Thursday, April 30, 2009

Fleas, mosquitos and heartworm -- oh my!

Just a little friendly reminder that it's that time of year again. Temperatures are rising and dogs and cats need to start their heartworm and flea/tick preventatives. Call your vet for an appointment today!
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Don't forget to vote for Pet Haven in the Animal Rescue Site $100,000 Shelter Challenge!

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Mr. Magoo - aka Montana

Montana has earned himself a new name at his foster home -- Magoo. His foster mom said it just fits his personality. I can see it -- just look at that face!
Here's a little run down on what we know about Magoo so far from his foster mom:
1. Montana is housetrained. He hasn't 'told' us so far he has togo---I've been pretty good about just taking him out. He however will notgo outside without me. VERY timid.

2. Good with other dogs and children. He was around 1 and 4 year oldneighbor kids (and although attached to my side was wagging his tail) andis 'in love' with Jordan. He literally lays next to her and puts his headon her pillow (she'll give a little warning sound once in a while he's too close).

3. Doesn't know how to play fetch or even play with other dogs.

4. Acts like his body aches all over. He 'strains' to get up from hispillow and walks VERY slow. Have not seen him run yet. (Note: Pet Haven is running some tests to get to the bottom of this)

5. Doesn't quite understand the concept of 'stairs'---whines when hewalks down them. Could be the fact they are new to him OR that his bodyhurts.

6. On walks, literally was touching my thigh the whole time (sort offunny).

7. Loves people. Not agressive, very submissive.

8. Doesn't bark or make noise. So far his only sound has been a lightwhine, which is almost fast breathing like a hyper-ventilation.

My non-professional opinion is this dog was either severely abused orneglected. He flinches when you go to pet him too fast, and everythingscares the heck out of him. I'm hoping it gets better with time and lotsof love. He's becoming very attached to me, which is good--but worries methat he might develop separation anxiety. Not sure how to avoid that.

Likes the water--he went for a little dip this a.m. (cute). Oh, and his face is the most adorable face I think I've ever seen.

If you think Magoo is the right dog for you, please email pethavendogs@yahoo.com
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Don't forget to vote for Pet Haven in the Animal Rescue Site $100,000 Shelter Challenge!

Monday, April 27, 2009

Sadie is home!

Thank you to everyone who helped spread the word about Sadie. Just before noon today she was caught safely and is home with her foster mom again. She has a vet appointment tonight to get checked over, but she appears to be in good health (if a little skinny).

Adopted Dog Monday!

Riley, our spaniel mix with significant separation anxiety, has found his new home! Riley's new mom met him when she attended a seminar co-costed by Pet Haven a couple of weeks ago. Riley will be helping his new mom at her job on a daily basis. His new mom is a community risk reduction officer with a local city and Riley will work along side her as a therapy dog for at-risk youth and individuals being released from prison. It's an ideal arrangement for Riley. His foster mom has offered to provider doggy daycare on the rare occassion the Riley can't go to work with his new mom. Riley's new mom is also adding 2' to the height of her fence to keep him safely contained and he has a new preschool-aged boy to watch over and hang out with.

Some dogs are easy placements and could settle in well with almost any home. Some dogs, like Riley, need a very special home with a very special owner who can meet their unique needs and love them because of or in spite of their faults. Congratulations, Riley, on finding your very special home!

Sophie is in a foster-with-intent home near the creek where she has a new mom, dad and 10 year old girl to hang out with.










Maggie, a senior black lab, has a new home at a farm in Wisconsin. What a lucky girl!










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Sadie is still on the run, please keep an eye out for her if you are in the Longfellow area of Minneapolis.

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Don't forget to vote for Pet Haven in the Animal Rescue Site $100,000 Shelter Challenge!

