May/June News
Training Done Right
You've fallen in love and brought your new dog home. Now what? The first thing you want to do is form an emotional bond for the best relationship possible. The ideal way to develop that bond is through praise and affection. Feeding, walking, playing, grooming and just plain petting are all equally important.
The next step is training. You don't want your new friend to run out the door, growl and bark at others, or destroy things. Training is the critical component to living successfully with a dog. There are several methods of training to choose from:
- self-help books and videos
- group classes of ten or more dogs - the dog's owner must work with the dog during each session
- internet lessons
- private sessions with a professional trainer in your home
- TV shows such as The Dog Whisperer or "Uncle Matty" Margolis
- board and train kennels - the dog is left for a specified period of time and returned to the owner when training is completed
Which method is best for you? Only you can decide based on the amount of time and money you have available. All have advantages and disadvantages. You can also combine methods such as a group class along with a video.LAAR has been asked to share training tips and, starting with this edition, we will include them in each newsletter:
Your dog runs away and won't come back to you
You opened the front door or the gate and your dog runs away. Or you decide it's okay to take a walk without a lead attached and off he goes. You start running after him. He slows down and, as you get closer he takes off again. Now what?
Your faithful companion thinks you are playing a game with him. Instinctively you want to run after him to protect him from traffic or other dangers. DON'T! Two "work every time" methods to try:
- Kneel down, open your arms and call his name. A food treat or a favorite toy will also help.
- Run in the other direction and call his name. This should result in his chasing after you.
Spotlight On Our Adoptees
My name is Ivana. I am a very sweet 4 year old little female Schnauzer who weighs approximately 10 pounds. My foster Dad says I am housebroken and I hear that this is a good thing!!!! I don't jump on the furniture unless I am invited. I love being close to my people and would enjoy being the center of attention. I am up to date on all of my shots, including rabies. I am spayed, microchipped, wormed for intestinal parasites, heartworm tested (neg) and am currently on a flea and heartworm preventative. I also come with one free vet visit. My adoption fee is $150.00. Please call my foster Dad at 813-368-6056 or email Lost Angels to find out more about me.
I’m Percy, a wonderful 7 year old male Pomeranian. I am a very tiny boy weighing in at 6 pounds. I am very cute and would love to have my own family. I am up to date on all of my shots, including rabies. I am neutered, microchipped, wormed for intestinal parasites, heartworm tested (neg) and am currently on a flea and heartworm preventative. My adoption fee is $150 and I come with one free vet visit. If you can find a space in your heart for me, please contact my foster Mom at 813-486-4001 or email Lost Angels. I can't wait to meet you.
Hi. My name is Kittie. I am a 2 year old Lab mix who was taken to a kill shelter with my litter of puppies. I have now weaned them and am ready for a home of my own. I am a very sweet girl who loves people. I'm great with other dogs and kids. My foster Mom says I would make any family very lucky and happy. I am up to date on all of my shots, including rabies. I am spayed, microchipped, wormed for intestinal parasites, heartworm tested and am currently on a flea and heartworm preventative. My adoption fee is $125.00 and I also come with one free vet visit. Please take me home with you by calling my foster Mom at 813-245-3110 or email Lost Angels.
I’m Kelsey. I am a 2 year old female Lab/Golden Retriever mix weighing about 60 pounds. I have no idea how I ended up in a kill shelter, but thank goodness the angels came for me on my last day before "my time was up". I have perfect house manners and am very quiet. I don't get on the furniture or bark, I get along with other dogs, and I'm housebroken! I know how to sit and shake hands, and go into my crate very nicely when it's time for bed. I love to chase a ball and toys if someone will throw them for me, and I LOVE to be brushed! I am up to date on all of my shots, including rabies. I am spayed, microchipped, wormed for intestinal parasites, heartworm tested (neg) and am currently on a flea and heartworm preventative. My adoption fee is $150.00 and I come with one free vet visit. If you have room in your heart and home for a sweet girl like me, please call my foster Mom at 813-205-0702 or email Lost Angels.
