The Beabulls on Pet Connection

People all over New York’s Capital Region heard Steve Caporizzo’s story Thursday on WGNA‘s Pet Connection. He brought back 17 rescued Mill dogs from Ohio last month, two of which were Beabull “brothers in life.” These pups had been through so much together and they became so utterly bonded. Only recently had their shared experiences taken a turn for the best. Steve suggested, “Wouldn’t it be great if they could go together?”

Comments from Facebook erupted in solidarity…

There shouldn’t be an option. Either take them together or not at all. They look so happy together it would be a shame after all they have been through to break them up. - Emily Empie

Omg they are beautiful, yes they have to stay together.  - Dawn Friello

I so hope someone will take them both and that they have a HUGE fenced in yard for them to play in forever and ever. - Janice Rajca

Another Special Connection

Among the many listeners, two people in particular were about to unite through WGNA’s Pet Connection that morning: Kim Clune, the pups’ foster mom, and Carol Bradt, the woman who would soon become a forever mom. Kim says:

Steve’s description of the dogs was so perfect. I knew the right person would hear. Carol was that person.

When Carol’s application came in that Thursday, the pups and I were just arriving at WTEN studios. Steve was about to film the boys for Friday’s televised Pet Connection and the exposure would surely capture the attention of many local dog lovers, but I had a good feeling about Carol. Lisa Neal from CAPP agreed. Carol was perfect in every way, she wanted both “brothers,” and she could even provide them with a large fenced yard.

A Change in Plans

Regardless of Carol’s beautiful intent, the Fabulous Beabull Boys had other plans. Luke, who had such patience with his slightly smaller and sometimes bossier brother, eventually realized that he had grown. His legs carried him farther and faster than he ever dreamed they could and he wanted to kick the playtime fun up 10 notches.

Luke didn’t understand why his little brother couldn’t keep up, so he’d pluck the little fella’s leg into his mouth like a chicken wing and parade around the yard. He’d tug an ear at top speed as if to say, “Hurry up, short stuff!” Doing so in the spirit of fun, Luke surely didn’t understand the harm that could come from such interactions.

The littlest guy wasn’t innocent either. He began to chomp Luke’s behind in order to slow him down.

After 3 days of intensified play, it had become obvious. Even with constant human intervention, the dogs weren’t going to work this out. The two were no longer a compatible match in energy or size.

Falling in Love

Carol came to CAPP’s adoption clinic at the Healthy Pet Center in North Greenbush to meet both Beabulls on Saturday. Kim shared the latest development. With a dash of relief (because two puppies really are a handful), Carol agreed to take the pup most ready for adoption, the little speckle-eared guy we call Alex.

Spending more than an hour falling in love together at the adoption clinic, this pairing was clearly a win. Alex’s belongings were packed and he arrived at Carol’s house the next day – on Mother’s Day morning. Promptly hand selecting pretty pink tulips for his new mom, he not only made her day, he made himself at home. And this home was a prize he was happy to claim all for his own.

While Mother’s Day celebrates how amazing mothers can be, Alex (now named Chip for being so chipper) believes Mother’s Day celebrates the day he received his very own forever mom. He also gets a bonus – two big brothers. Greg, one of Carol’s two visiting sons, sat by ever so patiently, allowing man-shy Chip to approach on his own terms. Later that day, Alex met Carol’s other son and they were all playing together in no time.

It is with pure happiness that we wish congratulations to you and your new family!

Looking Back

We’ll never forget your time with us, Chip, from your arrival after being rescued from the Ohio puppy mill, to learning the stairs and so much more…

Thank you for all the love and the fun!

PS: For those worried about Chip’s brother Luke being left behind, he goes to his fabulous new family on Friday!

Dog House Adoptions is working collaboratively to help place the latest 17 mill dog rescues, an effort spearheaded by the  Companion Animal Placement Program (CAPP) and the Healthy Pet Center, with additional support from Pet Connection’s Steve Caporizzo, Pack Ethic and Homeward Bound.

The post Rescued Mill Puppy Picks Tulips for New Mom on Mother’s Day! appeared first on Dog House Adoptions.

