When Your Dog Is Coughing

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! 

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.   

Famous Pets From Movies: Did You Know? (Part I)

This is part one of our miniseries about famous dogs, where we share fun facts from the extraordinary lives of famous pets—behind-the-scenes, heartwarming details and much more to follow.

Homeward Bound (1993)

Did you know ...

... that they used four American bulldogs and four golden retrievers in the movie?

... that they used eight Himalayan cats for the role of Sassy?

... that the animals had seven months of prep time before filming?

This is Saccone's Buckshot Boogie, the great-grandson of Rattler, a.k.a. Chance!
Photo credit: Kellie Saccone

... that the cats were trained to run toward a buzzer? This is how they filmed the scenes in which Sassy had to run up to a dog or toward the camera.

... that the registered name of one of the "Chance" dogs was Sure-Grip Rattler? He became a flammable- liquid sniffer dog for the fire department and also worked in protection and hog catching. He had many offspring after the movie, especially on the West Coast.

... that Blitz, another dog who played Chance, played in Cheaper by the Dozen afterwards and was adopted at age 10 and lived five more happy years?

... that 90% of the role of Shadow was played by two golden retrievers: Ben and Molly? They were both therapy dogs, and Ben was also the Delta Society's 1993 spokesdog. Ben also appeared in several other movies like Maybe Baby, Purely Belter and Made in Hong Kong.

This is Buckshot, Chance's great-grandson, bowling in the Three Guns Kennel. 

Air Bud (1997)

Did you know ...

... that Air Bud's Buddy was found as a stray in the Sierra Nevada mountains?

... that he also appeared in the television sitcom Full House for six seasons?

Buddy's right hind leg had to be amputated due to cancer appearing near his joints. He died in his sleep due to complications. He was about 10 years old when he died, loved by millions for his great talent in sports. He fathered nine puppies.

Benji (6 movies from 1974-2000)

Benji in 1977

Did you know ...

... that Benji's real name was Higgins? He was found at the Burbank Animal Shelter as a puppy by Frank Inn, a trainer.

... that Higgins also starred in Beverly Hillbillies, Petticoat Junction, Green Acres and Mooch Goes to Hollywood?

... that Higgins was almost nominated for an acting Academy Award? So many people were praising him for his ability to express different facial expressions in his movies that people seriously considered adding him to the list of nominees.

... that Higgins's daughter, Benjean was also starring in some of the Benji movies? They looked so much alike that people couldn't tell them apart and even magazines published covers with the wrong dog.

... that after Higgins's death at age 17, his owner, Frank Inn, asked that Higgins's ashes be put next to him in the coffin when he dies. In 2002, they carried out his request.

Sources:
http://www.hollywoodpaws.com/homeward_bound.htm
http://www.funtrivia.com/askft/Question48978.html
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_happened_to_the_homeward_bound_movie_dogs
http://landofpuregold.com/perform-mollyandben.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_individual_dogs
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Buddy
http://ca.eonline.com/news/35939/hollywood-mourns-loss-of-air-bud
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Higgins_%28dog%29
http://www.benji.com/JoeCamp/BenjiTrivia.htm

Small Dogs vs. Big Dogs

Some dogs are small and some are big. The end.

Just kidding.

Today’s post is less about actual size and more about how small dogs are treated compared to their larger canine friends because how we treat small dogs has, in many ways, facilitated the widespread notion that all small dogs bark a lot and are aggressive.

As a TAGS volunteer, I have met many fantastic dogs who are up for adoption. When I’m in pet stores doing outreach, I often hear families who are looking for a dog say that they don’t want a small dog because they are known to be aggressive and therefore not good with kids. While it’s true that we have dogs up for adoption who we would not recommend to a family with small children, this is not a blanket statement for all of our small dogs. Some of our larger dogs are also not suited for a life with kids, and some of our small dogs would be great with anyone and everyone.

Every small dog I have ever met is yappy, and you want me to believe that it’s just a stereotype?

It’s a common assumption that because these dogs are little, they bark more and act tough as compensation when they feel the need to defend themselves against strangers and larger animals. Being defensive is unfortunately common for some dogs depending on what they have experienced in their lives, but that said, it’s not all about size. Dogs probably don’t even know that size means anything in the human world. Big or little, a dog who is taught or encouraged to be defensive, protective or dominant is going to display that behaviour. Moreover, any dog, regardless of size, can feel intimidated by another dog or animal or human. Why else have so many large dogs been put in their place by a cat? Why do I know a Lab who is afraid of pugs?

