February's Volunteer of the Month

Asia

HOW/WHY I started volunteering:
I started volunteering at the shelter a little over a year ago (Dec 2008 to be exact). Ever since I was a child, I've felt a strong connection with animals. I remember begging my parents birthday after birthday for a dog to love and to care for, but because my mom has asthma, we couldn't get one. As I got older, I realized there were ways to help animals that did not involve living with one - and thus began my journey at BACS.

My favorite thing about volunteering:

There are so many things I love about volunteering at BACS, but the one thing that stands out the most (and the reason I keep going) is the dogs. I love walking down the aisle and seeing each of their little noses pop up against the fences and the way their bodies wiggle when I scratch them through the kennel fence.

When I'm not volunteering:

The shelter is one of my favorite places to be, but when I'm not volunteering, I'm probably at school, at some type of sports practice (I do cross country and swimming) or spending time with my family.

Favorite dogs?

There are many dogs that I love seeing every time I visit the shelter. Usually they're the ones whose happiness is infectious, the ones with big googly eyes and wagging tails that look like they might fling off at any moment. Among the many is Sox. Sox, from kennel 19, was very scared when she initially arrived at the shelter. Despite a warm blanket to lay down on and caring volunteers who visited her, Sox shook with fear and resorted to growling and the occasional snapping. The only time she would allow a hand to go near her was when it was giving her a treat. One evening, I sat outside her kennel for an hour, just talking to her and giving her treats. After a week, she began to warm up to me and to finally show her wiggly puppy side. Although she can be hard to work with at times, she has still come a far way from how she was before and I think that is why she means so much to me.

Jody's found her home

For 11 months, my best girl Jody has been waiting for a home of her very own.

And today, her wait is over.


To Fred:

Thank you. I know that Jody will fill your life with as much laughter, happiness, and love that she has brought to the staff and volunteers alike at the Berkeley Shelter. Jody is one of a kind and everyone at the shelter wishes you both the best!


We love you, Jody!

Meet Bebe:

Emma

Emma, you were a beautiful, gentle soul that touched many volunteers at the shelter. You deserved more than what you were given. Rest in peace, dear Emma.

Violet gets wet

Violet had her first shelter bath today and she was amazing! Violet willingly went into the bath tub and didn't try to jump out at all. She actually wagged her tail the majority of the bath because she enjoyed me massaging the soap into her fur. Of course, Violet's favorite part was cuddling together afterwards with lots of warm blankets fresh from the dryer. :) What a brave girl!

Miss Violet on office duty

In a recent blog post, "The Shy Ones", Pam brought this to my attention in the comments section:

"And let's not forget Miss Violet, who is coming along beautifully after arriving (and remaining) in a terrified state, preferring to remain in the corner of her kennel for weeks, rather than engaging with volunteers who were eager to help her feel more comfortable. Yay-- it is finally happening!"

How could I forget Violet!? One of the sweetest, gentlest, most loving dogs I've met.

Sweet, sweet Violet.

She arrived SO shut down at the shelter that she avoided any volunteer that tried to visit her. Volunteers literally had to carry her outside to go for walks, only to have her curl up in a ball on the grass, too frightened to move.

Violet is slowly coming out of her shell - and what a beautiful dog, indeed. WONDERFUL temperament - incredibly loving, sweet, gentle. Good with everyone and cats and dogs. Just look at that face!!

Today she was happy to go outside, but upon stepping onto the pavement she looked back at me as if she were asking me to take her back inside. We turned around and headed back to the shelter. But inside of going back to her kennel, I set her up as the office dog. She got to hang out front with the other office dogs (that belong to staff members), office cats, and shelter staff.

Shy Violet received the spa treatment of her life! Her nails were clipped and her hair was brushed to show her beautiful blue coat. Violet basked in the warmth of everyone's love, kindness, and admiration for her. She enjoyed being petted, loved on, and being the center of attention today. :)

Violet really is coming along great. I can't wait to see her go to a wonderful, loving, perfect home.

