Too Sad for Words

I just opened yahoo on my computer and read this headline,  AP Exclusive: New taste for Thai elephant meat,  The article at, http://news.yahoo.com/ap-exclusive-taste-thai-elephant-meat-035353902.html., is heartbreaking.

If Only Charlotte Could Paint......

Photo by Max

Charlotte had no trouble climbing to the top of the ladder.   If only she could  paint!  She did manage to rub by a freshly painted wall so that her right side donned a completely new look.   We already have one orange cat; and Charlotte, as a calico, just didn't work.  So, Charlotte's first encounter with paint quickly turned into Charlotte's first encounter with a warm was cloth!

Little Kitten Warms Up to Nigel

Nigel is not so sure how he feels about today's office visitor.   The little kitten, found cold and all  alone in an alley, was rescued by a good Samaritan. The tiny tabby is getting lots of attention from League staff,  and when she's old enough, she will be placed in a forever home.  Maybe one with a gentle dog, like Nigel. 

Powell 4th Graders Learn Lots and Surprise Nigel & Me with Thank You Notes and Artwork!

Ms. Stoessel, Powell Elementary School  librarian, and fourth graders pose with Nigel.  Gabriel (center )is displaying the  portrait of Nigel that he created.  Nigel is amazed by the likeness!

Nigel and I met regularly first semester with Powell Elementary School fourth graders.   The inquisitive students travelled recently to the League to see firsthand what happens in the shelter and medical center.   They asked great questions and eagerly volunteered during animal interactions.   They absorbed everything they learned.  Their wonderful thank you notes confirmed their concern for the animals.  I shared those letters with the entire Washington Animal Rescue League staff this morning, and invited my coworkers to stop by my office to see the beautiful drawing of Nigel hanging on my wall.  The artwork was created by Gabriel, and the poster was signed by the entire class.

"....Thank you for letting us see people doing their jobs....We  learned that if you want to adopt a pet you have to be ready."     Roberto

"...I liked the part when Trip, the dog, came into the room.  I liked that part because I learned so much......Thank you for inviting us."  Estephanie

"Thank you for showing us cool tricks with the dogs and letting us do the tricks with them...." Steven

Look Who is in My Office

Emma and Ray are AWESOME!!!!   SPECTACULAR!!! Super Terrific!!!  This long-haired pair don't just purr, they chirp.   AND, they like to be brushed.   AND, they absolutely love to be  in your face, and on your desk, at all times.  AND, they need a HOME!

They came to the League because their person is seriously ill and cannot care for them.   Obviously, their person loved them a lot.   Looks like they have never missed a meal.   AND, they don't get frightened when the printer goes off right next to their ears or when our giant washing machine sounds like it is going to blast off right beneath the desk

Emma and Ray like  hanging out in the office, but they would be even happier if they had a new home -- one with a soft bed.   My desk is okay for a temporary nap, but both cats would like to snuggle on a comfy mattress with a person or two.

Look Again ---- This is Not a Picture of Nigel and a New Friend

Best Buddies -- Ricky & Lucy

Okay, it's true -- I am partial to black labs.  After all, I live with the one-and-only, absolutely perfect Nigel the Wonder Dog.   And, I truly believe that no home is complete without a cat (if you can properly care for a cat).  So, when a recent adopter sent pictures of Ricky, formerly named Sinbad, and Lucy, a Nigel-looking lab, I couldn't wait to get permission to post the picture. 

Their adopter wrote, "I have always been a dog person and never thought I would love a cat so much!"   I wonder if Lucy felt the same.  From the looks of things, it was love at first sight for this made for prime time pair.

Found -- Forever Homes

The very best thing about returning to the League after a long vacation is seeing all of the adoption updates in my inbox.

