A Dog as a Gift: Naughty or Nice?

The holiday season is upon us and there is one thing that should not make it on the Santa's list. You guessed it, a dog.

Now, we're not talking about a sweet pup going home for Christmas after a decision to adopt has been made by everyone involved. Holidays can be a great and special time to rescue and there are plenty of doggies waiting for their forever homes.

No, we're talking about a "you really shouldn't have" and "what a surprise" reaction from someone who didn't expect or want or need a dog.

Finding the right pet that fits your personality, lifestyle, home, schedule, and size preference is difficult enough. Having someone else get it right is almost impossible. So no matter how cute a puppy with a red bow might look, leave him for pet store commercials and greeting cards.

Adopting is a big decision and should not be done on someone else's behalf. Now, if you want to visit a rescue together and pick up the adoption fee, now that's a gift worth celebrating.

Dogs and dollars

Sharing your home with a dog (or any other pet) is priceless. And sometimes priceless can be expensive. Before you adopt your furry bundle of joy, make sure you understand the full extent of the financial commitment you're taking on.

Starting with the adoption fee, which can range from $0 on special adoption days to $400+ depending on the breed and rescue organization you're working with.

Food and vet care costs are ongoing and the latter can be surprisingly and unfortunately pricey. Be ready not only for the relatively cheap annual check-ups but also the unpredictable emergency expenses, which can be hundreds and even thousands of dollars. Look into insurance - it works for some, not for others so make sure and do your own research.

Also, don't forget the treats, leashes, and toys you might splurge on throughout the year. Training and grooming are some of the other recurrent costs that sneak up on owners. If your schedule calls for it, then you might need pet sitting, dog walking, or boarding services which can cost you between $20-$100 per day.

There are other expenses, of course, and here's a great chart that provides a detailed breakdown of first-year and consequent pet care costs.

Remember that your new doggie will rely on you, not only for your love, attention, and time, but also your wallet. So make sure you're ready!

13 Dogs and Counting

Thank you to Lisl and her husband, Enrique, for sharing their story. 

And for being fantastic human beings.

C.A.R.E.: So let's start at the beginning, did you have pets growing up?
Lisl: Ha, did I ever! Lots and lots of them - rabbits, chickens, rats, hamsters, dogs, cats. And I was famous for rescuing baby gophers, mice, baby birds, you name it. And also bringing home strays.

C.A.R.E.: Wow, that is quite the list... I'm sure your parents were just thrilled!
Lisl: Actually, my mom was an animal lover too and so always went along with my schemes. Even after I moved out she continued to bring home the strays who were dumped on our rural property.

C.A.R.E.: Sounds like it runs in the family! And how about your husband, Enrique, same pet-filled childhood as you?
Lisl: Nope, not even close! My husband didn't have a single pet growing up. Can you believe that? And was deathly afraid of dogs - especially after being chased by a big dog when he was little. He wasn't very happy when we (as a couple) got our first dog, a Jack Russell. But he fell in love quickly and now is a huge and dedicated dog lover.

C.A.R.E.: Dedicated dog lover, what a great title!
Lisl: He really is! He is an amazing part of our support and rescue efforts with C.A.R.E. and other rescue organizations. And he's every bit involved in this as I am. He does just as much if not more of the physical work and he loves the doggies very much.

C.A.R.E.: So how did you first become involved with helping animals? Or shall we say, how did you guys become dedicated animal lovers?
Lisl: Well, after our Jack Russell, Jacky, died of cancer I knew I couldn't live without another dog. I just knew it. My husband however, was so heartbroken and shattered that he said no. He couldn't go through that ever again.

C.A.R.E.: That's understandable. It's hard to move on after a loss.
Lisl: It is. However, I was determined to adopt again.

C.A.R.E.: Haha, not a big surprise. So what did you do?
Lisl: I started the search, very sneakily I might add, for the "perfect" dog. After days on petfinder.com I did find a wonderful little guy, Gus, at PAWS in Fowler, CA.

C.A.R.E.: Did that work, did you convince your husband? Was it love at first sight?
Lisl: Pretty much. To make a long story short, we had such an amazing experience with Gus that we then looked for a little girl and found Daisy at C.A.R.E. One thing led to another and we found ourselves adopting more and more dogs - our next two after Daisy were from C.A.R.E., Poppy and Lily. Then...