Snickers

A few weeks ago a teeny-weeny puppy named Snickers came into the shelter with scabies! (Ew!) Poor little Snickers wasn't allowed to have any company or visitors in his kennel, in case his skin infection were to spread from volunteers to other dogs at the shelter. Sweet little Snickers was content to play alone in his kennel with fun stuffy toys, ropes, balls, and chew toys. Curling up on his little bed after a play session, Snickers looked like a little angel. I know it was hard for many volunteers to see him sit by himself all day without anyone to interact with...

But today was Snickers's lucky day!! His skin is all cleared up and he's got a clean bill of health! Snickers has also been given his 2nd round of vaccinations and is now ready to go out into the big wide world on his very first walk! :)

The following are two videos taken today in the shelter kitchen. Snickers was so happy to be out of his kennel and playing with people and dogs, alike. His happiness was absolutely contagious and I had to tape some of his enthusiasm and playfulness for y'all to see.
Here are 2 videos of Snickers playing with office dog, Mona.

The Shy Ones

I know that whenever I'm in a new place, a new situation, meeting new people, or just trying new things that I get nervous. I feel butterflies in my stomach, my heart beats just a little quicker, my temperature rises and my cheeks become flushed. I'm not overcome with fear, but I'm pretty darn uncomfortable sometimes! As would any introverted individual.

So imagine the fear you would experience if the one you loved threw you into a small, dark, cold box in the middle of the night. Imagine the shock and loneliness you would feel as you sat in darkness for 8 or more hours when suddenly a light turns on and someone in a strange uniform kneels next to your "box" and looks in at you. They quickly take you and put you in a slightly larger cage made of concrete. The noise is unbearable, you can't relax, you can't sleep, you can't escape and you wait for your loved one to come and rescue you. You wait, never doubting that they will come for you. Slowly the days go by and you realize: no one is coming. Five days go by before someone can even come in and sit with you to keep you company in your concrete cell. Just imagine. This is how Sox arrived at the Berkeley shelter.



Imagine the fear you would experience if you were living on the streets, God only knows how long, all alone without any love or comfort. Imagine sleeping in dirt behind overgrown bushes, hunting small birds and prey to keep you alive, living off of scraps that humans threw away in the garbage or generously left near the bushes. Imagine the isolation - no contact with humans for weeks. Then suddenly you're captured; you're held against your will by a long metal pole with a strong metal link around your neck. You try to escape, but the link is too strong and you're forced into a large white van that takes you to a place that's loud, crowded, and hard. Who can you trust? This is how Bebe was captured near the Sea Breeze market and brought to the shelter.

Or even worse, imagine you and your loved one are taking a long drive in the car. You think you're going to the park to have a picnic, to the beach for a walk together, out to dinner with old friends. But when you look out the window you don't recognize where you're going...you stop in front of a strange building, get out of the car and you're lovingly lead inside where it's noisy and unfamiliar. The person you love kisses you, gives you a hug and leads you to a kennel. They gingerly rub your back, tell you that everything is going to be okay, and say that they love you before they turn and walk away. They never come back. This is how Sasha was surrendered to the shelter.


Sox, Bebe, and Sasha arrived at our shelters incredibly shut down, fearful, and hesitant to go anywhere near people. Why should they trust these strangers if they can't even trust the people that said they loved them?

It's taken time, but Sox now looks forward to my daily visits in her kennel. She jumps into the air and attempts to lick my face to say hello. She looks forward to walks with volunteers and has come to love playing fetch with a KONG. She's submissive, very loving, and very eager to please you. Sox may be slow to trust, but can you blame her?

Bebe and I have slowly formed a bond with one another that I would hate to see end due to euthanasia and not a happy home. Although Bebe is still skittish with new people, she has begun to experience new things and places. I'm not certain how long Bebe was on her own as a stray, but I can imagine that building trust and relationships will be an ongoing process for her. But if she can warm to me with a few visits where I give her a warm blanket, a small bowl of food, and gentle scratches on her back -- I know that she has the potential to warm to others, as well.

