So many you can’t pick just one

Thursday night I headed to the Wake County Animal Center (WCAC) to take some doggy glamour shots. Oh, I knew there was a possibility I’d bring one home with me as Princess had gone home and her visit had made me realize the lack of dog in my life. Click here to read about our newest fosterdog, Sookie.

The WCAC is over flowing with dogs right now (cats, too) and that’s never a good thing. Click here to see all our animals in need of a home.  Or click here if you want to become afoster for the WCAC.

While they were processing my foster request for Sookie, I tried to get some photos of pups who had been there a while but who hadn’t had a photo shoot yet.

As it is said, “Always start with dessert first.”

Brownie is a sweet pup.  I love his eyes and his coloring. He’s still a puppy, so yeah he needs some training and manners but did very well during his photo shoot considering I had forgotten to bring any treats with me. Look at those ears – you just have to want to see them perk up as he sees his loving family come for him.

Now if I found Brownie to be full of puppy energy, Goldy showed me what true puppy energy is. If you’re looking for a playmate or a running or hiking partner, this is the girl for you!

Reilly is finally being adopted. I say finally ‘cause I couldn’t believe that no one had scooped up this handsome guy before now.

If you like big furry dogs, stop by the WCAC any day of the week between noon and 6:00 PM and meet Hercules. He is such a beauty. Look at those eyes and the cock of his head. Doesn’t it just draw you in and pull your heartstrings to bring this boy into your family? He is heartworm positive, but there are low cost treatment options. I will always do preventatives to keep my dogs from getting heartworms, but all I’ve learned over the last couple of years from WCAC staff had made heartworms less frightening than I once thought.

Hercules (ID: 73777)

So, don’t wait – click here to see all the lovelies who are looking for their furever families and stop by any day of the week to meet them in person.

Pick your personality type

Last week I took just a few dog photos, mostly because I decided to spend most of my time sitting with this little lady.

Cookie (ID: 73097)

She was frightened by most everyone walking through the kennel and slinked to the back when I came through looking for who needed a photo shoot. And with all the extra cute puppies filling the shelter she needed a little affection in the hopes she would show better.

Cookie had been dumped at someone’s place of work, I’ll call her Mary, and although she took Cookie in, her house was already full of kids and pets. Mary did say that Cookie is house trained and did well with her kids, dogs, and cats.

Poor sweet little thing

I got in the kennel with Cookie, took a few photos and sat down on the floor. Cookie pressed herself in the corner and cried. There was one quiet growl, but mostly she just cried. She had no interest in taking a treat from my hand so I tossed them in her direction. I quickly realized that my inner cheerleader needed to make an appearance. It’s hard to bring out your inner cheerleader when all you really want to do is hold them tight and tell them it’s okay. When I held out a treat with my left hand she’d look at it, but she would watch my right hand.

It took about 20 minutes but not only did she eat treats from my hand, she also let me pet her and hug her neck.

I think with the proper encouragement Cookie would be a wonderful family dog – don’t you? Well, don’t just sit there, head over to the shelter today between noon and six to meet her. Remember, it will take a bit for her to warm up, but she’s just a sweetie!

The other reason I didn’t get as many photos taken as usual was this guy. I can’t believe it but after two years he broke my perfect record – no dog had escaped as I went in and out of their kennels until him! I guess I was just off my game as he pushed past my feet as I was heading in to take his photo. No one was in there and he didn’t “run” from me, but I was without a lead and ended up having to pull on his scarf to get him back in his kennel.

Riddick (ID: 73142)

As you can see by his photos he’s a good natured chap. Also, while he was loose he ran to several other kennels, but not only did he not react to any of them, no one reacted to him – a good sign of a calm inner nature in my opinion. He does seem to have a playful energy to him that would lend itself to a back yard and nice long hikes. Does that sound like your kind of boy? Well, get down to the shelter, he’s waiting there with Cookie to meet you.

Well, that’s it for last week. Remember that June is “Adopta Shelter Cat” month and special adoption fees are available through June 30^th.

Can you believe …

It’s been two years since I first started volunteering at the Wake County Animal Center and they’re throwing a big party this coming Saturday, June 25, to celebrate and I want to make sure you are coming.

ROTFLTIC!

Yes, I’ve been volunteering for two years now and yes there is a big party planned for next Saturday but it’s merely a coincidence.

It’s the 2^nd Annual Adopt-an-Addition celebrating the expansion of the facility in 2010. There’s going to be food, rescue groups, Andy Coats and one third of the Bank Walkers (a.k.a. my Charlie) and lots of specials to help you find your new furever family member.

So, mark your calendar, tell all your friends on FB and Tweet it to all your followers – Saturday, June 25 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Wake County Animal Center at 820 Beacon Lake Drive off of New Bern Avenue (click here for directions).

Also, click here for more information about the activities and specials.

