Wordless Wednesday: Paws and Hearts Jamboree edition

Boomer, our success dog who was adopted not too long ago, is now happily playing with a child. What a great day!


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Wordless Wednesday: Sprung from the Pound!

Dexter's mug shot.
(not to scale)
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Iggy's Happy Tail

Casey Liut, Iggy's new mom, answered our questions about how Iggy is fitting in since his adoption in March.

Why Iggy?
I have always had a love for shepherds as I had one growing up. My husband has always had a love for Rottis, so when we read about the  shep/Rotti cross, it perked our interest. After we read his bio, we became really excited—he sounded like such a laid-back giant goofball! He had also been living with a cat, which was a bonus for us as we already have three cats in the house. When we finally got to meet him and see just what a happy-go-lucky, playful dog he was, we were in love! 

Iggy is a great photo model!

We also knew we didn't want to do the "puppy stage" but wanted a younger dog that could keep up with our busy lifestyle. Iggy's bio suggested he was the perfect fit.

How is he fitting in?

He has fit in quite well. He has always been very respectful of our cats (we have two senior citizens). Iggy does get bullied by our youngest cat—the cat will block Iggy from going upstairs or will drink from Iggy's water dish and not allow him near it until he is finished. Iggy is quite content to be the low man on the totem pole and will just cry if the cat is blocking him, so we know to go and move the cat.

Did he make friends with the members of the household and/or neighbourhood?
He has made many friends! He gets along with our friend's border collie, Tobey, as they are the same age. The two of them rip around my friend's farm for hours. They go over horse jumps together and continue chasing each other even in the house! Iggy gets groomed by my stepsister and he has made lots of friends at her shop and gets along with everyone he meets. He is quite loved by his aunties and grandparents and is spoiled rotten every time he is with them. My stepsister's dog and he play well together. He mostly plays, and she tries to herd him, but he doesn't care!

What's his favourite place in the house?
I think his favourite place is our living room couch. Every afternoon I come home, and this is where he can be found. He is also quite fond of our bedroom and will lie on the bed at night and watch TV with us.

What is his favourite toy?
Iggy's all-time favourite toy is his red dog that his foster mom left with him. Although any new toy becomes the instant flavour of the day, he always goes back to this toy, especially at 10:30 at night when he tries to convince you that you do indeed want to play with him and not go to bed!

I will say he does appear to have a favourite outdoor toy—his Wubba Kong. He loves this one most as it has a very distinctive and loud squeak,  and he loves playing fetch with it! It is a more "obnoxious" toy, so it doesn't come inside the house, as it is also generally slobbery by the time he's done!

How is his walking?
Iggy has much improved with walking on the leash and goes for two to three walks a day. I did a lot of work with him on the umbilical training and going through the kids' playground—he picked up quite quickly to follow, as he didn't know what way we were going and enjoys jumping objects and even going down the slide! I think we will be trying out some agility in the near future! He has also become a great running partner when we can run—stays right beside me and does not try to cut me off! We are starting to wean him off his Gentle Leader (which he quite detests!) and walking with a collar.

Iggy is focusing on a treat

Did he pick up any funny habits?
Iggy does like to watch the squirrels and even the birds as they fly overhead, but his ultimate favourite animal to chase is bunnies. You even mention the word "bunna," and he's on guard looking for one! He does try to sneak up on them, not realizing they can see the 80 lb dog. But he tries really hard to be quiet and stealthy! I doubt he wants to hurt the "bunnas"—he mostly just likes the fact that they are fun to chase.

Iggy will steal wood from the woodpile to play with at times. I suppose he figures we have created a giant stickpile just for him.

As I said, he is not a fan of his Gentle Leader, likely because it works. He will stick his nose straight in the air when you put it on him. He makes a face that is hard to describe, but you can tell he is not happy about it. Almost like he finds it humiliating to wear it! But once outside, all is forgotten!