Hi. My name is Chaco. I am a very handsome 1year old male Terrier mix and I weigh approximately 40 lbs. I am currently going through obedience training with my foster Mom through Bark Busters. I am doing very well and my new family will receive a year of additional training with me. I am neutered, current on all shots including rabies, and wormed for intestinal parasites and microchipped. I have been started on a monthly heartworm and flea preventative. My adoption fee is $125. To find out more about me, please call my foster Mom at 813-334-8765 or email Lost Angels. I'd love to be part of your family.
My name is Axel. I am a 4 year old chow mix. I have a sweet disposition and a very playful personality. I would do best in a home with only adults and no other cats or dogs. I am neutered, current on all shots including rabies, and wormed for intestinal parasites and microchipped. Please call my foster Mom at 813-843-3145 or email Lost Angels to find out more about me. Will you take me home?
My name is Goose. I am a 9 month old male Aussie. I am deaf but it does not hinder me in the least. I am just as well adjusted and behaved as any Aussie baby. I am great with other dogs and love children. I like to play in water and know some basic commands (sit, shake) when signed to. My foster Mom says I am an amazing dog with a fantastic personality who will bring a family so much love and happiness if given an opportunity. I am neutered, up to date on all of shots, including rabies, microchipped, wormed for intestinal parasites, heartworm tested(neg) and currently on a flea and heartworm preventative. My adoption fee is $125 and I come with one free vet visit. Please call my foster Mom at 813-245-3110 or email alisonbrad2@yahoo.com.
To see all of our babies looking for a forever home, please visit Lost Angels Animal Rescue.
Have You Heard?
Saturday, May 6 from 10 AM to 3 PM Lost Angels will be at the NMHP-HC Spring Adoption Expo generously sponsored by and held at Petsmart at 1540 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa. We'll have many of our furbabies with us as well as a book with all of our available dogs with pics and profiles. Please come by and visit our table.
Lost Angels Friends
Many, many thanks go out to these little girls for their huge hearts and generosity. Sadie, Laney, and Marlin pictured here with Desiree and their adopted puppy Lyla, celebrated their birthdays in March. These children sent out a flyer for their birthday party asking their friends to give to our organization instead of presents for themselves. We know how proud their parents are of this unselfish act, and each of our furbabies sends out a huge hug and kiss.Tidbits
It's Flea SeasonHas your dog been scratching just a bit more lately? Does it seem to happen more after they come in from outside? It's that time of year again. Hot, dry periods give highest adult production while hot, wet months favor egg laying. With the dry spell we have been experiencing, fleas have been exceptionally prevalent.
Flea dirt in your pet's fur where the dog is biting and scratching is a clear indication of infestation. Those areas tend to be the ones that your dog cannot reach easily - on the spine around their hips and around their collar. If left untreated, the dog's coat may become rough and matted and the skin will become infected. Fleas are also known to be intermediate hosts for the dog tapeworm so treatment is necessary.
Humans are often bitten by fleas when their living area has been infested. The bite will show as a small red spot with a red halo around it. There is very little swelling but there can be intense itching in most cases. Repellents that contain Deet or Permethrin can be used to avoid flea bites.
Treatment is critical for pets as well as the areas in the home where they most commonly sleep or sit. Flea collars are usually the first line of defense however other treatments tend to be necessary to supplement for best results. Oral or topical flea medication can be prescribed by your vet. Frequent shampooing of your pet will remove adult fleas before they can lay eggs. Powder products can also be applied and rubbed into the fur to assist with flea control.
To control fleas in the home, wash bedding and thoroughly clean all rugs by vacuuming and/or shampooing. Insecticides can be applied to areas where fleas are known to hide such as furniture and around baseboards as well as any other areas where your pet spends time. For more information, refer to the FDA or University of Florida sites.
