Happy Tail: Chester

Chester has arrived at TAGS in June and he was adopted by the end of July! This handsome but timid dog found his home fast at the loving home of Krys Caughell and her family. 

Why Chester?
My Husband and I decided to adopt Chester because we fell in love with him when we met him. He’s such a special little dog! He seemed a bit shy at first and we knew he’d need some extra attention. But we’ve got a huge heart for animals and knew we could give Chester a very happy home. Oh, and he’s cute as all heck!

What did you think about the adoption process?
The adoption process was amazing. We felt very informed and comfortable throughout. And the organization is well run and does amazing work! We were pleasantly surprised with all of the things included with adoption – Chester being fixed, micro-chipped, pet insurance, training, week trial with food and accessories – it was more than we ever expected. I have and will continue to recommend TAGS. Adoption is the only option! (Want to help me convince my Husband that we need a few more??)

How did you find Chester? On the website, etc.. ?
Yes we saw Chester’s profile online. Actually – to be honest we almost didn’t meet him because of his picture – he looked like a completely different dog! But I’d seen his profile and looked into the organization and figured we should at least go and see him.

When you met Chester did you know right away that he was who you were looking for?
Yes and no. I fell in love with him right away because he is so adorable. But I also love all animals and I would seriously take them all home if I could. We were a bit unsure if he would be the perfect fit because of his shy and nervous temperament, mostly because we have cats. I think it was the week trial that we really knew he was our dog. Once he started to settle in and warm up to us – we could finally see the dog he really is! And he’s awesome. Best little dog ever!

What were his first days like?
His first days on the week trial were a bit tough for him I think. He was very shy, quiet and almost depressed. I imagine he was having separation anxiety from his foster mom, who you could tell he loved very much. He didn’t want to eat or play and he kept running to hide in the corner. He was also very afraid of my Husband! But after a few days, once he started to settle in and started trusting us, he transformed dramatically into a happy playful crazy little puppy.

How is he getting along with your other dogs/family members?
I have 3 cats – Alvin, Elvis and Lou. Chester likes the cats. Alvin especially – he wants to play with him so bad! But Alvin is a scaredy cat and runs. Which makes Chester think they are playing. Cue stampede. Elvis and Chester sleep and cuddle together sometimes, but might scuffle over food. And Lou is indifferent (pretty much to everything!)

Tell us a funny story or habit about Chester! 
Just one? Well, during the day he is crated. But my husband comes home at lunch everyday to let him out and spend time with him. So one day, like every other day, my Husband puts Chester in his crate and goes to work. He comes home at lunch and to his surprise there are 2 sets of eyes staring back at him from the crate. My cat Elvis must have snack in there earlier in the morning to sleep – and my husband not knowing and not seeing him just put Chester in like usual!


How did the training classes go?
Training was awesome. We learned a lot and felt like Chester did too. He could use more training I think in other areas. Like for example when the doorbell rings (even on tv) you’d think the world was ending. I’ve never heard a wee dog bark so loud!

 I could go on and on about how amazing Chester is and how much we love him. He is absolutely the perfect dog for us. He fits with our family and lifestyle so well. He is definitely the right dog for us!

Happy Tail: Wyatt

Our long-time volunteer, Cathy Lloyd has recently adopted Wyatt and we wanted to know how he was doing. It seems that this adoption was meant to be! Wyatt was rescued from a high-kill shelter in Kentucky this March. It didn't take long for this sweet boy to find his new home and now he is happier than ever!

Why did you decide to adopt Wyatt?

Wyatt before he arrived at TAGS

We simply fell in love with the little guy. We have adopted so many dogs through the years. We don’t really go looking for a new family member, it just happens.   

When you met Wyatt, did you know right away that he was who you were looking for?

I met Wyatt at one of our TAGS social functions and he made a huge impact on me. I really wanted to take him home with me right then and there!  He seemed so small and vulnerable and I went home and told my husband about him. I already felt connected to him. Then Wyatt was at Petsmart one day while I was there for TAGS, and I called my husband to come and meet him. He fell in love with him too…and the rest is history.

What were his first days like?

Wyatt settled in really well. He was a little timid and he still is sometimes. But he loved playing with Wally, our four year old Vizsla/Mastiff mix. They hit it off right away and are best buds! Wyatt got along well with our other dogs too.  I think he thought he was at the dog park. Wyatt bonded with us quickly too. He loves to cuddle. He would curl up beside me or even in my lap if one of the other dogs was lying beside me. He is such a sweet boy.

Wyatt meets Cathy at PetSmart

How did the training classes go?

Well, let’s just say that Wyatt didn’t graduate at the top of his class!  He did ok, and did much better when we trained at home. But once he saw the other dogs in his class, and if his foster family was around, he was more interested in visiting than learning. 

Tell us a funny story or habit about Wyatt!

Best friends

Wyatt likes to sneak things to play with. One of his favourite things is the toilet paper roll. He’ll sneak it off the roller and then run around the house with it leaving a long trail of toilet paper behind him. While our other dogs enjoy a rawhide bone treat, Wyatt will take his and try to bury it in the couch if he can’t get outside.