Iggy is big on conversation. He used to back-talk a lot! He seems to have gotten over that, though. He still does like to chat, especially about his breakfast! He has learned to speak on command. As well, he is learning to use his "inside voice" and to "ask nicely," and he does change his volume and tone when you tell him this!

Iggy has just figured out the "roll over" command and now does it with every other possible trick for a treat. There is always a "comment" from Iggy when lying down, and then he will roll over on his own.

His favourite games are fetch and tug-of-war. He will play both for hours at a time! He even helps my nephew practise his lacrosse defence—my nephew gets his stick to cover the ball on the ground and then tries to keep Iggy off the ball. Quite the challenge for him, but Iggy is happy to practise with him!

He is quite the water dog—he has been in my parents' pool several times! He enjoys my friend's pond every time we are at her farm (no matter how hard we try to keep him out, he always sneaks a swim in). He has no problems jumping right in and going under water. He has also enjoyed the lake at the cottage, as there is a long sandbar, and he can stroll in and touch the ground for some distance.

Iggy fits right in.

Do you have any other funny stories to share?

Iggy seems to love walking through the park in the afternoon and seeing all the kids running around. I am sure he would love nothing more than to have me let him off the leash to run with them. We came across  a toddler yesterday who was a bit unsure of Iggy but wanted to pet him. I had Iggy lie down, and the child was happy to come up and pet Iggy's back (Iggy just lay there). The baby then took the leash from my hand and started to walk away, and Iggy was more than happy to follow him! I held on to the other end just in case!

When we were packing to leave for a holiday, we were outside loading the trailer, and Iggy suddenly appeared on the steps looking very upset and guilty. I was just thinking, Hey how did he get out? Then we realized, he went right through the screen door! We couldn't be mad at him, though. We instantly realized that with his history of being left behind, it was no wonder he went through the screen. He was likely worried he would be left behind again. Poor guy! We just let him hang out in the trailer while we packed. He enjoyed a nice vacation with Grandma and Grandpa while we were away and went to work with Grandpa every day and played with another dog, Jake. Iggy was so tired at the end of the day, Grandpa had to help him into the truck a few times!

He is also a huge fan of belly rubs and getting his grooms. He actually jumps back on the grooming table—something my stepsister tells me no other dog (except for hers) ever does!

May Adoptions!

Any month in which there have been adoptions is a great month, but May 2013 was especially exciting for the volunteers at TAGS.

At the end of April, we were thrilled that a few of our senior dogs had been adopted since it is generally more difficult to find homes for them. Similarly, in May, TAGS found homes for Molly and Reimer, who, despite the fact that they are adorable, are also part of a marginalized group.

Also adopted this month was Boomer, who had been waiting for his fur-ever home for some time. However, Boomer's story just goes to show that patience is a virtue. The perfect family came along, and we couldn't be happier for Boomer and his new family. 

Click on the image to view a larger version. 

Oakley is a purebred Siberian husky who is almost two years old. This energetic guy came to TAGS when his family couldn't take care of him anymore, and he's happy to have found a home where he will have lots of opportunity to play and just be a dog!

Molly is a 10-month-old female black Lab mix. Molly loves to play with just about anyone who wants to play with her, no matter what their species may be! Molly is very affectionate, friendly and sociable, so it comes as no surprise that she has found a home.

Reimer is a one-year-old black Lab and blue heeler mix, which basically makes him look like a mini-Lab. Reimer came to TAGS from a high-kill pound in Tennessee and has been thoroughly enjoying his time in Canada so far. This guy's tail never stops wagging, and he loves to greet every dog and human he lays eyes on with a sniff and a smile.

Boomer is a greyhound mix who is almost four years old. Boomer is considered to be a compassionate alpha who loves to exercise, especially if said exercise involves chasing a ball. Not much is known about Boomer's life before he joined the TAGS family, but he used to be very cautious of newcomers. With help from dedicated volunteers and Brooklin Pet Care, who fostered him, he has become the dog everyone knew he could be.

Congratulations, everyone! 

