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.

Share the Love!

Come Share the Love at Rafferty Subaru * Saturday, 10-4

Share the Love Flyer

Old Dog, New Tricks

By Nikki Senecal

Curly is an old dog willing to learn new tricks!

We hear it all the time, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” Many people prefer to adopt puppies because they’ll be able to train the animal to have desirable behaviors whereas adult shelter dogs are “defective.” This line of reasoning relies on so many myths.

Recently, Deb DeSantis, trainer from Going to the Dogs was over to show Stella how to use her agility equipment. She told me that she has taught one of her senior dogs to weave through her legs since the dog no longer has the energy for the agility course. Old dog, new trick. Just think of the senior citizens flocking to community college and adult school classes: just because the body is no longer able, doesn’t mean the mind isn’t willing.

Most dogs—86%–end up in the shelter because of the owners’ circumstances rather than pet problems. But when dogs are turned in, it’s usually the energy required to train and exercise any and all dogs that lands them in the shelter. The owner is either unable or unwilling to exercise the dog as much as it needs to be “good.” Definitely a problem of a “defective owner.”

Choosing an adult rescue over a puppy does not guarantee you will never have any problems with your new dog, but it increases the probability that you won’t.  Of course, with any new pet, there is an adjustment period while the dog learns what you expect of it.  An adult dog can be specially chosen for various traits that will make her compatible with you and your situation.

Consider these reasons for adopting an older dog:

1. Puppies poop and pee frequently. Puppies can only be expected to “hold it” for short periods.  A two month old puppy will probably need to go out every three hours around the clock. If no one is at home during the day, consider an adult dog. Puppies need to have consistent schedules for feeding, watering, and being let out to for bathroom breaks. Adult dogs are often housetrained, and they have adult bladders.
2. Puppies chew. Our pup thought of us as human chew toys in the early stages; it took a lot of training to redirect her behavior. I’ve heard of puppies chewing baseboards and drywall, couches, shoes, and clothing. An adult dog is past the teething stage and is more discerning in what he’ll chew. Give an adult dog chew toys and bones to keep him occupied.
3. Puppies aren’t done yet. An adult dog is what it is; you know her size, temperament, personality, energy level, and relationship with children, other dogs, and cats. With puppies — especially puppies whose heritage is unknown — you never know. If you need to be sure about what you are getting, get an adult. Shelters are full of dogs who became the “wrong” match as they grew up—but who may be right for you whether that is large or small; active or sedentary; sweet or brilliant.  Further, our foster parents can help guide you in choosing just the right match for you.
4. Puppies need lots of vet care. Veterinary bills for a puppy are more expensive than for an adult dog. All those trips to the vet for puppy inoculations really add up.  Adult dogs are usually already spayed or neutered and have had all their vaccines; a healthy adult should only need to go to the vet once a year.
5. Puppies are distractible. Adult dogs are better able to focus, and this helps during training. Although puppies can and should be trained, trainers will tell you it’s often easier to train an older dog. Adult dogs are more likely to already have some training from the rescue organization because it makes them more attractive to potential adopters.
6. Puppies have a ton of energy and need hours and hours of play time. Adult dogs are still playful  but an hour or two of activity can really wear them out.
7. Puppies must learn to play with kids. Puppies and children are not always a good match—puppies can be more easily injured by children and rambunctious puppies haven’t learned how to play with small humans, and are more likely to hurt or scare children. Children should always be supervised with animals but many adult dogs have figured out little kids aren’t little dogs.
8. Puppies are very social. Pups are used to being with their litter mates. Time alone can be very stressful for them. Adult dogs still need companionship, but they can tolerate time alone better and they sleep through the night.
9. Puppies need to grow up. Adult dogs are ready to be your companion now—you don’t have to wait for them to grow up to go to the dog park (after they have all their shots), to go on hikes, to go jogging (after a year, depending on the size of the dog), to travel. With an adult rescue, you select the dog most compatible with you.  You can find one that travels well, loves to play with your friends’ dogs, has the energy for jogging or long hikes, etc.
10. Puppies can stress out your adult animals. Do you already have a dog or cat that needs a companion? An adult dog that is good with other animals is a better choice than an energetic, exuberant puppy who has to be trained to enjoy the company of other animals. It may be stressful for your animals while the new pup learns.
11. Puppies aren’t the only ones with time on their paws. Adult dogs have years of life ahead of them. All but the largest breeds average over 10 years. And in the US and UK, mixed breed dogs average 13.2 yrs.

