Smokey and Teddy - update

These two pups were found roaming the streets of South Dakota... they were rescued by some kind souls who then got in touch with Pet Haven. A relay of volunteers assisted in bringing them to Minnesota where they are being cared for by fosters Mary and Tino (who, by the way, did a great job fostering 3 of the 5 black lab pups found by a dumpster in rural Iowa!). Here's an update from foster parents:

"We are having a lot of fun in the backyard. Smokey and Teddy love to chase the ball, get sticks out of the woodpile and wrestle in the grass. They had doggy ice cream for the first time and got it all over their faces and nose. Then the containers were shredded and strewn about the yard as they tried to get every last drop. Giving them a bath turned out to be quite a challenge but not how you might be thinking. Both Teddy and Smokey were very cooperative and made little effort to get away. The problem was their coats. It actually repels water. Pour a cup of water on them and it literally slides off their fur. We really had to work to get them wet. I also noticed they have webbed paws. This is obviously a dog meant for swimming. These pups love the wading pool and jump and play in it all day. They are very easy going and haven't even attempted to dig in my garden (unlike my own dogs). They play with toys but don't destroy them. Their only "bad" habit is chewing on shoes. They love my flip flops, especially the pair with beads on it.

Smokey and Teddy are both real cuddlers. They love to lay in your lap and snuggle. We don't have to kennel them at night. They sleep on the dog bed with our other dogs and stay all night. They stay out in the yard with our other dogs with no problems. Teddy and Smokey pretty much ignore the cats. Smokey did attempt to wrestle with one of our cats but Wiley didn't cooperate. Oliver the guinea pig really gets their interest. Both puppies like to stick their noses in his cage. One of the cutest things is both Smokey and Teddy wag their tails while they eat. I think they are happy and grateful to be getting steady meals."

Teddy - angels have been watching over him...

Teddy came to us from an impound in south St. Paul. He had survived a couple stays of executions because the staff just fell in love with him. He was found in an abandoned car and our vet has indicated he has ataxia (he has some incoordination of muscle movements). He will definitely win your heart as he walks in his cute, clumsy way :)

Many thanks to Chelsie, our intake volunteer who fought on his behalf to make sure his life was spared and that he got a second chance!

Dog adoption photos - 7/5/08

Even though it was a holiday weekend it certainly didn't stop folks from stopping by to check out our dogs. The following dogs are just a few of our adoptable dogs: (Baylee - yellow lab; Jake - black and white spaniel mix; Hazel - white and tan "pocket pit"; Smokey and Teddy - lab/shepherd puppies; Mollie - black lab/border collie mix).

For more info, visit our website at www.pethavenmn.org or email dogs@pethavenmn.org.

Chops enamors his foster from day one

Chops arrived into Pet Haven's foster program with his sibling Chewy. They were both loved dearly and very well cared for by their previous owners. For reasons beyond their control they had to surrender their beloved pets. Chops is around 2-3 years old and is blind, or almost blind. We are going to have him checked out by an eye specialist to determine if there is anything that can be done for this sweet old guy. He appears, however, to have figured out how to get around without sight. Animals are amazing at how they adapt.

His foster mom, who is, in her words, "absolutely enamored with him" has the following to say about Chops:

"...Very VERY smart dog and adapts wonderfully. Like his previous owners said he is timid around doorways and I'm pretty sure he can see light/dark because in shadowy areas and change of texture under his paws, he pauses. It's so odd too because on the way home he was "looking out the window" and he'll sit on the back of my couch looking out the window and out on the patio looking down."

Chewy - in days has won the heart of his foster!

We just took Chewy into our foster program and here's what his foster mom says:

"What a sweetheart! I can already tell that Chewy is a great dog, Dan has fallen in love. Chewy is still not getting along with the cats, so as of now I don't think I would recommend that he be placed with cat(s), but he seems fine with other dogs. He loves going outside for walks or just to hang out. He is also very playful. He loves to be brushed and pet and really lights up when he goes outside.

We have been going to Lake Calhoun the past few days and he has been amazing. Chewy doesn't bark at the other dogs or people, he walks next to you ( occasionally pulls you). I got so many great comments from people saying how cute he is."

If you're interested in learning more about Chewy email dogs@pethavenmn.org. He'll be up on our website soon!

Smokey and Teddy - new puppies

This past weekend we took in 2 black lab mixes (not sure yet what they are mixed with!). They are around 8 weeks old .. both males (Smokey and Teddy!). Here's what foster mom Mary says about them: "These are the most mellow, easy going puppies ever and they love belly scratches. They slept all night long and have been enjoying the wading pool today."

Stay tuned for updates on these sweet boys. If you are interested in learning more about these pups email dogs@pethavenmn.org. They won't be at our upcoming adoption event this Saturday as they aren't quite ready to be adopted yet... but soon :)

Raising money by washing dogs!

Many thanks to the employees of MARS Petcare for taking a couple hours off on Friday, 6/27 to wash dogs and help raise money for homeless dogs and cats! Many thanks to Downtown Dogs for allowing us to have the event at their location. Despite the rain we had dogs come out to get washed... and for those that were dropping off their dogs at doggie daycare, and heading to work... well, even though they couldn't get their dog washed they still made a donation.

In two hours, we raised $242! Thanks again to MARS Pet and Downtown Dogs for your support!

To view more photos, visit: www.halflightphoto.com/pethaven