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

New Year's Eve Fireworks—What to Do If Your Dog Runs Away

Fireworks - CC image courtesy of bortescristian on Flickr

New Year's Eve is almost here, and so is snow and freezing cold! You have to leave the house with several layers of clothing just to make sure you won't get cold. Does it sound familiar? Imagine if you are not prepared at all and have to spend some nights out there in a snowstorm. A runaway pet might face a situation like this.

It's very important to make sure that your dog (or even cat) is in a warm, cozy and secure area during the night of New Year's Eve. It's a lot of fun for people to put on fireworks displays, but our pets may not feel the same. Some more sensitive dogs or cats can get so frightened by all the noises that they decide to run away from all this craziness.

Tips to Prevent Pets From Running Away:

- If your dog is an outside dog, double-check any weak parts of the fence.

- Give him or her warm blankets for extra coziness in the doghouse. With all the noises going on on the streets, your dog might feel safer in his or her comfy hideaway.

- Play or walk with your dog in the afternoon so that he or she will sleep deeper at night. 

8 Tips If the Dog Has Already Run Away:

1. Don't panic! First of all, put some water and a blanket by the part of the fence where the dog escaped from, just in case he comes home. 

2. Call up some of your friends and start exploring the neighbourhood. 

3. At least one person should stay at home to keep an eye on the property and the street and to be available in case someone returns the dog or calls the number on his tag.

Dog hiding from fireworks - CC image courtesy of Dave Parker on Flickr

4. When out on the search, call his name out and have a treat ready. Be extra careful around busy areas, though. You don't want your dog to see you and start crossing the road with the risk of being hit by a car. If you spot him, try to approach him without his noticing you.

5. Don't forget to take his leash, water and a blanket with you so that you can help him right away when you find him. Read our cold weather tips for dogs. Additionally, a flashlight for searching culverts, etc., and a squeaky toy to draw him out can come in handy.

6. Make sure you have your veterinarian's or an animal hospital's number with you. Roaming the streets alone in the dark is very dangerous for any dog. Read about dog first-aid here or here.

7. If he's been missing for more than a day, start putting "missing dog" posters out in your community and run a listing in the local newspaper. Register him on helpinglostpets.com and post his picture on Facebook and Twitter. Ask your friends to share it so more locals will see it.

8. Contact the local shelters and let them know about the situation so they can call you as soon as someone shows up with your dog.