Training Done Right

You've trained your dog to do his business outside, but invariably he piddles in the house.  There are many factors that contribute to dogs not being 100% housebroken. 

There are many doggie advice books available to guide you and your pet through the housebreaking blues.  All agree on one thing - never, never, never hit your dog or rub his nose in the puddle.  All you are teaching your dog then is to be afraid of you.  Housebreaking requires patience, a positive demeanor and consistency.  Taking that approach will lead to a housebroken pup and a much happier you.

Look Who's Found a Home
We received so many happy stories over the last few months we just had to share them all.  Thank you for letting us know how much all of the little angels are loved.

Buddy and Akiane have a new family.  Their mom writes, "thank you again for the wonderful opportunity to love the two best lovable babies in the whole world.  Buddy and Akiane are like two peas in a pod and so much fun to watch.  I have never been greeted better when I come home from work than from my two babies. They can't wait to see me and give me kisses all over. They both get along with our greyhound and the cat. Akiane wants to play with the cat but he is not having any of that. Buddy lays on the greyhound's big floor bed with him. " 

We have received many happy updates from Mei-Ling's new family (aka Munchichi) but the first email tugged at our heart strings.  "An update on our little girl - first of all changed her name (she already recognizes it) or we think so.  In Chinese Mei Li means Beautiful and of course she is when she is not having a bad hair day! She is a delightful little girl that has already tied us around her paw.  Please let the Verizon men know she is in a safe warm home with a lot of love and attention.  They will be forever remembered with grateful hearts that they took the initiative to remove her from the bad situation she was living in.  Our Lord does put people in places where he needs them at the right times.  God bless them. " 

Princess and Richie are doing great. According to their family, "Richie is a happy little sausage roll!  That is what everyone calls him cause he is chunky. LOL  He is such a ham.  They have the best personalities.  They play and chase each other around the house, it is so funny. They love to run around outside now with their fence.  Princess is eating great and Richie, well that goes without saying!   We love them dearly and I just wanted to thank you for giving them to us.  They bring so much joy to us.  They are our children!"

Piper is a very loving little guy and his mom tells us, "very much a "mama’s boy"! Our other dog Max loves him too-you would think they had been together for years. He loves to go for walks and car rides. We are so glad we adopted him."

Another happy ending or should we say beginning, for a pair of Jacks--"Crash and Annie are the best things to happen to our family in a long, long time.  They have adjusted to their new home amazingly well and I can tell that they really feel like it’s THEIR home now.  They love everyone they meet and people (the ones who are familiar with their breed) always comment on how calm and well behaved they are for Jacks.  That’s not to say they don’t have their moments of 90-mile-an-hour bursts but, overall, they are pretty laid back and content.  They have the fenced-in yard to patrol, they are fascinated with fishing things out of the pool (not much for swimming, though), they love to go for car rides and long walks and they think they OWN Petsmart.  They adore each other and cannot stand to be out of each other’s sight.  We are VERY grateful to Lost Angels Animal Rescue for providing the opportunity to share our home and our love with Annie and Crash."

Rocket is happy in his new home.  We are told, "We are still adjusting to the new home and new smells, and we still feel like we have to claim everything as our own... but we love him very much and he is just cute as can be.  He is doing better with his leg... I think all the excited jumping helps (haha).  We learned that he has a trick when he goes to the bathroom now, we assume it's due to the injury, he balances on his front two feet and walks around!  Very entertaining to see!  He has not yet been able to wear Cole out!  I think Rocket keeps Cole on his toes and they give each other kisses after each play session!"

Molly is doing well in her new home.  "Molly has been going to obedience classes at Petsmart and will graduate in 2 weeks.  She has learned so much - she will sit, stay and come like a pro - she really obeys excellently, and is actually the best behaved dog in the class.  My parents and friends all love her so much too!    She loves Scully more than anything and would play with him all the time.  I think Molly and Scully are very happy, and we are happy to have them. " 

Pepper's family tells us, "She is such a great girl. We are so happy that we can give her a new home, and we hope she enjoys her time with us too.   She’s learned to make sitz, platz, stay and fuss, and now we can have long walks without leash, thats so great.”  

Sprout recently sent us a note, "Remember me???    You took me from a kill shelter and found me a forever home.  My new Mom drove from Palm Beach Gardens to Tampa to adopt me after seeing me on the Lost Angels website.  I was very frightened to leave you that day.  We all cried as Mom and I drove away and left you standing in the parking lot of the vet's office.   It was scary going on that long ride.  When we arrived home, there was another dog and a big man for me to meet.  Sparky, an 11 year old poodle, was not happy to see me venture into his territory.  Alan, was real nice to me & wanted to pet me.  I was really nervous in this new home with these new people and poodle!  I have to admit the first week or two I had a couple of accidents in the house.  But, they still fed me and let me sleep in the bed with Sparky & them.  Imagine, they were not upset with me!  Shortly after I arrived, Mom & Dad rescued three kittens (Elvis, Sasha and Lola).  The cats are still here and are now 1 year old.  Lola is my best friend.  We chase each other and play tag everyday.  Sometimes, Elvis and I wrestle.  Sparky is even nice to me now.  Mom takes me for long walks everyday, ‘cause we both have to exercise.   Since I was diagnosed with heartworm, Mom makes sure I take the monthly heartworm medicine. Mom/Dad have fun throwing the ball for me almost everyday.  They take me everywhere they can (e.g. the bank, Grandma's) ‘cause I am very good in the car.  Sometimes I have to stay home and hang out with the other animals.  But, when Mom and/or Dad come home, I go bonkers!  I grab a toy in my mouth, wimper and run around because I am so happy to see them.  You did your job.  You rescued me and found my family.  You don't have to cry for me anymore but, if you do, let it be happy tears.  I love my home and family.  I eat, I play and get kisses everyday.  Finally, LIFE is GOOD!"
    

