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February 2023 Charity Spotlight Soul Dog Rescue Saving Lives in the Four Corners Region Since 2010, Soul Dog Rescue has worked to save animals from suffering and mistreatment due to the overpopulation and general lack of resources in the of the Four Corners tribal land regions of Colorado, Arizona, Utah and New Mexico. With a proactive approach, Soul Dog Rescue's goal is to eliminate unwanted litters of puppies and kittens being born at staggering numbers. Soul Dog Rescue emphasizes the importance of spaying, neutering, and vaccinating. With a firm belief no animal should be denied access to basic veterinary care, Soul Dog Rescue’s top priority is to provide free and donation-based services on the Ute Mountain, Navajo, and Hopi lands. Traveling to rural, remote communities on Native American reservations, where spaying and neutering typically only happens if affordable (free) and convenient, Soul Dog Rescue works with volunteer veterinarians to provide spaying and neutering services at no cost to the public. As with all nonprofits, Soul Dog Rescue relies on donations to defray the costs associated with medications, supplies, and operating costs for clinics. The mission of Soul Dog Rescue is to “perform collaborative, targeted work, primarily through spay/neuter, in underserved regions in order to create sustainable change and promote cultural shifts regarding the treatment of companion animals.” Soul Dog Rescue is a small, grassroots organization comprised of a handful of people working their tails off to move mountains for these animals. Their efforts are making a huge difference in the regions served. In 2018, Soul Dog Rescue purchased and opened the Soul Dog Rescue Adoption Center and Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic in Fort Lupton, Colorado. The building required several thousand dollars of upgrades and improvements and is still a work in progress, but the center is fully functional and home to several hundred cats and dogs at a time. The clinic provides low-cost services to both the general public and other rescue organizations. 4Knines is passionate about supporting animal advocacy groups making a difference in the world. Along with our monthly spotlight articles, we also make monetary and product donations to nonprofits doing extraordinary work. We invite you to join us in contributing to the mission of Soul Dog Rescue by doing one of the following: Adopt: Welcome a new furry friend into your family. You are not only giving a pet a loving home, but you are giving them a second chance at a new life. Volunteer: Volunteers support every area of their work. You will make a tremendous difference in the lives of the animals in our care. Foster: Open your heart and your home to a temporary addition. As an integral part of the organization, you will allow animals to flourish in a loving home. Donate: The need is constant. Please consider donating to support the efforts of Soul Dog Rescue to help the animals. Gifts from supporters like you are their primary source of revenue.
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January 2023 Charity Spotlight Irondog K9 International STRIVING TO EQUIP, PROTECT, AND TRAIN LAW ENFORCEMENT K9 TEAMS Crime is ever-changing. Law enforcement K9 teams must also change with the times to effectively protect our communities. Unfortunately, the financial budgets of K9 departments are often extremely limited. As a result, handlers and their K9s may lack advanced training and exposure to potential threats, lack the proper equipment needed to best perform their duties, and, even worse, lack funding for premier veterinarian care in the event of sustained injuries. Because of this, K9 lives are sometimes lost. Irondog K9 International was established by Charlie Nash in 2015 to provide education, to supply much needed equipment, and to subsidize work-related veterinarian bills. Since its inception, Irondog K9 International has enabled advanced training to numerous law enforcement K9 teams around the U.S. In addition, they have supplied handling and training gear, issued human grade canine first aid kits, and funded medical bills for injured K9s serving and protecting your neighborhoods. Irondog K9 International is currently helping raise funds for K9 Huk, who was seriously injured in July 2022 while helping to apprehend suspects involved in a vehicle pursuit with police. Irondog K9 International has funded nearly $18,000 for his medical care, and additional care is still needed, including at least one additional surgery and rehab. K9 Huk had previously assisted in the capture of a criminal suspected in the shooting death of a Nassau County Deputy in 2021. In October 2022, K9 Huk was awarded a Medal of Honor for his Heroic Act of Courage. At the ceremony, K9 Huk was in great spirits - a testimony to the amazing love and care he is receiving. Law enforcement K9s' lives are at risk every day as they search for drugs, money and explosives, locate missing people, find crime scene evidence, apprehend suspects, and protect their handlers. Take a look at the Irondog K9 International website to meet K9 Chance and K9 Weblo - heroes who were also injured in the line of duty - and to learn more about what this organization does to provide for countless K9 teams and bring them safely home to their families. Irondog K9 International never wants to say "no" when it comes to giving them the best care possible. 4Knines wants to support their efforts by making a donation and by featuring their work in this month’s Charity Spotlight. With your tax-deductible donation or with a purchase from the Irondog K9 International shop, you will help to equip K9 officers across the country.
