Great Dog, Bad Eyes

Jeeves, Red and White English Bulldog

Jeeves, a red and white English bulldog, born January 2013, came to ACDC when his owner could no longer afford his required care.

Like other bulldogs, he needs to have his wrinkles cleaned daily.

Soccer obsessed like his countrymen, Jeeves loves balls and will kick them around the yard like he is playing soccer.  Although he loves playing with his toys, he has no problem if another person or dog takes it from him.

Jeeves’s foster parents describe him as having “good energy” because helps other more high-strung dogs as they walk together.  He is making a perfect nanny for puppies Brooklyn and Bronx. The puppies remain well-mannered and follow Jeeves around and mimic his calm energy. The puppies show their respect by licking his face clean, and Jeeves is patient with them in the process.  (Make no mistake, he’s a drooler.) He is friendly with everyone he meets, and therefore not much of a guard dog.  He is a bit stubborn when asked to sit (typical temperament) but he will sit and he comes when called. Unfortunately, Jeeves is not yet 100% house trained, but when he is on a schedule, there are no accidents.

A perfect nanny dog.

Jeeves currently has a skin condition that requires special shampoo and twice weekly baths. Once he regains his health, Jeeves will require eye surgery.  Jeeves has a condition called entropion, which causes his lids to fold inward and his eyelashes to scratch his eyeballs. Although this is peculiar genetic defect requires surgery, the prognosis is very good. The surgery will cost about $1200.

You can help sponsor Jeeves by following this link: Sponsor Jeeves.

Nelson’s BBQ at Rails for Tails Flea Market

ACDC is pleased to announce that Nelsons Mid-Atlantic Port-a-Pit BBQ will be serving up chicken and ribs at the “Rails for Tails” Flea Market on Saturday, May 2. Smiley Park in Crum Lynne, PA.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the animals in the care of ACDC.

 

Fosters Wanted

These Foster Families Hope You’ll Join Them in the Fight to Save Adoptable Animals

by Barb Natividad

Pet-lovers often wonder what kind of people are able to foster pets who are waiting for permanent homes. The answer: people just like you.

Her kids got Stephanie Anctil, who fosters dogs, involved as a foster parent. “My children wanted another dog. I was afraid they would lose interest, and I would end up caring for a new dog. So my cousin, Nikki Senecal, who works in communications with ACDC, suggested that we try fostering dogs instead. This way, my kids could get to experience many different dogs and see how much work is involved.”

Laurie Marshall, who fosters rabbits, also began fostering at the behest of her children: in her case, her daughter had a high school community service requirement. Laurie and her family had never had pets before–and Laurie points out that fostering can be a great fit for families that are currently pet-free. “Fostering is the perfect solution for people who don’t want a permanent pet. A big concern for parents is that kids will lose interest in a pet and then the parents have to take care of it. That is far less of a problem when fostering, plus a family can get a realistic sense of what’s involved in caring for a pet. I love the flexibility of being able to take a break between foster rabbits if needed, too.”

Fostering is also a great way for kids to learn about responsibility towards animals; Laurie’s daughter now pet sits for other rabbit owners. Even four-legged family members can get involved. Stephanie’s eight-year-old dog, Jet, is an important part of her family’s fostering solution. “Jet models good behavior on walks, in the car. He will correct the puppies much like a mother dog would.”

The time commitment for fostering is less than people might expect, says Kim Butler, who fosters cats and has been doing so for thirty years (even before she joined ACDC). She fosters cats while also caring for her own pets, although she keeps her own animals separate from the fosters. It may sound like she lives in a mansion, but Kim points out “you don’t need a lot of space for cats.”

So, if anyone can be a good fosterer, what makes someone successful at it? On that, Stephanie, Laurie, and Kim all agree: a good foster parent is someone who cares about animals, wants to be involved with them, and is willing to be patient, responsible, and consistent as they work with their new pets.

And these three foster parents also agree that the satisfaction that comes from seeing them adopted into a permanent home is ample reward. As Stephanie says, “It’s very rewarding when you make a good match between owner and dog and see a great friendship begin. My children have become attached to a few of our fosters, but once they meet the loving adoptive families, the kids are excited for the dog and his new family.” And Kim agrees, “the best part of fostering is finding a new home for the animals, and getting thank you e-mails from the new adopters.”

Interested in fostering an adoptable cat, dog, or rabbit? Attend ACDC’s information session September 10, 6:30 pm at the Newtown Square Library. RSVP: info@acdc.ws

Hit and Run In

by Barb Natividad

Beamer after being treated at the vet.

Beamer was surrendered to the shelter after being hit by a car. Abandoned by his family, he now faced an uncertain future. What would happen to an injured dog in the shelter with extensive tissue damage on his right leg? ACDC stepped in and brought him for treatment. Due to the extent of the injury, closing the wound was difficult. The vet said if Beamer’s wound doesn’t remain closed, he may require additional surgery.

This sweet and playful schnauzer mix received laser therapy to the affected leg, and more sessions may be necessary. Beamer requires follow-up visits to the vet to assess his progress.

