It’s no surprise that we believe that every loving animal should have a loving family and a warm, snuggly place to call home. But we’re not the only ones! Our friends at Coldwell Banker Real Estate, the home experts with 108 years of experience helping people find their homes, are doing something really special to make that a reality for the shelter pets on Adopt-a-Pet.com. Starting this week is the Coldwell Banker Homes for Dogs Project, a national campaign that aims to help 20,000 dogs find loving homes to call their own! To kick off the challenge, Coldwell Banker has released a fun new commercial that makes its debut during the Oscars onSunday February 22nd and shows the joys of coming home to your dog. Check out our sneak peek of the commercial, called “Home’s Best Friend,” and show Coldwell Banker some love for their support of this awesome cause by using #HomeRocks on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
The Great American Pooch Smooch and Kitty Kiss is Back!
To celebrate the season of love and to help more people realize that true love awaits them at their local animal shelter, Adopt-a-Pet.com is hosting the 3rd Annual Great American Pooch Smooch & Kitty Kiss, kicking off on Saturday, February 14th – Valentine’s Day! To join in and help influence others to adopt a pet from their local animal shelter:
- Just post your favorite photos of you and your loving pets locking lips along with the hash tags #PoochSmooch or #KittyKiss in social media – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Google+.
- Make sure to tag @AdoptaPetcom and tell us why you’re so glad you chose adoption over other options.
- Challenge your friends to do the same!
And starting on Saturday February 14th, you can browse all of the #PoochSmooch and #KittyKiss photos here:www.adoptapet.com/poochsmooch
Bulldog puppy and dog tips
Bulldog puppies are so cute with their wrinkled little faces! You can find Bulldog puppies and dogs for adoption across the US and Canada on Adopt-a-Pet.com here. Like Pugsley in the photo, who’s for adoption as of the posting of this article. He’s 16 weeks old, super sweet and super smush face! Finding a purebred Bulldog puppy might take a bit of searching and patience, especially one local to you. The good news is Bulldogs are super cute at any age! Plus if you adopt a young or adult Bully instead of a puppy, you’ll be more likely to know what kind of personality and health issues you’re getting, which you can’t see fully or at all in a puppy. Plus you won’t have to worry about puppy messes, puppy training, and puppy chewed up shoes! 
Bulldog mix puppies are super cute too! So what should you know about Bulldogs before you adopt them?
First let’s talk about the breed name. Bulldog is the exact same breed as English Bulldog aka British Bulldog — the AKC uses Bulldog as the breed name, but you might see breeders and rescues using the name English Bulldog. They just different names for the same dog breed. There are three different dog breeds with “Bulldog” in the name too. They are American Bulldog, French Bulldog, and Olde English Bulldog also spelled Olde English Bulldogge. There’s also the Boston Terrier which looks so much like the French Bulldog it can be hard to tell them apart! The American and Olde English breeds are bigger and taller than a regular Bulldog, while Frenchies and Bostons are smaller. What about Miniature Bulldog or Mini Bulldog breeds? The breed name “Miniature Bulldog” is not recognized by the AKC and so it is not officially considered a separate breed. Mini Bulldogs are either just very small Bulldogs or sometimes a mix of a Bulldog and a smaller breed dog.
Colors! Bulldogs come in a wide variety of colors. You’ll find Bulldogs that are red brindle, all other colors of brindles, solid white, solid red, fawn, and piebald. Many of the Bulldog colors have patches of white too.
For Bulldog tips, we defer to the Bulldog experts for information about personalities, training, and health: Bulldog Rescues! Even if you buy a purebred Bulldog puppy from a breeder, you can benefit from the knowledge that Bulldog Rescues have learned from helping so many abandoned Bulldogs, so that you can keep your Bulldog happy and healthy for their entire life. Thanks to Love a bull English Bulldog Rescue www.arizonabulldogs.com for letting us share their excellent article “What you need to know about rescue bulldogs” which we’ve reprinted below!
What you need to know about rescue bulldogs
Please read entire article before considering adoption.
Before you apply to adopt a Bulldog….
