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.

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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.

Daisy: Looking for love and acceptance

Daisy is a 2.5 year old black beauty who is looking for the right family to call her own. Daisy is a little particular about her friends - we prefer to call it "discerning." She doesn't open her heart up to just anyone at the beginning, but once she gets to know you, you will have a friend for life. All you have to do is see Daisy interact with her foster mom to understand what a great partner she will be for a person or couple willing to take the time to get to know her. Daisy would especially love to find a single woman or female couple to settle down with.

Being honest about Daisy is not very flattering (sorry, girl!), but we will never withhold information about a foster dog. Daisy has some aggression issues with strange dogs and strange people. Her adoptive home needs to have a fence and be a relatively quiet place without a lot of strange people coming and going. She also needs a home where she won't have to spend time with kids as they make her nervous. I know there are people out there who want to adopt a dog that "truly needs to be rescued" because they have a checkered past and will not easily find a forever home. Daisy is that dog.

Daisy has completed two levels of obedience training with her foster at The Canine Coach and she was the star of the class. She knows all of her basic commands, but repeating class with a new owner would be a great bonding experience.

Because of her wariness, these photos don't do her justice. She just is not 100% sure that she should smile at the strange woman with the big black camera (thanks, Sara!).

If you are willing to give Daisy a 2nd chance (and maybe a 3rd or 4th) to make a first impression, please email pethavendogs@yahoo.com and we would love to put you in touch with her foster mom to arrange a private meet-n-greet.







Photos courtesy of Sarah Beth Photography.

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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.

Adopted Dog Update: Shadow knows the good life

Here's an update from a fabulous Pet Haven alum who had several strikes against her and has really thrived. Shadow has only one eye, she's very high energy and she's a big black dog -- yet this girl has found a home where she is adored.















Shadow is healthy and happy and as rambunctious as ever.Her physical was fine and her shots were updated last month. She clawed me and knocked over my coffee this morning so she still gets over excited sometimes, but she is almost always in her happy place now. We are crazy about her, yes, Matt too. Her and Minky race up and down the driveway on there "walks" neck and neck. I think Shadow paces herself so she can have the joy of being next to a buddy running because she is so much younger and faster. They don't fight anymore but will have irritable words together once in a while, usually about who gets to go out of the door first. She is so puppy-ish and joyful she cheers you up just watching her. Because we had to do pretty serious training with her she is better behaved in some areas than Minky. They are sleeping together on the bed in my office as I type this. She is definitely one of the best gifts in our lives. Matt will shoot some pictures this weekend and we will send them. You can see black dogs really well in the snow.

Congratulations, Shadow!

Fred: New kid on the blog

Well there is a new little big man in town and his name is Fred. Fred is a 3 year old spaniel mix from the Red Lake reservation. Since hitting the big city Fred has had quite the social life. He met up with Junior now Cookie a former foster dog of his current foster mom. Actually Fred ould be Cookie's daddy-both being from the same hood and all. There are similarities. Fred and Cookie had a fine time romping in the snow and sharing some treats.

Fred attended his first adoption event where he showed he is a go with the flow kind of guy. He sat patiently during the event. And then helped his mom hand out supplies.

Last night Fred had a sleepover with Suzy-soon to be officially adopted-and PH alum Mister. It was a houseful of black dogs for sure. Everyone played and played till it was time to sack out. Fred would make a perfect addition to an active family.

If you are interested in learning more about Fred, please email pethavendogs@yahoo.com.

Photos: Top - Fred sacked out. Right - Fred and Cookie. Bottom - Suzy, Fred and Mister (top to bottom) at their slumber party.

We have a few adoptions to celebrate this week!
Sophie is a senior Schnauzer girl who found a great home. Her new family finalized her adoption at our adoption event on Saturday. Before coming in to Pet Haven, Sophie spent some time at shelter in southern Minnesota where they could not get anyone to express any interest in this sweet senior girl. Hard to believe that this love bug was ever passed up. Congratulations, Sophie!




Sadie is a young husky/basset hound mix who went home with a new family this weekend. She has a stay-at-home mom who is looking forward to taking her to the dog park and scheduling doggy playdates for her with the other dogs in the neighborhood. Congratulations, Sadie!







Garth's adoption was finalized this week. You can read about it here.
Ode's adoption was finalized this week. You can read about it here.

Adoption event tomorrow - Saturday, February 21st

The Pet Haven dogs will be meeting and greeting tomorrow morning, Saturday, February 21st, from 10am to noon at the Burnsville Petco. Fred (at left) and his fellow foster friends look forward to meeting you!

Burnsville Petco
14051 Aldrich Avenue South
Burnsville, MN 55337

Can't make it? If there's a Pet Haven dog who's catching your eye, please email pethavendogs@yahoo.com and we can chat about them!

Savannah: A girl who knows what she wants

Savannah is a 1 year old black lab mix who knows what she wants...she wants attention, petting, love and more attention. Savvy, as she is known in her foster home, is a huge cuddler who cannot get enough attention from her favorite people. She loves to snuggle on the couch and will share the bed and keep you warm if you let her! She is also an excellent walker when she's wearing her Gentle Leader. She's still young, so she would benefit from a basic obedience class and she is still brushing up on her housetraining skills, but that should come along quickly.

Savvy is GREAT with kids. She loves to hang out with the 4 and 7 year olds in her foster home. She shares her home with several other dogs and a cat and all of the activity is a bit too much for her. She would probably be happiest in a home with a lower pets-to-hands ratio so that she can get more attention.

If Savannah sounds like the dog for you, please email pethavendogs@yahoo.com.