Adopted Dog Monday

Happy Memorial Day everyone! Pet Haven had a very busy adoption day on Saturday. Cindy, Bobb, and Elanor you all are super fosters with two adoptions in less than two weeks. Way to go!

Phoebe the collie/hound mix is now living with a young active couple and their kitty. The word is that Phoebe has already been out and about around the lakes.

Millie a beagle/terrier mix from Red Lake Rosie's Rescue went to her new home last week. Her family owns a cabinet shop and takes Millie to work with them. The son is home from college for the summer and is enjoying Millie's company.

Adoption Day May 29th-Richfield

Pet Haven's next adoption day is tomorrow, May 29th, at the Richfield Petco from 10-12.It is a special all dog event with dogs from 10lbs to 80lbs. Radar the Papillon will be making his Pet Haven debut.

Chica has been practicing her welcome techniques at one of our boarding partners Pampered Pooch Playground. She is a German shep mix about 3 years old.

Phoebe the collie/hound mix will be waiting to say hello. Her foster mom says she is quite a character.

Susie is looking for her forever family. She would love to meet you tomorrow. Click here for more info on all of the Pet Haven dogs.

Hola Chica!!

Three-year old Chica is one of the newest additions to the Pet Haven family, she arrived on Laura's May 20th transport from People 4 Pets in Iowa. She's a beautiful black & grey German Shepherd/Husky mix. Don't let the salt & pepper coloring fool you...she's clearly a young girl and that's just her natural hair color!

Can we just talk about how sweet this girl is for a minute? I guarantee she'll melt your heart just as quickly as she did to us at Pet Haven and Pampered Pooch, where is she boarding. She's gentle and playful, just a curious little girl.

Chica was found on the streets of Iowa with her hubby, Bob, a two year old black lab that was also taken into Pet Haven last week. Not surprisingly, Chica is wonderful with dogs of all sizes and type. She's got a calm demeanor but don't be fooled, she loves to play just as much! Check out this video we received from our friends at Pampered Pooch.

For more info and pics, check out Chica's Petfinder bio. If you'd like to meet Chica or any of our adoptable dogs, stop by Richfield Petco on Saturday 5/29 from 10 - Noon.

Your dog is so cute! Can I pet it?

We've all heard this before, right? Well hopefully this is how most folks approach you and your pooch while on a walk. Asking the owner for permission to pet their dog is the first step in establishing a good relationship with a strange dog and owner. This allows the owner to decide whether or not this is a safe situation for everyone and provide instructions on how you, a stranger, should approach their dog, if at all. This is true for both kids and adults.

The following cartoon was created by Lili Chin at http://doggiedrawings.net/ and provides some great tips on how to safely introduce yourself to a new pup!

For more tips on safe doggy introductions and the prevention of dog bites, please visit The American Humane blog. Learn how to keep yourself and your children safe!

Adoptable Dog Update: Susie, the Puppy Mill Rescue

A few months back, Pet Haven took in two Puppy Mill rescues from the Animal Humane Society.

Their foster mom has been working hard with both Susie and Daisy to help them overcome their fears and anxiety as a result of living in a wire crate for their 6-8 years of life before being rescued by AHS and Pet Haven.

Susie, the 8-year old black & silver Poodle, is still shy and timid, but with a lot of love and special attention, we know she will continue her progress when given the extra security, love and comfort of a forever home. Susie will make the perfect lap dog and would love a home with another dog, as she has bonded quite well with her foster sister Daisy.

If you have some extra love in your heart, will you consider bringing Susie into your home?

Please email dogs@pethavenmn.org to learn more about Susie and our other adoptable dogs and cats!

May 20th Transport

We had a transport today of four beautiful dogs from People 4 Pets in Spencer Iowa. All made the four hour trek without complaining. While a little confused about their whereabouts all went through the transitions like they somehow knew the best was yet to come. Thanks to Pampered Pooch and all the fosters who opened their homes to take in one of these beauties.

Chica is a shep mix around 3 years old. She has a calm demeanor-kind of a go with the flow kind of gal. Hard to tell what she may be mixed with, possibly husky. She was found as a stray in rural Iowa with her "hubby" Bob.

Bob or "Bob the Builder" as he was called is a 1-2 year old lab. He is around 80lbs and ready to go wherever the action is.



