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Kobi

It was just 10 months ago when an extremely shy, thin, black Lab named Kobi peered at me from behind a partition at Pampered Pooch. I was there with two Pet Haven volunteers to meet a different black Lab on whom I had set my sights for adoption. But when I saw this timid 1-1/2 year old dog with the sad eyes watch me from across the room, I knew right away which dog I wanted to take home with me. Both Pet Haven volunteers, Ann and Celayne, were very good about letting me know that being the extremely timid dog that he was, Kobi would take a lot of effort. He would require a lot of work, patience and love. They asked several times if I was up to the challenge. As a rookie dog owner, I truly appreciated their questioning. I took their advice and mulled it over for a couple of days.

A week later, April 30th 2009, Kobi came home with me. I got a good sense of the challenge right away when it took two of us just to get him to walk out the door and lift him into my car (doors, cars and stairs were just a few of the things that I learned would send him running away in fright). As I drove down Hwy 100 with Kobi and his kennel in the back of my car, we hit a small bump that caused the kennel to rattle. That sound so startled Kobi that he decided the best place to park himself was in my lap! Needless to say an immediate roadside stop was necessary to re-organize traveling arrangements. And so it began.

In the days and weeks that followed, Kobi responded to patience, praise and a lot of love. Within a month, he was no longer running to the other side of the street to avoid parked cars during our walks and rather than forcing me to lift him into my car, Kobi eventually responded to those magical two words -“Car ride?”- by anxiously running to my car and onto the back seat. In October, we went to Obedience School where I learned how smart and capable Kobi is. It was a great opportunity for us to bond and we still continue all his training today (he thoroughly enjoys performing and working for his treats – even while on our walks). He also loves to be in the same room with me when I’m working. In fact, as I write this, while sitting on the floor, Kobi is lying on the couch behind me with one of his paws resting on my shoulder. Although Kobi still has his timid moments, they are becoming fewer and farther between. Continued love and patience is all it will take. Kobi has been such a welcome addition to my home and my life. We run errands together. He comes to all my softball games. We hike, we camp, we run and we chill out on the couch together. The greatest joy for me, though, is watching Kobi asleep on the couch, knowing that he’s no longer in that dark scary place that caused him so much fear and distress; that he’s now in a warm, safe home with someone who cares very much for him and loves every funny nuance he has.

I can’t thank the great people at Pet Haven enough for all the help and support they provided during and after the adoption. Ann and Celayne were always available if I had questions or needed advice. The people at Pet Haven do a fantastic job and if it weren’t for them, this healthy, fun loving, loyal black Lab named Kobi wouldn’t have a home and I wouldn’t be blessed with such a perfect companion.

In Memory of Backpacking Brandy

Pet Haven received the following letter from Brandy's family. It is obvious that Brandy hit the jackpot with this family, and was blessed to have lived such a wonderful life.

We will miss you Brandy,
your Pet Haven family

Back in Nov 1997 I attended a Pet Haven adoption day at a Holiday store in Bloomington. I went there with the intention of possibly adopting a sheltie, but in person it seemed too small for me. So I looked at other dogs available, and found my dream dog. Brandy was about 14 months old, was house broken, knew a few commands from the Pet Haven volunteer who spent time with her while she was living at the dog pound (too many dogs at that time, too few foster homes). The volunteer said they thought she was a collie x German shepherd and a little under weight at 55 lbs. She walked well on leash in the parking lot, and kept looking up at me, so I knew I had found my dog.

They also said she may have been abused by someone early in her life. She has been scared of vacuums, rakes, shovels. She would attack the vacuum, so I always say "Go to bed" and she goes into the bedroom until I'm ready to vacuum that room.

I met my husband about a year later and she bonded well with him. We have had many great memories with Brandy: taking her to the BWCA, backpacking out west, swimming at his parents' house in Ely (Brandy loves to play savior if you appear to be drowning), running next to us while we cross country skiied. She is very golden with only bits of black in her back coat, and we like to call her our Golden Retriever x German shepherd x whatever else is in the mix. She moved from our Maplewood home to Duluth MN back in July 2005.

She loves snow, so it is good to be living in MN with her. I thought since she would stay out of the water when we lived near Lake Phalen that she wouldn't ever be a water dog let alone a swimmer. The first time my husband and I went fishing in his parent's boat and took Brandy with us, she jumped after our first lure cast. At that moment I knew she would be a natural swimmer. Luckily we didn't catch her on the line, and brought her back into the boat via the swimmer's ladder.

On her first backpacking trip back in 2001 she had a blast. She was a typical herder, going out front and then to pick up the last hiker, so she would walk twice as long as we did. She had her own doggie backpack in which she carried her food, water bottle and on that first trip extra items that didn't fit in our friend's backpack. We took her out to Utah's Uinta Mtn Range in 2005. She learned to cross a couple of rivers on that trip, once slipping off of the logs to cross the river, and almost getting carried under the logs by the current. One of friends had already crossed the river, quickly grabbed her and pulled her to safety.

