tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28278392707340932462024-03-13T06:53:39.455-04:00TAGS TailsThe Official Blog of The Animal Guardian Society.Registered Charitable Pet Rescue and Adoption Organization, serving The Durham Region since 1987!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10547343684973287909noreply@blogger.comBlogger359125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2827839270734093246.post-3858396996157774962013-12-30T09:00:00.000-05:002013-12-30T09:00:11.600-05:00Happy Tail: Chester<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nrc3FCCXhlc/Up_bHFDD23I/AAAAAAAADKk/3kejeRtuWJQ/s1600/chesteradopted4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.ggpht.com/-nrc3FCCXhlc/Up_bHFDD23I/AAAAAAAADKk/3kejeRtuWJQ/s1600/chesteradopted4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<i>Chester has arrived at TAGS in June and he was adopted by the end of July! This handsome but timid dog found his home fast at the loving home of Krys Caughell and her family. </i> <br />
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<b>Why Chester?</b><br />
My Husband and I decided to
adopt Chester because we fell in love with him when we met him. He’s
such a special little dog! He seemed a bit shy at first and we knew he’d
need some extra attention. But we’ve got a huge
heart for animals and knew we could give Chester a very happy home. Oh,
and he’s cute as all heck!<br />
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<b>What did you think about the adoption process?</b><br />
The adoption process was
amazing. We felt very informed and comfortable throughout. And the
organization is well run and does amazing work! We were pleasantly
surprised with all of the things included with adoption
– Chester being fixed, micro-chipped, pet insurance, training, week
trial with food and accessories – it was more than we ever expected. I
have and will continue to recommend TAGS. Adoption is the only option!
(Want to help me convince my Husband that we need
a few more??<span style="font-family: Wingdings;"></span>)<br />
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<b>How did you find Chester? </b>On the website, etc.. ?<br />
Yes we saw Chester’s
profile online. Actually – to be honest we almost didn’t meet him
because of his picture – he looked like a completely different dog! But
I’d seen his profile and looked into the organization
and figured we should at least go and see him. <br />
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<b>When you met Chester did you know right away that he was who you were
looking for? </b><br />
Yes and no. I fell in love with him right away because he
is so adorable. But I also love all animals and I would seriously take
them all home if I could. We were a bit unsure
if he would be the perfect fit because of his shy and nervous
temperament, mostly because we have cats. I think it was the week trial
that we really knew he was our dog. Once he started to settle in and
warm up to us – we could finally see the dog he really
is! And he’s awesome. Best little dog ever!<br />
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<b>What were his first days like?</b><br />
His first days on the week trial were a
bit tough for him I think. He was very shy, quiet and almost depressed. I
imagine he was having separation anxiety from his foster mom, who you
could tell he loved very much. He didn’t want
to eat or play and he kept running to hide in the corner. He was also
very afraid of my Husband! But after a few days, once he started to
settle in and started trusting us, he transformed dramatically into a
happy playful crazy little puppy.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F5XqKX2ZXZI/Up_bFteh5MI/AAAAAAAADKU/rAO2_-_zXgc/s1600/chesteradopted3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.ggpht.com/-F5XqKX2ZXZI/Up_bFteh5MI/AAAAAAAADKU/rAO2_-_zXgc/s1600/chesteradopted3.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tlZi1xjP4kY/Up_bFv2ynpI/AAAAAAAADKY/-IB3y9muEI0/s1600/chesteradopted1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://lh3.ggpht.com/-tlZi1xjP4kY/Up_bFv2ynpI/AAAAAAAADKY/-IB3y9muEI0/s1600/chesteradopted1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>How is he getting along with your other dogs/family members?</b><br />
I have 3
cats – Alvin, Elvis and Lou. Chester likes the cats. Alvin especially –
he wants to play with him so bad! But Alvin is a scaredy cat and runs.
Which makes Chester think they are playing.
Cue stampede. Elvis and Chester sleep and cuddle together sometimes,
but might scuffle over food. And Lou is indifferent (pretty much to
everything!) <br />
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<b>Tell us a funny story or habit about Chester! </b><br />
Just one? Well,
during the day he is crated. But my husband comes home at lunch everyday
to let him out and spend time with him. So one day, like every other
day, my Husband puts Chester in his crate and goes
to work. He comes home at lunch and to his surprise there are 2 sets of
eyes staring back at him from the crate. My cat Elvis must have snack
in there earlier in the morning to sleep – and my husband not knowing
and not seeing him just put Chester in like
usual!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_fVNsmlHqvc/Up_bFem6FII/AAAAAAAADKQ/ABRpa2alyho/s1600/chesteradopted2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://lh3.ggpht.com/-_fVNsmlHqvc/Up_bFem6FII/AAAAAAAADKQ/ABRpa2alyho/s1600/chesteradopted2.jpg" width="320" /></a><b>How did the training classes go?</b><br />
Training was awesome. We learned a lot
and felt like Chester did too. He could use more training I think in
other areas. Like for example when the doorbell rings (even on tv) you’d
think the world was ending. I’ve never heard
a wee dog bark so loud!<br />
<br /> I could go on and on about how amazing
Chester is and how much we love him. He is absolutely the perfect dog
for us. He fits with our family and lifestyle so well. He is definitely
the right dog for us!<span style="font-family: Wingdings;"></span>audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728435394192039224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2827839270734093246.post-8278946158272094012013-12-11T09:13:00.001-05:002013-12-11T09:49:34.868-05:00Website Makeover & Blog LocationOur website recently had a makeover! Our website address is still <a href="http://www.animalguardian.org/">www.animalguardian.org</a> but it looks very different from before!<br />
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As a result, TAGS Tails will be updated directly on our <a href="http://www.animalguardian.org/blog/">website</a> instead of at this address.</div>
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Please continue to use this page if you would like to look back through older entries, but please note that some of the hyperlinks will no longer work due to our website being re-organized. We apologize for any inconvenience and hope you will bear with us as we work through some kinks with our new system. </div>
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We will continue to bring you interesting, cute and inspiring posts about the rescue world on our new site. </div>
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See you there! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZUubzubW8g0F3ocPjC7p91f9nk6OLDede1PcNiA3S_L5Hvq7q-eNeJHhjP7-F7YWHo1nLTKDsmWJUX24574lGZGAVlzBerKCk7_BKiuNS3VZOs5HHsvnww2-UwfcObKJgM6I_UEQX5j3X/s1600/snoops.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZUubzubW8g0F3ocPjC7p91f9nk6OLDede1PcNiA3S_L5Hvq7q-eNeJHhjP7-F7YWHo1nLTKDsmWJUX24574lGZGAVlzBerKCk7_BKiuNS3VZOs5HHsvnww2-UwfcObKJgM6I_UEQX5j3X/s320/snoops.png" width="315" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.petango.com/Adopt/Dog-Dalmatian-Retriever-Labrador-21503328#.Uqhytgl8hzU.twitter">Snoopy! </a></td></tr>
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Jennifer http://www.blogger.com/profile/10736861697388224843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2827839270734093246.post-7193478560934335982013-12-09T08:19:00.000-05:002013-12-09T10:16:46.908-05:00Why I Volunteer: Shelley<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Shelley began volunteering with TAGS in 2012. At our recent <a href="http://tagstails.blogspot.ca/2013/11/november-recap.html">volunteer dinner,</a> she was awarded with a 1-year pin and congratulated for banking over 100 volunteer hours. Below, she tells us all about why she joined TAGS, what roles she has, and what keeps her going.</i></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>1. What encouraged you
to become a volunteer with TAGS?</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Since finishing my
education, moving out and getting married I have wanted a dog of my own. Well, OK,
let’s be honest, I’ve wanted a dog long before that – I’ve wanted my own dog since
my last beloved family dog passed away many years ago. I love dogs! And cats
too! I had a cat for 19 years – she’s even in my wedding photos! But since my
husband and I were living in a one-bedroom apartment and despite really, REALLY
wanting a dog, I knew, realistically, that we could not provide the best
environment for one. I worked some evenings, some weekends and some days and
knew that with our schedules we also didn’t have the time to devote to a dog.
And did I mention that my husband is also allergic to cats and dogs too, to top
it all off! Totally 3 strikes against me ever getting a dog! Greaaaattt. Then I
thought, “How can I still be around dogs and cats without actually having one
myself?” That’s when I found TAGS! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>2. What are your roles
at TAGS?</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Just over a year ago, I
started with TAGS as a <a href="http://tagstails.blogspot.ca/2013/06/helping-rescue-dogs-get-adopted-in.html">volunteer in PetSmart</a>, supervising the dogs and telling
people all about them, their wonderful qualities and our adoption process. I
enjoyed informing people about the incredible journey some of our dogs have
made (some from puppy mills others from high-kill shelters or similar) and I
was truly inspired by these dogs’ courage and hope for a new life. And I loved
seeing the amazement on the faces of people who, after hearing what these dogs
had endured before reaching TAGS - like myself just a few months before - had just
gained a new-found respect for the world of rescue animals in just a few
moments of discussion.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFH3kvykmqK0x7hj1XTJO6Gb9v8paOLnfsYZDVMSCYerG2TzL90DJ4n7O_w-AnG6gMVyYYp-s07l5YKpjYSaAknpa43a58C7UNAlNznIX646TCfup4OvltZLmHyAnfJlrqnvYiTPXu7lGQ/s1600/sr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFH3kvykmqK0x7hj1XTJO6Gb9v8paOLnfsYZDVMSCYerG2TzL90DJ4n7O_w-AnG6gMVyYYp-s07l5YKpjYSaAknpa43a58C7UNAlNznIX646TCfup4OvltZLmHyAnfJlrqnvYiTPXu7lGQ/s400/sr.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with Rocky at PetSmart. (Rocky has since been adopted)</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Over the past few
months, now that I have a more regular work schedule, I now also assist with
some administrative tasks and have become responsible for booking our foster
dogs to be showcased in some of our supporting pet stores in Durham Region. I
just love hearing when these dogs have <a href="http://animalguardian.org/adoptionprocess.htm">Meet and Greets</a> and then ultimately get
adopted – and knowing it could have all started with someone seeing our dogs at
the stores. It just shows that what we do here at TAGS is making a difference.