Sheldon is a small breed, and yet he didn't make a peep
when he visited students at UOIT and Durham College. 

But I trained both of my dogs and my terrier barks all the time, while my husky is quiet. 

Whether you are aware of it or not, the way humans treat small dogs compared to large dogs is a major factor in the way that smaller breeds conduct themselves. Even if they were trained in the same obedience class as a large breed, their “yappy and aggressive” behaviour can emerge over time based on day-to-day interactions. For example, when a small dog growls or tries to “act tough,” it is common for people to think this behaviour is not a concern because the dog is small. Some people even think it is cute that the dog is trying to “act like a big dog.” If your German shepherd were to bare his teeth and growl at your guest, too, would it be so cute? I doubt it.

 Other ways we treat small dogs differently than large dogs

At the TAGS dog park, all dogs wait nicely
for a treat, no matter what their size is! 

Giving attention/Greeting new people: When small dogs are looking for attention or for a treat, they might go up on their hind legs and rest their front paws on their owner’s legs, some even jump up into this position until they are told to sit for their treat. However, it’s likely that you trained your large breed to go straight into the sitting position or else risk being knocked over.

Going on a walk: While on a walk, large dogs who are considered to be good at walking on a leash are not allowed to pull and generally walk beside or behind their owner. Smaller breeds pull, too, but because they are small and easy to scoop up or otherwise control, owners do not worry as much about their little dog leading up front.

Playing: If you wouldn't feel comfortable letting a large dog  nibble on your hand during playtime, then don't let the little one do it either!

So what does all this have to do with small dogs being yappy or aggressive? 

While pulling on a walk is not necessarily a sign of aggression, it is similar in the mind of the dog. If your Chihuahua is allowed to jump up, pull on a walk and otherwise do anything he wants, then why isn’t he allowed to bark at everyone? Why can’t he growl in the dog park when he’s allowed to growl at home? These are all types of dominant behaviour, but “yappy” and “aggressive” have become the buzz words for small breeds because these are the habits that are most noticeable to others.

Help break the cycle!

Rocky at PetSmart a few months ago.
Rocky has since been adopted! 

Dogs bark, it's true, but learning how our actions can affect our dog's behaviour is key, especially if they are little and often allowed to get away with negative behaviour. Take note of when you might be treating your little dog differently, and work on correcting your own habits. In time, the dog's habits will improve, too, and people will notice: During a PetSmart shift with Rocky, a customer commented on how quiet he was "for a little dog." While the ultimate goal is to not have it be assumed in the first place that Rocky would be loud just because he's part Chihuahua, part miniature pinscher, maybe that woman has a slightly different perspective on small dogs now.

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.

Paws for Mental Health: Ontario Shores 2k Paws-a-Thon Dog Walk

                                     

On Sunday, May 26, 2013, all are welcome to attend the Paws for Mental Health 2k Paws-a-Thon Dog Walk!

Where/When
Sunday, May 26, 2013
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences
700 Gordon Street, Whitby

Did you know that 1 in 5 Canadians experience mental illness severe enough to affect their daily activities? The sad reality is that even more than that will become affected by mental illness or affected by the mental illness of someone close to them. 

Did you know that dogs are effective in helping to relieve stress, anxiety, depression and and other aspects of mental illness?

This event will showcase the therapeutic benefits and joys that dogs bring!

When you support Ontario Shores, you are providing patients with specialized, recovery-focused mental health care and the benefits of a broad range of innovative research. You also join the important and growing public conversation about mental health. This walk-a-thon event will support the building of a new Family Resource Centre and Staff Health and Wellness programs at Ontario Shores. 

Also, The Animal Guardian Society (that's us!) will be joining dog lovers, owners and those supporting Ontario Shores in what should be a lovely afternoon! We will have a booth, staffed by our knowledgeable volunteers. Purchase some of our exciting gift items, including TAGS T-shirts, doggy jackets, magnets, stickers and toys.

Why I Signed Up for The Furry Friends 5K

I am a wannabe long-distance runner. I like running because of all the usual reasons: it's good exercise; it gives you an endorphin boost; you can do it anytime you want; it's free; you can go alone and reflect or go with a friend and make it social.... The list goes on. 

