Ode in fashion

Pet Haven couldn't be more fortunate to have Mary and Tino as fosters for Ode, who has become our spokesdog (on November 1st we will be having our second annual Fall Benefit fundraiser where we will have a pet fashion show featuring dogs and cats, presented by Lulu and Luigi!). Ode will be leading our contingency at the fashion show. Our goal is to raise $25K which will go directly to helping abused animals like Ode. We sold out last year so be sure to go to our website and purchase tickets.

Ode went to see a holistic vet a couple days ago for itching and is being treated for scabies. She's on some natural, high quality food (thanks to Chuck and Don's for sponsoring her and providing her with treat, supplies and goodies!). Ode showed some resource guarding the first couple days, and with the help of Maureen (of Canine Coach) and the great work of Mary and Tino, her resource guarding has become a thing of the past.

Here's an update from Mary:

"The meeting with Maureen went well. Ode did show a little resource guarding but she has come a long way since last Friday. I got some tips on how to make things even better. We talked about Ode not wanting me to give the other dogs attention and we also talked about how fearful Ode is. I have noticed she is afraid of Tino and has to be encouraged to come to him where as she follows me like a shadow. Was she hurt by a male? Ode is also afraid of things in the environment such as the lawn mower, Tino dropping rocks in the wheelbarrow, loud noises and even bubbles. We are continuing to expose her to as much as possible with lots of loving encouragement. We did find out during our training session that Ode loves American cheese. She walked away from a pig ear to get a small piece.

This evening we had a small fashion show. Why feel bad about your differences? Instead make the most of them and Ode did just that. She was very cooperative and seemed to like the denim hat."

Recent intakes - Juniper, Tin Tin, Evangeline and her pup Eve

About a week ago we welcomed four new pups to our foster program (all came from up north at Red Lake Rosie's Rescue). Juniper (flat-coated retriever mix) is being fostered at one of our partner's Downtown Dogs, while Tin Tin gets to hang out with foster dad Dave and five cats! Evangeline is hanging out with foster Christine (while her pup Eve has gone to be a puppy with Ode with fosters Mary and Tino).

If you don't see them on our website yet, stay tuned... it won't be long. We are having a dog adoption event this coming Saturday, 8/2 at the Minnetonka Petco. For more info and to inquire about whether a specific dog will be there email dogs@pethavenmn.org.

Thanks again to everyone for making it possible for us to rescue and re-home abused and abandoned dogs!

More Ode and Eve updates!

Another update from foster mom :)

"The girls are finally getting along. We do have brief moments when Eve gets testy but no more fights. I guess they needed a couple of days to get used to each other. I attribute Eve's attitude to "only child syndrome". Eve's eating issues have resolved. Turns out she didn't like Science Diet. We switched her to Nutri Source and she gobbled up every bite.

Ode's stomach has recovered. We are feeding her our homemade dog food and she has had no more bloating problems. Her skin is a mess though. It is very pink and swollen. Poor things scratches until she cries. We gave her a bath with Baby Aveeno, it didn't do anything to soothe the itch but the cool water helped. It got so bad last night that Tino got up and sprayed her with Lidocaine spray. It did the trick and she was finally able to sleep.

I find myself breaking my foster dog rules. Everything can be a learning opportunity for Ode. Last night we had meat scraps from dinner. Normally I would not give any to foster dogs because I don't want to create bad habits (even though I give them to my dogs all the time). Instead, we doled out the scraps one dog at a time making them take turns. Ode did great and didn't try to take any one's treat. Then we let her lick the juice off a plate but she had to share with Eve. She did wonderfully and didn't guard the plate at all. Of course, I was holding the plate. I don't think we are at the point where I can put something down on the ground.

Ode is getting very attached to us. She stays within two feet of me at all times. I was playing fetch with my dogs and she would lunge out from under my chair barking and growling at them We are working on this by petting Ode and another dog at the same time. If she gets angry and lunges after the other dog we stop petting her. The biting is getting a little better. She still grabs our ankles but doesn't bite down all the way. It is slow going.

