Adopted Mutts! June 3 - 16

Big congrats to these very happy senior mutts who found forever homes! (S4S indicates the adoption was part of our Seniors For Seniors Program)

Willy

Sally

Gabby

Buddy

Bocci/s4s

Sweet Pea

Peach

Princess

Nelson

Pepper

Charlie

Nadine

Brenda

Coltrane

Felix

To see the profiles of these lucky mutts, visit the Recent Adoptions section of our Mutts page.

06.18.13

Training Tips: Training Troubleshooting Series, Part 1: Consistency

Muttville’s own dog behavior specialist, Maureen Backman, brings us this training tip for June. I bet we all could use it!

Saying that dog training is complex is like saying life is unpredictable. It’s a massive understatement that is of little use to anyone in the midst of teaching a dog a “sit” from a “down.” Training involves communicating with a different species that speaks a different language. Training involves teaching dogs how to behave – not always according to rules that make sense in our dogs’ minds, but according to rules that make sense in our minds. Often, despite research and consultation with others, training hits obstacles – and this is often when clients call my colleagues and I for help.

Although it can be incredibly frustrating when training techniques fail to change behavior, it doesn’t mean the training is a failure. Tweaks in timing, mechanics, and procedure are sometimes all that’s needed for a successful outcome.

Over the next several blog posts, I will focus on ways to make your training more effective and how to troubleshoot the difficult spots. This week’s post will focus on a topic that is critical to any type of behavior modification program: Consistency.

Pat Miller, a noted positive dog trainer, summarized the importance of consistency in the Whole Dog Journal, writing, “…consistent responses to a dog’s behaviors, both desirable and undesirable, are predictable for the dog, which helps him make sense of his world and feel safe. A dog whose world is orderly and safe is usually calmer, more relaxed, predictable, and better-behaved than one whose world is chaotic and intimidating. Dogs and owners who perceive each other as safe, predictable, and well-behaved, tend to enjoy a better mutual relationship.”

When teaching a dog any new behavior, be it a simple obedience command or reverting a deeply entrenched phobia, repetition and consistent communication are key.

Repetition

Think about what you do to learn a new behavior, change a bad habit or train for an athletic event. In order to do any of these successfully, you need repetition. By practicing maneuvers for a specific sport, the body builds muscle memory. When learning a new behavior, your mind and body practice in order to do it well and to do it well in real-life situations. When changing a bad habit, repetition breaks the behavior cycle.

Now think about what happens when you don’t use repetition. That’s when you endure a painful run in which you feel like you have weights in your shoes. That’s when you forget knowledge you used to know by memory. That’s when your bad habits creep back to the surface. In short, that’s when you stop learning and maintaining behavior.

The same goes for dogs. In fact, it is impractical to expect dogs to learn new behaviors and cease old ones with only a few spare moments reserved for teaching and practice. When teaching a new behavior or working on mitigating an emotion like fear, you need to put in the time, not just in random bursts, but each day. Once you’ve installed a behavior or quelled an emotion, remember to reinforce it to maintain the hard work.

Consistent Communication

Because dogs don’t speak our language, and because we don’t speak theirs, we need to be consistent and specific about what we communicate during training.

When choosing a verbal cue for a behavior, like “watch,” make sure you and everyone involved use the same cue. If you sometimes say “watch” and other times say “look at me,” and still other times say your dog’s name, your dog will have a difficult time learning the meaning of the verbal cue. You will also encounter difficulty teaching your dog to pay attention to you on command; when you have an inconsistent command, you will get an inconsistent behavior. The same rules apply for using hand gestures as behavior cues.

Similarly, if you are using time outs to reduce unwanted behavior, make sure that every instance of the unwanted behavior results in a time out. If your dog avoids a time out some of the time, but gets a time out at other times, your dog will be confused and the unwanted behavior will continue. If your dog realizes that each time he jumps on a visitor he gets placed in a room alone for 2 minutes, he will form the connection that jumping equals alone time. When he realizes this 1:1 ratio, he will quit jumping on strangers. With a 5:1 ratio, or even a 2:1 ratio, your dog will have trouble determining what you want him to do.

