Monday, September 20, 2010

Be The Change For Pets- Mom went too far!


This week is Petfinder.com's Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet Week, a week dedicated to spotlighting those pets that are most often overlooked in shelters. It's all about getting people to take a second glance -- and give a second chance -- to those pets whose only crime is being a little older, the "wrong" color, or otherwise "less adoptable" -- but who have just as much love to give.

Did you know that when I was up for adoption with United Paws, everyone wanted to adopt my momma and my siblings because they were all Siamese?  No one called about me because of my black fur.  Lucky for me, my mom and dad saw me and loved me and brought me home to live with my Siamese momma forever.

So because I know what it's like to be less adoptable because of my fur color,  BlogPaws Be the Change for Pets and I are taking up the cause for the next Be the Change Challenge! We're spreading the word about the many great adoptable pets who sit in shelters for weeks, months, and even years waiting for their forever home while the cute and cuddly kittens and puppies get snapped right up.  But guess what?  We are all cute and cuddly!

So who are these "less adoptable" pets? According to a survey of Petfinder member shelters and rescues the hardest to adopt out pets are senior or older pets, those with health problems (even minor ones), victims of breed prejudice (like Pit Bulls), shy pets, and those that need to be only pets. But that's not all! A lot of people overlook black and brindle dogs and cats as well.
So next time you or a friend are looking to adopt, give these pets a second chance, a little more time and you never know, a less adoptable pet might just be the purrr-fect pet adoption for you!

My Be the Change for Pets Challenge Pledge:

I have posted a "widget" on my side bar featuring an adoptable pet from United Paws, the wonderful people who saved my life.

I'm also posting this link to the BlogPaws Be the Change for Pets Facebook Page. At the end of the week, Be the Change for Pets will tabulate everyone's blog posts, Tweets and Facebook shares so we can see our global impact!

The last Be the Change Challenge raised over 50,000 lbs of pet food and supplies for pets.

So now...why did mom go too far?  I thought writing about all this and featuring adoptable pets would be great.  Then mom went to Petsmart to get kitty litter.  Yeah right.  She came home with this...
As Fin would say "what the fluff"?


This is "Dandi".  He is a 4 year old Daschund mix who was abandoned with 3 other woofies at a home in New Mexico.  He was rescued from death row by a rescue group called Under My Wing Rescue.  There he was with all these woofies in the store.  This little stinker stuck his nose and paws through the kennel area and wooed my dad in 2 seconds flat.  Next thing mom knew dad pulled him out and was cuddling him...and a few minutes after that Grete was in the store meeting him and then mom and dad walked them both together...and after that they signed a foster agreement and he came home.

Did you know that once a dog is past 1-2 years old, people flat-out expect it to be house trained. They consider the dog too old to be trained if they're not house trained by 2?  Well Dandi is not quite house trained.  Mom and dad are working with him.  He deserves a chance at a great home and a wonderful life.

But why did he have to come to my house? 

44 comments:

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

He's a handsome fella!

SOOOO, just bukhk up khytty khat!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra
PeeEssWoo WOO HOO GRETE!!!

Gemini and Ichiro said...

That's actually not uncommon for some dachshunds. They are more stubborn than anything! I am glad that your family is going to foster him so he can learn those things!

Oddly, Ichiro was the only Siamese looking cat in his litter and the only one not adopted on pet adoption day. The Woman asked because she knew he was a cutie and would adopt a meeze mix that didn't look meeze! She thinks it's meant to be. I think I'll have to eat him.

Summer at sparklecat.com said...

WHAT!?!? Your airplane ears say it all, Cory. I can't believe your humans brought home a - ugh! - a, a DOG! Even if it IS kinda cute... for a DOG. And really needed a home. And was "less adoptable," just the way you were considered less adoptable once... well, I guess I do have to give your humans paws up for putting their conviction where their words were. Even if they did bring home... a dog.

Dr V said...

I love it!! Woo hoo!

Boom Nisanart said...

Cory, Your mom did the right thing. Even puddy doesn't dog that much but he is very happy your mom safe him. We proud of you : )

Raymond and Busby said...

What the fluff indeed! One questions: Can he garden?

Forever Foster said...

