Happy Tail: Jill

Interview with Julie White - Jill's Happy New Mom

Why did you choose Jill?

We saw Jill at Pet Valu at the end of her shift. Her foster mom Gayle was picking her up. My husband spotted Jill and said "Hey did you see the dog over by the cash?" I said no and he brought me over to look at her. We fell in love with her right away. She stole our hearts, kissing us and giving us a look that said "please take me home!" 

Jill waited for a longtime to find her forever home.  She came in as a stray in the Bedford County Animal Control at 8 months old and was rescued in May the following year by TAGS.  She had an amazing foster mom Gayle and we adopted her in August.  

What did you think about our adoption process?

We think the adoption process is excellent. You don't just pay for a dog and that's it. You invest interest and time to see if this dog will fit with your family. TAGS makes sure the dog is going to a good home by insisting on the home visit and then the extended visit to insure everything works out nicely. Following the adoption there is some training which I think is great to begin a great bond with your new dog!

How was Jill's first few days with you and your family?

Our first day on the  extended visit my husband and I spent all day shopping with Jill. We looked for the perfect bowls on a stand, toys, treats, etc. It took twice as long cause Jill is a social butterfly, everyone stopped to look at her and want to pet her. Many stores later we had found everything to make her feel like home! 

How is she fitting in?

Jill on her Extended Visit

She has settled in with our family very well and we are so happy to have her in our lives. Jill's favourite place in the house would have to be in our cozy bed sleeping and chewing her bones!

She does very well on a leash and has no problems walking with our other dogs Turbo and Cheyenne. They all walk together very nicely. 

Jill also has many TAGS friends as we go to the park often. Her foster mom Gayle is still in her life as we have become great friends. I am just amazed with the work, connections and the difference TAGS makes in many ways for adoption, education, volunteering, and rescuing.

The Triumvirate!

Did Jill pick up any funny habits?

Jill likes to stash toilet paper cardboard rolls on our bed. She doesn't chew them, she just places them on our bed. No idea why!

In the morning she has more energy than my two JRTs, running around and getting the other two playing. She will take my one JRT back leg bite it and make his leg go up in the air to get him to play, it's funny to watch!

She loves to give kisses and have her belly rubbed.

P.S. she is spoiled!!!

Jill - probably dreaming about toilet paper

 Julie White did not only adopt Jill but she is now volunteering for TAGS. Thank you Julie and welcome to the TAGS team!

Are YOU thinking about volunteering, too? We are always looking for foster homes or general volunteers. Click here to apply.

The Paws n' Hearts Jamboree

Mark your calendar! Paws n' Hearts is only a month away! 

What is the Paws n' Hearts Jamboree?
It's an outdoor fundraiser hosted by TAGS in partnership with Guardians Promoting Animal Wellness (G.P.A.W.s). All of the money raised will be used to support animal rescue initiatives.

Who is invited?
Everyone!

How much does it cost to go?
Advance tickets are $7.00, and tickets at the door are $10.00.
* Kids under 12 are free

Can I bring my dog? 
Of course! This event is all about dogs, after all. The event site includes a fenced-in dog park, but we ask that every person supervise his or her own dog or arrange for someone else to do so. In other words, no dog should be in the park without supervision! 

Where is it and how do I get there?
Paws n' Hearts is being held at the TAGS dog park.

Click on the map to view a larger version. 

What can I do there?

• Listen to live entertainment from three different musical groups throughout the day, including Hard Tymes and The Winter Vault. Make sure you bring a lawn chair! 
• Watch demonstrations in between musical sets from G.P.A.W.s, TAGS, a local groomer, and more!
• Bid on items in the silent auction.
• Participate in the 50/50 draw and other contests running throughout the day.
• Play doggy games with your furry friend(s).
• Eat! (There will be burgers, hot dogs, chips and drinks for sale for $5.00).
• Browse vendor booths and purchase items (not all are dog-related, so there will be a big variety)! 

Dexter is excited for Paws n' Hearts!

I want to be involved! What can I do? 

• We will be accepting donations for silent auction items or door prizes until Monday, September 9. The more items you are able to contribute, the better! This way, we will be able to raise more funds to allow us to continue to do our rescue work. 
• Volunteer! We need people to help supervise the dog park, sell draw tickets, handle cash at the BBQ, and assist with setup and take down of booths. 
• Spread the word! Join our Facebook event and let everyone in your social circle know what you'll be up to on September 14. The more, the merrier! 

Can I be a vendor?
Yes! The cost to set up a vendor booth at Paws n' Hearts is $25, and there will be room for two or three people per booth. Remember, your business does not have to be dog-related.

What else do I need to know?

• It is likely that Paws n' Hearts will be a cash-only event. Please plan accordingly because there are no banks or ATMs near the TAGS dog park.
• For tickets and vendor information, contact Kathy (tagsinfo@yahoo.ca), Shari (sharis.quest@yahoo.ca) or Rick (rickrene@bell.net). 
• For other information, please ask in the comments! 

Wordless Wednesday: TAGS Goes to the Mall!