Gabrielle Gerber
East Greenbush, NY

A special young lady arrived at Dog House Adoptions’ volunteer orientation on a crisp sunny morning in April 2012. Gabrielle Gerber, then a junior at Columbia High School, made a commitment that day to positively impact the lives of our community’s orphaned dogs.

Gabrielle, a name meaning heroin, is truly a hero having worked with many of the 35 dogs placed during our organization’s first year. She also spent time gently acclimating shy puppy mill rescues to kindness.

How does a young girl find inspiration to make such a generous commitment? Gabrielle says she was inspired by her own dog.

I had wanted a dog forever and then in 9^th grade my family finally adopted a dog from the shelter. My dog was a rescue dog with separation anxiety, which we had helped her get over. Soon after we adopted my dog, I started training her and taking her to obedience classes and even agility. I realized that working with dogs was something I really enjoyed doing and I wanted to help other dogs like my own.

Gabrielle says she wanted to volunteer “for a very long time” and she knew that dogs specifically had taken hold of her heart.  Since spotting a sign at Nassau Veterinary Clinic for Dog House Adoptions’ maiden volunteer orientation, both of Gabrielle’s parents have been supportive of her efforts. Gabrielle says, “My mom has been especially supportive by volunteering with me every time.”

For our part, we simply got lucky. What we had to offer Gabrielle wasn’t anything we had planned for. Allergic to cats and guinea pigs, which shelters sometimes house with dogs, Gabrielle had trouble finding a place to volunteer. “I thought Dog House Adoptions would be perfect because there were only dogs at this adoption center.”

We couldn’t be happier to have had Gabrielle working with us this past year. Since that crisp, sunny morning when we first met, Gabrielle has brought her own sunshine, helping a whole lot of dogs learn to better leash walk, acclimate to strangers, and feel the love they so deserve.

Gabrielle received many gifts from the dogs in return. Her favorite rescues, Blix and Oscar, gave Gabrielle their paws, the bounce in their step, and their greatest trust.

Blix was really timid at first, but then after spending some time with him he really opened up. He was also extremely adorable. I am most happy that Blix and Oscar got homes, Blix seemed like he would’ve been a great family dog.  Oscar I remember had some trouble with his legs, so he really looked like he could have used a good home.

The biggest gift Gabrielle received reaches far beyond any single dog’s milestone of success:

What I learned about rescue was that most dogs can be rehabilitated and that they really just need someone to love them. When people think mistreated dogs are messed up forever, it’s really not true because with the right amount of TLC, almost every dog can get back to normal again.”

That knowledge is a gift that will keep on giving, allowing Gabrielle to consider ways to connect with animals in a larger capacity. This driven, compassionate, and smart young woman heads off to college shortly, so I asked if she would continue the work she began. Her response lights a fire in the heart:

I would love to continue volunteering in college, especially with dogs. Volunteering is really rewarding and I would like to keep serving the community, wherever I am.

Volunteering at Dog House Adoptions has influenced my future interests because now after volunteering I have realized that I really might want to pursue a career in political science and advocacy. For one of my classes this year, I wrote a bill for legislation involving animal rights. I learned about a potential career in animal rights would be like, and I would definitely like to pursue that path. Dog House Adoptions definitely made me realize that there are so many problems concerning animals; like people not caring for their pets, and spaying/neutering, that really need to be addressed.

We wish you all the best, Gabrielle. Thank you for making such a dramatic difference for dogs of every shape, size, breed, blend and need! No matter where you go in life or what you do, those around you will be very lucky to know you – humans and dogs like.

Sincerely,

The entire Dog House Adoptions team

The post Gabrielle Gerber: A Young Rescue Hero to Dogs in Need appeared first on Dog House Adoptions.

Beabulls! (Beagle Bulldog Blends)
Under a year young
Neutered and vaccinated

Mr. Personalities

Rescued from a puppy mill situation on April 21, this is what Luke and Alex’s foster family, Kim and Tim Clune, learned in their first few weeks:

Luke and Alex, are gentle, friendly, and kind spirited people-dogs who love to do everything together. Alex has speckled ears, Luke a speckled nose, and both are adorable beyond words. At just 25 pounds and under a year of age, these little guys will curl into the center of your heart and live there forever.

Luke: HOME VISIT ON FRIDAY!

