The Pet Rescue Center's New Partners, Halo & Free Kibble

The Pet Rescue Center is very excited to announce new partners  in our cause to Reduce Unnecessary Euthanasia, Halo Pet Food and FreeKibble.com

In late October we were introduced to Halo Pet Food executives that had learned of our cause and felt that we shared a common purpose. We both mutually agreed that a cooperative approach in all aspects of Rescue is critical to the overall short and long term success in rescue, and reduction and eventual elimination of unnecessary euthanasia.

After speaking with Halo, they suggested they could help! Whoa! They partner with an amazing website called FreeKibble.com. Freekibble.com feeds rescued pets and shelter animals through the generous donation of food from its corporate partners and the click of support from the public when you visit FreeKibble.com.  Halo surprised us that they had secured a donation from Free Kibble to provide 10,000 meals to The PRC rescues!  10,000 meals of Halo Pet Food - Spots Stew!!!  We are delighted in this partnership and incredible gift. It is a perfect example of cooperation to get things done on behalf of rescue. Having this food donation eases the pressure of the financial cost of feeding our rescues.

Thank you Halo Pet Food! Thank you FreeKibble.com!

Meeting with Halo and creating a partnership is very exciting to us and such a positive indication that The PRC is making a difference and that our supporters and advocates are of all varieties (big companies and the day to day volunteer). Every voice, every supporter, every adopter, every donor is a valuable team member to The PRC! Without our team we could not accomplish even the smallest goal. We are stronger everyday with the help of each team member going out into the community and telling someone about us, selling a calendar, forwarding a link to a possible adoption match, walking a PRC dog, petting our kitties, spreading The PRC mission, and educating one person about overpopulation euthanasia and how together The PRC team can make a difference.

Thank you for supporting The PRC and being a valuable team member!! 

If you would like to get more involved with The PRC we would love to hear from you! Email adopt@thepetrescuecenter.org. 

To donate to The Pet Rescue Center visit our website, http://www.thepetrescuecenter.org/give

Photographing Your Own Beloved Pet - Guest Blog by Greyboy Pet Prints

How do you photograph YOUR own pet and capture who they really are? 

Below are some suggestions on how to do this. While I normally photograph other people's pets, I did take some images of my own just to try and get the reader's perspective on photographing your own pet. 

Enjoy the images below of Willow, my rescue pup, and Dr. Wheaton and Blythe's pets, Starsky the lab, Sally the Australian Shepherd and Grover the orange tabby cat.

Suggestions:

1. Photograph what makes them special. In my dog's case, her silly dewclaws that hang off her back feet make us laugh and they are one of the little things that make her who she is.

2. Use natural light (window light or an area with even light like under an overhang or a shady spot). Flash isn't always the best thing when you are photographing animals as it sometimes startles them when the flash goes off or it makes red eyes. You can go without flash if you let more light into your camera via bumping up the ISO (this is like the film speed - remember in the film days - 100 for bright sunny days, 400 for shade or indoors, etc.), lowering the aperture or lowering the shutter speed. (But this is getting technical and calls for a separate post. Just remember there are other ways to get more light than using your flash.)

3. Put them in their natural surroundings. They are most relaxed and looking like themselves in places they are comfortable, such as their own home or favorite park.

4. Photograph them with their special toy or friend. 

5. Always have your camera handy and ready. Dedicate a day or two to keep your camera around the house and take it with you wherever you and your pet go.

6. Get up close and personal. A wet nose, the whiskers on their chin, etc. make for cool shots.

7. Pay attention to details. Make sure you get rid of anything you don't want in the picture (eye boogers, distracting elements in the background, etc.) BEFORE you take the photo!

8. Be patient! Don't be in a hurry when you are trying to take their picture! It takes time, especially if you want the images to really look like them.

9. Variety: Try different angles and different locations. Note that your pet looks different depending on the angle so try experimenting. Also, it is more interesting to have images from different locations (at home, at the dog park, etc.).

10. Take ALOT of images! Thank goodness for digital cameras where you can shoot away and then delete the images you don't want. The film days were expensive!

If you'd like to see more pet photos to get ideas for different shots, feel free to look through the images on my site, www.greyboypetprints.com.