See what happens when you send a mum shopping without a list?! :P
Dandi sure looks like a cutie patootie, and we bet he will thrive in your family's care.
Love Suey.

Tama-Chan, Benny, Vidock, Violette, Ollie, Heloise, Momo, Ryu said...

Well, Cory, it sounds like your Mom and Dad are among those rare people who associate actions with causes. We are proud to be in their Blogosphere circle! And we hope that Grete is a happy girl about this, as well as all of you, of course!

Milo and Alfie Marshall said...

Hi Cory,

Dandi is very cute and lovable and we can see why yoor mom and dad chosed him. We hope he is very happy in his noo forever home. Yoo'll soon get used to him ... maybe he cud be trained up to be yoor gofer! MOL!

Karen Jo said...

Dandi looks like a lovely dog. I'm glad that your Mom and Dad brought him home. I am sure that you will get used to him soon.

The Florida Furkids said...

Hi Dandi, nice to meet you! We're sure you'll all be pals soon!

Sniffie and the Florida Furkids

The Creek Cats said...

Mom is squeeeing over Dandi!!

Our Ziggy will be going on petfinder this week. He falls in the less adoptable cat category because he has black furs.

The Island Cats said...

Oh Cory!! Another woofie to contend with?? What are all you cats gonna do?? It's time for mutiny!! (oh wait...meow like a pirate day is over!)

Well, Dandi is kinda cute and it's really nice that your humans took him in given the fact that he may have been less adoptable.

And what a great way to raise awareness of those less adoptable pets!

The Monkeys said...

Oh, Dandi is a cute little stinker indeed! We can say that because he's not living here, Cory. We are so glad your Mom and Dad are giving him a second chance, and we're sure you'll get adjusted soon.

As far as 'less-adoptable' pets are concerned, adopting Bella (a senior and suggested to be a lone cat) is an amazing experience! Mom said watching her come out of her shell and learn to trust and love us is so rewarding and she would recommend adopting a senior pet to anyone!

Teddy Westlife said...

I know what you mean Cory. I spent a lot of time in the shelter because I am black and nobody wanted a black cat. Your parents are doing good work though; and don't worry he'll leave eventually to go to a good home.

Angel Simba said...

Cory, your Mom is taking to heart what she is writing about, and that is wonderful. We are super proud of your Mom and Dad. Dandi looks like a sweet dog and it will be fun for Grete to have some dog company too.

Forty Paws said...

Wowee! You got a dog from cat litter? How extreme is that? Good luck breaking Dandi in to the house of cats and Grete!

Luf, Us

Kea said...

Whoa! Another woofie! At least for a while... :-)

Kudos to your mom and dad for bringing him home to foster. We're sure he'll make great strides in such a loving household!

Anonymous said...

Dandi in one lucky woofer! I've house-trained many, many dogs over the years and guess what? They can ALL be house-trained, no matter their age. The main ingredients are kindness, patience and consistency. Every dog can and will learn under those conditions, barring any physical reasons, of course.

Cory, your Mom and Dad are the BEST! And Whitey sends smoochies!

Brian's Home Blog said...

I will be OK Cory, woofies need help too and you're doing a wonderful job pointing out the special critters!

Amy & the house of cats said...

Hi Cory this is a great post! We think it is great to help less adoptable pets - we especially don't understand the color issue. Our big brother Floyd was a black cat and he was wonderful!

We do sympathize about the new addition though - Dandi is a cutie, but we know it is going to be interesting to add another doggy into the mix at your place! But we think you will get used to him in no time!

CCL Wendy said...

Congratulations! What a wonderful thing to do! I can see why you fell in love with Dandi at first sight. He's such a cutie-pie, and it seems he has a personality to match.

Well Grete woofie will have some canine company, now. I sure hope Dandi likes all the kitties, too.

I also like Dandi's name. Did he come with that or did you name him?

Quite the little dandy is Dandi!

Good luck with the house training -- I'm sure it won't take long in your capable and understanding hands.

Katnip Lounge said...

Holy Cod! Your Beans have nearly as much livestock as we do. ConCats on your newest baby!

The Whiskeratti said...

Awww... Cory, we're sorry you have to share with another googie but it's worth it in this case.

