Take Me Home - Pet Adoption and Animal Rescue - Pets & Animals on Pet Life Radio (PetLifeRadio.com)

Susan Daffron talks to Lisa Morabito from Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS) in Maryland about a dog named Valentino who is available for adoption. This brown and white pit bull terrier mix is about two years old, housebroken and a favorite around the shelter because he's such a great all-around dog. Valentino was rescued by animal control who took him out of the horrid living conditions he was staying in and brought him to BARCS. When he arrived, Valentino was extremely emaciated and scared of people, but now he is now a very happy, healthy boy! Valentino loves going out for walks on leash, play time with other dogs in the yard, and crunchy dog treats. He also is a peanut butter-filled Kong fanatic. After he eats the peanut butter out of the Kong, he likes to throw the toy around and play catch with himself. The volunteers all love Valentino because he has such a great personality and loves everybody, including kids. Valentino is a laid back guy who already knows how to "sit" on command and loves cuddling and sleeping in the lap of whoever will let him. This wonderful dog is one of the longest term dogs at BARCS and he would love a home and family to call his own!

Susan Daffron talks to Vicki Korobkin from Pet Connect Rescue in Maryland about a dog named Ollie who is available for adoption. Pet Connect Rescue was founded in 2005, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. After saving and adopting out dogs displaced by the hurricane, they continued to work to save homeless animals the are in danger of euthanasia at animal shelters. The animals are brought into rescue from over-extended local shelters as well as rural shelters from West Virginia to Georgia. Pet Connect Rescue is a non breed-specific organization committed to stepping forward wherever there is the greatest need. Ollie was the favorite dog of volunteers in a rural shelter, and a special plea was made for Pet Connect to rescue him. He was adopted, but then returned to Pet Connect by his original adopters because he got out. Ollie is a mix of several different breeds, probably hound and terrier mixed a smaller breed because he only weighs about 30 pounds. Ollie is an affectionate, playful dog who gets along with dogs, cats and kids.

Susan Daffron talks to Mindy Kelley, the cat volunteer coordinator from the Pet Welfare Adoption Center in Florida about a male gray tabby cat named Cyber who is available for adoption. Pet Welfare is located on the Eglin Air Force Base and often takes in animals from military families who are deployed to locations that make it unfeasible or impossible to bring their pets. Cyber was adopted from Pet Welfare when he was a kitten and earned his name because he used to sit next to a little boy who was playing video games. After several happy years in his first home, his family was deployed overseas and had to return Cyber to Pet Welfare to find a new home. Although Cyber has only been back with Pet Welfare for a short time, he has already been voted Mr. Personality because he's a talkative guy. He likes to chat with the volunteers, who tend to spend an extra minute or two petting him and finding out what he has to say. Cyber is extremely friendly loves attention from everybody. He loves kids and would do well in a family situation with children who are beyond toddler stage. If you're looking for a big, beautiful cat to join your family, consider adopting this lovable fellow.

Susan Daffron talks to Judy Ambrose from the Neponset Valley Humane Society in Massachusetts about a two-year-old female short-haired cat named Ruby. This beautiful pure white kitty has striking amber eyes and a few extra toes on her feet, so according to Judy, she looks like a "ballerina" when she walks. Ruby was found as a stray and was close to death when she was first rescued. She has a flea allergy, so she had skin problems and sores in her mouth that made eating painful. She was close to starving, but you'd never know it now. As her health has returned, her playful personality has emerged. Judy calls Ruby a "rough and tumble" cat because she just loves to play. She loves to stalk, run, pounce, plop and leap into the air with excitement all in an effort to catch her favorite string toy. This game never seems to get old for Ruby! She is a social cat who likes being petted or brushed and doesn't mind being held. However, she is not fond of other cats, so it would be best if she is the only cat in her new home. If you want to share your life with a fun and entertaining cat who also happens to be extremely pretty, then Ruby is the cat for you!

Susan Daffron talks to Abbi Collins from the Cat Care Society in Colorado about a female buff and white tabby named P.J. who is available for adoption. P.J. is a sweet cat who loves to cuddle up with people. She's a bit shy at first, but warms up to people once she has spent a little time with them. The Cat Care Society is a cageless shelter, so right now P.J. is staying in the Cat Care Society's copy room because she's on a special diet and has to be separated from the other cats. Although she gets lots of human visitors throughout the day who stop by to make copies, it can get a little lonely at night. P.J. will probably bond closely to her new family and Abbi is hoping that P.J. can find a home where she can be the only cat. Once you meet P.J. you'll find out why she's a special girl who deserves a kind and caring family to love her.

