Best Buddy

Buddy is a red male German Shepherd Dog and Chow Chow mix that was surrendered to the Peninsula because his owners were moving and could not take him with them. Now, Buddy is looking for a new home where he could give his love and loyalty.

Buddy may already be 8 years old, but don't let that age fool you. He is still as charming as a puppy, and has the wisdom of an adult dog. He is a good dog that loves to run and chase a tennis ball. He understands basic commands such as come, sit, down, head down, off, stay, shake, and wave. He is totally a smart dog and would definitely make a wonderful addition to any household!

Buddy has been neutered, microchipped and tested negative for heartworm. For information about his adoption requirements, visit the Peninsula SPCA or call (757) 595-1399.

Celebrate Adopt-A-Shelter Dog Month

October is Adopt-A-Shelter Dog Month! Small dogs, big dogs, whatever size they come, dogs guarantee love and loyalty, and they bring health benefits too. Visit your local animal shelter and adopt a dog now!

Hey Pooch!

Pooch is a brindle and white female Boxer mix. She is approximately two years old and weighs about 50 lbs. She has been spayed, microchipped, and tested negative for heartworm.

Pooch is a sweet girl who shakes her behind when she’s happy to see you! With no tail to wag, she’s gotta shake something! Pooch loves to be petted and be given kisses. She’s a smart girl and would do exceptionally well in obedience classes, which we recommend for all adopted dogs. Take Pooch home today and give her the family she’s been looking for!

For details about Pooch's adoption requirements, please visit the Peninsula SPCA website.

Pet Adoption Ads

I made these several ads for the Peninsula SPCA:

Giving voice to the voiceless: Stop dog fighting!

Everyone should watch this eye-opening video about dog fighting from the point of view of the dogs themselves. I found this on the blog of Parker & Company and after watching it, I felt the need to repost it to further spread the awareness about the cruelty of dog fighting.

Michael Killen is the brilliant mind behind this video. After hearing about the Michael Vick dog fighting ring, Killen was moved to take action and let the dogs speak this time. You can read more about the making of this video through his website, Peace for Dogs.

Dog fighting is a serious form of animal abuse. Because of this barbaric and brutal "act", certain dog breeds such as American Pit Bull Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers, are suffering the stigma of being branded as "aggressive dogs."

Sadly, dog fighting continues to be widely-practiced among many countries. Please help stop dog fighting. If you know any information about dog fighting in your area, please report them to the authorities. You may also sign this petition against dog fighting.

Start spreading the news...about Sinatra!

Start spreading the news....Sinatra is here!

Sinatra's a brindle male German Shepherd Dog and Boxer mix that is approximately 2 years old. He weighs about 50 lbs. He's got a big love and is a big goofball! He is very energetic and would love to have a lot of toys to keep his attention and energy focus.

Sinatra will be best suited for a home where the owners are used to big, strong dogs. He would benefit greatly from some obedience training, but with a little work, he will definitely make a fantastic pet.

Sinatra has been neutered, microchipped, and tested negative for heartworm. He is ready and waiting to find a new home where he will be loved for who he is.

To learn more about Sinatra's adoption requirements, please visit the Peninsula SPCA website or call (757) 595-1399.

Christian, the pet lion

Lion hug, anyone?

I was amazed at this video posted on YouTube about two guys who reared a young cub and named it Christian. However, they had to let it loose back into the wild in Africa after authorities thought there was not an ideal place for the lion in London. Watch and bawl:

Mama Mia!

Mama is a beautiful black female German Shepherd Dog and Chow Chow mix. She is approximately 3 years old and weighs about 45 lbs. She has been spayed, microchipped and tested negative for heartworm.

As her name suggests, Mama is very loving and likes to give kisses every now and then. A real Mama mia! Mama is also mature and seems to be friendly toward other animals (including deer as can be seen from her photo), although a proper introduction is still advisable. Mama is all set to go to her new home!



Mama is one of the adoptable dogs available at the Peninsula SPCA. Information about her adoption requirements can be found at the Peninsula SPCA website or call 757-595-1399.

Family Day Happy Endings

It was a happy ending for two Peninsula SPCA dogs as they found their forever homes during the “Sunday in the Park” Family Day held at the Peninsula Fine Arts Center in Newport News , VA on Sunday, July 20. Adopted were Toby, a male beagle and hound mix, and Hula, a female rough collie mix. Each went home happily with their new families.