And that keeps me going. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>3. What are some of the
memorable moments you have from volunteering with TAGS?</b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4FvcbyTnGAaEyxlQUrNLWKblZXMlA_Oyr8aBUn5GFmkokzXZHrKUdE5W7ycVUnN06IYbqpjLCVNm4wOcvKScujuRAvG4pp5T_YpeT24DUhRXiIsNBgXowVCVrnmRDtkBHTPpQRBrqezZ/s1600/jill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4FvcbyTnGAaEyxlQUrNLWKblZXMlA_Oyr8aBUn5GFmkokzXZHrKUdE5W7ycVUnN06IYbqpjLCVNm4wOcvKScujuRAvG4pp5T_YpeT24DUhRXiIsNBgXowVCVrnmRDtkBHTPpQRBrqezZ/s320/jill.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jill! </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US">One moment that stands
out for me is when I was volunteering in <a href="http://www.petvalu.com/locations_services/2030/oshawa-north">PetValu Ritson</a> and I had Jill (a dog up for adoption) with me. And we were almost done for the day when a lovely man and woman
came into the store to purchase some food for their other dogs. As I was
packing up, Jill was on her leash and she started to pull me towards these
people. I let her sniff and the couple thought she was so sweet. And then she
followed them. All. Over. The. Store. I apologized to the couple and said
“There’s just something about you that she likes I guess, but I’m sorry, this
doesn’t normally happen.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US"></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US">Shortly after,
Jill’s foster mom arrived to pick her up and the couple came back to where I
was finishing packing up, and starting asking Jill’s foster mom all about Jill
and her habits. Jill had melted their hearts. Within the following 10 days or
so, the couple had set up a Meet and Greet with Jill, who fit right in with the
couple’s other dogs, had a Home Visit and a successful Extended Visit and was
officially adopted! It happened so fast! If I had ever had any doubt about <a href="http://www.animalguardian.org/how-to-help/adopting-a-rescue/adoption-process/">this process</a>, this sequence of events completely affirmed that having the dogs out in the community to meet people as a way of getting them adopted really
does work, and I felt so lucky to be a witness to it. Me, myself and I had
actually bore witness to a dog, who had been transported all the way from a </span><span lang="EN-US">Kentucky High-kill shelter</span><span lang="EN-US">, literally choose her
forever family! And shortly thereafter, Jill’s new mom (and her teenage son)
decided to volunteer for TAGS. How fantastic! (Click <a href="http://tagstails.blogspot.ca/2013/09/happy-tail-jill.html">here</a> to read about Jill's new life.)</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>4. Do you have any other
comments/things you would like to share about your experiences?</b><i> </i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When I started with TAGS
I just wanted to be around dogs and cats because I couldn’t have one of my own.
But since learning about the significant over-population in Canada and the U.S.
and the reality of the gruesome living conditions some animals have to endure,
animal rescue has become something I am truly passionate about. I am realistic,
and I know that despite anyone’s best efforts, that we can’t save them all. But
shouldn’t we at least try to save, and give a second chance to as many as we
can? A few hours a month of your time volunteering can make a huge difference
in the lives of so many animals. That is now why I volunteer for TAGS. For
those who do not have a voice of their own, let us be their voice.</span></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: inherit;">+ + +</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />We are always looking for more volunteers! <br />Find out how you can become a part of the TAGS family <a href="http://www.animalguardian.org/how-to-help/">on our website.</a> </span></div>
Jennifer http://www.blogger.com/profile/10736861697388224843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2827839270734093246.post-29773674681322859982013-12-06T09:00:00.000-05:002013-12-06T09:00:09.374-05:00For the Love of Dog...<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #303030;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>This compassionate, wonderful account of adopting a rescue dog comes to us from Kaitlin Bernard. It was originally posted on her blog, <a href="http://blank-cage.tumblr.com/?og=1">Blank Cage,</a> on Friday, November 22. </i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #303030;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #303030;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I won’t lie, when my boyfriend and I
first entertained the thought of getting a dog I had my heart set on a Shiba
Inu. I researched the breed, I contacted breeders, I picked out names, I
watched training videos on how to deal with the notoriously headstrong breed. I
had my perfect little boy all dreamed up, a red Shiba puppy named Oden. Then
something happened, my sister (who has the biggest heart of anyone I know)
adopted two dogs from a local rescue group called <a href="http://animalguardian.org/">The Animal Guardian Society(TAGS)</a>. They were a pair of brother and sister Border Collie/Basset Hound mixes
from a high-kill shelter in the States. They flourished in my sister’s loving
household. They were remarkably well-balanced, healthy, happy dogs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #303030;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My sister’s experience with adopting
totally changed how I viewed rescue animals. I thought adopting meant going
down to the local pound and looking through the cages and being heartsick that
you couldn’t take them all home. After spending just a few minutes with an
animal, you would have to decide whether or not to take it home, knowing little
of its behaviour. Then would come the nightmare of re-training a broken animal
that has been through goodness knows what. Let me take the opportunity to
acknowledge my complete and utter ignorance. This is NOT the case at all. There
is absolutely nothing wrong with adopting an animal from a shelter. Some of the
best behaved dogs I know came straight from shelters. But I also learned that
this is not the only option. There are tons of rescue organizations that take
animals into their care and place them in foster homes. Volunteers with huge
hearts take these dogs into their homes and they live with them as a member of
their family.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #303030;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When it came time to add a dog to our
family, we turned to Pet Finder (think Kijiji for rescue animals). It didn’t
take long before we fell in love with Leia, a cute, shy-looking, 1-year-old
Boxer/Catahoula Hound mix from TEAM Dog Rescue. Everything about her bio
resounded with us. It wasn’t quite a happy ending just yet though. We contacted
TEAM only to find out she had already been adopted. Saddened, but realizing it
was par for the course, we started to look at other dogs. But then something
fateful happened; the person who adopted Leia realized it wasn’t the right fit
and made the difficult decision to take her back to the rescue organization.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfkGF5gMpmLqQhmrrnZoDt-Jv2PC1fXEKIzXsEc10u3zJFU8qUzAt0AFr_3SHO32Fuxr0cO00GDBuxK0d8PI8Gqd2-o4f-mdOnt9F5u0R7_q20MOeGR14Mj5x-3j7PRrViPtal5eiQGyl/s1600/sklalaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfkGF5gMpmLqQhmrrnZoDt-Jv2PC1fXEKIzXsEc10u3zJFU8qUzAt0AFr_3SHO32Fuxr0cO00GDBuxK0d8PI8Gqd2-o4f-mdOnt9F5u0R7_q20MOeGR14Mj5x-3j7PRrViPtal5eiQGyl/s320/sklalaa.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leia! </td></tr>
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<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #303030;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We met Leia shortly after Christmas.
She waddled into our house wearing this little red sweater and she stole our
hearts instantly. She didn’t want to walk on the tile and she wasn’t a fan of
the hardwood, so she curled up on the area rug and took a snooze while we
talked to the people from TEAM. We heard about how scared she was on the
transport up here from North Carolina. She was picked up as a stray who had
recently had puppies. We heard how she was scheduled to be put down the day
after TEAM sprung her. But we also heard how she was flourishing in her foster
home with two other dogs. They told us how she was the middle of her pack,
dominating the fosters’ big Boxer and submitting to their little American
Eskimo. We saw right away what they meant about her being a cuddle bug once she
trusted someone. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #303030;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">People say they “just know” when they
meet the right dog for them. It’s cheesy and cliché, but it’s true. We filled
out the paperwork, gave TEAM our references, and after we’d been thoroughly
checked out, they brought her to us on New Year’s Eve. We decided to forego the
typical New Year’s party and spent a quiet night at home with just the three of
us, my sister, her boyfriend, and her two dogs. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #303030;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now, I by no means intend to paint
the picture that owning a dog is all sunshine and rainbows. Sometimes it’s
hard. Just like any dog, Leia has issues that we work on every single day. But
we also remember each and every day that her life is a gift in our lives. We
don’t know exactly where she came from, we don’t know her story, and we’ll
never know what she looked like as a puppy. You very quickly realize none of
this matters. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #303030;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Leia has truly changed our lives. She
has turned us into rescue advocates and passionate dissenters against
breed-specific legislation (a serious problem for Ontario rescues that are
forced to deny help to the breeds that need them most of all). She has made me
more compassionate when it comes to animal welfare. I’m more conscious than
ever about the products that I use and the food that I eat. She makes the end
of every work day even better because I know she’s at home waiting for me and
will be happy to see me no matter what. She makes our house a home and our
couple a family.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #303030;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Getting a dog isn’t about <i>owning </i>a
dog. I wish I realized this sooner. When you stop thinking about it like
shopping for a designer handbag and start viewing it as finding a new family
member, adopting is the only thing that makes sense. I don’t think I’ll ever
understand buying from a breeder again. At one point it’s what I wanted, but I
know I will never “buy” a dog in my lifetime. There are so many dogs out there
that need homes and will die without one. Plus, there is no reason not to
adopt. It’s a huge benefit to get a dog that’s behaviour has already been
assessed. A lot of people buy based on breed for behaviour, but breed does not
necessarily guarantee predictable, uniform behaviour. What better predictor of
behaviour than someone who lives with the dog and can tell you if he barks a
lot, or sleeps a lot, or how he is with kids, cats, and other dogs? And if you
do happen to want a specific breed, there are pure bred rescue dogs out there.