C.A.R.E.: Of course there is a "then"!
Lisl: Haha, yes, there is. We've always supported shelters with donations, and then one day started to put together "care packages" - bags and baskets of treats, toys, blankets, towels, leashes, collars, harnesses, food! We'd visit the shelters where we had adopted our pets, which grew to about ten, and drop off the packages.

C.A.R.E.: That is just amazing.
Lisl: And things just kind of built on each other. We'd visit the shelters, hear about another need, meet another dog who needed a home. We'd try and help.

C.A.R.E.: We're assuming there's a another "then"...
Lisl: Yes, of course. Then, before we knew it, we were getting involved with more and more shelters, fostering, transporting animals, donating food. We've also contributed to one particular shelter that was growing - trees and building materials, kennels, plastic pools - that sort of thing. We've helped cover veterinary bills and stolen dog rewards. And then there are the occasional fundraisers. I love doing those!

C.A.R.E.: Whew!
Lisl: Yep, we are pretty busy, but there is just so much need! And once we started, we couldn't stop. We just kept finding ways we could help.

For example, one of our dogs was rescued from an animal sanctuary, that was anything but. More than 70 animals were seized from Crystal Kisicki's St. Francis All Creature Rescue and Sanctuary, including our Emma - dogs, cats, birds, even a pig. It's still hard to think about how the poor animals were found. The squalor, the diseases, the starvation, the sheer neglect...

C.A.R.E.: That's terrible.
Lisl: It was. It really was. And I had to do something. So now, I'm actively working with the DA to put her in prison. Before I knew about the abominable conditions, I was supporting her rescue just like everyone else! She really fooled everyone.

C.A.R.E.: Good for you! So how about your other dogs, how did they come into your life?
Lisl: Oh my, from all over, really! Some were fosters and we just couldn't give them up. Four were from petfinder.com. And then from petfinder.com, relationships were established and five more came from those relationships. One was from a Petsmart adoption, and three from Facebook connections.

C.A.R.E.: We're doing the math here... 
Lisl: Haha, yes, that is a lot of dogs. Right now we have 13 precious babies. Some even accompany us on transport trips.

C.A.R.E.: Accompany you? We have to hear this!
Lisl: Emma is such a mother and is the little "nurse" of the family. She's made the newbies feel more at home, the scared ones feel safe, and is just the friendliest, sweetest doggie. And one day we just started to bring her on transports. It's been great! One of our other dogs, Daisy, has also gone on one long trip. The last drive before we flew to Los Angeles to pick up a dog named Ruby.

C.A.R.E.: And what's Ruby's story?
Lisl: We saw a dog on a euthanasia list down in L.A., and just couldn't let that happen. The poor baby was only two pounds, pregnant, had 20 foxtails, kennel cough and was malnourished. How could I turn my back? We went down there for a fundraising event, and then flew Ruby back with us.

C.A.R.E.: Flew her back?
Lisl: That's right. We bought her a ticket and she flew back on my lap. None of the flight attendants said anything because one, I did buy a ticket, but two, I gave them all Godiva chocolates so they would overlook me breaking the rules.

C.A.R.E.: What a great life lesson: chocolate does solve most life problems.
Lisl: It sure does!

C.A.R.E.: So what happened with the doggie?
Lisl:  She is now lucky 13 - Miss Ruby Roo - two days from euthanasia but now part of our pack.

C.A.R.E.: Gosh. What a wonderful story. So 13 dogs, is that the most number of dogs you've had in your home at one time?
Lisl: It is. We have two boys and the rest are girls. All Chihuahuas and Chihuahuas/Terriers.

C.A.R.E.: So here's a tricky question, do you remember the first dog you've ever rescued?
Lisl: Oh my, yes. I can never forget him. Ever. He was the most special boy in my life. Pepe. I dream of the day I am reunited with him at Rainbow Bridge.

C.A.R.E.: I'm sure you will be! Any idea of how many dogs, so far, you've helped find homes for?
Lisl: Aside from my own, I would say about 12-15. That's dogs I have transported, fostered, including a dog with her pups.

C.A.R.E.: And you mentioned that a few of your doggies are from C.A.R.E.?
Lisl: They sure are!  Daisy, Poppy, and Lily.

C.A.R.E.: Wow! And how did you choose those guys?
Lisl: I didn't. They all just stole my heart. Haha. Daisy was the first. She was so cute we couldn't resist. She was Gus' companion and perfect. Poppy was chosen when Chihuahuas were so overcrowding the shelters they had no kennels for them. She had leg issues and we wanted her to feel special. Lily had physical issues and we thought we could fit her in with our little pack. She is amazing.

