Victoria Adoptables's blog

Become a Sponsor or advertise your business.

Victoria Adoptables — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 21:01:46 +0000

Become a sponsor for www.victoriaadoptables.com and help us help the animals! Whether you're a business or an individual, we will advertise you on Victoria Adoptables for the low price of $100. for one year. Sponsors are posted on the top right of every page on the Victoria Adoptables website...check it out. All monies paid go toward the stray/abandoned animals in our area. For more info contact Carol @ [email protected]

Don't Let Us Get Spooked!

Victoria Adoptables — Mon, 14 Oct 2013 19:56:56 +0000

Well, here we are…Halloween. The time when little ghosts and goblins come knocking at the door asking for treats. As dogs, we wish that would work for us too, we should have our own Halloween. Thing is we can actually do a trick for our treat!
I do want to give you a few tips on how your Halloween celebrations can make life a whole lot easier on us dogs. So, here goes…Ahem
1) Keep us safe! During the time when the little kiddies are coming to the door, ringing the bell, making a bunch of noise and being kids, keep us locked away from the activities. You never know when we’ll get spooked and start barking, scare one of the little munchkins or worse, make a run for it because we are scared. Put us in another room with a nice (veterinarian approved) bone to chew on and we’ll be happy as a kid on Halloween (hahaha).
2) Don’t leave us out in the yard! I cannot tell you how many dogs get lost every year because we are outside in the yard and get spooked by fireworks. We panic and try to run, we’ll scale a fence or dig under it just to get away. Again, leave us in the house! Please!
3) Don’t take us trick or treating with the kids. We don’t want to go. Too much noise, everybody looks weird, smells weird and acts weird. We don’t like it. Leave us at home. Please!
4) Don’t feed us Halloween candy. Besides the obvious of it not being good for us, our metabolism is much different than a humans. It takes us longer to digest stuff and candy will give us a big, bad belly ache. Also, chocolate is very toxic to pets & will make us very ill (nobody wants that).
5) Now, the most important part…don’t forget about us! When you pick up your Halloween treats for the kids, grab some dog treats too. When the kiddies get their candy, ask them if they have a dog. If they do, throw in a dog treat for their buddy at home. We love that!
I also have to tell you, if you have a dog that is scared of fireworks don’t pet them & try to reassure them. All the petting and soothing tones seem like praise to us and will actually give us the message that our fearful reaction is the correct way to react to the noise we hear. As hard as it may be, just ignore it, or laugh and tell us we are silly. Play ball with us and just be happy. However, if we want to go hide someplace quiet, let us do that instead.
I hope you all have a safe & Happy Halloween. Yip, yip! ~ Muppet

It’s Not Such a Good Idea

Victoria Adoptables — Fri, 27 Sep 2013 01:47:47 +0000

The classifieds is a great way to get rid of unwanted items. Used baby things, furniture, cars, whatever you don’t want anymore, put an ad online & somebody will take it. If they don’t take it the first week, just lower the price. Keep lowering the price until eventually it’s free, just so that you can get rid of it.

Sadly, the same thing happens to pets. People bring these cats, dogs, horses, birds etc home and when it becomes inconvenient they look to make the inconvenience go away. They turn to online ads or sometimes the newspaper and place an ad. They always start the same way “Loving home needed…”

In most cases these pets they claim to love so dearly are overdue for vaccines, they aren’t spayed or neutered, have never been trained and regular exercise and grooming has gone the way of the Dodo bird. Yet, they love Fido/Fluffy, they want to see him go to a good home. So, they devise a home in their heads. Big yard, fenced, loving family, outdoors a lot. Yup, that’s the perfect home.

You know who else knows that’s the perfect home? The people that scour online ads for bait dogs. They’ll come to your home, give you a BS story about where they live, where Fido or Fluffy will live and the kind of care they will get in their home. They’ll take Fido away and by the end of the day he’ll be on a chain waiting for death. And yes folks, dog fighting rings are here on Vancouver Island. People that train dogs to kill especially like using kittens as bait. Sometimes young kittens are even used as bait in crab traps. Why spend money on chicken backs when kittens are free?

Online ads are great for adding to the overpopulation of dogs as well. It’s free to post an ad and get rid of unwanted puppies. It’s free for “breeders” to post so they can breed that bitch over and over and over and when she can’t be bred anymore, they can post her up there too.

They have helped create designer dogs such as Doodles, Chiweenies, Schmorkies, Puggles and whatever else made up names they can think of. These are NOT dog breeds. They are made up names for mixed breed dogs. But the people who breed these dogs know that Schmorkie sound better than Mutt, so that’s what they call it.

