Her name is Emmersyn. Emme for short. The boyfriend often calls her Emmers. And my non-public nickname for her, the name that she would be so embarrassed if she knew I was telling you, that nickname is McMuffin. She is My McMuffin. The My being very possessive. There’s a story behind the nickname but because I’m sure that Emmersyn would prefer that we all just forget that I told you her nickname I won’t tell you the story. Instead I’ll tell you why I am head over heals in love with this dog.

Why do I love this dog?

First and foremost I love her gentle nature, sweet personality and calm presence. Emmersyn makes it impossible for us not to take her with us whenever we can. Trips to Lowe’s, softball games, the Farmer’s Market and Emme’s favorite trip of all – trips to get ice cream, complete with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for the dog that very quickly becomes a slobbery fool in anticipation.

I love Emmersyn’s sweetness. The way she loves people. The way she lights up and radiates when she is around people. Emme is totally in her element when she is out in public, when there are people to meet and attention and love to be had. I love, love, love the way that people love her right back and the wonderful example that her big blockhead and personality are setting for her breed.

Why do I love this dog?

I love her playful nature. Emmersyn is a puppy in an adult body but without all of the work of the puppy – no potty training needed, no puppy energy but still the puppy spirit and goofiness.

This is a dog that will throw toys up in the air to herself. A dog that when taken swimming will slap the water with her big ol’ paw and then cock her head to the side in order to catch the water splashes in her mouth…how could you not love that?

Why do I love this dog?

I love the bit of independence that she has, the way that she’ll cuddle for a bit and then move on to her own space. A lapdog Emmersyn is not. She wants love and attention but then she’s also content with her own space bubble. Her independent spirit is very endearing or maybe it’s just that she reminds me of someone I know.

Why do I love this dog?

I love her perpetual happiness. She has the biggest joker grin that she wears all the time for no special reason. To best describe her is to say that she is happy go lucky. She carries no baggage with her and finds joy in all of her life. Emme is a happy girl and who doesn’t love a happy girl?

How much do I love this dog?

I love her all the way. That’s what we say in our house – love all the way. We love in spite of quirks, in spite of imperfections, we love totally, completely and unconditionally. If you’re going to love a dog what’s the point of loving any other way? But the truth is that Emme is really not that difficult to love, in fact as I’ve listed above, she makes it very easy.

Here’s the catch though - I love Emmersyn all the way but she’s not mine. Well she is mine, she is my foster dog, but she’s not technically and officially mine.  Every time that any interest is expressed in Emme it brings tears to my eyes, enough tears to once force me to leave my desk and go sit in my Jeep in the parking lot at work while I collected myself. It’s not that I want to keep her, it’s that I don’t want to let her go. And yes, there really and truly is a difference between the two.

So what will it take to let Emmersyn go? Perfection, or at least as close to perfection as can be found.  What is perfection, what does perfection mean? Check out here to find out.

I love that Emmersyn not only has my arms wrapped around her but that she has the whole of ARLP looking out for her best. That’s what I want for a dog who is so easy to love, an angel dog as she once was called, a dog that truly deserves so much more.

And when she does find perfection she’ll break my heart in both sadness and happiness as can only be done when one loves a foster dog the way that I love Emmersyn.

Our dear animal control: BAC, SPAC, and MACC,
It means so much that you’ve got our back!
Few could endure your thankless trials,
Your payment comes in pit bull smiles.

(Luna, adopted January 2010, former MACC resident)

And let’s give a hand to our beloved dog docs,
Camden and Blackberry, you guys simply ROCK!
From their heads to their knees,
(And those pesky allergies),
You carefully tend to our fine furry flock.

(Albert, adopted in April 2010 after successfully being treated for Parvo)

To the artists that make our dogs look our best,
You are deserving of an ARLP love fest!
Thanks to Sarah, Tara, Bill, and more,
Your talents make our dogs even easier to adore.

(Cedric helping out with an ARLP dog safety class, Photo by Tara Engle Photography)

To the Humane Society in the Valley so Golden,
For your low-cost spays and neuters we’re completely beholden!

(Bailee, currently available for adoption. Photo by Laura M.)

Last but not least, a shout out to PetSmart.
Adoption days, donations!  You’ve got so much heart.

(Maggie Moon hanging out at a recent PetSmart/ARLP adoption day. Photo by Paige.)