C.A.R.E.: To say you're busy is an understatement. And you work too! Dare we ask what your normal day looks like?
Lisl: Wow! Well, we are up before 5am so we can carry most of our babies downstairs as some have issues with legs or backs; some are just tiny and have trouble with the stairs. Then they all need to go out to do business and then it's feeding time. It's about an hour at least to organize everyone before our work day.

C.A.R.E.: It's like a small zoo!
Lisl: It sometimes feels like it. But our home is very clean and we are hugely organized. We have a housekeeper come by once a week and a dog-sitter three times per week. Some of the dogs with issues have large kennels, as do the teeny ones. Everyone is pretty good with potty training and they all get along pretty well, too. Gus is the alpha and keeps the others in line. It all just kind of works.

We get home late and it all starts over again the next morning.

C.A.R.E.: We probably know the answer to this, but we'll ask anyway - do you ever get overwhelmed?
Lisl: Yes, of course. There's a lot to do between the vetting, the Petsmart trips, the shelter visits, the day-to-day at home, everyone has special diet needs, everyone wants attention. But we can't imagine our lives any other way.

C.A.R.E.: Not that you're not busy enough, but what's next for you and your husband?
Lisl: Our big next is the Daisy Hill Puppy Foundation, all you Snoopy fans out there know the reference. This is something we're hoping to start very soon. Through the foundation we'll continue to help animals who need the help most, ones who have no one. And there are many. We thought it would be this year but we both work full time and keep putting it off. We're hopelessly busy, with our dogs and our lives. But it's going to happen and I can't wait.

C.A.R.E.: Your story is amazing. You guys are amazing.
Lisl: The dogs are the amazing ones. We're just grateful to have them in our lives.

C.A.R.E.: So finally, what words of encouragement do you have for those who want to help with this cause?
Lisl: If you want to do this, remember that saving one dog means everything. You can't save them all. But each one you save makes a difference. It's so rewarding and changes you for the better. Our life is so fulfilled for doing this. And we have met some of the best people because of it. No one should wait if they want to volunteer, adopt, foster, or just write a check. It will really, really change your life. I promise.

Why Rescue? And Why Some Don't.

If you're reading this blog you are probably a proud rescue parent. Or have been in the past. Or are looking to become one. Good for you!

Sadly, we all know someone who has gone the other route, the breeder dog. Some, out of misconception about rescue animals, some because they don't think they can find the kind of dog they are looking for, and others because they want a puppy and don't think little ones are available for adoption.

Let's take a look at all three.

Shelter animals are sick, aggressive, or somehow inferior
We hear this one more than you think. Fortunately, that doesn't make it true.

Well-run shelters and rescue organizations will do a full work-up, will de-worm, spay/neuter, vaccinate, treat obvious health issues, and some will even microchip animals before they are available for adoption. Many local vets will also waive first visit fees for adopted pets, which will ensure your new pup is in tiptop shape!

It takes all of but a minute with one of the C.A.R.E. rescues, like lovable one-year old Jiggy, to turn the aggression myth on its head. The dogs are kind, playful, and full of endless love and desire to be loved. Some do need a training class or two, but who doesn't get better with practice?

Still want more proof? How about research from National Council of Pet Population Study and Policy (NCPPS) on reasons why pets are relinquished to shelters. Moving, no-pet renting policies, and too many animals in household top the list, not aggressive behavior.

I want a <insert your breed here> and won't find one at the shelter
German Shepherds, Boxers, Poodles, Beagles, you name it, they are there! It might take a little longer to find your special dog, but getting a pet shouldn't be a rash decision anyway, right?

Sites like www.petfinder.com let you search by breed and zip (and many other filters) so you can find exactly the doggie you're looking for. In fact, according to NCPPS, 25% of rescue animals are purebreds, so search away!

Shelter animals are older and I want a puppy
Puppies are adorable. And rescues are filled with them! Like lovable three-month Petey, one of several C.A.R.E. puppies.

Owners who don't spay or neuter their pets might find their dog a mama, with a litter they can't take care of. What happens to all those pups? Best case scenario, they end up at a no-kill shelter or a foster organization.

Even better scenario, they'll find their forever home with a loving family who chooses to adopt not buy. See for yourself what puppies are available at C.A.R.E.

You know adoption is a great way to bring a pet into your family. Now, it's time to spread the word. Next time a friend or a family member wants to adopt from a breeder, ask them why, and then point them in the direction of C.A.R.E. We guarantee they will find the dog they've been looking for.

