Mr. Adaptable is Adoptable!

Captain is a rescue dog from Red Lake Rosie’s. His foster dad travels for work sometimes so he has stayed at 2 different “respite foster” houses. All three fosters that have had him say the same thing – he is a sweet, “easy,” and playful dog.

Captain, black and white, is shown on the right in this picture, a new friend and former Pet Haven dog, Ode, is the lighter colored guy on the left.

At one respite foster’s house, he would play nearly all day long with a resident dog and collapse into a deep sleep at night. At the other respite foster’s house, he was such a good play companion to one neighbor’s dog that she has started a campaign to have someone in the neighborhood adopt him! Clearly, Captain is good at making both human and canine friends!

Life at his foster dad’s house is much more sedate, but Captain seems content to spend his days sleeping and looking out the window for squirrels while waiting for his foster dad to come home from work.

Captain is an adaptable, loving, loyal and playful dog who should fit in with a variety of lifestyles and home situations. He will be attending the adoption events at the Richfield Petco every other Saturday (the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month). Stop by and say “Hi”!

Dottie - home at last

Dottie came to Pet Haven from a local impound. She was turned in as a stray.

Dottie is no longer a homeless lass but a dearly loved member of a family!

Dotty is at home with Tim and Holly who are working with her so she will earn her Therapy Dog Certification. First come the obedience classes to work through.

She can now 'high five' and 'sit pretty'! A smart girl who loves to please her owners.

She's a sweet lady who enjoys her classes but especially loves being a part of her family.

Time to watch a movie? Wonderful!

Time for classes? That's fun too!

We love to learn that the dogs and cats we rescue are valued members of their family with pictures and a little story! Knowing they are no longer roaming the streets is just one more bonus!

From all the volunteers and dogs and cats we've rescued and rehomed this year - Thank You!

In memory of Tigger

When Tigger was adopted in 1999 he had been called 'Flash' by Pet Haven. Soon the family discovered that he pounced at things just as Tigger does in Winnie the Pooh! What better name?

Here are some of the things Tigger's family remember about him:

Tigger loved to go for car rides, camping and walks. The day before he passed away, he was still able to withstand a small walk with his Dad. When he was much younger, he could run very fast and would chase those poor bunnies in our yard. He even caught a crow once.... That was an experience.

He greeted his human sister and brother with a big kiss across the face when they came home from the hospital after being born.

He was extremely spoiled not only by his family but he also had two special "Aunty's" who loved to dote on him Aunty Nancy and Aunty Lina.

Sadly, Tigger became ill this past September and then in November, he just went down hill from there. Tigger passed away November 19th, 2011

He made our family complete and we miss him terribly. However, we take comfort in knowing that he is free to run and chase those bunnies like he used to once again.

We are rich in the memories of our beloved companions and saddened when they die. Some day we hope to have another pet to get to know, love and create new memories with.

TWO Adoption locations and SANTA!

On Saturday, 12/17 from 11- 1 p.m. Santa and the medium and large dogs will be at the PetCo in Richfield at 66th and Lyndale Ave. S from 11-1 p.m.

Stop by and have your pet's photo taken with Santa!

Proceeds go to Pet Haven and another group.

Who will be attending?

Kimi

Captain

Tipper

Socks

Stormy

Poco

Buddy

Bailey

And then there are the small dogs - in attendance at Chuck and Don's near Lake Calhoun! Who will be in attendance there?

Charlie -

Gigi

Max - who's cute?

Russell

Definitely the 'lookers' will be happy with the cuteness there.

Ready to adopt?

For yourself or for a friend or relative?

What are you looking for?

Full of energy

Laid back

Good with another dog

Want an only dog

Attentive companion

Big, medium, large

Younger - older

The holidays are a challenging time to add a new companion animal family member.

Will you be traveling? Will you have company with many people in and out the door who are not used to watching for a dog who might be interested in what IS outside? Are you getting together with friends frequently? Who will exercise the dog? Will it go to doggie daycare? How many hours do you work? When will you have time to schedule and attend an obedience class? Who will let the dog out to do its job if you are gone 8-10 or more hours a day?

Want to surprise someone with a new pet?

Purchase items every dog will need - a leash, a collar, a bed, a few toys, a certificate to an obedience class. Wrap these items and give them to the person you intend to gift - what fun! You can go along as they check out the website and visit other rescues and humane societies looking for that perfect dog! When the right one is found, you can pay the adoption fee!

Happy holidays!

Puppies, puppies!

Tipper and Bruno - having a snooze! Boots and Socks are siblings - all ready for adoption.