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Pet Haven Spring Garage Sale


Pet Haven volunteer Becky is again hosting another garage sale. All funds raised will go directly to helping homeless dogs and cats. The garage sale will be on Saturday, 5/29 and Sunday, 5/30 from 9 - 5. Becky is now accepting donations. Here's a note from her:

"I will be having a spring garage sale May 29 and May 30th, Friday and Saturday from 9 to 5 both days. I am looking for good saleable items: small furniture, yard and garden items, kitchen items, kids clothes and shoes in good condition and a few adult clothes in really good condition. Paper back books and games sell quite well but stuffed toys do not. A good test is to think, would I buy this at a garage sale? and if the answer is yes! donate it! Last year I sold hostas and lilies that I had dug from my yard. If you have any excess plants donate them too as they went very well last year. I will start taking donations the week of April 20th. You can email me at rebeccasheldon@yahoo.com or call me at 952 854-8827 and we will set up a time for drop off. I am also looking for some help on both days. I need volunteers to help set up and take down. Also people to help during the sale. You can work mornings or afternoons for a few hours or all day. Any help is appreciated. Remember, all money goes to Pet Haven to help homeless cats and dogs."

Thanks Becky!

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Sadie is still on the run, please keep an eye out for her if you are in the Longfellow area of Minneapolis.

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Don't forget to vote for Pet Haven in the Animal Rescue Site $100,000 Shelter Challenge!

Saturday, April 25, 2009

New Sadie sighting!



Sadie was been spotted by a park worker in Minnehaha park on Wednesday. She was in the park, south of the falls. We have volunteers scouting the park for her on a regular basis. Please keep an eye out for her if you are in the area. Minnehaha Park is a beautiful place to walk your dog(s) -- hint, hint. :)

Click on the photo for a clearer view of the flyer.

Friday, April 24, 2009

Missy and Colby - 2 Peas in a Pod

Missy and Colby have been hanging out at Pampered Pooch Playground while they wait for a foster or forever home. We got an update on them from the obedience trainer who works at PPP and has been spending some time with both dogs. Missy also bonded closely with Riley (a springer mix) when she was fostered with him in a boarding facility. She would make an excellent 2nd dog in almost any household. Maybe you have room in your heart for 2 black beauties?



I took Colby and Missy out to Petsmart today for a nice little walk and to see how they did around distractions and how they walk on leash. I would love to bring them both to the Walk for Animals if I could (if they dont get adopted before then) and show them off. They did absolutely fabulous at the store, in fact its funny how they behaved 10 times better than all the other dogs in the store> with their actual owners!! Dogs barked and snarled at them and they just stood and looked at them like "what are you doing?" They could have cared less! Both walked awesome on gentle leaders and by the time we left they were both walking behind me (now thats what I call a pack walk).

I have attached some photos and sent you a video of these two on Facebook. Its pretty cute how well these two get along, infact if someone could handle it, they would do great getting adopted into the same home, and they could wear eachother out! They hang out a lot together at daycare, so you know they are good buds when they have soo many other buddies to choose from. They both seem to still be doing well with the daycare environment and do not seem to be too sick of it yet, although Missy is always ready for her walk with her foster buddy! I was happy to see that when I came back with them today after out outing though, Missy was excited to be back and even sat starting at the door anxious to go back into the play area. Colby is a follower, and will do whatever your doing or what Missy does. He does however seem to have an anxiety about small spaces or doorways. He seems to have gotten better about going into our kennels and going through doorways, with the exception of the car. He won't jump in the car, but once hes in, he has no problem and seems to enjoy the ride its just the small doorway he has to go through that troubles him. Otherwise, he seemed pretty at ease with noises, the automatic doors and people at the pet store. Just thought I would send a little update on these two and a few photos.

Missy is on the left in both photos. She does not have pointy ears in the laying down photo -- she has floppy lab ears that are just flopping over while she rests.

If one (or both!) of these dogs sound like the right match for you, please email pethavendogs@yahoo.com.

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Sadie is still on the run, please keep an eye out for her if you are in the Longfellow area of Minneapolis.

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Don't forget to vote for Pet Haven in the Animal Rescue Site $100,000 Shelter Challenge!












Thursday, April 23, 2009

Winning Winston

Winston is a 2 year old springer spaniel. He was adopted out from Pet Haven just about a year ago and was returned recently through no fault of his own. His foster mom is enjoying spending more time with this lovable boy.