"Shay is getting along so well, she's such a good girl. They all get along so well - like she's always been here. She's really smart too - she can do 2 tricks (sit & sit pretty). She really likes her treats!  Thank you sooooo much!" 

Here's an update on Nigel!  "He is doing so well in our house, and with his brother, Fred.  Fred still has his moments, but already I can see a big difference in how he responds to Nigel.  Nigel is just so accepting and seems to have adapted very easily to us too.  We think it’s so sweet when they trot along together side by side on their leashes or just get on the couch together.  And of course from Day 1, Nigel knows when it’s time for bed, and he just jumps up on our bed and settles in for the night.   It’s been fun for us to get to know Nigel too.  We tell him every day how glad we are that he lives with us now. " 

These little guys hit the jackpot with their new family.  "Dupree has not had any accidents in the house for a couple weeks now and Dorian is just my little guy....he sits with me, sleeps with me, is everywhere I am and even goes and visits the other people in the house if I am reading or busy in the kitchen. I am so very thankful I met you and adopted the boys....we were meant to be. Tell everyone hi for Dorian and Dupee (we dropped the r from his name because he is such a goof) he doesn't seem to mind." 

Gizmo is happy and "progressing in the Bailey household.  He is accepted by all and even plays with the cats, for varying lengths of time, depending on Brandy and Clyde’s patience.  He is a constant companion and playmate with the girls, especially Foxy.  He has learned that they have handles (tails) which puts him at an advantage that even his weight didn’t.  I was taking them out of the car the other day and was trying to give Foxy her elevator ride down and she was “stuck,” I thought her string was caught and pulled that free but she was still “stuck” when I tried to lift her down.  Gizmo had her firmly by the tail and was quite proud of himself."

Blackjack's family tells us, "Last night my JRT Gambler actually slept all night (which is very unusual) because he was so tired from playing with Blackjack.  They fell asleep with Blackjack resting his head on Gambler's back.  It was so cute. Thank you for all you did for Blackjack.  He has brought the laughter back into our home.  We were all quite sad after losing Shelly."

"Ivanna is doing great. She is still eating and drinking well and as you can see and is very comfortable and getting lots of love. Chad loves her! They have become great friends. Thank you for giving us such a SWEET angel!"

"Micah is doing absolutely wonderful in our household! We love him so much and so does our other furbaby Penelope!"

Here’s another fantastic story about repeat adoptions.  Sunny was adopted about a year and a half ago with a horrific case of demodex with secondary skin infections over his entire body. He  had this personality that shone through and his family just had to have him even though he looked his worst.  He’s beautiful now and recently gained a new sister, Zelda.  His mom writes, “Thank you, thank you, thank you for introducing me to that so sweet puppy!  I've decided to name her Zelda.  She is the cutest, most adorable creature.  And she is so very smart.  She is fitting in beautifully.  She loves everyone and she really loves her big brother.  Wherever Sunny is, she is snuggled up next to him. Getting Sunny his own dog was one of the best things I ever did.  They play together and he is so gentle with her.  He willing shares his toys, of which he has many. Sunny is so good, and sweet, and loving despite what he has been through. He is simply the very best. Both Sunny and Zelda bring such joy and happiness into my life."

Roxy is doing very well in her new home.  Her family absolutely loves her.  

Jenna was adopted a couple of years ago and we are happy to hear she’s doing so well.  Her mom tells us, “We adopted your beautiful and sweet rescue Rotti "Jenna" in November 2005.  We wanted to tell you how very much we LOVE her, and how much she is a blessed member of our little family.  Thank You for saving her.  Goofey Dog and her are the best of friends and spend their days scoping out squirrels and birds and the such on the acreage.  They have a little pup "Bruce" to keep an eye on.  She is much the Beta dog in our little pack!  Loving and nurturing to the end.  At night, and whenever in the house she prefers the quilt to the bed, but never misses a night where she doesn't get up with Goofey Dog to get her belly rubbed and lots of cuddles. Thank you again for all that you are, and all that you do. "
 
Jazz and Sammy’s new family tells us they are doing just fine.  Jazz is happy as long as he has a ball, and Sammy likes his squeaky toys.  