There was a photo of Shiloh, an all black cat now named Lola, curled up in her plush, new cat, bed; a cute holiday picture of Bentley, the Yorkie, with his three new BFFs all wearing Santa hats for their photo op; a lovely artistic shot of Persia, the gray tabby, stretched out in the sun; and  lots of pictures, including a video, of Sampson, the big, honey of a German Shepherd who was adopted last year by a family who lives in Long Island. Long time readers may remember how Sampson's, new family -- mom, dad, three dog-adoring kids, and a yellow Labrador retriever named Amber, responded to an adoption appeal and travelled to the League to meet, and adopt, Sampson. What better way to start the new year than by sharing just a few of those photos.  Enjoy!

Good-Bye 2011

January 2012 brings freezing temperatures.  No more winter walks with shirtsleeves.   Make sure that cats and dogs are safe INSIDE.   Report animals left out in the cold to your local animal control agency.  

Busy Boxes Continue to Entertain

 Six months after the pizza box carton busy boxes were created by Tuyet and Tra My during Caring Kids -- Animals & Art --  Camp,  League alums, Allister Moody and friend, continue to be engaged by the colorful toys.  Allister (white and orange kitty), who underwent eye surgery while residing at the League, was a staff favorite.   Nice to see that, not only does he see perfectly well, but is loved bunches by his four-legged and two legged forever friends. 


Thanks to Papa John's of the National Capital Area for donating the boxes for the camp projects and thanks to artists Katherine Leonard and Bonnie Branner for coordinating the project.


Information about the Washington Animal Rescue League's Caring Kids -- Animals & Art --  Camp, and two other  2012 summer camps will be posted in February.

Thank You Friendship Hospital for Animals

Nearly two years ago three Rottweiler pups were rescued from a horrible situation -- their "caretaker" put rubber bands on each of the pups.  When the threesome were removed from the situation by a humane law enforcement officer and admitted as to the League's Medical Center our team immediately went to work removing the rubber bands.  It was soon determined, because the damage was so severe, that Riley's left front leg would be amputated. The other pups recovered once the heavy bands were removed from their necks.   Kara,  Riley's primary caretaker in the medical center, fell in love with her patient and adopted the good-natured pup. 

Hailey, the dog standing on all fours in the picture, was adopted  by a rather unconventional family -- she is a member of the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department.  She quickly became the most popular member of the squad, and takes her role as fire prevention expert seriously -- she often  accompanies the firefighters to community events. During the summer Hailey made a guest appearance at our Caring Kids -- All About Animals -- Camp.   She and Rylie took part in a presentation focusing on the horrors of animal abuse. 

All was great until recently.  While playing, Hailey suffered an injury to one of her back legs. As a volunteer organization the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department relies on  donations. Hailey’s care is paid for from proceeds from the firehouse soda machine. At 50 cents per can, it was going to take a lot of soda to get Hailey the surgery she needed to repair a torn ligament in her knee.

Worried about their loyal companion, the firefighters contacted Kara.   The League's Medical Center is not equipped to perform such specialized surgery.  We contacted our very good friends at Friendship Hospital for Animals and the rest, as they say, is history!   Dr. Mat Glassman, worked with Hailey and the members of the Fire Department to make sure she got the help she needed. Both Hailey and the members of the HVFD are grateful for their assistance. Hailey is recovering nicely and is expected to running and playing in no time.  

To read more about Hailey and see pictures of her at the firehouse and xrays of her knee, click on the link  

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=198161986934660&set=a.198161926934666.49069.190298471054345&type=3&theater#!/media/set/?set=a.198161926934666.49069.190298471054345&type=3

Very Intelligent Readers (VIR) -- Celebrate Because of Winn Dixie

Four Takoma Education Campus fifth graders read Kate DiCamillo's award winning book, Because of Winn Dixie, as part of a Washington Animal Rescue League first quarter weekly reading group.  The Very Intelligent Readers (VIR) welcomed Nigel, a Very Important Listener (VIL) to the literary group.  The readers unanimously recommended Because of Winn Dixie.

 "I would recommend this book because it's really entertaining, and there is a funny part. But it comes with sad parts, like when the dog gets lost in the rain.  It's great how it shows how you can make best friends forever, " shared Leslie.