And people get sucked in and pay hundreds of dollars for a dog that they could have adopted from a rescue for less than half the price. And that rescue dog will sit in a foster home or a Shelter waiting for a home while the breeder plans her next litter.
Please folks, don’t turn to online ads when looking for a pet. It will only encourage these people to do it again, because they got rid of the last one(s). If you are positive you want a purebred, there are rescues for every breed of dog.

Reputable rescues will always vaccinate, spay/neuter and take care of any immediate health needs before adopting to you. They will have an adoption process, screenings, home visits and contracts. They may want references and ask to do follow up visits too. If you are sincere about providing a good home for a pet, this shouldn’t be a problem.

If, you have to rehome your pet, you should be willing to go through all this work too. Your pet’s life may depend on it.

Mickey VADR Volunteer

Long-Term Senior Foster Homes Program for cats.

Victoria Adoptables — Thu, 26 Sep 2013 17:04:28 +0000

Helping Homeless Cats of Greater Victoria Society

Registered Charity # 803913060 RR0001

www.helpinghomelesscats.com 778-426-2426 [email protected]">[email protected]

All rescued cats are spayed/neutered and had vet exam, shots, deworming, and flea treatment, and are deemed healthy at the time of foster or adoption.

SENIORS PROGRAM:

Our main focus is our Long-Term Senior Foster Homes Program. We place rescued congenial adult and senior cats with cat-loving seniors and disabled persons who are able to care for a cat and keep it entirely indoors but could not otherwise afford one. We provide all food and supplies and also cover all necessary veterinary care. Volunteers and sponsors assist with this very rewarding program and their visits are welcome by these people who are mostly restricted to their apartments. Volunteers take supplies when needed and help the foster parent with the cat’s nail-cutting and vet trips. If the person is occasionally ill or needs surgery, we temporarily take the cat back to the rescue. If the time comes when they cannot care for the cat or need to go into a facility that does not allow cats, we take the cat back and assure them we will find a new loving home. Many older seniors fear a cat will outlive them and our program gives them peace of mind.

This program changes seniors’ lives! Seniors or disabled persons who live alone are immediately comforted and uplifted the very moment the friendly and affectionate foster cat arrives. With the cat in their lap and following them from room to room, they are healthier and happier. Many people in this group are somewhat immobile and, thus, depressed and alone much of the time, some with no family and whose friends have died – and some with a few activities and family or friends but who also live alone. The cat provides much-needed companionship and unconditional love for the individual and puts a big smile on their face. Although the cat is technically fostered and not adopted, it is considered “their cat” for as long as they can keep it and this is very important to them. (Most rescue foster programs are temporary and cause seniors anxiety if they have bonded with a cat for weeks or months and must give it up.)

As a cat rescue society, we are pleased that previously abandoned cats (often deemed “unadoptable” due to age or condition) now get 24 hours a day of love and attention by someone who may also feel they have been somewhat abandoned… It is a win-win situation. As funds allow, we are able to set up more and more senior foster homes.

ADOPTION:

We do offer standard adoption to adult indoors-only homes where good food and vet care (if needed) can be provided. Please see the Forms and Agreements section of our website for detailed information on adoption, an Adoption Application Form, and an Adoption Agreement. Also feel free to call Linda at 778-426-2426 with any questions about adoption.

We request a donation of $75 at the time of adoption. (All rescued cats have been spayed/neutered and received shots and medical care if needed.) If the cost of food and possible vet care is of any concern, we offer fostering rather than adoption. Adoption means permanent responsibility for care of a cat, although HHC will always take the cat back if it becomes impossible for the adopter to keep the cat. We screen adopters to be sure the people and other pets in the home are compatible with the rescue cat. We follow up to be sure the adoption has worked out favorably for all.

FOSTERING:

Our priority is long-term foster homes for seniors and disabled persons (see first paragraph on previous page).

We also seek standard indoors-only, temporary, responsible, and loving adult foster homes. Fostering is an excellent way for cat lovers to have a cat if hey are unable to afford the cost or to make a long term commitment. It is a wonderful way for the cat to get lots of attention until we find a permanent home for it. Also, it is a good way for a cat lover to help with cat rescue or to get to know a cat before permanent adoption. Foster-to-adopt is an option – meaning the cat is available for adoption to the public but if we get an inquiry about the cat we will notify the foster home who is first in line for adoption (if they meet the adoption criteria). Due to the number of cats available for adoption in the Victoria area, many foster homes become long-term.

We provide all food and supplies. (Some foster parents donate this.) If any medical symptoms should arise, we take the cat to our vet. If extensive care is needed, we take the cat back to the rescue until recovery. If the foster parent for any reason is unavailable for certain short periods, we temporarily take the cat back. We will take the cat back permanently at any time the person can no longer keep it or if we deem that to be in the best interest of the cat – such as if it suddenly requires intense medical care. Otherwise, the cat remains fostered until adoption. A cat with an ongoing treatable medical condition might remain in fostering with our support for a long time.