Mickey, previously Minion, is happy in his new home.  His mom thinks “he is a wonderful little guy. We just love him, including our cat Gracie.  Special thanks to Kelly and Joan for picking me to be his new Mommy.”

 

We’ve heard from Niko’s new family that “he’s well loved. I'm not sure who is more blessed, Niko or myself.”

Tidbits
Have you heard?  Lost Angels has joined a recycling program that provides much needed funds for our angels in return for empty printer ink cartridges.  We have postage-paid mailing baggies to handout for folks to use when they run out of ink.  The program is fantastic and we are very excited to be participating.  If you'd like some bags, just stop by to see us at Petco on Saturdays, give us a call or drop us an email and we'll get some to you.  

With all of the news lately around pet food many of us are wondering what is safe these days to feed our furbabies.  There are still many commercially made pet foods that are reported to be healthy and there's also many suggestions regarding making your own homemade meals.  Whatever your choice, please check with your veterinarian.  Here are a few links that may be helpful: 

Animal Protection Institute - Get the Facts:  What's Really in Pet Foods
American Veterinary Research Association
FDA-Pet Food Recall
Ezine articles - Keep your Dog Healthy

We have a new veterinarian recommendation to share.  Dr. Lisa Thomas comes highly recommended.  Sunny and Zelda's mom says, "I have been a client there for years now and have been so impressed by the concern and care she shows for the animals and their human companions.  I really get a very strong sense that being a vet is a vocation for her, not just a job for making money.  I think this one is the greatest."  Dr. Thomas is located in Pinellas County at:  Brock Animal Hospital, Pinellas Park, FL  (727) 544-1717.

Speaking of recognizing great vets, thank him/her for everything they do for your little angel with a contest nomination.  The Morris Animal Foundation and Merial are co-sponsoring a contest to honor veterinarians.  There will be four regional winners and one grand prize, a $5,000 research scholarship.  Nominated vets will receive a certificate of appreciation.  To nominate your vet, go to Thank Your Vet.  Winners will be announced in February 2008.  

Have a concern about something Sammy ate and can't reach your vet?  You can contact the Pet Poison Helpline.  This group is available 24/7 and staffed by veterinary health professionals and clinical toxicologists.  They charge a one-time consultation fee of $35 per incident that covers not only the initial consultation, but also any follow-up consultations made with the pet owner and/or veterinarian. 

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Here are some of our little angels just waiting for you.  

Double your pleasure, double your fun with two little angels!
Joey and Mitzi are loveable lapdogs that will cuddle up with you and watch TV for hours. Joey takes a little longer to warm up but Mitzi makes new friends immediately. They love to play in the yard, and love to run and chase each other. They love to go for rides in the car and are great travelers. Joey and Mitzi rarely bark but will let you know if a stranger is at the door. The most important thing to them is that they stay together. They love each other dearly and would be very grateful for the family that will make that possible. Joey is approx 5 years old and Mitzi is approx 6 years and are both about 14 pounds.  They are current on all of our shots, spayed/neutered , microchipped, wormed for intestinal parasites, heartworm tested (neg) and are currently on a flea and heartworm preventative. They also come with one free vet visit.  Their adoption fee is $250.00 for pair.  If you would like to learn more about them please call 813-334-8765 or go to our website to submit an application.

Contessa and Yvette are special little babies.  "We met in foster care and became fast friends. We run through the house chasing each other, and when we finally make contact we wrestle and wrestle. We are both extremely good natured and well behaved. We are very eager to please." Yvette is a 4 year old Yorkie mix and weighs about 8 pounds. Contessa is a Chihuahua about 6 years old and weighs about 8 pounds. Yvette is recovering from a fungal infection and her hair has not completely come in yet and Contessa had to have her right eye removed from an injury. "We make quite the pair but we don't care we are best friends. Our foster Mom says anyone would be lucky to have such double joy in their home. Please help us to remain forever friends in our forever home.  We are spayed, up to date on all our shots including rabies, heartworm tested (neg), microchipped, dewormed for intestinal parasites, currently on a heartworm and flea preventative. We come with one free vet visits. Our adoption donation is $250.00 for the pair."  If you would like to learn more about us call 813-486-4001 or go online to submit an application.

Lucy is a female Shar Pei recovering from demadex, She is approx 6 to 7 months old and loves to play. She lives with children and enjoys the company of well behaved kids. Lucy will make someone a wonderful best friend. She is spayed, up to date on all shots including rabies,  heartworm tested (neg), microchipped, dewormed for intestinal parasites, currently on a heartworm and flea preventative, and comes with one free vet visit. Her adoption donation is $150.00. If you would like to learn more call 813-334-8765 or go online to submit an application.
Please visit our website to view all of our angels for adoption. 

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Paw Prints is produced quarterly by Lost Angels.

Please let us know what you think of this issue by emailing us at Lost Angels Animal Rescue. Send us your thoughts to make this a better newsletter for you.

Your ideas for future articles are welcome. If you’d like your angel spotlighted in Look Who’s Found a Home, please send us a picture and we’ll include you in the next edition. We’d love to hear from you.