, so when your pet runs away, escapes, or however he or she gets lost, you can be tracked down.  The first series of shots, we want these animals going to their new forever homes healthy.  And deworming.  Again, better to take home a healthy pet.

Spaying or Neutering is not included in that price.  Please note that all animals will be leaving the Shelter spayed or neutered.  It's the responsible thing to do to prevent over population of unwanted animals as well as preventing the animals from being bred for negative reasons.  It also curtails puppy mills from popping up all over.  The price for this operation is $50.  You as the new owner of the pet will be responsible for the cost.  However, some animals come to the shelter already spayed or neutered.  If you adopt one of those, you will not have to incur this cost.

My children and I had a conversation about why the Shelter doesn't just give away the animals for free.  While giving the pets away for "free" would be a fabulous idea and possibly get more people in to adopt, it leaves open the question of who pays for everything that happens at the shelter?  Would it come from taxes?  Or would the shelter have to close?






I think the only way to answer this question is to ask what are some of the hidden costs at the shelter?  There's overhead.  The property and building cost money to maintain.  Although minimal, there are salaries.  Someone has to run and manage the shelter.  Volunteering doesn't happen on its own.  And then you need someone to organize and train the volunteers.  These animals need medicine, food, and water--necessities that are not free. Laundry gets done regularly.  The washer and dryer have been in constant motion everytime I've been there.  That includes bleach and detergent.  So there are costs involved in operating a shelter. 

What's not included in the cost of adopting a pet are other costs that every responsible pet owner should consider before welcoming a pet into their home.  They include regular vet visits; while these pets are provided with their first round of shots, many need multiple doses.  Collar and leashes or leads.  Food and treats.   And extras would include toys, crates (for crate training, which is great for puppies), training for the dog and you, puppy pads, clothes, and the list can go on depending on how much disposable income you have.

The kids and I had so much fun at the Shelter on Saturday.  It's a free outing and the pets enjoy the company and the cuddling.  It is free to cuddle!  I want to send a huge shout out to Ricky for helping Walter learn the importance of responsible pet ownership.  I hope you enjoy the photos from Saturday's visit.  The children in the photos are Walter and Emily interacting with the animals.