Adopt a Shelter Dog Month Photo Contest (Cats Can Enter, Too!)

Enter to win in PAWS' Adopt a Shelter Dog Month Photo Contest! 

First, you must "Like" PAWS' Facebook page

Then, enter the contest! It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3:

Each photo entry is $3. Enter as many photos as you would like. All submissions must be in by October 14, 2011.

1.     Make your donation to PAWS through Causes - click here.

2.     Email a photo of your pet (jpg only), your pets name, and your email confirmation of your donation from Causes to roxywaters8@gmail.com

3.     Get your friends to “Like” your pic!

The person with the most Likes by 12pm EST on October 24, 2011 wins a $25 Petco card! It’s that simple.

Good Luck!

Participation

The PAWS Photo Contest is open to everyone. You may participate in the contest in two ways, by submitting photos, and by liking photos. People who submit photos may also like other people’s photos. PAWS is not responsible for any unauthorized use of your photos by Facebook users. You may participate in the contest in two ways, by submitting photos, and by liking photos, however, only people entering photos are eligible for the grand prize.

Photo Submission Criteria

All photos must be in compliance with the Contest Rules. PAWS reserves the right to remove photos at any time that are not in compliance with the Contest Rules. We have the following limits on subject matter:

• No objectionable content, such as violence, obscenities, or nudity
• No people in the photos
• No content that is defamatory to any group or individual and/or violates any law

Winning

On October 17, 2011, the photo submissions will be posted on Facebook. The photo that receives the most Likes by 12pm EST on October 24, 2011 will be declared the winner. The winning entry will receive 1 $25 Petco gift card and the winning photo will be the PAWS Facebook profile picture for a week.

Image Ownership

All digital images must be original work. Participants retain ownership rights to their photos. By submitting your photograph you grant PAWS and unlimited, irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free, perpetual, nonexclusive right and license to use, reproduce, publish, modify, perform and display the image on any of PAWS webpages or any replacement or successor to such web page, and in any marketing or advertising of any kind related thereto, in any medium now known or later developed. PAWS will not pay you any compensation for your photograph or any use we may make of it. By submitting your photograph you agree and represent to PAWS that you are the sole copyright owner of the photograph.

Nena

Some dogs just have a soft face and wonderful smile. That's Nena!

She's a Rottweiler who loves human companionship (and most dogs/cats) and would be happy either running after a Jolly ball in the yard or cuddling on your lap. She loves car rides and has lived with 12 and 14 year-old-children.

Like the famous PAWS Graduate Sid, Nena loves the kiddy pool, too!

This playful, 3 1/2 year old is spayed, microchipped, up-to-date on vaccinations, ready to go home with you!

Apply to adopt Nena!

Bark in the Park, Sept. 17, 2011

Stubby Dog - Turning the Way You View Pit Bulls Upside-Down

If you love pit bulls, you'll love this video.

If you don't love pit bulls, well, this video could help change your mind just a little.

Yummy Puppies, Looking for Homes!

Puppies are a lot of work - hard work. You have to invest time and training into them so you have a well-adjusted, happy member of the family. 

They're not just cute like Ned, below.

Or his siblings. (There were plenty of toys in the yard, but this one seemed to be most popular!) 

Ned and his siblings are about 11-weeks-old, and are looking for great homes. They're a mix of Pit Bull, Shepherd, and something big. Really big...

If you're up for the challenge, fill out PAWS' application.

They're not going to be small (they're little bulldozers now!), but I guarantee, they'll be "lap dogs"!

Remember our boy Sid? He's up to his usual antics... He had a run-in with a skunk recently, which led to this:

And this soaping up led to Sid's reaction:

There's still time to help Sid help PAWS! Remember to vote for him! 

Please follow this link to vote for Sid. Enter your e-mail address at the bottom of his story's page to vote. 

IMPORTANT!! You'll receive an e-mail to confirm your vote. Be sure to click on the link in the e-mail so your vote is counted!

Thank you for helping Sid help PAWS!

