Wordless Wednesday: Santa's Little Helper

Yogi Bear is ready for his first Christmas! 

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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.

Happy Tail: Nell!

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. 

This adorable rat terrier mix was in foster care for about 7 months. During every PetSmart or Pet Valu shift, volunteers and customers would gush over her sweet face and contagious energy. But nevertheless, she remained up for adoption.

Then, in July, that sweet face one again grabbed someone's attention, but this time they couldn’t look away, and she was finally adopted! After that, she got a new name to go along with her new life. 

An Interview With Nell’s New Mom, Lynda:

1. How and why did you decide to adopt a rescue dog?
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.

2. Why did you only put in an application for Nell (and not any of the other dogs)?

Her face.

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.
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.

4. What were Nell's first days with you like?
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.

5. How did the training classes* go? 

Welllllll, Nell is not much of a student, and is a bit aggressive when on a leash.  We learned lots, though.

*When you adopt a dog from TAGS, an eight-week behaviour training course is included 

6. Tell us some funny/quirky/endearing stories about Nell.
(Do you really have that much time?) 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.  

P.S.: Pretty much everything about Nell is endearing.

Left: Yipee! Nell in the car on the first day of her extended visit.
Right: Nell bashfully sports a Thundershirt.

7. Now that it's been several months, do you think Nell knows that she's "home"?

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.

8. What are your favourite things about Nell?

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.

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.)

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. They both understand that Mona is the boss and is not to be questioned - ever!

10. Any other facts or anecdotes about your adoption experience that you would like to share?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.

Nell with (some of) her new family members. 

Wordless Wednesday - A Christmas Nap

Christmas is tiring! - This is Goofy who is now adopted to a wonderful family

This is a blog hop. Check out the other blogs for more Wordless Wednesday posts!

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.

Top 5 Holiday Hazards to Pets

Photo Credit: Dogtipper.com

The holidays are a time of celebration and festivities for both us and our dogs. However, it can also be a time that poses many hazards to our dogs. Being aware of these five holiday hazards that are present in most homes may save you a trip to the emergency room for your dog.

1. Food hazards

The holidays are usually filled with lots of tasty treats; however, many holiday treats are really toxic for our dogs.

·      Fruit, nuts and chocolate
Raisins and grapes, even in small amounts, can lead to kidney failure in dogs, so be sure to keep a close eye on those fruitcakes and fruit and nut boxes. Many nuts, especially macadamia nuts, contain toxins and may cause pancreatitis. Chocolate contains two components that can’t be processed by dogs, making it especially toxic and possibly even fatal for dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is to your pet.

·      Cooked bones and fat trimmings
While cooked bones may seem like an ideal treat for a dog, they can splinter and cause an obstruction in your dog’s stomach. Fatty meat, such as turkey skin and ham, may cause pancreatitis, which can be fatal.

(If you're looking to make a special food treat for your dog this Christmas, be sure to check here on December 16 for a special treat recipe.)

2. Hazardous holiday plants

While decorative, many holiday plants are poisonous—even deadly—for pets. Some holiday plants to watch out for include these ones:

·      Poinsettia, mistletoe and holly
These plants are not only pretty but also pretty dangerous to our pets. Symptoms of ingestion include vomiting, intense diarrhea, erratic behaviour—and possibly even death. Mistletoe is the most dangerous of the three plants.

3. Christmas trees
Real Christmas trees smell amazing, but there are some hidden hazards here that you might not know of yet.

·      Pine and spruce trees

Christmas trees are considered mildly toxic. The oils can irritate the mouth and stomach, causing drooling or vomiting, and the tree needles can cause obstructions. Additionally, tree water additives usually include sugar, making the Christmas tree water especially tasty to dogs. However, this preservative is dangerous. If you’re considering a live Christmas tree this year, be sure to confine your pets to keep them away from the tree while you're at work or when they are unsupervised.

·      Decorations (tinsel and ornaments)
Tinsel and other decorations, such as ornaments, are particularly eye-catching to our pets but are also very dangerous. Tinsel can become caught in a dog’s intestinal tract, twisting and bunching in their intestines, which can be fatal. Glass ornaments could potentially cut a dog's mouth, throat and intestines when swallowed and also present a choking hazard.

·       Christmas tree lights

If you have a puppy or a dog prone to chewing on electrical wires, he or she could be attracted to the lights on the Christmas tree, resulting in a shocking surprise. Check the lights frequently for signs of fraying or chewing. Keeping your dog away from the Christmas tree area will help avoid this potential hazard.  

4. Alcohol

Alcohol is extremely dangerous to dogs even in what would be considered a harmless amount to humans. Be sure to keep a close eye on drinks left on coffee tables at your holiday parties as some pooches are drawn to the scent of alcohol. Alcohol affects dogs much the same way it does humans, so if you find your dog drowsy, unable to walk or uncoordinated, be sure to consult a veterinarian immediately.

5. Christmas wrapping and decorations

While seemingly tame, ribbons, string and yarn have the same effect as tinsel, which when ingested can become caught and bunch and twist through a pet's intestines, leading to an emergency vet visit and possible surgery.  

A Christmas Wish

Dear TAGS Supporter,

A tasty TAGS-inspired Christmas cake made
by volunteer Cathy L. 

The most wonderful time of year—the season of giving—is upon us again. Have you been asked yet by a family member or friend what you’d like to have under the tree? If you’re anything like me, coming up with a wish list is not easy.

One thing I do want, though, is good, loving forever homes for homeless and abused animals, so at the top of my wish list this year is a donation to TAGS on my behalf.

As a bonus, the gift giver gets a tax receipt.

And instead of giving colleagues and neighbours a box of chocolates or some other mundane, impersonal gift, I’m going to make donations to TAGS and other charities they care about on their behalf. I did the same last year, and the gifts were really appreciated.

This year, if you’re looking for gifts to give or receive, please consider us! TAGS also loves to receive pet care items such as dog beds, blankets, leashes and toys.

Sincerely,
Cathy W.

TAGS Event: Santa Pictures

Russell is ready for his close-up with Santa.

It's that time of year!

Riley is ready to sub in as a backup reindeer.

Every year in December, Santa Claws spends a weekend with TAGS at the Petsmart in Whitby and helps us raise some much-needed funds by posing for pictures with the pooches. All pets are welcome to have their picture taken with Santa. Santa, Mrs. Claws and their helpers will be at Petsmart between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. for pictures on Saturday, December 8. 

 

A portion of each of the picture packages will be donated to TAGS by Petsmart and will go a long way to helping our dogs, whose only wish this Christmas is to find their fur-ever homes.

 

So, come on down to Petsmart this Saturday—unless you know you're on the naughty list, like Russell here!

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