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Road Trippin’ With Your Dog By Dorothy Wills-Raftery Now that the holidays have passed, are you looking for something to do with your furry best friend until the longer lighter days of spring and summer come? How about some road trippin’ adventures? Any time of the year is a good time for a drive, and I think dogs love car rides even more than us humans! But before you load up your dogs, here’s some tips to make that trip a successful one: 1. Are Your Dogs Travel Ready? First up, be sure your dogs are healthy and fit to travel. Also be sure your dogs’ vaccines, microchips, and tags are all up to date. A call to your vet and/or having a vet checkup is advised before heading out and hitting the road. 2. Where to? Is it Dog-Friendly? Pre-trip planning includes reviewing the location you want to visit. While there, where is it you’d like to go? Whether you are planning on hitting the hiking trails, visiting eateries, going shopping, or just hiding out in a zen B&B or hotel/motel room, always do your research and be sure the places welcome dogs. A few great online sites to check out for dog-friendly travel destinations are: BringFido ➜ Big Dog Travel Vlog ➜ DogsLuvUsAndWeLuvThem ➜ Doggone Destinations ➜ Go Pet-Friendly ➜ Year of the Monkey Pet Travel Guide ➜ 3. Safety Check: Is Your Vehicle Dog-Ready to Go? After giving your vehicle a pre-trip inspection, also be sure it is dog ready. Do you have a travel bed? A safety crate and/or seat belt harness? How about a car seat cover? If your dog is new to car travel, do a practice run to be sure there are no issues, such as anxiety or car sickness, and if so, address it with your vet beforehand. Another great idea is to create Pet ID Cards that include their photo, address, your cell phone number, vet contact info, and any distinguishing marks, special needs, and medications and keep the ID Cards in the glovebox along with your car papers. 4. Put a Pin in That Map! When you are ready to go, check your map for routes along the way to your destination to see where the nearest top-rated veterinarian and ER facilities, as well as dog-friendly hotels/motels, restaurants, and rest stops so they can stretch their legs and have potty breaks. 5. Go Ahead and Pack That Suitcase! Be sure to pack a bag for your dog! Key items to include are a Pet First Aid kit (and any medications and supplements they need), your dog’s medical/vaccine records, dog food, treats, portable dishes, water*, favorite toys and puzzles, bed, poop bags, leash, and harness. If you use a traditional camera, don’t forget to bring it. And don’t forget your smart phone charger so it is always at the ready in case of an emergency and for some great pictures if that’s what you use for photos and videos! *Depending on where you are going, sometimes a change in water can cause GI upset. Best to bring water from home or pack bottled water. Keep in mind to keep your car on the cool side for your dog, and please, never leave your dog in a warm car, even for “just a few minutes.” Cars heat up fast and can cause a serious health issue and can be fatal for your beloved dog. For that trip, check out a great choice of seat belts, safety harnesses, crate mats & travel beds, seat covers, and dog beds, check out some great 4Knines items! Now that you and your dog are all ready for that road trip, have fun! There’s nothing more joyful than spending some quality adventure time with your dog. And, remember, your special times spent today will be your precious memories tomorrow. Dorothy Wills-Raftery is an award-winning photojournalist and author. Her canine books include EPIC Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Loving Life With Canine Epilepsy; the FiveSibes™ Tales children’s books: What’s Wrong With Gibson? Learning About K-9 Epilepsy and Getting Healthy With Harley; and Buddy, the Christmas Husky~Based On A True Holiday Miracle (ArcticHouse Publishing). Her internationally top blogsite is FiveSibes™ , based on her five Siberian Huskies, and includes an online encyclopedia for the Siberian Husky breed. Her work has also appeared in Chicken Soup for the Soul & Rosie the Riveter book series, Woman’s World Magazine, AmericanPet Magazine, American Dog Media, Ruff Drafts, The Sled Dogger, and Hudson Valley Paw Print Magazine. Dorothy has been awarded the prestigious Maxwell Medallion by the Dog Writers of America Association