But honestly? I also really like it because it doesn't involve catching, throwing, volleying, kicking, dribbling or any of the other hand–eye coordination–related factors surrounding athletic activity that plagued me in gym class. With running, it’s okay if you lack coordination because as long as you get out there and put one foot in front of the other, you can still be considered athletic. You just might have more mud on your calves than others from kicking yourself.

The problem I have with running is finding motivation to actually go and do it.  However, last summer I discovered that if I registered for a running event in advance and set a goal, that was motivation enough to keep me running regularly as the date approached.

A friend and I signed up for a 5K race in May, and another one in October, with the idea that the May race would keep us motivated throughout the end of winter and into spring, and the October one would allow us to improve on the May results. It worked! I ran regularly from February until October, which I never would have done without knowing that race day was looming.

Now that spring is here again (apparently), I’m ready to sign up for more, and one race I am really excited about is the Furry Friends 5K on June 2 in Whitby. Not only is it in the Durham Region, which is great (I went to Toronto for both races last year, which meant more travel time and larger crowds), but dogs are invited too!

Yes, dogs! The Furry Friends 5K is a unique charity race for people and their furry friends. It’s also quite flexible: participants can run or walk, with or without a dog. Collecting pledges (online or in-person) from friends and family is encouraged, but it is not a requirement. The event is also stroller-friendly so non-furry babies can come, too!

The Furry Friends 5K, now in its third year, is organized by a group of animal lovers who find generous corporate and individual sponsors to cover as many expenses as possible so that any extra monies from registration fees can go directly to local animal shelters of their choosing. Additional fundraising efforts the day of and donations have also made this event a great success in the past.

This year, The Animal Guardian Society has been chosen as one of the animal rescues that will be receiving proceeds from the Furry Friends 5K, and our volunteer team could not be more excited to be a part of this event. Many of our adoptable TAGS dogs will also be there to enjoy a morning of exercise and fun.

Photos courtesy of the Furry Friends 5K Facebook Page

Come run with us! Visit the Furry Friends 5K website to register, donate, volunteer or become an official sponsor of the event. Curious about what a race with dogs looks like? Check out The Furry Friends 5K Facebook page and view pictures from last year's event! 

All Dogs Are Working Dogs

Libby

When I was speaking with my sister recently about her Yorkie, Libby, who is almost two years old, she was telling me how she finds Libby’s typically fearless terrier behaviour endearing. I got a sense that she believed it was just Libby specifically who has this “attitude,” so I thought I would make her aware of the background of Yorkshire terribles terriers.

My sister looked completely shocked as I told her about the creation of the Yorkie to hunt rats in cotton barns and textile factories of Yorkshire, England. In typical older-sister fashion, she brushed off my history tutorial and refused to believe her fluffy little Libby had been meticulously designed for mass murder.

Many people fail to realize that their dog was created for a purpose—be it ratting, hunting, retrieving, herding or, in many cases, just being outright adorable. What may seem to us like a quirky behaviour or habit may actually be from the breed’s past.

Roxie, a JRT, collecting her hot dogs into a neat and tidy pile.

I grew up with a bichon frise, a dog derived from the Portuguese water dog.  Apt swimmers, PWDs would retrieve the fishing nets for fishermen out on the fishing boats. Only the ones who did the best job returning with the nets were continually bred. So heaven forbid my bichon greet me without a present! It turned into a fun game when returning home—what is he going to bring us? (Casper was a good boy and usually brought us one of his toys.)

Other than the history lesson, this information comes in handy when considering, is your dog happy?

My dog Casper, at work as a therapy dog.

As humans, we usually consider our dogs’ mental health in terms of giving them the things that they seem to like—such things as the occasional opportunity to have their head out the car window, a play date with a friend, or a favourite treat. However, is this true happiness for them? Or is it the one thing we humans habitually dread that they are longing for in those restless dreams? Do our dogs want jobs?

I am convinced that there is no happier living thing on earth than a Labrador retriever carrying a stick on a walk. These jobs do not necessarily have to be breed specific, but usually any activity that requires dogs to use their minds will make them feel most useful.