We took the puppies to the drive-in theater this weekend. The puppies caused quite a stir and people asked a lot of questions. Ode was very friendly and allowed people to pet her. During the movies she was quite the hot water bottle, resting on my lap and keeping me warm. Eve did the same for my daughter Amy."

Ode and Eve - update from day 1 in foster care!

Here's an update from Mary (who is fostering both Ode and Eva):

"Who put the batteries in Eve? She was shy for about five seconds. Once she got in the backyard she ran around like crazy chasing Gracie [one of Mary's dogs] and wrestling with Ode. I was trying to water my plants and she got under the stream, getting herself all wet. Then she jumped into the pool and splashed around. She finally passed out after about an hour.

Ode is a bundle of energy. She runs, grabs tennis balls and ropes, tosses them into the air and catches them. She already is pretty good at playing fetch. Ode also loves to get her paws wet in the pool and bite and any bugs that have had the misfortune of falling in. I shared my Popsicle with Ode and she was in heaven. Notice the blue tongue?

They both ignored our cats (for now) and love our other dogs. Bringing Ode and Eve together was a great idea. They have each other as playmates and Phoebe [another one of Mary's dogs] to look after them.

I am looking forward to spending loads of time with these puppies. Once I am feeling better we will take the pups on walks and outings. I am going to print some stuff to hand out when people ask about Ode. She is going to make a great Pet Haven advocate."

Ode - the joy of grass on my belly!

We have had more hits to our blog as a result of Ode ("heart" and "Brave Spirit") than ever. More photos, more updates, I hear.... I share more photos from the day I had the honor of meeting this Brave Spirit. She rubbed her belly against the grass... i call it joy, she probably says "I have an itch!"... and i caught her squinting "get that sun out of my eye!" or maybe it was more "stop pointing that camera at my face!"

Her playful, joyful spirit despite all she's been through. A lesson for humans to learn from... for me, this puppy has taught me, and continues to teach me, on how to live in the moment and to forgive, love and exude hope.


Ode will soon be hanging out in the foster home of Mary and Tino (who fostered Teddy and Smokey - lab pups who were both adopted this past week!) along with Eva (also pictured) a pup who arrived a few days ago also from Red Lake.

Sweetie needs a foster home!

Sweetie is one of our recent intakes. A good samaritan rescued her in Iowa and cared for her until she was able to be placed into Pet Haven's foster program. At a little under a year and 40 lbs, she lives up to her name of sweetie and is very eager to please. She is house-trained and crate-trained. We are in need of someone to foster this sweet girl, or even better, adopt her??

Please help us get the word out about Sweetie and help us find her a foster. If you are interested, or know someone who may be able to help out, have them email volunteer@pethavenmn.org.

Ode - brave spirit

Two weeks ago we received a request from Karen Good of Red Lake Rosie's Rescue to help with a 12 week old puppy who was malnourished and had an ear injury. Ode's ears (pronounced 'Oday' and means heart) had been intentionally burned. I had the opportunity, along with a couple other Pet Haven volunteers, to visit with her today at Bloomington Vet where she is being cared for until she is ready to move into a foster home. She truly is a brave spirit and a loving spirit. With tail wagging, she will look right into your eyes... and her soul will connect with your's in an instant.

Ode has captured the hearts of Pet Haven volunteers. We are grateful to Karen Good of Red Lake Rosie's for entrusting this beautiful spirit into our care.

We will continue to share her story and her progress.

Lily - cooling off and camping

An update from Lily's foster mom:

"Lily is doing well in the house and hasn't hadaccidents in the house for 1 week. She does like to chew so we are keeping her busy with toys and bones. She is the most beautiful and precious dog, plus gentle and loving. She does need her excercise and time to play since she does have a lot of energy.

She is GREAT playing with my girls and neighborkids. She went camping with us
this weekend and did GREAT. I think her favorite part was sleeping with us for
the night and not sleeping in her kennel."

Lily is a lab/pit mix (probably around 6 mths) who was rescued from a situation she was being neglected and starving along with many other dogs.