for “Excellence” for her writing, photography, and fiction. Her book EPIc Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Loving Life With Canine Epilepsy received the Independent Press Award for “Excellence” in the Reference Book category and the NYC Big Book Award for “Excellence” in the Animal/Pet book category. She was named “Best Author” by Hudson Valley Magazine and all four of her books were named “Best in Print” by AmericanPet Magazine. An official International Purple Day® for (K9) Epilepsy Ambassador since 2012 and a volunteer case manager for The Wally Foundation-Canine Epilepsy, Dorothy partnered with the nonprofit Purple Day® Every Day presented by The Anita Kaufmann Foundation for her #Paws4Purple initiative, and she created the #FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong K9 Epilepsy Online Resource Library—all inspired by her epileptic Siberian Husky, Gibson, in order to help other Epi-dog families find accurate information to help their Epi-dogs. You can follow Dorothy and her FiveSibes stories on the FiveSibes™ blog and on Facebook at FiveSibes: Siberian Husky K9 News & Reviews, and on Twitter and Instagram (@FiveSibesMom).
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December 2022 Charity Spotlight Summit Assistance Dogs Summit Assistance Dogs was founded in 2000 by Sue Meinzinger to help meet the overwhelming demand for skilled service dogs. A graduate of the Assistance Dog Institute in Santa Rosa, CA, Sue worked with a Golden Retriever named Eddy. When a minor health issue prevented Eddy from completing the service dog program, Sue adopted her, and together they founded Summit Assistance Dogs. Eddy served as Summit’s chief ambassador and demonstration dog until the fall of 2013, when she crossed the Rainbow Bridge. The mission of Summit Assistance Dogs is to create life-changing partnerships by providing highly-skilled mobility service dogs for people living with disabilities in the Pacific Northwest. More than 55 million Americans live with various disabilities, but the national average wait time to receive a service dog is two to five years. Sue and her team are committed to reducing wait times for their applicants. The Summit Assistance Dogs team believes all people and animals deserve to reach their highest potential, and this is often best achieved in partnership with one another. They envision a day when every qualified applicant will be able to receive a life-changing service dog within one year of applying. By assisting with tasks such as retrieving items, opening and closing doors, and turning switches on and off, well-trained assistance dogs help their partners live with greater independence and confidence. These beloved companions also help diminish depression, anxiety, and loneliness. These testimonials demonstrate the difference Summit Assistance Dogs is making in the lives of people living with disabilities. Taysen and Jackson (From Taysen's Mom) As a mom, it was great to see how Jackson has been as an ice breaker for Taysen, especially when Taysen was younger. Sometimes children were afraid of him since he used a wheelchair, and they wouldn’t approach him. When Jackson was with us, everyone wanted to say hello to him and pet him, which led to conversations with Taysen. This allowed people to see that Taysen was a typical kid, who just used a wheelchair. Eric and Titus Titus is so friendly and warm that his presence breaks down barriers, opening the door to much appreciated normalcy in a life overshadowed by awkwardness and disability. I am so incredibly grateful to have Titus and can’t imagine living without him. He is quite literally the best thing that has ever happened to me, and I have the great people at Summit to thank for that! Karen and Narnia Narnia has shown me that trust is what allows us to give ourselves freely to each other. She’s eager to take on tasks too hard or risky for me, as she accompanies me everywhere. Though neither of us is perfect, together we make each other whole. Narnia has also given me a new purpose. 4Knines strives to make a difference in the dog (and human) world by supporting excellent nonprofits like Summit Assistance Dogs with monetary and product donations. We also shine a light on the work of various animal advocacy groups with our monthly spotlight articles. We hope you will consider supporting the work of Summit Assistance Dogs as well. There are lots of ways to help!