And don’t forget to cruise the pet gallery for who you might want to visit – or get down there before Saturday to make sure your family member goes home with you and no one else.

See you Saturday!

Pass it on and make a difference

I did not get to the shelter to take pictures of all those pups looking for a home, but I did finally get the Foster Bulletin Board updated. And I realized that here was another opportunity for spreading the word about some of our very special dogs (and cats) looking for their new homes. So, here is the WCAC Foster set (http://www.flickr.com/photos/suziqred/sets/72157629849385996/)– pass the link around, post it to your page and Tweet it to all your followers. I’ll add more as the foster family grows and the foster board is updated – I’ll also make sure to tag the ones who find their very own homes.

Check them all out but I want to bring your attention to a couple of special pups.

I keep coming back to Bosley when I cruise the shelter foster list. I think part of the reason is the wonderful photos of him – be sure to check out all his other pics on the WCAC pet gallery. His foster family tells us that he has a heart of gold and a gentle spirit. He’s a little shy and needs a family who has the patience to bring out that perpetually happy side in all situations. This cuddly guy loves to curl up on the bed with you to watch a little TV and he’s house trained. Now, he did test positive for heart worms; he’s currently on the ‘slow-kill’ method of treatment, which is a low cost option. Email the folks at the WCAC to set up a meet and greet date.

And look at this ham – you can tell she’s just a total love bug. She’s in foster care improving her leash (& other) manners. They also say that she’s been doing well with dogs, livestock, horses, chickens, and even turtles and hamsters; still cats seem to hold a little too much interest for her so she probably needs a cat free home. She, like Bosley, is heartworm positive and on the slow-kill treatment method. Check out her full bio in the WCAC pet gallery and email the folks at the front desk to setup a meet and greet date.

Check out the WCAC pet gallery or stop by the Center any day between noon and 6 PM to visit pets available for adoption and don’t forget to check out the Foster Bulletin Board as your next family member may just be getting some extra attention in a foster home.

Find Your Perfect Fit at the WCAC – TODAY!

Taking in a foster dog has been a wonderful experience, but it has put a serious crimp in my paparazzi volunteering. Well, this week we will get back on track!

After making my way through all the rooms, I realized I was needed in Dog Room A (those babes who have been there the longest). But, before I could get started A asked me to photograph a couple of pups in Dog Room C – Starsky & Hutch.

Starsky (ID: 70999)

These two guys are as cute as those guys on TV & in the movie. I would even go so far as to say they are cuter. They were very well behaved for three month old puppies while I was in their kennels for their photo shoots. If these guys look too good for you to pass up you need to get to the Center today ‘cause they’re bound to be snapped up.

Hutch (ID: 71000)

Now Mr. Wrinkles, he’s got the cutest underbite and was very gentle about taking treats, although you could see that he really needs you to give him love and lots of nummy food. Don’t you just love those ears!

Mr. Wrinkles (ID: 70257)

 

















Speaking of underbites – Buffy here is just a happy ol’ girl who really seemed to want your affection even though she needs a couple of extra meals. Bring this sweet lady home and you’ll truly experience unconditional love. (BTW: Her unique jaw doesn’t even register on her radar as different or difficult.)

Buffy (ID: 70612)

Look into his eyes – those deep golden pools.

Gary (ID: 70688)

Gary was very sweet during our photo shoot. It’s so endearing to see a dog like Gary who’s seen the rougher side of life and is still just filled with love and gentleness. Don’t let those long legs of his run past you – he’s looking for his furever family and lots of good noms to beat.

Volunteering at the WCAC I’ve fallen for that All American “Pittie” breed – and each one I meet seems sweeter and cuter than the last. Nano and Kadan are just that, sweet All Americans.

Nano is one handsome classic tuxedo black and white Pittie. I wish I would have had J’s red bow tie with me. He would have looked so dashing. Then again, he seems to have that shy boy-next-door thing going on …

Nano (ID: 70718)

And Kadan has such fabulous ears and wonderful speckles on his legs and the back of his neck that I just couldn’t leave that photo out. He also has adorable spurts of puppy energy despite his short stocky “big boy” build. It really made me laugh to watch him spin around to go after a dropped treat in his kennel.

Kadan (ID: 70731)

Well, that’s “my crew” for this week. So, don’t delay, head to the WCAC today and don’t forget to check the website (click this link to gostraight to the Gallery ) for all the great dogs in foster care – like my foster pup, Bubba Rex (click here www.afureverfamily.wordpress.com to readabout his adventures).

One final note – if you’re not a dog person and prefer the aesthetic qualities of a cat, be sure to check out the WCAC’s cat and kitten gallery. Also, keep your eye out for some upcoming feline specials.

From Frustration to Fun

I have to admit that I was a little frustrated Monday night. All the dogs seemed extra hyper and the lighting wasn’t bright enough and my camera wasn’t fast enough. But some of that is just par for the course when stopping by after work and trying to photograph monochrome puppies.