Sasha has been FOUND!

Sasha is finally safe and sound at home. PHEW!

Thank you ALL for your concern and good wishes for this beautiful girl!

Sasha - Missing - 8-10-11

Sasha is missing (8/10/11)! Please help. PLEASE CALL: 203-919-9193 if you see or find her.

10-years-old, brindle Pit Bull with large white patch on chest, white on right leg. Cropped ears. Loves people - does NOT like other dogs. Has cancer - owners heartbroken and offering a reward.

Wearing black flowered collar and brown leather leash. Last seen on Wilton Avenue, Norwalk (near Ash Creek Saloon, Cablevision), 8/10/11.

PLEASE CALL: 203-919-9193

  

Fred and Penny

Fred and Penny: You'll never meet more gentle and loving dogs!

Fred and Penny came to PAWS after their owner moved to Connecticut and his housing arrangements fell through. It's a very sad situation whenever someone has to give up their dogs because affordable apartments won't accept pets. And it's huge problem in Connecticut. Our shelters are overflowing with pets who would be with their owners, but can't be because foolish management companies either won't allow pets or put ridiculous weight restrictions on which pets could live there.

Fred is an 11-year old Golden Retriever mix, and Penny is a 10-year old Bassett Hound. They are the sweetest dogs you'll ever meet! 

Shower them with cuddles, belly rubs, and kisses, and they'll return the favor for days on end. They love short walks, playing, and just wandering in the back yard enjoying the world's smells. These are low-maintenance dogs, indeed! 

These special love bugs must be adopted together - they've known each other all of their lives and are extremely bonded. All they need is a loving home where they can enjoy their golden years. 

There are so many benefits to adopting an older dog - read some here!

They are neutered/spayed, up-to-date on all vaccinations, and microchipped.

If you're interested in meeting Fred and Penny, please complete our adoption application. You won't be disappointed!

Karma - A Pit Bull Heroine Needs Your Help!

This is Karma. 

Karma saved her human and countless other people during a shooting in my town (Norwalk, CT) this past weekend. I'm not very proud of the city right now, but I'm sure proud of Karma. 

She had to have her front leg amputated due to extensive injuries caused by a bullet wound. Her human was also shot. Now, her human is struggling to pay the $4,000 vet bill. 

This isn't exactly a bad section of town, and it's not far from our shelter. According to this story, someone came upon the wedding reception (yes, wedding reception) and began shooting. 

If you can, please donate. This dog (and her human) deserves it!

"The Karma Fund"

VCA Animal Hospital

123 West Cedar Street

Norwalk, CT 06854

or, call: 203-838-5956

Thank you for supporting this heroine!

  

Please Vote for Sid!

Photo: TJ McNulty

Remember our boy Sid?

His mom and dad have entered him in a contest, and if Sid wins, PAWS wins!

Please follow this link to vote for Sid. Enter your email address at the bottom of his story's page to vote. 

IMPORTANT!! You'll receive an email to confirm your vote. Be sure to click on the link in the email so your vote is counted!

Thank you for helping Sid help PAWS!

Fabulous Francois on Deck to Raise Money for PAWS!

When you're this handsome:

People can't help but fall in love with you! And believe me, Francois knows how to cash in on his beauty! (He steals belly rubs like I steal M&Ms.)

This sly fox dog has decided to put his good looks and gentlemanly charms to work to benefit his fellow pooches at PAWS!

Fabulous Francois has enrolled himself as a fundraiser in this year's Bark in the Park. (This isn't an easy task when you have paws and no thumbs, so I had to help him a little with the mouse.) His personal website will accept your secure donations to help raise funds for food, housing, and medical care for all of his doggy and kitty friends who are waiting for forever homes.

Won't you help Francois help his furry friends? Whisker kisses from Franky to you!

Casper Finds a Home

Casper, the goofy English Bulldog, has found a home!