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November 2022 Charity Spotlight Char-Wills German Shepherd Rescue This month’s 4Knines’ Charity Spotlight was nominated by John, a happy 4Knines’ customer who adopted two German Shepherd rescues from Char-Willis. Having grown up in the 50’s glued to every episode of Rin Tin Tin, John describes his first rescue dog, Shadow, as “the culmination (or beginning) of a lifelong desire to have a German Shepherd.” After Shadow passed away, John adopted his current beloved rescue, Tank, from Char-Willis German Shepherd Rescue in 2015. Char-Wills German Shepherd Rescue is a breed-specific rescue nestled in the picturesque mountains of Schuylkill County, PA. This rescue consists of a growing group of volunteers and foster families with a mission to ensure rescued German Shepherds go to homes with experienced, knowledgeable owners who are committed to understanding the breed and providing the attention, exercise, and care needed so they can reach their true potential. Diane Buhl, who founded Char-Wills in 1994, grew up in a family that loved dogs. Diane began working alongside her mother, Charlotte, at the age of eight. Charlotte was a 4-H leader and trainer who also bred and showed German Shepherds and Flat Coated Retrievers for over 40 years. Naturally, Diane learned how to train and raise dogs as well which led to a lifetime of working with animals. For over thirty years, Diane has held positions ranging from kennel assistant to State Dog Warden to Humane Society Police Officer. Diane’s deep love, understanding, and knowledge of the German Shepherd breed is the foundation upon which Char-Wills German Shepherd Rescue is built. She continues to educate the public while doing her part to save the breed she grew up with. Char-Wills German Shepherd Rescue takes in all variations of German Shepherds from shelters throughout Pennsylvania and sometimes from other states near and far. If dogs require additional training or medical care, they are placed into foster homes to recover in a comfortable, loving environment. Adoptable German Shepherds stay in a beautiful, state-of-the-art kennel (donated by a generous benefactor) while awaiting new homes. Each of the 14 indoor kennels is designed to comfortably house a large shepherd and provide access to a secure outdoor area. This temperature-controlled facility features south-facing windows to allow for natural light and has a spacious office and meet & greet area. Dedicated volunteers care for the dogs' daily needs and provide enrichment and exercise. Owner-surrendered dogs are also accepted at Char Wills German Shepherd Rescue. When families are no longer able to care for them, Char-Wills helps owners place their dogs in safe, loving homes with pre-screened adopters. Volunteers enrich the lives of rescued shepherds, and Char Wills offers plenty of opportunities to help further their mission. They are always looking for volunteers to help in the following areas: Barking Attendants - to provide exercise and enrichment to dogs, transport dogs to the rescue facility, provide in-home foster for dogs recovering from surgery, assist visitors during meet & greets, and answer general questions Administration - contact veterinary & personal references, conduct phone interviews with applicants, create & distribute quarterly newsletters Outreach - represent Char-Wills Rescue in the community at various events, promote the rescue, and answer questions Land & Facilities - help with upkeep including clean-up, facility improvement projects, repairs, and overall maintenance. 4Knines is honored to share the mission of Char-Wills German Shepherd Rescue. We hope you will join us in supporting Diane’s life work by making a donation, volunteering, or participating in one of their fundraisers.