He is currently in foster care, where his guardian reports that he has begun to use his front leg. Beamer would be a wonderful addition to any family. However, it is ACDC’s policy not to adopt out injured animals, but to treat them until they’re ready to go to their forever homes. Of course this costs money. If you’d like to sponsor Beamer’s treatments, please click here.

This little guy is expected to recover well.

Beamer resting comfortably in his foster home.

Do you love cats? Foster homes needed!

ACDC is all about saving lives. It’s as simple as that. We are an all-volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to the proposition that all cats and kittens (and dogs and rabbits) deserve safe, loving, permanent homes. Our foster parents will provide temporary care for cats and kittens in their homes while the animals wait for their forever homes. Their compassion provides the second chance that so many stray, abandoned or homeless cats kitties need. If you join us, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that you have helped save the lives of these helpless animals. ACDC provides training and support, medications, and absorbs all veterinary expenses associated with the care of our felines. If you love kitties and would like to be a part of our lifesaving team, consider opening your heart and home to cats or kittens in need.

Please contact info@acdc.ws

Paws n Pints

Our upcoming Paws n Pints features some really great prizes: 

• VIP Passes to Live! With Kelly and Michael: Skip the lines and sit up front and close for a taping of Live! With Kelly and Michael.  Two passes for a TBD date.
• Wine Basket: An amazing assortment of wines, $50 value
• Girly girl basket: Eight Essie nail polishes, one set of beautiful handcrafted earrings, $80 value
• Get Lucky! A collection of scratch off Lottery Tickets, $50 value
• Pamper Yourself Basket: Massage Envy gift card plus Bath and Body Works products, $75 value
• Flyers vs. Hurricanes Game. Two tickets, tenth row behind the goal! January 21st, 7 PM, $200 value
• Cool Cat Basket: Litter box, assortment of treats and toys, $30 value
• Kitty Kitty Basket: Litter box, assortment of treats and toys, $30 value
• Bark Basket: Leather 17” dog collar, assortment of toys, beautiful ceramic treat jar, adorable wooden bone shaped wall mount for hanging leashes, $35 value
• Good Dog! Basket: Doggie shampoo, bags and dispenser, rope toy, dog treats, and a picture frame in a cloth bone basket for storing your dog’s thins, $45 value
• Shore Weekend Get Away: Two nights at the Water Club at the Borgata, in Atlantic City October 26th and 27th. Beach towels and tote, $700 value

 Join us!

Calling All Dirty Dogs!

Saturday, July 27, 2013
11:00 am until 3:00 pm
Pet Valu
1991 Sproul Road, Broomall
$5 cash fee for each dog
As always, donations to ACDC will be accepted!

Sponsor Pip

Pip was found wandering the streets, severely underweight.

Hurt, hungry, and scared, Pip the chihuahua was wandering the streets in the summer heat.  Luckily a local shelter brought him in, and friends from ACDC came to the rescue. Pip was set up with a loving foster home and brought to the vet.  This two year old boy was severely underweight, weighing only 3.6 pounds. In addition he could not use his front right leg. X-rays determined Pip’s leg was broken and he would need to wear a cast for the next four to six weeks. Pip will spend this time healing in his foster home, and this loving pup will be ready to meet his forever family sometime in August.  In the meantime, you can sponsor Pip here.

 

A trip to the vet diagnosed Pip’s leg as broken.

Pip is recovering in his foster home.

Diva Needs You

Diva wasn’t using her front leg, necessitating a trip to the vet.

Diva was brought to the shelter as a stray kitten when she was rescued by ACDC. She wasn’t walking on her leg and was taken to the vet. X-rays showed she was missing a bone in her leg! Unfortunately, she will have to lose her leg. She is resting comfortably in her foster home, while we raise funds for her surgery

Diva doesn’t let this problem slow her down. She’s a very talkative kitty who kisses and licks and  head-butts her foster parents. Actually she head-butts everything, especially her food bowl! She’s a bit thin, but her foster parents are working hard to get her big and strong. Diva is multi-colored, but mostly white, with golden-honey eyes and different colored hind legs!

The Case of the Missing Bone

After Diva has recovered from surgery, she will be ready for adoption. In the meantime, she is available for sponsorship. Click here to sponsor Diva.

Raindrops on Roses and Whiskers on Kittens

 

Kittens born in April and May are reaching the age when they can be adopted at this time of year, giving us “kitten season.” The influx of kittens into shelters puts pressure on rescues to find room for all the cats. Thus June is Adopt-a-Cat Month.

A few things to think about when you adopt:

1. If you’re thinking about adopting a cat, consider taking home two.
2. Find a cat whose personality compliments yours.
3. Pick out a veterinarian ahead of time and schedule a visit within the first few days following the adoption.
4. Make sure everyone in the house is prepared to have a cat before it comes home.
5. Budget for the short- and long-term costs of a cat.
6. Stock up on supplies before the cat arrives.
7. Cat-proof your home.
8. Go slowly when introducing your cat to new friends and family.
9. Be sure to include your new pet in your family’s emergency plan.