Thanks for reading! I hope this helps! If you have any questions or comments, please leave them on my FaceBook page or email me at m@greyboypetprints.com. Happy photographing! :-)

BYLINE: 

This guest post is by Mandi Pratt, artist at Greyboy Pet Prints and dedicated volunteer to The Pet Rescue Center. Mandi creates portraits that visualize the relationship between pet and owner and capture the pet's unique personality in a natural, stress free experience with the end result being custom, archival artwork that you can enjoy and have forever to remember your special companion! Contact her at 909.843.5454 or m@greyboypetprints.com for a free idea on how to display portraits in your home.

The Most Common Reason’s Pet Adoptions Fail

The Most Common Reason’s Pet Adoptions Fail

 

Adoption of a rescued pet is a noble and notable thing to do.  You are adding a beloved family member to your family. You are supporting Rescue.Rehab.Rehoming of homeless and at risk pets.  You are simply changing your life and taking a step to a new life with a furry new friend.
Casey’s Advice for Common Reasons/Problems we hear in the first few weeks of adoption.
 
We have many handouts on all of these "problems" new adopters may run into. It is important to reach out for help before these normal behaviors turn into problematic behaviors.  
Please contact The PRC if you are experiencing any of these problems with your new PRC Rescued Pet.  

The process of adoption review and approval is something we take very seriously.  We take a critical look at the prospective adopter.  We weigh all answers on the application, the personality and history of the dog/cat in question, and the meet and greet opportunity.  Each step is essential for us to ensure we have thoroughly evaluated the potential adoption to make sure it’s a perfect match. 

….but, sadly, sometimes adoptions fail.  We are always sad when this happens.  Our rescues have already been through so much by the time they come into our care.  Patiently waiting for their forever family is sometimes hard to watch when the process fails or takes a really long time. 

There are many reasons for a possible “failed adoption” and some are possible to work through, some are not.   Whatever the reason though, The PRC is ALWAYS here to help with resources, trainers, past experience, handouts, whatever is needed. 

1.) Not getting along with the resident pets.

It takes 4-6 weeks minimum to see how animals are going to get along with each other. Many adopting families give up in the 1st few weeks after adopting if the new pet is not "best friends" with their resident dog or cat. This is a big adjustment for both pets and should be handled with patience and knowledge on how animals interact. When there is another cat being introduced to a new dog the patience should exceed a couple months. Most cats and dogs will either learn to love each other through educated parenting or learn to tolerate each other as long as the dog is not overly aggressive towards that pet. Just imagine how human children would react to each other, the myriad of behaviors and emotions when thrown into a new situation is challenging to maneuver, but with love and patience a happy family will emerge.  

There are many informational sites reviewing how to introduce new pets that are very helpful. Sadly, these problems are usually not addressed until the owner has "had enough."

2.) Potty training

Potty training can be a huge problem when pets are introduced to a new environment. We always recommend crate training your dog no matter how well potty trained he appears to be at our facility. Entering a new home gives your new pet a chance to push new boundaries. If you are not strict from the beginning, and establish routine and boundaries, you may find yourself with a pet inappropriately eliminating indoors. 

A Brief How and Why....

Crate training creates a much easier way of showing your dog when and where they can go potty. When the dog is crated over night, you would wake him up in the a.m. and immediately take them outside to go potty. No good morning treats, just a "go potty!". When your dog is going outside, you give tons of praise which they will enjoy and know they did what you asked. This should happen any time you are leaving the house during the day as well. Crate training should happen at least the first 2 weeks before you give them full reign of the house.  This goes for cats too. The cats are living in a restricted space at our rescue, sometimes for many months. When you first bring your cat home, it is best to start in one small room (laundry, bathroom). Once you see that your cat is comfortable in that environment, then you can start slowly introducing he/she to the rest of your home. The room you start in should have, food/water, litter box, bed, toys, scratching post and everything he/she would need to be properly housed. 

3.) Aggression

 We have had pets returned for aggression. This happens even when the animal has never displayed aggression in our facility. Most common signs of normal aggression that can easily be fixed are, on leash aggression towards another dog, aggression when a guest comes to the house, and sometimes aggression with children. 

Again, your new pet has just been thrown into a new world.

 A new pet owner should be educated on how to properly socialize your dog so this does not end up happening. If a dog is kept away from meeting new dogs or new people, many of them will become territorial or protective of their owners. It is the owners job to teach the pet that they are in charge and the dog needs to not worry about any outside distractions. A dog with out worries will most likely love to meet and play with new friends. Aggression with children is almost always fear aggression. If a dog has never been around children before, they need to be taught what they're all about before an accident happens. Children do not know boundaries or proper pet affection etiquette. If a dog is unsure of an approaching child or uncomfortable, it is the job of the owner to assure them they are safe and that the child will not harm them. Or direct the child away form the nervous dog, to ensure no bites occur, until the initial nerves calm down.  When this "socialization" does not happen, dogs can growl, show teeth or even attempt to bite out of nothing other than fear of the unknown.