Snuggles - no eyes, big spirit

Snuggles (a lhaso apso puppy) came into Pet Haven's foster program about a week ago. He was born without any eye matter. A visit with an eye specialist has indicated that without surgery called "enucleation" Snuggles will have a high likelihood of developing infections. He is scheduled for surgery on 7/29 at a cost of approximately $800.

At Pet Haven, we are committed to the quality and health of all of our animals. Oftentimes, that means incurring extraordinary expenses as in the case of Snuggles. If you are able to make a donation to our "special needs" fund please visit our website at http://www.pethavenmn.org/donate.php or send us a check at Pet Haven, P.O. Box 19105, Minneapolis, MN 55419, Attn: Special Needs.

We commit to bringing in and helping as many special needs dogs and cats as we are able. In order for us to continue doing so, any support you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Stayed tuned to our blog for updates on Snuggles. He was at our adoption event on Saturday, and one look at him, and he will capture your heart before you realize what even hit you!

Bear and Maggie - won't you consider us??

Bear (8 year old poodle) and Maggie (young shetland sheepdog) have both been in our foster program for quite some time now. They've been seeing lots of dogs come into our foster program, and get adopted... they come to every adoption event hoping that someone will notice them.

Won't you be that special someone who'll put a smile on Bear or Maggie's face. In return they'll give you lots of doggie kisses!

Many thanks to our doggie daycare partners!

Many thanks to our doggie daycare partners, Downtown Dogs (www.downtowndogsminneapolis.com) and Auntie Ruth (www.auntieruth.com) for stepping up and opening up another foster slot and enabling us to bring in two very special dogs from Red Lake reservation: Juniper (pictured) is a young shepherd mix found dumped by a garbage dumpster. She will be fostered at Downtown Dogs. Ode (pronounced 'Oday' which means heart) is a 12 week old puppy whose whose ears had been burned and was rescued by Karen Good of Red Lake Rosie's Rescue. She will be fostered at Auntie Ruth in their special needs area.

Ode is arriving today, and Juniper will be arriving next week. Because of our partners, 2 more abused and abandoned dogs have been given a second chance.

Baylee - Update

Baylee's foster mom and dad have provided the following update on this sweet girl. She will definitely win your heart over if you just give her the chance:

"Baylee is such a happy dog! She's very eager to please, and wants most of all to be part of a family, people of her own to return her love and to have fun with. She fit into our household easily. She has the run of the house and doesn't seem to have any bad habits: no chewing or resource guarding; and she respects what's not hers, doesn't steal food or go counter surfing. She already knew how to sit and lie down, and has learned not to jump on furniture unless invited, to wait to go out an open door until given permission, and to shake hands! Baylee loves to go for walks, and walks well on-leash. We really enjoy her presence in our lives, and hope her true family finds her soon."

Dog Adoption event this Saturday, 7/19

Be sure to stop by the Richfield Petco this Saturday between 10 and Noon. Hazel (pocket pit), Baylee (yellow lab mix), Hank (beagle) and Smokey (lab mix puppy )are just a few of our dogs who will be there!

If you or anyone you know are considering adding a furry friend to your family, don't miss the opportunity to stop by and get lots of slobbery kisses.

Smokey and Teddy - update on puppies

Here's an update from Smokey and Teddy's foster family: "Smokey is the bigger puppy (14lbs) and is a bit more dominant. He will eat all the dog food and leave none for Teddy if we let him. He loves running with our dogs and joins in the chasing games. He is also loves chasing balls and we are working on bringing them back each time. Oh, he plays in the wading pool by himself jumping and splashing. Yesterday I was filling the wading pool with fresh water and Smokey kept biting the water, getting his face soaking wet. It was hilarious.

Teddy (11 lbs)likes to get sticks out of the woodpile and bring them to us. He also likes to explore in the garden. Teddy is a bit more of a cuddler and likes to lay on the couch and our bed when we let him. He is perfectly content to be held like a baby. He also prefers our lawn furniture to the actual lawn.

We have cats and the both dogs are fine around them. They like to watch the guinea pig in his cage. Our friend brought over his two year old daughter and they licked her face and played with her. They both love the company of people and will follow me from one end of our yard to the other, no matter what I am doing. They are also really good in the car and tend to sleep in the back seat.