Sadly this past May she started to cough quite a bit, so we brought her to our vet. She was diagnosed with lung cancer on June 7, 2009. She sure had slowed down a lot the past few months, and we think that is the toll the cancer is taking on her. We're sad to say that we had to put her down on Wed July 15, 2009, just 2 months short of her 13th birthday. Thank you for saving Brandy for me to adopt her.

Thank you for all the work you do for animals. We were both so grateful to be Brandy's parents for as long as we did.

Thank you, J & K, for loving Brandy.

Wrigley

As far as Wrigley is concerned, he is trapped inside the wrong-sized body. That explains the dog's rambunctiousness, excitability and why his tiny nub of a tail constantly quivers.

"He's about 60 pounds," says Kristi, co-parent of Wrigley with boyfriend Neil, "but he thinks he's only 10 pounds."

Wrigley freely dispenses his love to all comers - other dogs, family members, strangers, kids, adults - and that affection is quickly reciprocated.

"Everyone loves Wrigley," says Kristi. "He's got 1,000 different nicknames. One is Kissy-face, because if he's in your lap, he's licking your face."

Perhaps not surprisingly, Wrigley's enthusiasm sometimes translates into playful mischief. The pit bull-terrier-cattle dog mix likes to dig in the backyard, a definite no-no. He has hurdled the four-foot fence a few times in pursuit of his nemeses - squirrels and rabbits.

"He also likes to chew on everything," says Kristi. "With any stuffed toy we give him, there is stuffing throughout the house."

But Kristi says this as a willing co-conspirator in Wrigley's mischief-making. She and Neil adopted Wrigley after attending a Pet Haven adoption event in May 2008. As best anyone can figure, Wrigley is a stray rescued from northern Minnesota. She and Neil were immediately charmed by the youngster's pointy ears, brown eyes and exceptional behavior.

"He's a total love muffin," says Kristi. "All he wants is to be rubbed, loved and cuddled. In fact, if he wants cuddling, all 60 pounds of him will jump on my lap. If I'm in my bed and on my back, Wrigley will lay straight on top of my chest."

He's got a sensitive side, too. When Kristi was sick recently, Wrigley sensed she wasn't in a playful mood. So he just napped with her in bed - all day long.

Besides all his other qualities, Wrigley is just so do darn cute, and it's not just Kristi and Neil who think so. Once at a softball game, a lady came out of her house and walked across the field just to meet Wrigley. Another time a photographer was so captivated by Wrigley walking along a lake, she included him in a promotional poster.

"Occasionally he makes me angry when he's been a bad boy," says Kristi. "But I've never had something I've had to take care of like Wrigley. I love him; he's my baby. I'm just so happy he's part of my life."

Lulu

By Lisa J.

It's always great to walk into someone’s home for the first time and be greeted with lots of energy and vigor; and it's nice if the owner of the house is nice too. When I walked into Lulu’s house this week, I was greeted with such joy that I couldn't help but feel welcome.

When Lulu came to Pet Haven she had gone through some really tough times. She was found in a garbage can in Northern Minnesota and had a variety of health problems. Her story is one of love, patience and time. Because of mange and other skin issues she had to make trips to the vet multiple times each week. This gave her an aversion to baths, and bath time now is quite a challenge.

It takes a while sometimes for a dog to get used to a new home, new people and other family pets, but Lulu adapted very well to her new surroundings. It also can take a bit for the family to get used to the dog and learn about them. Lulu is very curious, always looking around, watching everything; she wants to know what is going on and how she can be at the center of it. She loves to have all of the attention she can get.

Because of Lulu’s past, she is a bit of a scavenger; she gets in to things she shouldn’t. Mom and dad had to learn early on to close the closet doors if they did not want to have their clothing stolen or their shoes chewed. They also learned how fast she could get into trouble. With her boundless energy she is always looking for something to do, good or bad.

Lulu also has a job; road companion. When her sweater comes out, it's time to go to work. When Dad goes to work fixing up houses, Lulu goes too. She investigates every inch of every house Dad is working on. On those drives to the houses she curls up on the seat, but if they go to the drive thru at the bank, she is all ears and gets all the attention.

For someone who started out life so rough she seems to just keep on keepin' on like it's no problem at all. Life is good.

A True Teddy Bear

Bear, the 10-year-old, 13-pound, poodle, waits beside his human mom’s bed, waiting for those two feet to finally hit the floor, telling him their day is officially underway. Soon, he knows, he’ll be out and about, reacquainting himself with every pole and signpost in the neighborhood. He’s made his mark outside, of course, but more importantly, he’s made his mark on the hearts of Connie and David R., his adoptive parents since September 2008.

The time was right for the family to get another dog after they’d lost their 20-plus-year-old cocker-Lab, Max. They were entering retirement mode and had a great fenced-in yard, perfect for a new pet. Their one stumbling block was that after having raised three stray kittens, Connie had developed an allergy to animals. They chose to look on Pet Finder for a poodle, a breed least likely to trigger an allergic reaction.

“You picked such a good dog!” routinely exclaim their friends about Bear.