Training Never Ends

In another issue of Whole Dog Journal, dog trainer April Frost writes, ‘Many people are in the habit of “tuning out” their dog when they are not in obedience class or engaged in some other dog-centered activity. But the rules and requirements of behavior have to exist in all aspects of a dog’s environment. If you don’t want your dog to pull on his leash, then it’s never an acceptable behavior whether you are at an obedience class or walking down the street.’

The fact is, training never ends. Don’t let this scare you. Let it encourage you to take advantage of each learning moment that comes you and your dog’s way. One of the best ways to love your dog is to provide her with a safe, steady, predictable environment. In short, when it comes to dogs, consistency equals love.

Maureen Backman, MS, is the owner and trainer of Mutts About Town. She is also the author of"Navigating the First Weeks After Adopting a Dog":/resources#new-adopters-guide, Muttville’s ’How-To-Guide for New pet parents.

06.13.13

Success Story "Axel"

This story certainly pulled our heart strings. Thank you to Rhonda for sharing this tender story of healing and happiness that little Axel brought to their family:

February 23, 2013 was a special day. It was the day that Axel (formerly known as Schroeder) joined our family! 2013 started off to be a very difficult year for our family, filled with loss and sadness. One such event was the passing of our beloved Rocky, which not only broke our hearts but took a toll on our little Ricky as well. We were very fortunate to cross paths with Muttville 2 1/2 years ago when we adopted Ricky to be a companion to Rocky after the passing of his best friend, our Golden Retriever, Goldie. Ricky has brought nothing but joy to our family since that first Thanksgiving day when we brought him home. Over the past two years, he provided comfort and companionship to our aging Rocky, who lost both his sight and hearing. After the passing of Rocky, Ricky became despondent and was not the same happy boy he had always been. Once again, we turned to Muttville. This time it was the profile and story of Schroeder that tugged at our heartstrings. Found sick and starving on the streets of Stockton, he was literally saved from the euthanasia table by Muttville. While he was described as a mini schnauzer, it was difficult to see that with his thin, sparse coat and very thin frame…and yet we were told how much better he looked and how much weight he had gained! In spite of all that he had been through, Axel was a sweet, gentle boy who badly needed a family of his own. In the short time he has been with us, he has blossomed into a very handsome and happy boy. He has not only provided companionship to our Ricky, but has brought much needed energy and life in to our home. Who rescued who? Once again, thank you Muttville…we can not imagine life without our boys!

Sincerely,

Rhonda

Are you the proud parent of a Muttville dog? Send us your story! Include 3 of your favorite photos and send to info@muttville.org with the subject line ‘Success Story’.

06.12.13

Success Story "Izzie"

This lovely senior lady came to Muttville from a shelter that told us she was likely a hospice case who needed a loving place to live out her final days. Nothing could be further from the truth! Izzie (formerly Miss Trudy) is healthy and thriving, thanks to mom Stephanie! Read her story, then sit back and smile!

Our Izzie girl has been with us a year now! Since we met her in the park in Bakersfield (where she was brought by transport volunteer, Whitney) she has been a go-getter who is always ready to try out another adventure. The former Miss Trudy and her younger ‘big brother’ Porter both travel well and most recently enjoyed a camping trip to the Mojave National Preserve. Izzie is on board with hikes of a few miles or less – for longer hikes she stays at home to watch over the cats and rest up for her next adventure.

One of her favorite treats are Ice Pups. The powder to make these freezer tray treats came with the Honest Kitchen care package she arrived with, and they are especially favored by both of the dogs during hot days here in the desert.

Thanks to Muttville for all you do and for bringing Izzie to our desert home.

Are you the proud parent of a Muttville dog? Send us your story! Include 3 of your favorite photos and send to info@muttville.org with the subject line ‘Success Story’.

06.05.13

32 Adoptions and $34,000! THANK YOU, MADDIE'S!!!

We are still catching our breath from the whirlwind weekend of adoptions! June 1 & 2 were Maddie’s Pet Adoption Days, an “adoptathon” that spanned 5 states and 180 locations. Muttville had an amazing 32 adoptions!