Anonymous said...

your mommeh and dad is pawsome peoples! erm, just tries not to get peed on.

Anonymous said...

your mommeh and dad is pawsome peoples! erm, just tries not to get peed on.

Anonymous said...

He's a cutie!!! We are purraying that all the anaimals could find furever homes!!!

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

Dandi is cute. We are sure you will all soon lick him into shape.

Sweet Purrfections said...

Another woofie??? That's such a nice thing for your mom and dad to do, but did it have to be a woofie?

(angel) Grrreta and Fam said...

Your mom and dad are awesome! Dandi is a very lucky woofie to get to be fostered at your house and be surrounded by such love. I bet Grete will enjoy having another woofie to play with too. Yay!

Ellen Whyte said...

All that does in Malaysia too, and we have the other thing that people don't want "local" cats and dogs. IE pets who don't look like pedigrees. Au with his short twisted tail, and Target with his twisted tail tip are too local for many people - but now that they star in Katz Tales, a newspaper column in The Star, a few people have changed their minds! Good luck with your Drive. It's a terrific idea.

Cat said...

We think that your Mom and Dad have wonderful, big hearts and that you are in the best home in the world surrounded by love and kindness. We are happy because every cat and dog (and other animals, too) deserve this. Purrs, Lautrec and Tiny

Mishkat said...

We think Dandy is very cute (even though he's a woofie!) - he looks like he'd be fun to play with! Many purrs to your humans for giving him (and you!) a chance - they're the best!

Goldie, Shade and Banshee said...

Oh. My. Cats

Look at that little fella. Grete must be very excited at her new friend. I would be a little annoyed too but I am soooooo happy that Dandi will be in the best home EVER!!!!!

Your folks are real angels.

Purrs and hugs,
The Sumacs

Jans Funny Farm said...

They're fostering Dandi? Hah! We guess Dandi has a new home. Especially after that story about Dad's mush melt. :)

Don't worry. They'll still have time for you.

Angel Junior, Orion and Sammy said...

Well, we think Dandi is delightful! Just th ink of the horribleness that your Mom and Dad rescued him from. Now he gets proper training and loving till he finds a furever home (if that hasn't already happened). We bet all you cats will learn to love him, he just needs some time to learn from Grete!

Cat with a Garden said...

Oh my Cod, if Dandi lives up to his name he'll get a good forever home in no time. Our mom's Grandma used to have a Dachshund, they are also called Dackel in German. It's so cool your humans are fostering Dandi and housetraining him. How does he get along with all of you?
Purrs, Siena & Chilli

Mark's Mews (Marley, Lori, Loki, and Binq) said...

Oh dear... Another woofie. We hardly know what ta say. Mebbe he will only pay attention ta Grete?

Beth said...

I'm so happy for you and especially Dandi! What a cutie he is!

AFSS said...

Dandi is adorable we are glad he got rescued and hope he is house-trained soon. Mommy gave Fenris treats and told him he was a GREAT BOY when he went where she wanted him too. He got shoved outside in his fenced in yard or in a crate so Mommy could clean up when he went in the house, so it didn't take him long to catch on. Maybe that would work with Dandi.

Cory we love black cats here. Mommy thinks U are way cool like mini panthers.

Cory Clark said...

Cory, don't ever think for a moment you're not beautiful!! Your Mom & Dad are special people to take in you & your beautiful Momma Ellie!!

That being said, why oh, why on cat's green earth did they bring home a woofie??! What the floof, indeed!!

Our Mom thinks Dandi is just adorable - quiet woman, you have no right to make comments here!!

Please tell your Mom & Dad good luck with the house training - it is more the fault of his previous caretakers for why he is still having issues... Tho, we've heard some woofies have an EXTRA hard time learning the rules!

Have a happy day!!

~Nico, Simon & JayJay :)

Cory Clark said...

Ooh - Ooh!! We forgot to ask, how can we get a adoptable pet "widget"???

Quill and Greyson said...

Holy Cod, the little fella is darling!

Purrfect Haven said...

we think the whole event is wonderful - and have started to follow on facebook too. Good for you to highlight this .... Love Darcy and Bingley xx