A Bulldog may not be the right choice for every family. Living with a Bulldog can be very rewarding, but you must be committed to meeting the Bulldog’s particular needs. They are, in my opinion, the greatest dog in the world! (I am bias!) With that said, they are a lot more work than other breeds of dogs. They want to be with you all the time. They are wonderful companions, but if you do not have the time to dedicate to a bulldog, do not apply to adopt. Remember: these dogs are rescue dogs. They are going to need extra special care.
Some things to consider:
Bulldogs are perpetual children: they never grow up. A Bulldog does best in a loving environment, free from fear and neglect. They are happiest when with people and require lots of attention from people. When left alone, Bulldogs can be very destructive. They may chew throughout their lifetimes. They may need to be crated when they are not being supervised. A Bulldog should never be left unattended in your backyard. Not only is it dangerous to your Bulldog’s wellbeing, but Bulldogs are often targeted for theft.
Please keep in mind that rescued Bulldogs are not always happy, healthy or well adjusted. If you are considering adopting a rescue it should be because you are committed to giving a homeless dog a second chance.This means having the time and patience to work with social, emotional and behavioral problems. In some cases, a health issue is present. Many rescued Bulldogs don’t get along with other animals and some can’t be placed with children. If you’re seeking a rescue as a way to obtain a cheap Bulldog, you’ve come to the wrong place. You must be passionate about the breed to accept what baggage comes along. Also, rescue is not the place to be looking for a puppy. We rarely get in dogs under 2 years of age. IF YOU ARE WANTING A HEALTHY, YOUNG BULLDOG, YOUR WAIT WILL BE A LONG ONE.
Danger of Overheating:
Bulldogs are extremely intolerant of heat. They must be kept in an air-conditioned area with limited trips outside when the outside temperature is over 80 degrees or the humidity is high. Close supervision is required during outside activity, especially in spring and summer to prevent over-exertion leading to over-heating. They also are not usually capable of prolonged physical activity whether the temperature is very warm or cold: a Bulldog is not for someone who enjoys taking a dog for long walks through the countryside.
There is a limit to how much strenuous physical activity a typical Bulldog can safely tolerate. Their short muzzles and narrow windpipes, relative to the size of their bodies, limits their oxygen intake and causes them to become easily winded. This can result in acute respiratory distress and sometimes death. Like it or not, most Bulldogs do not have great physical endurance. They are more like short-distance sprinters than long-distance runners. Bulldogs don’t realize this; your own common sense must prevail.
After Adoption:
Although all Bulldogs that we place are subjected to a thorough veterinary examination and are evaluated for soundness of temperament, we do not guarantee that they will not have any problems in their new homes. In fact, a period of adjustment is expected during which the Bulldog and the new owner will be getting acquainted with each other, and the Bulldog will be “settling in” to a new routine. Most rescues will have potty training issues in their new home. You have to be ready to deal with that. I will be more than happy to discuss what works for me, but you have to know that there will be accidents.
If we have any doubts about a Bulldog’s ability to deal with certain situations, we put restrictions on the type of home in which it will be placed (for example, by requiring no young children and/or no other pets.) We also provide guidelines for the new owners to ensure that they are aware of any special treatment the Bulldog may require. With the application of a little common sense in following the guidelines, new owners will find the transition into owning a rescue Bulldog to be relatively simple.
NO SWIMMING
You may have heard Bulldogs do not swim. You are right. I cannot tell you how many people I have known or heard of who have lost their beloved bullys in a pool. Just like children, most bulldogs love to swim. They will jump right in before you know it. They sink like an anchor. This is why at rescue, we do not adopt to homes with unfenced pools. There are NO EXCEPTIONS.
When selecting a pet, the most important breed characteristic to consider by far is its temperament or disposition. Failure to thoroughly investigate temperament is the biggest mistake anyone can make in selecting a pet, especially a Bulldog.In my experience, far too many people select a dog based solely on its physical appearance, and those who do so usually live to regret it. People who shop for a pet the same way they shop for a new car, a piece of furniture or designer jeans should never own one.
