A little while ago, a notable package arrived at the United Hope for Animals PO Box. We were delighted to open it and find this update from Dudley (formerly Diderot of the Baldwin Park Animal Care Center), a little Shih Tzu who was adopted last June. Below is the touching story of Dudley’s journey home. Congratulations on your new life, Dudley!
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Happy-Not Harrowing-4th of July!
BANG! BOOM! CRASH! Happy 4th of July!
What to us are sounds of celebration, from firework explosions in the night-time sky, to fire crackers slamming against the ground, may be quite different and even horrifying to the ears of an animal. Well-meaning families often bring their four-legged friends to large crowded gatherings, pool parties, and picnics to enjoy our exhilarating Independence Day. Without preparations for a safe day for your pet, disaster could strike. Many dogs become frantic and nervous in these situations, sometimes even fleeing in fear. This causes a great spike in the number of lost/stray intakes at local animal shelters, where dogs sometimes never reunite with their owners. What can you do to keep your pet safe and sound this 4th? Here are some helpful recommendations:
- Due to open gates and doors and loud, startling noises from fireworks, becoming lost is the top July 4th holiday hazard for pets. Keep your pet indoors while you are enjoying the fireworks show.
- Keeping your dog inside with soothing music playing during fireworks can help him feel safe and secure.
- If your dog is fearful of fireworks, speak with your vet for a recommendation for a mild sedative. Trembling, pacing, and heavy panting are all signs your dog is stressed.
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For parties at home, keep your dog away from items like glow sticks and citronella candles, and busy with some special or favorite toys.
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Keep your pooch away from forgotten plates of food and drinks. Alcohol, grapes and raisins, macadamia nuts, chocolate, and onions are especially dangerous.
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For Fourth of July outings, plan ahead and bring a fresh supply of water and a doggie bowl.
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Never leave your dog in a hot car.
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Whether you are at home or away, make sure your pet is microchipped and wears an ID tag with a current phone number at all times. If you have moved or changed phone numbers since adopting your pet, verifying that the contact information registered with your pet’s microchip is up-to-date will help your pet get home faster if he should get lost.
I can remember my first Independence Day with my little Pomeranian, Romeo. Thinking it was a perfect opportunity to show off my sweet companion to friends, family, and other dogs, I popped him in the car and drove off to the nearest firework show. Not only was it horrendously crowded, as usual, but it was hot, humid and a bit bewildering for Romeo. This alone might have been stressful for him, but I had no idea what was in store when the first firework thundered in the sky above us! Suddenly, with a shrieking and shaking pup in my arms, I realized what a terrible mistake I had made. Minutes later, I was dashing into my car, frantic pooch in tow, wishing I had put more thought into his possible reaction to the earth-shattering sounds.
Of course he couldn’t understand that these unexpected, intense sounds were to be enjoyed with transfixed “Ooos and Aaahs.” He just wanted to run in terror! Thankfully, he was fine by the time we got home and to the security of my bed, but I have never assumed he’d like to join me at a firework show since!
So, if you are not certain of your dog’s behavior in these types of festivities, consider having a back-up plan in case your pooch doesn’t handle it well!
Finding Nemo A Home
Although most of the dogs that United Hope for Animals rescues come from Baldwin Park Animal Care Center, we are sometimes able to help other local facilities too. This was the case with Nemo. We recently got a call from the sergeant at Downey shelter asking us if there was anything we could do for this special dog, a little two-month-old pit bull born with a deformed front leg. As soon as we saw him we knew we couldn’t say no!
We arranged for our vet to take a look at Nemo as quickly as possible, and he informed us that the leg would need to be amputated. Even though it was only 3/4 the length it should be, Nemo kept trying to use it, and it would throw off his balance and make it hard for him to walk.
UHA set about raising the money for the surgery and, with the help of additional donations to our Angel Rescue Fund, as well as a pledge from the Heigl Foundation, we soon had enough for the procedure.
The operation was a success, and just two weeks later Nemo found his forever home with a wonderful woman in Long Beach. He is doing very well and is adored by all who meet him.
He is the sweetest little puppy, and so appreciative for this second chance at life, just as United Hope for Animals is appreciative to all those who helped rescue him. Without our Angel Rescue Fund, we would not be able to save as many lives as we do.
Please consider making a donation to the fund – by clicking on the link at the bottom left of this page – so that we can continue our crucial work.
A New Mom for Nigel
When Elyse was finally ready to own her first dog, she was excited to give a loving home to a pup in need. She was very interested in adopting, but overwhelmed by the task of choosing the right pet, so she contacted United Hope for Animals for assistance. We helped her find a great match from among the 350 dogs available for adoption every day at the Baldwin Park Animal Care Center.
There is a large variety of all ages, sizes and breeds in LA shelters, and Elyse couldn’t wait to begin her search to find her own perfect pet. After falling in love over and over again, she was able to narrow down her selection to four suitable companions, with the help of UHA Program Director Laura Knighten. While each of the dogs she singled out for an individual visit were special, she just kept coming back to Casper, now renamed Nigel. He stole her heart once and for all, and by the sound of their life together, she has stolen his!
Elyse tells us a little about her experience finding Nigel:
“For my entire adult life, I’ve wanted a dog more than just about anything. Last Thanksgiving was finally the right time, so I visited the Baldwin Park Shelter and met with UHA Program Director Laura Knighten. I probably fell in love 50 times, but Nigel (then “Casper”) was the young dog that really stole my heart. Watching him proudly chase a tennis ball around the visiting yard was hilarious and charming. Since coming home, Nigel has been loving, sweet, sometimes frustrating, and always entertaining. He loves to hike, sleep in odd places and hang out with Charles, my parents’ rescue dog. We have a good thing going, Nigel and I. It’s cheesy but true: Nigel changed my life for the better and I’m thankful for him every day.”