Sasha is confused and scared and I don't blame her. She probably was thinking, "Where is my bed? Where are my toys? Where are my people?" when she was first surrendered. Upon our first meeting, Sasha wouldn't even let me in her kennel! But with a few short visits every day she eventually let me come inside to sit with her. She ate from my hand, let me pet her, and even let me take her outside. Sasha feels free outside and becomes the dog that she's supposed to be away from the shelter. When I took her to the play area, Sasha's personality truly shined! Playful, spunky, happy. This girl had a BLAST and when she tired she eagerly jumped into my lap and nuzzled her head into my arm pit.

These three dogs are not the first to arrive at our shelter shut down and frightened, nor are they the first slowly come out of that shut down state and become normal dogs. Sox, Bebe, and Sasha all are a work in progress - and work takes time. My only hope is that they can have that time at the shelter so they can find the loving, patient, wonderful homes they all deserve forever.

Within the next few days I hope to get some footage of these girls at their best.
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UPDATED FEBRUARY 4TH, 2010

Sasha is currently being fostered by none other than one of the shelter's favorite dog trainers: Kathy Kear. Kathy was nice enough to post some photos and comments on facebook for us.

Sasha is currently curled up on my living room floor after having spent all day on 3 pack walks. I am in love with this gentle soul and don't think I can take her back to the shelter.

Sasha- abandoned at shelter, so scared, shut down, abandoned. and I fell in love. she has been with me all day and she's here right now- curled up next to Madeline. at peace finally. please spread the word on this gentle soul. she is not going back to the shelter, but I can't keep her! needs forever home. free dog walks by me!

Sasha slept soundly all night , when I came out to greet her at 8 am- she had her paws crossed, politely waiting for me..chewing on a bone now with Benjamin, happy as a lark. This feels so good.

Funny Teddy

I was drawn to Teddy since day one. His piercing yellow eyes (a telling sign of his burning energy and enthusiasm) and happy character are too much to resist. This dog shows you how to have a good time, how to get out on a walk and just let loose. He’s not afraid of jumping in puddles, or of running free and wild through a grassy field. He helps you to forget all worries and to just be in the moment. Walking him after a stressful day at school, I imagine he would say to me “Just enjoy the view, each other’s company, and have fun for goodness sake.”

I have to admit, Teddy’s tongue is really fun to be licked with. He sends you into a laughing fit as he manages to lick every square inch of your face. I think he enjoys this “torture” too. If he’s not licking you, he’s trying to crawl into your lap, despite his big-boy size, which he sometimes fails to acknowledge.

You will never catch this dog without a smile on his face. Teddy teaches a valuable lesson of how to enjoy life and how to pull yourself out of a funk and enjoy the day. Teddy makes the most of his situation and does not fail to recognize and appreciate the loving workers and volunteers around him. To show his appreciation, Teddy often presses against my legs, nuzzles me with his head, and as we walk he looks up at me as if to ask “Are you having a good time too?” He is very considerate and aware of his walker.

I look forward every day to Teddy’s characteristic waddle, an endearing little strut that reveals his excitement and enthusiasm, and I wonder what adventure he’ll show me next. He is a true treasure; there is so much spunk and love packed into this doggy.

Submitted with love by BACS Volunteer Courtney S.

Lady

I was touched by an angel last week. Her name was Lady. From her physical and mental condition, it is clear that her life before the shelter was not a happy one. During her short stay with us, I did everything I could to help her feel loved, cared for, wanted.

My friend, Kangs took this dear girl, who looked as though she could barely walk, for a run. It was Lady’s idea. This girl who looked as though she couldn’t stand for longer than a few moments took me all the way around Aquatic Park. Three miles.

I gave her premium wet food. I bathed her to get rid of the remnants of the past that remained on her fur. I tucked her in with blankets fresh from the dryer to warm her worn body. I lay on her Kuranda with her, spoon fashion. I told her I loved her. She, who most likely never had the opportunity or inclination to bestow a kiss upon a human, gave me a kiss.