Susan Daffron talks to Eddie Nichols from the Foothills Animal Rescue in Arizona about a dog named Lenny who is available for adoption. Lenny is a 3-year old large yellow Labrador retriever mix who weighs about 70 pounds or so. Eddie calls him a "gentle giant" and says that he loves to run around the yard and play. It would be ideal if Lenny could be an only dog, since in the past at the rescue facility he was somewhat selective in the dogs he got along with. Now that he's in foster care, he's more relaxed and seems to be getting along better with other dogs. But if you have a dog already, you'd still need to do an introduction before adopting Lenny to make sure the dogs like each other. The ideal home for Lenny is one that has adults and older children that will be gentle and loving. Right now, that two teenage girls at his foster home love walking him because he's very good on leash. Lenny does know basic commands and will sit nicely when you ask him. Eddie points out that even though Lenny is doing well in his foster home, he needs a forever home. When you adopt a dog, you make it possible for the foster family to help another dog

Susan Daffron talks to Eric Gray from Smilin Pit Bull Rescue in New York about a Pit Bull named Aspen who is available for adoption. Aspen's foster mom Lorna was also on the call to give more details about this sweet dog that has made an amazing transformation both in health and personality thanks to the tender loving care of the volunteers and supporters working with the rescue. The detailed story of her rehabilitation is on her Web page, but the short version is that in January 2010, a rescuer found a female pit bull on the East Side of Buffalo, New York. Aspen was so emaciated Eric thinks she was one or two days away from dying of starvation. She had obviously been living on the streets for a long time and was severely underweight. She had an open wound and was losing fur due to lack of nutrition. In the photos, you can see every rib and the bones in her spine. But even though she'd obviously been through a lot, Aspen was a loving girl. Over time her health has returned and her personality has blossomed. Aspen loves people, has learned to play with toys, and adores a good tummy rub. At this point, all her medical issues are behind her and she's a beautiful dog again. Today, Aspen is a normal weight and her coat gleams with good health, so she's ready for her forever home. Aspen doesn't like cats, so Eric hopes to find a home where she can be an only dog. Aspen needs an experienced dog owner, ideally one who has worked with pit bulls or other energetic breeds, so they will be firm (but not rough) with Aspen's obedience and continue the training that her foster mom Lorna has started.

Susan Daffron talks to Pamela Pinta from the East Coast Maine Coon Rescue (ECMCR) about two 13-month old male cats named Basil and Thyme who area available for adoption. Their equally herbally named siblings (Sage, Rosemary, etc.) were adopted as kittens but these two gorgeous cats have been in foster care for almost a year now. Basil and Thyme are a mix of Brown Tabby Mackerel Maine Coon and American Bombay. Many people aren't familiar with American Bombay cats, but they are nicknamed "Parlor Panthers" because of their sleek and glossy jet-black coats. Their unusual mixed-bred heritage means that both Basil and Thyme look generally like Maine Coon cats, except they have an extra sleek ebony coat. Pamela says the pair is a bit of a mischievous duo, but like most Maine Coon cats, they are extremely friendly, easygoing and social. Basil and Thyme are both "love bugs" who enjoy being around people and cuddling and purring in your lap. They also extremely playful and have a particular fondness for cavorting in the bathtub (minus water). Ideally, Basil and Thyme would like to be adopted together since they are so bonded. They would make ideal family companions, since they enjoy being around children, other cats and dogs.

Susan Daffron talks to Rebecca White from the Collie Rescue League of New England about a 6-year old smooth-coated collie named Jake who came into rescue because of a divorce in his family. Most people are more familiar with rough-coated collies, which have long hair like the TV star Lassie. Smooth-coated collies like Jake have the same pretty collie coloring and markings; they just have a shorter coat. Rebecca says that Jake has a typical collie personality which means he's a bit of a "velcro dog" who loves to be wherever his humans are. Because he loves people, he'd do best in a home where his family isn't gone all day. Jakes gets along with other dogs and cats and he loves kids. He particularly enjoys having his hindquarters scratched and will reward you with a little dance Susan calls the "butt scritch stomp." Although Jake can be a bit cautious about trying new things sometimes, he loves to play with his toys, romp around the yard, ride in the car, and go for walks. Jake knows a few obedience commands already, but like most dogs, he will bond even more strongly to his new family if they are willing to take him to a training class. If you love collies, check out this sweet, beautiful boy!

Susan Daffron talks to Kay Stout from the Second Chance Animal Sanctuary in Oklahoma about a dog named Oz who is available for adoption. Although his Web page says he's a Fox Terrier mix, looking at his photo, it's somewhat difficult to determine the various breeds that might make up Oz. Kay says he's an "All American" dog, which probably sums it up. He's a black and tan dog that is more or less lap-dog sized at about 20 pounds. Oz also has fabulous attentive-looking pointy ears and deep brown eyes. Personality-wise, Oz is one of those dogs who just loves people. He's a laid back guy who enjoys spending time with his humans, so a home with semi-retired or a work-at-home parent would be idea. Unlike a lot of dogs, he's not a super high-energy fellow and he's well past puppyhood, so he doesn't have extreme exercise needs. If you're looking for a cute, well-behaved dog that loves curling up in your lap, Oz could be just the dog for you.

