Adopted Dog Monday!

We had a busy adoption day on Saturday.


Hailey's delighted to be in her forever home with her Basset Hound/Springer Spaniel sister, Molly. The two hounds will share a fenced yard and two nice parents.  Hailey came to us from the Animal Humane Society in Golden Valley.  She could not be placed through them because she had a history of nipping at small children, but we were able to place her with a couple without young kids.

Our lovely Shepherd mix from Red Lake, Daisy, found a new home. She'll be living with a young Irish Wolfhound.  Her doting dad enjoys visiting area dog parks, so Daisy is sure to have a fun, busy life.  She's a calm and beautiful dog who has many friends and admirers at Pet Haven.  Thank you to Karen Good at Red Lake Rosie's Rescue for giving this girl a second chance.

Mac Daddy is happily at home with another small Poodle mix, Pickles.  The two dogs met and played together beautifully at the Petco adoption event and are looking forward to many eventful days ahead.  Pickles has his own Facebook page, co-authorized by his mom, so we're thinking that perhaps Mac Daddy will have one, too.  Mac Daddy was a stray picked up by Minneapolis Animal Control and taken to Camden Animal Hospital for treatment of a broken leg. The leg healed and he found rescue with us.

Dakota was returned to Pet Haven recently because of changes in his owner's life. Dakota spent a few days in foster care and went home with his new forever family after the adoption event.  He's the perfect 'family dog' and will have two young boys to love in his new home.

"I will never do that!"

Most people who work in animal rescue have said, at one time or another, "I would never give my dog (or cat) up!"  Options like living in a car; begging, borrowing or stealing; or the flexible, "I'd do absolutely anything" are frequently mentioned.  There is a kind of snobbery amongst Those Who Rescue against Those Who Surrender, a feeling that if people truly loved their pets, they would not give them up.

The realities of life are not so easy, not so clear-cut.  The fact is that sometimes very good, very caring people are faced with situations that make it impossible or unkind for them to keep a beloved animal companion.  Many of these people, if asked when life was flowing along smoothly, would have told you the same things that the rescue people so confidently speak.

We recently took a Pet Haven dog back. Dakota was adopted five years ago.  Dakota's guardian loves him dearly, but some significant and difficult changes in his life meant that Dakota was spending twelve or more hours a day all alone while the man worked.  The man came home each night to a dog who was so happy to see him that it somewhat assuaged his guilt for the long, lonely hours beautiful Dakota had just spent waiting for him.

Eventually, the man made the painful decision that Dakota needed more in his life, that it would be selfish to keep his beloved companion for those few short moments they spent together each day.  The conversations between the man and Ann, our Intake Coordinator, were heart-wrenching.   The day Dakota was dropped off, he left some of his own shirts so Dakota would have the scent of home, of his person with him as he moved into his new life.  

It is hard to imagine having to do what Dakota's owner did this week.  But it is not unimaginable.  Not anymore.  One of our Dog Division volunteers said in an email that "After reflecting upon why (Dakota's story)  has so touched me, I guess it is because this could be me."  It could be any of us. Even those of us who say we would take drastic measures to keep our animal friends with us.


Dakota's dad acted out of love for this happy, friendly dog.   Dakota has adapted easily to his foster home  and he already has a lovely family coming to meet him at our adoption event on Saturday, so his journey into a new life will probably be a quick one.  


Pet Haven's lifetime commitment to its dogs and cats provides a safety net for all who come through our program.  The story of Dakota and his dad will stay in our hearts for a long time, and remind us that "never" can creep up on any of us, even as we deny that sad possibility. 

Adopted Dog Monday!

Oh wow, we have a lot to celebrate today!

Dakota, a mid-aged husky mix was adopted by her fosters. Dakota has/had some pretty serious dog-dog aggression issues and Ed and Edith have worked very hard with her over the many months. They have made tremendous progress and hope that next year Dakota will be able to handle having a foster dog in their home. Congratulations, Dakota!

Missy, a black lab mix, has been patiently waiting for her new mom to get settled in a new place so that she could finally go home. That day has come and the adoption is final. Congratulations, Missy!





Clyde was returned to PH after a short adoption last month when he did not get along with the resident dog (not Clyde's fault). He moved to a new foster home, where it just so happens that one of the neighbors had been following Clyde on Petfinder. They ran into Clyde and his fosters on a walk and the rest, as they say, is history. Congratulations, Clyde!