Hogan, mid-jump at agility. This photo was taken from his blog.
http://www.wordwitlox.com/dogblog/2013/01/hogans-heading-to-his-first-agility-trial/

Activities like agility are great for energetic dogs, and they don’t necessarily have to be overtly athletic. And for the social butterflies out there, I highly suggest therapy dog programs. Nothing is more therapeutic than a dog. Absolutely nothing. 

Boomer, still available for adoption. I don't know if he has any retriever in him,
but anything resembling a tennis ball gets his attention.

Why I Volunteer: Nick

And Why You Should Too.

Without a doubt, animal rescue is a morally righteous hobby. It is hard to disagree when you look at the state of animal welfare in our society, from general overpopulation, punitive training techniques, to puppy mills. But everyone finds their way into activities in different ways, and mine was purely self-serving.

I grew up with a family dog. After doing much research, my family purchased a Bichon Frise from the most reputable breeder we could find. Neither of my parents had grown up with dogs, so this was largely uncharted territory. After taking our hamster to the vet for an ankle injury, my parents finally gave in to our pleading. And so Casper joined the Iordanis family.

My two sisters and I with 2 year old Casper.

I have two older sisters, so adding another male to the bottom of the totem pole was great for me. Casper and I definitely saw each other as brothers. He slept at the foot of my bed, and we ate lunch together most days. As much as Casper and I were brothers, he absolutely loved my grandpa.

Casper, hanging out with the oldest people he could find.

When we told my grandpa we were getting a dog, he offered to build a doghouse for “it” to live outside (what he was accustomed to in our native Greece). Little did Grandpa know, in the following years when he would babysit Casper, the little dog would sleep in his bed—kicking Grandma out to the spare bedroom.

The love Casper had for my grandpa (it became mutual) got my mom to certify him as a therapy dog with St. John’s Ambulance. While he had a great time at Sick Kids’ Hospital, what he really wanted was a retirement home.  Seniors were Casper’s “speed.”

Casper on the couch with Andrea. He does kids too!

I moved away from Pickering for four years to go to university. I noticed how much I missed the companionship of a dog, but I was pretty busy trying to balance my textbooks on top of my case of beer. Casper would freak out when I came home for a weekend but then would remember, hey, you left me, and would give me the cold shoulder for a while. Unfortunately, Casper passed away at the age of 14 the summer after I graduated from university.

About a year later, I conceded that I needed—not just enjoyed but needed—a k9 in my life. However, at this point in my life I am not really in a position to own a dog. So what’s a guy to do?

Well, why not volunteer? I know there are some dogs out there who could, at the very least, tolerate my presence. So I interviewed with TAGS and haven’t looked back since. In my time at TAGS, I’ve learned a lot about dog behaviour, which is critical when volunteering in rescue.

Buttercup, a dog I helped socialize and ultimately helped get adopted.
Read my blog post about Buttercup here. 

I have found great inspiration in these rescue animals. Many of these dogs are abused and have had horrible lives, but they do not hold that against me—the next human in line holding their leash. When they first come into the program, there can sometimes be an Oh boy, this one’s going to be tough to get adopted feeling. Then we get pictures from adoptive families with their dog, and the dog doesn’t even resemble its former self.

Boomer, the TAGS dog I am helping socialize right now.
He is still available for adoption!

The best feeling in the world for me is seeing a dog at the dog park after it has been adopted. My personal favourite is when the dogs see their family start to leave, and they bolt toward the door as if to say, “I’m coming, I’m coming. Don’t forget me! I want to be in this family!”

Many people say that they would have a hard time volunteering in rescue because they would want to keep them all. To that I say you are missing the whole point. When you volunteer in rescue, you are not trying to save one dog—you are trying to save as many as you can. So while that may mean seeing some of your favourites get adopted, it also means that there is another soul out there who is down on their luck and needs some help.

Casper volunteering at a retirement home.

Saving one dog is better than none, but saving 90 dogs (amount of adoptions by TAGS in 2012) is considerably more rewarding, and that’s why you should volunteer in rescue too.

Casper, looking under a canoe.
Casper Iordanis 1994 - 2008

February Adoptions!

Wow! For a short month, February sure was busy! 

We are so excited to announce that seven dogs and two cats formerly in the TAGS program have now found their fur-ever homes!

(Please click on the image to see a larger version.)