Looking for a companion who will help you remember the rich joy of looking forward to snow, for someone who loves to play like a goof ball and then collapse in a heap of loose skin and need a nap? Puppy breath?

Someone to snuggle with?

Someone to get you out of the house this season for walks and visits to the dog park?

Someone to bond with by taking obedience classes? Your pup or adult dog will help you learn all the best tricks and treats - for handling your canine so it is a good citizen, polite on greeting guests, by being well-mannered?

You, your puppy or adult dog will be come better friends, learn about each other's quirks and become best friends in obedience classes.

Everyone learns new things at these classes - not just the dog!

These puppies were born in Sept. 2011, part of an unwanted litter. They came to Pet Haven from another shelter in order to speed their chances for adoptions. They are vetted and have been neutered and microchipped, are crate trained and working on house training and are learning sit, come and stay.

Well socialized, lots of fun! Waiting for a forever home - check out our website to see other dogs and cats waiting adoption.

Adoption, Sat. Dec. 3, 11-1 p.m.

Two locations!

Small dog adoption will be at the Chuck and Don's in Wayzata.

Attending:

Charlie - he's a looker!

Gigi - little rat terrier - cute as a bug

Max - not confirmed at this point

Bella - not attending, check out her bio and put in an application to see her in her foster home

Russ - new best buddy - a cat!

Medium and large dog adoption, PetCo Richfield at 66th and Lyndale Ave. S

Lots attending, puppies too!

Fresno

Captain

Pups: Bruno, Tipper, Socks, Boots

Kimi

Poco

Bailey

Ash

Check out all adoptable dogs by clicking here.

Come early, stay late, check them out and get lots of doggie loving!

Matchmaking anyone?

One of the things that is nice about a foster home based group is that we can help you find a dog, or cat, that will fit into your life with known needs, quirks and expectations. You'll get a personality with few surprises and behaviors that you will know how to deal with. We can tell you about favorite spots to be patted and itched, favorite toys, signals to go outside and many more details.

Russ is one of those guys - he's been in one foster home for awhile and has moved to another one to broaden his experiences with other dogs, people and a cat!

S-h-h-h-h

Russ has been seen sleeping in a dog bed with that cat! No pictures of this, unfortunately!

Russ also has new doggie 'foster brothers' and both of them are larger than Russ. He thought they might hurt him at first but has now decided they are good buds to have around.

Russ is an expert at keeping himself amused - he loves his toys. He'll find one or more and spend lots of time chewing one, tossing it in the air only to run after it and catch it again to play this game over and over. It's quite an amusing game to watch and one you'll enjoy.

By far Russ' favorite occupation (other than naps) is to be outside in the fenced yard. He doesn't seem to mind if it is cold or warm. He happily scampers around, checking out the smells, discovers what squirrels might have visited, lies in the grass and stretches out or runs around to get some exercise.

Life is good -

a foster family to love you

a dog or cat buddy who will sleep with you

toys - toys to snuggle up with but most often to play with

a cat! Who would have thought a cat could be so nice?

Now, Russ just hopes we can find the right forever home for him. One with a person or family to love him. A fenced yard to he can go out and explore. Toys. Perhaps a canine or feline friend.

Russ says he'll even let you give him a bath - if you insist - if he comes in a little grubby from playing in the yard! He hopes he'll get a treat or two after the process - for being such a trooper.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Here's wishing you and family and friends a get together for a special meal - everyone's idea of a feast is different. Maybe it is a vegan specialty, vegetarian chili, duck or deer that were recently gotten this fall, wild rice, green bean casserole, maybe even mac and cheese!

Our dogs would like to tell you some of the things they're thankful for too -

A filled food bowl is always good -

Maybe a kong with peanut butter in it -

A friendly person to get pats and tummy rubs from -

A warm spot to sleep, out of the cold and precipitation -

A walk or a good game of tug-of-war -

And, of course, a person or persons to love them.

When we foster, we make our foster dog or cat a part of our family. They are treated, not as a burden or someone taking up space, but as a part of the family. So they know they are at home now - we hope that their forever home is just around the corner - but for now, this is home and it is great!

Spread the word about our dogs, and cats, waiting for homes!

Happy Thanksgiving from some of our adoptable dogs -

Bella -

Kimi -

Fresno -

Russell -

Captain -

Gigi -

Max -

Adoption, Sat. Nov. 19, 11-1 p.m.