Thanks to Maddie’s Fund, Muttville received a $1,000 grant for every adoption of a senior dog rescued from a designated Bay Area county, with an additional $1,000 if the dog has been treated for one or more medical conditions. Muttville raised a total of $34,000!!

Big congrats to these very happy senior mutts who found forever homes! (S4S indicates the adoption was part of our Seniors For Seniors Program)

Mitzi S4S
Mojo
Pico
Ellie May S4S
Codie S4S
Clara
Tina
Teddy Bear
Kennedy
Prince
Billy
Minnie
Macy
Bear S4S
Trooper S4S
Rio S4S
Nikki Sixx S4S
Mikey Lee
Bodie
Pup
Amelia
Nemo
Chloe S4S
Lacy
Simone
Cricket
Maggie
Chiquito
Trixie
Rutherford
Abby
Brenda

We captured many amazing moments in pictures, including every new Muttville mom and dad with their new furry family member. Click here to see the photos on our Facebook page.

To see the profiles of these lucky mutts, visit the Recent Adoptions section of our Mutts page.

06.03.13

Success Story "Bailey"

Thank you to dad Ryan for letting us know how much Bailey is loved!

I fell for Bailey right away after adopting her last November, and it didn’t take long for me to have gotten much more attached to her, much more quickly, than I expected. She is as sweet as can be, and I truly feel like our bond and relationship goes both ways – she is getting the love and care she deserves, and I’ve gotten a great companion who has made me a better person.

Thank you and your organization, including your foster network, for the work that you do to help all of the great senior dogs who are in situations similar to Bailey’s last year. Your work makes a great difference for canines and humans alike!

Best regards,

Ryan

05.29.13

Adopted Mutts! May 13 - 31

Congrats! These lucky seniors have found their forever homes!

S4S indicates the adoption was part of our Seniors For Seniors Program

Chubba
May Lee
Kira
Esther
Sean Jr S4S
Biscuit S4S
Spike S4S
Izabel
Chancey
Lulu
Kiri
Victor
Brenda
Felix
Jenny
Maya Lucia
Queenie
Roxy

To see the profiles of these lucky mutts, visit the Recent Adoptions section of our Mutts page.

05.27.13

Success Story "Helen"

Our founder and Executive Director, Sherri Franklin, lost her own Muttville sweetheart, Helen, last week. Please join us in our tribute to a very special lady…

“I had to say goodbye to my beautiful big girl, Helen Belly. So so hard, but it was her time and her suffering is over. When I picked her up 3 years ago at Berkeley Animal Services, she had no hair and her skin was oozing. I fell in love and made it my goal to let her know that she was was loved. I remember how she liked to grab the leash and walk me and would jump in anyone’s car, especially if the person was sitting in the driver’s seat. I will miss curling up in her bed at night to read. I miss you, sweet Helen. I hope you are running free without pain and saying hello to some of your brothers and sisters that shared my house. Sail away, angel…"

05.22.13

Success Story "Felix"

At Muttville, we are lucky to have several amazing, selfless people we call fospice parents. They offer foster homes to our dogs who have been diagnosed with terminal illnesses. One such fospice parent is Kay, who wrote this endearing story about her fospice boy named Felix:

After living with many senior dogs, my husband and I decided we would like to become fospice volunteers for Muttville. In most shelters, terminally ill animals are euthanized right away even if there is still some quality of life left for them. Not at Muttville; Sherri and team take these dogs and offer them a loving environment until it’s time for them to say goodbye. Every dog we have received into our home has instantly settled into our routine and has absolutely blossomed. Some have even lived longer than originally thought. Our current success story is Felix, a wonderfully, sweet, gentle and loving little soul. He arrived about one month ago and was a little shy and very skinny. He is already gaining weight, he runs around after our other dogs with his little tail constantly wagging. He stands and whines at the side of the bed until I pick him up and he takes his rightful place, right between Dave and me. He loves the beach and strolls along sniffing at every piece of seaweed he can find. He is a favorite at work and spends time with my coworkers who spoil him with treats all day long. If you think fospice work is not for you, I encourage you to think again. Making sure a dog has the best possible end-of-life care you can possibly provide is the most rewarding thing you can do. It’s life changing.