They say it takes a village for a child to be raised,
But it takes just as many to give hope to our strays.
An end to their strife,
A much better life,
We hope you’ll accept our sincerest of praise.

(Dante, soon to be available for adoption. Photo by Paige).

And just in case our poetry doesn’t suffice, here’s a few words of gratitude that we think you’ll find nice.

(Testimonials from ARLP volunteers, fosters, and adopters):

“I went to SPAC once to help out with Bishop, whom the staff there clearly loved. I can’t imagine the tough job the people there have, caring for dogs who they will likely also help send to the rainbow bridge. What a tough, thankless job, and I am so glad they do what they do.”

“I cannot say enough about Dr. Rahimi and all her staff at Blackberry. They’ve been great with all my fosters. I know several folks here on the forum continue to use Blackberry as their vet for their pets after adoption, which is yet another testament to how wonderful the group has been to us as a rescue, and to us as clients.”

“Petsmart welcomes us with open arms and lots of treats, every time we’re there. If only the staff could adopt every foster they skritch and hug…we wouldn’t have any dogs left in the program!”

“Plymouth PetSmart has always been very good to us. Their employees have told me many times they love when our group visits. They go out of their way to offer us various food donations etc. On one trip they asked if we wanted some food to which we replied yes and the next they had had a forklift bringing up a pallet of food that filled the back of Amy’s truck.”

Over a year ago, Camden Pet Hospital took in Yuma, who would have been put down in some other places because they do not have the capacity to deal with the mange he had. They also took care of his cut foot and happy tail. They gave him a chance that he might not have gotten otherwise and we are eternally grateful!”

Haley enjoying her ice cream cake!

07-08-09 sounds like a young child practicing its counting, instead of a date. It’s an important date in the pit bull rescue community. July 8th of 2009 marked the date of a multi-state raid that netted over 500 dogs and 26 arrests–the largest dog fighting ring bust, in US history.

There are lots of news stories of heroism where those officials taking part in the raid recognized many of the dogs welcomed their saviors, shoving aside the insulting living conditions, abhorrent human behavior they’d previously experienced, and showed their pittie roots by grinning their greetings and wagging their tails. There are plenty of horrific pictures showing the results of abuse, neglect, starvation, and fights. On this anniversary, I would like to celebrate the dogs and the heroes who liberated the dogs, by showing where the ARLP Fight Bust dogs are today.

On July 8, 2010 we celebrated with Josie, Maverick, and Haley. The celebration was coordinated by Rachel Anderson, current President of A Rotta Love Plus.

Josie was adopted by Sara and Andrew on February 14, 2010. She’s already passed the Canine Good Citizen test, and is working towards becoming a therapy dog. When not showing off her shape-shifting-melt-into-you skills, Josie enjoys her 4 legged brother, her large yard with its new fence, and lots of quality time basking in the sun.

Haley (pictured at the top) remains in foster care with Amy and Larry. She had surgery to repair a luxated Patella on Feb. 5, 2010. With lots of care and support, she spent the next several months recovering, while learning how to be a young dog in a safe environment. Fully recovered now, Haley has lost much of her camera shyness, and eagerly awaits her forever home.

Maverick remains in “foster care” with Mike and his family and two other dogs including Catherine, an ARLP alum. Maverick has had some health issues as well, though he looks great now, and it is rumored he has a Forever Home!! There is much hope that his adoption will become final very soon.

We had a really great evening eating some great food from the grill, watching the guest stars open their anniversary presents, and laughing at the way they devoured their cake. All of this fun, as well as the good will spread by these charming dogs, was made possible by the brave law enforcement and legal community involved in the 07-08-09 Fight Bust. Thank you to the officials who have continued building the new view of fight dogs as victims, not simply evidence awaiting destruction at the end of a court case. Thank you to all the volunteer and support staff, and everyone else who had a hand in caring for, transporting, communicating (blogging, tweeting, calling, emailing), and otherwise helping the dogs, and their cause.

Happy Freedom Day, to Josie, Haley, Maverick, and all the other 07-08-09 Fight Bust Dogs.

Maggie Moon

Moon moon maggie moon
A family is out there just
Waiting to love you

Well my foster momma says that I have gotten her feeling all poetic so she broke out a haiku in my honor. Not so sure what a haiku is but she tells me it isn’t something I can eat so I am not too interested. On the other hand she keeps telling me I am one smart cookie – and I love cookies.