Winston retrieves his frisbee, but doesn't seem to realize that tennis balls can be used for the same game. He's not the brightest boy in the bunch, but what he lacks in brains he makes up for in adorableness.

Winston is a little high maintenance. He's a needy boy and likes to be with his people, but he will run off in an unfenced area (go figure, see earlier comment about not being the brightest). He's not going to be happy left for a full work day -- that's much too long for him to go without seeing his favorite person or people. He does, however, crate well and can easily handle being left alone for several hours at a time. He loves people of all ages and would make a great family dog. He loves to tag along on any kind of adventures and could easily adjust to a family with a busy lifestyle, as long as that lifestyle included bringing Winston along -- and hey, at least he won't try and retrieve the ball if you bring him along to watch the kids play sports.

If Winston sounds like the dog for you, please email pethavendogs@yahoo.com

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Sadie is still on the run, please keep an eye out for her if you are in the Longfellow area of Minneapolis.
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Don't forget to vote for Pet Haven in the Animal Rescue Site $100,000 Shelter Challenge!

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

National Pet ID Week

April 18-24 is National Pet ID week.

Every year millions of dogs and cats end up in shelters. Only 2% of cats and 15% of dogs are reunited with their owner. Dogs and cats who are wearing ID tags are microchipped are much more likely to be reunited with an anxious owner.

ID tags that can be placed on a dog's collar should include the dog's name, the owner's name and address, 2 phone numbers (preferably home and cell -- so that if you are out looking for your dog, someone can reach you easily), and a notation regarding any medical issues the dog has. Most big box pet stores have "make your own id" machines right in the store. Most vet offices will have forms to order a tag by mail. There are also numerous places to order ID tags online -- my personal favorite is Boomerang Tags. If you don't like the sound of tags clanging around, you can purchase a tag that slips onto the collar and lies flat or purchase a Quiet Spot (for sale locally at Chuck and Dons locations). You can also purchase collars with the dog's name and phone number embroidered into the webbing.

Microchips are small chips (about the size of a grain of rice) that are inserted beneath the dog's skin between their shoulder blades. The insertion is quick and virtually painless for the dog - along the lines of routine vaccination shots. Vet offices, shelters, rescues and animal control facilities have hand-held devices which can read these chips (transmitted via radio frequency by waving the device over the dogs back). The microchip transmits an identification number to the chip reader. The vet/shelter can then call the microchip company with the identification number to obtain the contact information for the owner from their database. The advantage of microchipping is that the dog can be identified even if they have slipped or broken free from their collar. All Pet Haven dogs and cats are microchipped prior to adoption.

If you already have ID tags and microchips for your pets, please take the time this week to make sure that you have accurate and up-to-date contact information on your tags and on file with the microchip company.

Accidents happen -- doors are propped open, gates are accidentally left unlatched, dogs spot a squirrel and pull the leash out of their owner's hand, etc. Please make sure that your dogs and cats are easily identified so that happy reunions are possible.
Check out Bishop (above) sporting his Pet Haven ID tag. You can't see it, but he's also microchipped!

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Sadie is still on the run, please keep an eye out for her if you are in the Longfellow area of Minneapolis.

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Don't forget to vote for Pet Haven in the Animal Rescue Site $100,000 Shelter Challenge!






Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Adopted Dog Tuesday!

Abbey, a little Westie girl, was adopted by our Dog Division Director. She shares her new home with 2 canine siblings and several cats. Abbey's canine siblings are both big dogs, but I have no doubt that she can hold her own with her terrier genes.







Lola, a brindle-coated lab mix, was adopted last week. No, Lola is not winking, she lost her eye in an accident before coming in to foster care. Lola is a sweet girl who has been a big hit at our adoption events, so we are all glad to know that she has found her forever home!

We have several other dogs who have gone to foster-with-intent homes and we hope to have some more happy endings to report soon!
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Sadie is still on the run, please keep an eye out for her if you are in the Longfellow area of Minneapolis.
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Don't forget to vote for Pet Haven in the Animal Rescue Site $100,000 Shelter Challenge!

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Dog on the run: Sadie is missing!