The Family Day provided a great venue for the adoptable dogs to meet and greet families and hobnob with other dogs that came to the event. Even the sweltering heat did not hamper Toby, Hula and lovable senior dogs Lucy and Lany from mingling and charming park visitors.

The Peninsula SPCA joined other local groups for an afternoon of crafts, music and other fun activities. PSCPA product lines such as shirts, caps and chip clips were sold that day, while Petting Zoo tickets and “paw tattoos” were given out to lucky visitors. But what made the day for the PSPCA were the adoption of Toby and Hula, which both have found a loving family.

The Peninsula SPCA is a non-profit organization that provides shelter for animals that are surrendered by their families and animals that are caught by Animal Control. It serves the cities of Newport News, Hampton, York County and Poquoson in Virginia. It maintains an open-door policy accepting all animals regardless of age, health, temperament, or species. More information about the Peninsula SPCA and animal adoption can be found on its website, www.peninsulaspca.com.

Home again with a microchip

There's a story on NY Post today about a beagle named Rocco that has been found after missing for five years. Even the family who owns it could not believe that they have been reunited with their beloved pooch after all these years. According to the article, it was a "combination of chance and chip" that brought them together. But when a pet is lost, one may not have control on chances, but there is certainly something one can do with the chip part.

What is this chip anyway? A microchip is a tiny capsule, as small as a grain of rice, that is implanted in an animal's skin for identification. Consider it like the social security number for your pet. Each microchip contains a unique identification number. The chip is inserted between the shoulder blades for dogs and cats. Although the procedure does not require an anesthesia, it is usually quick and not traumatic for the animal.

When I first heard of microchipping on animals, I thought it is like a GPS navigator or a lojack for cars. But as high-tech as it may sound, a microchip does not work that way. It may not tell you where your pet is, but it serves as a useful identification both for your pet and you, as the pet owner. When a pet is lost or stolen, and is found and surrendered to an animal control office or taken to a shelter, it is scanned to check if a chip exists. If they detected a chip, the authorities call a recovery service and gives them the ID number and location of the animal. Thus, a reunion is set between a pet and its owner.

Many families have benefited from having their pets microchipped, as it prevents loss, theft and provides proof of ownership of the animal. It is more reliable than just buying a collar for your pet. Animal shelters are also microchipping animals before they become available for adoption. It is something that every pet owner should consider.

If you haven't done so, ask your veterinarian about microchipping. You'll never know when you might get separated from your pet. With its microchip, you can always have that hope that it can be home again.

Photo shoot with Koala

Taking photos of animals can be challenging. We may not be able to make them "pose", but the "natural poses" they do are far better than a staged one.

Here is a behind-the-scenes photo shoot with Koala, an adorable black and white female Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix:


Koala tries to be comfortable with her surroundings. However, she gets distracted by people coming in and out of the shelter. So, I tried to let her lie down and rubbed her stomach, which she totally loved.


Once she got comfortable, this little "love bug" showed how she can pose for the camera naturally:


Perfect shots Koala! But, I guess she got tired after doing those poses. Must be tough being a model.

She definitely deserved a treat after the photo shoot!

Koala can be adopted through the Peninsula SPCA. Koala has an outgoing personality and has lots of love and kisses to share. She has shown to be accepting of other dogs and would certainly want to have a little brother or sister to play with. She has been neutered and micro chipped. Please visit the Peninsula SPCA website or call (757) 595-1399 for more information on Koala or on other adoptable animals.

Update (July 14): Koala's been adopted! :)

The Fabulous FBI Working Dogs

I have always had a high regard for working dogs - those that are used for search and rescue, detect bombs and narcotics, and assist physically-challenged individuals. Working dogs are truly heroes, not just of the dog world but in the human world too. Just imagine the rigorous training and discipline they go through to perfect their "craft." That is why I was pleased to learn that the FBI has a dedicated website for their working dogs. I think it is one way of showing appreciation for such amazing canines.

Simply called FBI Working Dogs, the website is targeted at children to understand and learn how such dogs work. The site is very educational and explains about working dogs in a fun way - from the point of view of the dogs themselves, which are featured based on their duty.