It’s been a while since I last blogged – hmm that sounds a lot like dog – dog, blog, fog, hog, …opps where was I – hee hee foster momma says I am easily distracted! Anyway life has been pretty fantastic lately. Ever since the lovely ladies pulled me off the mean streets I have been livin’ the good life with my foster momma and the rest of the gang at that Black Dog Lodge. I have figured out my place in the pack, take lots of walks, wrestle and play with my foster sister, get yummy meals and even yummier treats and I even have this super, fun guy called my training buddy who brings me to a really fun place where I get to practice all of the tricks I am learning. So things are looking up for me.

A few things you should know about me. I learn things really fast and that I love to please my people. I still get really excited around new folks but I am working hard on my manners and to try not to whip them with my tail. It is just so hard – I love meeting new people so much that I can’t seem to stop wiggling my cute little polka-dotted butt. Oh I also get excited around new dogs too – but with slow introductions I do just fine. Also I met my first cat and a couple of gerbils recently and it was fantastic – all of us got along just great.

I am a happy-to- know you kind of dog who loves to smile all of the time. I have most of the basics down -house and crate training, sit, down and come. I love to play- fetch, tug, chase – I love it all. With my build and my athletic ability I would love to try my hand at some doggie sports – disc or agility would be sooo fun. Mom says I’m like living with Tigger sometimes – boing, boing, boing – I love to bounce and pounce. If sports aren’t your thing that’s cool, I would also dig being someones running partner or even take long walks in the park, I’m pretty flexible…..oh and did I say dig – yup I should let you know – I love the dirt!

Anyway don’t get me wrong here – while it is great at my foster home – I really would love to meet my forever family. I am still a puppy and these are some pretty fun times. I would like to share them with those ”special someones” my foster mom promises are out there looking for me. I don’t know where they are looking – cause I am right here! Hurry up already and come get me – I have a lot of love to share. Anyway she says it is only a matter of time before I melt someones heart. One flash of my pearly whites (and boy oh boy do I love to smile these days) and a glance from my “love me please” eyes make me almost impossible to resist. So I will say it again – hurry up already and come find me! I am hard to miss – I am the beautiful, goofy girl with the huge heart waiting for you .

Dear Love of My Life,

Where are you? It’s been four years, and I’m still waiting.

Don’t get me wrong, I like my foster family an awful lot. I have doggie brothers and sisters, kitties to play with, and even birds! Birds are weird. And my Foster Dad plays tug-o-war with me until his arms are ready to fall off. He lets me up on the furniture, too, even though Foster Mom says it’s bad. Foster Mom is nice, too. She taught me “clicker training.” Clicker training is where there’s a click, and then I get a treat! Well, I have to do something to get a click, but the click and the treat are the important part. My favorite is cheese. I know lots of ways to get clicked: I can “sit” and “down” and “shake” and “ask nice” and “roll over” and “not-walk-like-a-lunatic.” I even let Foster Mom trim my toe nails so long as there are clicks involved.

So it’s not all bad here. But I can’t wait to come live with you, Love of My Life. I hope we can go for lots of walks. And car rides. I love car rides, ‘specially when I get to meet new people and dogs. Sometimes, I get so excited to meet other dogs that I make a gosh-darn fool of myself, but I promise I’ll try to be good if you’ll help me. Foster Mom says I have courage for brains, and it must be true because if you’re looking for someone to run into burning buildings and rescue small children, I’m your girl. I’d like to have a job to do, like maybe those drug dogs on TV, or even rally or tracking like the other dogs here. (I wonder – do you have dogs already? I’d love to have a real brother or sister.) I might even eat a burglar for you . . . well, probably not because you never know who might have cheese. But I’ll try to look really intimidating until the burglar offers me belly scratches, okay? I also like to swim and to jog and to lay in the sun and do nothing at all. Please can you come get me so we can do everything and nothing together?

Faithfully Yours,

Bailee

Photo by Tara Engle Photography

Winston

Winston Needs a Home!!

Hi all………….Albert here! You may or not know this, but I am adopted. My sister is adopted too! Now we need to find a home for Winston, he needs to be adopted too. Winston spent the weekend at my house while his foster dad was on vacation and he is my new BFF! This is one cool dude, just like me, if I must say. I think that I am going to make it my personal mission to find him a forever home.