Volunteers Wendy, Nicky and Jenn were at the Oshawa Centre on Sunday to promote TAGS.
The big red dog got a bunch of hugs throughout the day from kids passing by! 

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

Helping Rescue Dogs Get Adopted in PetSmart

The Animal Guardian Society is a small rescue. We do not own a shelter or a wellness centre (however, it is one of our long-term goals). Therefore, if we want to keep in contact with the public or showcase our dogs, we can do so only through PetSmart (or Pet Valu, which recently became part of our weekend schedule).

PetSmart volunteers at the Whitby location

Through this sort of outreach, we get better exposure for our dogs by letting PetSmart customers meet them "in person." Seeing a dog somewhere other than on a photo is still the most efficient way to get him or her adopted. It's often hard to take a photo of a dog that will truly reveal his or her personality.

We are at PetSmart and Pet Valu (different locations) every weekend from noon until 4 p.m.(or 3 p.m. on long weekends). We usually have one to three adoptable dogs in crates and two or three volunteers who look after them and answer people's questions. This is one of the few volunteer position at TAGS that involves dealing with animals directly (others include fostering, doing home visits and transporting). We have other volunteer positions available, too, but most are ones done through interaction with a computer, not with dogs.

Are you interested in volunteering for The Animal Guardian Society? Teenagers, you can get your community service hours while helping animals in need! 

A typical PetSmart/Pet Valu shift includes:

-Setting up our table (arrange adoptable dogs' photos, folder and other brochures on the table)

-Setting up crates for the dogs

-Interacting with people who are interested in adopting or volunteering (you have to answer questions about the dog, our adoption process, adoption fees, etc.)

-Cleaning crates and our surrounding area if needed

-Representing TAGS in a professional and respectful manner

We offer a volunteer orientation for new volunteers to help them get started with TAGS or simply schedule our newcomers in PetSmart shifts to shadow our other, well-seasoned volunteers. This way, they can observe the way we work "in action." Click here to see more photos from our PetSmart shifts.

Please click here to submit an application to become a volunteer with TAGS.

Izzy at PetSmart. She's adoptable!

Oshawa Centre Community Contact Day

Are you still hesitating about volunteering? The Animal Guardian Society promotes its volunteer and foster programs every June at the Oshawa Centre. 

Our table

If you have any questions or concerns and don't want to write lengthy emails, come out and talk to some of our volunteers to get a better picture of what TAGS is about. We always need volunteers or foster homes, and you can apply online.

Some of the positions available:

-PetSmart volunteers
-Fosters
-Designated cameraman or -woman for our YouTube channel
-Graphic designer

 

We will also be selling various dog toys, dog jackets, magnets, stickers and much more in order to raise money for our dogs and cats in need.

Our big red dog has become an attraction of its own over the years. Come and take a photo with him!

Dates: June 22, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
            June 23, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Location: Oshawa Centre, 419 King Street West, Oshawa, ON L1J 2K5

Our big red dog

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. 

Santa Photography Day in PetSmart

Thank you all who came and helped out or supported our charity on this rainy winter day! 

Mr. and Mrs. Claus with June Bug. June Bug is up for adoption!

Despite the weather, the Whitby PetSmart store was extraordinarily busy. A lot of people came to have their pets' holiday photo taken with us. We ended up selling 63 pictures! TAGS received half of the proceeds, which can go toward rescuing more dogs in need.

Many people were interested in our program, too. Our helpful volunteers were there to answer any inquiries. Thanks to them, no one had to wait long for their pictures, because our helpers were handling the printing of the photos, as well.

It was a great opportunity for us to let people know about our charity and what we do. Very often, we find new additions to our volunteer team during these events or even a potential new home for our dogs!

Kadein was also there. He's up for adoption!

It was hard not to believe Santa Claus exists because our Santa and Mrs. Santa made the dogs' day magical with their enchanting presence. 

For more photos, visit our Facebook group or Facebook page. 

Were you there to have your pet's photo taken? Leave a comment about your experience!

Play Bingo for Charity!

Do you love playing bingo? Did you know that you can support a good cause just by playing at the Red Barn in Oshawa?

CC image courtesy of sarae on Flickr

If you have never tried bingo, start with us! The proceeds go toward helping our rescue dogs. You can enjoy your game, knowing that we will be able to save many more dogs' lives thanks to you.

There are several sessions each day, and sometimes there are up to 200 people playing. The atmosphere is always great, especially on TAGS dates. Currently twice a month, from 3:45 p.m. to 6:15 p.m., four of our volunteers help out and make your afternoon of bingo even more fun. And since the funds raised are shared on the basis of pooling, the more often TAGS participates, the more revenue we receive. Therefore, we are always looking for new volunteers who are interested in helping at bingo sessions.

But if you can't volunteer, you can still help by playing. Visit the Red Barn in Oshawa (directions here) and raise funds for our rescues! Your help is greatly appreciated.

Remaining dates for 2012: December 2 & 18.

Featured Volunteer: Nancy, the Amazing Foster Mom

Nancy has been a great addition to the TAGS foster team. Her very first foster dog was a husky mix who needed special treatment for a medical condition. But thanks to Nancy's great attendance and big heart, even this special dog found her forever home within a couple of months.