In the spirit of rescue, and perhaps because some of us still have a bit of leftover Valentine's Day sap hanging around, I would like to say this: 

Thank you to everyone who helped these animals find homes. While each and every TAGS volunteer is passionate about saving lives, we couldn't possibly be so successful without the help of people like you, our readers. By sharing our Facebook photos, re-tweeting our pictures, and spreading the word in general that we have so many fantastic animals available for adoption, you are truly helping to make a difference. 

"You can't change the world by saving one animal, 

but you can change the world for that animal." 

- unknown

Wordless Wednesday...Making New Friends

(Photo credit goes to Sawyer's foster mom, Courtney)

Sawyer is eager to make friends with the resident feline at his foster home, 

but it's hard to know if his adorable face works on cats the way it works on us. 

This is a blog hop! 




Click on the image to see the other participating websites. 

January Adoptions!

Whew. Hard to believe it's already February!

TAGS has been having a busy but wonderful 2013 so far. When we weren't hosting a Pub Night fundraiser or sending our adoptable dogs to college, our volunteers were taking two lucky dogs and their new families through the TAGS adoption process. 

Click on the image to view a larger version. 

Azrial, also known as Zee-Zee, is a ten-month-old sweetheart. TAGS rescued this border collie mix in September from a high-kill shelter in Kentucky. Azrial's long legs make her a great runner, and although they cause her to look a bit awkward sometimes, they just add to her charm. Last fall, her littermates, Chappie and Blossum, were adopted, and we are so happy that Zee-Zee has found a home now too.

Zee-Zee at the TAGS dog park on her adoption day.
She fits right in with her new family! 

Clover is a Maltese mix and her age is estimated to be around four. Clover catches the eye of everyone she meets because she is small, spunky and adorable! Clover was rescued from a puppy mill, where she was used as a breeding dog. Now that she's been happily placed in her fur-ever home, she can spend her time playing and snuggling instead of tending to pups. 

Congratulations, ladies! 

Did You Know TAGS Microchips?

One of the least known aspects of the TAGS organization is its microchip clinics.

In an effort to provide the community affordable care for their pets, TAGS offers microchipping of cats and dogs for the very affordable price of $30.

But what is a microchip?

A microchip is the size of a grain of rice that, when scanned, relays a number that correlates with the pet owner's information in a database.

Perhaps the most interesting fact about the microchip is that the chip itself does not actually emanate any type of signal unless it is triggered by a scanner. The technology is called RFID, or radio frequency identification. For more information about this technology, check out its Wikipedia page.

Here is a photo of a disassembled microchip package.  The black item on the right is the actual chip.  The item on the left is the needle, which is attached to a plunger, which pushes the chip through the needle under the skin. Normally you cannot see the chip because it comes loaded with the needle, but this package for some reason came disassembled.

How is microchipping done?

Microchipping is a painless procedure through which the chip is inserted under the skin. We apply rubbing alcohol to the back of the dog’s neck and rub it into the skin to help desensitize and sanitize the area. Then, similar to a flu shot, a needle is inserted, and a plunger pushes the chip through the needle under the skin. Sometimes you will see blood at the site of the puncture. Blood is made more visible by the use of the rubbing alcohol. Letting the puncture site scab over is the easiest way for the skin to recover.

Since the chip is inserted under the skin, it is impossible for the identification marker to be lost, unlike collar tags. And a chip lasts the lifetime of your pet, although it is recommended that on your next trip into the veterinary office, you have the chip scanned to ensure that it is working properly.

Here is a photo of a needle out of its package, attached to a plunger gun. The quarter in the photo gives you an idea of the size of the items. The needle screws on to the applicator and is used only once for sanitary reasons. The applicator guns can be reused as many times as you'd like.

Why get microchipping done through TAGS?

While veterinarians can microchip your pet, their cost to do so is substantially higher than what the TAGS clinic charges, which is just $30. We are able to offer this service for a low fee because our organization is 100% volunteer, and we schedule our clinics in locations that invite us in just for the day.

Microchipping is the best way to ensure your pet is recovered quickly if lost. I highly recommend that not just dogs but also housecats be chipped since catching a cat who has made a break for the door is what inspired one of my favourite phrases: This is harder than herding cats!

TAGS runs microchip clinics almost every month. Check our website or follow us on Facebook or Twitter to see when our next clinic is. 