Patience is Luke’s strong suit, as evidenced by living with his little friend. Tiny Alex likes to be the boss of Luke, but Luke remains kind and sweet no matter the stolen toy or bop on the nose from a stray paw. There is rarely a growl or bop back. He just gregariously lumbers on his way to the next fun thing.

Luke is as fond of people as he is of his brother. He’ll sit in your lap and rub your face with his head, fully enjoying soft caresses and quiet time.

Alex: ADOPTED!

Read Alex’s adoption story, “Rescued Mill Puppy Picks Tulips for New Mom on Mother’s Day!”. MUST SEE VIDEO!

Alex has his own playtime agenda, but he too loves a soft caress, having overcome his fear of hands reaching over his head in a matter of days. If you tickle his inner thigh, his leg stretches back and out in sheer bliss, nearly toppling him over. It’s a wonderful signal of a growing trust, but he does it only with women so far. He can be a bit hand-shy of tall men.

[Week three: These roles have entirely reversed.]

Luke + Alex = Joy!

In a large fenced yard now, Luke and Alex have tested the limits of what their little bodies can do. Racing top speeds around the perimeter for long sprints, they’ve come to truly enjoy this release from the confines of tiny puppy mill pens. Collars are now tolerated and leash walking is a work in progress with terrific strides toward success.

Even with 5 toys in the yard, a single toy often ends up with an end in each one’s mouth. These two ceaselessly run in step, toy in mouths, side by side like charging cart horses. Every morning, we just watch and laugh, breaking only to ensure proper play when excitement heightens. [Week 3: While they are now learning to play with a toy or chew a bone on their own, this is still the scene, more often than not.]

Luke loves to pounce upon a windswept leaf, run nose-in-the-air after a low flying robin, or flop down with a tossed stick. He also trots in step at your ankles. Alex loves to run top speed too, typically after Luke who, with legs twice as long, always gets ahead.

Once exhausted, after a hearty half-hour run three times a day, they sleep quietly  in the fluffy bed of each crate, now that they’ve learned new house sounds. If something sounds awry, they’ll let you know, baying for a few moments. Once the alarm is sounded, they quiet right back down.

A+ Accomplishments

A quick and fearless learner, Luke mastered the basement steps in a matter of minutes. He then patiently taught his speckle-eared sidekick, Alex, who can manage but only recently perfected his form. (Mill dogs are often dept-perception challenged, having only lived in a cage.)

Even with Luke’s guidance, Alex still needed some remedial instruction:

This video is such a metaphor for what we’ve experienced with these sweet souls in their first week of freedom… one step forward, two steps back, some hesitation, mostly charging forward fearlessly, and a strengthening of trust. Sometimes, there are sweet surprises that come from those first steps and, at the end of every attempt and triumph, the joy, pride and love is enormous.

Washers and dryers are now standard fare, as we’ve used them often for their bedding. What was once puppy TV as the dryer spun nary warrants a glance anymore.

Both are excellent travelers in a crate and masters of companionship. Once they learn more about the now human world they live in, and they are learning fast, you’ll have some compact friends who will go where you go and do what you do with smiles on their faces – and yours. And when you can’t be there, they can sit content without you for several hours at a time.

Lessons Yet to Learn

• What’s with the reflections in windows, mirrors, televisions and furniture? They just know there are other dogs in there.
• Although weather man Steve Caporizzo drove them to safety from Ohio’s mill, I guess they don’t like him on TV. Hair on end, they were all “Woo woo woo wooooo! Who is that man in the wall?” Thankfully, they no longer howl at big, talking heads and TV is no longer a perceived threat – most of the time.
• Cats have only been seen through a window with mixed reviews. Often the pups bark and paw at them, other times, they just watch.
• They bark at the mop but never the broom.
• The vacuum cleaner is still a stranger.
• They’re beginning to learn that couches are not for mountain climbing, pillows are not to be disemboweled and socks are not for stealing.

Alex, although smaller, can hold his bladder longer, while Luke is still learning. They go outside 4-5 times a day but for at night (when they last from 11pm to 5:30 am). We’ve begun a several day run of no accidents in the house. Considering a lifetime of being forced to relieve themselves in crates where they slept and ate, there is great improvement here and it’s getting better all the time. They are so very eager to please.

