Featured Adoptable Dog: Jasmine!

Our volunteer and foster mom Julie sent us some useful information about her new foster dog, Jasmine!

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.

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.

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.

She's adorable upside down and right-side up! 

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.

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!

Scrub-a-dub-dub, Jasmine's in the tub!
(at Clarington Dog Wash)

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!

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Since Jasmine is over the age of 7, she is considered to be a senior.
Therefore, her adoption fee has been reduced!
The regular adoption fee is $345 but the cost to adopt Jasmine is half of that!

Interested in adopting Jasmine or one of our other special seniors? 

Check out her bio and submit an adoption application online! You will be glad you did. 

In the Defence of Quincy

Last Saturday, I had my monthly PetSmart shift. I was at the Whitby location with another volunteer and two adoptable dogs, Colt and Quincy.

As usual, the dogs are what attracted customers over to the TAGS booth. Then, we humans took over, answering questions about the pets up for adoption, the adoption process and our need for more foster homes. 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!)

Tell me there isn't some teddy bear in there. 

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.

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.

Quincy's qualities
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.

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.

Quincy showing off his (lack of) pearly whites. 

Where did his teeth go? 
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.

(What) does he eat?

A common question I received on Saturday regarding Quincy was, funnily enough, not "what does he eat?" but instead, "Does he eat?" 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.

                                                                              

A Final Plea

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. 

Safety Tips for Spooky Times

In 10 short days from now, critters and monsters of all sorts will be roaming the streets and knocking on doors looking for their sugar fix. Whether you are planning to go all out for Hallowe’en with decorations, or if you just intend to have candy in a bowl at the door, if you are a pet owner, you should be aware of some potential dangers.

Bosco is glum. He wanted to be a clown
for Hallowe'en but the nose wouldn't fit.

Trick or Treating

Most dogs get pretty excited when they hear a knock at the door. To make sure they don’t run outside or become overwhelmed with the excitement of their first dinosaur sighting, consider putting up a gate so they can’t get too close to the trick or treaters. Alternatively, if you think they won’t become too anxious (some pups like to know what is going on), you can keep them in the basement or in a separate room. It is not recommended that they stay in the backyard. While most of the people out and about are just kids in costume, Hallowe’en night is also a time when vicious pranksters like to get their thrills. Keep your pets safe by having them inside, or with you, at all times. Similarly, if you have outdoor cats, it is highly recommended that you keep them indoors for several days before and after October 31.

If you are going trick or treating with the little ones and would like to bring your dog along, consider getting them a collar or leash with LED lights so they are easily spotted. Don’t forget treats and clean-up bags!

Hallowe’en Decorations and Costumes

 Josie didn't want to be anything scary,
so she's going as a ladybug.

Be aware of the decorations you are putting up around the inside and outside of the house. Wires and electrical decorations are dangerous for your pets because they may want to chew or pull on them. Blow-up decorations and plastic skeletons may seem like a bonus-size chew toy for your pet, but if they haven’t been made with pets in mind, they might be unsafe. Lastly, while we all love the glow of a Jack o’Lantern, the flickering lights and interesting smell are enough to make any animal curious. Avoid injury by using flame-less LED tea lights, which are available at stores like Walmart.

If you’re going to dress up your pet, try on their costume in advance. Make sure it doesn't itch or irritate them anywhere, and if they seem upset or restricted, a decorative bandana may be a better option.

Candy

After the trick or treating has come to an end, remember to keep the Hallowe’en haul out of your pets’ reach. Chocolate and candy should never be ingested by dogs and cats and the wrappers are very dangerous for them as well.

Have a safe and Happy Hallowe'en, everyone!  

This blog post was written with help from Pet Valu and PetMD.

Wordless Wednesday: You've Cat To Be Kitten Me!

For the first time in a long time, TAGS has kittens up for adoption! 

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This is a blog hop.

Don't forget to check out the other participating blogs by clicking on the image below.

Wordless Wednesday: You Sure Are A Weird-Smelling Dog!

Sammy is getting along with his new furry friends,
 even the feline ones, at his new foster home. 

This is a blog hop. 

Don't forget to check out the other participating blogs by clicking on the image below.

TAGS Awards: Part 3

In Part 1, we revealed the winners of awards such as Prom King and Prom Queen. Then, we showcased the adoptable pets who stand out for having interesting and unique qualities, such as Best Bark or Best Eyes, in Part 2.