Connie said “it was love at first sight” when they met Bear at his foster home, where he’d resided for several months. Her two older sons adore their new four-legged sibling, too, and Bear eats up the attention. (Too bad he doesn’t eat up his dog food as readily, she noted. She has to incorporate a bit of “people food” to entice the finicky pooch’s palate.)

“He’s a perfect dog!” Connie said she is often told.

Aside from a former propensity toward devouring fleece blankets, which appears to be an all-but-forgotten habit born of steadily diminishing separation anxiety, it seems Bear is pretty nearly flawless.

Accidents in the house? No way. He places his paws on Connie’s leg and looks her in the eye or walks in circles to tell her when he needs to go outside.

He’s also smart and intuitive. When Connie’s mother was rehabbing at their home after having undergone surgery, Bear, who had never met her before, instantly laid on her lap, keeping her legs warm. He clearly sensed her need for comfort and willingly provided it, not moving from her side.

“We get more out of Bear than he gets out of us,” Connie said. “He keeps us active [yet paradoxically] he makes us calm down and slows us down. He teaches us we should live like that, not full speed ahead.”

He also models enjoying the moment by “swaying back and forth on the dirt, grass or carpet,” she said.

“Bear is pretty mellow until my husband comes home in the afternoon. He hears the van approach the driveway and the sets up such a racket, howling and whining and barking. He is then let out the door and runs to my husband and escorts him into the house. Then they have a little wrestling match,” she said.

Connie is quite concerned about animal overpopulation and believes, “loving people have an obligation, if they have a good home to offer,” to provide shelter and love for these wonderful creatures. She’s walking her talk, that’s for sure.

And speaking of walking… Aren’t there some ducks at the park waiting for us? one imagines Bear asking, with a meaningful glance at his leash.

© 2009 Sid Korpi

Nestle and Morsel

By Tosha B.

When Nancy and her partner’s 14 year old cat passed away last year, they decided to look through a foster organization when they were ready for a new kitten. Nancy looked on Pet Haven and saw “two really cute, black brother kitties – they looked irresistible.” She and her partner decided they wanted two to keep one another company, and they were immediately sold on Nestle & Morsel.

Nestle and Morsel came from a litter of six, were the only two black kittens in the litter, and absolutely had to be placed in a home together. The brothers are very special to anyone who comes in contact with them because of their sweet personalities, and energetic nature. Before they found their home with Nancy and her partner and son, Nestle and Morsel were at a foster home with Lauren. Lauren says that Nestle was an outgoing, curious boy, and if you were eating, he would always come around to see if he could sneak a bite. He could often be found perched on the refrigerator, meowing at whoever walked by, or sitting on a lap watching TV. He also loved good belly rubs, and chasing his brother Morsel around. Lauren says Morsel was “a bit more shy and docile…and a little chubbier too!” He would often wait in the bathroom for someone to come seek out and pet him. He followed Nestle’s mischievous lead, and would often add to the trouble. The boys quickly befriended the two dogs at their foster home, and Lauren would often find the four of them curled up on the bed.

When Nancy and her partner found the boys, and brought them to their new home, it didn’t take them long to warm up. After they got to know one another, they were renamed Rebel and Shadow. They have livened up their new home, and provide plenty of entertainment! Nancy loves to watch the boys playing, as they roll around with one another in one big black ball. They love their kitten tower, sleeping with their owners, eating anything, and playing with Tango, the dog. Nancy claims the brothers’ motto is “Follow the Nap” because they will seek out whoever is napping, or just relaxing, and curl up with them. And even if you’re not napping yet, they just may lure you into dreamland with their irresistible cuddle and purr tendencies.

Rebel and Shadow also absolutely LOVE food – their food, your food, the dog’s food, or any food! Nancy’s new favorite kitty gadget is an automatic feeder that dispenses four times daily, so the boys don’t wake them up throughout the night for food – although they DO still enjoy 3am play time on the bed! Their food also gets them into quite a bit of mischief! Nancy brought home Christmas cookies from work, and by the next morning they were gone. The cats had knocked the whole Tupperware container off the counter and, along with the dog’s help, ate every last crumb! After almost eating through a cereal box, Nancy decided any food, whether packaged or not, was not to be left in the open! Other than the food obsession, they don’t get into much trouble; no furniture scratches, fallen shelves, or disheveled Christmas tree – they’re pretty good boys!

On a final note, Nancy says, “we really appreciate Pet Haven and organizations like them because the foster folks are able to get to know the animals so well and can really tell you what they’re like – you just can’t get that from a shelter. Plus, the animals are coming from a home environment, so they are much less stressed than coming from the shelter environment – I think it helps them adjust so much more quickly.”

Maddy

By Lisa J.

When I contacted Maddy's mom she was really excited to have me come over; but she let me know that Maddy's manners were not always perfect. Luckily, I came fully armed, or pocketed with treats, as the case may be. She has a lot of personality and will and her manners are still a work in progress but she is a great dog.

When I entered the house Maddy made sure to let everyone know there was a stranger in the house. So Mom put her in her kennel until she calmed down a bit. When she came out she grabbed her favorite toy which doubles as a security blanket, and helps her deal with some of the anxiety that comes with having a new person in the house.