The Beabulls met children for the first time on May 2. Tracey Bowman Hempel brought her sons Morgan and Luke, children who know how to treat dogs right, for a visit. This will go a long way toward easing these pups’ minds about little people. Alex warmed up somewhat quickly while Luke kept a wary eye, coming around for a cuddle and a bit of play only after a lot of circling around. (In the Amish mills, children often care for the dogs. This could explain the lack of trust.)

Won’t you share your patient guidance to help mold these pups into the best dogs they can be? Luke and Alex’s happy faces and wagging tails will greet you with nothing but cheer each and every time your eyes meet. And put together, these little guys only amount to a single dog – with twice the personality!

While sponsored by Dog House Adoptions, these dogs are part of the CAPP program. Please visit:

• Companion Animal Placement Program Inc. (CAPP)
  application process, adoptions fees and and printable applications
• Healthy Pet Center (Troy or Delmar)
  in-person application pick-up
• Email CAPP with questions!

The post Meet the Beabulls! Mill Dog Rescues Learn Freedom! appeared first on Dog House Adoptions.

The call came from Lisa Caporizzo on April 17. “Can you help?” Without hesitation, we said yes.

We are now working collaboratively to place 17 mill dog rescues, an effort spearheaded by the  Companion Animal Placement Program (CAPP) and the Healthy Pet Center, with additional support from Pet Connection’s Steve Caporizzo, Pack Ethic and Homeward Bound.

The Long Haul

SEVENTEEN dogs arrived stacked from floor to ceiling in the back of a white minivan  - Yorkies, Bichons, Poodle mixes, Beagles and Beabulls (Beagle/Bulldog mixes). Some were packed three to a crate, enduring the cramped, smelly quarters for a twelve hour transport. Confinement and filth was nothing new to them. These were puppy mill dogs. What was new: Destination Freedom.

“Her name is Mackenzie… a sweetie that really enjoyed watching the world go by for the first time in her life. Makes you really feel good.” – Steve Caporizzo, Pet Connection

The Arrival

A lucky miniature Schnauzer got a preview of freedom, riding in the front seat for 6 hours, crate-free, with Pet Connection’s Steve Caporizzo. Steve speaks fondly of the pup saying, ”Her name is Mackenzie, a sweetie that really enjoyed watching the world go by for the first time in her life.”

At noon on Sunday, April 21, the puppy mill Hell and transport became a mere memory. These dogs had found their way to CAPP, the Companion Animal Placement Program, and landed safely on the doorstep of Lisa and Steve Neal’s  Healthy Pet Center in Delmar, NY. This is where their new lives began.

Processing Freedom

Soft whimpers were heard as the crates were unloaded. A Beabull stuck his head through the cloth crate door in search of what his new life would bring. Two female Bichons dripped milk for litters pulled from them at the mill, disconnected from all they know and the babies they loved. A Beagle, too fearful to come out on her own, had to be coaxed by two volunteers. Her reluctance was quelled when, within an hour, every dog was stretching their legs, basking in the warmth of the sun, and lapping up cool, clean water.

Eyes now forward without looking back, every one of these dogs appreciates a gentle hand, a soft voice and general human kindness, but a sense of freedom doesn’t come at once. After a lifetime of walking on chicken wire cages, the small dogs often raise one foot and then the other, even on solid ground – an ingrained coping mechanism of relief for what has been long-term discomfort. Phantom behaviors should subside over time, but the dogs’ hearts will surely overcome as kindness leads them to favor freedom over fear.

Get out the tissues. This is what that Sunday looked like. SPOILER ALERT: There is a happy ending.

What Comes Next

For many of these dogs, it’s a time of glorious firsts: first eye contact, first tail wags, first pets, first steps in the grass, first play bows, first toys … first trust. For the younger and less traumatized Beabulls, the window for reward-based puppy training is wide open and they are eager to learn. Head scratches are often more valuable rewards than treats for these attention-starved souls.