Most people get swept away by puppy love because those little faces are so cute and their awkwardness is endearing.  People come to shelters looking for puppies, so shelter pups have a better chance of being adopted than most adult dogs. But for many of us, adult dogs make the perfect companions. If a senior dog is right for you, please check out Curly.

Fostering versus Sheltering: Why Adopt an ACDC Pet

by Nikki Senecal

photo by Ezgisu Atacan, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

You’ve seen the signs in the neighborhood: “Free kittens.” Dogs come inexpensively on Craig’s List. Back in the day when classrooms had furry pets like guinea pigs, your kid might bring one home for the summer. There are still many ways to get a free pet, so why would anyone pay adoption fees?

What makes ACDC’s animals stand out among the others?

• A Known Quantity: All ACDC animals are tested for dealing with other species as well as with human children. Even before Fido is plucked from the shelter, he or she has been rigorously tested for signs of aggression. Because ACDC’s dogs have been with a foster family for an average of 60 days, there are humans who can tell you about the schedules and quirks of your new friend. One foster parent even sends her charges to their new homes with a complete dossier. Since animals can’t talk, you’re way ahead on understanding your new friend. Priceless.
• A Healthy Animal: no pet will be adopted out who is on (temporary) medication until they have completed their course of treatment, or have had their medical issues stabilized. You only have to read the story of Nellie to see that ACDC takes the time to ensure an animal’s health prior to adoption.
•  Socialization: the animals ACDC rescues learn to interact with humans, other animals, and new places as warranted. Dogs who are properly socialized are less likely to be aggressive or fearful. Cats who are handled regularly learn to interact with humans in a satisfying way.  Isn’t that worth paying for?
• Training: Foster parents want an animal who is housebroken as much as you do, and they work hard to train this behavior in puppies and kittens. Older dogs might learn new tricks from their foster parents. This type of training teaches dogs to be happy and confident. Knowing tricks can help calm energetic dogs and teach them to redirect undesirable behavior.

ACDC can’t claim our animals are perfect, but they’re headed down the right path. What is that worth to you?

New Year’s Resolution: Keep My Family Together!

By The Tidy Cat Whisperer:

2011. It is a new year. Oh yes “whoopee”. So many people are now out celebrating the passage of time and the ritualistic saying goodbye to the year just completed and the eagerly anticipated year to be. The year we’ve just left behind-although flawed and fraught with inequities- is at least familiar territory. Some people are anxious to leave that with which they are familiar. You know, the old “change” thing. Even if we are in a bad situation, we HATE change. The new year ahead?  Unknown territory, and therefore subject to much speculation-and not just where people are concerned.

The Stinky Cat and the Tidy Cat Whisperer (TCW) don’t always agree on everything: but one thing we DO see eye to eye on is the fact that, in the year just completed more pets have been turned into animal shelters and rescues than the aforementioned shelters have room for. Which means that some of these pets never find a second chance for love and a forever home. It is the sad, yet inevitable result of life in a post-economic-meltdown world.

One of the prime reasons that cats and dogs are turned into shelters is due to dreaded “inappropriate elimination”: in other words, failure to use the litterbox (cats) or poor housetraining habits (dogs).  Many rescues and shelters are overwhelmed by more strays than in previous years, coupled with more animals turned in due to financial considerations than usual. Today’s new “economic reality” has been a disaster for animal rescues and shelters, not to mention most human welfare resources. That is why TCW and Stinky  Cat are here: to help.

According to TCW, “often all too often litterbox issues could have been avoided if a little more thought and planning had been in place.” In other words, if you already have a cat and you are not sure how your cat would react to another cat in your home, then before you decide to bring a new cat in do some research. Ask your vet how to integrate a new cat into an environment with an existing cat. Ask friends who have multiple cats how they were able to integrate the cats. And for pete’s sake, ask all these questions BEFORE you make the decision to bring another animal into your house. And, although declawing a cat makes life convenient for people, it quite often makes life for your cat very inconvenient and in many cases can lead to inappropriate urination.