Gesh this dog can run fast. I tried really hard to keep up, but there is no way. But he wrestles really good and sometimes he lets me win! He is really funny because he doesn’t understand “Albert talk” as my mom puts it. He kinda backs away and looks at me funny, but then he starts playing again so he must understand some! Oh ya, we were wrestling the other day and he play bowed to me and I jumped at him at the same time he stood up and my butt ended up on his back with my back legs over him. My mom laughed really hard, it must have been funny. He likes the flowers in my backyard too – he smells them just like I do! Must be a cool dude thing, right?

Last night my mom was sitting on the floor and I was tired, so I snuggled in her lap for a nap. That Winston came right up to us, schmooshed me out of her lap and sat down. Being the cool dude that I am, I really didn’t care much, I just snuggled in next to her. See, he loves to snuggle too, must be a cool dude thing, right?

Oh ya, he let me share a water bowl with him too! Just imagine two adorable pitties drinking out of the same bowl at the same time. Just because we are cool dudes, doesn’t mean that we can’t be cute too, right?

Now, my point is someone out there adopt him. I guarantee that he gives excellent snuggles and kisses (just ask my mom!)…….hey, just like me! Must be a cool dude thing, right?

I have to go nap now.

Albert

Okay, now that I am able to get Albert away from the computer, it is my turn to give you the low down on this adorable, huggable, handsome, sweet, loving guy. I am in L.O.V.E. He has excellent house manners and he does give excellent kisses and loves hugs! He walks well on a leash, he waits for his food, he waits at the door to go out and has the very good doggy manners that every good doggie should have! He also has decent recall. He does loves people and kids, but can feel overwhelmed at times, he shakes which is a sure sign he needs some “alone time”. He just needs to be removed from the situation and he is just fine. He is good with cats, my big fat cat just laid around (he has thrown in the towel and doesn’t even run when a new dog comes into the home any more, different story, different day, we need to get Winston adopted here!) where ever big fat cats lay and Winston would just go past him or sniff him and all was good.

And handsome, this is one handsome pup. All you have to do is look into those deep dark brown eyes and you too will be in love with this boy. It is hard to tell where his eyes begin and his color begins, his eyes and coat are the same color, really dark brown…..ahhhhh……it’s love for sure.

So – the bottom line is – ADOPT WINSTON!!! You are on our website, so all you have to do is fill out an adoption application and submitt it. It’s pretty easy breezy! As Albert said – he is one cool dude – and anyone who adopts this guy is one lucky dude (or dudette)!!

Laural – Albert’s mom

To illuminate some of ARLP’s specific education and therapy activities, we will begin to feature them in a series of blog posts.  If you are part of a Twin Cities’ community organization or school that has interest in any of the activities highlighted on our blog or website, please contact our Education Director, Kellie Dillner (education@arottalove.org.)

A Comparative Anatomy teacher at Edina High School recently contacted ARLP to request that we give a presentation on animal rescue, and Tiffany Huebner (who founded A Rotta Love in 1997 before going on to start the highly successful training school Dogue Style & Dogue Spot) gladly stepped in to teach four high school classes with the help of her dogs Mabel (French Bulldog), Kilo (Rottweiler), and Sally (pit bull and former bust dog).

Tiffany presented to the students a history of her life in animal rescue and training, general tips about dog behavior, and facts about the Rottweiler and pit bull breeds.  Along the way, Tiffany also set the record straight on a few myths that many hold about Rottweilers, pit bulls, and dogs in general:

Pit bulls and Rottweilers were bred to be guard dogs. On the contrary, pit bulls were originally bred to hunt wild boars, and Rottweilers were bred to be herding dogs.  Pit bulls and Rottweilers “make the worst guard dogs ever” due to their affectionate manner toward humans, she told the students.  Tiffany reminded the class that these breeds are happiest when given a “job” to do and are not meant to lead low-activity lives.  She encouraged the students to get their dogs — regardless of the breed — involved in obedience, agility, and other classes to engage the dogs both physically and mentally.

Don’t play tug of war with your dog; it will encourage its prey drive. Not true, Tiffany told the class; in fact, tug of war is a great game to play with your dog.  Not only does it encourage them to pay attention to you by facing your direction while playing (as opposed to running away from you, as in fetch), but it teaches them how to use their mouths correctly so that their teeth can learn the all-important distinction between toys and hands.