RESCUE:

We rescue cats in the Victoria area (we never venture out of B.C.) who are considered unadoptable by the Pound and SPCA due to age or medical condition. Once we rescue a cat, we will provide any care it needs to alleviate suffering and promote well-being.

INFORMATION:

Our website provides more information about our charity and our family-friendly Facebook page has well over 1300 photos and provides info regarding upcoming events and describes the cats in our care. Both are good sources for promoting our sponsors and supporters whom we greatly appreciate. We do not have time to do large fundraisers and depend heavily on donations and on sale of donated items and handmade catnip mice toys. We hope to continue helping cats AND people for many years to come!

You are the boss.

Victoria Adoptables — Wed, 25 Sep 2013 19:04:49 +0000

Just like the title says, you are the Boss of us. We rely on you to make good decisions to keep us safe and free from harm. You make these decisions all the time. You keep us on a leash so we don’t run into traffic and you fence the yard so we can’t wander away & get lost.
Yet sometimes when it comes to other things you kinda drop the ball…like our medical care. I’ll give you a couple of good examples.
First, in my case. I fell down the stairs and broke my leg. I had to undergo 4 months of aftercare. That meant no running around. For the first few weeks I was only allowed outside to go potty. I had to stay in my bed and go to the vet. Life sucked. After a month, I was allowed to go for short 15 minute walks once a day. Life sucked a little less. I had to watch Cracker run & play & chase deer & rabbits and Momma wouldn’t let me join in. I was so mad & I pouted a lot.
During this time, I also had to learn to get groomed, (like life wasn’t bad enough). I was sure I was going to have a miserable existence and that I was doomed to a life of misery.
Slowly over time, I got longer and longer walks, then one day I got to go out without my leash! I was so happy. I could go anywhere I wanted in the yard and smell all the things I saw. One day Momma took me to the vet & he said I was completely healed & I was discharged from his care. I celebrated by chasing a rabbit. All the rules Momma made me follow really paid off and now I can run and play and I chase rabbits every day. Oh, and I learned how much fun grooming really is & now I love getting spoiled at The Spa.
The next case I want to talk to you about is Miss Bailey. Before she came here she could eat whatever she wanted and as much as she wanted. She was really fat and unhealthy. She had developed diabetes.
Well, she moved in here and her life changed. She was given 2 meals a day of calorie controlled food. She had to get 7 units of insulin twice a day. Did she like it? Absolutely not. The first time Momma put food down for her, she turned her nose up at it and walked away. But, Momma was diligent and stuck to her guns. Eventually Bailey ate her food and now she runs down the hall and wags her tail at meal times. Momma’s “stick to the vet’s rules” approach started to pay off very quickly, Bailey lost 2 pounds the first week. Now, 3 months later, she has lost a total of 10 pounds and is down to 3 units of insulin twice a day. She is a much happier dog, she wags her tail more, she runs and plays more and when Momma tells people that she is 10, they don’t always believe her. She will live longer now because she is healthier.
And the best part, next week, if her blood sugar is still low, she might come off insulin all together. How cool would that be?
This is why it is important for you to always remember that YOU ARE THE BOSS OF US. We may not like the decisions you make, but we are dogs. We aren’t able to make good decisions for ourselves. We need you to do that for us. ~ Muppet

Fun Fall dog training classes.

Victoria Adoptables — Thu, 05 Sep 2013 20:35:24 +0000

Fall Training classes: As the summer holidays near their end, I have started gearing up for my fall classes. Please check out all of the available options. To register for any of the classes, click on the website link and fill out the form online.

Rock Solid Recall - starting this Thursday, August 29th at 7:30pm at the Brentwood Hall. Classes run for 4 weeks and focuses on nothing but the come command. There are two spaces left. http://www.communicanine.ca/services/rock-solid-recall/

Puppy SuperStart - starting Wednesday, September 11th at 7:30pm at Paws and Claws (546 Yates Street downtown). Classes run for 8 weeks. The best start you can give your new pup. Because of the class location, we even get to do some serious distraction training right in the pet store! Imagine calling your dog to come past a row of dog treats. http://www.communicanine.ca/services/puppy-superstart-program/

Family Dog Manners - starting Monday, September 16th at 6:00pm at the Brentwood Hall. Classes run for 6 weeks. This class is a great refresher for Puppy SuperStart graduates and also the perfect foundation class if you haven't take one before. http://www.communicanine.ca/services/basic-family-dog-manners

Drop-in Weekly Outdoor Training Walks around downtown every Wednesday evening. Meet me at Paws and Claws (546 Yates Street) and we will walk from there. Walks are 45 - 50 minutes long and cover a variety of topics, including leash manners, leave-it and how to train through the distractions we encounter and appropriately greet people. Cost is $15 (no pre-registration required).
August 28th - 7:30pm
September 4th - 6:30pm
September 11th - 6:30pm
September 18th - 6:30pm

Don't hesitate to contact me if you have questions. I look forward to working with you in the fall!