If it is a status symbol you want, please do not even consider adopting a Bulldog! Even though I have a page on this site showing all of the famous bullys, in no way, shape or form is that to encourage getting a bulldog based on the fact they are popular. I did that page for fun only. If you are looking for a status symbol, you and the dog are sure to be disappointed in each other. For one thing, the modern Bulldog cannot tolerate isolation. Some breeds are able to thrive on only occasional human contact, but Bulldogs simply cannot stand to be ignored. They crave attention, and they will do almost anything to get it. Especially that these are RESCUE dogs, they need more TLC from their humans.
To the dismay of their owners, many Bulldogs prefer to pursue the role of a lapdog. They fail to comprehend that some humans find their typical weight of 50 to 60 pounds less than comfortable on their laps. Of course, we let them… 🙂
It is nearly impossible to lavish too much love and attention on a Bulldog – and only he decides when he has had enough of it. When he has had enough loving, he will finally wander off somewhere to find peace and quiet. If you’re not a hands-on type of dog lover who enjoys close and frequent contact and a few wet kisses, a less affectionate pet may better satisfy your needs. The Bulldog’s constant craving for attention and the need to entertain humans and be entertained by them is not for everyone.
Bulldogs do not respond obediently to heavy-handed physical discipline. Despite 1000 years of selective breeding, most Bulldogs I am familiar with, both male and female, instinctively detest and resist violence or the threat of it. This is especially evident with regard to children. A screaming child immediately causes grave concern and routinely triggers a decidedly protective response. They seem to sense trouble, and they are likely to intervene in their own special way to end the disturbance.
Modern Bulldogs are not by nature good guard dogs or attack dogs. However they are fairly reliable watchdogs. They will normally alert you to any unusual activity in the home or yard.
A common misconception is that Bulldogs are “one-man” dogs. It may sometimes seem apparent that one family member is preferred over another, but Bulldogs regard each family member as their own personal property. Bulldogs can be possessive to a fault. You don’t own them, they own you, and don’t ever forget it! If you can’t appreciate their possessive nature, you certainly will not appreciate their inherent stubbornness and determination. Training takes lots of patience, but they can be successfully trained for obedience and agility competition. (If I would have read that last sentence a few years ago, I would have laughed. )
While a Bulldog might appear to be lazy or stupid, that’s only a facade. My dogs are living proof that bulldogs are not stupid! You can train them to do tricks, obedience etc… It is all about how much work you want to put into it. Like my dog trainer Crystal says, “I believe any dog can do anything.” 🙂
— Thank you Karen for letting Adopt-a-Pet.com reprint your article here!
Ready to adopt a Bulldog? Find Bulldogs for adoption near you using Adopt-a-Pet.com.
Can I have a pony?
“Mom, can I have a pony?” I may have asked that question over a hundred times a hundred different ways when I was growing up. We lived in a big city but that didn’t phase me. I drew ponies, played pony games, and inspired by visits to suburban stables, created elaborate equestrian centers out of blocks with plastic horses and Barbie doll riders. When I was 10 years old we moved to the suburbs – right next to a real horseback riding academy! Fast forward a few years later, and my family adopted a retired one-eyed pony named Danny, making my pony dreams come true. (That’s him in my photo above, lowering his head so my young helper could more easily put his halter on.) By age 12 I knew the tremendous responsibility and costs involved with properly caring for a pony, as they’d been explained to me all the years I’d been asking for a pony. If you have a child or you yourself are exploring the idea of adopting a pony or adopting a horse, here are some of the factors to consider.
- Are you ready for a lifetime commitment? Ponies can live 30 years or more. My one-eyed pony Danny lived to be 44 years old!
- A pony is expensive! Even if you keep the pony on your own property so you don’t have boarding costs, you still have to pay for vet care and shoeing, and most likely hay, feed, bedding. Plus there’s the occasional expenses of replacing items as they wear out like blankets, buckets, brushes, halter, lead rope, bridle, saddle, saddle pad, and then your own safety and riding gear like a helmet and riding boots too. Oh, and there’s upkeep of the pony’s housing (barn or run-in shed) and disposal of their manure too.
- Ponies need daily care. Like other animals, a pony can’t just be left in a field to fend for himself. Someone – if not you, someone you pay – needs to check on them daily or multiple times day, muck their stall or pick up manure from the pasture, fill their water, give them hay or feed.