When Maddy's mom was looking to adopt she visited a few of the Pet Haven adoption days and saw Maddy each time. Because this was her first dog she needed to make sure it was a good fit. She had a good feeling about Maddy and was really drawn to her, feeling that inherent connection that we feel with "our" dogs. Her son was the next issue; he was a bit reserved about getting a big dog for a few reasons. He was more of a cat person and because of a bad experience with trying to adopt a dog through a different organization; he did not want to get too close in case they lost Maddy. Those problems were resolved when Maddy lay down at his feet and looked up at him with those big brown eyes and won him over.

Maddy came to Pet Haven having lived a very hard life for a dog of such a young age; when she was three months old she fell off a third story balcony. She had a broken jaw and her hip was shattered, they were going to put her down. The veterinarian saw a lot of potential in Maddy so she took the responsibility of surgery and rehabilitation upon herself. When she felt Maddy was healthy enough to be adopted, she contacted Pet Haven. You would never know by looking at her or watching her run that Maddy had the ball of her left hip removed. It certainly doesn't hold her back; she runs with other dogs and loves to go on long walks.

With Maddy's strong personality her mom knew that she was going to need some help. They have been going to a canine coach for a few lessons in behavior and leadership. Mom now has no problems taking her for walks with the gentle leader. And Maddy has learned to respond well to "stay" and "come", the two hardest commands for a dog with this much personality and will.

Mom has also seen the love that Maddy has for her in more creative ways than she is used to. She finds her boot on the sofa every now and again. The boot is never chewed, just loved.

The Myth of Ode

By Sheila Goeken

“Cruelty has a human heart ... .” William Blake

The evil perpetrated by humans against defenseless animals is sometimes too horrendous to imagine. According to the U.S. Humane Society, dogs were the victims of 64.5% of the human cruelty cases against animals reported by the media in 2007. When Ode was found near a baseball field in Redby, Minn., last July, it was obvious this innocent 12-week-old pup was one more victim of such a crime. The hair on her head and her whiskers were singed, and her ears were so severely burned that they were flaking off.

Thanks to Red Lake Rosie’s Rescue in northern Minnesota, little Ode (pronounced O-Day, which means “heart” in the Ojibwa language) was given the medical attention she needed and sent to Pet Haven to find a foster and adoptive home. Marilou C. of Pet Haven says, “It was an honor to take in Ode. We have learned so much from her open heart and brave spirit.”

She’s Got Heart

[Photo credit: Sarah Beth Photography]

 

 

 

 

 

Mary M., Ode’s longtime foster mom, says Ode grew fast, from about 12 pounds when Pet Haven first got her to about 55 pounds at the age of 10 months. “When she ran laps around the house, she sounded like a little horse,” Mary laughs. She tells the story of how Ode got caught underneath the bed one day (where she loved to play) because she didn’t realize how big she’d grown.

By the time she was placed for adoption, Ode was an almost mythic legend. Shortly after she was found in northern Minnesota, the U.S. Humane Society put up a $2,500 reward for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the person or people responsible for Ode’s abuse.* She had her own YouTube video, and several stories were written about her challenging life. Ode became the star of Pet Haven’s annual fall benefit, and many people were endeared to her by her story and resilience.

Artist Jesse Marianiello of Stray Dog Arts credits Ode for her own growth as an artist. “Ode is a brave spirit—one of the bravest I have ever known. So brave, in fact, that she changes every single person who comes in contact with her, myself included. She is, after all, the one responsible for altering the mission of Stray Dog Arts. Painting animals has led me home—home, that is, to my truest self—but Ode is the one who opened up the heart of this home in a way that I was unable to imagine before her.”

Another person touched by Ode was Pam C. Pam was familiar with Red Lake Rosie’s Rescue because her brother, Tom, who’d lost his canine companion, recently adopted a new dog that originally came from Rosie’s. During his search for a new dog, Tom had encouraged his sister to go to some of the Web sites he’d visited to check out his choices. While perusing the animal-rescue Web sites her brother had recommended, Pam came across the video of Ode. “It was impossible not to be moved by the dog—her tragic history and remarkable recovery. Each viewing of the video pulled me in a little more—like I was being called by the siren song of Ode,” she says.

The River Runs Deep

Though she wasn’t looking for a dog herself (her two cats were plenty in their small house), she figured the time would eventually come when another dog would win her heart the way Roki, her longtime white shepherd/husky/Samoyed, had. After one attempt to meet Ode failed, Pam tried again, leading to their first meeting at a Pet Haven adoption event. When Pam learned about Pet Haven’s foster-with-intent-to-adopt option, she signed up. This arrangement would allow Ode to stay with Pam in her home before Pam made a final adoption commitment.

[Photo credit: Sarah Beth Photography]

To assist with the transition, Pet Haven provided several types of training designed to ease Ode’s troublesome behaviors—jumping up, barking as Pam tried to work, leash-pulling on walks, and chasing the two cats, for starters. “The first week was especially hard, because we’d established no mutual trust or bond yet,” says Pam.

