Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Bella is the 10,000th Lucky Pet to Go Home in 2009



Bella, a one-year-old kelpie mix, today became the 10,000th pet to be adopted in 2009 from the Oregon Humane Society. Bella was adopted by the Linger family of northeast Portland following a get-acquainted meet where four-year-old McKenna Linger and Bella became instant friends. "Once we got into the play area, Bella spent all her time playing with McKenna. We found a dog we love," said Patty Linger, McKenna's grandmother, who came to the shelter today along with Katie Linger, McKenna's mother.
 
Patty Linger regularly visits the OHS Website looking for animals to adopt, and with a new fence recently completed for their large backyard, the family was ready to adopt a dog to go with their two cats. Patty came armed with a list of five dogs she wanted to see, but granddaughter McKenna was already head-over-heels for Bella, who was second on Patty's list. It just so happens that Bella had been at the OHS shelter since October 8, making her one of the "Great Eight," a group of eight dogs who have been residing at OHS the longest.
 
The adoption of 10,000 pets sets a new annual record for OHS since the opening of a state-of-the-art shelter on Columbia Blvd. in 2000. “These record adoptions are a tribute to the compassion of our community and the hard work of our staff and volunteers,” said Sharon Harmon, OHS executive director.
 
The previous high-water mark for OHS adoptions occurred in 2001, when 9,395 pets were adopted. The record number of adoptions this year is all the more impressive, said Harmon, when you consider that OHS puts no time limit on how long pets stay at the shelter and never euthanizes animals for space reasons. Last year, OHS saved 96% of the animals admitted to the shelter--more than double the national average.
 
Photo: Left to right, Patty Linger, McKenna Linger, Katie Linger, and Bellla.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Let's find this girl a home for the holidays!



Hi, I'm Ruthie. I’m about ten years old, but not a lot is known about my past because I was brought to the shelter as a stray. What I am hoping for now is a future any dog would want...filled with lots of love, walks and a cozy place to call home. I am a very well mannered girl so I promise not to be any trouble. Please come meet me today at N.O.A.H.



Friday, December 18, 2009

Editor's Picks: Last Minute Gift Ideas!


Dublin Dog knows how to make dog collars -- stink free! These tough, durable collars are made from a polymer that rinses clean and never harbors odor-causing bacteria. And, they're available in a variety of cool designs. Pictured here is "Mistletoe." $20 and up at dublindog.com.



Looking for an alternative to plastic dog-themed ornaments for a special dog lover in your life? Best Friends Studios offers handmade, beautifully crafted wool felt dog ornaments in a variety of breeds. $28.50 at bestfriendsstudios.etsy.com.



Are you tired of puppy mills? Animal cruelty? Make a statement with these bracelets and half the proceeds will go to Last Chance for Animals or Best Friends Animal Society. Makes a great stocking stuffer for any animal lover. $10 at imtiredonline.com.




Simply Fido's limited edition Moose and Penguin  plushies foster the imagination of pets and celebrate the lifestyle of an eco-conscious home. Made with organic cotton, each toy is colored by nature and 100% certified non-toxic, helping to make your home a safe and chemical-free environment. simplyfido.com.

For more great gift ideas, check out CityDog's special, digital-only Holiday Gift Guide!

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Record-Breaking Adoptions at Oregon Humane Society

Portland, Oregon -- The public's response to two huge animal rescues last week has been nothing short of overwhelming. Since the Oregon Humane Society rescued almost 200 animals last week, the shelter's storage areas have been overflowing with donated pet food while shelter staff have been working overtime to keep up with the public's demand to adopt the neglected  dogs. 

Soon after the rescued animals from the Harney County and Tillamook rescues were made available to the public, OHS experienced the largest adoption weekend in the history of the 141-year-old nonprofit. "The public's response was incredible. The community showed its concern and compassion for the rescued animals in our care," said Sharon Harmon, OHS executive director. 

The public adopted 224 animals Dec. 11-13th, double the number usually adopted and well above the previous record of 192 pets who went home over a similar three-day period in Nov. 2007. While dozens of the rescued dogs from Harney County and Tillamook found new homes, so did 86 cats and kittens, seven rabbits, four birds and one Guinea pig. "I think people understood that our shelter was strained to capacity, and they decided this was the right time to bring a new friend into their family," said Harmon.

Not only did the public take animals home over the weekend, they dropped off a record number of donations -- so much so that OHS has asked the public to stop bringing donations of dog food, towels and shredded paper. "We are grateful for all the donations so far, as we rely entirely on private contributions for everything we do here," said Harmon. The two rescues could cost OHS, which gets no support from national humane organizations, more than $150,000.