Two locations:

PetCo Richfield - Medium and large dogs

Chuck and Don's Calhoun - small dogs

The following dogs plan to attend:

Small:

Gigi - the cutest rattie

Max - a 'senior' Pekapoo who doesn't understand the word senior! He's in favor of lots of fun and long walks and a snuggle right next to you

Russ - Lhasa Mix - perfect companion for someone with a laid back life so you can check out the views from the deck together AND so he can run in the back yard

Medium and Large:

Kimono (Kimi) - learning more commands and loves to cuddle

Poco -

Buddy - he's a popular boy on petfinder!

Bailey -

Fresno - will be meeting a potential adopter

Captain - bright eyed and very cute

Happy Thanksgiving! Some of our pooches' fosters have prior engagements with family and are unable to attend the adoption!

Happy, waggin' Tail

Boomer wants to share the good news -

Life is great!

Walks with my owner!

Visits to doggie daycare!

Trips to the dog park to see my friends there!

Obedience classes! Hoping to be able to get my canine good citizen award so I can be a therapy dog!

Boomer and Anna are thrilled to have found each other - and Boomer also appreciates the fact that she believes he CAN be a lap fellow!

Give to the Max Day

We are all reminded on this 'set aside' day to Give to the Max!

Your contributions, to whichever non profits you support will truly make a difference. How much can you give?

I think on that website that you have to donate $10.00 - but really, any amount is a plus.

For Pet Haven it means helping those who cannot afford the surgeries a way to spay and neuter their loved pets so they can keep them and not continue to add to the overpopulation problem.

It means going the extra mile in the veterinarian care we provide for all of our fostered and adoptable animals. Some of them come in needing so much more that simply vaccinations and spay/neuter surgery.

For other groups your donations help feed a family, help with a bus token, with a rent deposit, with car repair.

We are truly fortunate to live in MN where there are so many people who wish to help and care for others less fortunate.

Thank you! Click here to make your contribution!

Max says THANK YOU too!

Adopt a Senior Dog month

Petfinder encourages us to highlight different companion animals in different months -

special needs perhaps or senior pets -

Why would you want a senior pet? How long will it live? How will it fit into my lifestyle?

Qualities to cherish -

More settled and predictable

Known likes and dislikes

Love and loyalty

Tried and true

A couple of the older dogs that Pet Haven has right now are Max and Russell. Both are charmers.

Max -

What eyes!

Look at that inquisitive face!

What about my funny teeth?

House and kennel trained if you wish to kennel during the daytime.

Great companion - He's going to dance when you come home, be anxious to go for a short walk or outside to do his job, play with toys with you, snuggle down to feel your loving touch whenever you'd like.

Russ is another of our older dogs.

He's fostered with a retired couple who have another dog.

He loves deck sitting (and running in the fenced yard) with whomever is sitting on the deck or puttering in the yard.

He's a shorty and doesn't get up on furniture, but he'll keep you company wherever you are in the house.

Russ has some arthritis in his back and gets some medications for that - who doesn't have a little arthritis as they get older?

Russ would prefer a home with no young children - maybe a home with one or two folks who have time to watch tv with him, get him out for short walks, who will enjoy his sparkling eyes and energetic spirit.

That's Russ on the left - ready to play fight with his house buddy.

He likes to play in the fresh snow.

Russ and Max came to Pet Haven because their former owner's could no longer keep them. Not enough time? Change or loss of job? Foreclosure?

Both of these boys hope that someone will chose him for their home.

Perhaps a senior pet will live another 4-6 years.

Perhaps, if you think about it, that is just the right time commitment for you to make.

Everyone's lives change - moves, job and schedule change, retirement, parents to assist as they age.

Not all of us are able to make a commitment to a young dog who will be with them for 14-18 years.

Let's take a fresh look at these senior pets with wide open eyes and see all they have to offer -

You will be the most important person in their life. Who wouldn't like to have the kind of companion to come home to?

Adoption Day - 2 locations

Small dogs - Chuck and Don's in Wayzata, 11-1 p.m.

Medium/large dogs - PetCo Richfield 11-1 p.m.

It will be a day full of doggy smiles, tail wags and kisses! Stop by and share in the fun, meet your next best friend!

Chocolate!

Somehow it seems appropriate if we talk about Chocolate on Halloween!

Buddy is a chocolate lab, looking for a home!

He listens to commands and obeys then, isn't going to get up on the bed or couch uninvited, and is willing to ignore 'people' food.

This was inadvertently tested one day when the foster was eating a bagel, left it on the coffee table to go do something and forgot all about it! Hurrying back to the room she found Buddy still there and the bagel - untouched by doggy tongue, just waiting for her to finish.

Buddy has been with cats and does fine with them.

He loves to run and play and would enjoy someone who liked to run daily and who would take him along - unless it is too hot, of course.