"It was a great book, it made me cry at one part and happy at another.  It has a lot of strong feelings in it," wrote Kahlil.

"I would recommend this book because it might inspire you to get a dog or a pet.   This story will make you cry, laugh and smile.  This book has a dog character and his name is Winn Dixie.   In the beginning of the story he was like all of the other homeless dogs, then he became a happy dog who had a family who loves him," recommended Gelila.

After completing the book, Because of Winn Dixie,

 Kahlil, Gelila, Leslie and Nigel get comfortable as they prepare to watch the movie.  

HOME! for Thanksgiving

Sammi is spending her first Thanksgiving in her forever home.   Who knows where the little poodle spent Thanksgiving in years past, but this year we know that she is with her favorite person, Katherine, and the rest of her new family --  including Jingle, a big, 10-year-old bunny. 

Katherine attended the third session of our  Caring Kids summer camp, the one that focused on dog training.    At the end of the five days Katherine told her pup good-bye, but she continued working on her family about adopting the tiny P-pup.   She must be quite persuasive because after a couple of days her mom called from their vacation and asked if the pup was still available.  "No, " she was told, the puppy was already in a new home.

Soon after their return, Katherine and her family visited the League.  And, there was Allison Krause!   A pretty autumn-colored poodle who had just been returned.   To the best of our knowledge the little dog had lived in at least three homes, probably more.  Katherine's would be her FOREVER home.

Katherine's mother sent a recent update --

It's been 2 1/2 months. We renamed her Sammi. It was 2 weeks before she barked. It was another few weeks before she would not cower around men. She is still afraid of most new people. We took her for her first grooming and she trembled most of the time.  I expect her to become more confident with time. But with us, she's just a sweet, good tempered pup. We just love her.

She gets 2-3 walks a day during the week and more on weekends.  Sammi goes to soccer with us and we've taken her to Great Falls Park.  Sammi is somewhat interested in our rabbit. She sniffs him but that is about it.

Katherine's mom reports that the family cat is not quite so sure about Sammi.   But I am guessing that by next Thanksgiving the update will include a photo of the cat and Sammi in close proximity of one another.  

There is much to be thankful for -- Caring Kids campers, animals in forever home, and for parents, who have never had a dog, but who make the plunge to adopt and then fall in love. 

Getting Decked Out for the Holidays!

My cats don't wear hats.   I can't imagine trying to put a hat on Micky, Merl or Charlotte.  They definitely would not allow it.  Not all cats, however,  are so uncooperative.  Meatball, who was adopted from the League nine years ago, got into the celebratory spirit just long enough so her person could take one good picture.  We know who will be featured on Meg's holiday cards this year!

With Thanksgiving just 8 days away, photos, like this one, reminds us at the League just how grateful we are for adopters who make their animals do silly things so they can share their cats and dogs with everyone they love!

Gypsy Sheds Pounds and Years; Acquires BFF & Permanent Home

It is common knowledge that staff loves adoption updates.  Some animals stay at the League just a short time, typically puppies and kittens get adopted more quickly than adult animals.   Senior animals, and those with "special needs" can reside her for months.   Lately we have heard from folks who have adopted some of those dogs.   The word special comes to mind when I think of the adopters and the updates.  
In this week before Thanksgiving, it is a pleasure to share Gypsy's story sent by her adopter.  The update highlights how animals not only befriend us, but help one another.