Thank you, my Lady. Thank you for reaching deep into my heart and making me feel what it is to love a dog so completely, even one who I’ve only just met; to love a dog who touches something in you so deeply that the connection is unquestionable, visceral, permanent. Permanent, though the body leaves this earth and I can no longer hold you and show you what tenderness is, something that should have infused your entire lifespan, not just the last week of it.

Rest in Peace my dear Lady. I will never forget you.

Higgins in his Happy Home

Over 6 months ago I met and fell in love with Higgins. For months I walked him every day, trained him every day, and loved him every day...it felt like Higgins belonged to me and that we were meant for each other. With each passing day I grew more and more attached to his goofy personality, his tenderness, and his joy. Until one day he was gone. In October, the East Bay SPCA chose Higgins and another shelter dog, Buffy, to transfer to their facility in Oakland. When I heard the news I immediately felt that I couldn't lose him.

And so began my frantic search for an apartment where I could live that would not only let me have a dog, but an American pit bull terrier. I checked newspapers, I checked craigslist, I made walk throughs near my neighborhood looking for available apartments and everywhere I turned I was constantly running into a dead end. While I continued looking for an apartment I went to visit Higgins in Oakland a few times a week to help him become adjusted there, just in case I couldn't adopt him the way I wanted to...I wanted his stay there to work out because I knew that Higgins would be noticed more at the SPCA than he was at the shelter. At the shelter, he is just one of many pit bulls. But at the SPCA he could have a real chance...But for whatever reason, Higgins didn't do well in that environment and sadly, Higgins and Buffy were brought back to the shelter 4 weeks later having been deemed "unadoptable".

When he returned to the shelter I thought, "This has to be a sign. Why would he come back if he's not meant to be with me?" I was determined to find a place to live. Weeks went by and still every option or possibility that I thought I had always fell short of the right match. All the while I continued to walk Higgins every day. I took him to Bad Rap class on Saturdays and I always gave him extra food to eat before our walks together.

I became incredibly depressed over the 3 months that I was looking for an apartment. I became consumed with finding a home where Higgins and I could be together and with each and every, "No - we don't accept pit bulls" or "No big dogs allowed" I began to break down. I was on the verge of tears most days -- I loved this dog and it killed me that I couldn't find a way to make it work. But all the while....I think deep down I knew that Higgins didn't belong with me, as much as I wanted him to.

3 days before my trip home (to visit for 3 weeks with my family in Maine) a family came in to look at some of the shelter dogs. All the while I'm introducing some of the dogs to this family, I was thinking, "This family is nothing short of fabulous. Large animal veterinarians that work in their 'at home clinic' on their 14 acres of land. They have previous pit bull experience, they already have another friendly dog, they have 2 teenage sons to play with whichever dog they adopt, horses, cows, sheep, and cats even! Not only do they have the perfect environment for a dog, but they are such nice, loving, genuine people." This family was interested in meeting Jody first, but after their visit with her they decided they wanted to meet Higgins, too.

And believe it or not....the first feeling I felt was relief. Why? Because I knew the moment that they met Higgins that they would love him as much as I did. I knew that once they met him that he would be the dog for them...and that they could give him the home that I couldn't. And they did love him. All it took was one short walk over to his favorite place: a nice private beach over the pedestrian bridge near the Marina. 1 hour with him and they knew that he was the one. And although my head was telling me, "Yes, this is wonderful. Higgins will have a home, a real home!" my heart was breaking that he would never be mine.

Christmas Eve (only 2 days after I had left Berkeley) I got the call: Higgins had been adopted. And I hadn't had the chance to say goodbye. That night I cried myself to sleep -- both tears of joy...and tears of sadness. Joy that Higgins no longer had to be kept in a cage. Joy that he would have a dog to play with every day. Joy that he'd live on a farm where he could run off-leash, like he couldn't at Pt. Isabel that day we took a field trip together. Sad because I wouldn't get to see him grow from the goofy puppy that he was, into the wonderful family dog he was going to be. Sad that I felt like I was losing a dear friend. Heart broken that over time, he wouldn't remember me - but I would never forget him.