Scrub a Dub Dub: Tips for When Your Dog Is in the Tub

Depending on your dog's opinion of baths, or just water in general, giving them a scrub in the tub can be a quick routine procedure or it can feel as drawn-out as waiting for a four-year-old to finish her vegetables. Either way, you can expect to get wet!

Probably looks half the size she was pre-bath!
CC image courtesy of Fauxen

While giving your dog regular baths is an important part of their grooming, too many shampoo sessions can dry out their skin, especially if you aren't using gentle pet shampoo. As you get to know your dog, you'll likely come up with a loose schedule based on his or her coat length, odour, time spent outdoors, and breed.

When you've decided it's time to get down and dirty clean, gather all of the supplies you will need and extra towels to put on the floor. Before you add water to the equation, give your dog a thorough brushing to get out tangles, loose fur, and debris.

Bathing Your Dog: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Smile! Make sure you are cheerful and calm as you lead your dog into the tub or washbasin, and do your best to stay this way throughout the rest of the steps to show him that bath time is fun time! That said, don't forget to close the door so that he doesn't have an escape route.

2. Add water! Fill the tub with a few inches of warm water (but not more than this because high water levels could add to any anxiety he is feeling and will increase the likelihood of him trying to escape), and use a pail or pitcher to gently pour the water on him, starting just behind the head.

Small dogs can be bathed in the sink.
CC image courtesy of tsheko

3. Scrub! Once your pup is wet, start massaging shampoo into his fur, working from the neck down along the back to the belly and the legs. It's best to avoid shampooing the face and ears—just wipe those parts with a wet cloth if needed.

4. Rinse! Rinse him thoroughly with the same technique you used in Step 2. (If you are using a conditioner, apply it as directed on the bottle, comb it through the fur, and rinse again.)

5. Brace yourself! If you're in the bathroom, pull the shower curtain closed so that when he shakes, the water is somewhat contained (although, at this point, your efforts to stay dry might be futile).

6. Towel off! Towel dry your pooch and let him get out of the tub. Make sure that you wring out his tail and dry in and around every paw before you let him loose in the house. If he has a long coat and the towel-drying has made him look a bit ruffled, comb him again.

7. Celebrate! Reward your dog with a treat or two for his good behaviour.

Bonus tip: It's always a good idea to make sure your dog is completely dry before you let him back outside after bath time because dirt will stick to him even more than before! In the winter, this is even more important because the cold temperatures could leave your pup damp for hours. Brr!

Was this easier said than done? Just remember that no matter what happened, it was easier than trying to bathe a cat!

Guess the Breed Contest: DNA Testing

Many of the dogs we see go through our program are interesting mixes.

Well, one of our past adopters couldn't keep guessing and decided to DNA test her two TAGS dogs.

Cora

Dusty

If you guess a correct breed in the comments section of her blog by Sunday (Jan. 13), their mom, Cathy Witlox, will give you your choice of prize: either a custom hand-knit doggy sweater for your dog or a donation in your name to an animal charity—we know a good one! ;)

Go to http://www.wordwitlox.com/dogblog/ to guess their breeds.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions...

For those who are not involved in rescue, some of the policies and practices of a rescue group may seem odd.

While many of the policies are put in place due to past experiences, the decisions rescue groups make can sometimes be more puzzling. 

When I originally got involved in rescue, I was preparing myself for some really difficult situations. Many of the reactions I get when I tell people I volunteer in rescue is “Oh, that must be hard.” My answer to that is, working with the dogs is the most rewarding thing I can do, but the decisions are almost impossible.

How do you decide which dogs to pull from the pound and which ones to leave? The simple answer to all of these types of questions is, we do as much as we can with the resources we have. 

In particular, those resources are foster homes. Since we do not have any type of shelter, we rely on our network of foster homes to house dogs who, in some cases, literally have a needle in their arm.  

So it may seem odd when a rescue puts a dog in a "temporary" foster home, only to move it to another more permanent foster home a week later. Usually, the case is that we would rather take the needle out of the dog's arm and put him in a warm, loving home, even if for just a week, until more suitable or longer-term accommodations are available. 

Another question we commonly get is, Why do you bring dogs up from shelters in the States when pounds are occupied with dogs in our own community? We always look to our local shelters first when we have an open foster home. However, some further explanation is in order.