It is worth it and there are some real sweeties looking for their furever families.

OMG! I am all about Fender’s (ID: 68195) tail. I need to get a better shot so I can add it to my Doggeh Butts Collection. There was nothing in his jacket so I don’t know how his tail got those crimps, but it reminds me of a corkscrew piggy tail - and when he wags that butt that tail is even more adorable. He was a good boy while I was in his kennel – not pushy like some of these stocky boys can be.

Fender (68195)

Irish Crème (ID: 67962) was another big boy. He didn’t jump at all and was so wonderfully delicate in taking the little pieces of treats from me.

And poor sweet Meea (ID: 68040). She was curled up in a ball at the door of her kennel shaking and giving me the most pitiful look – she saw “sucker” written all over my face! She popped right up when I stepped inside and was happy to get some love and pets. You really need to go to the Center’s Adoption Gallery (click here) and look at the photos from her outdoor photo shoot – they really show how beautiful she is. And as to the scar on her head – I haven’t heard what that’s about, but it’s healed over and doesn’t seem to bother her in the least.

Meea (68040)

And then there were the puppies …

Laverne (ID: 68352) is the oldest of the bunch but I was only able to get this one photo of her. She’d sit for her treat, but before I could get the camera to focus she’d scoot around behind me. She was my last stop that night and I really didn’t spend any time with her, but she seemed sweet.

Laverne (68352)

Is it the look? Is it those eyes? Is it her velvety soft fur, the little pink tongue or that sweet smell of puppy breath? I’m gonna say it’s all of those things and more that will help Sugah Face (ID: 68223) find her furever family. She’s only two months old but she’s a big girl – she stood tall to the middle of my calf.

My friend called Violet (ID: 68462) a little minx after looking at her photo and that fits her perfectly. She is a small silky baby just two months old. She certainly enjoyed nibbling and tugging on my robe – another cutie to wow her way into a furever family.

Remember these and many, many more are at Wake County Animal Center (click here to see them all) looking for their furever family. Drop by any day between noon and 6 p.m. to meet your next great love!

Also, this Saturday, March 17^th from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. is a rabies and microchip clinic at the WCAC (click here fordirections) - $5 rabies shots and $10 microchips – check out the calendar here for this and other Center events.

And finally, don’t forget my current foster, Bubba Rex. He’s looking for his furever family. You can check him out at afureverfamily.wordpress.com.

Well Mannered Puppies – One and Almost All

Finally – I went to the WCAC Monday night and did a little paparazzi work. It was good to be back and know that as much as some things change, others never do – like having someone turn the lights off on you in the middle of a photo shoot. And with my foster, Rex, going in once a week for a “soothing bath” for his skin condition, I think Mondays will become paparazzi night.

So, who’s looking for a new family these days?

Jack O Lantern is a big stocky happy boy. He was a little hard to get a photo of because he was being such a big goof.

Jack O Lantern (ID: 40865)

Klinger is a real ladies’ man – young, soft & fuzzy, polite, and loves to dance. He is very handsome, knew the “sit” command and did a cute little bow for this treat. I really enjoyed hugging that big head and dancing around the kennel with him.

Klinger (ID: 66196)

Jim Bob was the crazy little puppy of the night. He’s a stray so maybe his family will come for him yet. He’s as cute as can be but you’ll be starting from scratch with his training.

Jim Bob (ID: 67125)

And at the other end of the puppy spectrum was Barney. He was a sweetie and wanted to cuddle – he sat very nicely when told and I was able to get a ton of good photos of him. He has that red velvet coat that is my favorite if they’re not a fluffy dog.

Barney (ID: 67126)

This little stubby Pittie-type girl was still full of good puppy energy at around a year old. She has a beautiful brindle coat and lower lip quiver that I found intriguing. My favorite photos of her are the one where she had her head flipped back to look up at me and it made her ears look all silly - maybe that's how she got her name, Fancy Prancy.

Fancy Prancy (ID: 67249)

Isn’t she a beauty! Maxi is about a year old and shouldn’t get much bigger than her current 32 lbs. Her photo shoot was super easy as she sat there just as politely as could be. In fact, it went so quickly we really didn’t spend any cuddle time.

Maxi (ID: 67251)

Finally, do not let this pitiful little look fool you. He was very sweet and little spurts of bouncy puppy came out once I finished getting his photo. He’s solid black (with the white blaze of course) – those are full on wrinkles on his head which is probably why he’s been labeled as part-Shar-pei. Peggle will need potty training but he certainly had a wonderful calm side for being so young.

Peggle (ID: 67332)

So, be sure and check out the WCAC website and pass this on to all your friends and let’s find these guys their forever homes.

And don’t forget my foster, Rex. He’s healing nicely but looking for his forever family too.