Today we present the third and final category of awards.

Most Likely To...

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To find out more about any of these adoptable pets, click on their picture above for a direct link to their online bio. If and when you are ready to adopt, please submit an adoption application! 

Wordless Wednesday: A Toothless Grin

Quincy no longer has his teeth, but that didn't stop
him from looking cheerful at PetSmart recently. 

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This is a blog hop.
Check out the other participating blogs by clicking on the image below.

TAGS Awards: Part 2

Last Friday we posted the first batch of awards the TAGS adoptable pets gave out to each other during a recent celebration. Today we are excited to present the next category of awards...the "Bests."

Please check back again on Friday, September 13, for the third and final batch of TAGS Awards, the "Most Likely To..." category!

It sounds like a yodel mixed with a bark!

(Shorty & Ruby were just adopted,
but weren't at the time of the party)   

(It's in the name!)

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To find out more about any of these fantastic adoptable pets, click on their picture above! Or, if you already know you're ready to adopt, visit our website to submit an adoption application.

Wordless Wednesday: Foster Home Needed!

Cali's foster mom moved away, so this purr machine
 needs a new foster home to live in while she waits to be adopted.

Check out our website if interested and please spread the word!

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This is a blog hop.
Check out the other participating blogs by clicking on the image below.

TAGS Awards: Part 1

Unbeknownst to the volunteers at TAGS, the adoptable pets had a party recently where they passed out yearbook-style awards to each other!

While I’m not 100 per cent sure why they would do this, I suspect it’s because every dog who is adopted through TAGS participates in a behaviour training class, and graduation day is very exciting for everyone involved. Perhaps the adoptable pets feel a bit left out and decided to throw themselves a party. Now that I know I wasn’t invited, I too feel a bit left out, but I digress… Luckily, I discovered their master list of winners and thought it would be fun to share with you! 

Below are the "Title" awards from that night. Be sure to check the blog again next Friday to find out who won for Best Bark, Best Coat, and more! 

Presenting...the TAGS Prom King & Queen! 

And the awards for Class Clown, Teacher's Pet, and Most Improved go to....

Click here for more about the
Puppy Room at Durham College and UOIT.

For more of Josie's story, read our post about Puppy Mill Dogs.

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To find out more about one of these fantastic adoptable pets, click on their picture above! Or, if you already know you're ready to adopt, visit our website to submit an adoption application.   

Wordless Wednesday: The Waiting Game

Gunnar at PetSmart, patiently waiting for a new family. 

This is a blog hop. Check out the other participating blogs by clicking on the image below.

Wordless Wednesday: Sprung from the Pound!

Dexter's mug shot.
(not to scale)
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This is a blog hop.

Check out the other participating blogs as well by clicking on the image below.

Interesting Facts About Whiskers

• Whiskers are not the same as fur or hair. They are thicker at the base than fur and get thinner as they extend. They feel harder than fur, and the base can feel almost as strong as the point of a safety pin (but not as sharp).
• Whiskers are sensory in nature and are rooted much deeper than normal hair. They can sense distance and space, and they feel through vibration. 
• Whiskers can be hard to see depending on dog's or cat's markings, but once they’re spotted, it’s amazing how many whiskers you will notice! And they don’t just come out around the nose, but also above the eyes and under the chin.
  
  

  

  My purrbaby Milo showing off her whiskers.
  She has way more than you might think at first glance! 

• Cats and dogs use their whiskers to feel their way around the world. When trying to fit into small spaces, cats determine if their body will fit based on whether their whiskers fit. That’s why when your cat has a cone around her head after a vet visit, she might act very disoriented or use the walls to get around. She can’t “see” the same without her whiskers! 

• Interestingly, mother cats use this knowledge to their advantage when their kittens are small. While grooming, a mother cat will often nibble the whiskers of her babies until they are very short to keep them from wandering away from her. It has also been reported that cats who live together have done this to one another as an expression of dominance. 

• Despite what the mama cats may do, you should never trim or pluck your dog's or cat’s whiskers. Whiskers will fall out sometimes, but this occurs naturally, like shedding. Cutting or plucking out whiskers before they are ready to fall out not only will cause your pet to become disoriented (and probably stressed) for a few days but can also cause infection. There are many medical problems that could arise if whiskers are plucked, such as the exposed nerve mound becoming infected.
  