While aspects of the various training methods helped Pam think about how best to handle Ode’s issues, she says she relates most to the philosophy expressed in this passage from The Story of Edgar Sawtelle: “Unless they had worked long and hard at it, most people thought training meant forcing their will on a dog. Or that training required some magical gift. Both ideas were wrong. Real training meant watching, listening, diverting a dog’s exuberance, not suppressing it. You couldn’t change a river into a sea, but you could trace a new channel for it to follow.”

After fostering Ode for several weeks, Pam has decided to make the long-term commitment and adopt this inspiring dog. “I see almost daily progress in Ode’s behavior and continue to be amazed by her spunk and her spirit!” relates Pam. Pam and Ode will take things one day at a time—learning from each other, celebrating and diverting exuberance, and, in time, growing out of the past and into a better future together.

 

* According to Karen Good of Red Lake Rosie’s Rescue, an informant came forward when the U.S. Humane Society poster came out. The abuser was allegedly a 14-year-old, who fled to Wisconsin and was never apprehended.

Norma Blue Lightening

By Stefanie J.

Norma is a one-year-old cat who was adopted by Jane W. and her family about two months ago. She is a happy cat – simply put - and a testament to the work that Pet Haven does.

Norma was found at three months old in March 2008 by a rescue shelter which disbanded. Then, fortunately, she was taken in by Pet Haven.

Norma came with some mysteries such as her breed. Norma’s owner, Jane, guesses her to be a “Russian Blue” based on her looks and temperament (Russian Blues are highly intelligent, slow to warm up, make you prove yourself before they give their loyalty but once they do they are unwavering). Another unknown was why all her teeth were falling out, eventually needing to be removed by Pet Haven. Poor nutrition in Norma’s mother is a possibility.

According to Norma’s foster mom, Becky, she was “generally in good shape and did not have any major obstacles to overcome.” She adjusted to life without teeth and can eat both dry and wet food easily. She doesn’t seem to know she doesn’t have teeth. Norma did well in foster care and became more playful and friendly during her stay. Becky thought Norma was “absolutely adorable – a sweet little thing.” She even had a darling habit of letting her tongue hang out the side of her mouth.

In December 2008, Jane and her family were continuing their search for the perfect cat which culminated in attending a Pet Haven adoption day. They had researched various rescue groups and were impressed with Pet Haven’s organization. They were able to speak with Pet Haven volunteers to describe what their family was like and what they wanted in a cat. Jane and her family were informed that “Norma is really the cat for you” and that Norma was “cute, young and sweet.”

It’s only been a couple of months but Norma has settled in well with her new family. The two boys, ages four and seven, adore her. At first, Norma was terrified of the boys and hid under the bed until they went to school. Jane says “she is getting more adventurous every day!” Now she comes out to play and is closer to the boys. She even sat on the younger boy’s lap recently which he has been dying for her to do. They have also given her the formal name “Norma Blue Lightening” (“Blue” is for “Russian Blue” and “Lightening” is for her superhero speed).

Jane says having Norma has been good for the boys. They both seek her out when they are sad to talk to and pet her. They play very sweetly with her and speak to her in a high voice. Both boys have jobs to feed her and clean the litter box. As Jane says, “she’s their cat.” The family teases about who Norma likes the most and they are all attached to her. Jane says, “we already can't imagine our lives without her!”

Growing Together (Belle)

By Susana G.

Kristen is an active young woman who not so long ago went to college, graduated, found a boyfriend, moved-in with the boyfriend, and started making plans. At that time she got a yearning. And the yearning grew. The boyfriend agreed: they should get a dog.

So, online they went, and on to www.Petfinder.com. Before long they saw a picture of a Pet Haven stray who had been brought in pregnant and then had a litter of ten (10!) puppies at her foster home. All of them were going to be at the Minnetonka Petco on Adoption Day. “That was on January 2nd, five years ago!” Kristen remembers vividly. “We got there early. We were afraid there might not be any puppies left!”

But there were puppies left. “And I picked Belle!” says Kristen. Eight weeks old, she weighed only eight pounds. She was darling, and Kristen and her boyfriend were smitten.

But things did not work out with Kristen’s boyfriend and they broke up six months later. “It was a very, very hard time for me,” Kristen explains, and adds she was devastated. Getting up in the morning was a chore. “I got out of bed every morning because she needed me,” Kristen shares. “I credit her with saving me!”

But Kristen also saved Belle. At the beginning, she took her to puppy socialization encounters. Then, when she was old enough, she took her to dog obedience classes at the Twin Cities Obedience Training Club which, she says, is the oldest obedience club in Minnesota. At those classes, Belle met another dog, Roxy, who was about her same size. The dogs hit it off and Kristen suggested to Roxy’s owner Janna they get together before class so the dogs could play and get tired: “A tired dog is an obedient dog,” she volunteers. And they all became friends. Kristen values the gift: “Belle introduced me to one of my best friends!”