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October 2022 Charity Spotlight: Great Pyrenees Rescue Society The Great Pyrenees is known as the “Gentle Giant”. Even-tempered and loyal, the Great Pyrenees (aka Pyrs) loves attention and can be a wonderful family pet as long as the pet owner is willing to be a strong leader and is okay with the stubborn and quirky nature of this breed—the Great Pyrenees is NOT just a big white Golden Retriever. Great Pyrenees Rescue Society (GPRS) is a foster-based, 501c3 animal rescue dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption of Great Pyrenees dogs whose lives are in danger. GPRS was founded by Malise Saucier in 2006 to facilitate the placement of Great Pyrenees and Pyr mixes across the country. Great Pyrenees Rescue Society has a long history of successful adoptions both in Texas and in the Northwest through a monthly transport of Pyrs from Texas to the Pacific Northwest. Most GPRS rescues come from kill shelters around Texas who are then placed in foster homes in the Pacific Northwest and Texas while they are evaluated and rehabilitated until a permanent home can be found. GPRS will also transport to suitable, adoptive homes in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California, New Mexico, and Arizona. Top Ten Reasons to Adopt a Rescued Great Pyrenees: 1. You'll be saving a life and helping a dog in need! 2. You get a dog that’s already spayed/neutered and up to date on its shots! 3. Saves on puddles - they are usually house-trained by their fosters. 4. Experience the unconditional love a devoted & loyal Pyrenees can give. 5. Nothing is cuter than a rescued Pyrenees puppy! 6. Help with meeting your weight loss goals -they make perfect personal trainers on long walks! 7. You’ll get an instant loyal, calm companion for life who will help protect your home. 8. Be the envy of the neighborhood & make new friends by walking such a unique, majestic dog! 9. No surprises — with an adult, you’ll know their size and temperament right away. 10. Your couch (and lap) will always be warm in winter! Sadly, there are so many more wonderful, majestic, and deserving Great Pyrenees needing help than there are suitable homes. The only way to save these precious dogs is with the help of fosters. GPRS is always in need of temporary foster homes, donations, volunteers' help, and of course, permanent homes to help fulfill their ultimate mission. 4Knines delights in shining a light on outstanding nonprofits who serve the animal community. We are happy to support GPRS with monetary and product donations and hope you will consider donating to their mission as well. 100% of all donations received go directly to the dogs cared for by the volunteer-run Great Pyrenees Rescue Society. Every penny counts and will make the difference in the life of a thankful Great Pyrenees.
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September 2022 Charity Spotlight: Retired Police Canine Foundation Before retiring from the New York Police Department (NYPD), Chief was one of the first K-9 units to patrol the New York City subway system after 9/11. During his eight active years with the NYPD, Chief was awarded national citations for patrol work and was involved in counter terror operations. Law enforcement dogs provide our communities and our families with unmatched protection from criminals and terrorists. With their incredible sense of smell, these dogs offer the most effective method to detect explosives and weapons being smuggled into the US. Specially trained dogs also help catch arsonists, find illegal drugs, and detect tons of illegal drugs and dangerous agricultural products from being smuggled across our borders. These dogs also apprehend thousands of criminals every year and guard sensitive government buildings. But what happens when a courageous law enforcement K9 becomes unsuitable for service work because of age or a physical disability and is ready to retire from active duty? The Problem Typically, the dog’s original handler will want to adopt the dog as a pet, but many law enforcement families cannot afford the high cost of veterinary bills (up to $3,000 per year) for aging dogs who have often been injured in the line of duty. Another obstacle is housing - active-duty law enforcement dogs are permitted by law in most rental housing, but retired dogs do not have the same protection. Therefore, dog handlers who rent their homes are not able to adopt without struggling to find a new, affordable place to live with their dog. As a result, many retired law enforcement dogs ultimately end up in a shelter, and sadly, some are euthanized because there is no one to care for them. The Solution - Retired Police Canine Foundation to the rescue (literally!) While caring for Chief, Tina Geraci saw firsthand the challenges law enforcement dogs faced when they retired, which is why Tina started the Retired Police Canine Foundation (RPCF). The goal of RPCF is to raise awareness about the tremendous service these dogs provide in homeland security, community police work, and border patrol – and to relieve the financial burden of those who adopt these dogs when they retire by assisting with vet bills, securing housing, and assisting with other expenses. Among other things, the Retired Police Canine Foundation works to achieve the following: Recruit and negotiate with veterinarians, dog food suppliers, and other service providers to provide free or discounted services to Military and law enforcement officers who have adopted retired dogs. Help pay for medical care for retired Military and law enforcement dogs. Negotiate with landlords to allow handlers and their retired dogs to remain in their rental homes or apartments. Work to give retired Military and law enforcement dogs the same rights as service dogs who can live anywhere with their owners and accompany their owners into all public places. Raise awareness about the effectiveness of these dogs in protecting our country from terrorists and our communities from crime. The 4Knines Monthly Spotlight is designed to shine a light on the work of non-profits like the Retired Police Canine Foundation. 4Knines is proud to support the work of RPCF with a monetary donation and product donations. We hope you will consider making a donation as well!
