Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Adopted Dog Update: Jack hits the jackpot!

We recently got an update on Jack who was adopted last fall. Jack truly hit the jackpot when he got adopted by his new family. He's got a two-legged brother and a four legged brother, Geordie (who was also adopted through Pet Haven) ... and Jack's family is also now fostering Herman. We are truly happy to have Jack's family as a part of the Pet Haven family!

"Since we got Jack last fall, as we've gotten to know him, we have felt increasingly honored and blessed to have found him. He is a dog of such kindness and dignity, so willing and game. We've watched, too, as his enthusiasm and interest increased as he became an active member of our family. He was rather quiet and a couch-sitter when we first got him. Now, while naps are still definitely good, he's happy to join in in whatever is up.


He is the shepherd of our family, keeping track of things, keeping watch over our son, Ian, and our dog Geordie, as well as the fosters we are gifted to have (Wayne and now Herman) but never being bossy or presumptuous. More and more he has gotten comfortable asking for affection and moaning in pleasure when we rub his shoulders, his face, his ears, his belly - he practically purrs when we pet him. He went with us on vacation because he is such a gentleman - quiet, listens to and follows instructions, a willing companion to our son in the back seat. He greets everybody with friendliness and warmth, but is rather stern with the squirrels who come on our deck. He makes his wishes known in the most courteous way - won't eat his food unless there's just the right amount of water on it but patiently waits until we get it right.


He has his own bed, but willingly shares it with any other dog who might want to tuck in with him. Doesn't feel shy about coming up on the bed for pets and snuggles before bed. He loves his long walks and capers about when he's invited to go outside and play. When Ian is playing in his sandbox, Jack goes over and lays down by him and at Jack's own request, sleeps in Ian's room on cushions on the floor. We feel so immensely privileged and happy to have Jack as a member of our family."

Monday, May 3, 2010

Senior Adopted Dog Monday



This is Sadie one of our senior dogs that went to her forever home last week. She looks pretty happy don't you think? Her new home was looking for another senior dog to add to their family. They already have Oscar a 10 year old border/collie mix.

Here is what Sadie's new mom had to say:
"Hi, I am Sadie's new "mom"!! Thanks to everyone for the kind words!
We joke that we are running a geriatric dog ward-we also have an almost 10 year old Bordie Collie Mix. Add 3 kids and hopefully Sadie will be enjoying herself!:)Thanks to Pet Haven and to Sadie's foster mom!!!:)"




"We are so happy to have Sadie! She is the sweetest! I think she is going to be one tired dog tonight after trying to keep up w/the kids!:)"






There are many benefits to adopting a senior dog. They are housetrained, do not chew things, settle in easily, sleep through the night, and require less activity. Pet Haven has several other senior dogs waiting for their turn at forever happiness. Click here to see what dogs are available.

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Pet Haven Spring Garage Sale postponed

Pet Haven's spring garage sale originally scheduled for the end of May will be postponed. Unfortunately our volunteer extraordinaire (Becky) is having surgery on Monday, 5/3 and we will need to give her time to recover, as well as time to go through followup treatments. Please keep her in your thoughts and send lots of positive energy her way ... I know her Pet Haven "family" will be thinking of her! We appreciate all Becky does, and continues to do, for homeless dogs and cats!

Of course, Becky tells me she is still accepting donations. And as soon as she able, a new date will be set for the garage sale. 

Items that sell well are household items, yard and garden tools, books and childrens' toys and clothes. No large furniture or computers please.  

All donations 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.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Handsome Beau

It's been a while since i've actually been to a dog adoption event ... today, I had to meet some Pet Haven volunteers and a group of seniors from Augsburg College who are doing a project for Pet Haven ... so I decided, let's meet at the Minnetonka Petco since we have a dog adoption event taking place. The first dog who greeted me was none other than Beau (a coonhound mix) ... Beau is a 3 year old coonhound mix who loves people! Not only did I get lots of kisses ... mind you, slobbery kisses ... from Beau, but he had plenty left to give to the 4 Augsburg College students. How could you not fall in love with a dog who just wants to love you and give you kisses???