And what is Belle like? A mix of everything: German Shepherd and Collie on her mom’s side, plus Husky and who knows what on dad’s side. “Belle is highly food-motivated,” Kristen says, but a big lapdog and a snuggler. “She sleeps in bed with me. She will drape the front half of her body over my lap and keep her backfeet on the floor and just hang out with me.” And she also loves to cuddle up to Kristen and watch animals on TV, she adds.

“We are on a fly-ball team with Janna and others at the Club. Ours is the ‘Brat Pack’ team. We practice once a week but Belle is still learning, she is far too interested in chasing other dogs,” she explains. But eventually Belle will learn and play against other teams. “It’s good exercise for both of us,” she adds.

Kristen cannot imagine her life without a dog. She says she loves animals so much that she is now completing her prerequisites to apply to the Veterinary School at the University of Minnesota next year. “Anything I will do is because I love the animals,” she says. And then adds one last thing: “I am curious to know what happened to the other nine puppies…” Is there a chance of a reunion?

Trixie

By Carrie F.

When I arrived at Trixie’s home to meet her, I was not only greeted by a very social little girl but also her four friendly “siblings”. I received more kisses that day than a bride on her wedding day.

Trixie shares her “Mom and Dad” with four other “siblings”: Sasha, a three year-old Pekinese/Terrier; Tucker, a 16-year-old Yorkie; Barkley, a 14-year-old Poodle/Yorkie (who just happens to be diabetic and blind); as well as her partner-in-crime a 13-year-old Poodle named Shorty (who “Mom” lovingly calls “Poodle”).

Trixie was transferred to Pet Haven from an animal shelter in Central Minnesota. “Mom and Dad” have been foster parents for nearly 14 years so they were happy to make room for this sweet puppy.

Being the spunky, adorable Yorkie puppy that she was, she was scooped up by an adoptive family in no time. However, the adoption fell through when it was discovered that Trixie had come down with mange. (Mange is a skin condition fairly common in puppies 3-12 months old. It is treatable with medicated shampoo and dips.) Trixie was treated for about six weeks and after nurturing her back to health, “Mom” was in love with her and had to adopt her.

Now, Trixie is forever spoiled by her attentive “Mom”. Trixie and her siblings all receive homemade food everyday. They even have their own playroom with lots of sunny places to snooze as well as an abundance of toys. Trixie’s favorite toy is a red monkey which she totes around like her “baby”.

Trixie and her gal-pal, Shortie (“Poodle”) are fashion divas and recently made their runway debut at a Pet Haven fundraiser. Trixie was dressed as her favorite toy, the sock monkey, while co-diva Shortie (“Poodle”) was dressed in her “native” French attire with a small beret. “Project Runway” here they come!

Joey

By Cynthia F.

When Monica and Brian were ready to get a dog, a co-worker suggested Monica look for a dog to adopt on PetFinder.com. There is a saying that you don’t adopt your pet; your pet adopts you. And that’s what happened when Joey adopted Monica. “I saw his picture online,” says Monica, “and he was the first and only dog I pursued.”

When Monica reached out to Pet Haven about Joey, then named Eeyore, she learned that Joey has allergies. Not just a few allergies… a LOT of allergies, including wheat, dust, mold and pollen. His constant scratching required him to wear a cone whenever humans weren’t around. His foster parents, Karen and David, knew he would need to go to a home where his family would pay special attention to his allergies.

When Monica and Karen first spoke about Joey, Karen was very upfront about his allergies. Monica and Brian were still interested, so one day in early October, Karen dropped him off for a “test visit.” “When we first pulled up to the house,” says Karen, “he acted like he was already home! He was so excited to meet Brian and Monica.”

Monica and Brian could tell that Joey was a very well-mannered, sweet older dog that wouldn’t need a lot of training. They also knew that most people would shy away from adopting him because of his health issues. They felt they could handle the challenge. “We were out in the backyard playing with him that day,” Monica says, “and my husband said that Joey deserved a good home. So we made the decision to adopt him and never looked back.”

Once they decided to adopt Joey, Monica spent time researching allergies in dogs. Through Karen, Monica connected with Joey’s former owner, who had surrendered Joey due to the family’s young daughter having developed severe allergies to Joey. She could tell that it was a heart-wrenching decision for them to give Joey up, and they provided Monica with a wealth of information and paperwork. “I wanted to know what they had already tried,” says Monica, “because I didn’t want to put him through anything that they’d already tried that didn’t work.”

Thanks to Monica’s research and a dermatology veterinarian, Joey was put on a medicine that decreased his itching almost immediately. Since starting the medication, he’s had to have the cone on only once, with the allergies under control for the most part. Monica and Brian still have to be diligent, making his food by hand and being very careful about what they feed him.

As for how it’s going a few months post-adoption, Monica and Brian have noticed that Joey is very smart and learns new tricks quickly – he can even pick out the “muskrat” or “Santa” if they tell him which toy to get. Joey is a perfect gentleman when left alone in the house… with one exception: if they leave the coat closet open while they’re gone, Joey will pull down the coats to see if there are any leftover treats in the pockets from their walks! No coats have been harmed, but a hanger didn’t quite make being pulled off the rod by a determined Joey.

