On Being Selfish

Last night as I headed to the Wake County Animal Center (WCAC) I knew I was going to act selfishly and photograph dogs that I wanted to meet and cuddle with – I didn’t get to cuddle, but that’s a whole ‘nother story for a whole different blog.

When I first started volunteering as a photographer I would walk the dog rooms and pick who I wanted to spend some time with, but more recently my focus has changed to see who has been there the longest and is too young to go outside with A & R. I’ve met some wonderful dogs this way, but yesterday I just wanted to meet dogs that interested me. 

Snowcap (a.k.a. Winter) (WCAC ID: 72837)

Snowcap (FYI – her name was changed to Winter today) was spayed the day before her photo shoot, but it didn’t slow her down. She did an adorable little twirl when I got in her kennel – stopped, looked at me and did another twirl – and again, a quick stop, a quick look, and another twirl. She was very sweet and took her treats with manners. She is truly gorgeous – be sure to go to the WCAC gallery and check out the photos A & R took outside.

Lucky (WCAC ID: 75318)

Lucky is an older dog who’s family could no longer care for him in his old age. It was his first day at the WCAC so he was feeling stressed and giving me every calming signal he knew whenever I brought the camera up to snap a pic. He’s a big boy but he really seemed to be a sweetheart.

Bailey (WCAC ID: 75261)

Bailey was on my list for a few reasons. One, she’s an older dog and that was my thing last night. Two, she’s my friend P’s current WCAC favorite – yes, she’s trolling the gallery waiting for K to give the signal so they can take the plunge again. And three, her intake photo makes her head look completely out of proportion to her body. She’s fluffy and sweet – I really want to take her to J & K at All About Pets Grooming and see if she’s really a beige dog or just needs several baths. She really seems like a sweetheart – yep, I want to bring her home as my next foster, but I need to find out who needs me.

Chloe (WCAC ID: 75135)

And Chloe, she looks older than her kennel card says and she’s kind of a sausage – LOL, maybe she should come home with me so we can start an exercise program together. She had a nice mellow energy and took her treats very gently. 


All of these guys and dolls are looking for their forever families, so give in to your selfish side and stop by the WCAC today – you may just find the perfect fix that turns you selfless.

They Aren’t All Alike

So, when I look back on all the dogs I photographed Wednesday evening I find they look a lot alike … black and white Pittie types … but meeting each one you know that underneath all that pent up shelter energy is a personality all their own.

Ruff Stuff (WCAC ID: 72815)

This little guy Ruff Stuff was quite insistent while I was in with other dogs to come into his kennel. He had lots of energy and started to turn circles in his kennel when he got too excited. Even so, he was pretty polite for a young dog. And those ears, you got to love those ears!

Mason (WCAC ID: 73426)

Mason is on the other end of the spectrum as far as age goes – he’s a little over seven years old; but I found him to be almost as energetic as a young pup. He lost his home and his family. He has a great set of tricks that he knows like “sit,” “stay,” “down,” “come,” “give paw” and “play dead.” He had just returned from an evening walk with JP so we got to see lots of that pink tongue of his.

We don’t know much about George because he came into the shelter as a stray. He is a volunteer favorite and A made a point of pointing him out to me as one who would sit nice for a photo. He has the best pleading look. He wasn’t comfortable with the camera so I was only able to get this one shot of that look. But even with his ears out like airplane wings he does have a little bit of a regal look. He was gentle and low energy, which is great when you’re spending a lot of time with exuberant puppies.

Dragon Fruit (WCAC ID: 74310)

This little girl, Dragon Fruit, is not only cute as a button but is very sweet as well. She’s about four months old. For being such a young thing, she did very well during her photo shoot.

Bonita (WCAC ID: 74423)

Now although Vanilla, Mike, and Bonita look like a family they each have their own specific story. Bonita is just a cute pup. She’s about five months old and had some spunk, but settled nicely once I brought out the treats.

Vanilla (WCAC ID: 73923)

Vanilla could be Bonita’s “Other Mother.” She has beautiful black and white coloring like Bonita. She too had just come back from a walk and was still excited from it all.

Mike (WCAC ID: 73376)

And then there’s Mike. A told me to take his photo as he was a really low key dog who knows “sit” and would take a great photo. He’s a handsome boy and seems like a great dog for that right person.

Volunteering at the shelter has brought out an appreciation of Pittie types that I didn’t know I had. Recently, my search for a Bulldog for a friend and dog sitting Princess has made me appreciate the “smushy face” … even Charlie says that since our fostering of Bubba Rex he’s been drawn to the cuteness of Boxer types. Why do I bring this up?

Jeanne (WCAC ID: 73218)

Because of this cutie pie – okay, maybe Jeanne’s face isn’t as smushy as Princess or as boxy as Rex’s, but isn’t she adorable?!?

These are just a sample of the dogs that need homes. Check out the Wake County Animal Center’s website to see all the great pets. You can also stop by any day of the week between the hours of noon and 6:00 p.m. to meet all these babes in person. Don’t wait, stop by today!

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.