Help Us Heal Minds, Hearts, and Bodies

The dogs range in age from 6 months to six years. The older ones have been bred repeatedly, aging them long beyond their years. Once they receive the care they need, these dogs will be wonderful companions who truly understand and appreciate how good life can be. When they only have the worst to compare it with, it’s easy to be grateful for each small grace offered. The grace they truly need is to get their bodies healthy so their hearts and minds can follow.

To Help Fund Their Care:

• Donate through PayPal.

• Mail your check directly to CAPP, #279 Troy Road, Suite 9, Rensselaer, NY 12144
• Deliver it to the Healthy Pet Centers in Troy or Delmar, NY.

Medical needs so far:

• Sadie, the larger Yorkie mix, is heartworm positive with abscessed teeth.
• Chopper, the small white Poodle, will need knee surgery most likely on both back legs.
• Monster has no teeth and heavily bowed legs, possibly needing knee surgery.
• Lizzie, the brindle Beabull, has only 35% kidney function and a terrible larynx infection.
  She’s fostered by Eric Bellows at Pack Ethic until her two month kidney health re-evaluation. Ava is there too.
• All the dogs have required spays, neuters, vaccinations and deworming.
• They also need LOTS and LOTS of pee pads!

Acclimating the Dog to Kindness

Watch as Molly, Polly, Dolly and Monster emerge from their shells through gentle kindness.

To Adopt

These dogs are part of the CAPP program. Please visit:

• Companion Animal Placement Program Inc. (CAPP)
  application process, adoptions fees and and printable applications
• Healthy Pet Center (Troy or Delmar)
  in-person application pick-up
• Email CAPP with questions!

Successful Adoptions!

• Mackenzie has been placed in a loving home with a couple who dote upon her every need.
• Dolly, the Yorkie, now sleeps in a real bed between her people, surrounded by love.
• Molly, the Bichon, was adopted by NEWS10′s Elisa Streeter.
• Alex (now Chip) picked his mom a bouquet of tulips for Mother’s Day!
• Luke, the Beabull, goes “home” to his new family on Friday!

These are some very lucky little pups. We wish the same for all of these dogs!

Working Together Makes It Happen

Dog House Adoptions was founded on the belief that no rescue is an island. This week, we joined a team that proves it.

For our part,  all donations to our organization will help these dogs until they find homes. We’ve sponsored the neuters, dentals and fostering of two Beabulls, produced the videos above, we’ll cross-post all the adoptable dogs, and 10 Dog House Adoptions volunteers pledged to help acclimate the dogs until they find loving homes.

But the lion’s share of the hands-on work falls to Healthy Pet Center staff and CAPP. DHA’s Kim Clune, who filmed the dogs’ arrival, had this to say:

Lisa Neal and her husband Steve, CAPP, the Caporizzos, Gayle and everybody at the Healthy Pet Center are my rescue heroes. Watching everyone care for these dogs with such a gentle heart and touch, I have no doubt that rehabilitation will be as swift and sweet as possible.

You know it takes a lot people to make rescue successful. It is not just a group, but a network of people that help a dog or cat know what love is all about and how that animal continues to thrive beyond finding its forever home. So many people have supported us and we want you to know that we could not do it without you! This past weekend we brought back 17 beautiful dogs from the Ohio puppy mills, some in much better condition than others, but without hesitation Dog House Adoptions, Pack Ethic and Homeward Bound Rescue jumped in to help. They each took dogs into their rescue group. How great is that! Words sometimes cannot express what we feel and we wanted to let our supporters know how much we appreciate their help. It takes all of us to make this world of rescue work.

We couldn’t agree more and we are in very, very, very good company.

The post RESCUED: 17 Mill Dogs Now “Free to Be Me!” appeared first on Dog House Adoptions.

What does music have to do with stray dogs? In our case, everything!

When searching for online coverage of area strays last April 22, I stumbled upon the Stray Dogs band, a mix of bluegrass, blues, country and rock with three part harmonies. Music, while not what I was looking for, was a welcomed distraction. So I nosed around their site a bit.

The Stray Dogs’ version of She Makes Me Feel Good by Lyle Lovett (<-click to listen) had me picturing a big-hearted, big-lipped, rescued diva dog riding in the front seat of a pickup chauffeured by a doting owner.