Radar and Flopsy, a Papillon "couple", traveled together in the same crate. They are 6 and 7 years old and oh so sweet. They are purebreds and even have papers. Look for these dogs to be listed on Petfinder soon along with Pet Haven's other wonderful dogs.

Adopted Dog Update: Little Man

You hear us say this all the time, but we seriously love hearing updates from our adopted dog's families. As we were sitting in front of the Lake Calhoun Chuck & Don's on Saturday morning for the Small Dog Adoption event, I had just asked Leslie if she received any updates from Little Man's new family. Little Man was adopted at this Chuck & Don's in January. No sooner did the words leave my mouth when Leslie pointed behind me and said "Ask them yourself, they're right there!"

And so, up walks Little Man, his Dads, and sister Mazey. They were stopping by to say "hi" to Pet Haven and do some treat shopping for the family. I can't tell you how wonderful and rewarding it is to see a Pet Haven family so happy and comfortable with their newest addition. Little Man hit the forever family jackpot with this adoption!

If you have an update on your adopted pet from Pet Haven, we'd love to hear it...and feature it on our blog! Email editor@pethavenmn.org. We look forward to hearing from you!

I foster dogs......

.....to make the world a better place one dog at a time.

......to give those that do not speak our language a voice.

.....to experience true hope, no matter what.

.....to bring more joy into my life.

....to see dreams come true for the new families .

If fostering sounds intriguing to you Pet Haven would love to hear from you. We have two dogs that need foster homes right now and more dogs are waiting to come in. All supplies are provided along with vet care. We do the best we can to find the right fit for your home and dog experience. Please contact us at dogs@pethavenmn.org if you are interested in finding out how you can help. Thanks from all the homeless dogs waiting for someone to love them.

My Dog Is Cool: Keep your dog safe this summer!

From MyDogIsCool website:

United Animal Nations, a national non-profit animal protection group, today launched its "My Dog is Cool" Campaign to prevent dogs and other animals from dying in hot cars during warm-weather months.

Every year, dogs die after being locked inside cars while their owners leave them to shop or run errands, often for "just a few minutes." These tragedies occur with alarming frequency, yet the animals’ deaths are completely preventable.

"People mean well by taking their dogs or other animals along with them while they work, visit, shop or run errands, but warm weather can turn a car into a death trap," said UAN President and CEO Nicole Forsyth.

A Stanford University test found that when it is 72 degrees outside, a car’s internal temperature can rocket to 116 degrees within an hour, even with windows cracked. When it is 85 degrees outside, the temperature inside a car can soar to 102 degrees in 10 minutes and 120 degrees in 30 minutes. A dog can only withstand a high body temperature for a short time before suffering nerve damage, heart problems, liver damage, brain damage or even death.

The lifesaving Web site www.MyDogIsCool.com is a free, friendly resource to help spread the word about the dangers of leaving dogs in hot cars. 

More Adopted Dog Monday

Herman went off to his new home today. Here he is with his new dad and foster mom. Herman was so happy to have a fenced in yard. He was prancing around inspecting every inch of it when we left. His two human brothers were at school but would be home soon to play with him. The family already has a camping trip planned for Memorial Day weekend. Hopefully we will get some photos of Herman in the huge camper.

Herman is getting some love from his new mom while dad fills out the contract. The photo is of the family's last dog. Big paws to fill Herman but you are up to the job. Happy Trails Herman!

Adopted Dog Monday

Today is Herman's big day. Adoption Day! Herman has been waiting since last November for just the right family to come along. Well big guy your wait is over. Later this morning Herman will be going to his forever home. He will have two parents, one who works from home, and 2 young kids to play with him. Thanks to all the foster families that helped keep Herman safe while he was waiting for today. Have a good life Herman!

