No Dog Should Be This Cute

How can you stand the cuteness? In one little dog? Roxy was going to be left on the streets by her owner who was moving. Yes, abandoned, left behind, in the winter, to fend for her 7-month-old self on the streets.

Roxy is the cutest, sweetest, most loving creature. One of our volunteers stepped in and scooped her up from the nasty folks her were going to abandon her. She tried to integrate Roxy into her own home, but her dogs just weren't having it. So, Roxy is at PAWS looking for a home of her own, which she'd be happy to share with other dogs and kids.

She's 7-months-old, current on her vaccinations and will be spayed. She loves other dogs, is extremely playful and is working on her housebreaking. Roxy is very smart, so she's going to pick up basic commands and obedience quickly. The staff is working with her and they're amazed at how smart this little girl is!

We have no idea what type of dog she is; she's got a wiry looking coat that is actually very soft. She's a unique, chocolate-colored, individual. That's who she is!

Little dog... BIG SHADOW!

Have You Been Judging Books By Their Covers?

Sweet Pea

PAWS was fortunate to host representatives of Animal Farm Foundation this week for a special seminar on "Turbo-charging Your "Pit Bull" Dog Adoptions." I learned so many FACTS today about pit bull dogs that I didn't previously know - including the fact that the term "pit bull" has no true definition.

The fact is that 75% of shelter dogs are mixed-breeds. Further, studies have found that when shelters staff guess the breed of their dogs, they are wrong 75% of the time (J Appl Animal Welfare Sci, 2009). Of course, it's impossible for shelters to afford DNA testing of their dogs. But even if they could, "pit bull" isn't a "breed," so it wouldn't be detected in a test. A DNA test may detect a breed match for an American Staffordshire Terrier, but "pit bull" is not a breed and therefore cannot be identified. MARS, maker of the Wisdom panel DNA test states that "the term "pit bull"does not refer to a single or recognized breed of dog, but rather to a genetically diverse group of dogs." We used to call these dogs "mutts." Heinz 57s. Or simply, dogs. Why do we label them "pit bulls" now?

Francois

Howard

So... That lonely dog in the shelter? Look at him as an individual, a dog, a potential best friend. Don't judge him based on stereotypes and preconceptions. You might be missing out on the best, most loyal friend you ever met.

If you're wondering whether a "pit bull" dog is right for you, take a look at this video from AFF and see how "pit bull" dogs are just part of the family!

Ben, a Gem Not to Be Missed

Ben is a senior mix, a sweet and handsome boy, gentle as his name. Inside, he wants no more than to sit by your side and snooze or get a nice belly rub. But don't let him fool you! Once he's outside, the playful Ben comes out! He likes a nice walk or some good playtime in the yard.  

He's up-to-date on his vaccinations, microchipped, neutered and ready to be your loyal pal!

Seriously. Cute. Puppy.

This is Chelsea, a four-month-old puppy who has more applications in on her than the Federal Reserve has dollar bills. No, seriously. We have no idea what she is - terrier mix? French Bulldog on steroids? Incredibly cute and sweet, charcoal-colored puppy who's sure to steal your heart? Yeah, that's it!

This adorable girl is learning all of her puppy skills: Housebreaking, basic obedience, leash walking - but what she really loves is playing in the yard with her doggy friends at PAWS.

Chelsea is vaccinated and micro-chipped and will be available once she's been spayed.

Don't Overlook Bailey!

Bailey is a wonderful yellow Lab who loves people. He's not so fond of other animals, which is probably why he's been overlooked for so long. 

If you're looking for a dog who wants to do nothing more than put a smile on your face, this is the one! Play fetch? Are you kidding? Bailey will play for hours! Sit by your feet while you take in the latest game? Bailey's in! Go for long walks? Really? Bailey LOVES long walks!! Just be a loyal, loving pal? That's the definition of Bailey!

Bailey is about six years old, housebroken, fully vaccinated, neutered, and microchipped. More on Bailey at the PAWS Dog Gallery.

Why in the World...

... are there CATS on this blog?!

Normally, this blog focuses on dogs and I leave the cats to the experts, my friends over at Animal Shelter Volunteer Life. But I had the opportunity to take some photos of Cinnamon and Ginger, beautiful calico sisters who are at PAWS waiting for a home together. I think I love these girls because they're sort of dog-like: They greet me at the door when I enter their room with excited meows, looking for head scratches. I think they're just pretending to be cats...

Tater... Sweet Tater!

Tater is a Boxer/Pit Bull mix who was originally adopted out in 2009, but was recently returned to PAWS when his owners had a new baby and could no longer keep him.

He looks so sad in these pictures, but that's probably because he misses his home. Or, he just has those big, brown, sad eyes that melt hearts... He's definitely a loving, cuddly fella, who will sit for ear scratches and belly rubs for as long as you're willing to dish them out! Tater is about four years old and ready to share your sofa - and steal your heart!