Our 15-year-old, blind Aussie, Molly,  died in June.  My wife and I WANTED a new dog, but it became apparent Snickers (our puppy mill survivor dog) NEEDED a dog.
When we met Gypsy at the League, her temperament and confidence shined through in spite of the discomfort from being extremely overweight.  We recognized that Gypsy was exactly the dog that Snickers needed -- a dog who  knew who she was; was used to people, places and dogs... a dog like Gypsy - to serve as a new model for Snickers.
Since coming home, we've continued the weight loss diet started at WARL. We live in an apartment, so our dogs are walked three times a day. While we started slowly to allow Gypsy to acclimate to her new home, new diet, and new activity regimen, we have yet to tire her out with a long walk. Her hunched back and bunny hop has smoothed into a stiff legged trot. Her gait is visibly affected, but not her pace; she keeps up with  much younger dogs. She  LOVES playing with plush toys - the squeakier the better! And who would have thought that  a 7-year-old dog would be so into tennis balls?.
Gypsy's favorite position? Middle of the room, flat on her back, all four feet straight up in the air, watching what's going on from her upside down point of view. She even sleeps that way!

Adopting Gypsy was almost like getting two new dogs!  Since Gypsy has come home, her exuberance and playfulness has re-awoken the same exuberance and playfulness in Snickers that we have not seen since Molly passed away.

We are grateful for adopters who recongize the best in their new friends!  Check back soon, more Thanksgiving updates to come.......

Responsible Student Does the Right Thing!

Pictured right to left -- Gisselle and Charlie and Jocelyn and Pelusha

When Gisselle toured the Washington Animal Rescue League with her summer program she saw many cats and dogs who needed homes.  She learned that there are too many animals and not enough homes, largely because cats and dogs multiply so quickly.  Gisselle learned that responsible guardians spay or neuter their cats and dogs.  Gisselle went home that day and told her mother that they had to get their cat spayed.   Although their cat gave birth before they made an appointment, Gisselle was determined to not only get her cat spayed, but she urged her mom to call the League to make appointments to spay or neuter the mom cat AND her kittens! That way, when the kittens go to their new homes there is no risk that they, too, will be adding to the overpopulation crisis.  GREAT WORK GISSELLE!!!

Dobi is HOME!

Dobi at the shelter

This is a remarkable adoption update that reads like an action adventure.   In order to get the full picture I am posting excerpts from a series of emails sent to Natalie Kahla, our adoptions manager, from Dobi's adopter.  Dobi's rescue, post-adoption, shows the importance of acting immediately, networking, and following every lead when an animal goes missing.   We are ecstatic that  Dobi is now safe and sound in his forever home!

OCTOBER 23 -- As of 5:30, Dobi has been missing. While I was out my friend opened the front door for another person and Dobi dashed out of the house. They took off after him for three blocks before they were out run. I contacted 24PetWatch and filed a report on them, giving them his microchip number. After searching for over three hours with the help of friends and neighbors and local police officers who notified other officers via radio, we ended the search contacting Animal Control and the Washington Humane Society.


Dobi is wearing his collar and his blue harness. He has eaten a little today and has had a little water as he was still skittish and shy this afternoon. He slept with me under my arm last night and has responded a few times to a specific whistle I was in the process of teaching him.


He was seen running past Georgia Avenue and up Rock Creek Church Road NW (towards the direction of Columbia Heights). I have notified neighbors and everyone I have come upon tonight. I will continue to look for him tomorrow morning.


OCTOBER 24 --Still no word on Dobi. I put up about 300 posters around the area he was last seen and all over Columbia Heights.   I posted ads on craigslist and the MPD allowed me to post his flier in front of the main desk so everyone entering the station can see it. A very caring person who saw my flier recommended I join a facebook group called Columbia Heights Dog Park which is a popular dog park nearby. The group has almost 200 members of very involved dog lovers in the community. I have checked with the Humane Society of Washington and Animal Control. 


OCTOBER 25 -- Today was looking up a little better. I was putting up more fliers at a gas station on Georgia Ave posting when I ran into a UPS guy and asked him if he had see a dog. He asked me if Dobi was very small. I said yes. He asked if he was very scared and skittish. I said yes. He asked if he had a "blue thingy" and made a gesture around his chest imitating a harness. I said yes. He said he saw him at 50 Irving (Veterans Hospital at Washington Hospital Center) with a man around 3:30 pm (today) who looked "nervous like he wasn't supposed to have the dog with him" which is why he caught the UPS man's eye in the first place. I went straight there with a friend. We talked to a security guard who confirmed seeing the exact description of Dobi and I gave them a stack of fliers and spoke with an officer who refused to double check the security footage because there was "no way of confirming that dog is really yours".