Ahnung meets with 8th graders at Avalon School

Ahnung, a Pet Haven alum, had the opportunity to represent Pet Haven on 4/26 at Avalon School in St. Paul. Ahnung ... originally rescued by Red Lake Rosie's Rescue up north came into Pet Haven's foster program in November of 2008 and in January, 2009 was officially adopted by Marilou (who is currently serving as president of Pet Haven). In a nut shell, her story goes like this ...  dumped with a litter of 8 puppies, testing positive for heartworm, coccidia and lymes ... a pellet in one of her nipples (the vet indicating she had been shot) and no front teeth (grounding her teeth down to the gums in search of food) ... despite her rough beginnings she has demonstrated  how forgiving, resilient and incredibly healing animals are. Ahnung has been through a lot of training, and in December 2009 passed the Delta Society therapy dog test and is now a registered therapy dog. She volunteers with at-risk youth at The Lab (a program of St. Paul Public Schools) and is now officially a volunteer (along with her human mom) with Allina hospice and in her spare time gives presentations to schools. Her most recent presentation was to a class of 8th grades at Avalon School in St. Paul. Ahnung shares her story and teaches lessons on compassion, kindness and how to trust again. At her presentation at Avalon she also had the opportunity to share more about Pet Haven and the work Pet Haven is doing to rescue and re-home dogs and cats, and to help reduce overpopulation through our spay/neuter initiatives, outreach/education and advocacy.

She got a thank you note from the kids at Avalon and wants them to know how much she appreciates the invitation to come hang out with them at school and to get all the belly rubs.

Ahnung loves her job as an ambassador for homeless dogs. If you would like to follow along with her adventures as a therapy dog check out her blog.

May 15th Adoption Events

Pet Haven is having two adoption events Saturday May 15th from 10-12. Millie is a beagle/terrier mix that will be attending the medium/large dog event at Petco Richfield 66th & Lyndale Ave. S.


Small dogs will be at the Chuck & Don's Calhoun 3246 West Lake Street from 10-12. Miss Bella the rat terrier will be there.

Scout will be looking forward to meeting you at Petco Calhoun.

Jackie the Rottweiler will be waiting for his forever family at the Petco Richfield.


For more information click here for a list of available dogs.

Pet Health: Heartworm Disease & Prevention

Summer has arrived early in Minnesota, which means long walks and time outdoors with our furry friends. Unfortunately this also means greater exposure to mosquitos, which can lead to health problems in dogs and cats if they are exposed to heartworm (HW), a microfilariae that develops into infected larvae when they enter the animal's bloodstream.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, "Heartworm is a preventable, but serious and potentially fatal parasite that primarily infects dogs, cats and ferrets." It is transmitted to animals through mosquito bites and can damage the blood vessels resutling in lung and heart disease.

The good news is that HW disease is both 100% preventable and treatable upon infection, prevention being the recommended approach. There are several FDA-approved prevention options available, so make sure to speak with your Vet to find the best method for you and your pet. Your vet will likely test your pet for HW disease before dispensing the preventative. Symptoms of HW and positive test results come 6 months after the initial infection so follow your Vet's recommendation for regular testing.

For more information on heartworm disease and pet health, please visit the American Veterinary Medical Associaton website.

Pet Haven tests all of its dogs and cats and provides preventative heartworm treatment during mosquito season. This is another great benefit of adopting a pet through Pet Haven!

Adopted Dog Update: Monty

We recently got an update from Monty's mom ... we LOVE hearing from adopters. If you have an update to share please email us at editor@pethavenmn.org.

"In about February of 2005 my family and I adopted a Boxer from PetHaven.  He was about 7 months old and named Monty.  I just wanted to let you know that he was diagnosed with bone cancer today.  We are very sad. It's strange because it was discovered as a lump in his neck, not connected to the bone or in the bones that we know of.  He had the lump removed about 2 weeks ago and had the stitches taken out today.  Ever since the surgery he's been much happier and has been eating, drinking and doing everything normal.


He's been a GREAT dog to us over the last 5 plus years and we are hoping that he hangs around for awhile.  I am the President of Minnesota Boxer Rescue and I know we like to keep in touch with our adoptive families and know how our "babies" are doing as life goes on. Thought you might want to know about Monty.  I'm attaching a picture of him.  He's just the greatest darn dog!


 .... And I spoke with our vet regarding his diagnosis and if his cancer has not spread to the lungs or his jaw, the vet thinks it is slow growing and we may be able to keep ahead of the game by removing the lump if it keeps coming back.  He's a very happy boy since the surgery and runs and jumps and barks at my husband to play with him.  So at least for now he appears to be getting better.  Monty has grown up to be such an amazing boy.  Like I told Sue, he was a HANDFUL when we got him!  He chewed the carpet on our stairs and was a real bugger to house train...ruined our entire living room carpet.  But once we got him trained, he has been perfect.  We have not kenneled him since he was 2 and he is great."