There are also wonderful mixes. My sister is currently fostering a gorgeous,
well-mannered <a href="http://www.petango.com/Adopt/Dog-Dalmatian-Retriever-Labrador-21503328#.UppmqbVqIBg.twitter">Dalmatian/Lab mix</a>. What I’ve also learned is that many rescues
will work with you if you have a particular breed in mind. If you can find it
online somewhere, they can usually help you arrange transport to where you
live. And it’s not very hard to find puppies if you really want to raise the
dog yourself. Also, don’t think you need any sort of special training
experience to adopt a rescue dog. They all come with their own unique quirks,
but I swear up and down that if we raised Leia from a puppy, she would have way
more behavioural issues. Plus, when we adopted Leia, we essentially got adopted
into the TEAM community. They have wonderfully fun fundraisers and a Facebook
group where you can ask behaviour/medical/and any kind of dog question. When
Leia had some stomach issues shortly after we adopted her, two of the directors
from TEAM were on the phone with us and the vet’s the entire weekend and they
even offered to pay for the medical bills related to the issue.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #303030;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I guarantee you, your next family
member is already out there in need of a loving home. When you go in with an
open mind and an open heart, you’re sure to find a furry piece of your life you
didn’t even realize was missing. So when the time comes to welcome an animal
into your family, please consider adopting.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #303030; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18pt; text-align: justify;">P.S. This all goes for cats too.</span>Jennifer http://www.blogger.com/profile/10736861697388224843noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2827839270734093246.post-39363525567239476762013-12-04T09:30:00.000-05:002013-12-04T09:30:00.018-05:00Wordless Wednesday: Santa's Little Helper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyIaEKfVG1mtxdpHh05Dg1LtW_WFQerg-ZSCPEr9w2ZshAS_85b9g7-OWjYQJXj7esF_BR3MegDRMP2HJQOCUrBuBTV0IStRgtLHVVTtwBW-hxiwSEl_ldxfbLRsNkB_gnslC7gYM7ZBse/s1600/yogi+bear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyIaEKfVG1mtxdpHh05Dg1LtW_WFQerg-ZSCPEr9w2ZshAS_85b9g7-OWjYQJXj7esF_BR3MegDRMP2HJQOCUrBuBTV0IStRgtLHVVTtwBW-hxiwSEl_ldxfbLRsNkB_gnslC7gYM7ZBse/s400/yogi+bear.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.petango.com/Adopt/Dog-Spaniel-Border-Collie-21546467#.UpwF2zlckUI.twitter">Yogi Bear</a> is ready for his first Christmas! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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This is a blog hop. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Don't forget to check out the other participating blogs by clicking on the image below.</div>
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<br />Jennifer http://www.blogger.com/profile/10736861697388224843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2827839270734093246.post-55625979269420438012013-12-03T08:00:00.000-05:002013-12-05T13:51:05.299-05:00Happy Tail: Wyatt<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "inherit","serif";"><i>Our long-time volunteer, Cathy Lloyd has recently adopted Wyatt and we wanted to know how he was doing. It seems that this adoption was meant to be! Wyatt was rescued from a high-kill shelter in Kentucky this March. It didn't take long for this sweet boy to find his new home and now he is happier than ever!</i></span><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "inherit","serif";"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "inherit","serif";">Why did you decide to adopt Wyatt?</span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SgEJ_jan16Q/UpwUFL3QocI/AAAAAAAADJk/54GKZRKcyhA/s1600/Wyatt+before.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://lh3.ggpht.com/-SgEJ_jan16Q/UpwUFL3QocI/AAAAAAAADJk/54GKZRKcyhA/s1600/Wyatt+before.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wyatt before he arrived at TAGS</td></tr>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "inherit","serif";">We simply fell in love with the little guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have adopted so many dogs through the
years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t really go looking for a
new family member, it just happens. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "inherit","serif";">When you met Wyatt, did you know right away that he was who
you were looking for?</span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "inherit","serif";">I met Wyatt at one of our TAGS social functions and he made a
huge impact on me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really wanted to take
him home with me right then and there!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
seemed so small and vulnerable and I went home and told my husband about him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I already felt connected to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then Wyatt was at Petsmart one day while I
was there for TAGS, and I called my husband to come and meet him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He fell in love with him too…and the rest is
history.</span></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "inherit","serif";">What were his first days like?</span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "inherit","serif";">Wyatt settled in really well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a little timid and he still is sometimes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But he loved playing with Wally, our four
year old Vizsla/Mastiff mix.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They hit it
off right away and are best buds!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wyatt
got along well with our other dogs too. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
think he thought he was at the dog park. </span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "inherit","serif";">Wyatt bonded with us quickly too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loves to cuddle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would curl up beside me or even in my lap
if one of the other dogs was lying beside me. He is such a sweet boy.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RmWuoprTJrw/UpwUJSxOC5I/AAAAAAAADJs/BySo6yINykk/s1600/Wyatt+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.ggpht.com/-RmWuoprTJrw/UpwUJSxOC5I/AAAAAAAADJs/BySo6yINykk/s1600/Wyatt+1.jpg" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wyatt meets Cathy at PetSmart</td></tr>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "inherit","serif";">How did the training classes go?</span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "inherit","serif";">Well, let’s just say that Wyatt didn’t graduate at the top of
his class!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did ok, and did much
better when we trained at home. But once he saw the other dogs in his class,
and if his foster family was around, he was more interested in visiting than
learning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "inherit","serif";">Tell us a funny story or habit about Wyatt!</span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WP1JpeNhU9s/UpwUMHPhY3I/AAAAAAAADJ0/FgMFdfR2NpI/s1600/wally+and+wyatt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.ggpht.com/-WP1JpeNhU9s/UpwUMHPhY3I/AAAAAAAADJ0/FgMFdfR2NpI/s1600/wally+and+wyatt.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best friends</td></tr>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "inherit","serif";">Wyatt likes to sneak things to play with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of his favourite things is the toilet
paper roll.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’ll sneak it off the
roller and then run around the house with it leaving a long trail of toilet
paper behind him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While our other dogs
enjoy a rawhide bone treat, Wyatt will take his and try to bury it in the couch
if he can’t get outside. </span></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "inherit","serif";">How is he getting along with your other dogs/family members?</span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "inherit","serif";">Wyatt loves everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loves our other dogs, especially Wally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are best of friends and play together
all the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wyatt is Wally’s
shadow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<b>Anything else you would like to share about Wyatt?</b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "inherit","serif";">Wyatt is such a treasure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He plays hard one minute, and the next, he’s cuddling with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the morning, he likes to jump up on the
bed and have a little snuggle before we get up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is so affectionate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We feel so
fortunate to have him in our lives.</span></div>
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audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00728435394192039224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2827839270734093246.post-37611790841120724552013-12-02T08:30:00.000-05:002013-12-03T11:17:37.719-05:00November Adoptions! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
10 pets found forever homes in November. That is our highest month all year! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYngZ4KhUgxYXlsmIW-vudyciv3hsPzn1C8s-SdOO0byUWZJuuv1C4sWs8ShqToStXp5zeAEXvgnAc9NOs7-sq-V04Ce3EFxzAtLsTOYA7mE0VbW36V9cVLpEuKZbe0aqEFOCA9EiFooQ/s1600/November+Adoptions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYngZ4KhUgxYXlsmIW-vudyciv3hsPzn1C8s-SdOO0byUWZJuuv1C4sWs8ShqToStXp5zeAEXvgnAc9NOs7-sq-V04Ce3EFxzAtLsTOYA7mE0VbW36V9cVLpEuKZbe0aqEFOCA9EiFooQ/s400/November+Adoptions.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
All of these animals have had a tumultuous go of it over the past few months, or even throughout their whole lives. We are so happy that they all found a new home just in time for the holidays!<br />
<br />
Special acknowledgement is in order for Diesel, Josie and Dakota.<br />
<br />
<b>Diesel</b> was with TAGS for over a year before finding a home. Despite being playful, energetic and adorable, he just couldn't seem to find the right home for him...until now!<br />
<br />
<b>Josie</b> came to TAGS when the <a href="http://tagstails.blogspot.ca/2013/05/puppy-mill-dogs.html">puppy mill</a> she was living in closed down. Since she was used for breeding her whole life, Josie didn't know much about how to be a dog and it was a very long time before she even trusted her foster mom. Luckily, Josie doesn't have to learn to trust someone new ever again. Her foster mom decided to give her a forever home. (When this was announced at the TAGS Volunteer dinner, applause immediately broke out.)<br />
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<b>Dakota</b> is the only senior adopted in November, and as such, he's now our poster boy for "Adopt a Senior Pet Month." Way to go, Dakota!<br />
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<b><> <> <> </b></div>
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Thank you to all of our <a href="http://animalguardian.org/fostercare.htm">foster parents</a> for taking care of these lovely animals when they had no one else to go to. You are the true heroes of TAGS! </div>
Jennifer http://www.blogger.com/profile/10736861697388224843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2827839270734093246.post-79902336202871168732013-12-01T20:30:00.000-05:002013-12-01T22:58:08.212-05:00Save a Life - Become a Foster Parent! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today we have a special feature on our blog- a video! It provides insight about the experience of becoming a foster parent for a rescued animal. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">One of our volunteers and foster parents, Courtney Bernard, put this together. Enjoy!</span> </div>
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<br /></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxNTbe4ELJsBiB4bsi0Rxl1JnaA_CgdkMbeD2emdOKG7RoEdIZLWCA7BQRDk-_FzKpeBobQqlkZr8DdmCazjg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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As 2013 winds down to a close, we ask that you look forward into 2014 and ask yourself what you can do to give back to the community. If the results of your brainstorming lead you to "I want to help animals," please consider TAGS as your avenue to do just that!<br />
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We are currently looking for volunteers to help us with many areas, and we are always in need of new foster homes. The more foster homes, the more lives we can save!<br />
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For more information on how you can help TAGS, or to become a foster parent, <a href="http://animalguardian.org/HowtoHelp.htm">visit our website.</a>Jennifer http://www.blogger.com/profile/10736861697388224843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2827839270734093246.post-28093377649408405922013-11-29T08:45:00.000-05:002013-11-29T09:00:52.075-05:00November Recap! <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">TAGS had a busy November! </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In addition to our regularly scheduled sessions at Whitby PetSmart and local Pet Valu locations, our volunteers were busy this month with several exciting events.
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<b>Tags Dinner (November 16)</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.15; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">TAGS hosted its volunteers and supporters on Saturday, November 16th for a dinner to celebrate its 26th year serving the Durham Region community. A silent auction was held which raised over $1,000 for the</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;"> organization. </span><span style="line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 17.99715805053711px;">A big congratulations goes out to the volunteers who were recognized at the dinner! We had 41 "One Year" milestone achievers, two "Five Year" keeners, and FOUR volunteers who were honoured for reaching the 10 year milestone. It was a very inspiring night, thank you to all of our volunteers for their contribution to TAGS, we couldn't do it without you! </span></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUe6zEc4G7qv21aKVW7e2OpufEzTjJJ_ynyo0IGk2mP9cE6MKA1QY3pcef_s4MWOQOoM-kLEludeIRzfM9CFbuMyoYbblJGFUG46tfHaQkhCrZO_SiUBj5SNKi9LccUbU128WZjT6obIFP/s1600/10+years.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUe6zEc4G7qv21aKVW7e2OpufEzTjJJ_ynyo0IGk2mP9cE6MKA1QY3pcef_s4MWOQOoM-kLEludeIRzfM9CFbuMyoYbblJGFUG46tfHaQkhCrZO_SiUBj5SNKi9LccUbU128WZjT6obIFP/s400/10+years.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>10 Years with TAGS! </b><br />Photo credit: Heather Harton</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">The festivities were capped off with a slideshow of all of the dogs adopted in 2012 and 2013, bringing back memories of some of the lives TAGS has managed to improve and save in the past two years. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">UOIT Puppy Room (November 20)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What an uplifting day! <a href="http://www.petango.com/Adopt/Dog-Poodle-Miniature-Bichon-Frise-20398762#.UpgHo_AFa2s.twitter">Quincy</a>, <a href="http://www.petango.com/Adopt/Dog-Pomeranian-Chihuahua-Short-Coat-14525187#.UpgHElzl0kY.twitter">Jasper</a>, Snoopy, <a href="http://www.petango.com/Adopt/Dog-Schnauzer-Miniature-Mix-21409287#.UpgHK3xLGck.twitter">Roxy</a>, Sheldon and Biscotti were dispatched to the UOIT campus to bring smiles to stressed out students as they prepare for their exams.