NOVEMBER 1 --After one week, my baby is home!!! Dobi was found around 11pm tonight by a man on his nightly run on Rock Creek Church Road. Dobi was dodging in and out of the fence and he recognized him from the posters and called the number on the flier. A woman walking her dog came by shortly after, and it was her dog that lured Dobi.  She was able to pick him up and called the number on the flier. Dobi was in my arms by 12:37am. He has lost 5-7 lbs but has his appetite and enjoyed a peanut butter treat on top of his food. I removed 17 ticks from his chest. He has a small scratch on his nose and tip of his ear. The collar he had on him was a very worn and dirty one, NOT his original. His bright blue harness was also not on him. HE IS HOME!

Let's Keep in Touch



Best Friends!

 Our adoptions department sends a questionnaire to adopters once they and their new-found friends have had some time to adjust.   Usually we get an update about a month after the adoption. This photo of Midnight recently came to us; she obviously has had time to settle in and has done so quite nicely.  

Midnight  was adopted from WARL in 2009. She has grown up a lot and has turned out to be a loyal dog who is equally loving & caring. As you can see she gets along very well with our other pet Morning.

Heavy Drama Sequels

Two of my very favorite books are Dog Lost by Ingrid Lee and A Dog's Life: Autobiography of a Stray by Ann M. Martin.  Both stories are compelling page turners that cause the reader to root wildly for the horribly mistreated canines.    Both books have those "Oh No" scenes that are like a severe blow to the gut.   Recently I read Martin's  Everything for a Dog, the 2009 sequel to A Dog's Life: Autobiography of a Stray.   It, too, is a page turner but the set-up of the story is much different.  A Dog's Life: Autobiography of a Stray is a tragedy told by Squirrel, a cast-off pup separated from her sibling Bone.   Everything for a Dog is Bone's story, but he shares the spotlight with two other narrators -- Henry and Charlie -- boys whose stories are intertwined with Bone's in an unexpected, jarring  plot twist.   Both stories end happily, but the structure of A Dog's Life: Autobiography of a Stray is far more statisfying than Everything for a Dog.  That said, neither book should be missed.

Ingrid Lee's 2011 book, Cat Found, is written in a similar fashion to her gripping, highly acclaimed Dog Lost, but it can't quite live up to Ann Martin's praise of the first book, ""Much more than a breathless page-turner. It's a brutally honest novel depicting the world of dogfighting in a wicked light but tempering any scenes of cruelty with an entire community of positive characters. And Lee brings together her winning, motley cast, human and animal, for a wonderfully heart-rousing ending. I loved it."  Lee's descriptions of the feral cat colony in Cat Found is accurate, but her characterizations of the many cold, heartless working class people are wooden and stereotypical.    A more accurate and engrossing read about a boy trying to do right by feral cats remains the absolutely perfect story, The Nine Lives of Travis Keating.

CUTE!!!

 


 Yesterday I promised a happy shelter story and today I am delivering not only happy, but cute -- MAJOR CUTE -- thanks to an adopter's adorable update. Little Bocci recently left the shelter for his forever home, and already has a bed full of toys. I don't know for certain, but given that the League is hosting a Howl-O-Ween event on Saturday, October 29th, complete with a really, really spooky haunted hospital, I wouldn't be surprised if our next Bocci photo update is one of the little guy in costume. What should he be?



SAD -- VERY, VERY SAD

I was driving to the League this morning when I heard a radio report that I hoped was a bad- pre-Halloween prank.   The reporter said more than 50 wild animals were running loose in an Ohio community.  Apparently the large cats, bears, wolves, giraffes, camels and other exotic animals were let go or escaped from a local wild animal park.   When I got to the League I did a quick Google search and found that it was no joke.  According to an Associated Press story, "Police warned people to stay in their homes, and ...officials hunted down and shot nearly 30 of the 48 of them overnight under orders to shoot to kill."  