Photo Fundraiser through 5/31!

Photographers Guild in St. Paul is once again having a photo fundraiser for Pet Haven through the end of May.

A minimum $40 donation to Pet Haven will get you the following:

- A free photo sitting session
- A free 8 x 10
- More bonding time with your furry friend
- The chance to make a huge difference for homeless dogs and cats!

For more info, click here.

Cider (cute boy on left!) had the chance to go in for a photo shoot with his mom ... here's what she had to say:

"This was the second year we've taken advantage of this event. Two years ago we were told our dear sweet Molly probably wouldn't live another few months. We realized we didn't have any good pictures of her and then saw the Pet Haven/Photographer's Guild offer and took them up on it. Molly was not a very photogenic dog but the Photographer's Guild took some great pictures and we got one that is most definitely MOLLY.

So this year, my husband is away with the military. I saw the offer and decided to surprise him with pictures of Cider and myself. What more could he want, right?

Cider was a stinker. He didn't like the flash and almost refused to look at the photographer! We used all his favorite words, walk, treat, car, frosty paw! He figured out pretty quickly he wasn't getting any of it!

The photographer took an hour with us and told me that Cider wasn't going to win! We were going to get a good picture of him! We did. In fact we got so many good pictures of him it was very hard to pick!

The folks at Photographer's guild are professional, patient and willing to do what it takes to get the shot!

We'll definitely do it again!"

Thanks Cider and Andrea for supporting Pet Haven and homeless dogs and cats!! And Cider, you are definitely one very photogenic boy!! :)

Adopted Dog Update: Cocoa

We don't get too many puppies in at Pet Haven, but when we do, they sure are a crowd pleaser. This was no different for Cocoa, the four month old terrier mix. He received lots of attention at our adoption events, but it takes a special family to bring a puppy in training into their home. Puppies can be unpredictable, energetic, accident prone, and sometimes all we can do is guess at their adult weight and temperment since we don't know what type of breed(s) they have for parents.

We're so happy that spunky little Cocoa found a great forever home with two human siblings. Here's an update from Jill & Dan, Cocoa's new parents:

"I thought I’d send a little update on Cocoa – he is sooooo cute! He is adapting quite well and we are quite smitten with him! He has been having a blast playing with the neighbor dogs, even a big golden lab! He definitely isn’t afraid of any of them and tires them out, ha! We have a long, 30 foot tie out that he goes outside on, and he loves to just sit and watch the neighborhood activities."

Sounds like Cocoa has a long, happy life ahead of him. Congrats to Cocoa and his new family!

In Honor of Sweet Lacy Mae

On Friday, 4/30/2010 sweet Lacy (who was adopted from Pet Haven 3/2009) crossed over the bridge. Her paw print will be forever etched in the hearts of so many ... the following was written by her mom Jackie:

"In early March of 2009 I went to the Minnetonka Petco to purchase food and treats for our hamster “Jack”, as I was walking through the store I noticed a crowd of people with all kinds of beautiful dogs I wasn’t sure what was going on so I decided to take a look. I found out it was an adoption event being held by Pet Haven and all of the dogs were looking for good homes.

My husband and I were just getting ready to close on our first house and with moving I knew it wouldn’t probable be a good time to get a dog but I decided that I needed to take a look anyway. That is when a volunteer pointed me into the direction of a dog laying quietly on the floor next to her foster mom Claudia. I sat down next to Lacy and from the second I looked into her sweet eyes I knew I was in trouble. I sat with Claudia and Lacy for what it seemed like forever and Claudia told me her story of how she had came to Pet haven, she was adopted once before but returned because the other family pet did not take well to Lacy. It broke my heart, I decided to take a walk with Lacy and Claudia around the store Lacy was a good girl she would smell the treats but never took any and when you would stop she would push herself up against you.

I left that day knowing what I had to do so I went home and immediately told my husband about her and went online and found her on Pet Haven’s website and filled out an application. The next day I received a call from another volunteer and we talked for almost an hour about Lacy and I explained to her that I needed my husband to meet her and that we were just getting ready to move and if she was still available in the next two weeks we would come and see her again. I called the volunteer and would check to see how she was doing and if she was still available.