My pony Danny was my best friend when I was growing up. He was my confident, my racing buddy, and a source of great love and fun! He taught me so much about responsibility and kindness through caring for an animal. If your child asks you, “Can I have a pony?” I hope you’ll consider making their pony dreams come true!
Did you like this article? See our other pony-centric articles about adopting a horse and how much does it cost to care for a horse too!
Happy Beginnings: Jecht
“This is Jecht (formerly known as Nemo). He’s been a part of our family for a week and a half, and already none of us could imagine life without him. We are all in better health from the walks and runs we take him on. He already tracks with us with great proficiency (although he gets annoyed with how slow and loud we are). He has made friends with all the dog friendly pups in the neighborhood, and even a couple that have never been dog friendly before. He has the perfect personality, friendly-gentle-playful-lo
Happy Beginnings: Marley
“This is my beautiful Marley she is the love of my life. Sooooo sweet and she loves to cuddle. I got her at pets by Judy in Sanford on Thanksgiving day. Her picture and story showed up on my cell phone from your website. I fell in love in that instant. Thank you for your help without you I would not have found my new baby to love. My beloved Julie passed Oct 28. I have been lost since. I will make a donation when I get my disability check in Dec. You have made an old lady in a wheelchair very happy. Sincerely Lise & Marley” — Lise you’ve made us here at Adopt-a-Pet.com very happy too! We love hearing stories about how Adopt-a-Pet.com helped a homeless pet find a new loving home. We’d love to hear your Happy Beginnings story too! Send your pet adoption story to info@cms.adoptapet.com with a photo or two, and tell us how Adopt-a-Pet.com helped you with your adoption. Thank you for adopting a pet and saving a life!
Rescue Video: Toto's Turnaround Will Warm Your Heart
Some rescues are more challenging than others. Meet Toto, a scared and neglected pup who, at first, fears his rescuer. But a little love works wonders. Watch how Toto makes a heartwarming turnaround in this new video from Eldad Hagar.
Preparing for Pets: Fencing Options for Pets of All Shapes and Sizes
Like most pet owners, you’re probably serious about the safety of your dog or cat. After all, there’s hardly any worse feeling than realizing your furry friend may have escaped. Fortunately, there are a variety of fencing options to put pet owners at ease — and a myriad of materials, styles and price points to choose from. Here are six of the most popular.
1. Aluminum and Steel
Both aluminum and steel fencing are extremely strong. Aluminum is just as durable as steel, but it’s not quite as stiff. These materials are long lasting and come in several different styles. While they are aesthetically pleasing for modern homes, they aren’t the best fences for small dogs. Pet owners should only install this type of fence if they have big dogs who can’t get through the divides between the bars because of their bulk. The cost to install an aluminum or steel fence averages between $3,000 and $4,200, depending on square footage.
2. Chain Link
If you don’t mind the look, chain link fences are among the most cost-effective options on the market. While they may not provide a great deal of privacy or aesthetic value, chain link systems are strong, durable and cheap. Look for chain link fences with thicker galvanizations as they are stronger and more resistant to corrosion. These fences will keep even the biggest and strongest dogs contained. However, depending on the height of the chain link fence, these might not be the best for dogs that can jump great heights. Be sure to have a chain link fence installed that’s at least 6 feet tall to keep your jumpers and taller dogs fenced in.
3. Vinyl
Vinyl is a popular option among pet owners because it is durable, versatile and low maintenance. Vinyl works with many different home architectural styles, and it will provide reliable shelter for more than 10 years. Installation costs are the same as wood fencing — about $4,200 on average — but vinyl requires far less aftercare. Vinyl fences come in white, light tan and dark tan. Avoid lower grade vinyl, as it is susceptible to deterioration from UV exposure as well as extreme heat and cold. These fences come in a wide variety of heights and can handle any type of dog. What you need to be aware of is their depth—vinyl fences aren’t installed very deeply into the ground. So if you have a dog that digs, they can potentially dig underneath the vinyl fence and get through it. You might install bricks underneath the fence to prevent them from getting through or train them not to dig.