It will be adopted dog Tuesday this week, because today we need to get the word out about Sadie who was adopted (yay!) on Saturday and snuck out the front door of her new home on Sunday morning. She is running loose in south Minneapolis -- between the river and Hwy 55, she was last spotted at 42nd and Minnehaha Ave.

Sadie is a basset hound/husky mix who looks like a husky with stubby bassett legs. She has gotten loose once before and we had to use a live trap to catch her. She's a sneak. Please keep your eyes open if you are in the area. She is friendly and you can attempt to call her to you, but we are assuming she will not willingly approach people.

If you spot here, please call Cindy: 612.695.3593 or Laura: 612.296.9911


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Don't forget to vote for Pet Haven in the Animal Rescue Site $100,000 Shelter Challenge!

Friday, April 17, 2009

Adoption event tomorrow - Saturday, April 18th

The Pet Haven dog division will be at the Burnsville Petco tomorrow from 10am to noon. Sophie and her fellow canine companions in foster care cannot wait to meet you!

Burnsville Petco
14051 Aldrich Ave S
10am to Noon




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Don't forget to vote for Pet Haven in the Animal Rescue Site $100,000 Shelter Challenge!

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Foster: Still waiting and no one knows why?

Foster is a 1 year old lab/newfoundland(?) mix who has been in foster care for 6 months. No one can understand why this happy, loyal, clownish, smart boy has not found his forever home yet? He's your typical busy 1 year old puppy, so he needs a family who will take him for regular walks and continue to work on training with him, but he is move-in ready for just about any family! He lives with a cat and he is also used to being outside on a leash or tie out because his foster family does not have a fence. He does very well with other dogs and has played at doggy daycare on a regular basis. He's sweet boy whose only "fault" is being "just another black dog."

Shortly after arriving in foster care, Foster was incredibly sick due to an infection in his neck. His prognosis was touch-and-go for a while, but Foster beat the odds and bounced back. His infection was a one-time situation and he has no lingering health effects. Can you help the boy who beat the odds find his happy ending? If you'd like to learn more about Foster, please email pethavendogs@yahoo.com.

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Don't forget to vote for Pet Haven in the Animal Rescue Site $100,000 Shelter Challenge!

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Vote for Pet Haven!

Here's an easy way for us to raise money for homeless dogs and cats! As of Tuesday in Minnesota, the rankings are #1: RAGOM (Retrieve a Golden of Minnesota), #2: Animal Ark, #3: Minnesota Companion Rabbit Society. Let's see if we can catch up with these guys!!

Vote for Pet Haven of Minnesota at www.theanimalrescuesite.com and we could win $20,000 to help pets in need. I believe a direct link is: http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/shelterchallenge.faces?siteId=3

The Animal Rescue Site is hosting a special challenge for eligible Petfinder.com member shelter and rescue groups. The grand prize is a $20,000 grant, and they will be awarding many other grants to rescue groups with the most votes -- a total of $100,000 in grants for animal welfare organizations.

Help us win! All you have to do is click to help rescued animals, and then vote for Pet Haven in The Animal Rescue Site $100,000 Shelter+ Challenge. Both of these actions are absolutely free! You can vote once a day, every day, from April 13 through July 26,2009. Every time you vote, or tell a friend to vote, you are making a huge difference for us.

Vote today!

Visit: www.theanimalrescuesite.com

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

New Kids on the Block

These three have been hangin' tough up at Red Lake Rosie's Rescue, but on Sunday they hitched a ride to foster care. We are just getting to know them, but they were all very good dogs in the car and at the vet. We are getting to know them and they are all looking for foster and adoptive homes. If someone catches your eye and you think you've got the right stuff, please email pethavendogs@yahoo.com

Sonoma (top left) is a lab/shepherd (?) mix female who appears to be a little camera shy.

Louie (right) is an aussie/herding breed (?) tripod boy. His photo is a little blurry because good photos require sitting still and after a long trip down to the cities, Louie was ready for FUN!

Montana (lower left) is a St. Bernard/Husky (?) mix boy. He got to ride shotgun on the last leg of the transport and was a very good boy uncrated in the car. Look at that mug, what a handsome fella.