</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.petango.com/Adopt/Dog-Dalmatian-Retriever-Labrador-21503328#.UpgOZgd0zfs.twitter">Snoopy,</a> a 9-month-old Dalmation mix was the most energetic dog to come out to play, while <a href="http://www.petango.com/Adopt/Dog-Chihuahua-Short-Coat-Dachshund-Miniature-Smooth-Haired-18700194#.UpgOShev3E8.twitter">Sheldon</a>, a Chihuahua mix and <a href="http://www.petango.com/Adopt/Dog-Hound-Spaniel-American-Cocker-12669793#.UpgOg6NK3Mk.twitter">Biscotti,</a> a Cocker Spaniel/Hound, preferred to win hearts by cuddling up to students. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Biscotti working the crowd.</b><br />
Photo credit: Heather Harton</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">TAGS also visited the UOIT and Durham College campus </span><a href="https://news.uoit.ca/archives/2013/01/uoit-students-find-puppy-love.php" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">earlier this year.</a><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Another visit is planned for early 2014.</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pet First Aid (November 24)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This course was taught by veterinarian Dr. Tanya Varley, or Dr. Tanya as she prefers to be called.
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Participants learned: </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">-How to correctly bandage a wound on the leg, using gauze and sticky vet tape</span><br />
-What key items to have on hand in a Pet First Aid Kit<br />
-How to correctly administer CPR using compressions and breaths for small and large dogs and cats<br />
-What human medications can be used for treatment of some animal ailments & which ones NOT to use<br />
-What human food can be given to our pets to cure an upset tummy and which ones NEVER to give<br />
-Having the knowledge and the confidence to treat a sick or injured pet and when to go to the vet<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyK38yGegzns3W-DyklS3u_ZizLbmc6IvpZ8s12MO2j8IGry1237KHYGQDOw1fbh47Ryih5CEFmfCCeQyS6Qya1pB7vwgVmmRn2BhiKMYDag8WHAA1c6MRm4MeWrWaLhXZ2rr6ntYsa3-8/s1600/oliver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyK38yGegzns3W-DyklS3u_ZizLbmc6IvpZ8s12MO2j8IGry1237KHYGQDOw1fbh47Ryih5CEFmfCCeQyS6Qya1pB7vwgVmmRn2BhiKMYDag8WHAA1c6MRm4MeWrWaLhXZ2rr6ntYsa3-8/s320/oliver.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Oliver's mom learned how to bandage a wound.</b><br />
Photo credit: Julie White</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">Needless to say, a broad range of subjects were covered throughout the day. Dr. Tanya answered any and all questions directed at her, which added to the value of the session by far. It was also interesting to learn her perspective on when you need to go to the vet versus knowing when it may not be necessary. This distinction is not always clear. We were also able to discuss m</span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">ore intense subjects such as dealing with an emergency situation in the event a veterinarian was not easily accessible. It was stressed by Dr. Tanya that it is an owner's responsibility to avoid unsafe situations: there is a fine line between letting your dog enjoy itself, and knowing when it is a good idea to stop an activity when it could be unsafe or dangerous.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Adoptions</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">November was also a very busy month for adoptions! Our adoption committee has been very busy these past few weeks reviewing applications, scheduling home visits, and walking potential new adopters through our <a href="http://www.animalguardian.org/adoptionprocess.htm">adoption process</a>. We'll reveal the adoptions on TAGS Tails this upcoming Monday, December 2. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">New Arrivals</span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPAQWR1USLOgCIA2sViW_G4U1tiThGAz4QIFBOK-7RodfXWrSYc7zfK382ufIb8dDf2a-6OFZ8m1NBUq9r1XE8QrnyQ7eScrNczBppqGdD4iSNGZFbsrW3leMwruTUp3Q9Mq4lcJuncxB/s1600/new+dogs+at+tags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPAQWR1USLOgCIA2sViW_G4U1tiThGAz4QIFBOK-7RodfXWrSYc7zfK382ufIb8dDf2a-6OFZ8m1NBUq9r1XE8QrnyQ7eScrNczBppqGdD4iSNGZFbsrW3leMwruTUp3Q9Mq4lcJuncxB/s320/new+dogs+at+tags.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learn more about these dogs on our <a href="http://www.animalguardian.org/adoptions.htm">adoptions page.</a></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">This post was written by <a href="https://twitter.com/nickiordanis">Nick.</a></span></i>Jennifer http://www.blogger.com/profile/10736861697388224843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2827839270734093246.post-71469573444771436542013-11-27T10:08:00.000-05:002013-11-27T10:08:00.129-05:00Wordless Wednesday: I'm a Goat! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUjX5HY-1S0huqmry867RIdml7LXD9uhTVTEYrETwzevBOZd3nSGck7gXLo8uvtdWy8ncBbtGQ2vQMopit0NyO31BhyphenhyphennryiVG_J5xltsV1HNGP-Nn1-YBFs7P-BAyOP1jg5FBiNAJVSrUi/s1600/mulligan+sandra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUjX5HY-1S0huqmry867RIdml7LXD9uhTVTEYrETwzevBOZd3nSGck7gXLo8uvtdWy8ncBbtGQ2vQMopit0NyO31BhyphenhyphennryiVG_J5xltsV1HNGP-Nn1-YBFs7P-BAyOP1jg5FBiNAJVSrUi/s320/mulligan+sandra.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.petango.com/Adopt/Dog-Terrier-Jack-Russell-Mix-21040935#.UpS5JGHsF0E.twitter">Mulligan </a>was being cheeky at PetSmart Whitby last weekend.</div>
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He decided to channel his inner goat and climb on his foster mom!</div>
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This is a blog hop. </div>
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Don't forget to check out the other participating blogs by clicking on the image below.</div>
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<br />Jennifer http://www.blogger.com/profile/10736861697388224843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2827839270734093246.post-65214848043222854332013-11-25T09:51:00.003-05:002013-11-25T10:09:25.211-05:00Santa Claus is Coming to Town! <div style="text-align: center;">
Christmas is one month away!</div>
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That means it's time to get your annual Santa photos taken with TAGS!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2pKKFFRnhoQ2uNEhAu0EfYBpCRNbm4_B52RyARq-kmR0S1_QvFyHo1c8BVl7G99zsMd-RRjEn3EFGa8KqzpTtpKCFlN5-fbqSo1-XLaLb5qmLMwHFPqMlSw4tN6ysXm3-vHQ9a6y6q2_t/s1600/santa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2pKKFFRnhoQ2uNEhAu0EfYBpCRNbm4_B52RyARq-kmR0S1_QvFyHo1c8BVl7G99zsMd-RRjEn3EFGa8KqzpTtpKCFlN5-fbqSo1-XLaLb5qmLMwHFPqMlSw4tN6ysXm3-vHQ9a6y6q2_t/s1600/santa.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Date:</b> Saturday, December 14</div>
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">Time:</b> 11:00a.m.-3:00p.m.<br />
<b>Location:</b> <a href="http://www.petvalu.com/locations_services/2031/whitby-1">Pet Valu (Kendalwood)</a><br />
<b>Cost:</b> $10 and all proceeds go to TAGS<br />
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Please share this event with your friends by joining our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/618231601566972/?ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular">Facebook event</a> and inviting others!</div>
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We will also have a booth set up in the store that day with an </div>
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adoptable dog or two, so be sure to visit!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Holidays! </span></div>
Jennifer http://www.blogger.com/profile/10736861697388224843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2827839270734093246.post-12710621881536694192013-11-22T08:00:00.000-05:002013-11-23T10:01:41.294-05:00Featured Adoptable Dog: Jasmine! <i>Our volunteer and foster mom Julie sent us some useful information about her new foster dog, <a href="http://www.petango.com/Adopt/Dog-Saint-Bernard-Mix-21409001#.Uo7Pvn0KyvE.twitter">Jasmine!</a></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypcRU0GT4yhPzytynpRsTYJ2VoQp4ngPneYgOWpKjJrs3PeTBh-C6gB9ycdIiehFRAq47q9ZzaxSNpVApsNZ0rFk_kiZF4FbeeKZ4GF1mTEQacBhQ5LJo21GqP3EAp_r86mvxsNUkc73x/s1600/jasmine+collage+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypcRU0GT4yhPzytynpRsTYJ2VoQp4ngPneYgOWpKjJrs3PeTBh-C6gB9ycdIiehFRAq47q9ZzaxSNpVApsNZ0rFk_kiZF4FbeeKZ4GF1mTEQacBhQ5LJo21GqP3EAp_r86mvxsNUkc73x/s640/jasmine+collage+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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Jasmine is a 65 pound St.Bernard mix who is estimated to be about 8 years old. She has a beautiful face that beams love toward everyone she meets. Her deep, soulful eyes definitely have a way of pulling people in, and once she has them, she showers them with love.<br />
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TAGS rescued Jasmine from a shelter in Shelby, Tennessee. Apparently Jasmine was a stray before being at the shelter, but I feel like Jasmine is way too well behaved to have been a stray. I believe she was betrayed by her family and left behind for no reason, and I can only assume that her family regrets that decision. She is a perfect dog.<br />
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Jasmine is a social dog, amazing with anyone who wants to pet her and give her attention. If you so much as indicate that a tummy rub could be in her future, she will be on her back in a heartbeat. Even if you're just standing there with your hands by your side, you can expect Jasmine's head to nudge you for a few head scratches. But as much as she loves people, she also loves other dogs and often wants to play.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaa1PYSAApkRQ1xGaHox8PC-OeQnWftmSQgOdstvoHriOvSMuml9Yqa866U5oxQM4reQPTGMetuZmy3_CxKjI9L4WhrsJJGdEx50frvrl25tevZCwEXJo04-QY9xNmzBqKQGgzdqe9Q1JT/s1600/jssss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaa1PYSAApkRQ1xGaHox8PC-OeQnWftmSQgOdstvoHriOvSMuml9Yqa866U5oxQM4reQPTGMetuZmy3_CxKjI9L4WhrsJJGdEx50frvrl25tevZCwEXJo04-QY9xNmzBqKQGgzdqe9Q1JT/s640/jssss.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She's adorable upside down and right-side up! </td></tr>
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More than anything else, Jasmine loves to hang out with you and make you happy. Since beginning her stay with us, she has learned how to go up and down the stairs, just to be with us. I’m so proud of her for wanting to learn, and her motivation is very endearing.<br />