How is he getting along with your other dogs/family members?

Wyatt loves everyone. He loves our other dogs, especially Wally. They are best of friends and play together all the time. Wyatt is Wally’s shadow. 

Anything else you would like to share about Wyatt?

Wyatt is such a treasure. He plays hard one minute, and the next, he’s cuddling with you. In the morning, he likes to jump up on the bed and have a little snuggle before we get up. He is so affectionate. We feel so fortunate to have him in our lives.

Wordless Wednesday: Riding Shotgun

Jill & Colt decided to share the front seat!

(p.s.: They are siblings now! Colt was adopted by Jill's family this month.
Stay tuned to find out who else found a home in November.)

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Wordless Wednesday: Two Peas In A Pod

Molly (adopted in August) and her foster sister
Willow (still available) are so close, it's difficult to tell them apart!

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October Adoptions!

Congratulations to all five dogs who were adopted this month! 

Please click on the image to see a larger version.

Buffalo came to TAGS from a shelter in Kentucky on August 10. This 9 pound Chihuahua mix has a lot of love to give - if you let him come to you.

Bailey was surrendered to TAGS when her family decided that they weren't being fair to her by leaving her home alone so often. Now this happy dog is in a new home where she gets lots of attention!

Hope, still a puppy, was found locked in an abandoned out house on a farm. Luckily, the person who found this Collie/Shepherd/Husky (who knows, really) mix brought her straight to TAGS so she was able to get a second chance.

Dexter was sprung from the pound a few months ago. Once out of there, he turned into a completely different dog - happy, carefree, and playful.

Diamond, like Bailey, was an owner surrender. Her family said she didn't fit in with them and they wanted to find her a new home as a result. This adorable, funny little dog quickly, and easily, won over the hearts of her new family, and now fits in just fine!

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As you can see, the dogs adopted in October came to us through a variety of different ways. TAGS is constantly getting requests to take on more animals. Unfortunately, we need more foster homes in order to be able to accommodate these requests. If you or someone you know is interested in being a foster parent, please apply on our website. We look forward to hearing from you! 

Wordless Wednesday: Happy Halloween!

One of the perks of having a forever home is having someone to dress you up for Halloween! 

(though it is difficult to tell if they all think of this as a 'perk')

Chloe, Buffalo, Blondie and Starr were all adopted through TAGS.

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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: Chappie's Gotcha Day!

Chappie found his forever home one year ago.
Happy 1st "Gotcha" Day, Chap!

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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.

September Adoptions!

I present to thee...the September Six! These six pets all found homes this month and we couldn't be happier for them.

Please click on the image to view a larger version. 

Some Facts about the September Six

• Bella came to TAGS as a stray back in January. Despite being from the streets, Bella lived up to her name and recently earned the title of Best Looking TAGS Dog.
• Alara was recently crowned Prom Queen during the TAGS awards, and rightly so! This feline gets along with her feline and canine subjects, but she always makes sure they know who is the boss! Alara is a very chatty cat who loves attention - but on her terms, of course.
• Weston came to TAGS from a local pound where he was only known as a number. However, he did not allow his time there to affect his fantastic spirit: Weston's former foster family used to call him "50 pounds of love," and everyone who meets him knows why!
• Gunnar is one of those mysterious unlucky-turned-lucky cases. For some reason, despite being well-behaved and adorable, Gunnar couldn't find a home when he lived in the United States and was having a bad time of it in the shelter there. Yet, when he came up to Canada, he was adopted in no time! Perhaps he just wanted to be Canadian.
• George is an energetic Cocker Spaniel who had to find a new home when his owner couldn't care for him anymore. Not surprisingly, this cute fellow was not up for adoption long before someone scooped him up!
• Suzy Q has already had a lifetime of misadventures and we are so happy that she can finally settle down and enjoy being a dog! As a puppy, her owner passed away, leaving Suzy Q a stray. Then, she got pregnant, went to a pound, and had a litter of 5 puppies! By the time all of that was said and done, Suzy Q had become a worrisome dog and carried that nervousness with her wherever she went. Thanks to her dedicated and patient foster parents, she improved enough to find a home, one where she can continue to build her trust towards humans. (If you'd like to read more about Suzy's story, click here.)

15-Year-Old Becky Was Adopted!

Written by: Andrée Wagar
TAGS Foster Coordinator 

Becky was adopted this month, and while every adoption is wonderful, for me, this one is extra special.

As is usually the case in rescue, we don't know how Becky's story began, but we certainly know how it would have ended if she had stayed in the pound for even one more day. Her final few days would have been spent alone in a small enclosure with a cold concrete floor and soaked in her own urine before being euthanized. Instead, I took her out of the pound and brought her to TAGS. 

Becky is happy with her new family.
They adopted Ryella from us, as well.

Becky is an old dog. My best guess is that she is about 15. Her teeth are worn, her hips are weak, and her hearing is fading. But she still has a spark-a light inside her that shines out at the world when she looks at me and ambles over to say hello. In fact, it is impossible to stroke her now fluffy coat and not smile. She has that effect on everyone who meets her. As she gains weight and recovers from an infection, it is easy to see the dog she would have been in her prime.