You should never discipline your dog. Tiffany asserted that instead, a combination of consistent praise and fair correction are needed for a balanced, well-behaved dog.  As she states on the Dogue Spot website, “Leaders are fun, fair, provide direction and with that direction comes reinforcement and correction.  Bad behaviors are corrected and good behaviors are rewarded.  Just like we have rules, dogs must have rules too.”

Tiffany’s engaging speaking style (along with her dogs’ playful antics) captivated the students’ attention, who left their classroom that day armed with the knowledge of how to be a strong and fair leader to their dogs, and with a new image of the breeds served by ARLP.

Blog post written by ARLP volunteer Laura M.

When I was in second grade, my parents decided I could get a pet of my very own. I don’t know who chose a parakeet, but once we settled on a species, there was still a lot of work to be done. We bought books, researched on the internet, and spoke to breeders and owners. We carefully picked out an enormous cage, proper food and perches and a well-recommended vet, all before picking up my new buddy. Of course, once Fred came home with us, there was still more work to be done. I spent hours taming and training him with my parents’ encouragement. His meager vet bills came out of my meager allowance. As a result, there were few surprises for us as new parakeet owners, and Fred turned into a lovely, sweet companion. Unfortunately, not every child has parents who go to such depths to ensure responsible pet ownership in their children. These children eventually grow up, sometimes they become pet owners, sometimes they become law makers, and always they are at least exposed to other people’s pets. How they react to the animals around them depends largely on the experiences they’ve had. To put it in cliché terms, people fear what they do not understand. It’s a mantra responsible pit bull and rottweiler owners have a personal stake in.

A large part of what A Rotta Love Plus does is education. Knowing first hand the value of such an education – and what happens when it isn’t there – I became a volunteer for ARLP’s education program. “What is this?” you ask (right after gosh, woman, don’t you ever sleep?). The majority of ARLP’s educational programs revolve around dog bite awareness and prevention. The CDC estimates that there are about 4.7 million dog bites per year. About half of the victims of dog bites are children, usually between the ages of five to nine years old. ARLP believes that the best way to prevent dog bites is through education, and in the spirit of learning, we have developed a program to teach children the “dos and don’ts of dog safety.” Included in the program is what to do if approached by a stray dog, how to greet a dog, and a little on proper dog care. As a bonus, the kids get to try out their new skills and knowledge on real live dogs! ARLP volunteers bring along their Canine Good Citizen certified dogs so that children can see these “dangerous breeds” up close and personal – and hopefully, they can come to love them as we do.

ARLP brings the dogs to a variety of locations for the dog bite prevention program. Usually we go into schools, but we’ll go anywhere we’re welcome. One of my most memorable events was at the Cottage Grove Safety Camp last year. Aimee, Jerry, and I (and Piper Ann and Missy) spent all morning teaching eight to eleven year old’s the basics of dog safety. The camp location about two miles from my house and on the route I normally take for our daily walks. While walked the dogs the day after we presented, I was ambushed by a pack of about forty school-aged children! I’ll tell you what, though – every single one of the kids remembered to ask if they could pet the dogs, where to pet them, and what Piper Ann’s name was. It was incredible to have first-hand evidence of the impact we were making on the future.

One of the aspects I love about the program is it’s versatility. When a group requests certain information, we try our hardest to deliver. This spring, ARLP will be finishing up a year-long program with Barack and Michelle Obama Service Learning Elementary School, where we’ve cover topics from bite prevention to training to dog fighting to empathy and compassion. Over the winter, Lara, Rachel, and I (and Jana and Maus) spoke to the leadership at Chuck and Don’s, a local pet supply store chain, on dog behavior and body language. And lets not forget the informational booth that ARLP sets up at events like the Pet Expo, Minnesota Renaissance Festival, and Gay Pride Festival.

Now, I love showing off my dogs, and I’m convinced of the importance of ARLP’s education program, but I’m not a big fan of teaching. I just don’t like being in front of all those people. But a few months ago, I was asked to teach the program to a group of developmentally disabled adults, and since I have a special place in my heart for people with these issues, I agreed. It was my single, most memorable, and favorite program to date. The group’s buoyant enthusiasm and cheer was delightful, and we – teachers, handlers, students and dogs alike – were having a grand ol’ time. I was wrapping things up, asking the group questions about what they had learned that night.