This is not a fault of the breed or of the dog!! As pet owners we need to teach our pets how to behave properly, and sometimes we need to learn how to set a good example.  

4.) Teething / Mouthing

This is a very common reason for returns with puppies and kittens as well as young adults pets. From 4-6 months, puppies are losing their baby teeth and growing adult teeth. It is very pleasurable for them to chew during these stages. If the dog is not given toys, rawhides and things to relieve this urge, they will want to chew on you, your shoes, or anything else you leave around the house. Cats also enjoy biting on hands and arms, as well as other house hold objects during these times. Many times, if a puppy/kitten is never taught that this is an unwanted behavior, mouthing and nipping can continue into adult hood and later be considered "biting". It is important to remember that dogs will mouth/nip at each other to engage in play when living in a pack. As a new pack leader, it is your job to teach them what they are allowed to chew on and what they are not. Positive reinforcement and the proper tools makes this learning process very easy, but consistency and patience is the key to success.

-Casey

Casey Oliver - Director of Operations

877-277-7938

adopt@thepetrescuecenter.org

www.thepetrescuecenter.org

Support Rescue. Rehab. Rehome

Donate Today http://www.thepetrescuecenter.org/give

Sammy's Journey

One of the greatest aspects of The PRC to me is our effort to work cooperatively with shelters, veterinarians, other rescues and the community.  It is a commitment that we take pride in, protect vehemently, and strive toward every day.  


We are fortunate that this cooperative approach led us to team up with Hendrick Boards. They actually came to find us via Dr. Wheaton on Twitter.  Based in Orange County, California, Hendrick Boards seeks to showcase and build the culture and lifestyle that skateboarding inspires, while ensuring the protection of the environment and helping to safeguard the welfare of pets and animals through each and every purchase. 


The power of social networking is awe inspiring and a new useful tool to help us enhance the cooperation we strive for in our mission.  


On February 27th, 2012, David Hendrickson (of Hendrick Boards) happened upon Sammy, a blue nosed pit bull whom was most likely a victim of the dog fighting culture.  Sammy was in dire need of rescue, and David stepped up to the plate.  He immediately contacted us and brought Sammy in for an evaluation.  Sammy is a very handsome, 2-3yr old, male, Pit Bull. We all believe that poor Sammy has been used as a bait dog. He had old wounds and very new wounds covering his body, including a 3-4 inch laceration to the bottom of his chin and significant damage to his ears. 




Warning Graphic Photos!!

The open laceration under his chin

His poor ear

Before Surgery

 Immediately we put out a call to our supporters through Facebook.  We started a Firstgiving page, and through our FB page and the call to action sent out by Hendrick Boards through Twitter and their FB page, we raised enough money to take Sammy immediately to surgery to repair his wounds.  Amazing!

After surgery

In the world of rescue we need two things to keep us moving forward.  The financial resources to identify need and address it, and the support to carry it out, to save deserving dogs and cats from unnecessary euthanasia.  (Which is often the choice dog/cat owners make when the necessary surgery exceeds their resources.) Sammy's case is ideal.  Although, life was clearly hard for him for too long, he finally got a break, we are so happy he is healed and healthy.  
On the 8^th of March, Sammy got a wonderful chance to give back. Piper, a rescue dog from DAWG Rescue, was brought into Alicia Pet Care Center after ingesting rat bait. He needed a blood transfusion and Sammy was his match!

Piper, receiving a transfusion

 He was such a great patient through the whole procedure and Piper was very lucky to have him.  Another example how working cooperatively in rescue is rewarding on all levels! 

He is almost completely healed and ready for a family to love him forever. Sammy is very well behaved. He gets along wonderfully with other dogs and people of all ages, shapes and sizes. He also knows some great tricks! He would be a very obedient and loving companion. His sutures were removed from his laceration repair on March 12^th and he is ready to go! 

We are very grateful they were able to help this sweet boy and we hope to find him the right home soon. Come check him out!


