Pet Haven Ink newsletter is available!

The March 2010 issue of our print newsletter, Pet Haven Ink, is now available. You can download a copy from our website. We have some great stories in our latest newsletter -- some happy tails along with stories on dogs and cats still waiting for that lucky person(s) to come along and adopt them :)

A special thanks also to Chuck & Don's Pet Food Outlet for choosing Pet Haven to be the recipient of their 2009 Paw Print fundraiser. As a result of their fundraiser over $36,000 was raised, all of which will go towards Pet Haven's Spay Neuter Initiative. 

If you would like to receive a hard copy of our newsletter, consider becoming a Pet Haven member. Annual dues are $25 (which is also tax-deductible). Click here to learn more about Pet Haven and to become a member.

Pet Haven Spring Garage Sale

Pet Haven's spring garage sale will be held May 27, 28 and 29. Hours are 5 to 9 on Thursday and Friday, and 9-1 on Saturday.

Becky (Pet Haven volunteer) is now accepting donations. Items that sell well are household items, yard and garden tools, books and childrens' toys and clothes. No large furniture or computers please.

We are also looking for volunteers to help during the sale -- You can set your own hours, spend the day or a few hours. 

Come join us! Have fun while making money for Pet Haven ... all of which will go directly towards helping homeless dogs and cats! For more info and to arrange a time to drop off donations, email Becky at rebeccasheldon@yahoo.com.

The Mighty Harley

Hello – my name is Harley, and I am a 6.5 pound FEMALE Chihuahua with more love than you can imagine!  Since I’m such a little squirt, I have to really be careful and stay out of the way.  Things like doors and steps are pretty scary for me!   And then of course there is my tongue….  What can I say?   I’m sure that is the first thing you will notice about me.  Unfortunately it is just a tad long, and I don’t have many teeth to hold it in.  Nevertheless, I get along pretty darn good for my age (I’m somewhere between 9 and 10). 

Where I REALLY shine is in the love and cuddling department!  If I had my way, I’d be held AND pet 24X7!  And just in case you STOP petting, I’ll be sure to remind you with a little nudge from my nose.  And if you hold me close AND pet me, there is sure to be a few sighs and lots of nuzzling in to your neck.  And I’m not particular – young, old, male, female – whoever is available to hold me and pet me is my hero!  And when you talk to me or call my name, my tail wags as fast as it can possibly go!  In fact, a smile is all it takes most days. 

And when I’m not being held, I LOVE to snuggle UNDER the blanket!  In fact, under the covers is my favorite place to sleep at night.  Of course I really like to be cuddled and pet before I go to sleep, but once I’m out, I’m good for the night!  And if I need anything, I’ll be sure and snort or bark to let you know.

Where I really struggle, is with my potty training.   I’d MUCH rather head to the bathroom for a rug or a newspaper.  Do you expect me to go outside in the rain, snow, and cold?  I think not – although my foster mom makes me go out every 2-3 hours.  She never gives up on that outside thing!  What’s with that?

So that’s my story, and I’m sticking to it!  My foster mom says I’m the sweetest dog in the WORLD!  I think I’ll go with that – mom’s pretty smart!

If you'd like to learn more about me or have any questions you can email dogs@pethavenmn.org.

Adopted Dog Update: Mr. Black

A couple weeks ago we received an email from a couple who started off fostering Black (photo on left) in February, 2009. I distinctly remember Black as I had the good fortune to meet him at one of our adoption events when his previous owner was having to surrender him due to foreclosure. It was a bittersweet meeting ... I had the chance to spend time with Black's previous owner, who was an amazing spirit. I could feel the love she had for Black and the pain she felt in having to give him up. It touched me deeply that I found myself reflecting on it and writing about it on my personal blog. I shared that blog posting with others who then shared it with others. To read my reflection on that bittersweet morning click here.

As luck would have it, someone read the post and inquired about Black. They then fostered him, and soon after adopted him.

We received the following email from Black's adopters a couple weeks ago ... they are looking to adopt a Pet Haven cat!!

"My partner and I have a home in S. Mpls that we share with a dog we adopted from Pet Haven in February 2009. Someone may remember Black whose former parents had to move before of foreclosure. He did not spend any time in a Pet Haven facility because we fostered him right at the time his parents needed to find a home for him.

Anyways, we love Black (whom we call Mr. Black) and has adjusted nicely to our home and family. We now think we are ready to begin looking to introduce a new family member ...

Black is a lab-husky and will be 2 years old in May. He is young but very friendly with people and other animals. He's laid back and overall a very good dog. He gets lots of exercise so this helps his demeanor. I think he would do very well with another animal in the home."

We are so happy to hear that Black aka Mr. Black is doing so well. Our cat adoption director is working with them to find them the perfect cat to add to their family ... I am sure Mr. Black is looking forward to having a playmate and a sibling to hang out with :)

Support Pet Haven when you sell items on eBay/Mission Fish

You can support Pet Haven every time you sell an item on eBay/MissionFish (MissionFish is the non-profit arm of eBay) ... and it’s easy! Since 2003, eBay has offered sellers the chance to turn their listings into a force for good with eBay Giving Works/MissionFish. When you sell an item, you can donate as little as 10%* or as much as 100% (minimum $5) of an item’s final sale price to Pet Haven.

It’s as easy as 1-2-3

1.    Select an item to list.

2.    Select Pet Haven to benefit

3.    Specify the final sale price percentage you want to donate (from 10% to 100%)

eBay will make sure that the nonprofit you select gets the funds raised.**

Adopted Dog Monday!

Cinnamon and Gracie both were adopted this week.  Here's what Laura,  our Large/Medium dog foster coordinator, had to say:

"Gracie got adopted tonight by a couple that had another female Basset, Beatrice and 3 cats. Bea was so excited to have a playmate. Once Gracie settles in the two will have so much fun. The couple work from home and also show horses. Bea has made quite a stir with the horsey set. Can you imagine what attention the two girls will get at the shows!

Our girl Cinnamon also found a home this evening. The woman fell in love with her on Petfinder. And upon meeting Cinnamon the deal was sealed. Having had a springer for 16 years this couple is used to high spirited dogs. "

May both of these girls have long, happy lives in their new homes!

Adoption Event Tomorrow ... Saturday, 4/3

Small Dogs:  Wayzata Chuck & Don's,  1147 Wayzata Blvd. East, Wayzata, MN 55391

Medium & large dogs will be at the Eden Prairie Petco at 8020 Glen Lane, Eden Prairie.

Hours for both events are 10 am to noon.

We hope to see you there!