And give that great dog a great home. 

Old Dogs and New Tricks

"You can't teach an old dog a new trick." 

We all know the saying, but is it true? Can someone, in fact, teach an old dog, new tricks. Here are two proofs that you can.

First proof is Penny. She was seven when adopted into her forever home, didn't know her name, acted like she’s never seen a leash, and shamelessly ignored commands to sit and down. Her perplexed head tilt in response to training attempts said more than words ever could. She was an old dog with no tricks.

A little bit of time, patience, and effort fixed that right up. Today, Penny sits, downs, shakes, turns, rolls over, and has added quite a few words to her vocabulary. Although she did learn ‘walk’ and ‘treat’ much faster than ‘no’ and ‘leave it.’ Go figure.

Second proof is Cassie who was three when she joined her new family with not a single trick up her sleeve. It only took seven tries to teach her to sit and a few more to down. Now, she even turns simultaneously on command with her older sister.

So can an old dog learn new tricks? The answer to that depends on the human trainer and whether he or she is willing to teach.

Do you have old dog/new trick stories? We’d love to hear them! 

Nap! Good dog.

The Maggie Story: A Mixed Bag

The story of Maggie, Matthew, and Cindy

C.A.R.E.: So tell us, when did you first meet Maggie?
Matthew: My girlfriend, Cindy, and I first met Maggie last February. Then, she was called Poppy and was living with one of C.A.R.E's foster Moms, Kathy.

C.A.R.E.: Maybe a silly question, but did you guys know she was the one for you?
Matthew: Not silly at all, and yes we did. Maggie was shy at first. IT definitely took her some time to warm up to us. And treats. Lots and lots of treats.

C.A.R.E.: Treats are always good. And so then....
Matthew: Then, I ran out to grab my checkbook from the car. I was gone barely a minute, maybe two. And when I came back, there Maggie was, all curled up on my girlfriend's lap, comfortable as can be. Cindy and I both knew it was meant to be after that.

C.A.R.E.: Sounds like it!
Matthew: It was kind of hard to deny it, not that we tried. We were very much in love.

C.A.R.E.: That is so sweet, Matthew. So what was Maggie's back story?
Matthew: Unfortunately, or fortunately, we don't know too much. She was a stray, rescued from a high-kill shelter. Just a miracle that she made it until you guys rescued her, especially because of her health.

C.A.R.E.: That's right, she did have a few health problems, didn't she.
Matthew: Yes, she did. Maggie had some sort of a skin infection, we're not quite sure what exactly, but it caused much of her hair to fall out. It was a pretty sad sight.

C.A.R.E.: Poor Maggie. Is she doing better now?
Matthew: Is she ever! She's a real cutie, so full of life. It's as if all those bad things never happened to her. She's really embracing her second chance, really making the best of it. One of the great things about animals I suppose. We, humans, can learn much from them.

C.A.R.E.: We sure can, totally agreed.
Matthew: But yes, she's much better. Most of her hair is grown back, she still loves curling up on laps, and adores playing with her two best friends, a Border Collie, and a cat.

C.A.R.E.: Play with the cat? Really?
Matthew: Yep. It's great! They chase each other around the house, taking turns. It's pretty adorable.

C.A.R.E.: And the Border Collie?
Matthew: Maggie loves, loves, loves to climb all over him. And nimble at his ears. Good thing he doesn't mind.

C.A.R.E.: Good thing! Sounds like quite a family. So what has been the biggest surprise for you guys?
Matthew: Well, I mentioned Maggie's resilience. She's embraced her new life so quickly, so fully. And another fun surprise was her mix. We did a DNA test, which came back with, and you'd never guess from her looks, a Pug, Yorkie, Shiba Inu, and a few other mixes.

C.A.R.E.: A Shiba Inu? A Pug? Really?
Matthew: I know, exactly what we thought. And apparently of all the mixes, she's only 15% Chihuahua. Cindy and I always joke that those must be some strong Chi genes.

C.A.R.E.: They sure are! We would have never guessed.
Matthew: Most people don't. She still passes for a Chihuahua at our local meet up groups. Whatever she is, she is ours and we love her.

C.A.R.E.: She's lucky to have you guys.
Matthew: You could say that. I think a better way to think about it, is that we're lucky to have each other.

Thanks Matthew, we couldn't have said it better ourselves!