For chemical explosives, there's Kurt, Power, Atwood, Bismarck and Disco. They can "sniff out" 19,000 different combinations of explosives. Wow, that's truly a lot to remember! Three of them are based in Washington, DC., one in Philadelphia and one in Los Angeles. I think Disco, being in Los Angeles, has the most "glamorous" duty, going to such events like the Academy Awards and the Golden Globe to help ensure safety of the Hollywood stars.

For detecting narcotics, there's Axel, a German Shepherd-Rotweiller mix, that was rescued from the pound. In her story, she mentioned about going through a truckload of pineapple searching for drugs. Yeah, that was "prickly" indeed!

The FBI also has Lady and Drago for search and rescue. They help during rescue operations especially when natural disaster strikes like earthquakes or hurricanes. They track people who are trapped or missing, and they can sniff them out even when they are underground or underwater.

Finally, there's Malea, a service dog. She knows 50 commands such as, turning on and off the light. But according to her, her favorite is "lap" where she put her front paws up while her handler gives her a hug. Malea is probably similar to those that wear a vest that says, "Don't pet me. I'm working."

These working dogs' stories are truly heartwarming. They work hard, but they play hard too. They take their duties seriously, but they never forget the "pet" side of them. But what is more interesting is, not all the dogs were from a special breeder. Axel, the narcotics dog, came from a pound, while Lady was adopted after she was hit by a car. Both are now helping rescue or protect people.

The next time you are thinking of getting a pet which you might want to train as a working dog in the future, check out your local animal shelter. You may just find the world's next canine hero.

For more information on the FBI Working Dogs, visit their website at http://www.fbi.gov/kids/dogs/doghome.htm.

Freedom

Today, the whole United States of America will be celebrating its independence day with patriotic parades, concerts and lavish display of fireworks. Its that time of the year to commemorate how the country earned its freedom from the Kingdom of Great Britain and become one of the freest nations of the world.

But freedom applies to all living creatures, not just to us humans. Inside animal shelters across America, dogs and cats are also dreaming of their own independence day. A day where they will be accepted into a loving family, out of the shelter.

Adopt a pet now!

In photo: Goldie, a 4-month-old Golden Retriever mix. She can be adopted through the Peninsula SPCA.

5 Important Things To Consider When Owning A Pet

You come home tired from work and you see your pet excitedly welcoming you and giving you that unconditional love and loyalty. Truly, having a pet can be rewarding. Some people even say a house is not complete without Fido or a feline at home. But even with the great rewards, there is also a big responsibility attached to owning a pet.

So before you rush to the nearest pet store, consider these 5 important factors which may help you decide if you really are capable of owning one.

1. Own a pet for the right reason

Ask yourself why you want to have a pet. A lot of people wants to get a pet for the wrong reasons such as, make a money off of them or giving the animal as a gift. Dogs and cats are living beings. They are not toys you just play with and then disregard after you’re tired with them. Also, it is not good to get a pet just because your child wants one, unless they are old and mature enough to help care for the pet.

Committing yourself to give an animal a loving and caring home is the perfect reason for owning a pet.

2. Devoting Quality Time

As in every relationship, having quality time for your pet is important. They also need your attention. Evaluate your schedule if you can devote the much-needed time for your pet or if you are too busy to even feed it. Dogs, for instance, need their regular walk and exercise. Perhaps you can look at it this way, now you have more motivation to have a good exercise outside.

3. Financial Consideration

Not a lot of people are aware of the real cost involved in owning a pet. Regular check ups at a veterinary clinic, vaccinations, food and grooming are the regular expenses you need to shell out for your pet. Add to that the extra expenses like toys, treats and training. The average cost of owning a dog or a cat is estimated to be more than $1,000. With the prices of goods rising, evaluate your budget if you are capable of financially supporting a pet.

4. Providing a Good Place

Pets are family members, thus, they are also entitled to have a comfortable and appropriate place to stay in. They also need a good place to move around or a venue to jump and play. Chaining a dog outside the house is NEVER the proper place.

Also, if you are renting, make sure that the pet you want to own is in compliance with the guidelines of your landlord. I love big dogs and would like to own one. But since we are not allowed to have pets in our apartment (not even a fish!), we can’t have one yet.

5. Consider Adoption
   

What better way to find a pet than in an animal shelter. Visit an animal shelter and you might find a diamond in the “ruff.” Animals in the shelter can make good pets too. Plus, you can be sure that they have been vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and even microchipped. Talk to an adoption counselor who would be happy to help you find the perfect pet for you.