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August 2022 Charity Spotlight: Lucky Puppy Rescue Incorporated in 2008, Lucky Puppy Rescue was formed by Teri Mattson in an effort to change the luck of rescue dogs forever. By working with the community, partner shelters, and rescue groups, Lucky Puppy Rescue restores the health of the lucky dogs that come their way. They tend to each dog’s individual needs with veterinary care, and they help to prevent further overpopulation by spaying and neutering the dogs in their care. Located on a 125-acre family farm in Bonifay, Florida, Lucky Puppy Rescue welcomes each new rescue into clean, secure kennel areas before introducing them to the other dogs in their care. Each day begins with exercise - a morning walk through woods and pasture trails followed by a splash and swim in the pond when weather permits. Before dinner, there is typically another long walk around the farm to finish the day. During these moments, founder Teri Mattson often feels like the "Lucky" one at the rescue. The unique setting of Lucky Puppy Rescue helps to address each dog’s unique emotional needs while providing them with a pack family to help socialize them. By meeting the physical, emotional, medical, and social needs of rescued dogs, Lucky Puppy Rescue helps prepare them for transfer to a foster family or for adoption into a suitable family as well-adjusted, much-loved pets! When foster families open their hearts and homes to a rescue dog from Lucky Puppy Rescue, they ultimately help save two lives—the life of the dog they are fostering and the life of the dog. Fosters save the life of the rescue dog they welcome into their home while also opening a spot for another lucky dog to be taken into the program. Fosters are needed for dogs of every size, type, age and activity level. Through 4Knines’ Monthly Spotlight articles, we try to shine a light on the work of animal advocacy groups across the country. We are proud to recognize the efforts of Lucky Puppy Rescue and hope you will consider supporting their mission by serving as a foster, by making a one-time or monthly donation, or by purchasing merchandise from the Lucky Puppy store.
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July 2022 Charity Spotlight: Phoenix Assistance Dogs Phoenix Assistance Dogs (PAD), located in Lititz, PA, was founded by Linzey Zoccola in 2009. Her love for dogs, her desire to serve, and her experience raising and training her own service dog inspired Linzey to create a new and organizational model for the field. Living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy provided Linzey with a unique perspective of the impact assistance dogs have on individuals with disabilities. After working for ten years with a large-scale service dog organization, Linzey focused on founding Phoenix Assistance Dogs. PAD offers a variety of different options for those in need of service dogs. Like traditional service dog programs, PAD has volunteer puppy raisers who spend the first 18-24 months of a dog's life training to become a service dog by training them to basic commands, exposing them to various public settings and eventually training the dogs to the specific tasks that their future partner may need to mitigate their disability. For those who want to train their own service dog (owner training), PAD also offers a specialized training plan with the help and guidance of PAD trainers. Before choosing a dog to work with, PAD conducts a series of temperament evaluations, and each dog undergoes a veterinary consultation to ensure the dog's health. Phoenix Assistance Dogs believes strongly in working one-on-one with partners to discuss their needs for an assistance dog. Each breed is considerably different, as is each disability. Getting to know clients closely allows PAD to search for and obtain a dog that best suits the individual needs of their clients. Early on, PAD focused solely on using rescue dogs, and some of the most exceptional assistance dogs are from rescues. In 2014, PAD bred their first litter of future assistance dogs, a Standard Poodle litter. This litter was shared with Paws with a Cause in Michigan and 4 Paws for Ability in Ohio. Six of eight puppies from that litter are working assistance dogs or currently in breeding programs for their program! Since then, many more litters have gone on to become great service dogs for PAD and other service dog organizations. In addition, some of these litters have produced dogs that now work in various local school districts as facility dogs! At about 15-months-old, dogs meet individuals on waiting lists and interact with them. This special time is called “Meet The Dogs.” Volunteer staff assess each interaction and take into consideration likes and dislikes of each individual when matching the future assistance dog teams. Phoenix Assistance Dogs currently has over 30 dogs in training and 57 working dogs from California to Pennsylvania. Phoenix Assistance Dogs could not achieve their mission without the help of PAD volunteers and support from the public. If you live in the Lititz, PA area and would like to give someone the gift of true independence, consider donating your time and opening your home to help train up a puppy! If this is not an option for you, please join 4Knines in supporting the work of this exceptional non-profit by making a donation.