Monday, April 13, 2009

Adopted Dog Monday

Lexus is a shepherd mix who is being adopted by her foster! Rumor has it her foster mom is considering continuing to foster once Lexus has settled in, so Lex will be able to mentor other foster dogs through the Pet Haven process. Congratulations, Lexus!








Chic is a shepherd mix who came to us heartworm positive. During her stay at the vet clinic for treatment, one of the vets fell in love with her and is going to adopt her. Congratulations, Chic!

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Happy Easter


You were expecting Peter Cottontail? Well, Riley Rabbit wonders why bunnies have all the fun. The Easter bunny took the day off so Riley stepped in as his replacement. In fact, Riley and his pal Ahnung (Pet Haven alum) had a dress rehearsal yesterday ... check out Ahnung's blog for more photos! Riley wasn't too thrilled about the bunny ears but was a terrific sport. His easter wish would be for someone who's home a lot to take a chance on him. Check out his bio to learn more about this sweet boy.

Now any dog that steps in for the easter bunny deserves a second chance!

Happy Easter from Riley Rabbit and all his friends!

Friday, April 10, 2009

Savannah needs a foster home...

Most of our profiles for dogs that need foster homes are on a separate blog now, but this is a special plea for Savannah. Savannah is a 1-2 year old female black lab. She's been in Pet Haven care for a couple of months. She started out in a foster home where she was doing really well, but eventually she figured out how to jump their 4' fence and open the fence gate. In her foster home she lived with 3 other dogs -- big and small, young and old. She also lived with a couple of cats and some young kids. She did well with all of them. Once she started jumping the fence she was moved to one of our boarding partners where she has done very well with the other dogs, however, she's stressed by the environment. Extended stays in boarding are difficult for all dogs, but some handle it better than others. Savannah is not one of those dogs. She has lost weight and is now boarded at our vet partner with stress induced colitis. Savannah desperately needs someone to open their home to her on a temporary (foster) or permanent (adoption) basis. If you can offer a space in your home to Savannah, please email pethavendogs@yahoo.com.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Adopted Dog: Midnight

Here's a great update from Midnight's new family. The email was written about 10 days ago, so Midnight has had a couple more weeks to settle into his forever home:

Hello! Midnight seems to be adjusting well to our lives. He was a little unsure the first couple days, but by yesterday he seemed to be more like his normal self. On Friday, Midnight, Gavin, and I made a visit to the local Petsmart and Petco, trying to pick up a few more supplies. He was unsure about getting into my car the first couple times, so I had to lift him in. I could tell he enjoyed going to the stores with us. Later that night, we brought him into the groomer and he got a bath, teeth brushing and nail trim. She got a huge pile of hair off of him! She said he did absolutely wonderful during his visit, and noted how much of a sweetie he is!

The rest of the weekend we hung out, cleaned the garage, and took lots of walks. He really loved just hanging out and being by us. Last night he was feeling more ambitious so we tried to play a little fetch. I found out it works like this: I through the ball, he gets the ball, then lays down for a belly rub! He really is such a well behaved dog. He doesn't bark at all at other dogs, even though they bark at him! We walked by a house where one dog in an invisible fence wanted to play. You could tell Midnight wanted to play too- I think he may miss being around other dogs a little bit. I am hoping to get to the dog park soon so he can play around a little with other dogs.

Right now he is laying down in the living room by us. Even though he has two large dog beds, he prefers to just rest his head on a small pillow!

Congratulations, Midnight!

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

A comment on an email petition being passed around


Recently there has been an email petition being passed around the internet regarding 14 dogs seized from a home in St. Paul. The petition states that these dogs are at risk of being euthanized by the Animal Humane Society and St. Paul Animal Control (SPAC). I know many of us receive a plethora of email petitions in our inbox for various reasons and causes. In the past, I have been "guilty" of simply "signing" and forwarding with the belief that I am making a difference. I have come to learn that I need to ask more questions and validate facts. In this most recent case, I personally spoke with Janelle Dixon of AHS and I also saw the 11 dogs in quarantine at AHS who are being well cared for. There are NO plans to euthanize them. After the hearing process, if the animals are released to AHS, we (Pet Haven) will work directly with them to help them in placing the animals.