OHS is still in need of large dog crates, dog toys, wet cat food, laundry soap, bleach and monetary donations.  

As of today, more than eighty of the rescued dogs have found permanent adopted homes and another 37 are in foster homes. More than two dozen rescued dogs from Tillamook and Harney County are available for adoption today at at OHS, with more becoming be available as their medical condition permits. Pictures and profiles of rescued animals available for adoption can be found on the OHS Website.

Donations to fight animal neglect and abuse can be made online to the  OHS Animal Rescue and Investigations Fund. Donations are also accepted in person at the OHS shelter at 1067 NE Columbia Blvd. For more information, visit the OHS Website at www.oregonhumane.org.

This week's Adopt-A-Shelter-Dogs: Thor and Coda!


My name is Thor and I'm a big gentle giant. I’m an 8-year-old Lab mix who enjoys getting petted and loved by my human friends. I am eager to learn new things so would love an owner who has lots to teach me. I'm great on leash so would be an outstanding walking buddy. Come see me today at NOAH and see if I am the right doggy for you!


My name is Coda and I am a 2-year old Chihuahua mix. I am one of 36 dogs rescued from a shelter in California where we were slated for euthanasia. Luckily for me, NOAH was able to arrange for transportation and bring me to my new home in Washington. I am a very friendly small dog who was found as a stray before being brought into the shelter by animal control, therefore there isn't a lot of history on me. Before we came to NOAH we all had Rabies vaccinations, were tested for heartworm and received health certificates. We've also had a microchip, distemper combination vaccination and bordatella, and have been de-wormed several times. Come meet me soon as the folks here at NOAH tell us that we will all find homes quickly because small dogs are so popular in this area.

Tuesday, December 08, 2009

A Canine Christmas Dog Adoption Event!

Don’t miss the upcoming Canine Christmas’ adoption event. Adopt a dog or puppy and light up your life this holiday season! Meet over 100 great dogs and puppies from across Washington in one location. Come meet the dogs Sunday, December 13th, noon until 3 p.m. at Paws-abilities in Tukwila, Wash  

Paws-Abilities Dog Training Center is located at 1007 Industry Drive, Tukwila, WA, 98188. Click here for directions.

More than 100 dogs and puppies of all different shapes, sizes, ages and breeds from nine animal rescue organizations will be on-site and available for adoption. Puppies, adults, small dogs, purebred and mixed breeds will be available. Spay/neuter and vaccinations are included in the adoption price -- the only thing these dogs need is a loving home.

Experienced shelter staff, volunteers and trainers will be on hand to help you find the right animal for your family. The trainers will be available to answer your questions about any dog you are thinking of adopting. Shelter staff has evaluated each dog’s behavior and temperament. Adoption fees range from $150.00 to $250.00.

Participating organizations bringing animals to adopt include:
Pet Food Drive - The Animals Need Your Help
Times are tough, especially for the shelters and rescues relying on donations. In conjunction with the adoption event, Pawsitive Alliance will also be holding a food drive to benefit the shelters and rescues participating in this event. For more information about Pawsitive Alliance, visit www.pawsitivealliance.org.

Monday, December 07, 2009

This week's Adopt-A-Shelter-Dogs: Muppet and Jake!


Muppet is an eight-month-old Pekingese mix who is looking for a home that will help him work through some of his fears towards men. He warms up in time but he needs someone who will help him through the transition. He loves to go for long walks, or having some playtime (he loves playing with his stuffed toys), then curling up next to you for a nap! He loves being around people. He needs a little extra help in the house training department but with a little time and patience he should pick it up quickly. If you're interested in visiting with him stop by the N.O.A.H adoption center and ask to see Muppet!



Jake is an intelligent and sweet-natured nine-month-old shepherd mix.He’s young, so he’s a very high energy dog who would love to go to a home with people who will take him out for lots of fun outdoor activities, providing him with an outlet for his physical energy. He would also love a home that can provide him with training; a training class with his adopters would help him greatly in his adjustment to a new home and help strengthen the bond with his new owners. If he sounds like the right kind of companion for you, stop by the N.O.A.H pet adoption center and ask to visit with him!

Animals First Foundation Fundraiser at Feedback Lounge



Join Animals First Foundation on Wednesday (12/09/09) at the Feedback Lounge at 7:00PM for a fun filled evening of snacks, games and prizes. $10.00; all proceeds will benefit rescued animals in need. The Feedback Lounge is located in West Seattle at 6451 California Avenue S.W.,  206.453.3259.