Posts tagged "Dog adoption"

Black Russian Terriers 101

by Rose Martelli (Subscribe to Rose Martelli's posts): Feb 17th 2010 10:00AM Filed Under: Dogs

Name: Black Russian Terrier

Personality: A big-boned terrier with a fascinating history that's only starting to gain attention stateside, the black Russian terrier is a bundle of desirable qualities. The Black Russian Terrier Club of America lists calmness, confidence, courageousness, high intelligence and extreme reliabilit, as common traits -- all cloaked in what sometimes appears to be an aloof demeanor. But that's just the dog's self-assured exterior, says the BRTCA. In fact, aloofness really isn't in their make-up at all: "They want to be close to family members at all times and are very loyal companions."

Grooming: DogTime.com claims that black Russian terriers don't shed much. The recommended grooming regimen includes a weekly brushing of their double coats using three tools in tandem: an undercoat rake, a stripping comb and a slicker brush. This breed also boasts distinct facial hair, including a "beard," a "mustache" and old-man bushy eyebrows, but DogTime.com claims that these needn't be specially trimmed. Some owners take their black Russian terriers for yearly clippings to reduce the size of their long, somewhat bushy coats.

Common Health Issues: Besides the more common canine ailments (dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy), black Russian terriers are not known to suffer from any illnesses or disorders unusually common to the breed.

Dogs and Dogtags; Cat Grads

by Evan Jacobs (Subscribe to Evan Jacobs's posts): Nov 13th 2009 6:00PM Filed Under: Chew on This

Rounding up our favorite animal stories, photos, and videos on the web each week!

Dogs of War

People Pets interviews the creators of the new television series "No Dogs Left Behind," which documents the journey of rescued dogs from Iraq. [via People Pets]
You're Back!

As a response to Veteran's day, Mental Floss compiled a healthy list of videos depicting dogs reuniting with their soldier masters. [via Mental Floss]
Unprotected Koalas

Australia's Koala population is in danger and could be gone within thirty years. The culprit? A sexually transmitted disease. [via Telegraph.co.uk]
I Haz Diploma

Apparently many cats are quite educated and have diplomas. BuzzFeed has a list of cat professors who teach actual classes you can audit. [via BuzzFeed]
Shh!

Chig Trib has discovered that if your little yipper yips a little too much, all you need is a scalpel. [via Chicago Tribune]

Shelter Story -- Jasper, My Long Distance Adoption

by Helena Sung (Subscribe to Helena Sung's posts): Nov 6th 2009 8:00AM Filed Under: Dogs, Pet Adoption

Jasper this past summer. Helena Sung

In honor of National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, we've asked our bloggers to share their stories of adopting shelter dogs and cats.

For several years after moving to New York City I wanted a dog so badly that I would stop strangers on the street to ooh and ahh over their pups like a woman cooing at a baby in a stroller.

"You can't get a dog!" well-meaning friends scolded. "You're never home!" I was single and had a full-time job. As much as I wanted a dog, I had never taken care of one on my own, despite having grown up with dogs as family pets.

Then one day, I was getting a Reiki treatment when the therapist asked if I had a pet. I said no. "That's funny," she said, waving her hands over my body. "I keep seeing a small dog around you."

It was a sign. Encouraged, I came up with a plan. I would walk my dog before work and hire a dog walker to take my dog out during the day. I would get a small dog that I could take with me around the city and on flights to California to visit my family.

I began visiting local animal shelters and contacting rescue groups. Soon, I discovered a distinctly New York City phenomenon: small dogs were scarce and the competition to adopt them fierce. I would submit an application to adopt a small dog, only to have the pooch go to another home. After the third rejection, I decided to open up my search nationwide. Obsessively, I began checking Petfinder.com.

The Doggie Diaries -- We Want a Dog!

by Ben Westhoff (Subscribe to Ben Westhoff's posts): Oct 15th 2009 11:00AM Filed Under: Dogs, Pet Adoption

Photo: gorefiendus/Flickr

How does anyone find a dog? Impulse? Research? Trial and error? Blind luck? Fate?

My fiancée Anna and I are looking to adopt a dog. We currently share a postage stamp-sized one-bedroom walk-up in the NYC border town of Hoboken, New Jersey with Nora, a cuddly, who-you-callin'-obese, 10-year-old tuxedo cat. (She and I have the same birthday, May 29.)