All in all, Joey has slipped right into Monica and Brian’s life. “He slept on the bed the first night and ever since,” says Monica. “He has his morning routine – he wakes up and gives us both kisses, then we get up and he eats breakfast. He looks around to see if there is anything more to eat, and then goes back to bed for his morning nap. He goes everywhere with us, and has blended into our lifestyle and is a part of our lives.”

It’s safe to say that Monica and Brian can consider themselves thoroughly adopted by Joey.

Kenny

By Lisa J.

This week I met Kenny, who found himself a wonderful new home through PetHaven. Now he has a great mom and dad, two wonderful brothers and one SUPER sister.

KennyMom had been advocating another dog in the house for years and Dad finally gave in. After finding a few puppies online that they were interested in and failing to get them, they found Tanner. I know, I said Kenny before and now I use the name Tanner so you may wonder if I know exactly who I interviewed. Not to worry, they are the same dog. When Tanner came into their family they saw a short blonde guy full of energy. They already knew a short blonde guy full of energy, it was the best friend of mom's dad whose name is Kenny. Tanner instantly had a name change to Kenny and it fit.

Kenny is a seven month old terrier who has many of the challenges that any seven month old puppy has. When you adopt a puppy you get puppy energy, puppy problems and puppy love; often the jumping on you and licking you kind of love. One concern for the foster parents was the size of Bee the German Shepherd and soon to be sister in the house. Upon meeting Kenny, Bee rolled over on her back and let Kenny pounce her (like any good big sister does) and immediately that concern went out the window. The two of them played that day and everyone knew it was a great fit.

One of the challenges that come with a puppy is teaching them what things are ok to eat. Puppy food is ok; your sister’s dog food is not ok. Having a puppy around the house is also teaching the family about picking up after themselves as puppies get into everything, including foam fingers. That's right; I said foam fingers, like the ones you see at sporting events. Apparently Kenny loved the taste of it and bit off more than he could chew. After a brief trip to the vet, the whole family cheered when nature took its course. They could have used that foam finger as part of the cheering if Kenny had not eaten it.

Not only does the family enjoy having Kenny around, but it has also made a world of difference in Bee. She is much happier now that she has a playmate during the day, and someone to cuddle with at night when they are sleeping. Being the big sister that she is, she keeps a close eye on Kenny while that family is at the cabin and he never strays far.

Teaching kids’ lessons in life is obviously very important to this family; they seem to do the right things. One of the kids recently celebrated his birthday and requested no presents. I know, a kid who requests no presents for his birthday is almost unheard of. Instead, he asked for donations to PetHaven and Midwest Animal Rescue. He raised over $400 for the two organizations. You can’t be more proud of a child than at a moment like that.

Sitting with this family and watching all of the interaction with the kids and the dog was certainly a highlight of my day. At the end, Mom said something that was very fitting for this family. "Let the universe reward you." When they got Kenny, they got a huge reward in a small container. I got a huge reward as well this week, a chance to meet yet another family that has been able to benefit from the wonderful things that PetHaven does.

Send in the Clowns — Bosley and Chi Chi

Missing their beloved toy poodle, Lacey, who’d perished a month previously in a traffic mishap near their home, Sarah L. and two of her four children, Emily and Noah (Matt and Josh were not with them at the time), were having a bout of the blues one day. They decided to alleviate the loneliness they were feeling by
visiting the nearby Woodbury Petco and play with the Pet Haven Adoption Day pooches on parade there.



Sarah, a fan of the diminutive breeds, naturally was drawn to a brown-and-white Chihuahua named Chi Chi. Meanwhile, Noah was receiving a lick bath from Bosley, a super-lively, mostly black-haired poodle-y/schnauzer-y/terrier-y blend.

The trio went home that day to weigh their options. Sarah completed the adoption application online and was asked if she’d consider adopting both approximately 1-year-old dogs. As it turns out, both Chi Chi and Bosley had been foster home mates for a time and already knew each other. She figured it at least warranted another visit to see in person how the dogs got along, so she agreed to meet with the foster parents and the pups at South St. Paul’s Petco.

“It was run, run, run—a tangle of leashes and happiness,” Sarah said with delight. “They’d just rip and run while the adults stood there looking astonished. … All you could see was one ball of puppy. You couldn’t tell where one started and the other one ended.”

She knew she had better start seriously working on her husband now. Fortunately, however, convincing Steve wasn’t too troublesome. “I happen to think I’m alpha [in our household],” she explained.

Two days later, the family expanded, adding the patter of eight more tiny feet.

“We just love all that energy and interaction” smaller dogs bring, she said. “And these dogs actually know how to fly.” Apparently, they run up the backs of chairs, give a bunch of kisses to whoever is within tongue’s reach, then leap off into the air and start the process all over again. Emily recently dressed Chi Chi in a cape and he did a marvelous Superman imitation.