On March 29^th 2009 about a week after we had moved we went and met Lacy again, my husband and son fell in love with her as quickly as I did and we took her home that day!

She made herself at home almost instantly and found her favorite spot on the couch and a few days after that she found her favorite spot on the bed.

Over the next few weeks and months she became more trusting and more loving than ever, when we first got her she hesitated to get into the car and after a few weeks and some short car rides she quickly realized that when she went with mom in the car she knew she would also come back home so she started to love going in the car and as soon as she would hear my keys she would be the first to the door and there were even time she would knock mom down the stairs to make sure she didn’t forget about Lacy.

Everyday going to work she would walk me to the door and everyday when I came home she was waiting at the top of the stairs with her butt and nubbin doing her little dance she always did when she was excited.

I went away overnight and my sister n law came to let Lacy out and spend some time with her and when she went to leave Lacy blocked her so she had to trick her giving her a milk bone. Lacy always made sure we didn’t forget about her, there is no way I ever could.

Lacy was very well behaved when it was time to make dinner she knew she wasn’t allowed in the kitchen so she laid by the door and patiently waited for a treat to be thrown her way she quickly learned the sound of her milk bone box as well. We took stock in Sam’s club milk bones so we always had enough treats.

My husband is a Firefighter and whenever his pager would go off or if any sirens went by the house Lacy would stand up on the couch and howel until they went by and would make sure she got the last word in, sometime all my husband had to do would say the word “emergency” and she would get all excited.

She always went with me to walk dad to truck to say good night when he would go work his overnight shifts at the station and then she would gladly keep his spot next to me warm until he came home in the morning and sometimes didn’t want to move when he would get home so she would snuggle in the middle of us.

In February of 2010 I noticed some hair loss on our sweet girls legs so I decided to take her into the vet expected them to tell me she had an allergy of some sort, it turned out she had Demodectic  mange they gave us some medication and sent us on our way. A few weeks into her treatments I noticed something funny with her skin and since I was having a “bad” feeling about the vet we decided to get a 2^nd opinion and took her to another vet. She did have the mange but she also ended up having an ear and bladder infection and a skin infection that received from the medication, we were devasted to find out that Lacy was very sick and had a very serious illness and would not have the quality of life that she had.

So on April 29^th we made the hardest decision ever to end our sweet girls suffering. On April 30^th at 9am we said goodbye to Lacy. It was the hardest moment in our lives.

Over the next few days I was overwhelmed by the love and support we received not only by friends and family but from the family of Pet Haven, it was because of them that our sweet girl was brought into our lives and will be forever grateful all the Pet Haven did before she came home to us and after she left us.

To our Sweet Lacy, we pray that you are dancing just as you did when you were here with us.

We love and Miss you and will thank god for the 13 months that we had with your sweet face.

God Bless!!"

The following is a tribute to sweet Lacy ....

Jackie would like a new family.

Jackie is a gorgeous 2 year old Rottweiler. It is not often we get purebred dogs into our rescue program. Jackie weighs in at 93lbs and is the perfect weight for his breed. He gets along with other dogs and loves people. He is very smart and eager to please. A fenced yard will make Jackie's life even more comfortable, so he can run fast and free and still stay safe. If Jackie sounds like the dog for your family please email dogs@pethavenmn.org. He is waiting to hear from you.

Scout's in search of a new home

This is Scout, a lovable, eager to please lab mix that was recently returned to Pet Haven when things didn't work out in his last home.

This energetic boy would love for you to take him on daily walks or runs. This is a good thing, because at 42 lbs, Scout needs to lose a few pounds to get down to a healthy weight. I personally think that's just more of him to love, but the trainer says it's time for this boy to "dechunkafy" and get down to his target weight of 30 lbs.