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Jasmine is fully house trained and walks very well on a leash. She sits and listens well, and is classy like her name suggests! I would love to see Jasmine adopted by a family who has kids and another dog for Jasmine to play with. She is very young at heart and I believe she will continue to age well with youthful energy around her. However, because she is so easy going, calm and gentle, she could probably be happy in any home! But...she is a big girl so a roomy home might be nice!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9BkGCjRxKZF3y91RY-0m9S2VgNP6s2JMh_zC8WHa0MeeqfYSdLSEiKa2kB0TA72p8oF3hXwXJ6UQ64yuSJ5M84zvKZj5BlHWlSo1eQTrJB1RtkuHSGJtq8tERJs6NWHcCSmlGnfYfIUI/s1600/jasmine+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9BkGCjRxKZF3y91RY-0m9S2VgNP6s2JMh_zC8WHa0MeeqfYSdLSEiKa2kB0TA72p8oF3hXwXJ6UQ64yuSJ5M84zvKZj5BlHWlSo1eQTrJB1RtkuHSGJtq8tERJs6NWHcCSmlGnfYfIUI/s320/jasmine+9.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scrub-a-dub-dub, Jasmine's in the tub!<br />
(at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ClaringtonDogWash">Clarington Dog Wash</a>)</td></tr>
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I really cannot say enough good things about this dog. She is a gentle , sweet, loving dog that wants to be loved forever. She really is a treasure and deserves a wonderful forever home of her very own!<br />
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Since Jasmine is over the age of 7, she is considered to be a senior.<br />
Therefore, her adoption fee has been reduced!<br />
The regular adoption fee is $345 but the cost to adopt Jasmine is half of that!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3iJ_1qVxNL-ZlRfQuwDRR2Fs9vhZzm5xjGdUp5ic0tL5QHWsqYPEHVvt9cwWg3T6eAc5C65L9l3arpYTY4Klr1FjRPCUAogMV6OT87vgNlOj6gvn8e1_Pu0LabKyReWIwNhFUB1Sgiqg/s1600/ppppp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3iJ_1qVxNL-ZlRfQuwDRR2Fs9vhZzm5xjGdUp5ic0tL5QHWsqYPEHVvt9cwWg3T6eAc5C65L9l3arpYTY4Klr1FjRPCUAogMV6OT87vgNlOj6gvn8e1_Pu0LabKyReWIwNhFUB1Sgiqg/s320/ppppp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Interested in adopting Jasmine or one of our other special seniors? </div>
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Check out <a href="http://www.petango.com/Adopt/Dog-Saint-Bernard-Mix-21409001#.Uo7Pvn0KyvE.twitter">her bio</a> and submit an <a href="http://animalguardian.org/applications.htm">adoption application</a> online! You will be glad you did. </div>
Jennifer http://www.blogger.com/profile/10736861697388224843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2827839270734093246.post-27667497793541291892013-11-20T09:44:00.000-05:002013-11-20T10:17:12.365-05:00Wordless Wednesday: Riding Shotgun<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdW7zCbMV7enY1zQjDmU768mu9CGhNZGEw7_laXf4zQEXZzfpkE1sQfnKV_fWSNXQkPMMUgSvSarPLm9NLO3TOFrBz5UOQGZNfdBGQELL8PlxtdylcC32k8LSrJAzIxlwiwi9u41-Gbkm2/s1600/shotgun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdW7zCbMV7enY1zQjDmU768mu9CGhNZGEw7_laXf4zQEXZzfpkE1sQfnKV_fWSNXQkPMMUgSvSarPLm9NLO3TOFrBz5UOQGZNfdBGQELL8PlxtdylcC32k8LSrJAzIxlwiwi9u41-Gbkm2/s400/shotgun.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://tagstails.blogspot.ca/2013/09/happy-tail-jill.html">Jill </a>& Colt decided to share the front seat!<br />
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(p.s.: They are siblings now! Colt was adopted by Jill's family this month. <br />
Stay tuned to find out who else found a home in November.)</div>
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This is a blog hop. </div>
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Don't forget to check out the other participating blogs by clicking on the image below.</div>
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<br />Jennifer http://www.blogger.com/profile/10736861697388224843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2827839270734093246.post-8979451045890301742013-11-18T09:30:00.000-05:002013-11-18T09:41:09.134-05:00What Blossom's "Gotcha Day" Showed Me <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Woof!</div>
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I'm <a href="http://www.petango.com/Adopt/Dog-Dalmatian-Retriever-Labrador-21503328#.UomS-CJ69-A.twitter">Snoopy </a>and I am new to TAGS -- so new that I just got sprung from the pound on the weekend! At first I just thought I was going out for a walk, but then I got to go on a car ride! After my car ride I had a check-up, a bath, and got to go pick out a new toy at PetSmart. Along the way I got to sniff and lick so many great people. I really was expecting to go back to my cage after all of the excitement, but instead I got the best surprise of all...<br />
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...I have a foster home! No more pound life for me! This means that I get to run, play and hang out with other dogs and cuddle up with nice people. It's all been very exciting!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMEzyHE-IP4DvuAxo0mYl6d8oIappcmq5KOOSTpPyuvtCdtZI2NQI-FLDEYHCN2-bemGUArWGfjy1AAlGkIpVnVcnrYOjIK9b3j1WkQJ7Ey1BDQ19yJnNsg2QK1tIJwgWLcOWUTYJsUv-0/s1600/snoopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMEzyHE-IP4DvuAxo0mYl6d8oIappcmq5KOOSTpPyuvtCdtZI2NQI-FLDEYHCN2-bemGUArWGfjy1AAlGkIpVnVcnrYOjIK9b3j1WkQJ7Ey1BDQ19yJnNsg2QK1tIJwgWLcOWUTYJsUv-0/s320/snoopy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just chillin' at my new foster home. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2NleMRdQX3Mrm8B1i5nLyrDjpmruUJkE4lfq6LmwNu_kPF1d_bKPa6PuPUf8leOzWSrTdfx5_A_xxQNJKH2XgYGaARL-vHbxFYvtOKPxNc0UUaIoBTiJVngghze3oUaIO_G5oo_pfANp/s1600/dirty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2NleMRdQX3Mrm8B1i5nLyrDjpmruUJkE4lfq6LmwNu_kPF1d_bKPa6PuPUf8leOzWSrTdfx5_A_xxQNJKH2XgYGaARL-vHbxFYvtOKPxNc0UUaIoBTiJVngghze3oUaIO_G5oo_pfANp/s320/dirty.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oops. Just had a bath and already dirty again.<br />
At least I look more like my Dalmation side this way! </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtYESEWqA18jm8_tV7Te37lM3oq5fxBcGb1YQ0dWor-QvVwNHR6G2Um4BdUnH0kAVWGkKqlgVLt4BKx8KDwkQO6IzFE8bS2PDqk4tIhXJ3pXvXCbLqS_a-5A4pAF1RadRwCWHyPTYRa_sv/s1600/bear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtYESEWqA18jm8_tV7Te37lM3oq5fxBcGb1YQ0dWor-QvVwNHR6G2Um4BdUnH0kAVWGkKqlgVLt4BKx8KDwkQO6IzFE8bS2PDqk4tIhXJ3pXvXCbLqS_a-5A4pAF1RadRwCWHyPTYRa_sv/s320/bear.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's me with my new toy in the car on the way "home."<br />
I was pooped after all of the excitement!</td></tr>
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At my foster home I live with two dogs named Chappie and Blossom. They tell me I am not the first "foster" brother they've had, and by now they know a bit about how things go. Apparently I will live here for a bit and then one day I will get my own family! I asked them how they know this for sure, and they told me that they went through it too, just last year.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MRQYMbEJvrTe8hyphenhyphencY4hsBKwAS2Vcectf8s3dUuPTHHOZw1amdBEDlDiptqviNIvTVZFVYassqxyY1AArpBFsBafqeQtFOHAmhktoQRJt1HWbQzWDu2rsaGHsnhe9FUQivRS2-26dolbq/s1600/chap+and+snoop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MRQYMbEJvrTe8hyphenhyphencY4hsBKwAS2Vcectf8s3dUuPTHHOZw1amdBEDlDiptqviNIvTVZFVYassqxyY1AArpBFsBafqeQtFOHAmhktoQRJt1HWbQzWDu2rsaGHsnhe9FUQivRS2-26dolbq/s320/chap+and+snoop.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chappie telling me about being a foster dog. </td></tr>
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Chappie and Blossom are siblings who were rescued from a place called Kentucky in September of 2012. Their sister Azriel came with them too. They said life in Kentucky was no fun at all, but then they moved to Canada where they lived in a home with a few other dogs, like what I am doing now. As part of a foster dog's job, they had to go and <a href="http://tagstails.blogspot.ca/2013/06/helping-rescue-dogs-get-adopted-in.html">hang out at pet stores</a> every so often to try and meet their new family. Chappie got adopted first, and about a month later his new parents decided they just had to reunite the dynamic duo, so <a href="http://tagstails.blogspot.ca/2012/11/november-adoptions.html">Blossom got adopted too</a> and the rest is history. </div>
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Now, I didn't want to be rude, but their story seemed a bit far-fetched. From my experience so far in life, a dog doesn't stay in one place for too long. And they definitely don't get to be part of a family.<br />
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However, I was proved wrong last night! My new foster family threw a party <b>just</b> for Blossom! They called it her "Gotcha Day." I learned that humans who own rescue dogs celebrate the day they adopted their new furry friend because they don't know when their real birthday is.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPyW_Y_RNWu21_MX6y6qDlk84eCAHccrfzxhxzywBWirOCxqsKuGJAMEP-wQ45l3lroyyIjs-rhmRjfNVchHBUcAofOO5i11GRbDjfoV89XtVrJVT7QdJtk3IRCHoG6IZzuAfmShY1npCE/s1600/blossom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPyW_Y_RNWu21_MX6y6qDlk84eCAHccrfzxhxzywBWirOCxqsKuGJAMEP-wQ45l3lroyyIjs-rhmRjfNVchHBUcAofOO5i11GRbDjfoV89XtVrJVT7QdJtk3IRCHoG6IZzuAfmShY1npCE/s320/blossom.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy 1st Gotcha Day to Blossom!<br />
(that's me in the bottom left)</td></tr>
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Hearing them all talk about how happy they were to have Blossom in their lives for a whole year now really gave me hope. I can't wait to<a href="http://animalguardian.org/applications.htm"> get adopted</a> so I can have my very own Gotcha Day.<br />
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Wish me luck!<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Snoopy </span></i>Jennifer http://www.blogger.com/profile/10736861697388224843noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2827839270734093246.post-54388504417210020772013-11-15T15:58:00.001-05:002013-11-15T22:54:03.145-05:00Where To Find Us This WeekendEvery weekend TAGS sets up a booth in Whitby PetSmart on Saturday and Sunday from 12-4p.m. We can also be found at various Pet Valu locations across Whitby and Oshawa on Saturdays.<br />
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We use this opportunity to talk to visitors about the dogs TAGS has <a href="http://animalguardian.org/adoptions.htm">up for adoption</a>, the adoption <a href="http://animalguardian.org/adoptionprocess.htm">process</a>, and areas where we could use some<a href="http://animalguardian.org/HowtoHelp.htm"> more volunteers</a>. However, no matter how interesting the volunteer on duty might be, the main draw is, of course, the animals we have there with us.<br />
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This weekend we have quite the line up!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyRiKr3umlKpmKXRg7E5T3G5E8Wmw2e6RdwKQJqHsttH4nSDxDSrRGIJMW5xVCJDwB_Ngcenj_Y2NRzKKE66l_UJsZUIKYxvaR4fSc_8iIw2UZ9yVXcA3hr6xovP2mfOyTuAfz3NXjVFi/s1600/nov+16-+17+new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyRiKr3umlKpmKXRg7E5T3G5E8Wmw2e6RdwKQJqHsttH4nSDxDSrRGIJMW5xVCJDwB_Ngcenj_Y2NRzKKE66l_UJsZUIKYxvaR4fSc_8iIw2UZ9yVXcA3hr6xovP2mfOyTuAfz3NXjVFi/s400/nov+16-+17+new.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">See you there! </span></div>