Decey, a hound mix, has been officially adopted by his foster-with-intent family after spending several weeks settling into his new digs. Congratulations, Decey!





Abbie, a black lab mix, had a couple of interested parties come to meet her at our adoption event on Saturday. She picked a young couple to claim as her very own and enjoyed her first adopted dog shopping trip at Petco before they headed out on Saturday. Congratulations, Abbie!




Baxter, a maltese, has had a lot of interest during his short time in foster care and this weekend he went home with a wonderful new family. Congratulations, Baxter!





Louie, a three-legged sheltie mix, was adopted this weekend. His new mom has had her eye on him for a couple of weeks. Congratulations, Louie!






Eli, a Jack Russell Terrier, has been in foster care of over a year. He's a timid guy with a multitude of behavior quirks, but his foster has stuck with him and he has made tremendous progress. Of course, after bonding with Eli and helping him to come so far there was no way that she could let him go, so Eli has been officially adopted by his foster mom. Congratulations, Eli!



Maisey, a beagle, was adopted by a PH volunteer. He was helping out at an adoption event handling a different foster dog when he fell in love with little Maisey. Her new dad works from home and she has a brother to play with. Congratulations, Maisey!

Dakota: Looking for a monogamous relationship

Dakota is looking for a family that is willing to exclusive with her. She doesn't want to share her people with other dogs (or cats). Other dogs, frankly, scare the heck out of her and she's learned that if she barks and lunges and carries on that she can scare them too and they leave her alone. This is a big success in Dakota's mind! Dakota and her fosters are attending a dog-dog socialization class at The Canine Coach where Dakota is learning that not all dogs are scary.

The dog park is not going to be Dakota's idea of a good time, but playing fetch -- and catch -- in the backyard definitely is. Check out her moves from her photo shoot with Sarah. She was leaping all over the place catching frisbee. Saying that a dog "doesn't like other dogs" can throw up a lot of red flags for potential adopters, but there are a lot of families out there who just don't "do" the dog park and doggy playdates -- not because their dog wouldn't enjoy it, but because it just doesn't work in their schedule for whatever reason. The dog park is too far away, it's easier to talk a walk out the front door than get in the car and drive to the dog park, you love your own dog, but several dogs racing around you is not your idea of a good time, you don't know anyone else with a friendly dog to play with, etc. Whatever the reason -- just keep in mind that there are a lot of dogs that live full, happy lives without other dog friends. Dakota would prefer to be a loner when it comes to dogs, and that's OK.

Dakota doesn't attend our adoption events, but she would love to meet you one-on-one where she can really show off her sweet personality. If you're interested in meeting Dakota, please email pethavendogs@yahoo.com.




Photos courtesy of Sarah Beth Photography.

*********

Pet Haven has declared February as Black Dog and Cat Month. All month long we will be featuring our adoptable black dogs on the dog blog. We will also be working to educate people about "Black Dog Syndrome" and encourage everyone to take a 2nd look at black dogs when they are considering adoption.

Spread the word - special black dog adoption event!

Pet Haven currently has 16 large black dogs and one small black dog in foster care right now. In an effort to highlight our black beauties, we will be having a special black-dog-only adoption event on January 31st and we are making February Black Dog and Cat Adoption Month!!

Please spread the word that our black dogs will be meeting and greeting their adoring fans at the Richfield Petco from 10am to noon on Saturday, January 31st.

These are the black dogs currently in Pet Haven care. If someone strikes your fancy, don't wait until the 31st -- email pethavendogs@yahoo.com today to learn more about them.

Midnight is a 4-5 year old male black lab who was going to be put to sleep when his family could not afford the surgery to repair a torn ACL. Pet Haven stepped in and saved his life and it could not have happened to a nicer boy. Midnight is a love bug who is good with all the dogs, cats and kids in his foster home where he is recovering from surgery.




Missy is a 1.5 year old lab who came to us through an Iowa animal control facility. She was dumped at the home of a good samaritan. Missy is good with other dogs and very sweet with cats. She is also housetrained and crate-trained. All the hard stuff has been done, but she would still benefit from a basic obedience course.







