Four Easy Ways to Help Save Dogs

     The majority of us feel sympathy for unwanted dogs.  The multitude of rescues and shelters tug our heartstrings with soulful pictures, horrify us with evidence of abuses, sadden us with statistics, and only occasionally can we see the "Happy Ending" for the furry creature in need.  So why do animals in need still exist if there are so many feelings of goodwill toward rescue work?  Because there are a lot of misconceptions floating about!

Photo by PawsThenPlay at Gaston County Animal Control

     I wanted to share simple things you can do to help homeless animals.  I think you may be surprised how effortless it can be!


4 Easy Ways You Can Help

1.  Next time you are at the store to buy some treats or a new toy for your fur baby, buy two and donate one to less fortunate animals.  Many stores have options on location to donate as you check out, in amounts as little as $1.  Some agencies will even take donations of gently used items (such as extra blankets for winter, or toys that your pet wouldn't touch)

2.  When you see a post online with an animal in need- share it!  It only takes mere seconds of your time.  Even though you may not be able to do anything, some one you know may be able to.

3.  If you do have some spare time, consider volunteering as a "holder" at local rescue/adoption events.  So many organizations have lots of puppies they would love to bring, but no one to hold the leashes or keep an eye on the puppy pens so must leave them at the facility or foster home, which means they are less likely to be adopted because they are not seen.

4.  Spay and/or neuter your pet.  The vast majority of animals at shelters are the results of unintentional or poorly planned breeding.  Almost every major city has low-cost spay and neuter clinics.

Foster Photo from The Greater Charlotte SPCA

     See?  No millionaire funding needed (although donations can help).  You don't need to quit your job to have enough time to help.  And you don't need to feel obligated to foster if your home situation does not allow.

     For those of you in the Charlotte NC area, I have the information to two local rescue organizations if you would like to help.  The links are provided below.  Just click on the name of the rescue, and it will take you to their website.  There are many many more, these are just the two I know people personally within the organization. :)   Anyone else who works with an organization, please feel free to add the link in a comment below so people can find you.

Greater Charlotte SPCA

Rescued Me

     Happy Training, and thank you for remembering those less fortunate than our own fur-kids!

Potty Basics: To Go or Not To Go

*** Please see below for photo credits

    Did you know some responsible breeders start potty training exercises with their pups at as early as 3 weeks of age?  By the time their dogs are sent to new loving homes, they already have grasped the basic principles of eliminating outside!

     Most of us are not so fortunate.  We arrive home with our furry bundle of joy, and have to clean up not so pleasant puddles or smelly surprises a few times before our four-footed family members learn where to "go".

     Here are a few tips to help with potty training your new (or slightly confused) companion!


~Remember the times when a dog will naturally need to eliminate: when first waking up (even from a short nap), when full of food or water, after vigorous play or exercise, and additional times depending on age and bladder size.

~ Clean for Real.   You can't smell a thing?  The stain is out of the carpet? Great, but Fido has a much more sensitive sniffer!  If you are not using an enzymatic cleanser (one that lists "enzymes" in the ingredients), you are not killing the pheromones, which are the scent markers that tell your dog that this is an appealing place to go because it has been used before.

*** Please see below for photo credits

~Know when they are full.  When is the last time your dog ate?  How about the last time they drank  water?  By having assigned feeding times, and putting the water dish where you can easily see when they drink will help you know when your dog is full, and needs to be emptied.

~Learn your dog's cues.  Almost every dog gives signals when they have to eliminate.  Some dogs discreetly sniff, some circle, some pace, some just get really anxious and jittery.  You will need to learn what your dog does so you can get them outside to where they are supposed to do it, or they will not be able to learn that is what you want.  Once the pattern of going outside to potty has started, then you can add your own cue (such as bells at the door).  If you try to add your own cue too early, you have a very good possibility of simply training your dog that the cue means going outside to play (and nothing to do with potty).

~Don't spend too long outside waiting.  Go directly to one area in your yard where you would like them to eliminate and stand quietly.  No talking to them, no playing.  You probably want to have them on a leash at first even if you have a fenced in yard, or you will have no way to keep them from turning "potty time" into "game time".  If your pup does not use the bathroom after a few minutes, it's not the end of the world.  Just go back inside and continue life as normal while watching for your dog's cues.

~REWARD!!!  As soon as they begin to eliminate, quietly praise (who likes to be shouted at while using the toilet?) and be sure to follow up that praise with a yummy treat!  After your treat, then you can have that great walk, fun game of fetch, or other rewarding activity!  Never punish for a potty mistake.  This is not only unfair to the dog (YOU were supposed to get them outside), but can set your potty training backwards- since they probably won't want to go potty in front of you again!