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Mutt Love! 10 Reasons Why We Love Mixed Breeds July 31 is National Mutt Day! It is no secret that people love to show off their dogs. Especially those with registered purebred pooches. And hey, there’s nothing wrong with that, but what about the mixed breeds? Let’s take today to highlight those mutts, and go over my top 10 reasons why we love mixed breeds! 1. They Are Unique No two mutts are the same. When a purebred dog has pups, generally the pups will all be similar in appearance. That being said, there are some beauties that break the mold, but when you adopt a mixed breed, they are unique all on their own. 2. You Won’t Have to Look Far When you are trying to find a specific breed, you might end up on a waiting list that you simply didn’t want to be on. When looking for a mixed breed, traveling to any shelter will most likely give you the result you were looking for. Shelters and rescues are filled with mutts awaiting their fur-ever homes. While they do have purebred dogs come in looking for homes as well, they tend to be the ones who are adopted out first. 3. Arguably, Mutts Tend to Be Healthier Than Purebred Pooches This is said due to the fact that mutts have much less of a chance to inherit breed specific genetic disorders. 4. The Best of Both Worlds – or Multiple Worlds When you adopt a mutt, you are not just getting the temperament and appearance of one breed such as you would with a hardwired purebred. You are getting a wonderful mix of breeds all in one cute fluffy bundle! 5. Mutts Can Be Service Dogs Too! Most people believe that you have to have a purebred dog in order to register him/her as a service dog. And while that used to be true. Times have changed and your awesome mutt can do just the same! 6. Mixed Breeds Can Be Full of Surprises! There are some mixes where you are able to know exactly what breeds your dealing with. But some will remain a mystery. Often times, people like to attempt a DNA test to find out what their pup is, however keeping it a mystery can be fun too. 7. It Is Commonly Mistaken That You Have to Have a Purebred Dog in Order to Compete in Agility Competitions or What Have You This again, is simply not true. You can bring your talented mutt to the shows as well! 8. Mutts Can Do Anything a Purebred Dog Can Do You might think “well my dog isn’t a purebred Labrador, so he might not like water as much.” Not true. Or how about your mixed Chesapeake Bay Retriever? You don’t think he will be able to hunt as well as a purebred Chesapeake? Think again! Give your mutt a chance, he might just surprise you. 9. Split Personality? Not quite, but as mentioned in #6 – mutts can definitely be full of surprises. Will your mutt have a temperament mixture of each breed he was mixed with? Or will he have a unique attitude all on his own? 10. Last but Certainly Not Least – if You Are Adopting a Mutt From a Shelter, You Are Saving a Life That alone is self explanatory. All dogs in my opinion deserve the same love, attention and respect as one and other. Purebred, mutt, whatever pooch shares your home and your heart. Your turn! Mutt or purebred? Which one(s) are YOU owned by? AUTHOR BIO Jenna Drady is the author and creator of ownedbyahusky.ca. She is a mother of two beautiful daughters and 3 Siberian Huskies. Being a husky mom for a long duration of her life, Jenna was inspired to begin writing about them. In doing so, she began doing massive research on dog behavior, and all things dog in general. Jenna is inspired every day by her family, and loves to bring her readers valuable information as well as a little humor too! Jenna has created her own business partnered with her lovely mother while blogging called Pawz N Clawz Jewelry N Things. They currently sell handmade jewelry with added pet charms, as well as a few dog toys too! As an animal rights activist, and huge believer in helping pets who have been stuck in shelters, they donate a portion of their sales to local shelters throughout Canada.