She was surely a strong and loyal companion, because even though most of her physical strength is gone, she remains loyal, loving, inquisitive and eager to be around people.

No, we don't know how Becky's story began, but we now know how it will end because Becky has gone home with a wonderful, loving family who will show her compassion and give her the love and care she deserves in her final years, however many she has. She will get rides in the car, trips to the park and more than enough cuddles to keep her going-all easy enough to provide. In return, she will teach her new family and others the lesson that old does not mean useless and that even old dogs give unconditional love.

Boomer's Happy Tail—Every Dog Deserves a Second Chance (Part 2)

Part 1 of this article can be found in our June newsletter. Click here to read it.

We had a dog, Buddy, for 11 years. We rescued him from the Port Perry pound when he was a puppy, but we had to say goodbye to Buddy last October. At first, we all agreed not to get another dog. As time passed and the emptiness remained, though, our son Alan decided we needed to get another one. I decided to start looking at the pounds and shelters. We would never consider a store or a breeder! When I saw how many dogs are out there in need of good homes, I knew we had to get another dog.  

After briefly considering adopting from the Humane Society, I started looking at rescue organizations, and I found TAGS. The entire experience was amazing. TAGS wants to find the right homes for their rescues. The application process, home visits, adoption—everything—have been great. I cannot say enough about our positive experience with TAGS and how amazingly happy we are with Boomer, the dog we ultimately adopted—and the fact that Boomer is happy with us!

We met seven TAGS dogs, but our entire family felt a connection with Boomer right away. We requested a home visit that week, and that Saturday, we picked Boomer up for his weeklong extended visit with us. Within one day, we knew that Boomer was staying.
 

And Boomer stayed

We were a little concerned at first about “the incident” that caused Boomer to have to wear a muzzle at the dog park, and because we met Boomer inside, we never did see him play with other dogs. We didn’t get any scary vibe from Boomer, and we witnessed him meeting a couple of dogs for the first time that day, and he just wagged his tail. What drew us to Boomer was the fact that he is very smart and that he seemed to truly want to please his human companions. He walked well on a leash and knew the basics of sit, come, stay, and paw. The fact that he had been in a shelter for over a year just made us want him even more. This intelligent loving dog needed a home. 

During our extended visit, Boomer was very curious yet cautious about everything and everyone he saw.  He had clearly not had a lot of life experiences. The following Saturday, we officially adopted Boomer. 

Boomer in his new home

Since Boomer has been with us (five weeks now), he has settled in very well. Our 18-year-old son, Alan, and Boomer are now inseparable! Boomer will follow him anywhere anytime. We have had Boomer out visiting and we have had friends and dogs visit us, and we have had no issues with Boomer being “aggressive” in any situation! Boomer is a poster dog for second chances, in my opinion. Thanks to TAGS for rescuing Boomer and to Nick for working with Boomer and showing him that not all people are bad. Boomer has come to trust us now. It has taken some time, but I think he now knows he is truly HOME.

THANK YOU, TAGS!

Susan Griffiths 
Adopter of Boomer

Wordless Wednesday: A Dog's Dream Came True

Boomer could not be happier in his new home, where he has become a full-time soccer player!

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

Wordless Wednesday - Dawson's Photoshoot

The winner of our Facebook caption contest is Dena Elliott! We all loved her sweet and witty caption (see below). Thank you to everyone who played. Don't worry if you didn't win this time—we have more contests like this coming up.

Dawson (middle) was recently adopted! Check out which other pets got adopted in April! Click here.

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Wordless Wednesday: Oh, This Old Thing?

Modest Maude models her spring jacket.
Maude was adopted in December after TAGS rescued her from a high-kill shelter.

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Wordless Wednesday: First Birthday!

Chloe turned one in early March. She came to TAGS from Kettle Point Indian Reserve last year with her siblings and was adopted soon after. Happy first birthday, Chloe!

This is a blog hop. You can check out the other blogs by clicking on the picture below.





Wordless Wednesday: When There's Nothing on TV...

Kip

Kip decides to take a nap instead. Kip was adopted last August and is living a happy beagle-life in his new home!

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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

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!

November Adoptions!

We are excited to announce that over the past month, two TAGS dogs have gone through the adoption process and found their fur-ever homes!

Blossum, who is about 8 months old, is a smart, cuddly border collie mix who was saved from a Kentucky kill shelter along with her littermates back in September. Her brother Chappie was adopted in October, and once Chappie's new family got to know him better, they just knew they wanted a lifelong friend for him. They contacted TAGS again and decided to adopt Blossum, too!

Elijah is a playful two-year-old who loves kids, other dogs, and even cats! This English springer spaniel mix was saved from gassing and is happily enjoying life with his new family.

Blossum and Chappie—reunited and it feels so good!
 (Photo cred goes to their new mom, Courtney!)

(Their sister, Azriel, our featured dog from earlier this week, is still looking for the perfect family.)

Congratulations, Blossum and Elijah!