April Adoptions!

This month, six dogs and two cats found new homes! We are so excited for them to be joining their new families! 

Please click on the image to view a larger version. 

Dawson is a three-year-old shepherd/husky cross who loves to play and be active, but he also loves to cuddle—he's basically the whole package, which is why we are not surprised that his foster family fell in love and decided to make him a permanent member of the family.

Wyatt is an Australian cattle dog/blue heeler mix. Wyatt was found as a stray and will not get much bigger than he is now, and currently he weighs about 25 pounds. Wyatt is very affectionate and is known to cuddle up to humans and other dogs. He was not up for adoption for that long, which wasn't surprising. Everyone who meets Wyatt instantly becomes a fan!

Justice and Thornton were featured in our "Cats of TAGS" post a couple of months ago, and we are excited to announce that this mother-and-son pairing have been adopted together. Justice is a beautiful tabby who was rescued by TAGS after being found under the Oshawa Court House. She gave birth to a litter of kittens not long after that, and all but Thornton found homes. Now, these two are inseparable and love to cuddle and play.

June Bug (nicknamed Joobie) is an energetic, fun-loving Shetland sheepdog/beagle mix. She loves other dogs and is very smart, so she's already learned a lot since TAGS first rescued her. She's quick to give kisses and always has her tail wagging, so when her new family met her, they just knew she was the one they were looking for all along.

Squirrely is a 12-year-old hound mix. This lady's life has changed a lot in a short period of time, so we are very happy for her that she has found a new home and that things will settle down for her. Squirrely lived with the same family for a long time, but she and her sister, Sarah, found themselves at the pound when their family lost their home and could no longer take care of them. Both of these seniors were confused and scared, but then they were rescued by TAGS and put into the foster system. Unfortunately, Sarah had a massive cancerous tumour and the tough decision was made to euthanize her. Squirrely has been a trooper throughout all of it and remains healthy, with clear eyes and a spring in her step. We are so happy that she has been adopted into a great home with a family who will love her for the rest of her days.

Violet is a one-year-old border collie mix. Violet is a beautiful and gentle dog who loves to play. She's even happy to play on her own if another dog isn't around. She loves to run and spend time outside, and loves belly rubs! Violet just joined the TAGS program at the end of March, and she's already been adopted. We love when this happens!

Raggs is a 10-year-old cairn terrier mix who is pretty energetic for his age and loves to snuggle. He gets along with dogs, cats and kids and has a lot of love to give to everyone! This adorable guy had a family he loved very much, but they took him to the pound with the explanation that he was getting too old for them. We are very happy that this sweet guy has been given the second chance he deserves!

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Congratulations to all the dogs and cats who were adopted in April! We are so excited for all our furry friends and their new families! Personally, I am especially happy for our senior dogs, Squirrely and Raggs, as it can be difficult for seniors to find homes. If you are interested in adopting a senior but aren't sure what to expect, you can read about one of our volunteer's personal experiences. 

Why I Volunteer: Jenn

Oakley at PetSmart.

I volunteer in animal rescue because I love animals. 

...Obviously, right? But it's about more than just loving them. It's about believing that they deserve more respect and love than they receive. And it's about fighting for their rights when they cannot do so themselves.

I read a quote once (and unfortunately I do not remember where) that said: "One day, you will wake up and realize a lifelong dream that you never knew you had."

I suppose a realization of that nature is how I ended up applying to be a volunteer with TAGS. I was on the website looking at adoptable dogs and cats and fantasizing about actually being able to adopt one (I live with my parents, who have decided that our two cats are enough for one house), and then I landed on the In Memorium page. I was so moved by the stories I read. Not only had this rescue organization clearly changed the lives of all the people who were sharing their memories, but I was overwhelmed with happiness for the dogs. Their lives had been changed for the better because they were adopted, yes, but the real moment their lives changed was when they were rescued. After having such an emotional reaction to these testimonies and memories, I instantly knew that I had to be involved somehow. However, I wasn't quite sure how I would be able to help since I couldn't adopt or foster at this point in my life.