Though Scout loves people and bonds quite well with his owners, he would be best in a home without small children (under 10 years) or other dogs. Scout tends to startle easily with unpredictable movement, which could lead him to get anxious and defensive. Other than that, he seems to be the perfect companion. See what Scout's foster mom has to say about him:

"In our 4 days with Scout he has been nothing but nice to us and is full of energy. He is 6 but still loves to play. He enjoys tugging on his rope toy and fetching his ball. He also has taken an interest in rawhides as well. He loves to go on walks and he likes to run too which has been good for him (and us) for losing weight. He is a huge snuggler and loves to follow Nick and I around when we are home. He also likes to sleep in bed with us at night versus the nice bed we made for him on the floor. He is trained to sit, shake, and lay down and loves to do his tricks for treats. And he has been very affectionate by giving us kisses to show his appreciation. He has been trustworthy while we are at work and doesn’t need to be crated or gated off. So far, he has been a pleasure to have around and an all-around good dog. "

Are you in search of your very own Scout??

You can learn more about Scout here. If interested in Scout or any of Pet Haven's adoptable pets, please contact dogs@pethavenmn.org.

Avalon School Drives Home the Need for Supplies for Homeless Dogs and Cats

Pet Haven would like to thank Avalon School in St. Paul for selecting Pet Haven as a recipient organization during their service week. Every year the kids at Avalon School decide on a service opportunity or area of focus for their annual week of service. This is the second year in a row that the students decided to help animals in need, and the second year that Pet Haven was included as part of their service work. Both this year and in 2009, the students held a supply drive for Pet Haven, requesting food, toys, and bedding materials. As you can see in the photo, they did a great job, and their efforts are very appreciated! This year they also participated in service events with a number of other animal rescue organizations, including with other members of Minnesota Partnership for Animal Welfare (www.MnPAW.org).

Thanks again to the students at Avalon for helping out!

Adopted Dog Update: Jack hits the jackpot!

We recently got an update on Jack who was adopted last fall. Jack truly hit the jackpot when he got adopted by his new family. He's got a two-legged brother and a four legged brother, Geordie (who was also adopted through Pet Haven) ... and Jack's family is also now fostering Herman. We are truly happy to have Jack's family as a part of the Pet Haven family!

"Since we got Jack last fall, as we've gotten to know him, we have felt increasingly honored and blessed to have found him. He is a dog of such kindness and dignity, so willing and game. We've watched, too, as his enthusiasm and interest increased as he became an active member of our family. He was rather quiet and a couch-sitter when we first got him. Now, while naps are still definitely good, he's happy to join in in whatever is up.


He is the shepherd of our family, keeping track of things, keeping watch over our son, Ian, and our dog Geordie, as well as the fosters we are gifted to have (Wayne and now Herman) but never being bossy or presumptuous. More and more he has gotten comfortable asking for affection and moaning in pleasure when we rub his shoulders, his face, his ears, his belly - he practically purrs when we pet him. He went with us on vacation because he is such a gentleman - quiet, listens to and follows instructions, a willing companion to our son in the back seat. He greets everybody with friendliness and warmth, but is rather stern with the squirrels who come on our deck. He makes his wishes known in the most courteous way - won't eat his food unless there's just the right amount of water on it but patiently waits until we get it right.


He has his own bed, but willingly shares it with any other dog who might want to tuck in with him. Doesn't feel shy about coming up on the bed for pets and snuggles before bed. He loves his long walks and capers about when he's invited to go outside and play. When Ian is playing in his sandbox, Jack goes over and lays down by him and at Jack's own request, sleeps in Ian's room on cushions on the floor. We feel so immensely privileged and happy to have Jack as a member of our family."

Senior Adopted Dog Monday

This is Sadie one of our senior dogs that went to her forever home last week. She looks pretty happy don't you think? Her new home was looking for another senior dog to add to their family. They already have Oscar a 10 year old border/collie mix.

Here is what Sadie's new mom had to say:
"Hi, I am Sadie's new "mom"!! Thanks to everyone for the kind words!
We joke that we are running a geriatric dog ward-we also have an almost 10 year old Bordie Collie Mix. Add 3 kids and hopefully Sadie will be enjoying herself!:)Thanks to Pet Haven and to Sadie's foster mom!!!:)"




"We are so happy to have Sadie! She is the sweetest! I think she is going to be one tired dog tonight after trying to keep up w/the kids!:)"






There are many benefits to adopting a senior dog. They are housetrained, do not chew things, settle in easily, sleep through the night, and require less activity. Pet Haven has several other senior dogs waiting for their turn at forever happiness. Click here to see what dogs are available.