The Stinky Cat adds that “inconsistent housebreaking or lack of any sort of training at all can contribute to a dog’s poor housetraining habits. A dog without proper housebreaking is not the fault of the dog; it is the fault of the people who did not spend the time to train.” Typical life situation: Cute puppy, family loves the puppy, brings the puppy home. All is right with the world. Then reality sets in. Mom & dad work 8 hours a day, kids are in school, no one has time to house train the dog. Yet, the dog is the one who pays the price by being turned into the local shelter, where an uncertain future awaits. Note to dog owners: no matter how old the dog is, it is never too late to house train a dog. It CAN be done-and often is very successfully.

Unfortunately people all too often choose the “easy” way out, either by medication (Xanax, Buspar) or by simply deciding that they can no longer “deal with the situation” and the only alternative is to rehome the pet. This blogpost is a plea to ALL pet owners to please consider every option before making the decision to rehome your pet.

Many vets, rescue groups, dog trainers and shelters will spend time working with you and your pet to try and help resolve the issues that might prevent you and your pet from enjoying your “furrever time” together. In a world that has morphed into moment-to-moment, day-by-day, we remind you that one way to ensure the stability of your own household is to make sure the needs of all the members of your household-including your pets- are properly attended to.

All In A Day’s Work

By Nikki Senecal
Recently rescued by the Animal Coalition of Delaware County (ACDC), Filina is a little Schnauzer/Yorkie mix. Upon her arrival to ACDC however, she was badly matted. Matting is a painful condition caused by lack of grooming—not only does it pinch the animal’s skin, it binds them. In some cases, dogs can’t move about as freely when they are matted. Eventually, it can become a serious health matter.

Enter Gina Newman of Daisy’s Delights Barkery, Boutique, and Bubble Bath in Ridley Park, PA, who volunteered her grooming services to ACDC. She gave Filina badly needed treatment. “She was such a sweetheart. You could tell that she appreciated being groomed,” Gina remembers. Gina has groomed many ACDC dogs, including Benny who is pictured above.

Gina began her business five years ago. Her move to a larger space afforded her the room she needed to provide new services and she became a certified groomer. It didn’t just make good business sense–she sees this as a natural progression. Her grandfather was a barber, and she often cut the hair of people before working with dogs.

She likes working with animals “because you can make them feel better.” At Daisy’s Delights, pets come first. Not only are dogs welcome in the store, but Gina uses aromatherapy to calm skittish dogs. Because of the store, Gina’s time is limited—in fact, I interviewed her while she was watching her two-year-old grandson. Grooming ACDC’s rescued dogs is a way for Gina to help the animals and further the cause. ACDC is so grateful to Gina for sharing her time and talent. It is people like Gina who make ACDC’s work possible!

Gina also knows a thing or two about adopting pets. When her beloved Daisy, for whom the store is named, passed away back in June, she vowed, “never again.” Recently, however, a new lab puppy rescued from Lancaster joined two dogs (and six cats) in the Newman home! Thanks for all you do for ACDC, Gina!

What Have We Done?

Obedience training can help ease the transition of a new puppy....for both the puppy and the new human parent!

By Nikki Senecal

Editor’s Note: Nikki Senecal and her husband adopted Stella from the Animal Coalition of Delaware County last year.  

At Stella’s first vet visit just days after we adopted her, the doctor declared, “Your dog has behavioral problems.” I replied that we had enrolled her in obedience classes. I was hurt by this diagnosis but completely unsurprised by it. My husband and I had spent the evenings with a dog who basically thought of us as human chew toys. What had we done? 

I told this story to my sister who rescued her dog 11 years ago. She revealed that she had similar doubts for the first few months. In fact, when I was telling this story to a group of ACDC volunteers, one admitted that she wondered what they had done when the dog got in the car to go home with them!  

Whether your cat is pooping on your bed, or your rabbit has chewed through PVC pipe flooding your bathroom, or your guinea pig is waking the kids from their naps, pets don’t always behave perfectly, especially in the early stages of a new relationship.  

While every adoption is different, there are some steps we can take to make them happy and successful.  