There can be many different reasons a dog is brought into a pound. She may simply be lost and just waiting for her owner to claim her. If nobody comes to claim the dog, and she has been at the pound for a length of time, rescue groups like ours take notice and begin a conversation about taking the dog into our program.

Sunny, an highly adoptable chocolate Lab, was in a pound in Kentucky, and his time ran out after he went unclaimed.
Why let a beautiful 1 year old dog like this be euthanized when we have an open foster home?
Sunny was adopted in summer 2012 within a few weeks of entering the program.

In the meantime, we may have an open foster home and might get word that a dog will be euthanized in a high-kill shelter (meaning very high euthanization rates, with few dogs being claimed by owners or adopted) across the border. In that case, why allow those dogs to be euthanized when we have a loving foster home willing to save them? Our view is that if we can save a dog’s life, geographic location is irrelevant. Rescue is the business of saving lives.

Cora, a very gentle soul, is one of the TAGS
seniors who was adopted into a loving home.

Of specific note are the senior dogs. Seniors are often euthanized faster because they are less likely to be adopted. In some cases, dogs are brought to the pound for the simple reason of being "too old." Senior dogs offer many benefits including requiring less exercise, already being trained,  and are especially loving. This situation has led TAGS to create an innovative initiative called Seniors for Seniors.

We also get many comments on our policy to operate only within Durham Region (population 608,124). This is not a hard-and-fast rule, but we have a general rule out of respect for our volunteers. Our adoption process requires our volunteers to visit the home to conduct a questionnaire. Asking volunteers to drive out to Mississauga is too much to ask. We could do the interview over the phone but feel that a home visit is the only way to really understand the environment the dog will be going into. Our program also requires adopters to attend an eight-week training class in Enfield, Ontario, which is less feasible if they have to drive farther distances.

TAGS began to notice that many of the homes that we interviewed and approved to be foster homes were adopting their first foster dog, and then were not willing to foster any longer. As a result, the number of foster homes we had dwindled. Therefore, TAGS now has a rule that a foster family cannot adopt their first foster. 

This policy is to remind current and potential fosters that being a foster home is not about the dog you have but about the dog somewhere out there who has only days to live. By that, I mean, being a foster home allows you to quite literally save a dog’s life (or several dogs' lives over time). It may be difficult to see each one go, but it is even harder to think of all the other dogs in need.

An email from Sue, the TAGS foster coordinator, sent on December 21, 2012.

The two dogs Sue was trying to save from being euthanized on Christmas Eve.

So the next time you hear about a rescue organization doing something you might not personally agree with, take into account the dog out there who is hours away from euthanization. And there is something you can do, too: VOLUNTEER!

I Wanna Pit Bull

Now that I’ve been volunteering in rescue for a few years, I am finally ready to start considering what type of dog I would get in a perfect world. For the record, I am not yet ready / able to give a dog what it needs; I am merely daydreaming.

I’ve come to the conclusion that my dream dog would be the biggest, baddest, meanest-looking, most horrible dog ever in the world. At least, what the general public believes to be the meanest dog in the world.

I’ve made it two years in rescue, and it is safe to say I have caught the bug. I thrive off taking a dog who is misunderstood and slowly wearing them down to where they are amazing family pets. I have found that the longer the challenge takes, the bigger the satisfaction.

That is why I dream of having a pit bull. Just saying those words widens the eyes of 99% of the world.

There are many dangerous dogs out there, but the pit bull specifically comes with a built-in reputation. Therefore, helping one of these “dangerous” dogs become a healthy, happy, friendly dog would be even more rewarding.

I wish I could have a pit bull because I want a dog that instills fear in others and to show them that they have nothing to fear at all. I would even argue that breed-specific legislation (known as BSL in dog circles) results in pit bulls being more dangerous by putting restrictions in place that make them harder to socialize, but I will save that argument for another post.

What I find most amazing in rescue is that dogs who have been abused or neglected, and sometimes both, still find it within themselves to love humans. Nothing would please me more than to have a pit bull who is a lap dog to show friends and strangers that this dog who was once abused or neglected wants nothing more than to give you a kiss and lay its head on your lap.

I must say that this is a selfish dream. The satisfaction I would get from achieving this goal would send me over the moon. So I guess my biggest target in this article is the reputation of pit bulls and the people who want them for that reputation (which mischievously now includes me—but I have good intentions!).