05.15.13

Adopted Mutts! April 29 - May 12

Congrats! These lucky seniors have found their forever homes!

S4S indicates the adoption was part of our Seniors For Seniors Program

Colby
Flash
Chucha s4s
Karma s4s
Quinta s4s
Buffy
Emma
Kaci s4s
Grandma Jones
Coco
Mudpuppy
Molly Brown
Chico
Oscar
Frankie
Baxter
Snookie s4s

To see the profiles of these lucky mutts, visit the Recent Adoptions section of our Mutts page.

05.14.13

The Emotional Aspects of Doing Rescue Work and Life with Animal Companions

Enjoy this new monthly blog series, thanks to mutt mom and Licensed Therapist Laura Goodspeed, MFT. As a contributing writer, Laura will focus on the many emotional aspects of rescue work and life with these beloved animal companions:

My dog is exceedingly intelligent. I am routinely captivated by his talents, and delighted by the extent of his ability to communicate his thoughts. And I know I’m not alone in this admiration – many of you in the Muttville community share a similar wonderment in regard to your own beloved furry friends.

That said, it isn’t stimulating intellectual repartee I share with Dexter – a Muttville rescue, formerly Mr. Hobbes – that I value so much. It isn’t an enormous and precise vocabulary that makes him the bio-magnetic center of my universe. What makes his presence in my world so completely essential and life altering is the emotional bond between us, the feelings he elicits in me and in my family. This energetic connection is made manifest when I enter a room after a 30 second hiatus, and his fluffy tail starts wagging so vehemently that his entire back end volleys from side to side, threatening to wrest him completely off balance. It’s apparent in his joyful open-mouthed pant after a long walk together, and how gratified I feel when I can then provide him a bowl of fresh, cool water. It’s in his grateful, full-body lean into my hand as I lovingly knead the scruff around his neck. It’s in the unadulterated, determined glee in his eyes as he works over the third chicken jerky treat he adroitly charmed out of my partner today. And it takes shape in the pulsating, expansive heat I feel in the center of my chest when I watch him do most anything, safe in the knowledge that he is happy, healthy, warm and fed because I have successfully tended to – perhaps ‘catered to’ is a better word choice – his needs. At the same time, even amidst our blissful reverie, I am painfully aware that I will lose Dexter one day. This knowledge taunts me, like a mosquito hovering about my ear in the wee hours of a fitful night. And although I aspire to live in the present moment, and without fear ruling my consciousness – endeavors in which Dexter schools me daily – I admit that I still harbor a quiet dread of the sorrow and chill that will one day fill the aforementioned hot spot in my chest cavity.

These instances I’ve enumerated are but the smallest sampling of the ways in which we are affectively intertwined with our non-human loved ones. Our bonds with companion animals go far beyond logic, and are at least as profound as the connections we share with our human families. There are countless facets of these inter-species relationships to explore and to which we might pay homage, particularly in a world that all too often (dis)regards animals as mere objects. Our emotional kinship with animals – those we live with, those we foster or rescue, those to whom we must eventually say goodbye, and sadly, even the many that we aren’t able to help – will be the focus of this monthly blog, which I will proudly offer on behalf of Muttville Senior Dog Rescue.

In conjunction, I will be facilitating a monthly discussion/support group, open to all members of the Muttville community, wherein we can delve into the topics presented in this blog, as well as anything else that may present itself in your rescue-loving hearts. Please consider joining us, one time, monthly, or as the mood strikes (we’ll post date and time on our Events page.)