Nothing really bothers them. They took no notice of the lawn mower and other garden equipment. They are fine around the bonfire and fireworks. Unfortunately they love to play in the firepit amongst all the charred wood and ash; good thing they are black! They both get a little scared if you run toward them but I guess I would too if someone ten times my size ran at me. Smokey runs to me every time I come outside but Teddy is more timid and won't (yet-I'm working on it). He won't come when you call him either unless all the dogs are running towards me. I think both these pups are great but whatever happened in their past has made Teddy a bit shy of people. I'm sure that can be cured with lots of love and attention.

They are not crate trained and Smokey hated being in one even for a short time. He howled the entire time until I got him out. They will sleep through the night and "hold it" until they get outside but I would not call them housebroken."

Lola and Baylee - more ice cream please??

Lola and Baylee are two of our adult dogs waiting for someone to sweep them off their paws. They may not be puppies but they are both young at heart, and spirit, AND after looking at those adorable faces, don't you just want to saunter down to your local ice cream store with Lola or Baylee walking nicely by your side? They will fit so nicely into your home, if you would only give them a chance. They also assure you they are a LOT less work than puppies!!

For more info, email dogs@pethavenmn.org. They both should also be at our next adoption event on Saturday, 7/19 at the Richfield Petco from 10 - Noon.

Mollie - extremely smart lab/border collie

Some people say Mollie has lots of strikes against her: she's a big black dog (to learn more about the plight that affects big black dogs visit www.startseeingblackdogs.com) and she's got lots of energy! Personally, we think black is the best color because it goes with all colors! Black is also all colors. As for that energy, she could be your ticket back to getting in shape. She'd make a great running buddy and after completing Obedience I through Canine Coach, the trainer said she is "super smart."

So what are you waiting for? Shoot us an email and let us know you'd like to meet this sweet girl (dogs@pethavenmn.org).

One more thing... if you want to help get the word out about how beautiful big black dogs are, join the Black Dog Walking Group. The next walk is this Sunday. For more info, visit http://www.startseeingblackdogs.com/pblog/index.php.

URGENT: Fosters Needed

The increase in home foreclosures has resulted in a greater number of dogs needing homes. We need more fosters to help bring these animals in.

Our animal adoption program allows us to rescue and re-home cats and dogs. We do not have a shelter – all of our rescued animals are placed in foster homes until we are able to find a forever home.

We pay all veterinary costs and provide food and needed supplies.

If you would like to learn more about fostering visit http://www.pethavenmn.org/feature/dog-foster.php or email volunteer@pethavenmn.org

Bishop goes camping!

An update from Bishop's foster mom:

"Bishop is doing superb. I would consider him fully house broken; no "accidents" in over 3 weeks. I'm happy to say we've added a great deal to his life experience, and he's done great with all of them (except when I took him for a run: he's not quite there yet.) He went canoeing with us a few weeks ago. He sat in the bow of the canoe for two days, and despite his abundant curiosity was pretty calm for all of it. He doesn't seem to have a prey drive (maybe he's too young?); the numerous deer we saw barely phased him. He gets along great with other dogs, even if they get frustrated by his constant desire to play.

We continue to crate him when we're not at home, due to his ongoing desire to chew things. As long as he has a bone to chew on he does pretty good, as long as our resident dog doesn't steal it from him. Even then he doesn't destroy things, but given too much time without supervision he might. He's doing better on a leash, but he will need someone to continue to work on leash training.

I think he has "sit" down pretty good, we're working on "shake". He sleeps through the night on the floor by our bed. Most of all, he is such a lover. I've never had a pit bull or pit bull mix before, and I was a bit nervous, but this dog has reiterated to me that bad dogs don't just happen. So I would say to anyone who might write this guy off because of his breed, please think again. Pit bulls and pit mixes need some good people to champion their cause right now, and show the world that their bad reputation was forced up on them by people who have raised them to be mean. This is your chance to raise a pit bull to be the lover that all dogs are capable of being."