*** Please see below for photo credits

~Minimize opportunity for accidents.  If your dog is still having accidents, WATCH THEM.  If you cannot keep your eyes on them, they need to be in a safe place, such as a crate, or puppy safe room or pen.

~If you are having trouble with one particular area (they always "Oops" in the same spot), after you have properly cleaned it with an enzymatic cleanser, feed them there for several days.  It is unnatural for an animal to want to eliminate where it habitually eats (do you know anyone with a toilet on their dining room table?).



     These are just a few basics.  If you would like help setting specific goals for your puppy or dog, please feel free to contact me.

     Happy training!



*** All photos used in this entry are courtesy of the Greater Charlotte SPCA.  Please feel free to check out their website!   www.charlotteSPCA.org 

I can't HEAR you!

Photos posted courtesy of Merci's furever family

     Merci's Furever Mommy did not plan on adopting her.  Fara was already very busy with her own dogs, and other foster dogs as well.  Maxx, a large German Shepherd, Milly, the Queen-Bee-Boxer of the house, and Finnegan, a 50/50 Miniature Schnauzer Jack Russell Terrier mix were already quite comfortable in the Robinson home.

     Merci is an adorable mix that appears to be part Dalmatian and part American Pit Bull Terrier.  She was surrendered because her former owners thought she was "stupid" and "wouldn't listen".  It didn't take any time at all for Fara, an experienced foster Mom, to realize that Merci was quite clever, and quite deaf.

     This lack of hearing may seem like a handicap to some; indeed it seemed an insurmountable problem for her original owners.  The other foster puppies were getting adopted left and right from Fara's home.  Merci just kept on getting passed over.  Fara stated "Puppies are normally adopted out very quickly – especially ones as beautiful and unique looking as our girl, but we had Merci for 7 months before I realized that I just couldn’t stand to part with her and Doug and I adopted her for ourselves.   No one wanted a 'damaged' puppy."

Merci and her buddy Finnegan

     From the beginning, Merci got along fine with the other dogs in the household.  This is quite fortunate since there were up to 10 other fosters in the home at a time, in addition to the three "House Dogs" Maxx, Milly (who has unfortunately recently passed away) and Finnegan.  When it was time to come in from play time, the other dogs would come barreling in, and it was Finnegan, the scrappy mix who would turn and bound back to Merci to show her the way.  Merci also fawns over Maxx, the GSD, wiggling his way with submissive mouth licking frequently.  The other dogs definitely don't look at Merci any differently for all her lack of hearing.

     In basic training, Fara found that Merci was wonderfully responsive- just not to words.  With hand signals (mostly American Sign Language) Merci can be told "Sit", "Down", "Place", "Leave it", "Off",  "Give", "Let’s go", "Ride", "Speak", "No","Come" and go to her crate.  She also demonstrates understanding of "Good girl" and "Toy", and is learning a "Touch" command (where she uses her nose to tag Fara's hand).

     Fara claims that Merci has made her a better handler and trainer.  Even though it is easier because there are less distractions (Merci cannot be distracted by the sounds of other dogs) it still requires patience, like any other training!  Merci has accommodated Fara's effort by becoming remarkably adept at interpreting nuances of facial expression, gestures and body postures.

     Fara said "She [Merci] seems to be able to read my mind sometimes.  Of course when she decides she’s cold in the middle of the night, she taps me twice on the shoulder and I dutifully lift the blankets so she can crawl under the covers.  I’m not quite sure who is training whom…"

Merci is not afraid of heights!

     One of the most amazing discoveries they have recently found with Merci, is that she responds to a high pitched squeal that Finnegan sometimes calls out.  When Finnegan yells, Merci comes running to him!  Fara affectionately calls this Finnegan's Singing, although she cringes when she talks about the noise.  Fara says it is quite a shrill sound, and wonders if it is at a certain range that Merci is just barely able to detect.  Fara and her husband are now working on training Finnegan to "sing" on command to call Merci.

     I asked Fara how Merci does when she is taken out to events in public.  "Usually when I take Merci out, she wears either a collar sleeve or a vest announcing that she’s deaf.  I want people to ask questions and meet her and see that she is a perfectly normal dog who just happens to not hear.  There are plenty of things that make her extraordinary – her sweet, happy temperament, her love of high places and sense of adventure, her serene nature – but they have nothing to do with the fact that she’s deaf."

     Thank goodness Merci and Fara found each other.





     *Fara is active with local rescue, and even after adopting Merci has not slowed down a bit.  Her rescue information is provided below.

The Greater Charlotte SPCA
Greater Charlotte SPCA Facebook Page

Re-Homing a Dog

An owner surrender at the Gaston County Animal Control 

     Since I began my career working with dogs, on average once a month I have the same request.  Someone knows someone who needs to find a home for their dog, can I help?  Usually it is because the person is moving, and "cannot take the dog with" them.  At times there has been a job loss, divorce, death, addition to or illness in the family.  Many are very worthy causes for stress.  But "Owner-surrendered" dogs typically have a pretty hard time, even if they find a new home relatively quickly.