05.08.13

Success Story "Hazel"

Thanks to Mutt dad and veterinarian Dr. Art Colyer for writing a loving tribute about his Muttville success story Hazel. It was also published in Honest Horses Magazine in September 2012:

I am often amazed at the extent to which some people will go for the benefit of pets and even more amazed when someone’s generosity benefits an animal with which their relationship is only temporary. My wife and I are parents to Hazel, a 12-or-so-year-old Chihuahua mix that was found last year running loose in the Bay Area. Muttville took her in and she was soon placed in a foster home. Unfortunately, over the course of just a few weeks she was diagnosed with severe progressive cataracts in both eyes which quickly rendered her completely blind. The wonderful doctors at Veterinary Vision felt that her eyesight in one eye could be restored surgically with a lens transplant so her foster parents signed her up for the $3500 the surgery and in no time Hazel could see once again.

We heard about and saw a photo of Hazel and decided to make the trip to San Francisco to meet her. She immediately reminded us of our elderly dog, Humphrey, who had recently passed. We were cleared as a suitable long term home for Hazel and we took her home. She is a delight! She has fit into our menagerie without a ruffle, and she has adopted our lifestyle as though she had been with us our whole life. She’ll hike with our pack on occasion as far as five miles, never balking or complaining. Being older, she sleeps a lot making her wonderful to travel with or keep under the desk on her bed at our veterinary clinic.

I often say that one of my favorite things about being a vet, aside from working with animals and the people that care for them all day every day, is seeing the best side of people most of the time – the side of people that is so willing to give with little regard for repayment. Hazel is a great example of this kind of “paying it forward”. Thanks to all the foster parents who give so much to help Muttville dogs find their perfect “forever home”.

05.06.13

Success Story "Cubby" (a.k.a. Cub 1471)

Thanks to mom Carole for giving us this happy update on her Muttville boy, Cubby!

Muttville dogs get younger when getting lots of love and TLC. According to Cubby, “I have been drinking as much water as I can tolerate the last month. I am certain that our water taps into the Fountain of Youth. What else could it be?”

Our rescue dog Cubby, from Muttville on 2/4/13 keeps getting healthier and spry.

Our senior boy is off his pain meds (remaining on 1 anti-inflammatory) and he climbs 16 stairs several times a day. He even manages to find a way to maneuver down the stairs. He still ambles along on our walks but we have added distance. I am not certain but I could have sworn I saw him wink at me.

We are blessed.

If you adopted a Muttville dog, we would love to feature you in an upcoming ‘Success Story’. Please contact info@muttville.org with the Subject line ‘Success Story’

05.01.13

Adopted Mutts! April 15 - 28

Congrats! These lucky seniors have found their forever homes!

S4S indicates the adoption was part of our Seniors For Seniors Program

Dodger
Mickey
Spike
Patty
Chiquito
Schotzy
Leah
Melanie S4S
Biju
Paddy S4S
Posey
Angel S4S
Sarge
Blarney
Benji
Chevy
Ty S4S
Marti
Colby
Bridget

To see the profiles of these lucky mutts, visit the Recent Adoptions section of our Mutts page.

04.30.13

Success Story "Misty"

The Muttville family honors the one and only Misty Kay Mabelline, who left this world on her own terms (that is so Misty!) Although we are saddened by her loss, Joe’s story will make you laugh and cry:

Four years ago this month, Sherri Franklin from Muttville placed a small dog in my hands. Her name was Misty Kay Mabelline and she was our first foster dog. Misty some might say was an odd looking dog; her tongue permanently hung out to one side, she had big, almost bulging eyes and her back legs were longer than her front, giving her an odd little walk, almost like she had high heels on her back legs. But to me she was perfect! It wasn’t long before I decided Misty belonged with us, something Rafael didn’t know for a few weeks, and soon she became a permanent part of the family. Misty wasn’t what you would call an affectionate dog; she preferred attention on her terms, didn’t want to be held or petted and loved to eat – probably the reasons I felt such a bond with her. But Misty literally brought a smile to our faces daily. If it wasn’t her oddly powerful bark that actually caused her front legs to leave the ground, it was her scrappiness with the other dogs. Yes, she was the smallest but no one challenged Misty Kay!