And imagine my surprise when I returned to the shelter to find an email waiting for me:

"Well, so far so good. He has definitely calmed down since he has been with us, in fact he is snoozing in his bed next to my desk as I am typing this. We are taking things slowly as far as introducing him to our cats (for our cats sake) but he and our corgi, Ruby, are doing fine so far. Rudy doesn't want to play as much as Higgins would like so we take up the slack and make sure he gets plenty of playtime. You can't help but smile and giggle at him when he plays, but obviously you know that. We have already had our first outing to the beach and he did great! We will definitely continue with training classes, but mostly he has been a gentleman. You do a great job there. It amazes me that a dog who grew up in a kennel environment is proving to be such a great, well behaved and happy companion. Thank you...Please know how much we love him already and that you are more than welcome to visit at any time." - Jean H. (Higgins's new mom)

That weekend I called Jean and planned a time to come up and see Higgins. And that's where I was today.

My boyfriend Derek came along with me to keep me company for the hour long drive to Petaluma. After a few long country roads, we pulled into the long driveway and made our way to Higgins' forever home. When we stepped out of the Zipcar, the first thing we noticed was how quiet it was. Jean's husband Mark came out from around the corner, introduced himself and called Higgins for us.


From the distance I saw a small red and white blob making it's way (very fast, I might add) up the drive way. Higgins stopped suddenly at the top of hill and looked in my direction. And as if no time had passed at all, Higgins literally bounded toward me and leaped into my arms licking my neck and face.

He did remember me! He did! And not only did he remember me, but he missed me, too.

I couldn't stop the silent tears that streamed down my face as he nuzzled his muzzle into my neck and snorted with glee. Immediately Higgins ran for a tennis ball: fetch, his favorite activity. Jean handed me the ball thrower and said, "He's all yours."

Derek and I played, cuddled, snuggled, and fawned over Higgins for an hour...and by the end of our trip I knew that I couldn't have imagined a greater home for the world's greatest dog, my Higgins.

Rudy Can't Fail

UPDATED JANUARY 31, 2010:

Rudy was put to death yesterday morning due to lack of space. As were young exuberant dog, Will, and the sweet, gentle older girl, Lady. RIP.

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The last 2 weeks or so I've been spending some time with one of the many shelter dogs. His name is Rudy. The first time I'd ever met Rudy was during his temperament test, which he didn't do terribly at (after all he hadn't been outside for a walk in 4 days by the afternoon that we tested him...), but he didn't pass with flying colors either. There's no denying it - Rudy is a bit of a handful. He's strong, as most pitties are, and through no fault of his own has not received a single ounce of training.

But over the course of the past 2 weeks, I've taken a real liking to Rudy...Yes, I know I've mentioned that I have a big soft spot for the more "difficult dogs"...But, on a different level, I find myself really drawn to Rudy. He is SO excited to see me when I walk to his kennel, he'll lean into the kennel door to let me scratch his neck. He's stubborn. I like that in a creature. I like that I have to work with him, because when he does "sit" or "stay" or "drop it" (which he eventually does with some persuasion, AKA yummy treats), it's like a high for me. I've said it before on this blog and I'll say it again -- I believe that there is nothing in this life that's worth having that comes easy. What would be the point? Why would it be so special to us if we didn't have to work for it? This is how I feel about my relationship with dogs....I like working at it. I like meeting a dog that needs guidance. I like giving the dog that guidance that he so desperately craves, because not only does it make him a happier dog, but it makes me happy, too.

Does being stubborn or exuberant make Rudy a bad dog? No, of course not. It means that he was a dog that needed guidance, guidance which his bad owner failed to give him. That's right, I'm saying it. If Rudy's former owners stumble across this blog - SO BE IT. I'll say it again. Bad. Owner. Through my several months of volunteering at the shelter, if there is one thing that baffles me time and time again it's this: Why get a dog if you're not willing to be the leader that it needs? Why get a dog if you're not able to guide it the way it needs? Why bother?