If this petition arrives in your email inbox, I ask that you simply hit delete.

The following is additional information that can also be found on the AHS website:

"On March 25 the dogs were taken from a St. Paul residence under a warrant by the City of St Paul and St Paul Animal Control (SPAC). Issues associated with the seizure included: the individual’s lack of a permit to house such a large number of animals, lack of licensing to sell animals and the living conditions of the animals. Animal Humane Society was called to assist and we are now caring for 11 of the dogs. Three are under custody of St. Paul Animal Control and being cared for by SPAC.

As part of this investigation, the dogs are temporarily being held at AHS until a disposition hearing takes place on April 9. At this hearing the judge on the case will make the determination as to who will receive custody of the dogs.

In Golden Valley, the dogs are under the care of AHS’s veterinary staff. They are in good spirits. Nine of the 11 are generally healthy and two are elderly with a number of health issues that require ongoing attention. Should the animals be released to AHS in the hearing process, we anticipate working with our animal welfare rescue partners to find placements for the dogs.

As we are able to legally, AHS will make more information about this case available here on our website."

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Adopted Dog Update: Suzy

Suzy the black lab is loving her new life. As you can see, she is exhausted -- being adored is hard work. Here's an update from her adoptive mom:

Missing Suzy yet? :) We LOVE having her. She has been
so wonderful and fun. My parents and brother are very impressed with her temperament and her listening abilities. When we go to their homes in the suburbs we let her off the leash in the yard and she does very well sticking near us. She has adapted well to her new kennel and when we're busy around our homes, she enjoys looking out the window on squirrel patrol. We're working with her leash manners. ha. While she is significantly better with the gentle leader, she still pulls a bit. But she's starting to learn what heel means. I can't imagine life without her now as she is so much a part of our family. Thank you again thousand times over for making her ours - she's amazing.

Just wanted to send you a picture of one tired girl. We went up to international falls, mn where she played and played with the other dogs and enjoyed running freely around the resort. She's doing so well learning to stay by us off leash.

Monday, April 6, 2009

Adopted Dog Monday!

We have a lot of adoptions to celebrate. A few of these have been in the works for a couple of weeks and a few are new this week. All of them are great news!

Maggie is an 8 year old black lab mix who beat the odds on adoption for old black dogs and found her new home within 48 hours of coming in to Pet Haven foster care. Congratulations, Maggie! Black dogs rock!








Black, a young male husky/lab mix, went home with a foster-with-intent-to-adopt family from the first adoption event that he attended. They have now made the adoption official. We barely got a chance to know the kid, but Marilou did write about him and his heartbroken original owner here. I hope your former mom knows how loved you are now. Congratulations, Black!






Sebastian, now known as Buddy, is a Chihuahua puppy who has been adopted by a great couple. He has a new Papillion sister who is showing him the ropes and his new parents are working hard at getting him out and about and socialized. Congratulations, Buddy!








Lacy, our Rottie mix, has settled into her new home as well. Her new family stopped by our adoption event on Saturday to say "hi" and check in. Congratulations, Lacy!









Fred, aka "the play moster" according to his foster mom, has been adopted! He has two people all to himself. Congratulations, Fred!










Frenchie, a maltese, has been adopted by a repeat Pet Haven adopter. We love repeat adopters! Congratulations, Frenchie!










Mooch, a Schnauzer mix, has found her forever home! She now lives with a single mom and two kids. They report it is like she has been with them forever. Congratulations, Mooch!

Friday, April 3, 2009

Adoption Event Tomorrow - Saturday, April 4

The dog division will be at Eden Prairie Petco tomorrow from 10am to noon. Savannah and her fellow foster dogs cannot wait to meet you!

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Terrier Boot Camp News

One of our foster families, Leslie and Danny, are affectionately known as "terrier boot camp" as they frequently foster small terrier mixes with big terrier attitudes and get them on the straight and narrow when it comes to transforming into good canine citizens.