“What should you do if a strange dog comes up to you?” I asked.

A young woman in the front row raised her hand and waved violently. “I know, I know!”

I called on her.

“You scream and run away -” She stopped and her eyes got big as she thought about what she was saying. The room fell silent.

“You stand still like a TREEEE!!!!!!” She screamed in triumph, and the whole group, all thirty of us, broking into cheers, clapping wildly. Her grin was so bright it could have blinded jet pilots.

There’s a saying that you never really learn something until you’ve taught it, and I’m afraid I’ve learned more in the ARLP education program than I have taught. Some of my new knowledge is practical. For example, I now know to always bring a drool rag and carpet cleaner when I take Piper Ann to events. I also know to watch pit bulls very carefully at the Science Museum because fossilized dinosaur bones look an awfully lot like the Best Dog Treat Ever, and they’re really hard to sneak out the door with. I know that people can’t be blamed for ignorance if there is no one willing to teach them. And I know that the moment of understanding, when the light of understanding comes into a person’s eyes and their eyes have been opened to a new idea  – there is nothing quite as wonderful as that. It is the moment when all things are changed, and the future is made better for dogs and the people who love them.

ARLP makes a commitment to each and every one of them the moment we take them into our program. It is just what we do.

It is never our intention to hurt or anger people when we turn down their application for adoption. But inevitably it happens. You find yourself feeling like a politician, “How can I spin this to be a win win?”. Sometimes everything looks great on paper and in email but when the initial meeting takes place you get this nagging sensation in your belly. You look at the foster parent and ask with your eyes, “Are you feeling what I am feeling?”.

When you have done rescue long enough you just start to “know” things. Because cycles, in their infinite journey to stay on track and continually complete themselves, repeat themselves over and over and over again. So you see the potential for this or for that because you have seen it before.

So you suss out each potential adopter. Do they SEE the dog? I mean really SEE the dog. Sometimes excitement clouds reality. We get it. Totally.

Is this particular pit bull (or Rottie) the best fit for their household? If not but we like the applicant we will suggest another dog in our program.

If the potential adopter currently has a dog we look at that dog. A resident dog is a pretty good indication of what kind of canine human dynamic is at play. We look at their house, their yard, and meet their family. We stalk them on the internet. We are dedicated, and yes probably a little crazy.

Bully or Rottweiler experience is not a must but a willingness to learn and do your part for the breed is. See, ARLP is more than a rescue, we want to change the reality that is currently at large with regard to pit bulls (and the Rotties) not just place dogs. We don’t move ‘em in to move ‘em out, if you know what I mean.

We know that all hearts are in the right place. The trouble is that ever since some light was shed upon the abuses these dogs have faced and the press has gotten their hands on them, pit bulls and their glorious little faces have been thrust “out there”. That is great, DO NOT GET ME WRONG. We need more advocates for this breed! We need the public’s perception of them to change. We need them to be given a chance to prove the BS wrong.

BUT, (yes but), feeling sorry for the breed is not a good enough reason to bring one into your home. Anytime an individual is thinking about bringing a dog into their life they should do their research and find the breed that suits not only their personality but their lifestyle. Pit bulls are not for everyone. Of course neither are Rottweilers, Cocker Spaniels or Border Collies.

To be a great bully owner (or owner of any dog for that matter) you need to train your dog OUTSIDE OF YOUR HOME. I can’t stress enough that a dog whose training has occurred only in the home environment will not automatically transfer that behavior outside of the home. Imagine being stuck in your home zone basically 247 and then, suddenly, you are at Pet’ smart or the park. Can you say PARTY people? And some, from what I have seen, party hard.

We get push back from people looking to adopt from us on our training requirement. So we listened. Hmmm, we wondered, how can we make this easier, how can we make it more attractive? So we developed a training program we could offer free to our adopters for the life of their dog. A fantastic deal! We also bend over backwards to support our adopters post adoption. We want to set everyone up for success. If a placement does not work out we want our dog back. As I said we have made a commitment to that dog and that does not end when they have been adopted.

You foster for ARLP you get the same commitment to training and support an adopter does. We want your foster to be the best and most adoptable dog that they can be.