Owning a dog is a big responsibility - like having a child. You can't abandon your child, so why should you be allowed to abandon your dog? Because he's misbehaving? Hello, I did that, too - I must have drove both my parents crazy. Dogs go through "phases" just like children do. And not surprisingly, the majority of the dogs that wind up in the shelter are in that dreaded "teenage" phase. They're not little puppies anymore, but they're not fully grown yet either. They're too big to do the cute puppy acts without getting in trouble - but they're still so cute that owners have difficulty being firm with them. This is the phase that Rudy is in. And like any teenager - he needs boundaries, a strong leader to set them, and plenty of t-l-c along the way to reassure him.

Unfortunately time is running out for Rudy. As you read in my last post the shelter is at full capacity. There are too many homeless animals and just not enough homes. It's about space. There's not enough room to keep every dog that comes into the shelter - and the shelter staff have to make a choice, who will stay and who will go? The more difficult dogs, the elderly, and the dogs with ailments are sadly on the list.

Now I know these things aren't pleasant to read about. You perhaps come to the BACS volunteer blog to read about dogs playing together, about happy adoption stories, and to read about some of the volunteer favorites at the shelter. But this is the darker reality of the shelter that needs to be known. The fact is that not every dog has a happy ending...the fact is that right now a number of these difficult, elderly, or sick dogs are going to spend the last of their days in the Berkeley Shelter.

Since I've been working with Rudy, every day I'll come home from work and tell my partner, Derek, about my day.

"What dogs did you walk today?" He'll say.
"The ones that didn't get walked yesterday." I'll reply. It changes every day...but lately I've been saying, "I walked Rudy today." And every time I mention Rudy's name, Derek will sing the lyrics from The Clash song "Rudie can't fail". I don't know why he does this...Derek is somewhat odd and unique (I like that in creatures, too).

I guess the point of this post is that I disagree with Derek. Rudy can fail. And unfortunately, he will.

"But some days are hard, like a soldier's steel-toed boots"

We've all felt the affects of the dwindling economy in some way or another. Whether it's riding your bike to work to save on gas money, losing your job, packing your own lunch instead of going out with colleagues, losing your house, or even clipping and saving more coupons than you've used in your entire life. Whatever you're experiencing right now, trust me - someone else in the country is dealing with it, too; and then some.

Every night on the news or on my favorite alternative news websites, I hear or read about people from all walks of life that are struggling. The people that speak about their pain, humiliation, suffering, and never ending battles don't realize how lucky they are that they can speak for themselves; that they can ask for help and let others know that they are in need. But what about the other victims of our economic recession? What about the creatures that can't speak for themselves, but so desperately deserve attention to their needs?

One year ago, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals estimated that up to 1 million cats and dogs nationwide "are at risk of becoming homeless as a result of the continuing economic downturn."¹ In 2008, the Berkeley shelter took in 25% more animals than they did in 2007 - and that margin has grown significantly since then.

Some of you may remember the "Recession Pets" video that was posted on the BACS-Doggie blog this past August. With each day, more cats and dogs arrive at the shelter with nowhere else to go. At this moment, every dog kennel at BACS is full; as are 3 of the 6 'night drop boxes'. In fact, the shelter is so full that for the first time in several years, Berkeley Animal Care Services - with the lowest euthanasia rate in the state of California - is preparing to put dogs to death to create more space for the never ending number of homeless dogs that make their way into their kennels.

Approximately 4,132,231 cats and dogs are euthanized in shelters each year in the United States alone. ² Are we really a society full of people that love, care for and provide for a helpless creature only to abandon it years later at the city shelter? Are we truly capable of abandoning something that we've committed to being responsible for? Times are tough - but are they really that tough? Not only are people abandoning their pets left and right to stay afloat, but some are going as far to actually breeding more dogs to sell to make extra money! If you stop by the "pets" category on Craigslist - you'll find an endless number of dogs being "rehomed" for a "Reasonable fee" of $200, $300, or $400.