New Dog Walking Service in town.

Victoria Adoptables — Sat, 20 Jul 2013 21:56:05 +0000

Happyhoundsdogwalking.ca Check it out!

We live in hectic world and many of us are too busy to consistently tend to our dog's exercise needs. No one likes to be bored and lonely so having an outlet for excercise and fun reduces anxiety and stress for everyone. Before accepting your dog we like to introduce ourselves.. This gives us an opportunity to answer your questions and understand your pet's health, behaviour, and training experience. It's important we bond with your pet for everyone to be comfortable and happy. The safety and well being of your dog is our highest priority. We are experienced in pet first aid and carry a cell phone and first aid kit in case of emergency. All dogs must be fully vaccinated including Bordetella (Kennel cough) and on flea control with proof of such on first appointment.

Contact us [email protected]?Subject=Happy%20Hounds%20Dog%20Walking%20Inquiry">via e-mail or phone 250-516-9098

Dogs in cars.

Victoria Adoptables — Sun, 07 Jul 2013 19:17:12 +0000

Do you think only "A couple of minutes" is ok for your pet to be in the car? Watch as this Veterinarian demonstrates how quickly the temperature rises in a parked car, even with the windows cracked open. And remember, he's not wearing a fur coat like your pet is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbOcCQ-y3OY

When All Natural Can Be All Wrong

Victoria Adoptables — Fri, 24 May 2013 23:54:28 +0000

So, Miss Muppet was sick recently; quite sick. For two days she had diarrhea, was off her food and had no energy. I took her to the vet along with a stool sample and sure enough there were two different types of “wigglers” in there.

One, her Dr had seen before, the other he had not. He gave her meds and sent her home and soon enough she was back to her normal, silly self.

When the unknown wiggler was examined more closely by others it was determined to be a type of parasite common to cattle. Well, we don’t have cattle, nor has she ever been around cattle in the year that I’ve had her.

Once I started looking further into this and after talking to her Dr I let him know she had been given a variety of different treats, but I wasn’t worried as all of them were labeled “All Natural”.

It was then I learned that food items labeled as “All Natural” are not regulated. There is no testing, no guidelines or any other procedures in place that will prevent my dog from picking up some creepy, crawly, little parasite that will make them ill.

Processed foods are regulated, but natural or organic are not. So we, with the best of intentions think we are doing our pets a favour and making healthy decisions for them, can in fact be infecting them with something that was scraped up off the floor in a meat processing plant.

Another offender…liver treats. Yup, it seems the newest treat craze that we are all feeding our pets is vey high on the list for making them ill.

The best treat to offer? Well, treats that are made in the US or Canada using US or Canadian products. And do not feed liver treats or treats that say all natural.

Don’t be fooled like I was. I thought I was doing the right thing & it turned out to be all wrong.

~ Mickey, Victoria Adoptables Dog Rescue Volunteer

'Tis The Season

Victoria Adoptables — Thu, 02 May 2013 01:00:35 +0000

Not that season! Flea and tick season. The more people I talk to about this the more surprised I am how few people use preventative measures; or worse, understand what prevention is all about.

When talking to potential adopters I always tell them what sort of flea prevention the dog has had, when they had it & when they are due for another treatment.

Without fail, 9 out of 10 times they will say “Why? Does he have fleas?” Whether or not a dog has fleas is irrelevant when it comes to prevention. The trick lies in stopping them from getting fleas in the first place.

Fleas are nasty little creatures that will hitch a ride into your house, leave your dog with itchy, red bites barks and then go live in your carpets and furniture. They take procreation very seriously and if left untreated, you will soon have an infestation. They will bite you, your cat, your dog, your kids and your guests.

Ticks are also nasty little creatures that attach themselves to your pet and feast on their blood. They are itchy & bothersome and have been known to carry Lyme Disease*.

There are several types of prevention medications out there. Some prevent fleas and ticks, some kill only eggs, some kill just fleas. Talk it over with your veterinarian and decide what works best for you.

If you do find a tick on your pet and decide to remove it yourself, it is best to do so under bright light & to use a magnifying lens so you can ensure the head comes off as well.

Do not use flea treatments that you can get at a department store. These are in most cases very ineffective in a lot of cases they have caused serious health issues for pets. Also do not use cat treatment on dogs or vice versa. They are a different species of animal and do not react the same way to medications. This will cause serious health problems and a costly vet bill.

*LYME DISEASE: For more information about Lyme Disease, please consult your veterinarian or follow this link.

http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/lyme-disease-dogs-canine-lyme-disease