Also, check out several websites that provide listings of animal shelters and rescue groups and animals that are ready for adoption. Some of these websites are Petfinder.com, 1-800-Save-a-Pet, and Pets911.

Being aware of these factors is the first step to becoming a responsible pet owner. If you think you are not yet ready for such responsibilities, then you shouldn't be bringing an animal home, lest they might end up neglected or being surrendered to an animal shelter. Please remember that no matter what type of animal you want to get, animals also deserve love and respect from us humans.

Bring Her Home: LUCY

Who says old dogs can't rock? Leave it to Lucy, a black and white female Beagle mix, to show you that even a senior dog like her still knows how to have fun. Little Lucy may already be 10 years old, but she still has a lot of spunk and so much love to give. She is friendly, sociable and totally sweet!

Lucy is ideal for homes seeking a dog with a non-demanding personality, as she will be content with just hanging out with you on the couch. Once you meet her, you'll definitely say, "I love Lucy!"

If you think Lucy is the perfect pet for you, or if you know of people who are looking for someone like Lucy, please visit the Peninsula SPCA website or call (757) 595-1399 to get more information and on how to adopt her.

Top 10 reasons why pets are surrendered by their owners

It's a sad fact that many dogs and cats in an animal shelter are mostly surrendered by their owners. While oftentimes it can be heartbreaking for the owner to do this, it is more heartbreaking to the pet.

The National Council on Pet Population Study & Policy gives the top 10 reasons why pets are surrendered to the shelters in the US:

For Dogs
1. Moving
2. Landlord issues
3. Cost of pet maintenance
4. No time for pet
5. Inadequate facilities
6. Too many pets in home
7. Pet illness (es)
8. Personal problems
9. Biting
10. No homes for littermates

For Cats
1. Too many in the house
2. Allergies
3. Moving
4. Cost of pet maintenance
5. Landlord issues
6. No homes for littermates
7. House soiling
8. Personal problems
9. Inadequate facilities
10. Doesn't get along with other pets

If you look at the above reasons, most of them could have been prevented such as, cost of pet maintenance and no time for pet. So please, before thinking of getting a new pet, consider the factors above and evaluate if you can be a responsible pet owner.

Consider adoption when getting a pet

The numbers can be daunting: 5 MILLION - that's the estimated number of cats and dogs killed in US animal shelters each year according to the Humane Society of the US. This is mainly due to the lack of space for animals in a lot of shelters. As a result, pet overpopulation has become a huge problem not only in the US, but also in a lot of countries around the world. It's a cold hard fact that there are just too many unwanted animals. Most of these poor creatures end up being homeless from reasons beyond their control or shortcomings, but mostly due to irresponsible pet ownership.

One of the ways you can help is to consider adoption when getting a new furry friend. Adopting a rescued animal from your local shelter goes a long way of helping not just the pet you've just adopted, but also providing accommodations for another animal requiring care and attention in a "forever home." When you get a dog or a cat from the shelter, most likely they have already been vaccinated, dewormed, and neutered/spayed. In fact, in the shelter where I volunteer, dogs and cats are also micro-chipped!

Contrary to what a lot of people think, animals from shelters can also make equally, or even better, pets like those from pet stores. They can also be as loyal, loving and very good companions. Thus, they deserve equitable treatment and rights given to "regular" pets.

It's no doubt that we get "cuteness attack" when we see puppies in pet shops, and they are just too difficult to resist. But if you're seriously thinking of buying one, then please hold that thought and consider instead, adopting a dog from an animal shelter. Not only will you gain a new best friend, but you could also help save lives of a lot of dogs.

Dedication

Kane is a handsome 7-year-old blue pit bull that was surrendered by its owner to the animal shelter where I volunteer. He's got some scars on his head and body which he probably got from some fights. Even if he's got a big head, Kane was so emaciated that his ribs were evident under his coat. I was cautious of him when I first laid eyes on him because he had this serious stance about him. Really, he would look at me straight into my eyes (what meaningful eyes he had!). But we instantly became friends the moment I gave him dog treats. It turned out Kane was such a loving and sweet dog. He also had manners: He never barked to get people's attention. He remained calm and waited patiently for his turn to be walked outside until eventually, permanently walk him out of the shelter to a permanent home.

This blog is dedicated to all the animals who are stuck inside a cage of an animal shelter, patiently waiting to be adopted and be accepted into a new loving "furrever" home.