It was important that he went to a home with people who are experienced with this breed (especially in this heat!). We can't tell you how many people wanted this fella, but some of the applications said things like "looking for jogging partner." Not the best form of exercise for this type of dog! Short-nosed breeds have trouble regulating their body temperature, so while they're playful and happy - and would probably love to run with you - it could be a fatal mistake. A leisurely stroll around the block is a much better idea!

Do you think these two will ever learn to love each other? :)

Francois Needs A Friend!

And now's your chance! Go to his very own Facebook page and "friend" this gorgeous guy!

Incredible Adoptions!

OMD, what a week it's been. First, Yeller finds his forever home. Then a family comes in looking for the perfect Pit Bull. Yeah, we happen to have a few of those!!

This perfect lady's name is... VENDI, or Vendelicious, as I used to call her.

Vendi is a definite, bona fide goofball. Toss a Jolly Ball in the yard and off she goes - non-stop! She's a loving little bulldozer, too, who leans against you for ear scratches and looks at you with those big, golden eyes... And "smart" doesn't begin to describe this little lady!

The family who adopted Vendi this week had heard about her (who hasn't - hers is often the Face of PAWS and she appears on our Facebook page frequently), and wanted to meet her. They had recently lost both of their 15-year-old Pit Bulls and their Mastiff of 12 years. They had quite a void to fill and somehow they knew the perfect dog to fill it. VENDI!!

Picture this: Goofball dog, two fully fenced acres, older kids to play with... See where I'm going with this?  And I have to say the family is pretty lucky to add this gorgeous and loving piglet to their home, too!

Vendi came to Paws in 2009 when she was just 8 months old. An impulse purchase, her family just couldn't handle her in their small apartment. She's met many people, played with many dogs, and had many overnight visits with volunteers. But there aren't too many folks out there who can handle a dog with this much energy or have the experience we require when adopting a Pit Bull. So, she waited, and waited... Now we know why! This family with kids and two safe acres for romping, was in her future!

Yeller - Adopted and Loving It!

Yeller has a new home AND doggy companion - he was adopted yesterday!

Yeller was overlooked for quite a while because of his age. He's only nine years old, but for some reason, that's old to people - everyone wants a younger dog or a puppy. Big mistake in many cases: In Yeller's case, a lot of people missed out on a great, all-around companion! Yeller gets along with other dogs, kids of all ages, can go to dog parks, baseball games - he's the perfect pooch gentleman.

Lily (l) and Yeller (r) sharing some quiet time together. 

And that's what his adopters and his new companion Lily learned when they met him. Lily had lost her doggy companion few months back, and had become very depressed, which often happens to dogs who lose their long-time canine friends. Lily is also an older dog, and she really needed a companion to keep her active.

When Yeller and Lily met, they hit it off immediately. After a foster weekend, it was clear that the two brought a new excitement into each other's lives, and it was a doggy love connection. Lily and Yeller's mom and dad say that she's a new dog, and it's as if Yeller has been a part of the family for years and years!

Smooches to you both and hugs to your new mom and dad for seeing the beautiful dog you really are, Yeller!

 

Cupcakes for a Cause

Do you LOVE cupcakes?

If you're anything like me, any dessert can be on the table, but if there are cupcakes, watch out! I turn into a cupcake-seeking missile. Do not get in my way.

Some of you may know PAWS über volunteer Cathy Paukner. Cathy has dedicated many, many years to the feline side of PAWS, where she works with cats and serves as a Cat Adoption Counselor, matching cats and kittens to homes for a lifetime of love and companionship. What you might not know is that she's an extraordinary chef! She's the talented craftswoman behind the scrumptious hors d'oeuvres served at PAWS' events.

Cathy recently began a business called "Cupcakes for a Cause" where she offers her beautifully crafted delicious, yummy, amazing, luscious, mouthwatering cupcakes for sale and donates a portion of the proceeds to PAWS!