Since their adoption on May 17, which now happens to be both dogs’ official birth date, these two rambunctious rabble rousers have gone swimming, camping in a cabin, played tag with their humans and perfected the art of getting completely immobilized together, tangled up in each other’s leashes along their backyard dog run. (Sarah said a fence will soon be installed to avoid any serious mishaps.) “They’re a couple of clowns.”

Chi Chi, in particular, is a slapstick performer extraordinaire. They’re each on two six-foot leashes and wearing harnesses. Sarah said, “Chi Chi will run to the end of his tether, where he abruptly stops dead, flies in the air and comes straight down on his back. It’s exactly like a cartoon!”

[I’m seeing the hapless dog in those “Foghorn Leghorn” episodes, aren’t you?]

Poor thing cries when he falls, so you know it hurts. “I know it’s wrong to laugh,” she said, “But it’s so darned funny!”


© 2008 Sid Korpi

The Amazing Gus

By Stefanie J.

As a puppy, Gus has seen the best and worst in humanity. Gus (F/K/A Snuggles) was born blind due to a rare condition. He came from a non-reputable breeder where Gus’s mother was neglected. She may have been sick while pregnant, affecting Gus’s development. The breeder discarded him but, luckily, someone found him and he made his way to Pet Haven.

That’s the unhappy beginning. But, at approximately nine months old, Gus is a thriving Lhasa Apso who amazes people. “He was the easiest puppy I ever had. He was house-trained immediately and good on a leash,” his foster mom Robin says. Out of all her fosters, “people gravitated towards him the most. I’ve never seen anything like it,” Robin says. In fact, Robin almost adopted him herself.

But destiny was at work when Ruth (Gus’s new mom) saw Gus on Petfinder.com. Her eight-year-old Golden Retriever, Midas, was lonely ever since Ruth’s roommate moved out and took her dog, Rupert, with her. Ruth thought Gus was just “too perfect”. Midas was training for therapy dog certification and Ruth wanted her next dog to be a therapy dog too. Being blind made Ruth more attracted to Gus because he is overcoming disabilities. “I thought he’d be an inspiring guy for people with disabilities and illnesses – he’s impressive,” says Ruth.

Ruth has had Gus for several weeks now and he has adapted well. His name was changed from Snuggles to Gus because Gus means “regal or exalted” and Ruth wanted him to have a dignified name like Midas (for King Midas).

Gus and MidasIn Gus, Midas got the friend he craved. “They get along well and are great together. It’s better than I ever hoped,” Ruth says. “They play like crazy and wrestle all day long.”

Gus has found ways to manage. He used to bump into things a lot but has learned his way around. Ruth has a big back-yard and he’s learned where the trees and other obstacles are. If he gets confused, he barks for help. He also just learned how to get up on the sofa by himself.

When they go for walks around Lake Harriet, Gus sometimes holds on to Midas’s tail so he can follow – as long as Midas will tolerate it, anyway. He also likes to sit down in the walk way. He holds his head up to observe, turns and sways it, listens with a big grin – sort of a “Stevie Wonder” thing.

Gus in the laundry basketGus’s days include playing with toys, flip-flops and socks. Often, he plays outside. Once a week he has a play-date at Ruth’s old roommate’s house with Rupert. Ruth, Midas and Gus also go on lots of walks and even attended Doggie Palooza and Woofstock.

Gus is happy and doesn’t seem to know he’s blind. Ruth says he is “laid-back, silly, sweet and pretty in tune with people and other dogs…I couldn’t be happier with him. I’m so glad I found him – he’s a perfect match in every way."

A Perfect Match

By Tosha B.

When Karen saw two little faces looking back at her from Pet Haven’s website, she wasn’t sure she and her husband were ready for a new family member – their cat of 21 years had passed away only months before. But she couldn’t resist, and a week later they brought home Bentley and Macintosh (formerly called Ian and Tamari). Their quiet lives quickly changed as they adjusted to their newest additions.

At first, Bentley preferred to observe from the safe shelter of a table while Macintosh explored the ins and outs of the unfamiliar surroundings. But once they grew accustomed their new home, it was as if they’d always run the place.

Macintosh has a fetish for stealing anything he can, especially glasses, and causing any mischief he can dream up. On the other end of the spectrum, Bentley is very calm, gentle, and rarely misbehaves. Bentley is happy to find a lap to sit on, but Macintosh loves a shoulder-top view. Regardless of their very opposite personalities, they are inseparable! Whether wrestling and chasing one another, or snuggling up for nap time, they bring tremendous joy to their new family!

Karen and her husband find themselves greeted at the door daily by the very social feline pair, and are given not-so-subtle hints when the boys want to play. They will often find themselves being followed around the house with toys scattered everywhere if the cats don’t feel they are getting all the attention! Bentley and Macintosh’s favorite activity is sitting side-by-side by the door and watching the squirrels running around in the backyard.

As for the adoption process, Karen said “The adoption experience was great for us. Because the animals are in foster homes, the foster families get to know them and we are able to get a great insight into their personalities and determine if they might be a good fit for us. Of course, Bentley and Macintosh were a great fit for us. And even on the days that they get us up early, thinking it’s time to play, we are very happy to have them in our family."

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