Sweetie is a 2.5 year old lab mix who would love to find a home where she can be your one and only dog. She does get along with other dogs, but at home she would prefer to have all the attention for herself. She loves to play fetch, but she is also happy to settle down and snuggle up. She's a people-lover who is looking for some new people to love.




Kix is a 4 month old shepherd mix boy who came to us via Red Lake Rosie's Rescue in November. He came in with his littermates, Ozzy and Sierra who have since been adopted. Kix is the only one remaining. They appear to be shepherd mixes, but they are small puppies -- so whatever their mix, they have something small in there!





Ruby is a a black lab mix that we are estimating to be around 1 year old. She came to us from an animal control facility in Iowa, so we don't have a lot of background on her. Ruby is very sweet and shares her foster home with a husky sister. She can easily jump a 4' fence so she needs a 6' fence or a home where she will be taken out on leash.




Frankie is a 3 month old black lab mix. He was picked up running loose along with his littermates in northern Minnesota just before Thanksgiving. He came to use through Red Lake Rosie's Rescue along with his brother Forest (and Fletcher, who has been adopted).





Forest is a 3 month old black lab mix. He was picked up running loose along with his littermates in northern Minnesota just before Thanksgiving. He came to use through Red Lake Rosie's Rescue along with his brother Frankie (and Fletcher, who has been adopted).






Lacy is a 6 year old female Rottweiler mix. She has been through the Pet Haven program before and was returned this fall when her adoptive home did not work out. Once a Pet Haven dog, always a Pet Haven dog! Lacy believes that 84 lbs is not too big to be a lap dog! She would love an adoptive home where she can be the center of your attention.







Garth is a 5 year old male lab mix. He came to use from a shelter in Iowa. Garth is a rough and tumble player who enjoys the company of other dogs, but might not be the best match for an older dog who does not enjoy rough housing quite as much as Garth does.




Foster is a 10 month old male lab mix. He came to us from a shelter in Iowa. He's a big boy and we are thinking that he might be mixed with Newfoundland. Foster has a happy go lucky personality who would fit into almost any adoptive home willing to give him the attention and exercise that a puppy needs.




Komo (aka Dutch) is a 9 month old male lab mix. He came to use from a shelter in Iowa. He LOVES to play with other dogs and would love a doggy playmate in his adoptive home.










Dakota is a 7 year old female husky/shepherd mix. Dakota was an owner surrender. She is very smart and a star pupil in obedience. She has a tendency to get nervous around other dogs, but she could share her home with the right dog companion. Being a typical husky, she does need a secure fence.






Suzy is a 2 year old female collie/lab mix. She came to us from a shelter in rural Iowa. Suzy is house trained and crate trained and is used to being left alone for a full work day. At only 2 she is young and energetic and is looking for an active family to run and play with!





Daisy is a 2 year old female lab. She is shy as a result of an abusive background, but once she warms up to you she is an engaging, entertaining snuggler. Daisy is looking for a forever home without kids because their unpredictability makes her nervous.





Bailey is a 4 year old female springer spaniel/lab mix. She is an owner surrender due to divorce. Bailey loves to play fetch and is looking for an adoptive family with a good throwing arm.






Andy is a 2 year old male shepherd mix. Andy came to us from a shelter in Iowa. He was a bit of a wild child when he came into foster care, but after a few weeks of consistent boundaries, training and exercise he is a dream dog!





And one little guy!...

Bentley is a 4-5 year old poodle/pomeranian mix. His previous owner was not able to keep up with his energy needs so he came to Pet Haven to look for a new home. Bentley is a tennis ball FREAK and despite his small size he can fit a regular sized ball in his mouth. He loves to play fetch and just carry a ball around. He would love to find a forever family to toss the ball for him.

Dakota: Beauty, brains and brawn

Dakota is a gorgeous 7 year old husky/lab/heeler? mix who has been in Pet Haven care for several months. She is enjoying her time in foster care and patiently waiting for the right family to come along who will appreciate all she has to offer.

Dakota is smart as a whip. She is very industrious when it comes to finding ways to amuse herself when she is left alone with free roam of the house. She enjoys prosciutto, peanut butter, rugs and couch skirts. The good news is that she is fine hanging out in a kennel during the day where her creativity can be curtailed. She has, however, proven to be totally trustworthy when left alone in the car -- and she loves to ride along on errands! She would also love to put her mind to work tracking down treats hidden through out the house (intentionally hidden, mental stimulation games for Dakota!).