Thank you David! Thank you Hendrick Boards! Thank you Dr. Wheaton of Alicia Pet Care Center! Thank you Sammy for helping Piper of DAWG! 


Cheers to working cooperatively!  Thank you for your support!  


For more information about The Pet Rescue Center, go to www.thepetrescuecenter.org/about


The Pet Rescue Center or a 501c3 non profit, 100% reliant on the generosity of our supporters.  


To donate visit, http://www.thepetrescuecenter.org/give

Sincerely, 

Blythe Wheaton

Co-Founder and Executive Director

http://www.thepetrescuecenter.org/give

A Cooperative Effort to Rescue Homeless Freeway Dogs

Hi Pet Rescue Center Supporters,
We have a very special trio of dogs at The PRC right now.  We have been calling them The Freeway Dogs.  They were living on a center divider on a busy freeway in Long Beach.



Here is their story so far........


I was contacted by a fellow rescuer, Claudia, in hopes that The PRC had the space and ability to take on a very sensitive case that she was already heavily invested in rescuing and seeing to success.  After seeing the pictures of the dogs we couldn't say no.

There are 3 dogs here.  They are living within the leaves, emaciated, homeless and sad for certain.

I agreed to take on these dogs, if they could be caught, not knowing really what we might be getting.  BUT, it's the holidays, and I couldn't really fathom turning a blind eye to a situation like this.  

Fortunately, Claudia's team spent an entire day and trapped each one of the 3.  She was only able to do this because dedicated volunteers had fed these dogs morning and night for a time, to establish a routine that they would trust.  When it came time to trap them, the dogs were receptive to the bait.  

Volunteers like these that helped these dogs while they were still homeless are doing a wonderful and selfless thing for our animal population.  Thank you to all of you who invested care and love in The Freeway Dogs.  Without your help we could not have started this process of help.  Thank you. 

Once they were safely captured, Apollo, Phoenix and Hope began their healing. 

These are the preliminary pictures of their condition and the road ahead of them in our care. 

Former corneal puncture with a severe scarring and lack of vision.

A healing puncture wound. 

They are weak, scared, skinny and feral.

They are all very skinny, but the youngest is severely emaciated.

The day we met Claudia and took into our care Apollo, Phoenix and Hope was Saturday.  It took over 2 hours, after bringing their cages into the center, to coax them out of their cage.  We have never seen more fearful dogs at The PRC.  But, despite their fear we managed to take them in without incident and had them bedded and comfortable by the late afternoon.  Can you imagine what they have been through up to this moment?  The weather, the passers by, the lack of food or shelter, the noise.

Apollo ( the patron defender of herds and flocks ) is a male, possibly the daddy, and the least fearful of the trio.  Which isn't saying much, he was glued to the floor when we took him in and after experimenting w/ all different treats, he finally responded to some food and allowed us to pet him.  In the 4 days we have had with him so far he is making progress with his socialization.  He is eating well, on flea control and is next in line to be neutered.

Phoenix is a female, possibly the mom, she is the most fearful of the trio.  She has so far been spayed, micrcochipped, applied flea treatment, she's been fully vaccinated, ears flushed, and x-rays on old fracture that has healed itself. She is not making any headway thus far, 4 days in with her trust and socialization. She shows her teeth and growls, but is eating and drinking well.

Hope is a female and the baby we think - She was spayed, micrcohipped, applied flea cnntrol, fully vaccinated, and had her eye removed. She is doing GREAT! As soon as she woke up from spay we were able to touch her and she is walking on leash.

We hope once they have made it through the initial week, we have stabilized their health and they are used to a constant level of care and love, we can reassess and work towards easing their social fears.  

We have taken them into The Pet Rescue Center, but they are in great need of YOUR support.  They are unhealthy to start, but we are hopeful with our intervention, we can return them to full health.  Our truest challenge will be socializing them, training them and eliminating their fear of humans, noise and harm.

They have had it rough.  No one deserves to be put out into the world like they were.  

Please help us support The Freeway Dogs to recovery. 

http://www.firstgiving.com/ThePet_RescueCenter/help-the-emaciated-freeway-dogs

The PRC is 100% reliable on the generosity of donors.  

We are 501c3 Non Profit. 

If you have any questions, please contact adopt@thepetrescuecenter.org.

Go to www.thepetrescuecenter.org to donate via Paypal or mail a check to The Pet Rescue Center, 25800 Jeronimo Road, Suite 100, Mission Viejo CA 92691.