4. Wood
Wood fencing is great for pet owners who appreciate a natural, classic look. These fences are extremely versatile and come in just about any style or design you could think of. Wood is also popular because it’s fairly inexpensive. The sturdiness of a wood fence will depend on the type of posts and lumber used, as well as proper waterproofing and maintenance. The main drawback of wood is that it is vulnerable to pests and rotting; it needs regular upkeep. It’s also susceptible to stronger, taller dogs with a lot of heavy weight. While it needs a lot of weight consistently pressed upon it to break, these types of fences are probably best for small to medium-sized dogs.
5. Wrought Iron
While there are genuine wrought iron fences on the market, traditional models are much more expensive than their modern counterparts. Today’s iron fences are generally made with flexible steel. They are highly durable and can work with a variety of architectural home styles. Be aware that they may not be the best option for larger dogs, as most types are no taller than six feet. This allows them to easily jump over the fence and get through. Wrought iron also has space in between the bars for thin dogs to get through, so keep that in mind when having it installed.
Contribution by Andrea Davis, Home Advisor. Photo courtesy of DesignMine
Stella getting her groove back – grant winner!
Look at those mesmerizing emerald and golden eyes… can you believe this little beauty was at risk of loosing her life along with all her kittens? Thank goodness for the wonderful rescuers at Seattle Area Feline Rescue (SAFe) who saved Stella once from an overpopulated kill shelter, and now again by giving her the veterinary care she needs to get healthy and go up for adoption! Adopt-a-Pet.com is proud to be helping SAFe with Stella’s vet care costs with a grant from our Veterinary Care Fund. That’s thanks in part to our generous sponsors, and donors like you too!
SAFe tells the story of how they are helping Stella get her groove back, so she can be adopted: “Stella came to us in September from an over-populated kill-shelter in September along with her four beautiful kittens. Stella had a horrible case of stomatitis and it was determined that she needed to have all of her teeth removed. After a successful surgery in early November to remove half of her teeth, Stella had a spontaneous pneumothorax when placed under anesthesia on November 18th to remove the 2nd half of her teeth and be spayed. The veterinary team quickly performed a bilateral thoracocentesis and were barely able to resuscitate her. Stella is recuperating in a foster home now, but needs to return to the veterinarian to complete the final dental surgery and spaying. She will then remain in foster care while she is rehabilitated and an appropriate home can be found for a beautiful young Torbie with no teeth.”
You can see all the paw-some cats SAFe already has up for adoption on their website and Adopt-a-Pet.com here:
http://www.seattleareafelinerescue.org/adoptable-pets/
Thank you SAFe for all you do finding so many cats and kittens loving homes!
Tips for a happy New Year's Eve with your pets
Happy New Year! New Year’s Eve is tonight. Are you and your pets ready? If you’re having a party at your house, consider safely containing even the most social party animal for his and her safety. You may think your pets seem happy, but cats, dogs and other pets are excellent at hiding stress (a survival instinct). Make a quiet party for your pets in a separate room with their favorite music, toys, and if you can’t lock it, a sign on the door reminding guests not to enter. Going out? Our tips can still help your pets ring the new year in with style. Read on for our NYE countdown of tips for you and your pets.
5. Up-to-date ID
Parties mean doors getting opened a lot. Even if you’ve thoughtfully hung a sign on your bedroom door saying do not open, or if you have your pets safely contained in a crate inside the bedroom (wearing safety breakaway collars only in a crate), accidents happen. Make sure your pet ID tags and microchip information has your current address and phone numbers.
4. Exercise
For dogs and even cats, giving them plenty of exercise on New Year’s Eve day will help them to rest more peacefully that night. Plus a good long walk or hike with your dog will help you burn off those extra holiday calories too!
3. No human food
If your pet is going to be out loose in your home during a party, make sure every single guest agrees NO HUMAN FOOD FOR PETS. The #1 reason pet owners end up at the emergency vet on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day is because a pet is sick from too much people food, or the wrong people food. Even human foods you think are “safe” for pets can cause pancreatisis, which can be fatal.
2. White noise
Loud music and fireworks can upset even the calmest of pets. If you don’t have a white noise machine, putting classical music on where the pet can hear it can help cover up outside upsetting noises. If you have an anxious sound-sensitive dog, many pet owners find relief using a Thundershirt pet wrap, available at most pet supply stores.
1. Happy New Year!
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