He gets along with kids and other dogs and is housetrained and crate trained. Now, it doesn't get better than that ... To read his full bio click here.

I took photos of a couple other dogs at the adoption event ... Jack, the rottie and Jackson (who is just coming into Pet Haven's foster program so he's not yet up on our website ...Jackson is an 8 year old american eskimo mix and quite the lover too!). To check out the photos from today, click here.

For right now though ... Beau wanted me to make sure that I posted his photos and spread the word about him. We are needing to find a foster home for Beau (he's currently being fostered at Auntie Ruth, one of our doggie daycare partners) ... and as much as he likes it there and is being treated like a king ... he says it's time for him to move into a home.  Ultimately, he would love a forever home, but for now, he'll take a foster home.

So won't you help spread the word about this handsome Beau??

If you are interested in learning more about Beau email us at dogs@pethavenmn.org.

Friday, April 30, 2010

Adoption Events Saturday May 1st


Pet Haven is having two adoption events Saturday May 1st from 10-12.

Small dogs will be at the Chuck & Don's Wayzata 1147 Wayzata Blvd.

Large and medium dogs will be at the Petco Minnetonka 13691 Ridgedale Drive.

For more information click here for a list of available dogs.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Small dog, Big Personality....meet Bella


Bella may be a little dog, but boy does she have a BIG personality. Some may say a little too big, but she sure does keep her foster family laughing.

As a two year-old rat terrier, she is full of energy and very smart. Lots of consistency with rules and exercise are a must to keep this girl happy and safe. Bella is great with basic commands and passed Level 1 Obedience with flying colors. She still has some behaviors that require work. Her foster mom is proud of the progress Bella has made, but needs someone to continue working with her to remind her who’s boss.

Like most terriers, Bella is food motivated. She will do just about anything for a treat, which really helps with her training. On the other hand, we suggest you lock up the garbage because Bella loves to rummage through the trash looking for her favorite treasure...a Qtip!!! (Ok, so maybe she's not that smart!)

Bella’s a sweet girl who will do wonderfully in a home where she gets plenty of exercise and reinforcement. If you have just as much personality as this girl, we think you'll get along great!


Contact dogs@pethavenmn.org if you’re interested in learning more about Bella or any of our other adoptable pets.












Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Engaging Youth to help homeless cats and dogs!


On April 25th Pet Haven's Outreach Team had the opportunity to participate in Global Youth Service Day (GYSD), sponsored by the Minnesota Alliance With Youth. Global Youth Service Day is an annual campaign that celebrates and mobilizes the millions of children and youth who improve their communities each day of the year through service and service-learning. Established in 1988, GYSD is the largest service event in the world and is now celebrated in over 100 countries. On GYSD, children and youth address the world’s most critical issues in partnership with families, schools, community and faith-based organizations, businesses, and governments. The Minnesota event was held at the Mall of America, and included on-site service projects, entertainment by local bands and youth organizations, and an awards ceremony. Pet Haven was excited to be one of organizations to provide on-site service work. Kids and parents who stopped by the Pet Haven table were able to participate in a variety of projects, including making dog toys from tennis balls and fleece, braiding fleece strips for dog chew toys, tying no-sew blankets, decorating ping-pong balls for cat toys, and filling and decorating canning jars with decorated dog biscuits, to be sold at Pet Haven fundraising events. After completing a service project at each organization's station the kids received a checkmark on their service passport; 3 checkmarks and they received a free GYSD t-shirt. The event was extremely busy - so much so that only an hour in the Pet Haven team had to run out to buy more supplies! The kids loved the idea of helping homeless dogs and cats, and the table was swarmed throughout the event. Huge thanks to Tiffany Fisk and Krista and Jason Colt, along with some of the Minnesota Alliance With Youth volunteers, for helping out at the event. What a great way to get kids excited about volunteerism, and spread the word about Pet Haven!