Dog Adoption event this Saturday, 7/19

Be sure to stop by the Richfield Petco this Saturday between 10 and Noon. Hazel (pocket pit), Baylee (yellow lab mix), Hank (beagle) and Smokey (lab mix puppy )are just a few of our dogs who will be there!

If you or anyone you know are considering adding a furry friend to your family, don't miss the opportunity to stop by and get lots of slobbery kisses.

Smokey and Teddy - update on puppies

Here's an update from Smokey and Teddy's foster family: "Smokey is the bigger puppy (14lbs) and is a bit more dominant. He will eat all the dog food and leave none for Teddy if we let him. He loves running with our dogs and joins in the chasing games. He is also loves chasing balls and we are working on bringing them back each time. Oh, he plays in the wading pool by himself jumping and splashing. Yesterday I was filling the wading pool with fresh water and Smokey kept biting the water, getting his face soaking wet. It was hilarious.

Teddy (11 lbs)likes to get sticks out of the woodpile and bring them to us. He also likes to explore in the garden. Teddy is a bit more of a cuddler and likes to lay on the couch and our bed when we let him. He is perfectly content to be held like a baby. He also prefers our lawn furniture to the actual lawn.

We have cats and the both dogs are fine around them. They like to watch the guinea pig in his cage. Our friend brought over his two year old daughter and they licked her face and played with her. They both love the company of people and will follow me from one end of our yard to the other, no matter what I am doing. They are also really good in the car and tend to sleep in the back seat.

Nothing really bothers them. They took no notice of the lawn mower and other garden equipment. They are fine around the bonfire and fireworks. Unfortunately they love to play in the firepit amongst all the charred wood and ash; good thing they are black! They both get a little scared if you run toward them but I guess I would too if someone ten times my size ran at me. Smokey runs to me every time I come outside but Teddy is more timid and won't (yet-I'm working on it). He won't come when you call him either unless all the dogs are running towards me. I think both these pups are great but whatever happened in their past has made Teddy a bit shy of people. I'm sure that can be cured with lots of love and attention.

They are not crate trained and Smokey hated being in one even for a short time. He howled the entire time until I got him out. They will sleep through the night and "hold it" until they get outside but I would not call them housebroken."

Lola and Baylee - more ice cream please??

Lola and Baylee are two of our adult dogs waiting for someone to sweep them off their paws. They may not be puppies but they are both young at heart, and spirit, AND after looking at those adorable faces, don't you just want to saunter down to your local ice cream store with Lola or Baylee walking nicely by your side? They will fit so nicely into your home, if you would only give them a chance. They also assure you they are a LOT less work than puppies!!

For more info, email dogs@pethavenmn.org. They both should also be at our next adoption event on Saturday, 7/19 at the Richfield Petco from 10 - Noon.

Mollie - extremely smart lab/border collie

Some people say Mollie has lots of strikes against her: she's a big black dog (to learn more about the plight that affects big black dogs visit www.startseeingblackdogs.com) and she's got lots of energy! Personally, we think black is the best color because it goes with all colors! Black is also all colors. As for that energy, she could be your ticket back to getting in shape. She'd make a great running buddy and after completing Obedience I through Canine Coach, the trainer said she is "super smart."

So what are you waiting for? Shoot us an email and let us know you'd like to meet this sweet girl (dogs@pethavenmn.org).

One more thing... if you want to help get the word out about how beautiful big black dogs are, join the Black Dog Walking Group. The next walk is this Sunday. For more info, visit http://www.startseeingblackdogs.com/pblog/index.php.

URGENT: Fosters Needed

The increase in home foreclosures has resulted in a greater number of dogs needing homes. We need more fosters to help bring these animals in.

Our animal adoption program allows us to rescue and re-home cats and dogs. We do not have a shelter – all of our rescued animals are placed in foster homes until we are able to find a forever home.

We pay all veterinary costs and provide food and needed supplies.

If you would like to learn more about fostering visit http://www.pethavenmn.org/feature/dog-foster.php or email volunteer@pethavenmn.org

Bishop goes camping!

An update from Bishop's foster mom:

"Bishop is doing superb. I would consider him fully house broken; no "accidents" in over 3 weeks. I'm happy to say we've added a great deal to his life experience, and he's done great with all of them (except when I took him for a run: he's not quite there yet.) He went canoeing with us a few weeks ago. He sat in the bow of the canoe for two days, and despite his abundant curiosity was pretty calm for all of it. He doesn't seem to have a prey drive (maybe he's too young?); the numerous deer we saw barely phased him. He gets along great with other dogs, even if they get frustrated by his constant desire to play.

We continue to crate him when we're not at home, due to his ongoing desire to chew things. As long as he has a bone to chew on he does pretty good, as long as our resident dog doesn't steal it from him. Even then he doesn't destroy things, but given too much time without supervision he might. He's doing better on a leash, but he will need someone to continue to work on leash training.

I think he has "sit" down pretty good, we're working on "shake". He sleeps through the night on the floor by our bed. Most of all, he is such a lover. I've never had a pit bull or pit bull mix before, and I was a bit nervous, but this dog has reiterated to me that bad dogs don't just happen. So I would say to anyone who might write this guy off because of his breed, please think again. Pit bulls and pit mixes need some good people to champion their cause right now, and show the world that their bad reputation was forced up on them by people who have raised them to be mean. This is your chance to raise a pit bull to be the lover that all dogs are capable of being."

Tanner and Austin - 2 new pups

We recently took in Tanner and Austin. We're not sure exactly what breed they are but suspect some type of terrier mix. Here's an update from foster mom:

"Both boys are very friendly and have done great with kids and other dogs.
They are both smart, energetic, playful pups and play quite rough with each
other. They are social and will follow you wherever you go. The potty
training is coming along nicely- only a few accidents indoors. They are
sleeping in a crate together all night (8 hours) without waking or pottying
in the crate. From the crate straight outside to the grass and find a spot.

They have different personalities: Tanner has gone to the crate to sleep and is fine going in when he's tired. He is independent, confident and yet cautious about jumping and climbing. He likes chasing balls and is strong willed. Austin loves to snuggle in your lap and prefers sleeping close. He does better in the crate when Tanner is in first. He rolls over for tummy rubs a lot.

Both are typical puppies and are doing well in family life. They will need
lots of activity and interaction, and will likely get bored quickly without
it."

Their foster mom is going to be out of town from the 13th - 18th. If you are willing and able to foster these sweet boys in that time period, email volunteer@pethavenmn.org.