A truly dangerous dog is one that has never learned the power of its own bite and is owned by someone who does not care about the dog’s well-being. When you look at it that way, it is difficult to see how breed has anything to do with it.

In my view, a ban on a specific breed of dog puts Ontario in the ignorant category of society. Other areas have reversed their bans—most recently, Edmonton—because they are discriminatory. There is a large discussion about the statistics since many bites are by mixed breeds, making it difficult to attribute “badness” to one specific breed.

According to the Toronto Star, “More than 85% of Edmontonians identified improper training, poor supervision and irresponsible dog owners as the main cause for a dog attack.” What do Edmontonians understand that Ontarians don’t? They understand that there is no dog that you can’t get to react any more than there are people who won’t react when they are scared enough.

Anyone who works in rescue knows that my saying I want the meanest, baddest dog ever means that I will probably end up with the least threatening dog ever, a teacup Chihuahua.

Great Gift Ideas for Dog Lovers

CC Image courtesy of ]babi] on Flickr

With Christmas Eve just ten days away, some of you are probably finished shopping, have sailed right through wrapping and are now sitting by the fire admiring your Christmas tree, wondering what is taking Santa so long.

But let's face it: many of us are just starting! While everyone loves giving presents at Christmas, trying to think of the perfect gift can be stressful. Well, have no fear—TAGS is here to give you a list of great gift ideas for all of the dog lovers in your life.

But be warned—you might want some of these for yourself, too!

For Dog Lovers Who Love to Travel 

• Whether going to the cottage, a friend's, or the dog park, the seats in any dog lover's car can take a beating after one too many rides with a furry friend. While they might love their pooch too much to mind, they will definitely benefit from a pet car-seat cover. PetSmart carries several options on its website.
• Help keep a friend's small dog safe by gifting your friend with a doggie car seat! This design, which is available at Canadian Tire, is elevated so the pooch can look out the window, plus it has a harness for added safety.
• If you're on a budget, make homemade dog-sitting vouchers! While you might feel cheesy, the sentiment behind this gift will trump all others. No dog lover likes to leave his or her fur baby behind, but sometimes travel opportunities come up that don't suit a tail-wagging tag-along. Offer to dog-sit, and enjoy eternal gratitude. It will put your friend's mind at ease to know his or her pup is in good hands! 

For Dog Lovers Who Love Knick-Knacks 

Cat lady and dog lover vests!
CC Image courtesy of TheUglySweaterShop on flickr

With a knick-knack, paddy whack, give a dog a bone... If your friend loves ornaments, trinkets, and other collectibles, there are an infinite number of possible gifts for them! Look for a picture frame with paw prints, a dog ornament for the tree, or even a figurine resembling their dog. Pet stores, gift stores such as Hallmark and Carlton Cards, or even your local Wal-Mart are bound to have great gifts your dog-loving friends will dig.

For Dog Lovers Who Love to Read 

• A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron
  This TAGS-tested novel is an engaging, heartfelt story told from a dog's perspective as he searches for his purpose over the course of several lives. His soul is reborn again and again, but he is able to retain memories from former lives, which he uses to help him in the next one. It's funny and at times sad, and it's written so aptly the reader can't help but wonder if it was actually written by a canine.
• The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
  Also TAGS-tested, this book tells the story of Enzo, a lovable mutt who is with his best friend and owner, Denny, through all of life's milestones. Told from Enzo's perspective, the story line captivates readers from the first page, and the writing style keeps them reading until the book is finished.
• The Big New Yorker Book of Dogs
  Culled from the pages of The New Yorker magazine, the writings and artwork in this coffee-table-sized book will delight any dog lover. In true New Yorker style, the fiction, poetry, and articles alternately entertain and inform—and often do both. Whether your friend is a literature lover or a dog lover, this book meets the bill.
• Keep the gift of Christmas coming all year long! Purchase a gift subscription for your friend to a Canadian pet or dog magazine. Since the first issue won't be delivered until after Christmas, considering buying a copy of the current issue and include a note saying that there are more where this came from! 

CC Image Courtesy of dickuhne on Flickr

Bonus Tip: For Dog Lovers Who Have it All

• Consider making a donation to a cause your dog-loving friend cares about, a topic we explored recently in this post.