As you can see from her photo, she is also very athletic and she loves to leap through the air to catch her toys mid-flight. She likes to play fetch and throwing a ball is a great alternative to a long walk on those cold winter days when it's just too cold out (for people - huskies think the below freezing temps are just right!).

After a hard day of play Dakota loves nothing more than to snuggle up on the couch or in bed with her favorite person. When her foster dad wakes up in the morning, Dakota is right there to steal his spot and hit the snooze button with her foster mom. Reduce your heating bills -- adopt Dakota!

If you would like to learn more about Dakota, please email pethavendogs@yahoo.com.

Big Black Dogs

Pet Haven has quite a few big black dogs right now. Black dogs are often overlooked for reasons which are hard for those of us who know these fabulous big black dogs to understand. And so, we present the top 10 reasons to adopt a big black dog:

Top Ten Reasons to Adopt a Black Dog (source)
#10: We cannot clash with your furniture or clothing (and some of you actually worry about that).
#9: We cannot clash with any collar you might choose either! Ditto for the bandanas. Accessorize us!
#8: Ease of vacuuming! You can quickly spot the areas of most urgent need.
#7: We hide the dirt well (doesn't mean we don't need that bath after a messy play but guests won't be able to see it so quickly).
#6: We make an excellent "backdrop" for a second lighter colored dog (if you choose to have one).
#5: Availability!!! We are available now at every shelter or rescue you can imagine, in every age bracket with no long waiting lists or difficult search.
#4: No annoying queries of "exactly what kind of dog is that anyhow?" People are content with "big black dog" and don't ask anymore questions.
#3: EXCELLENT night walk protection. The "bad guy" won't see us till its too late!
#2: Status symbol potential. Black pearls are the most costly you know......
#1: WE NEED YOU!

Are you convinced?
Here are the Pet Haven big black dogs currently in foster care:

Wilma is a 1 year old female black lab mix. She came to us from a shelter in rural Iowa. She is totally house trained and good in the house. She is enjoying the company of the resident dog in her foster home and is an "easy keeper." Wilma is just looking for someone to take her home and love her up.




Lacy is a 6 year old female Rottweiler mix. She has been through the Pet Haven program before and was returned this fall when her adoptive home did not work out. Once a Pet Haven dog, always a Pet Haven dog! Lacy believes that 84 lbs is not too big to be a lap dog! She would love an adoptive home where she can be the center of your attention.







Garth [no photo available yet!] is a 5 year old male lab mix. He came to use from a shelter in Iowa. Garth is a rough and tumble player who enjoys the company of other dogs, but might not be the best match for an older dog who does not enjoy rough housing quite as much as Garth does.


Foster is a 10 month old male lab mix. He came to us from a shelter in Iowa. He's a big boy and we are thinking that he might be mixed with Newfoundland. Foster has a happy go lucky personality who would fit into almost any adoptive home willing to give him the attention and exercise that a puppy needs.




Komo (aka Dutch) is a 9 month old male lab mix. He came to use from a shelter in Iowa. He LOVES to play with other dogs and would love a doggy playmate in his adoptive home.










Dakota is a 7 year old female husky/shepherd mix. Dakota was an owner surrender. She is very smart and a star pupil in obedience. She has a tendency to get nervous around other dogs, but she could share her home with the right dog companion. Being a typical husky, she does need a secure fence.






Suzy is a 2 year old female collie/lab mix. She came to us from a shelter in rural Iowa. Suzy is house trained and crate trained and is used to being left alone for a full work day. At only 2 she is young and energetic and is looking for an active family to run and play with!





Daisy is a 2 year old female lab. She is shy as a result of an abusive background, but once she warms up to you she is an engaging, entertaining snuggler. Daisy is looking for a forever home without kids because their unpredictability makes her nervous.





Bailey is a 4 year old female springer spaniel/lab mix. She is an owner surrender due to divorce. Bailey loves to play fetch and is looking for an adoptive family with a good throwing arm.






Andy is a 2 year old male shepherd mix. Andy came to us from a shelter in Iowa. He was a bit of a wild child when he came into foster care, but after a few weeks of consistent boundaries, training and exercise he is a dream dog!





If you are interested in learning more about any of these fabulous dogs, email pethavendogs@yahoo.com.