Watch out for Cocoa Mulch
From the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: "Organic mulch fertilizer may pose hazard to dogs. As spring approaches, people will start to tend their lawns and gardens. Many will consider using cocoa bean mulch as a fertilizer. Made from spent cocoa beans used in chocolate production, cocoa bean mulch is organic, deters slugs and snails, and gives a garden an appealing chocolate smell. However, it also attracts dogs, who can easily be poisoned by eating the mulch." According to the ASPCA.... "Eaten by a 50-pound dog, about 2 ounces of cocoa bean mulch may cause gastrointestinal upset; about 4.5 ounces, increased heart rate; about 5.3 ounces, seizures; and over 9 ounces, death." For more information, visit the ASPCA Poison Control Center site or talk with your veterinarian.
Look Who's Found a Home!
We are pleased to share many happy endings in this edition:
Soca has a family! We are so excited that Soca has found his forever home. After more than a year with his foster parents, Soca has been adopted by a lovely couple who plan to treat him like royalty. We look forward to seeing pictures and hearing more about Soca's new world.
Douglas has also found a special home. He has been adopted by an extended family of seniors who adore him. His family promised Douglas would never be alone again. They plan to take him with them whenever they all go out anywhere together. Douglas rides in the golf cart twice a day and it is now his favorite thing to do.
These three little pups are all repeat adoptions from LAAR. They are all doing well and are very happy in their new home.
Miesji was adopted by a fantastic family. Although she tested positive for heartworms we are happy to learn that after six months of treatment she is now heartworm negative. She is just one of our heartworm success cases and we are thrilled to know she is doing so well.
JR made the transition to his new family very well and they are having a great time together. He was very good on the flight going to San Diego and has made a 12 year old very happy. He sleeps with the grandson at night and stays in the crate looking out the sliding glass door during the day. He loves to play tug and go for walks. They took him to the dog park where he of course wanted to be top dog but encountered another Jack Russell and slowed down a bit. He is pictured here with his new dad's son. His family says "thanks for allowing us to give him a great home and get the love he has to give. He is truly a very loving little guy."
Gus has been doing wonderfully despite some initial medical problems. His family tells us that Gustoff, Gus for short, is very affectionate. He loves kids, other dogs and even cats. We are proud to learn that he was the star of his puppy kindergarten class and has continued his training with Courteous Canine in Wesley Chapel. Thanks to Jen and Jeff, his mom and dad, for suggesting we begin including training tips in the newsletter.
Scarlett is doing very well. Her new sister taught her how to use the doggie door and they have become great friends.
Buddy is doing very well and loves his new home. His new family loves him too. He has an extensive wardrobe and we are told he actually loves clothes! Buddy gets all excited every time he gets something new.
Nick is having a wonderful time with his new family. He recently went on a trip and got along great with everyone. He gets his teeth brushed, takes baths and is walked twice a day. His family tells us that Nick is already king of the house and has a special place in both of their hearts.
Bentley was recently adopted and is having the time of his life with his new family. They say he is very lovable and quite a clown. He is pictured here with his new brother.
Pepper looks good in his new haircut. He's gained a few pounds since moving to his new home and still plays like a puppy. His family says they just love him to pieces!
Sasha is adored by her family and really fits in. She loves everyone and everything with whom she comes into contact. She is especially drawn to children. Her mom considers Sasha her best friend and feels privileged to have her.
Ari has a new home and is doing very well. His family says he is very sweet and lovable and are glad to have him in their family.
Kirby's family thinks she is absolutely the funniest dog they have ever had. She is a really good watch dog too. She sleeps all night long in her play pen and has been very good as far as housebreaking. Kirby loves the car and the golf cart. Of course she has to bark at the bicyclers and other dogs. They say she is a typical female and loves to dress up.
And finally, Katie (aka Holly) was adopted in early January and has become such a big part of her new family's life. She enjoys her chew toys, barking at the birds in the backyard and going for long walks. She is doing very well with obedience training and is an excellent student. Her family is very happy they found her on our website.
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