  

  

  Noelle has long whiskers that blend into her face.
  (Noelle is available for adoption.)

• Dogs and cats with reduced vision are especially dependent on their whiskers, which guide them through the world in much the same way that humans with vision impairment have reported that their hearing skills have improved with the diminishment of the other sense.

• Be careful at the groomer's! Some groomers are in the practice of trimming the whiskers of dogs to make their face look “neat and tidy.” When dropping your dog off for a day at the spa, be sure to mention that you do not want his whiskers touched. Hopefully, the groomer will be surprised you even mentioned it, as he or she didn’t plan on doing that anyway, but it’s better to be safe than sorry! 

Wordless Wednesday: Sleeping Beauty!

Shhhh! I'm taking a nap!

This is Izzy! She is available for adoption through TAGS. If you think Izzy might be the perfect fit for your family, click here to fill in an adoption application to meet her!

Wordless Wednesday: Off to the Races!

Jill having fun at the Furry Friends 5K on Sunday. 

Throughout the event, Jill wore a race shirt that identified her as a dog up for adoption.
Make sure she doesn't need this shirt next year. Put in an application to adopt Jill! 

This is a blog hop. Check out the other participating blogs as well by clicking on the image below.

Puppy Mill Dogs

It is an unfortunate reality in our society that puppy mills exist. Puppy mill dogs are typically kept in extremely harsh conditions, and receive very little, if any, human interaction, resulting in a mix of poor health and socialization / behaviour issues.

Due to their lack of human contact, they are usually quite wary of all humans—not just the bigger more intimidating humans, but even the small friendly-sounding humans. This fear can be displayed in many ways, but the most common is aggression or timidity.

Princess, her picture taken the day she came to TAGS, and the day she was adopted. What a difference!

Neither of these behaviours is very desirable. To make matters worse, if it is a medium to large dog, aggression can often result in euthanization.

The only good thing about this situation, if you can call any of it good, is that puppy mill dogs typically are very well socialized with other dogs. This makes finding them a home relatively easier since they get along with pretty much everybody who has four legs.

Many dogs who come from puppy mills or breeding situations have minor health issues, especially when they first arrive at a rescue, due to the unsanitary conditions they lived in. A little bit of tender love and care, though, will bring them back to health.

Occasionally, a puppy mill dog will have developed an issue from lack of exercise or growing up in a cage. This is sometimes referred to as "floppy bottom," or having a general lack of muscle tone. This issue can be fixed usually just by walking or getting regular exercise, but some dogs will have permanent defects as a result of growing up in an enclosure. As long as the dog is not in any pain, he or she can live a happy second life.

Little Sophia came from a Mennonite puppy mill in southern Ontario.
 Such a cutie pie! Notice anything? She is missing her right eye, but that hasn't slowed her down!

One issue you really need to be aware of when taking home a puppy mill dog is that these dogs have not been trained to eliminate outside (unless the foster home has done potty training). For their entire lives, they have peed and poohed where they live—in their house. This means that when you adopt a puppy mill dog, you should expect the same to happen in your house.

A poster advertising the five dogs taken from the Missouri
puppy mill. I made the poster and dubbed them
"The Missouri 5"

In some cases, puppy mill dogs that have grown up in elevated wire cages require the sensation of the wire beneath their paws to induce them to eliminate. That will get the neighbours talking—why do they have chain-link fencing laid out on their back lawn?     

On St. Patrick's Day 2012, TAGS took five small dogs from a puppy mill in Missouri. Dubbed the Missouri 5, they were taken to one (super) foster home. All five of these dogs were given Irish-themed names for St. Patrick's Day. So far, all but one have been adopted. Josie is the lone ranger waiting for her fur-ever home. She was particularly more cautious of humans than the others but has almost done an about-face and now approaches humans who she does not see as a threat.

Housetraining and people training a puppy mill dog is often a long-term process and cannot be done in the span of 30 minutes, despite what you see on TV. But I'm sure if you were to ask any of the adopters of the Missouri 5 dogs, they will tell you the long-term challenge leads to even greater reward!

Wordless Wednesday: Love and Companionship

"Oooh, yes, I love cuddles!"

Max the cuddle bear is all cuddled up with a loving TAGS volunteer. This is an example of the love and companionship Max has to offer. If you like what you see, fill out an adoption application and come meet him!