Leslie has started a blog for their current foster, Ginger, a young terrier mix: Ginger's Blog.

They also received an update from the forever mom of a former foster, Eddie, yesterday. Eddie, a JRT mix, was in foster care last fall:

Greetings Leslie,

Eddie is doing great! We just love that "Liitle Guy". He has settled in very well and certainly knows the routines of the house. Both my husband and I have said we don't think we could have found a better fit! He has also adjusted well with our grand-daughters of which we just added a third in January! The two olders ones (2&4) both say "we really love Eddie!" We were a little concerned at first put he now knows his "rank" and all is going well.

Russ is looking forward to a little warmer weather and then Eddie and him can resume joining Russ while roller-blading. He loved that last fall. He enjoys our walks and running around our backyard. Lots of energy but he also enjoys spending equal laptime with Russ and I in the evenings!

I took him to the vet for the first time last week. He is doing well. He hasn't had any allergies since we got him but I know the season is just around the corner, so time will tell.

I've attached a few pics of Eddie -- our trip to Duluth last fall and misc ones. Hope you enjoy them (and they email ok!)

Thank you for the great work you did with Eddie while he was with you. We really appreciate your gift!

Take care and keep in touch........

Russ and Patty

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Decey: Happy hound hoping for a home

Decey is a young hound mix who has been hanging out in foster care for several months now. We have had the opportunity to learn quite a bit about this fine boy during his stay in Pet Haven care. His current foster took him through Obedience 1 at The Canine Coach and Decey "graduated" last week. He did great and picks up commands very quickly. He now has a firm grasp on "Watch me" and "leave it" and the basic sit and stay. He really impressed his foster mom. "Come" was a different story as he has to sniff everything zig-zagging from point A to point B. He is SMART!

Decey has been tested with free roam a few times when his foster mom has left the house . She makes her own dog food and Decey took the opportunity to feast. He opened the mini fridge, which does not have any handle on it and scarfed down all the meat in there. He can pull the door from the kitchen to the basement open by putting his paw through the cat door and pulling towards him. Told you he was SMART! Decey is kenneled when foster mom is gone now. When she first got him, he hated the kennel but she worked on making it a happy place for him and he is better now. He can certainly differenciate when you are home and he is free from when you are not home and he is free. He never gets in trouble when you are around, even in the next room. He rarely barks unless he feels like joining on with resident fur brother, Zorro, when someone is walking a dog by.

He was really bothersome to the cats at first, but "leave it" has worked and he ignores them. He is a frumpy moving dog, no abrupt motions, he just kinda slinks around. He gets right up into the dog van without wanting to take off in the neighborhood and does well riding in the car. The dog park, on the other hand, has not gone well, he takes off and no command or treat can get him back. He likes to chase small to medium sized dogs that are fetching and chases and picks fights with them. He's not interested enough in playing his own game of fetch or frisbee to distract him from the other dogs. He is good with his canine foster brother, he did well in boarding with other dogs and does well with the other dogs at our adoption events. Odds are the dog park is just too stimulating for him. Decey has jumped the 4' fence at his foster home a few times, but the novelty seems to have worn off. He is a hound, though, and his forever family will need to have a secure fence and monitor him or use a tie out. Decey and his nose cannot be trusted in an unfenced yard. He walks well with Gentle Leader but pulls like a sled dog on regular collar.

He is submissive (OK, not at the dog park). When a dog puts him in his place at first he would pee, but he wouldn't take off, he still would want to be around. Somehow submissive and fearless at the same time. He is funny, if you tell him to do something and he really doesn't want to he blinks really hard or yawns. He may have learned this from his foster brother who pulls the same move, Zorro isn't confessing to any coaching. He is a dream with clipping nails and brushing, foster mom wishes he could coach his foster brother on that one! At night he sleeps on the bed with the rest of his foster family. He is not a cuddly dog, but if you pick him up and set him in your lap, he will fall asleep while you pet him. He's a growing puppy who doesn't know his own size and foster mom has caught him attemping to curl up in the cats' bed (good luck with that, Decey!).

If Decey sounds like the boy for you, please email pethavendogs@yahoo.com to learn more about him.