• Talk to other adopters. I can’t tell you how relieved I was when my sister said she had doubts about her dog. Sometimes all you need to know is that the adjustment to the new pet is just as hard for other people as it is for you!
• Attend obedience training. Not only will your dog learn some basic manners, but you will learn how to respond better to your dog. The classes will help build trust between you. Finally, dogs like to have a job and need intellectual stimulation as well as physical exercise. Obedience training helps with this too.
• Get specialized training. Stella’s mouthiness wasn’t being addressed in our obedience class. That’s when we hired a certified professional dog trainer. Knowing how to respond to Stella made our evenings much more relaxing.
• Restrict your pet’s space. Put the cat, its food, and litter box in one room until she begins to get used to her new home.
• Smells of home. If your new pet comes to you with a bed or toy, continue to use it as a “security blanket.”

The Temperature’s Rising

Stella taught her mom just how much the heat can affect dogs by refusing to walk during a walk!

By Nikki Senecal

We adopted Stella from the Animal Coalition of Delaware County in late June last year. One day in August, on our regular morning walk, she lay down and simply refused to get up. It was hot, but it didn’t occur to me that my little black dog was even hotter! We cut our 45-minute walks down to 30 when the temperature was over 80 degrees per the vet’s recommendation. (Black animals are particularly susceptible to heat.) Symptoms of overheating in pets include:  

• Excessive panting or difficulty breathing
• A deep red or purple tongue
• White gums
• Increased heart and respiratory rate
• Drooling
• Mild weakness, stupor, or even collapse.

They can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with a temperature over 104 degrees.  Animals exhibiting these symptoms should see a vet as soon as possible. Fortunately for us, Stella knows how to let us know she’s too hot.

When the temperature rises, Stella gets ice cubes in her water. (Though there have been reports of bloat being associated with ice cubes, there seems to be no firm documentation. Know the signs of bloat and know your dog!)  Ice cubes in a cat’s bowl may help interest them in drinking. Sometimes cats will stop drinking when they need to most. 

Neither domestic rabbits nor guinea pigs tolerate extreme temperatures well. They should be kept indoors.   

Other recommendations for the warmer weather:    

• Make sure pets have access to shade if they are outside.
• Keep pets indoors if the temperature soars.
• Beware of high-rise syndrome (pets falling through open windows). Make sure screens are fastened and unscreened windows are closed.
• Don’t walk your pet on hot asphalt which can raise their body temperatures and burn paw pads.
• Brush your cats more frequently in hot weather to keep them cool.

And of course, never leave your pets in the car on warm days. Even at 70 degrees, your car can become as hot as an oven in as little as thirty minutes.  

Good Things Come To Those Who Wait

At 12 years old, Lexie, now known as Roxie, got the home she deserves!

Lexie, now known as Roxie by her new adoptive mom, came to the Animal Coalition of Delaware County after a good Samaritan found her on the streets of Philadelphia. 

When she was found, Lexie had recently had a litter of puppies and was having some problems with sores where her puppies had nursed. It turned out that Lexie was quite an experienced momma. She was 12 years old and had been having two litters of puppies a year for most of her life. Can you imagine?! Her puppies would end up for sale at a local flea market and Lexie would continue on living in the same poor conditions year after year. As a result of all this frequent nursing and inadequate weaning of her puppies, poor Lexie’s problems were chronic and she needed surgery to cure them. She also had a few broken and infected teeth from living on the streets and needed extensive dental care. And last but not least, she needed to stop having puppies.

After taking antibiotics for over a month to fight the infections from all her long standing problems, she finally had surgery and had everything fixed all at once. Her foster mom was more worried for Lexie than she was! She picked her up the day after surgery expecting to find a sore and tired senior dog that was going to need a lot of TLC to nurse her back to health. Instead, Lexie came flying through the waiting room door like a puppy herself! She was almost uncontrollable with licks and kisses and hugs for everyone. Her foster mom thinks Lexie was just so grateful not to be sick anymore and was thanking everyone the only way she knew how.

While waiting for Lexie’s scars to heal and her stitches to be removed, she met up with her new adoptive mom, who had been waiting for Lexie to become available for adoption for two months! Lexie’s new mom knew that Lexie was the four-legged friend for her the minute she saw her. She joked that they were both senior ladies and were meant for each other! These days, Lexie, now known as Roxie, is a happy girl indeed! She has been living with her new mom for almost a month.