Shai, the "Actor Handsome" Boy

Shai is a gorgeous golden colored 8-10 month old boy with winning looks and a sunny personality. On top of all that he has the most breathtaking amber/hazel eyes, coupled with a soft, plush coat to add to his movie star good looks. He was languishing in a local animal control for a few months when we found him. He was passed over by a local rescue because he was very timid and was easily flooded by too much attention by too many people all at one time. He growled and looked away... They were all afraid of him, but truth be told, he was more scared of them.

We are not completely sure as to what breeds he represents but our best guess is that there may be Sharpei, retriever, Belgian Malinois, and ?? (not sure what else!).

Shai... is making wonderful progress in his foster home and is happy and becoming more confident. He adores his foster brother, Billy, and has a blast playing rough and tumble with him out in the back yard.

He is neutered and up to date on his shots. He is about 55 lbs. and is fully grown. He is a wonderful and affectionate boy! Ready for his forever home!!!

If you are interested in meeting Billy,please contact Joann @ kaatzndogz@aol.com or go to this link:

http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/15863501

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Billy the Kid

Billy then (bottom) and Billy now (top).

Billy’s owners were forced to give him up when the City recently imposed strict weight limits in NYC public housing, leaving hundreds of beloved pets at city shelters to die. He is a handsome Staffie/Mastiff/Weimaraner mix “teenager” (11-12 mo.old) who is very mild-tempered, sensitive and sweet with his people. He is a beautiful blue brindle with the most gorgeous hazel/amber eyes. He has an endearing way of leaving the tip of his tongue hanging out of his mouth at times, which gives him a comical look and makes everyone laugh. Billy loves to sprint around the yard in his foster home and enjoys interacting with humans while playing. He enjoys balls and squeaky toys and will romp and play with them out in the yard, tossing them as he runs.

Billy is fine with other good tempered dogs but can get a little rough as he gets into the moment. He especially loves romping with his foster brother, Shai. He is too focused on cats, however, so a “no cat home” is for him. Billy would be fine with kids, however, keep in mind that he is young, and while he is mostly laid back, he can get quite carried away with his play when stimulated – as most young dogs can. The good news is that, even when he gets stimulated, it is easy to get him refocused again. He gets a little nervous riding in the car, but settles after a while.

Billy is completely housebroken. He is UTD on his shots and is HW negative. He is neutered and ready for his for ever home. We think Billy would be a great addition to a family that wants a loving, affectionate boy who will appreciate a good life within a loving household. He knows how to relax and just enjoy the moment with his people….an all around great little guy! Won’t you consider giving Billy the home he really deserves?

If you are interested in meeting Billy,please contact Joann @ kaatzndogz@aol.com or Ilse Singer @ ilse_ny@yahoo.com

Here is the fabulous evaluation Billy got while in Brooklyn’s Animal Care Center:

Notes: MILD
Stare:1-holds gaze with soft eyes licks handlers face
Sensitivity:1-leans in soft body ears back mouth closed
Tag:1-engages in play approaches when game ends
Pinch I:1-gently pulls away
Pinch II:1-^
Food aggression:1Allows head to be pushed away
Toy Aggression:1-no interest
Rawhide Aggression:1-^
Dog to Dog:2-Rushes in tail wagging becomes pushy wants to play

His former owners also tell us that he loves all people and kids too, and is housebroken, likes other dogs (doesn’t like cats).

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Letting Sleeping Dogs Lie as I type

Well, it's quite a rainy and cold day today and as I sit here and type, my pack is asleep and snoring away like they have just worked a double shift. (More like they just made ME work a double shift, actually!). This morning two of my permanent canine residents went to the vet for their annual check up and to get their shots updated. Two of the most rambunctious members, I might add.

Doug (left picture) and Gertie (in her babuska on the right).

Gertie was friendly with the vet techs and the vet (she's always friendly with new people and animals); but Doug -- not so much. A little disappointing since he is a sensitive and gentle soul and I really wanted him to feel happy and safe visiting the vet this time, but his reaction was not altogether surprising. When he's fearful, he tends to act out a bit, getting barky and snarly. (Part of the reason why he became a foster failure and my 4th permanent dog). So we had to put a muzzle on him, to be on the safe side. He has never been muzzled before so he was pretty upset with me for doing it.

Once Doc was done examining him, giving him his updated distemper shot and taking blood for his annual heartworm test, we took the muzzle off. When Doc gave him a dog cookie, greed overtook fear and he took it and hungrily ate it, in spite of the fact that he as still eyeing doc with that "I'm-not-so-happy-with-you" look and the slightly chattery teeth. As we got ready to leave and I was paying the bill, however, he was back to his "happy as a clam" self and ready to join Gertie in dragging me through the parking lot to the car like a couple of championship mushers headed for the finish line.

So, thankfully, he was not permanently scarred by his traumatic visit to the vet, and he got a clean bill of health (although he has gotten rather fat, and will need to go on a bit of a diet to regain his boyish figure!). And I now know I will have to work a little more with him in the socialization department so that by next year he will be happy to go see the vet....or at least not so fearful.

A really good site for people who have fearful or shy dogs is (appropriately named) "Fearful Dogs" at www.fearfuldogs.com

Check it out. There is a lot of helpful and interesting information that will help you to understand your pup and its foibles.

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Our Chance at Rescue

We have made some significant changes over the past few months. We are no longer affiliated with any one rescue, but, instead, are broadening our vision to include any legitimate rescue effort where we can.

We are hoping to be up and running as soon as possible, so feel free to stop by from time to time.

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Hello!

Well, it's been quite some time since we have had the opportunity to blog and here we are now about to enter the Autumn of 2009!

The summer was a little slow with intakes and adoptions but long on work to get done. If not caring for our current fosters, it was attending rescue functions like L'oreal's "Your Dog is Worth it, Too", day. It was hot as blazes that day, but we met many nice people and had an opportunity to show some of our All Star Pets to people looking to adopt their furever friend. (In the photo above is our Little Man Jake who was enjoying a swim in one of the many pools provided for the pooches on "Your Dog is Worth it Too" day! He absolutely took to the water like a little fish!)

We had a couple of fundraisers at local Restaurants and were able to raise a nice little bit of cash to defray some of our vet and food expenses. We are now looking forward to a few more fundraisers - one at Wendy's of Linden at 709 S Wood Avenue (right off Rt. 1 & 9), on Sept. 24th between 5pm - 8pm. We will get 20% of the proceeds.

Also, we will be doing a fundraiser with Macy's for a 20% off coupon on Oct. 17th. The coupons cost $5 each and you can use them for your shopping that day.

For information on the Wendy's Fund Raiser or the Macy Fund raiser and/or on obtaining tickets, please contact Val at "vegan_girly@yahoo.com".

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