She’s got big red lips
She’s got big brown eyes
When she treats me right
It’s a big surprise
She won’t do anything
That she said she would
She makes me feel good
She makes me feel good

Since licensing cover songs is tricky business, I wondered… Would this band write an original for rescue? Mind you, we had never met. But what could I lose?

I asked persuasively, tossing this tender bone:

We share the Rensselaer County connection, the ‘stray dog’ connection, we can do a little good for one another – and the best benefit is helping the real stray dogs within the community.

Oh my DOG! That next day, guitarist Marty Satalino said he’d run it past the guys. Then communication went dark until May 22, when Marty sent this surprise:

Just wanted to let you know we are working on your song, and it is coming along nicely!

In one short month, bassist Jeff Maynard had crafted the lyrics to “Pick Me” and the band perfected their performance. They hit the studio betwixt playing Alive at Five with the Bacon Brothers and lead singer/guitarist Dave Kaskoun and his wife having a baby girl. By August 8th, the disc was done.

In honor of Dog House Adoptions’ first birthday (April 13th), I’ll be producing a video featuring The Stray Dogs and some of our 35 stray dogs rehomed this year. Here’s a little teaser…

Brunswick Barbecue & Brew Video Shoot

On April 5th, playing to a packed house at Brunswick Barbecue and Brew, Stray Dogs had fans dancing, laughing and learning a little bit about rescue. We shot some video, shot the sh%$, had a doggone good time, and all went to the dogs together. The following day, the Dogs entered the musical man cave of Tim and Kim Clune to shoot some additional footage.

Our musical endeavors have taken us down some interesting paths recently. On Saturday we were part of a music video masterminded by Kim and Tim Clune of Dog House Adoptions, in nearby East Nassau, NY. They found us on the internet, and we have written a song for their worthy cause of finding families for homeless dogs. Our thanks to Joel Patterson at Mountaintop Studios in Petersburg for recording us, and, of course, Kim, for her talent in persuading dogs to do the right thing.

The “Pick Me!” video will surely warm the heart and crack a smile. It might even make you tear up and laugh out loud. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for the unveiling – coming soon to a play yard near you!

Before you go, give the dogs some lovin’!

• Visit the Stray Dogs’ website
• Follow the Stray Dogs on Facebook

The post Stray Dogs Debut New Rescue Song “Pick Me!” for Dog House Adoptions! appeared first on Dog House Adoptions.

On March 18th, as an avalanche of fluffy flakes whitewashed the night sky, hardcore shoppers took refuge at Curves at the 43 Mall in West Sand Lake. Wooed by beautiful hand bags, shoulder bags, wallets, handsome sport caddies and organizational totes, the super snow squall couldn’t keep folks away.

This Thirty-One sales event was on.

Karen Miller, a Thirty-One Independent Director, had a two-fold goal in hosting this event; to help draw foot traffic through her friend Audra’s Curves club, and to benefit a cause near and dear to Audra’s heart. Lucky for us, Audra happens to be Dog House Adoptions Board Treasurer.

Karen says:

Audra has always supported me in my business and I know she is passionate about Dog House Adoptions so I did it mostly for her. I really didn’t know much about the organization when I proposed the idea but I do believe it is important to take care of all god’s creatures and no animal should ever be abused or discarded. I am so happy to be able to do this and help out the organization.

One friend helping another also helps some dogs. How could this get any sweeter?

Orders could arrive as early as Friday! Those of you who braved the weather will soon look great in Thirty-One’s new spring line, will be well organized, and will feel great, too, knowing that 10% of each catalog order from this event benefits the strays at Dog House Adoptions. Thank you all so much!

Snowy night and all, party sales still yielded $803, bringing $80 to Dog House Adoptions. Two generous customers tipped the scales further by making direct donations of another $30. The grand total? $110!

If you missed the sale, you can always buy directly through Karen. Hopefully we can do this again to benefit Dog House Adoptions, but waiting for that shouldn’t stop you. This collection is just too useful and cute!

Check out the Spring Catalog to find solutions for every aspect of your life, from home and office organization to carrying everything you need while you’re on the go. And show the world you are a one-of-a-kind creation with six personalization options available.

Here’s a sneak preview…

Thank you for putting Dog House Adoptions’ donation “in the bag!”

The post You Put the Dog Donation “In the Bag!” appeared first on Dog House Adoptions.