Jennifer http://www.blogger.com/profile/10736861697388224843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2827839270734093246.post-79415109898171295112013-11-13T09:00:00.000-05:002013-11-15T09:55:48.883-05:00Wordless Wednesday: What A Big Tongue You Have! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNW8ufJibFLTLFSj2PwgMv7jMaD7xjolIXQhvyIzDjJOxQn_FDY-R3rFp4a1hmFILOQYvAp6h7voVs07kVYGpGnDO-zixmBDSJ1HpxkuLzbBrjobi5sv0yTEEb2B2yDF_w7-NwUmOEecKS/s1600/bessie+2+e+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNW8ufJibFLTLFSj2PwgMv7jMaD7xjolIXQhvyIzDjJOxQn_FDY-R3rFp4a1hmFILOQYvAp6h7voVs07kVYGpGnDO-zixmBDSJ1HpxkuLzbBrjobi5sv0yTEEb2B2yDF_w7-NwUmOEecKS/s400/bessie+2+e+.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>All the best to lick you with, my dear! </i><br />
<a href="http://www.petango.com/Adopt/Dog-American-Blue-Heeler-Mix-20708134#.Unld8HBbFsQ.twitter">Bessie</a> tried out for the part of the Big Bad Wolf, but she didn't quite fit the part. </div>
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This is a blog hop. </div>
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Don't forget to check out the other participating blogs by clicking on the image below.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://blogpaws.com/"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.ggpht.com/-O5C6TbQiL5Q/UJrNR7WSAHI/AAAAAAAAAGU/s5TBPoZNEKA/s1600/BlogPawsWedButton.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Jennifer http://www.blogger.com/profile/10736861697388224843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2827839270734093246.post-5888744938941687912013-11-11T20:51:00.002-05:002013-11-11T20:53:16.609-05:00Sign Up For Our Pet First Aid Course!<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-8604378310299694732" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; color: #535353; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 628px;">
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You cannot predict when an accident will happen to your pet, but you can most certainly be prepared for it- especially as the cold weather and the holidays are approaching since the number of injuries usually increases at this time of the year. Remember these useful tips when you find yourself in this situation:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJGyZCWXWAw8jAr_G3uK5t2GKM3b-iCgxSORqYVKBbDJb4Lss_WFaMnXkU0hBIMZh44wZLTvU9OBQKs_xatG3bU2yUPyc0JL78_EfXSrvxB76TpziPkY56mpUjdqQ-Yk1s68RoLT65A0GQ/s1600/roxy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJGyZCWXWAw8jAr_G3uK5t2GKM3b-iCgxSORqYVKBbDJb4Lss_WFaMnXkU0hBIMZh44wZLTvU9OBQKs_xatG3bU2yUPyc0JL78_EfXSrvxB76TpziPkY56mpUjdqQ-Yk1s68RoLT65A0GQ/s1600/roxy.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.petango.com/Adopt/Dog-Schnauzer-Miniature-Mix-21409287#.UoGJfAVQt88.twitter">Roxy</a> is available for adoption.</td></tr>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b>Don’t panic</b>. Staying calm and acting quickly are key. If you manage to make decisions fast, you could get ahead of the problem, preventing it from becoming more serious. </li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b>Console your dog</b>. Talk to him or her using a calm and relaxed tone in your voice. Your animal is just as much in shock as you are, so it’s your job to make sure he or she is in a resting position. </li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b>Move your dog carefully</b>. If necessary, always move your injured dog as smoothly as possible, especially when you are about to transport it. Make sure to support his or her head in the case of head injuries or trauma. </li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b>Stop the bleeding</b>. Stop bleeding by putting pressure on the wound with your finger or a bandage. </li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b>Remove everything that’s blocking the airway</b>. Clean your dog’s mouth of excess saliva, vomit or blood to make space for the air-flow. Apply CPR if necessary. </li>
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Enroll now in our <a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1192927750"></span>Pet First Aid Course<span id="goog_1192927751"></span></a> to find out more details and to gain practical experience that could save your pet’s life one day! Taught by Dr. Tanya Varley, a certified veterinarian the course runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Coffee breaks and a free lunch are included. </div>
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Don’t forget to bring your pet!<br />
<b>Location</b>: Quality Suites, Bloor and Grandview, Oshawa.<br />
<b>Date</b>: Sunday, November 24<br />
<b>Cost:</b> $99</div>
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<a href="mailto:tagsinfo@yahoo.ca" style="color: #0099ae; text-decoration: none;">E-mail us here</a> or call us (905-263-8247) to register!<br />
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<i>(This post was written by Audrey)</i></div>
Jennifer http://www.blogger.com/profile/10736861697388224843noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2827839270734093246.post-78897877206667167092013-11-08T09:54:00.000-05:002013-11-11T14:46:03.985-05:00Why I Volunteer: Emilee<i>This post has been contributed by one of our long-time volunteers, Emilee Gassien. She was the first TAGS volunteer to reach the 10-year milestone mark and is the unofficial <a href="http://tagstails.blogspot.ca/2012/12/santa-photography-day-in-petsmart.html">Mrs. Clause for TAGS</a>. In this piece, she tells us how she became involved with TAGS and how her roles have changed over the years. </i><br />
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I met Kathy Asling, the founder of TAGS, at PetSmart about 13 years ago. At the time, I had a little Schnauzer named Gracie. I had just retired and was looking for something to do to make myself feel useful again, and TAGS seemed like a great place to do just that. I gave Kathy my phone number and told her to contact me when she had a chance.<br />
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A few weeks later she called, but the timing was no longer good for me. Unfortunately, I had just lost my beautiful Gracie. She was hit by a car and I was devastated. I told Kathy I would call her again when I was feeling better. A few months later, I was ready, and my journey with TAGS began.<br />
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Over the years, I have helped TAGS in a variety of different areas. I have volunteered at many a <a href="http://tagstails.blogspot.ca/2013/06/helping-rescue-dogs-get-adopted-in.html">PetSmart shift</a>, I've assisted with home visits, and I do a lot of fundraising for the organization. I set up booths at our events to sell baked goods and products, and I am often at the booth again when we have our TAGS display showcased at places around the community, such as the <a href="http://tagstails.blogspot.ca/2013/06/oshawa-centre-community-contact-day.html">Oshawa Centre</a>. Every year I host a <a href="http://tagstails.blogspot.ca/2013/06/5-reasons-you-should-attend-charity.html">yard sale for TAGS</a> in Port Perry, which has become quite the "yard sale town" over the past few years.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdj650p01qAe0MaC5Z6VSMcBm4rxFV3qWX9yDDVaebzcGCT2Q-Q1tZK1uPgIIyLYWg-F0uWWrk1AlJGFiotzJvyvUmy8BKNgWJuWqBNHiCKStcan-Jn_WF2IDBHcGPyOLuCL-90BaSwUb2/s1600/emilee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdj650p01qAe0MaC5Z6VSMcBm4rxFV3qWX9yDDVaebzcGCT2Q-Q1tZK1uPgIIyLYWg-F0uWWrk1AlJGFiotzJvyvUmy8BKNgWJuWqBNHiCKStcan-Jn_WF2IDBHcGPyOLuCL-90BaSwUb2/s400/emilee.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emilee at the TAGS booth during the <a href="http://www.furryfriends5k.ca/">Furry Friends 5K</a> last June.</td></tr>
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While volunteering with TAGS I have also fostered several dogs; my first foster dog was a giant Schnauzer, and I instantly found fostering to be very rewarding. It is so nice to see a dog you have cared for go to their forever home.<br />
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The last rescue I fostered was Eddie, formerly known as Vedder. Eddie is a Havanesse and since I already have two Havanesse of my own, the foster coordinator at TAGS thought my place would be the best place for him. Well, they were right...and they were also wrong. We fell in love with him, and as his adoption papers were signed, I'm afraid my days as a foster parent ended. That was two years ago.<br />
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Over the years, I have seen so many great dogs find forever homes. Really, there are too many to count at this point. It is so rewarding to know that I had a small part in making that happen.<br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">Emilee has clearly helped TAGS immensely over her years of being a volunteer. <br />We would never be as successful at fundraising without her dedication and effort.<br /><a href="http://animalguardian.org/HowtoHelp.htm">Click here to find out how you can help, too!</a></span></div>
Jennifer http://www.blogger.com/profile/10736861697388224843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2827839270734093246.post-76678716119605872822013-11-06T09:00:00.000-05:002013-11-06T09:00:00.330-05:00Wordless Wednesday: Two Peas In A Pod<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXG-00dVrjwVmKlbSAmgO0p0uMopT5d7ey4PR1opdnqbKD_1yW8aeMOAeC-0g8XO_wAI_7RqL7fM_Q8PZZbxQAIRyK1OIzJe9iJUfoom9HGDVfQTR-WsP62IlW5u3JJ6mDRhYUh__2K0Tm/s1600/molly+and+willow+e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXG-00dVrjwVmKlbSAmgO0p0uMopT5d7ey4PR1opdnqbKD_1yW8aeMOAeC-0g8XO_wAI_7RqL7fM_Q8PZZbxQAIRyK1OIzJe9iJUfoom9HGDVfQTR-WsP62IlW5u3JJ6mDRhYUh__2K0Tm/s400/molly+and+willow+e.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Molly (adopted in August) and her foster sister <br /><a href="http://www.petango.com/Adopt/Dog-Australian-Cattle-Dog-Beagle-20836240#.Unf62nJHUyM.twitter">Willow</a> (still available) are so close, it's difficult to tell them apart!<br /><br />
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This is a blog hop. </div>
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Don't forget to check out the other participating blogs by clicking on the image below.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://blogpaws.com/"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.ggpht.com/-O5C6TbQiL5Q/UJrNR7WSAHI/AAAAAAAAAGU/s5TBPoZNEKA/s1600/BlogPawsWedButton.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Jennifer http://www.blogger.com/profile/10736861697388224843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2827839270734093246.post-72490587876606872082013-11-04T10:54:00.005-05:002013-11-04T11:02:00.555-05:00Volunteer Bloggers Needed! Do you like what you see on our blog? Do you think you could help make it better?<br />