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June 2022 Charity Spotlight: Delaware Valley Doberman Pinscher Assistance Established in 1989, Delaware Valley Doberman Pinscher Assistance, Inc. (DVDPA) is a non-profit, charitable organization made up of dedicated volunteers who rescue and assist Dobermans in PA, NJ, NY and DE. Since their inception, DVDPA has rescued and rehomed hundreds of homeless, neglected, and/or abused Dobermans. Dogs arrive at DVDPA from local shelters or from owners who can no longer care for their dog. DVDPA recognizes this is a difficult decision for any owner and works to make the process as uncomplicated as possible. In addition to caring for displaced Dobermans, DVDPA provides breed information to potential owners and offers helpful resources to Doberman owners who are dealing with unusual behavior, signs of distress, or genetic health issues. Most Doberman Pinschers are devoted and loyal companions, and those who make their way to DVDPA are typically happy, healthy Dobermans who require little medical attention other than routine vaccinations and spaying or neutering. When needed, DVDPA is also able to handle special needs Dobies in their program. DVDPA supplies food, shelter, and medical care until forever homes can be found. DVDPA owes much of their success to foster families who open their homes to Dobermans in need, transport them to veterinarian appointments, raise puppies and care for nursing moms, administer medications as needed to get dogs back on track and ready for a new forever home. All this while providing course training and evaluating each dog’s personality. All Dobermans in the care of DVDPA are adopted by approved applicants after a home visit has been completed and references are checked. DVDPA volunteers work to match dogs and owners based on the desires of the adopters and the personality of the dog. A complete list of available Dobies can be found on the DVDPA website. We hope you will consider joining 4Knines in supporting the work of Delaware Valley Doberman Pinscher Assistance by fostering, volunteering, shopping, or by making a donation to be used where it is most needed.
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May 2022 Charity Spotlight: Pilots N Paws It all started when Debi Boies, who lived in South Carolina, fell in love with a dog named Brock, who was living in a Florida shelter dreaming of a forever home. A pilot friend of Debi’s offered to fly Brock from the Florida shelter to Debi’s South Carolina home. Thanks to Brock, a volunteer pilot, and Debi’s big idea, thousands of animals have flown to safety, love, and forever homes by generous volunteer pilots. Since 2008, Debi, founder and president of Pilots N Paws, and an all-volunteer group have made a difference in the lives of over 200,000 innocent animals. The mission of Pilots N Paws is to “provide a user-friendly website communication venue between those that rescue, shelter, and foster animals and pilots and plane owners willing to assist with the transportation of these animals.” As it turns out, there are pilots who are always looking for an excuse to fly! Volunteer pilots coordinate with rescue workers to fly abandoned pets, animals at risk of euthanasia, military working dogs, service dogs, and dogs who have been adopted by soldiers from war zones to safe havens and forever homes. There are no scheduled flights or fees. Instead, pilots and animal rescuers work together directly using the Pilots N Paws discussion board where volunteers are able to exchange information regarding animal transports, coordinate and schedule transports, share rescue stories, and recruit volunteers. Participants also develop friendships and relationships as they all work toward a common goal - to save the lives of innocent animals. Take a look at the Pilots N Paws Facebook pages to read some incredible rescue stories (and see some sweet photos) including an inspirational post about Maverick who needed a new home after his South Carolina foster family was involved in a car accident. A volunteer pilot flew Maverick from SC to Virginia Beach, where his new foster family was waiting for him. If you are a pilot or are involved in animal rescue and would start arranging animal transports, Pilots N Paws would love to welcome you to their team. Please consider joining 4Knines in supporting the mission of Pilots N Paws with a donation or by shopping in their store.
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