Her flavors range from the more simple (vanilla with vanilla buttercream) to the more exotic (espresso with mocha buttercream decorated with candied coffeebean and a sprinkling of cinnamon), and everything in-between. There are about 15 different selections on her cupcake menu right now. To name just a few:

Cuckoo for Coconut - Triple Coconut (Coconut Cupcake, Coconut Frosting dabbed with a sprinkling of toasted coconut) 

Whatz Up Doc – Carrot Cake Cupcake with Fluffy Cream Cheese Frosting decorated with marzipan carrot and dusted with cinnamon

S’Mores for Me – Graham Cracker Crust topped with Chocolate Cupcake, Toasted Marshmallow Frosting dabbed with sprinkling of graham cracker crumbs

Going Bananas – (Bananas Foster) Banana Rum Pecan Cupcakes, Caramel Frosting drizzled with caramel sauce decorated with banana chip and sprinkling of chopped pecans 

Tiramisu – Vanilla Cupcake soaked with Coffee Syrup, Mascarpone Frosting decorated with ladyfinger and dabbed with dusting of cocoa

Each cupcake is adorned with an edible little paw print, an adorable signature element Cathy is using to remind people that the dessert they're enjoying is helping a local animal shelter.

About a week ago, I arrived at the shelter and headed back to the kitchen. The whole area was filled with the inviting aroma of maple syrup. Cathy had brought in a few dozen (yes, a few dozen!) of her "Moms Mapley" cupcakes for us to try. OMG. I was walking on clouds.

They were the most beautiful cupcakes I'd ever seen. (My Betty Crockers were never this pretty.) And, oh, the frosting. Oh, my heavens, the frosting. Maple buttercream with crushed toffee. A great way to start a day at the shelter!

If you're on Facebook, "Like" Cathy's Cupcakes for a Cause page here. For a full listing of cupcakes Cathy is currently offering, "Like" the PAWS Facebook page here, then you can access the Cupcakes for a Cause notes page with all the delicious details, pricing, and Cathy's contact info.

Summer is a time for celebrating. Cupcakes can only make it yummier!

 

Sid, one year later

Sometimes, you just hit the jackpot, as we did when we placed Sid just over a year ago.

Sid is a beautiful Rottweiler with an undocked tail and funny whiskers on his chin. He's a joy to just look at, with a huge smile and enormous brown eyes - eyes that are now filled with the comfort and satisfaction that he's safe and loved. But his story is quite sad - those eyes used to be filled with fear - as he came to us literally a broken and dejected dog.

Sid came to PAWS both physically and psychologically scarred from the abuse he suffered at the hands of a true animal, the "human" who severely beat him with what we think was a baseball bat. This abuse left Sid with permanent injuries to his hind quarters. He also suffered from psychological injuries which caused him to lose the confidence he needed to be a great companion.

Sid in his favorite spot - the kiddie pool!

This majestic dog spent a year at PAWS being rehabilitated physically and behaviorally. Annie, one of our incredible volunteer/trainers, worked endless hours with Sid, rebuilding his confidence and physical strength. She taught others how to work with him, brought Sid home to meet her dogs, and introduced him to men - one of Sid's real fears.


PAWS received dozens of calls from people who wanted to adopt Sid. After all, he's a gorgeous guy! A beautiful Rottie who was looking for a home. But Sid couldn't go to just any home, he needed a special one, with people who were dedicated to continuing his structured training and ensuring that he had a good, safe life ahead of him.

It took time, but eventually Sid met his new parents, fantastic people who - I'll venture to say - are head-over-heels in love with him! Look at these photos. These are the best folks in the world. They've made such a great life for Sid and I have a feeling Sid has added a bit to their lives as well.

 

Why is this dog constantly overlooked?!

Apple. Sweet, never tart! Sorry, I couldn't resist. 

Apple has been at PAWS far too long. And why, I just don't know.

This dog is the perfect companion. He's an office dog at PAWS, which means a few things: He can be trusted not to pull things from the desk, he's perfectly housebroken, AND he doesn't use the computer to visit inappropriate sites! Not too bad for a four-legger. Imagine him in your home. You can leave him for the day, he'll settle nicely, then greet you at the door with love and kisses when you return from a long day at work. Perfection on four paws!