He also is good off-leash at the dog park and sticks close by. Bud enjoys other dogs too. And hanging with his owners, getting lots of scritches and helping you nap!

Buddy says he's good at almost everything in his life - except where is that forever home? Hoping to see those folks coming around the corner soon -

Sat. Oct. 29

Will you be getting your pumpkin? planning the best face for it and your costume?

Pet Haven dogs have a VERY busy Sat. and then will put all 4 feet up on Sunday for a well-deserved day of rest!

Adoption: Sat. Oct. 29 , 11-1 p.m.

PetCo Richfield 66th and Lyndale Ave. S.

All sizes of dogs in one location, all looking for their forever homes.

Captain

Gigi, rat terrier

Bella, rat terrier

and others will be in attendance Sat. a.m.

Stop by for the occasion and wish all the participants (canine!) well as they strut their stuff that evening at our prime fundraiser for the year!

Pet Haven Fall Benefit - Sat. Oct. 29, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

A time for us to brag about all of our donors, all of our grant recipients, all of our volunteers and dogs and cats!

Hotel Sofitel in Bloomington.

Can't stop in for the whole evening? Come by 7:30 or shortly after and still have time to place a bid on one of many, varied baskets which will help us raise funds.

Learn more about our Spay Neuter Initiative grants and the remarkable work they do, make a donation to Pet Haven and specify to a particular portion of the budget if you wish; such as spay/neuter, health care, extraordinary care, etc.

Pet Haven strives to educate, work collaboratively to better the animals in our community.

Watch the style show! Best costumed dogs and cats in the Twin Cities, thanks to Lulu and Luigi's!

It's a fun evening and a wonderful close to a busy, busy day.

Bella - busy, lover, task oriented!

Bella

What does Bella like to do?

Play -

Jump -

Find just the right toy for the moment -

Snuggle -

Get treats -

All of the above and a few more besides!

Bella has lots of personality and energy. She loves having a job to do and being rewarded with a treat when she does it right.

At just 11 pounds, Bella is a little thing but her personality more than makes up for her petite size.

Bella has a fenced yard and enjoys romping but really loves to go for walks with you every day too. If it gets too cold a good game of tug-o-war is a substitute.

Do you have neighbors who love to meet and treat your dog? Bella knows just whose doorbell to ring to find the best treaters!

Bella is a wonderful dog for the experienced owner who wants a great companion who will cuddle and be involved in keeping Bella challenged with games and treats.

She can amuse herself and loves to interact with you so you get the best of both worlds. She's fine being left alone in her kennel during the daytime and anxious for a trip outside when you get home, dinner and a walk, house-toy games or people time.

Inquiring minds want to know!

Where do Pet Haven dogs come from?

One of the most frequently asked questions for the dog division is, "Where do you get your dogs from?"

There are several animal welfare organizations that we hear from regularly.

Some in the Twin Cities area.

Some in Minnesota.

A few that may be out of MN.

As a MnPAW partner, we are also asked to help other organizations in that group and the Animal Humane Society in rehoming dogs taken in under their care. Because Pet Haven is a limited admission shelter we can only bring in dogs (or cats) when we have foster home space available.

Pets Under Police Security (PUPS)

This is one of the impounds that contacts us. It is located in Maple Grove, and serves as animal control for Maple Grove, Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, Champlin, Crystal, New Hope and Plymouth.

Fresno came from PUPS

Red Lake Rosie's Rescue (RLRR)

RLRR rescue is located on the Red Lake Indian Reservation and works to rescue dogs and cats from abandonment, surrender, impound facilities and strays. As with many rescued pets, previous health care may have been sketchy to non-existent and they may need longer term care to recover and be ready for a new home.

Captain came from RLRR

People for Pets

This group is an open admission shelter in rural IA. As with dogs and cats here in this area, the economy has impacted whether owners can give consistent care and keep their animals. Arrival in a more metropolitan area helps them to have a better chance at adoption.

Gigi came from People for Pets

Once a Pet Haven dog (or cat) always a Pet Haven dog

Pet Haven stands behind the adoptions of dogs previously placed through Pet Haven. Pet Haven works with an owner to take back a former Pet Haven alum or will help the re-homing process.

This Gigi was placed through Pet Haven when she was a young lady. She has been returned and hopes to find a retirement home now that she is a little older - one that will take her for walks, car rides and opportunities to be with her family which is what she loves best!

It takes a village to raise a child. It also takes a village to home and re home dogs and cats. Many people with different points of view come together to help make the world a better place for those we can take into our care.

Thank YOU!

You make this possible through publicity, volunteer work, adopting, outreach, fund raising and donations.