     When I was left living alone in a three-bedroom townhouse that I could scarcely afford, I also worried about my pets.  At that time I had my Brutus, a hound mix, two corn snakes, two cats, and two leopard geckos.  The costs of food, vet bills and supplies to maintain these animals was a stretch some months, but manageable with two roommates.  As I struggled to find less costly living space, I found many people who were not open to my animals living at their property.  Those that were, had very high deposits to be paid for each animal.  So I kept looking.  I understand how difficult it can be when life throws a curve ball.  


     What I also knew, from working with animals, is that it is very difficult to find new homes quickly for displaced animals. There seems to be a general assumption that if the dog is purebred or young it should be very easy to just magically find someone who is willing to take them into their home.  At the shelter I visited last week, there were many pure-bred dogs (by appearance), as well as puppies.  Of those dogs I visited with, the majority were scheduled to be euthanized, due to lack of available space in the facility.  

Another owner surrender at Gaston County A.C.

     In the area of North Carolina that I live in, there are many rescue groups that are very active and effective.  I have seen firsthand how hard working and determined they are!  I have watched them save lives, nurse puppies and dogs back to health, and find loving homes for dozens of dogs.  But as diligently as they strive, there are just too many dogs that need homes.  Even with the hundreds of volunteers (rescue workers often do NOT get paid for their efforts!) donating many hours per day, weeks, months and years on end, there is still not enough time, space, people, or money.


     Dogs that have been abandoned or surrendered always experience stress from the separation from their original owner(s).  This period of transition lasts 3-6 months.  Some show this by becoming hyperactive, others lethargic.  Depending on the age and temperament of the dog, loss of personal attention (shelters and rescues are often overcrowded, with minimal time left for one-on-one interactions since the focus is to first provide for basic needs such as food and medical care) can permanently affect their personalities, and their future behavior patterns.


     When the lucky dogs go to foster homes, or their new families, they go through the transition process all over again.  Loss of confidence and lack of consistency in performance are very common as a dog is being introduced to a new household.  Dogs that appear "Meek" and "Mellow" are not actually low-key, but stressed while experiencing the transition.  The opposite can also happen- some dogs become overly alert or aggressive.  As they become more accustomed to the new surrounds, different behavior patterns will be displayed.  

A purebred Rottweiler at Gaston County A.C.

     I have two adopted dogs of my own, and cannot afford any more pets in my household at this time.  I have been unemployed since the end of February, and am struggling to make ends meet, but I will NOT consider leaving either of my dogs behind.  I see the stress it would put them through, and the high likelihood that it would be a death sentence for them both.  








     Unfortunately, I cannot personally do anything to help people re-home their dogs other than wish them good luck.  I pass along rescue groups' information, in the hopes that they have the manpower, funding and space to better assist those in need.  Thank goodness there are many in this area that do everything they can to help.  Please urge your friends and family to carefully consider all options before adopting or purchasing an animal, to prevent having to attempt to re-home an animal.  

Bark in the Park

     Today I drove to Huntersville to attend "Bark in the Park", which I have been told is one of the largest annual dog-friendly events in the Charlotte area.  The parking area is A HUGE field, with more cars than ants at a picnic.  Thank goodness there seem to be many people attentively and patiently directing the never-ending line of cars (myself included) to the area of field next chosen to be populated.

     Inside the main entrance dogs and people of all shapes and sizes were everywhere enjoying the smorgasbord of booths, demonstrations, and other spectators.  At the main stage, DJs from the local radio station KISS 95.1 beg the crowds to "Please clean up after your dogs!" sporadically.  Otherwise upbeat music lends a festive air to the park in between events.  There are two huge areas fenced in for competitions and demonstrations.  Fields on either side of the main fairway give plenty of space to canines and their companions to just catch their breath before diving back into the crowds, or enjoy some off-leash romps across ample acreage. 
     There are several rows of booths set up offering a wide array of services for humans and canines alike.  Training, treats, pictures and food were everywhere!  Great Danes, Border Collies, Chihuauas, Daschunds, Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, all types of mixed breeds and many many more dogs wagged their way around the grounds excitedly.  I was encircled by voices laughing and talking, dogs sniffing and playing or practicing obedience or tricks.  A good time was obviously being had by all!
     After a casual lap around, I found who I came to see, Fara Robinson, at her Greater Charlotte SPCA booth.  It was nice to hide on the sidelines for a bit and play with the adorable and loving dogs she had available for rescue. 
     All in all, a fantastic day. Four paws up!