It's true, he doesn't like other animals. As a matter of fact, he doesn't like them at all. So he has to be your one and only pet. You cannot take him to dog parks (which are over-rated in Apple's opinion anyway). But, he does like a nice long walk, a car ride, playing and running in a fenced back yard, and a snuggle - man, can this dog snuggle. He's a dream of a companion - loving and loyal!

In the office at PAWS, he lies at your feet quietly and either rests or plays with a toy. He's really the perfect pet! NO demands, NO destruction of your "stuff," NO constant barking or whining.

So tell me. Why is Apple constantly overlooked? He's perfect, in my opinion!

Apply to adopt Apple.

Casper

Casper, an English Bulldog, is 72 pounds of pure muscle and love! He loves other dogs. And people - boy, does he love people! He is SO sweet, smart, and affectionate!

Although he's good with kids, he's not a small guy - he weighs more than most kids! So we'd recommend that he's placed with kids that are, well, bigger than he is.

He came to us with skin problems due to allergies, and he'll be on a special diet to control this condition for the rest of his life (not a prescription diet, just a grain-free dog food).

Bulldogs aren't for everyone. We'd prefer to place Casper with someone experienced with the breed. They're very sensitive to the heat, and while they need daily exercise to keep them from gaining weight, exercise should be limited in the summer months.

Also they're a short-faced breed, and can become overheated very quickly any time of year. Simply put, if you're looking for a jogging partner, a Bulldog isn't for you!



But, if you're looking for a cuddle companion, filled with love - actually, overflowing with love - Casper may be the one!

Apply to Adopt Casper

"StubbyDog" Features Our Own Volunteer!

PAWS volunteer Sue Smith and her gorgeous pit bull
and PAWS graduate Truffle

StubbyDog is an organization dedicated to changing the way pit bulls are perceived by the public. They hope that their approach of "changing the conversation" - taking it from negative and apologetic to positive and educational - will help to save some of the million plus pit bulls who are being killed in shelters every year.

StubbyDog also brings to light the problems people face just by having a pit bull as a companion. From pit bulls who are service and therapy dogs to people who can't find housing because of the type of pet they have.

Recently, StubbyDog learned about the issue our volunteer Sue Smith faced when her husband Steve's job took him to London. But, as Sue quickly learned, London doesn't "take" pit bulls! Here is what Sue and Steve had to do to keep their family together. (By the way, we're proud to say gorgeous Truffle is a PAWS graduate!)

Luke

Luke is a gorgeous Lab mix who came to PAWS when his owner had to move but couldn't take him along.

He's a giant puppy - 72 lbs. - who is currently learning his manners, and he's doing well! At 18 months, Luke is a dog who loves to play, romp, play, romp... you get the idea! But he also loves kisses and cuddles as well.

He's very strong on leash, which is why it's important that potential adopters continue his training. He's still a puppy at heart, and has such potential. He'll make a great companion - a handsome one, too!

Apply to adopt Luke

 

Vincent

How could such a tiny, delicate dog wander the streets - how could someone let this happen to such a teeny dog?? Well, we don't have the answer, but we're thankful that he's now safe here at PAWS.

Vincent is an Italian Greyhound/Chihuahua mix who was found wandering the streets. He's a silly pooch who entertains just by walking into a room. Vincent's secret is confidence - he thinks he's a Great Dane! This fellow's personality shines like the sun, and almost matches the size of his ears! :)

Because of his small and delicate bones, we'd like to place him in an adult-only home, or a home with older children who will respect his size. Which is far from that of a Great Dane!

Apply to adopt Vincent

  

Yeller

This beautiful, friendly, cuddly hunk of a yellow Lab is ready to become part of your family!

Whether it's a Little League game, soccer, football, or a walk in the park, you'll have to beat Yeller to the car! This boy loves riding in the car!

Yeller also loves the company of other dogs and people - boy, does he LOVE people - and cuddling! He knows his commands, too - sit, down, roll over, paw, stay, fetch, drop it - he's the perfect addition to just about any family!