Ok, so our application is a little long. Well – so is the duration of this commitment you are about to make. The time you will need to invest in this new sentient being you are bringing into your home. The process is cumbersome? Well, perhaps it is but imagine the time and energy we as volunteers, each having our own full time jobs and personal dogs, spend adhering to our processes for each dog that moves through our rescue. If we are willing to make the investment we do into your potential dog shouldn’t you?

We have an entire breed’s well being at stake and we take that a little seriously.

So if we seem to put people through their paces we want them to understand. We are every bit as excited about the possibility of placing one of our dogs into their “always to be” home, we just made a very big promise the day we led a certain someone out of animal control. It’s a promise we just can’t bear to break.

No, we never mean to hurt feelings or make people angry but it happens and frankly it sucks. Yet at the end of the day when we look into our dogs’ faces the stress of turning people away dissolves. After all they are the reason we are even here in the first place and we do know what is best for them even if it means waiting just a little bit longer for not just a home but the best home.

Copper (pictured above with the lovely Rachel) loves to cuddle in his down time. Copper is available for adoption.

Pearls have been a source of fascination for centuries. They have been considered the most magical and feminine of all gems and are the only one created by a living organism. Pearls emanate a certain warmth and glow not found in other gems, due to their unique beginnings.

First and foremost, Pearla’s story is a success story. One in which a severely ill dog beat amazing odds to survive.

Pearla was found discarded, emaciated, wounded and starving. But this little dog wanted nothing more than to survive. By sheer strength of will and the endearing fabric of her personality, Pearla forever changed the strangers she encountered. Together they joined in her fight to not only overcome her health issues but to enable her to become an ambassador for her breed.

Here is her story.

Last October (2009) an unsuspecting man found a severely malnourished and banged up pit bull in St. Paul’s Frogtown, a part of town not known for its kindness to her breed.  Heavy frost already blanketed the Twin Cities and the nightly temperatures were dipping into the high 20’s to low 40′s overnight. Her emaciated frame bore swollen and bleeding puncture wounds about her head and neck. Not able to walk on by, Pearla’s  Good Samaritan brought her to an emergency veterinary clinic to have her wounds cleaned and stitched.

The person who found Pearla, while compelled to spend the money to stabilize and make her comfortable, was not in a position to keep her. However, he had a friend. As luck would have it the friend happened to be a veterinarian.

Pearla weighed a mere 32 pounds when she made it to Carver Lake Veterinary Center. That was a full 4 days after being found! Her first stool while in the care of the animal hospital contained a shoe lace-possible evidence that Pearla had been scavenging for anything she could eat to fend off starvation.

Pearla spent the next four months at CLVC, gaining weight, battling ringworm, fighting infections, and regenerating her coat. She also got to go home with Dr. Hunter for sleep overs. She really liked those a lot.

On Feb. 4, 2010, her first negative culture for ringworm came back, and the decision was made for Pearla to move out of the clinic, and into a home. A Rotta Love Plus (ARLP) was contacted and upon our meeting Pearla the decision was quickly made that she was an ideal candidate for our rescue program.

With her body on the mend, she went into foster care on February 13^th. So loved was she by her veterinarian caregiver that accompanying her to her new foster home were three sweaters, two t-shirts, a fleece lined reflective coat, indoor bootie socks, and well-used outdoor booties (protection against MN winter snow and ice). She weighed 49lbs.

Pearla’s weight transition is the equivalent of a healthy 180lb human, weighing 117lbs.

In foster care, it was time for Pearla to explore the world as a pet, instead of a scavenger or clinic mascot.  Daily walks were hard on her tender feet, but great stimulation for her active little mind. Pearla learned basic leash manners, and started Level One Obedience classes. She learned to potty outside.

It is with great pride that I share Pearla is both a Canine Good Citizen and a certified therapy dog with Therapy Dogs International. All accomplished in just the 2.5 months she has been in foster care.

Pearla’s health is still a balancing act. We are all at a loss for her continuing skin problems and intense itching. But she has come so far, overcome some pretty meager odds, and taught us all at ARLP that life is to be cherished and enjoyed to the fullest.

We will do our best to send her out into the world just as physically healthy and vibrant as the impression she has left on all of our hearts.

Special thanks to a very special foster, Paige. What a wonderful gift you have given us in Pearla.