For the life of me, I can't comprehend how people seem to have no empathy for other living creatures. If you are like me and want to help to stop this MADNESS, here are a few things you can do right NOW to help:

Foster. Foster homes are desperately needed for our shelter dogs. The staff at BACS don't want to euthanize any healthy, adoptable dog - or any senior dogs - or any dogs that need "some training". They don't want to do it at all! But due to the current state of things, they have no other options. You want to make a difference right now? Foster a dog and I promise you that you will be saving a life. By fostering one shelter dog, you will in essence prevent another dog from being put to death to make space available.

Donate. Donate money to rescue organizations that are willing to work with the Berkeley Shelter and transfer dogs into their organization. By donating money to various Bay Area rescue organizations you will not only be promoting their rescue, but you'll provide the necessary funds to help save more lives.

Right now are you thinking, "But what can I do for the future so this doesn't happen again?"

You can donate money to the Berkeley Animal Welfare Fund to help build the new Berkeley Shelter. This shelter will be a larger, safer, and more comfortable environment for the homeless animals that will inevitable make their way there. By donating money to BAWF, you'll help the construction and design of this building. (The demolition of the previous site just started this afternoon!!!)

You can donate to various Spay and Neuter "programs" to help raise awareness and availability to Bay Area citizens. Help promote the cause! What a better way to start than by getting your own pets spayed or neutered! Are you a Berkeley resident? Get a voucher!

Every dog deserves a second chance at a better life with a person, couple, or loving family that will care for it until the end of it's days. Help our shelter dogs!

What happened to Eddie?

Dear sweet, sweet Eddie! What's not to love about this fun, playful, cuddly, charming gentleman? Eddie arrived at the Berkeley Shelter in August and quickly became a volunteer favorite. With his good looks, people oriented personality, and sweet temperament, volunteers were sure that Eddie would be scooped up right away. Sadly, month after month, Eddie remained at the shelter waiting for his forever home.

A few weeks ago, Eddie was moved into a much coveted foster home and is now living with a doggy sibling, a kitty, and 2 great foster parents who will love and care for him until Eddie's forever family comes along.

Want to read more about Eddie and his adventures in foster care? Then visit Eddie's very own blog!

Bad Rap with Albert - Session 1

I was able to head back to Bad Rap class on Sunday, this time with an eager young mind in tow. After discussion with Amelia, Sam, and Pam, we decided that it would be best for me to take:


Albert

Albert is one of our longer-term guests at the Chateau Le BACS. He’s a very friendly guy, and he’s not out of control but he’s definitely got a surplus of energy. He’s one of the dogs that likes to catapult himself to the ceiling when people walk down the aisle – not the best first impression for potential adopters. He’s also unfocused on walks (or as the Bad Rap instructor told me, “He’s focused, he’s just not focused on you.”)

I hitched up Albert and off to class we went. There was a much bigger group this week, and we divided into three smaller classes. Our group included BACS dogs Raulon and Lyle with their volunteers. The instructor sensed that both Albert and I were new. I didn’t even have his collar on correctly. I also needed basic tips on how to hold the leash and where to stand. Other dogs were attentively following the leads of their human companions, but it was all I could do to get Albert not to stare at the two cats playing on the side of the hill. I was worried we were both going to get demerits on day 1.

I spent the first half of class giving Albert treat after treat as a reward just for looking at me. But as the class progressed, I received more tips from the instructor and became more consistent at leading Albert through the drills, and he started to respond. We’re nowhere near the dean’s list, but we were much improved by the end of the class.

Afterwards I figured Albert deserved a break after his first day of drilling, so I took him to the play area to relax. In between his 23 urination breaks, we discussed our goals for the class. He’d like to show up Avea by becoming the next BACS Shelter Star, so we’re going to work towards that end. Unfortunately I’m probably only going to be able to work with Albert on weekends, but he’s a smart young guy and I’m sure we’ll make progress.

Thanks to the other volunteers for taking dogs to the class! In addition to Raulon and Lyle, I saw Yvonne there. There were probably others as well. Look for future Albert updates from Bad Rap class.