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We are looking for volunteer blog contributors. As a reader of TAGS Tails, you already know that we like to share original content about pet health, events, the pets we have up for adoption, and good news about our adopted pets.<br />
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We have a few regular features we like to keep up with, like our <a href="http://tagstails.blogspot.ca/search?q=happy+tail&max-results=20&by-date=true">Happy Tails</a> and our <a href="http://tagstails.blogspot.ca/search?q=wordless+wednesday&max-results=20&by-date=true">Wordless Wednesday </a>posts, but we also have specialized articles when a contributor thinks of an interesting idea for a series, such as our informative <a href="http://tagstails.blogspot.ca/search?q=pit+bull">Pit Bull posts</a>, or our fun <a href="http://tagstails.blogspot.ca/search/label/TAGS%20awards">TAGS Awards</a> series.<br />
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Now, we want to add some new things to our repertoire, and for that we need new people with new ideas! That's where you come in. <br />
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If you are interested in gaining some social media experience, please submit an application to volunteer <a href="http://animalguardian.org/volunteering.htm">on our website.</a> In your application (the link is at the very end of the page), mention that you are interested in helping out with the social media committee. You can contribute once a week or once a month as we are flexible and understanding of school and work schedules. If you have any questions before applying, feel free to <a href="mailto:jennifer.tagsvolunteer@ymail.com">contact us</a> or leave a comment down below.<br />
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We can't wait to hear from you!<br />
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-The Social Media Committee<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.petango.com/Adopt/Dog-Rottweiler-Hound-20939178#.UnfCc90wtTA.twitter">Bosco</a> is bored of the same old content.<br />
Help us spruce up our blog! </td></tr>
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Jennifer http://www.blogger.com/profile/10736861697388224843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2827839270734093246.post-90378164419703172572013-11-01T10:29:00.000-04:002013-11-01T10:31:07.842-04:00October Adoptions! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Congratulations to all five dogs who were adopted this month! </div>
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<b>Buffalo </b>came to TAGS from a shelter in Kentucky on August 10. This 9 pound Chihuahua mix has a lot of love to give - if you let him come to you.<br />
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<b>Bailey</b> was surrendered to TAGS when her family decided that they weren't being fair to her by leaving her home alone so often. Now this happy dog is in a new home where she gets lots of attention!<br />
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<b>Hope</b>, still a puppy, was found locked in an abandoned out house on a farm. Luckily, the person who found this Collie/Shepherd/Husky (who knows, really) mix brought her straight to TAGS so she was able to get a second chance.<br />
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<b>Dexter </b>was <a href="http://tagstails.blogspot.ca/2013/07/wordless-wednesday-sprung-from-pound.html">sprung from the pound</a> a few months ago. Once out of there, he turned into a completely different dog - happy, carefree, and playful.<br />
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<b>Diamond</b>, like Bailey, was an owner surrender. Her family said she didn't fit in with them and they wanted to find her a new home as a result. This adorable, funny little dog quickly, and easily, won over the hearts of her new family, and now fits in just fine!<br />
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<i>As you can see, the dogs adopted in October came to us through a variety of different ways. TAGS is constantly getting requests to take on more animals. Unfortunately, we need more foster homes in order to be able to accommodate these requests. If you or someone you know is interested in being a foster parent, <a href="http://animalguardian.org/fostercare.htm">please apply on our website</a>. We look forward to hearing from you! </i></div>
Jennifer http://www.blogger.com/profile/10736861697388224843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2827839270734093246.post-18871194980141377742013-10-30T09:00:00.000-04:002013-10-30T09:00:04.997-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Happy Halloween! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Iw-vPuEJB50-_FznwKS6uZbzjIIldKE6pSRlGl9GBZx7LdzNR-5B4lDhsku5ULhtimNVvxQqXG2Yv4v7cd-pMyWTJ7_5D_NCQs6Qz9jlfD7Gtog1NiIapfMLtQrQ2Pr_gCq1f4Qo-4n2/s1600/tags+halloween.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Iw-vPuEJB50-_FznwKS6uZbzjIIldKE6pSRlGl9GBZx7LdzNR-5B4lDhsku5ULhtimNVvxQqXG2Yv4v7cd-pMyWTJ7_5D_NCQs6Qz9jlfD7Gtog1NiIapfMLtQrQ2Pr_gCq1f4Qo-4n2/s400/tags+halloween.jpg" width="392" /></a></div>
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One of the perks of having a forever home is having someone to dress you up for Halloween! </div>
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(though it is difficult to tell if they all think of this as a 'perk')<br />
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<a href="http://tagstails.blogspot.ca/2012/09/an-adoption-tale-chloe.html">Chloe</a>, <a href="http://tagstails.blogspot.ca/2013/10/wordless-wednesday-i-want-tooth.html">Buffalo</a>, Blondie and <a href="http://tagstails.blogspot.ca/2013/03/february-adoptions.html">Starr</a> were all adopted through TAGS.</div>
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This is a blog hop. </div>
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Don't forget to check out the other participating blogs by clicking on the image below.</div>
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<br />Jennifer http://www.blogger.com/profile/10736861697388224843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2827839270734093246.post-19054248700130696862013-10-28T19:59:00.001-04:002013-10-28T20:50:00.753-04:00In the Defence of QuincyLast Saturday, I had my monthly <a href="http://tagstails.blogspot.ca/2013/06/helping-rescue-dogs-get-adopted-in.html">PetSmart shift</a>. I was at the Whitby location with another volunteer and two adoptable dogs, <a href="http://www.petango.com/Adopt/Dog-Terrier-Mix-21099274#.Um7wXWVFNjQ.twitter">Colt</a> and <a href="http://www.petango.com/Adopt/Dog-Poodle-Miniature-Bichon-Frise-20398762#.Um7wc-3qnV8.twitter">Quincy</a>.<br />
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As usual, the dogs are what attracted customers over to the TAGS booth. Then, we humans took over, answering questions about the <a href="http://www.animalguardian.org/adoptions.htm">pets up for adoption</a>, the adoption process and our need for more<a href="http://www.animalguardian.org/fostercare.htm"> foster homes</a>. It was a pretty standard shift, complete with lots of doggy eye-candy (I love seeing all of the different dogs and their owners walk through the door!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGq1X4dNv-QPRRP3aUHl20eDifNISH6sfXDtvfzmlgIrSU09zeQMssaCLPqDrakXL_1IxD7cbj1_m-Wm6vW7bxAxJTjkw4fSwPEwqK5E7hlZXK2zt4kU90SEdb1MHQIgFIu3fc95RLAiz/s1600/20131026_153228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGq1X4dNv-QPRRP3aUHl20eDifNISH6sfXDtvfzmlgIrSU09zeQMssaCLPqDrakXL_1IxD7cbj1_m-Wm6vW7bxAxJTjkw4fSwPEwqK5E7hlZXK2zt4kU90SEdb1MHQIgFIu3fc95RLAiz/s320/20131026_153228.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tell me there isn't some teddy bear in there. </td></tr>
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But this time, in addition to answering the standard questions, I spent a fair bit of my four hour shift defending Quincy, a 10-year old Bichon Frise/Mini Poodle mix who from some angles looks like he could also be mixed with teddy bear. Why would I feel the need to defend such a cutie? Well, Quincy no longer has any of his teeth, and as a result he shakes/rotates his head often and plays with his tongue. It's almost as if his tongue falls out of his mouth, and he tries to get it back in. I suppose at first glance, it is a bit distracting and "weird." I happen to find it very endearing, and found myself imagining that he was listening to a song no one else could hear and couldn't help but head bang along with it.<br />
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Nevertheless, I felt like Quincy was repeatedly, and unfairly, judged for this quality and this quality alone. It is normal for people to have questions, and of course, that is what we are there for, to answer questions about the adoptable pets. However, I felt like I rarely got the chance to talk about Quincy's good qualities so I wanted to share them now.<br />
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<b>Quincy's qualities</b><br />
Quincy is a normal dog who will make a fantastic pet when he finds his forever home. Yes, Quincy is a senior, but you would never know it if the lack of teeth didn't give it away. He enjoys playing with his foster siblings and has a youthful personality. When I took him for a pee break outside, he was peppy and eager to sniff everything - even though it was cold and wet outside.<br />
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Despite being unable to defend himself, Quincy is polite and well-trained. He let other dogs approach him, and politely approached other dogs in return when we were out for our walk break. While he was exhibiting signs of nervousness in his crate (in the form of adorable squeaking noises) he didn't bark even once during the whole shift. He only seemed to do the tongue thing when he was in the crate or otherwise unoccupied: if distracted by a walk or a toy, you'd never know that he has such a habit. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quincy showing off his (lack of) pearly whites. </td></tr>
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<b>Where did his teeth go? </b><br />
When Quincy was found, he was wandering around a busy street. He was in very rough shape and all of his teeth were rotten and infected right into his gums, which was undoubtedly painful. The decision was made that he would be better off having them all removed. This was back in the summer, and Quincy has been doing great ever since. He doesn't seem to miss his teeth at all and is healthier for it.<br />
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<b>(What) does he eat?</b><br />