How long have you been volunteering?

I have been volunteering since July 2012. I love what I do, and it's so rewarding for me.

What made you decide to become a foster parent?

Busted! Starr and the cat do get along

There are so many reasons I volunteer. Most of all, it is very rewarding to see a dog go to its fur-ever home. I also love animals, and they love you back unconditionally. They are such a joy to have around, to play with, walk with and to love. There are so many animals out there that need homes that I thought this was a way in which I can give back to the community and not see so many animals put to sleep due to lack of room and no home to go to. 

What's the best and the worst things about being a foster mom?

The best part about being a foster parent is having a dog come into my home, not really knowing their background, and giving them the best life that they can have—by showing them how to learn new things and experience what it is truly like to be a dog. You ask if there is a worst part about being a foster parent, but there really isn't anything bad about it—just when the dog is being adopted, it's hard to see them go, but knowing that they are going to their fur-ever home makes it all worthwhile and definitely puts a smile on my face and makes me very happy.

When you have to, how do you choose a new name for your foster dog?

When a dog comes into my care, and I have to choose a name, I wait a few days before choosing one. I wait to see what type of personality they have. I look at how they interact and if they love attention, how they act with other animals in our household. Then I choose a name. I try to fit the personality with the name. 

How do you usually solve any differences that come up between your foster dog and your own pets?

When it comes to solving differences between my foster and the pets we have, I talk to some of the volunteers who also foster or to Kathy (founder of TAGS), and overall the advice they give works. If I still am having a bit of an issue between the animals, I try to teach them on my own or bring them to classes that TAGS offers. I don't treat my pets any different than my foster dog(s).

How did you deal with having to say goodbye to your first foster dog?

My first foster was Sasha, who has medical needs. It was very difficult to see her go to her new family. She was amazing, beautiful, and such a down-to-earth dog. The day before the adoption, I spent a lot of time with her, playing with her, walking with her outside and, yes, even talking to her. I told her she had to be a good girl and make me proud, which she has done. I gave her a lot of hugs and kisses and made her feel very special (something I do with all my fosters). The next day was the adoption, and I gave her a kiss and a big hug and passed her over to the family that was giving her a fur-ever home. It was a little difficult for me, for Sasha was my first foster and dealing with her medical condition, I had become very attached to her. But knowing that the family was going to give her a wonderful, loving home and lots of attention, I knew that this was the right family for her.

 Do you have any funny or cute stories about being a foster?

3 foster dogs - Harley, Starr and Layla

A really cute story that happened recently with my foster Starr was when I was sitting down for breakfast. Starr is normally at my feet waiting for a piece of toast even though she has already been outside and had her breakfast. Well, after about 10 minutes, I noticed she wasn't sitting and waiting for her toast. I decided to go look around the house for her to see if she was up to anything with the cats. I walked into my bedroom, and there she was asleep under the covers with her head on the pillow. I have never seen anything so cute as this, and she totally melted my heart. Starr probably stayed in bed till about 10, when I had to get her up finally to make my bed.  I just thought this was the cutest thing ever and had to take a picture.

Now, that you have been a foster mom for a while, what would your advice be to new foster parents (or to people who are considering fostering)?

My advice to anyone who is considering being a foster parent  or just recently became one is that not all animals are alike or are the perfect dog. Some will have medical issues, behaviour issues or training issues and may require a lot of attention. The dogs are not perfect, and sometimes the road for them may be a little long, but with patience, guidance, time and a lot of love, these dogs will overcome whatever issue they are dealing with. This is one of the most rewarding experiences I have had, and I definitely love what I do.

Outreach Event: Canadian Tire

Every weekend TAGS has an outreach event at the Petsmart store in Whitby. A couple of volunteers and a few dogs are at the store between noon and 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. 

This past weekend, though, brought a fun, once-a-year event that TAGS has participated in for the past two years—an outreach event at Canadian Tire! 

Here we are, set up right between the kitchen appliances and checkout counters

Canadian Tire has been a great location to show off our dogs for a few reasons: 

• There's an element of surprise for the shoppers, and the store is always packed with people shopping on the weekends.
• There aren't any other dogs, like there often are with the shoppers at Petsmart, which ensures a more relaxed atmosphere for the TAGS dogs.
• In most cases, the shoppers at Canadian Tire might not already have a dog (as opposed to shoppers at Petsmart) and would be more likely to adopt a dog they've seen at the store.

Dawson, ready for his big debut

The day was a huge success for both dogs, Tucker and Dawson, being showcased. Both received attention from Canadian Tire employees who are currently considering adopting a dog.

Dawson charmed everyone by nudging for belly rubs or giving his paw for a "handshake" and eventually formed a "fan base" around himself. His friendly charm resulted in not only a bone for him from one of his admirers but also two adoption applications for him the very same day! 

A very relaxed Dawson, gnawing away on a bone from a potential adopter

Canadian Tire has been a great place for TAGS to create awareness about the rescue, and we are hoping to have more chances to feature our dogs in the store in the future.