Trick or Treat: Only one of them is for dogs

Fall is here! And that means it's time for cozy sweaters, changing leaves, pumpkin spice lattes, and of course Halloween. A holiday, that unfortunately for pets, can be filled with looming dangers.

Here are three reminders that can help keep your pet safe on Halloween.

1. Blow Out the Candles
Glowing pumpkins look great and make your house extra spooky, just make sure to keep them safely out of reach. Pets, and little kids for that matter, can easily knock over burning candles, creating a truly scary Halloween.


2. Watch those Doors
As you hand out candy and other treats to gremlins, princesses, and pirates remember to keep an eye on your curious pets who would love nothing more than to sneak out that front door.

If you have a room where you can lock up your furry ones for a few hours, even better! This will keep them from running out the door and away from the sometimes frighting and always strange sights and sounds of trick-or-treaters.


3. Hide the Candy
We all know chocolate is bad for dogs. But so are candy corns, sweets containing xylitol (a common sugar substitute), and many other treats just calling your pooch's name. And don't forget the wrappers! The more inquisitive and less picky pets will eat those too. 

And now, have a fun and safe Halloween!

Meet Lexi

You will have a hard time recognizing, Lexi (formerly known as Paris), found wondering the streets a few months ago. And it's not just because of her name change. 

Then, her long tail was tucked, her coat wasn't gleaming and smooth, and one of her ears did not perk mischievously up.

Now, safe, loved, and settled into her new home, she's keeping her new mom, Michelle, very entertained. And active.

Lexi may look relaxed in her mama's lap, but don't let those serene eyes and adorable ears fool you. Underneath the calm demeanor hides a twenty-pound ball of happy energy whose favorite pastime ranges from running to dashing to sprinting. All of which Lexi practices non-stop. Inside the house and out. After all, practice does make perfect.

And we can't wait to see her moves when that silly neck brace comes off!

Lexi, adopted from C.A.R.E by Michelle, May 2013

Did you know that...

56% of pet owners drive with their pets, but only 16% strap them in.

According to an AAA survey, as many as 17% admitted to letting their pooches sit on their lap, 18% confessed to reaching into backseat to interact with their dogs, and an astonishing 65% revealed that they have engaged in at least one potentially distracting activity while driving with their dog.  

Why restrain your pooch?

Safety, of course - theirs and yours! In U.S. alone, an estimated 30,000 car accidents are caused annually by unrestrained pets. The numbers get even scarier - an unrestrained 10-pound dog in a crash at 50 mph will exert roughly 500 pounds of force, while an unrestrained 80-pound dog in a crash at only 30 mph will exert approximately 2400 pounds of force.

Some states are even starting to implement laws and fines punishing drivers who let their four-legged passengers roam free.

So next time you get behind the wheel, make sure that your pet is as buckled in as you are!

Meet Cassie

When Cassie first came to live with us, she was shy, skittish, and scared.

Tailed tucked firmly under her belly, she ignored a basket full of squeaky toys and no amount of treats could convince her to sleep in the ginormous bone-shaped doggie bed my husband and I carefully picked out at the store. Instead, she politely but stubbornly stared at us from under-the-bed safety.

Weeks went by but Cassie's big Chihuahua ears stayed pinned back. She was cautious of our harmless 10-year old beagle and avoided our two curious cats like the plague. In Cassie's defense, both are quite a bit bigger than she is. Loud noises petrified her.

Changes happened gradually, often when we weren't even paying attention. One day, Cassie didn't hide when I started the vacuum. Another time, she marched bravely past Niko-the-cat as if he wasn't even there. And yet another, Cassie didn't cross the street when a big dog walked towards her. Her ears perked up and her tail no longer touched her belly.

We've had Cassie for over a year, and are still seeing changes in this brave, precious bundle of joy. She adores us and greets us with enthusiastic barks when we come home from work. She loves her older sister, although does draw the line at sharing treats with her. The squeaky toys and the bone-shaped bed are in full use. And instead of giving up her warm spot to Niko, Cassie graciously shares her favorite couch cushion. She was there first, after all.

Have you adopted from C.A.R.E.? If so, we'd love to hear from you! Just comment or send us a note ("Send us a Note" tool on the right-hand side) and see your own adoption story published on the C.A.R.E. blog.

Cassie, adopted from C.A.R.E by Nathan and Natasha, March 2012 

The New C.A.R.E. Blog!

Welcome to our new blog where we'll share all that is happening at C.A.R.E. This means adoption stories, available dogs, tips & tricks, upcoming events, and much more!

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Stay tuned and thanks for reading!