Misty’s health rapidly declined over the last two days and we knew it was time. Knowing she hated the vet’s office more than anything we arranged an “in-home” euthanasia to make her last moments less stressful. The appointment was set at 3:30. We had to do a quick errand at noon and at 1pm our cleaning lady called to say “Misty died”.

We are deeply saddened at losing Misty, but then I think of my scrappy little girl and how appropriate it is that she left this earth on her terms, almost to say “No you are not putting me to sleep at 3:30, I’m going when I want.” And she did.

She will always be in my heart.

If you adopted a Muttville dog, we would love to feature you in an upcoming ‘Success Story’. Please contact info@muttville.org with the Subject line ‘Success Story’

04.24.13

Success Story: Our Unique Winston

One of our most recognizable senior rescues, Winston! Thank you mom Tricia for sharing his story.

Oh, Winston. You are: hungry, happy, waggy, ridiculous, hungry, sweet, grumpy, hilarious, hungry, adorable, cute, impatient, hungry, endearing, charming, resilient, hungry, spunky, excitable, friendly, hungry and, without a doubt, unique.

When I first saw Winston on Muttville’s website in June of 2011, I was immediately smitten. I had never seen a dog quite like him before. Or since.

I still get a little sad when I think about his kennel card from the shelter he was at before coming to Muttville. STRAY HOLD ONLY – NOT RECOMMENDED FOR ADOPTION. Yeah, he’s old. Yeah, he’s got two teeth. Yeah, he’s got some health issues. Yeah, he seems pretty pathetic at first glance. I’m just so grateful that Muttville saw past all of that. It’s now two years later and he’s more excitable and spunky than either of my other two Chihuahuas, both of whom are considerably younger.

Winston is so unique in both appearance and personality. He’s been compared to a lemur, a sugar glider, a sloth, a badger. He does not, however, resemble an American Water Spaniel, which is what came up in his DNA test. I’m pretty sure Winston would sink like a stone if submerged in water.

I met my boyfriend after Winston entered my life. He has never been a big animal person and definitely not a Chihuahua aficionado. Winston has changed all that. He recently mentioned that he can’t believe that Winston was in foster care for four whole months prior to me adopting him. “I can’t believe that people weren’t lining up to adopt a dog like him.” I can’t believe it either. I was the lucky one.

I know that it is not uncommon for people to be quite incredulous at the idea of adopting a senior dog, especially one like Winston. They are put off at the idea of becoming attached to something that, most likely, won’t be around for a terribly long time. I’m of the opinion that it’s a very selfish way to look at it. Is the prospect of being upset at the passing of a pet more important than giving that pet a good life? Your feelings are more important than saving an animal’s life? Really!? I don’t think so. I’ve been through it before and I know what it’s like. I know that when it’s Winston’s time to go, the pain will be nearly unbearable. But it will be bearable. Just bearable enough to offer a home to another senior dog that got dealt a bad hand in life.

And yes, Winston is always hungry.

If you adopted a Muttville dog, we would love to feature you in an upcoming ‘Success Story’. Please contact info@muttville.org with the Subject line ‘Success Story’

04.17.13

Adopted Mutts! April 1 - 14

Congrats! These lucky seniors have found their forever homes!

S4S indicates the adoption was part of our Seniors For Seniors Program

MoMo
Nemo
Michael
Noodle
Pinto
Kaci
Ruthie
Gigi
Frisco
Wookie s4s
Flower s4s
Ginger s4s
Mini
Latte
Poppy
Conner s4s
Prince s4s
Paddy s4s

To see the profiles of these lucky mutts, visit the Recent Adoptions section of our Mutts page.

04.15.13

Adopted Mutts! March 18-31

Congrats! These lucky seniors have found their forever homes!

S4S indicates the adoption was part of our Seniors For Seniors Program

Delilah
Rocky
Candie
Geno
Binkie Rose
Flower S4S
Mia
Betty
Colby S4S
Deuce S4S
Doc
Kevin
Danny Boy

To see the profiles of these lucky mutts, visit the Recent Adoptions section of our Mutts page.

04.01.13