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A common question I received on Saturday regarding Quincy was, funnily enough, not "what does he eat?" but instead, <i>"Does he eat?" </i>which I found to be quite amusing. Of course he eats! Quincy requires a diet of soft food and even then, it needs to be cut up into very small pieces. It's definitely more work than simply pouring kibble into a bowl. And sometimes Quincy gets bored of soft food, so his foster mom gives him small pieces of kibble that she has soaked in warm water. Putting the mixture through a blender is also a good idea to ensure that he will get his proper nutrients.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6dklz8HxnrJsybGzWrqsg2PWAMfh4PtBda34gam-uSSOY_5_yJmfPpRVGc5r3rrJMQIB946ti2xUsJC-haJJavWcDVPLvzLEJtSv4q70GuxmsaxuUfhvqvjAzk-M4qJKC5PzPnnUIb5nZ/s1600/qqqqq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6dklz8HxnrJsybGzWrqsg2PWAMfh4PtBda34gam-uSSOY_5_yJmfPpRVGc5r3rrJMQIB946ti2xUsJC-haJJavWcDVPLvzLEJtSv4q70GuxmsaxuUfhvqvjAzk-M4qJKC5PzPnnUIb5nZ/s320/qqqqq.jpg" width="296" /></a></div>
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<b>A Final Plea</b></div>
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I understand that it can be daunting to take on an animal with special needs, but I can assure you after spending some time with this guy that the pros outweigh the cons. I hope you will give Quincy, and other dogs you meet who may be a bit "different," a chance to be welcomed into your home. I believe without a doubt that Quincy would make a great pet. I hope he finds his forever home soon, where he can settle in and peacefully spend the rest of his days, head shakes and all. </div>
Jennifer http://www.blogger.com/profile/10736861697388224843noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2827839270734093246.post-49635182618342540772013-10-25T09:37:00.000-04:002013-10-25T09:37:00.040-04:00Happy Tail: Nell!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">Nell came to TAGS at the
end of December 2012. At that time, she was estimated to be just over a year
old. TAGS named her Noelle because if we had not rescued her in time, the shelter she was at in the United States was planning to euthanize her on
Christmas Eve. Before ending up at the shelter, she was living in a hoarding
situation, so needless to say, her life has been a bit rocky. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This adorable rat terrier mix was in foster care
for about 7 months. During every <a href="http://tagstails.blogspot.ca/2013/06/helping-rescue-dogs-get-adopted-in.html">PetSmart or Pet Valu shift,</a> volunteers and
customers would gush over her sweet face and contagious energy. But nevertheless, she remained <a href="http://www.animalguardian.org/adoptions.htm">up for adoption</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Then, in July, that sweet face one again grabbed someone's attention, but this time they
couldn’t look away, and she was <a href="http://tagstails.blogspot.ca/2013/07/july-adoptions.html">finally adopted!</a> After that, she got a new name to go along with her new life. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs7GdwKfo3qm2Wp9QKzSuCzFWmTr_HtGIrJP4b-4OKPNsrKNaP_4Aukw9dRpomYk5ibnk2J7Ac6Rbp1lRMjspLXAm_ZgQdnfXlZmts_ZO-iwTQQN5BI1rPD6Ulg9bJdyhqLstmyDjiwjJS/s1600/nell+2+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs7GdwKfo3qm2Wp9QKzSuCzFWmTr_HtGIrJP4b-4OKPNsrKNaP_4Aukw9dRpomYk5ibnk2J7Ac6Rbp1lRMjspLXAm_ZgQdnfXlZmts_ZO-iwTQQN5BI1rPD6Ulg9bJdyhqLstmyDjiwjJS/s640/nell+2+.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><u>An Interview With Nell’s
New Mom, Lynda:</u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><i><b>1. How and why did you decide to adopt a rescue dog?</b></i></span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">It was totally by "accident.” We had just heard a sad tale about a dog on the radio and it prompted me to search the internet. TAGS popped up and suddenly there was Nell's photo. I sort of knew right there and then.</span><br /><br /><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><b>2. Why did you only put in an application for Nell (and not any of the other dogs)?</b></span></i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Her face.</span><br /><br /><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><b>3. When you actually met Nell, did you know right away that she was who you were looking for? Did it take a few days ? Tell me how this process went for you.</b></span></i><br /><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">To be honest, it was a done deal before we even left our house [to go meet her]. We're not ones to "think about it" when it comes to an animal. However, once we actually saw her we were certain. In fact, we were impatient for the whole adoption process to be finished so that we could officially take her home.</span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><i><b>4. What were Nell's first days with you like?</b></i></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Interesting. We hadn't had a young, active, inquisitive, dog in our home in a long while. There was a lot of adjustment on all sides. I'm happy to be getting new shoes out of the deal.</span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><i><b>5. How did the training classes* go?<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></b></i></span></span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Welllllll, Nell is not much of a student, and is a bit aggressive when on a leash. We learned lots, though.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">*When you adopt a dog from TAGS, an eight-week behaviour training course is included</span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><i style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><b>6. Tell us some funny/quirky/endearing stories about Nell.</b></i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">(Do you really have that much time?) </span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">During her first week with us, Nell discovered that squirrels and rabbits enjoyed our yard - past tense. She took note of their various points of entry and exit and checked them regularly. To this day, when we let her out, she bursts out the door, clambers down the stairs and across the deck, and runs her perimeter check - lilac bush, back gate, tub garden, side fence, and back up to the deck. Then, and only then can she enjoy the yard. </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_LeDTxsrkFuAAowE4RGW1EyYM7HAOM3bla87DB8PMlg0eJka5CL1GbAM7oneB3aDfRTIMD3hKI22D-3FCzhSIT_Tr-3IdvLQpvYTwgcdzLB8r-PYA0Ev2gy9wQOtHYk39MQFh1XO0YxX/s1600/nell+thunder+shirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">P.S.: Pretty much everything about Nell is endearing.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqTLja8VySWLp23PfPjwhYGL9hxgD1-DnjoRx-2Et1rp4OR9kBHhraahD_3KOrxle1jiD-lvBBKPLRV4oZWY_kgMYohCR_X57AS7wnqUXikDiEhwOiKKQdKD2XaDwdQ2fLP91NtCJlPcIz/s1600/nell+quirky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqTLja8VySWLp23PfPjwhYGL9hxgD1-DnjoRx-2Et1rp4OR9kBHhraahD_3KOrxle1jiD-lvBBKPLRV4oZWY_kgMYohCR_X57AS7wnqUXikDiEhwOiKKQdKD2XaDwdQ2fLP91NtCJlPcIz/s640/nell+quirky.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left: Yipee! Nell in the car on the first day of her <a href="http://www.animalguardian.org/adoptionprocess.htm">extended visit</a>.<br />
Right: Nell bashfully sports a <a href="http://www.thundershirt.com/">Thundershirt.</a></td></tr>
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<i style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><b>7. Now that it's been several months, do you think Nell knows that she's "home"?</b></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><span style="background-color: white;">We know that she knows. When we go on our walks, she sniffs her way around, but as soon as we hit the bottom of our driveway she drags us up to the front door, which cannot be opened fast enough for her to get in.</span><br /><b><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><i>8. What are your favourite things about Nell?</i></span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><span style="background-color: white;">She "loves" with her whole body. Coming home from work, and walking into the house is a major doggy celebration. Her entire (wiggly) body welcomes us home every single time.</span></span></span></div>
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<i style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><b>9. How is she getting along with Mona? (Mona is a senior Jack Russell Terrier who has lived with the family since she was a puppy.)</b></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><span style="background-color: white;">Now that it's been a while, they have developed an understanding. Every now and then they'll tear through the house together, which is funny because Nell has a great deal of exuberance, but no brakes. </span><span style="background-color: white;">They both understand that Mona is the boss and is not to be questioned - ever!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i><b>10. Any other facts or anecdotes about your adoption experience that you would like to share?</b></i></span><span style="background-color: white;">We know why it was a long process, but it was the longest three weeks of our lives. We appreciate everything that TAGS does, and are really glad that you were all there when Nell needed you most. We highly recommend rescuing your next best friend. It's well worth it.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgalE0-n3mMcGx2DPNuXekVLOPdwsweApnpXDv33lcOSDL6tmidDRSQoovq0eDZbNoc4eeRVoOJZL4vCx_3Xs7bjijTSqaVfFG1JGewuFrhxdDB4g8HVMrm7ozvzWXyXFC7ndF7D_Hqtj49/s1600/nell+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgalE0-n3mMcGx2DPNuXekVLOPdwsweApnpXDv33lcOSDL6tmidDRSQoovq0eDZbNoc4eeRVoOJZL4vCx_3Xs7bjijTSqaVfFG1JGewuFrhxdDB4g8HVMrm7ozvzWXyXFC7ndF7D_Hqtj49/s640/nell+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nell with (some of) her new family members. </td></tr>
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Jennifer http://www.blogger.com/profile/10736861697388224843noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2827839270734093246.post-33433971842247406322013-10-23T09:27:00.000-04:002013-10-23T09:27:34.564-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Chappie's Gotcha Day! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9rI1ujrXhdYZbYYFC8JrOMTtbkrLyilyvS7iRCSSeE18ZjgTxTrhcIUtSTR9l2u1tTS_mJi6ngYrrfLVoYlIfk_CMc3YMiBwMbbzvFbA2lSZgUnvyusPQfQQ84A-ffLzcQK5dvzubUaHf/s1600/chappie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9rI1ujrXhdYZbYYFC8JrOMTtbkrLyilyvS7iRCSSeE18ZjgTxTrhcIUtSTR9l2u1tTS_mJi6ngYrrfLVoYlIfk_CMc3YMiBwMbbzvFbA2lSZgUnvyusPQfQQ84A-ffLzcQK5dvzubUaHf/s320/chappie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Chappie found his forever home one year ago.<br />
Happy 1st "Gotcha" Day, Chap!<br />
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<br />Jennifer http://www.blogger.com/profile/10736861697388224843noreply@blogger.com0