Visit the catalog. For DHA dogs to benefit, please order between 3/18 – 3/20.

Hello Ladies and Gents,

It’s time to get a jump on satisfying your every spring desire for style, utility and organization!

Putting the “fun” in “function,” Thrity-One has 15 new prints and fabrics, plus 22 new styles, including a whole new set of organizing products – the Your Way Collection!

Check out the Spring Catalog to find solutions for every aspect of your life, from home and office organization to carrying everything you need while you’re on the go. And show the world you are a one-of-a-kind creation with six personalization options available!

Order by Catalog.
Our Dogs get 10%!

Shop for beautiful hand bags, shoulder bags, wallets, handsome sport caddies and organizational totes from Thirty-One. You’ll look great, function well, and you can feel great, too, knowing that each 10% of each catalog order benefits Dog House Adoptions!

This opportunity comes thanks to Thirty-One Independent Director, Karen Miller. Click the catalog to see the wonderfully endless possibilities. And, for every $31 you spend during this event, you can choose any tote for 50% off!*

SHOP March 18th-20th
through this link!

See Thirty-One in Person
March 18th!

See Thirty-One’s items first-hand at Curves at the 43 Mall in West Sand Lake! Items will be displayed from 6:30 am-noon and 2:30-7:00 pm. You can order on the spot!

Visit the special Curves “Cash and Carry” event from 7:00-8:30 pm. See Thirty-One’s new spring line, enjoy some refreshments, and you might win a prize!

Here’s a sneak preview of what you’ll find.

SHOP March 18th-20th
through this link!

Or drop by Curves on March 18th!

Thank you for supporting Dog House Adoptions.

_____

*To redeem the 50% offer, enter $31 or more in retail then add the item of your choice with an “S” at the end (ex. Cindy Tote for 50% off = 3057S). Valid for orders submitted March 1-April 1, 2013, only. Customer specials and Hostess rewards cannot be combined. Personalization charges cannot be discounted. Prior to sales tax and shipping. No substitutions. While supplies last. As required by our agreement with each college partner, any style personalized with a collegiate patch is not eligible to be included in any promotion or purchased with Hostess credit or as a Hostess half-price item.

The post Dog Donations are “In the Bag” – Buy One from Thirty-One! appeared first on Dog House Adoptions.

The kind folks at Troy’s Oakwood Veterinary Clinic held a raffle in honor of February’s National Pet Dental Month. For just a buck, entrants could win a free dentistry visit for their pet and a gift basket chock full of smile-inducing dental prizes.  But the buck and smiles didn’t stop there. Oakwood’s sister hospital, The Boght Veterinary Clinic in Cohoes, held the same raffle. All proceeds went to a special charity chosen by their receptionists and funds raised were matched, buck for buck, by each clinic.

Alexis, Dawn and Jeanne
Photo Credit: Sarah Wagoner

The Lucky Winner…

As if all this wasn’t enough to make our tails wag, front end receptionist and manager Jeanne Taglione chose Dog House Adoptions to receive Oakwood’s charitable contribution of a whopping $425.00. Our Executive Director, Dawn Niebuhr, accepted the check with sincere gratitude from Jeanne and Alexis.

All of us at Dog House Adoptions are deeply moved by this generosity. The donation will likely be used as springtime seed money for a fenced play/training yard where volunteers can help our strays prepare for life in a new home. Thank you, Oakwood! Our fundraising toward this effort will begin right around the bend with our first upcoming birthday!

And speaking of birthdays…

Celebrating their 2nd full year this week, Oakwood invites you to join them as they head into their third:

Please enjoy complimentary coffee and donuts when you visit us this week as a thank you for your continued support and loyalty! We look forward to serving you and your pets for years to come!

Need a new vet? The Oakwood Veterinary Clinic is accepting new patients and serves Troy, Melrose, Schaghticoke and surrounding areas of Rensselaer County. The clinic staffs 5 experienced veterinarians and 2 dozen support staff offering complete wellness care, vaccinations, routine and specialized surgery services scheduled daily. Have a busy schedule? Evening appointments are available until 7pm with extended hours on Saturdays. Best of all, the BVC has some of the most distinguished veterinarians in the profession.