Cali at a Pet Valu Adoptathon.

Looking through the volunteer application cleared up any questions I had. There were several areas that needed volunteers and that interested me for different reasons, so I knew I would be able to help out in one way or another. During my interview, I was asked if I would like to be a part of the TAGS Social Media Committee, which was just forming around the time I submitted my application. I thought this was a great way for me to volunteer as it could be done from home, and I could use skills I gained while studying for my degree in journalism. That said, I also wanted to do something hands-on with the animals I would be writing about, especially since wanting to be around animals was part of my initial motivation for applying.

As a result, I am also part of a large group of volunteers who take turns showing dogs at local PetSmart and Pet Valu locations on the weekends. The shifts usually pass by pretty quickly—I spend the time alternating between getting to know the dogs we have in the store and talking to customers about TAGS and our adoptable dogs. A large chunk of the time also goes to story swapping—everyone loves to talk about the furry friends in their lives, so there are always lots of quirky stories being exchanged. (Note: I really do try to keep my cat stories to a minimum. Really, I do. It's just that my minimum is probably someone else's maximum.)

Rocky at PetSmart. Love this little guy!

I enjoy my roles, but at the end of the day, I volunteer in rescue because too many dogs and cats are homeless, neglected, abused or misunderstood. I volunteer in rescue so that I can be part of an organization that educates the public about pet health, training, the needs of animals and responsible pet ownership. I volunteer in rescue because I want the number of dogs and cats being euthanized each year to go down, not up.

I volunteer in rescue because I love the feeling I get when I find out one of the TAGS animals has found his or her fur-ever home.

If you can't adopt...foster.
If you can't foster...volunteer.
If you can't volunteer...donate.
If you can't donate...educate, network and share.
Everyone can do something to help animals in need. 

Wordless Wednesday: 8...9...10! Ready or Not, Here I Come!

Oops, Izzy has the rules of hide-and-go-seek mixed up. She's hiding AND counting!
Come find her and give her a forever home today! 

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Wordless Wednesday: What Are You Doing Back There?

Derby wonders how he will ever get to the dog park if his driver is sitting in the trunk.
He was adopted last month.  

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March Adoptions!

March was a fantastic month for adoptions. Nine dogs found homes and we couldn't be happier for them, or their new families!

While these cuties are now off the market, there are still many other pets looking for a new home. Check out our website to find out more about them. Your new family member could be waiting for you!

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Ryella with her new family!

Ryella is a female Rottweiler/Shepherd mix who is between one and two years old. TAGS rescued her from a gassing pound in Montreal and now she is happily settling into life with her new family. 


Derby is a young Shepherd cross who was found in a pound. TAGS rescued him just in time and now he has been adopted by the same family who adopted Goofy a few months ago! 

Derby (right) fits right in! 

Iggy is an energetic Rottweiler/Shepherd mix who loves to play! This guy is approximately one or two years old and his enthusiasm for life easily won over the hearts of his new family members. 

Sawyer is a 1-year-old Collie/Shepherd mix who did not have the best start in life, but things have definitely picked up for his cutie. He was part of an unwanted litter left at a pound, but almost as soon as he entered the TAGS adoption program, a new family scooped him up! 

Sawyer's all smiles! 

Amy is a happy-go-lucky Labrador cross who is about 6 years old. This gal loves belly rubs and being around people. Unfortunately, Amy got lost and ended up at the Sudbury pound, but now she's settling into a new home thanks to TAGS! 

Lexi-Leigh is a Terrier/Shih Tzu mix who loves to snuggle. Lexi-Leigh is nearly a year old and quite shy, but she warms up to people once she gets to know them. 

Lexi-Leigh snuggles with her new mom.

Balin is an 8-year-old purebred Beagle with eyes that can make anyone melt. This calm guy loves walks and spends most of them with his nose to the ground.