Apply to adopt Yeller

Sir Winston

Sir Winston is a 6-year-old Cocker Spaniel, recently surrendered by his owners. We're still getting to know him, and we've noticed that he's not very fond of men, but we're working on that! :0)

Winston will be ready to meet the public on or about June 14.

Apply to adopt Sir Winston

Rochelle

Rochelle came to PAWS after another local organization had a moderately successful adoption event, and called on other rescues, like PAWS, to take in the remaining animals so they wouldn't be sent back to... wherever.

She was painfully shy, almost feral, in her approach to humans. Okay, simply put, she didn't approach humans. It took quite a while for her to trust certain people, and those were the only people she'd allow near her. She was never, ever aggressive, she'd just shrink back into her crate as if she could disappear.

But, if you were one of the lucky ones she trusted, you would be greeted at the door with a wag of her tail, bright eyes, and that calm, relaxed face of a happy dog! It was worth the time spent with her to see this beautiful girl come out of her shell!

Finding the right home was difficult. She needed a fenced yard - a fence that she couldn't jump! And, she absolutely loves the company of other dogs. Her shyness melts away when another dog is around. She plays without a worry in the world. So another dog in the household was key.

Well, it took almost a year to find the right home for her, but it happened. A wonderful couple had recently lost one of their beloved dogs and heard about Rochelle. They were looking for a companion for their dog who is also shy, so they thought they'd give it a try.

The two dogs hit it off and have become fast friends! Rochelle has taught Sebastian a thing or two and vice-versa.

The couple who adopted Rochelle are perfect for her, because they have the patience and love to work with her and bring out her best. We couldn't have asked for a better fit!




I think these pictures say it all!

Mikey

Why is this dog smiling? He'd been waiting for a home since early 2010, and he finally found it!

Handsome Mikey came to PAWS following the death of his owner. He's a cuddly, teddy bear of a dog, who loves all humans, but didn't seem to care for other four-leggers, which made it tough to find him a home.

He met plenty of people - individuals, families, retirees, people from all walks of life. But no one wanted to take on a senior dog who didn't care for other animals.

Finally one day, a nice couple came in who were looking for a sweet, older, housebroken dog. Well, did we have the dog for them: Mikey!

They met Mikey, who impressed them with a few of his "tricks," like "sit pretty," and "paw." They also loved the fact that he still had plenty of spunk, but also settled down nicely - another benefit of adopting an older dog!

So now you know exactly why this dog, and all of us at PAWS, are smiling!

Bandit

Remember this guy? Boy, how I love this dog! He used to play with Vendi all the time. (Now, before you fall head-over-heels in love with Vendi's goofy grin, she needs an experienced Pit Bull loving home! She's an energetic handful, but she's worth the love training you invest in her, believe me!)

Anyway, Bandit had been with us since Christmas of 2009. Why? I can't say - he's one of those belly-rub-loving, friendly, cuddly, playful dogs who likes other dogs. He's certainly a handsome boy. He stole a million hearts along the way, too.

But no one was as interested as one family who came to see him in Spring of 2010. They fell in love (who wouldn't, honestly). But the timing wasn't right and they couldn't take him home. Oh, well. An opportunity missed. Back to the kennel, Bandit.

Well, in March of 2011, they contacted us again. They had rented a house and saw that Bandit was still available. Could they see him again? ABSOLUTELY!

It was as if Bandit remembered them. They all "clicked" and everyone just knew it was right. A few weeks later, Bandit moved into his new home, has a next door doggy neighbor to play with, and is now living the good life! And he deserves it!

Bandit in his new home

We're Baaaack!

I did it again. Crazy with work and PAWS, neglecting this blog... Okay, no excuses!


Well, I'll give you a quick update on some of the pets you've seen posted here, then we'll get down to the business of posting adoptables again. I'll sit in the corner for a bit to punish myself and promise to try to be a better blogger in the future! :)