Our friendly staff treats each animal as if he or she were their own and aims to please every client.

Meet the people who make Oakwood special…

Dr. Wagoner	Dr. Mongil	Dr. Anderson
Dr. St. Denis	Dr. Ford	Oakwood Staff

Dawn Niebuhr received a private clinic tour and discovered some terrific clinic features, including:

We can promise that Oakwood really cares about animals and their people!

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Our next 50 adopters will receive…

Love Has No Age Limit: Welcoming an Adopted Dog Into Your Home!

What makes this book so special? It’s chock full of helpful ways to transition rescue dogs and you, their families, into your new lives. Every puppy is a new dog, BUT not every new dog is a puppy. Bringing home a mature dog requires faith and patience. To help that along, we’re sending two talented behaviorists home with every one of our precious pups.

The Gift of Two Behaviorists in Paperback 

Available through our Amazon Affiliate Link

Learn what to expect when adopting a dog from Patricia B. McConnell, PhD, CAAB, (a zoologist, animal behaviorist, teacher, and speaker who has been working with people and dogs for over 24 years) and her zoologist and animal behaviorist colleague, Dr. Karen B. London.

No need to read in order. As a new pet parent, you can start where you need help most the very moment you need it.

Here’s what’s inside:

• How to handle home-comings
• What to do (and not do) the first day, week and month
• Why older dogs still need to be house trained the minute you bring them home
• And why it can take time for some dogs to bond with you

Common behavioral problems such as separation anxiety, house training, chewing, resource guarding, fear-based behavior and trouble between dogs are summarized and an extensive resource section leads to more help if required.

Take a peek for yourself! Isn’t this a wonderful way to ease into a long, comfortable life together?

Order Your Own Today!

Like what you see?
Know a dog owner who can benefit?

Order Love Has No Age Limit: Welcoming an Adopted Dog Into Your Home through our Amazon affiliate link (Paperback or Kindle). Your purchase will benefit the dog you know and our rescue dogs too!

This From a Happy Reader

Kathy, a dog adopter who found this guide helpful says:

We followed the instructions in “Love Has No Age Limit” when we brought home our 1.5 year old cattle dog/border collie mix to join our 1.5 year old border collie/terrier mix (yeah, that’s a lot of activity!). Argus was completely unhousebroken and didn’t know any commands, charged through the door, jumped on Mico (the bc/terrier) and on us, and had myriad other bad habits. That book saved our lives, saved Argus from going back to the shelter and/or Mico from going crazy, and helped us achieve the well behaved, courteous, devoted, pees-on-command and then runs-back-to-the-door for a treat dog we have now. It’s a miracle worker of a book!

Thank you!

Thanks to you, each and every one of our donors for making this possible. (Cherrie, Denise and a big WOW for Leslie!) You’ve improved the chance that every Dog House Adoption is a happy and successful placement – for life!

And thanks to everyone involved in the production of this book, from authors to printers, who agreed to donate a significant amount of their costs or fees, allowing cash-strapped organizations to distribute the book to every family adopting a dog.

The post Adopt a Dog, Get TWO Behaviorists! appeared first on Dog House Adoptions.

Labrador Retrieve-Your-Heart Puppy
6 Months Young
Neutered and Vaccinated

LOVE IS IN THE AIR! 

I’m ReRun, a Black Lab puppy found wandering the streets of Troy. And I get a rerun – or 2nd chance – at love this Valentine’s Day!

All Labrador puppy, Rerun likes to hold objects in his mouth as he walks along on leash, or when playing fetch. And now he can hold his owners’ hearts in his as they embark on their new journey together!

Rerun is going home leash trained, thanks to the hard work (and hard play) of the Creekside Kennel staff and Dog House Adoptions volunteers. He also does well in a car and likes to fetch and play with toys.

ADOPTED!

This affectionate, intelligent, even-tempered and goofy guy is going to be so very loved his whole life long by the Whaley family.  Desiree, his new pet mom says:

ReRun is the BEST Valentine’s Day present ever!

Congratulations, ReRun, and to you too, Whaley Family!!

The post ADOPTED! ReRun – The Best Valentine Dog EVER! appeared first on Dog House Adoptions.