Dixie is a beautiful 1.5-year-old Labrador retriever mix. Dixie joined the TAGS program about a year ago when she was rescued from a pound in Kentucky. Dixie can be a bit shy but she loves playing with dogs and cats. 

Congratulations, Dixie! 

Halo is a 3-year-old Australian Shepherd/Beagle cross who was rescued from an abusive situation. It's hard to believe someone could mistreat this cute, playful, cuddly guy, but we're just happy he didn't let those experiences affect his great personality!  

 Congratulations, everyone! 

Wordless Wednesday: TAGS visits UOIT/DC!

UOIT students hang out with Sheldon (formerly Redman)
 at Durham College & UOIT's Puppy Room January 21.

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TAGS Dogs Are Headed to College!

The Animal Guardian Society is teaming up with the Student Association at Durham College and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) to help students conquer Blue Monday blues.

Hard to feel blue when you're looking into these eyes!
(Livvy is available for adoption through TAGS.)

The third Monday in January has been dubbed "Blue Monday" as it is considered to be the most depressing day of the year. The days are short, the weather is nasty, and the holidays are over—which means there is less to look forward to and, potentially, some leftover Christmas-related bills to deal with.

To help reduce student stress and lighten the mood on Blue Monday, TAGS dogs will be at the North Oshawa campus January 21 to lend a paw as part of a campus-wide de-stress day.

The Student Association will be hosting the event in its Student Centre lounge, where they also plan to have massage therapists, snacks and refreshments available for students.

Playing with dogs is a great stress reliever.
(Iggy is available for adoption.)

Dogs from TAGS will be there from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to receive pats and hugs from student visitors.

The idea to include TAGS dogs in the de-stress day came from Dalhousie University's puppy room, a successful campaign held last fall that helped students unwind during the exam period. Dogs from a local organization were invited to play and interact with students who needed a break from the grind of student life.

Stay tuned to find out how the TAGS dogs' visit to Durham College/UOIT goes!

December Adoptions!

Earlier this month, TAGS volunteers were thrilled when we matched November's total and found homes for two foster dogs. It was even better when we beat it... times 4!

Congratulations to all 8 dogs who found their fur-ever homes this month!

Click on the image to view a larger version.

Willy, a Labrador/Dalmation mix, is approximately eight months old. Willy came to TAGS from a shelter in Ohio a few months ago. It's no surprise that a lucky family scooped him up because he's gentle, loves to play, and doesn't mind car rides!

Kaos (now called Wally) is a three-year-old rottweiler who gets along with everyone! Kaos will happily play with dogs of all size and personality, and loves to go on long walks with his new family.

Harley is a purebred Bichon Frise who is approximately four years old. Harley was found wandering on the GO Train tracks. After a brief stint at the pound, a TAGS volunteer rescued him and now this fun-loving companion has been given a new chance at life with his new family. 

Jake is a chocolate Lab mix who found himself in need of a new home a few months ago. Now adopted, this calm, happy guy is back to enjoying life with a loving family.

Maude is an eight-month-old terrier mix who tips the scales at a mighty seven pounds. Rescued from a high-kill shelter, Maude just joined our foster program a couple of weeks ago and has already found a new home. We love stories like this!

Allie Dawn is a three-year-old beagle mix whom many of the volunteers came to love while she was in foster care. She's sweet, playful and clearly adorable!

Trixie is a happy-go-lucky Retriever, Labrador/German Shepherd puppy who is just under a year old. Even though Trixie is deaf, that doesn't stop her from keeping up with other dogs! She also loves being with people and is very outgoing and active. Bonus: Watch a video about Trixie here!  

Kadein (now called Ben) is under a year old and, believe it or not, was found as a stray! It's hard to believe that no one claimed this Labrador retriever mix since he is playful, great with children and even likes cats!

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We are so happy for all of the dogs who found homes this month, and throughout the year as well. Thank you to everyone who has supported TAGS in 2012. We couldn't have done it without you!

Happy New Year,

—The Animal Guardian Society