What reason could there be for a wild animal park to be located in a residential area in Ohio?    It is doubtful that cheetahs and  Bengal tigers would live in the wild with wolves, grizzly bears, giraffes and camels.  Do wild animal parks serve any purpose? This was a horrific tragedy waiting to happen.    

Check back soon for a happy shelter story.  

Busy Weekend

Friendship Hospital for Animals celebrated their 75th anniversary with an absolutely awesome adoption event.  Their goal was to place 75 homeless cats and dogs into permanent, loving homes.  From 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Saturday & Sunday  a steady stream of special folks opened their hearts and homes to kittens, cats, puppies and dogs.  Some of the animals were even adopted by Friendship staff!  The mom cat and kitten who visited me  in my office  last week went home to a mom and daughter duo.   I think that the kitten's forever name is now Clementine, mom's new name was still  being discussed at the time of the adoption.

Charlotte Van Gogh

 

Our shelter is nearly empty.   But, as always, we will be full by tomorrow.  League staff are traveling to other shelters today to pick up animals ready to move into their forever homes.   Hope those homes are safer than mine.    Here is a recent picture of Charlotte relaxing on the piano bench.   I am happy to report that no major mishaps have occured since Charlotte's mysterious ear hacking episode last month.

Not Just One Happy Home -- But Two!

Boo Radley posing

Sometimes adopters write long missives, sometimes they send a sentence of two that says it all -- this is forever!  Such is the case with  Boo Radley's (formerly Humm) update.  Not only does the handsome tabby have a new name, but being named after a classic literary character is bound to make him just a tad more regal -- why, just look at this handsome pose. 

Boo Radley (formerly known as Humm) is very happy in his new home and is the best cuddler on the planet. I am so grateful! I am absolutely head-over-heels in love.

Who is Boo Radley?  Besides being a much loved tabby, Boo Radley is an important character in Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird.

Tamale on the steps at HOME!

We heard from another tabby living a happy life  in a perfect, forever home.  Tamale was a staff favorite.  Tamale was here for a long, long time.  When he first came to the shelter in February 2011 he had a tumor that was removed by a veterinarian in our medical center.  While in the hospital, Tamale endeared hmself to everyone.  He was a model patient during treatment.  And now he is the perfect  cat in his perfect new home playing not-so-perfect cat games with another possibly perfect cat!

Tamale  and Pepper are doing very well, and have graduated to the 'thundering' stage of play and chase together, up and down the stairs, and we often can't imagine how some of the rugs got into the the state we find them in.

We have many more cats and the shelter looking for their perfect forever homes.  Two of them, a mom cat and her rambunctious kitten are in my my office.  They will be at our BIG adoption event at Friendship Hospital for Animals this weekend.  Stop by and visit Autumn and her wild mini-me kitten.

 

And They Lived Happily Ever After....

Okay, so how many time have I written WE LOVE ADOPTION UPDATES?    I am going to write it again.  WE LOVE ADOPTION UPDATES!   Recently we got an update from Denise detailing Emmy's new life.   It is a beautifully written, happily ever after tale that is sure to have many more chapters.  I thought of Denise's update when  I attended a lecture at the League Monday night where Ingrid Newkirk, founder of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), emphasized the importance of providing lots of enrichment to guarantee an animal's emotional health -- in other words, doing fun stuff. 

Denise' update highlights lots of fun stuff...

Within six weeks, Emmy began greeting dogs on leash and playfully swatting at beagles in our complex corridors. Two months later, she attempts to enter any silver sedan we pass, as she assumes Danny is behind the wheel and ready to take her on our next adventure. She adores prowling after geese on the National Mall, trail walks through the forest of Dumbarton Oaks, or splashing through the water of the Shirlington Dog Park’s river. She’s put on ten pounds of pure muscle and can outrun any dog except a Vizsla. 