Over the next few months, we will navigate some serious life changes and first time experiences, starting with our wedding. Then we plan to add to the drama by expanding our little family to include a dog or a puppy, which may well necessitate expanding our domicile.

From a canine perspective, we come from opposite backgrounds. Anna always had dogs growing up -- a Springer Spaniel, a Westie, a mutt and an English Bulldog -- while I never had house pets (my mom said she was allergic). Both of us feel ready and capable of caring for a dog, but what will be the best breed for us, and how will we find him or her?

By visiting shelters and breeders and speaking with friends and experts, we offer ourselves up as guinea pigs in this process, deconstructing and reporting the ups and downs of our quest for man's best friend. Every week I'll report back with stories about our search.

This week, the basics: Anna wants a smart, well-behaved pup who's good around kids, while I'm hoping for a friendly, small bugger who is not hyperactive or prone to barking.

Then again, who knows? We may just meet a puppy personality that's extraordinary enough to make us toss our preconceived ideas into the trash.

In any case, we'd love your input. How did you go about finding your dog, and was it a successful match?

Ugliest Dog Adopted! An Update on E.T.

by Margaret Bristol (Subscribe to Margaret Bristol's posts): Aug 6th 2009 9:00AM Filed Under: Dogs, Pets News, Pet Adoption

Mexican Hairless dogs are known for their bald skin. Photo: Getty Images

England's ugly duckling has found a place to call home.

Last week we reported on E.T., a rare Mexican Hairless dog, who was living in a shelter in Essex and having a hard time finding a home. He received a slew of media attention for being one of only 27 Mexican Hairless dogs in all of England. Well, we are happy to announce that E.T. has been adopted!

A spokesperson for Hillside Kennels told Paw Nation that E.T. will be joining his new family on Thursday. Although many of you had suggested in your comments that he be shipped to the U.S. for adoption, his new owners are local so E.T. won't have to travel too far to find his home. Here's hoping his new fam thinks he's as special as all of you did!

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Miniature Dogs

Miniature Poodle
Miniature Poodles, like all Poodles, are excellent swimmers who originated as a water retrievers. All Poodles, Standard, Miniature and Toy are actually one breed, just different sizes. Miniature Poodles, who can be white, black, apricot or gray, are usually 15 inches or under, according to the American Kennel Club.

David McKelvey/http://www.flickr.com/photos/dgmckelvey/3748491903/

Miniature Dogs

Miniature Dachshund
The Miniature Daschund, only 11 pounds or under, is not a separate classification of the Daschund -- it's just a smaller version of the Standard. The miniature dog, with its long bodies and strong sense of smell, are both hunters and lapdogs, according to the American Kennel Club.

Miniature Dogs

Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is of German descent and was originally bred to be a small farm dog. The most popular of the three Schnauzer breeds, the Miniature Schnauzer is a attentive, lively and a favorite among celebrities like Mary Tyler Moore and Bill Cosby. The strongly built miniature dog is between 12 to 14 inches, according to the American Kennel Club.

Miniature Dogs

Miniature Bull Terrier
Just like the playful Bull Terrier, the Miniature Bull Terrier, who originated in England, has a similar personality. Don't let its size fool you – the Miniature Bull Terrier is strong, energetic and audacious. Miniature Bull Terriers are between 10 to 15 inches and can be solid white or colored, according to the American Kennel Club.

Miniature Dogs

Miniature American Eskimo Dog
The American Eskimo Dog is one of three separate categories of the American Eskimo Dog. Between 12 to 15 inches, the bright white dog is loving, protecting and sociable. Now a great companion dog, the miniature dog was once a circus dog, according to the American Kennel Club.

Miniature Dogs

Miniature Pinscher
Also known as the "Min Pin," the Miniature Pinscher is a German Breed whose ancestry includes the Daschund, Italian Greyhound and the shorthaired German Pinscher. The quick, curious dog is the perfect apartment dog. Despite its small size, the compact pooch makes a wonderful watchdog. The spirited miniature dog, about 10 inches to 12 1/2 inches, can be red, black, or chocolate with tan, according to the American Kennel Club.

Miniature Dogs