Good News From Camper Pup

Ronnie and Petey snoozing.

The only really hard thing about our Caring Kids Dog  Training 101 -- Tricks, Treats & Tips Camp was saying good-bye to the pups.  The eight campers not only taught the four pups to sits, lie down, stand and a couple of tricks, they bathed them, cleaned up their soiled areas and loved them like they were their own.   One of the pups was adopted by the pair of brothers who trained her.   Their good-bye, was more like "See you in a couple of days."   But the other three pups were adopted into new homes the weekend after camp ended, leaving  the six remaining campers wondering about their pup's post-camp life.    


It looks like all is well.  Our campers received the following update --


Pickle is doing great!  Her new name is Rhonda Pickle but we call her Ronnie for short, sometimes just Ron :) Ronnie has a brother named Petey that she loves to play and wrestle around with.  Ronnie is growing everyday and can now jump up on the couch and the bed.  She loves long walks and just started having fun at the dog park.  Ronnie loves to snuggle up on the couch.  Her favorite thing to do is chew on her bully bones.  You kids did a great job teaching Pickle how to sit and to use the pee pee pads....Ronnie Pickle is almost potty trained.  She is such a sweet dog and we love her so much.  I have attached some pictures of her for you to enjoy.  Thanks for taking such great care of her.  She loved her time at the Rescue League.

Creative Cats Toys at a Fraction of the Cost

Does the title sound like a commercial?   There are lots of cat toys out there.  If you google best cat toy you  get 23,400,000 hits including 1,240,000  home made toys.  Most do-it-yourself toys  are simple like --
 Brown paper grocery bags and boxes make great cat caves.
 Toss a ping pong ball, cat toy, or one of the recycled toys from above, into the bag or box.
 For a fancier cat hide-away, cut holes in a large box and hang long ribbons from the openings and pitch toys into the openings for kitty to find.
Others require a little more imagination, like the toy Zack Scott, with the help of his feline friend, Otto,demonstrates.  Check it out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adXTF5wPft4.

A bed and a buddy -- What could be better?

Klaus, a staff favorite, lived at the League for a very long time.  I am happy to report that the friendly fellow finally found his forever home with people and cat buddy, Abby.  Well, buddy may be too strong of a word.   We are told that the two cats are still working out the balance of power.    By the looks of the pics, Klaus is not  the slightest bit bothered  by Abby's initial slight.  Obviously Klaus is, if not King of his new castle, at the very least chief inhabitant  of the big blue bed!

Serendipitous Meetings With League Alumni

Early spring I noticed that a really cute, familiar-looking  dog was living in a house around the corner.     Recently, I saw my neighbor walking the happy, little dog.  Nigel and I caught up to her and I asked about the energetic little beagle mix.  She said that she adopted him from the League nearly a year ago.

Herbie's not the only WARL alum I've come across recently.   Nigel and I went to watch Max and his new baseball team play their first game this past weekend.  One of Max's teammates' parent was also holding the the leash of a big black dog.  Nigel and Gertie liked each other instantly.    I  asked about Gertie and found out that she was one of the G pups adopted from the League nearly four years ago. 

We do our best to find the animals wonderful, forever homes.   It is always nice to get an update from an adopter -- a holiday card, an anniversary update, a returned adoption questionnaire -- and it is always a pleasant surprise to run into  those well-cared for, happy-go-lucky pups and baseball-loving black labs who were adopted from the Washington Animal Rescue League.

Hooray for Hachi!

Sometimes it takes a while to find the right home.   Such was the case with Encore who came to the League in March after being removed from a horrible hoarding situation that included more than 300 dogs.  The small cream-colored  husky mix, with the soulful eyes, finally found his forever home earlier this month.  Now named Hachi, the dog who once had to fight for his food is showered with love and attention, and shares his bed with boy of his own.   His guardian reports that Hachi is the ideal school alarm clock -- Up and ready to go no later than 7:15 a.m. every morning, days off included!