Susan Daffron talks to Jen Nagle from the Standardbred Retirement Foundation about Dilly, a 9 year old Standardbred gelding available for adoption in Hamilton, New Jersey. "Another Creation N "Dillion" aka "Dilly" had a career at the harness racing track, but is happy to be a riding horse now. He is a 15.2hh dark bay horse with an easygoing personality. Many people don't realize what a versatile breed of horse Standardbreds are; they can do a lot more than just pull a cart. Because they are an easy-to-handle, people-loving type of horse, Standardbreds can be taught to do mounted police work, jumping, barrel racing, dressage or therapeutic riding work. Jen says that Dilly is lovely mover with a nice trot and canter. Because he bends well, he could be a great dressage horse with the right person. Jen points out that adopting a former racer has advantages in that these horses have already dealt with crowds and a lot of noise from being at a track. There isn't much they haven't already seen; they're used to grooming, bathing, farrier care, shipping, and not one, but two bits! These horses already have been taught basic manners and they come off the track already knowing how to start, stop, and steer. Because they are such an intelligent breed, the transition into life as a riding horse is usually an easy one. Like many of the other retired racers at the Standardbred Retirement Foundation, Dilly is an all-around great horse who can easily be trained to take you wherever you decide to go, whether it's the trail or the dressage show ring.

Susan Daffron talks to Michele Rinaldi from the Pet Animal Welfare Society or PAWS in Norwalk, Connecticut about a Jack Russell terrier mix named Delia. She is a. very sweet and affectionate little dog who is approximately 4 years old and weighs about 15 pounds. Delia loves people and wants to say hello to everyone that she sees. In the short time she has been at PAWS, she has become a staff favorite because she is so playful and loving. True to her JR heritage, Delia does have a lot of energy and loves to run around the yard, play fetch and run the agility course at PAWS. Michele says she is quite an athlete and can run very fast and jump quite high. Once she's done playing, Delia also likes to just cuddle up and relax in a lap. She's happy to provide lots of kisses in exchange for some belly rubs. If you're looking for a small, energetic dog, you won't find a sweeter one than Delia!

Susan Daffron talks to Nicky Bowman from the Husky n. Lab Rescue in Maine about an 8-month old plott hound mix named Layla. Currently, Layla is in foster care in New Hampshire where she is living with kids, cats and other dogs. She's a friendly girl who seems to get along with everyone. Her foster mom is working on basic obedience and housebreaking with her and Layla is doing well. Of course, Layla is still a young dog, so she has a lot of energy. For people who love to go hiking, Layla would make a great family pet. They could take Layla for long walks so she can burn off her excess energy. Layla is an incredibly good-natured dog who loves to run, play and explore. Maybe her new home could be yours?

Susan Daffron talks to Kathy Hurley from the Pet Adoption League of North Jersey about a maine coon mix named Princess Anne. This beautiful cat has been in foster care for about a year and a half after being found as a stray when she was a kitten. Princess Anne is an incredibly playful, curious cat who bonds strongly with just one person. Although Kathy has tried to introduce Princess Anne slowly and carefully to other cats, Princess Anne has made it clear that she prefers to be the only kitty in the household. Like any other member of royalty, she likes to be in charge and enjoys playing with her laser light and kitty toys. Princess Anne takes a little while to warm up to new people, but once she knows you, she is extremely vocal and loves to tell you what she thinks. Princess Anne is stunning cat with long silky hair, and Kathy has spent a lot of time helping her learn to appreciate the joys of a good combing, so she's easy to groom. Because Princess Anne is so curious and likes to be in the middle of things, she needs an owner who wants a kitty that won't just be a wall-flower. If you want a gorgeous, playful cat that will be your constant companion, Princess Anne might be just the kitty for you.

Susan Daffron talks to Cindy Hewitt from Miami-Dade Animal Services. about a three-year old white bulldog named Fred who is available for adoption. Miami-Dade is an open-admission shelter that receives 30,000 animals every year. Fred was a stray who unfortunately had a lot of ticks when he was brought in. Although he's tick-free now and looking much better, Fred did test positive for a tick-borne disease called Ehrlichia, which is sadly fairly common in the area. Fortunately, it is extremely treatable with antibiotics and (sometimes) corticosteriods. Fred does not seem to have an advanced case of the illness and Cindy expects him to make a full recovery. Personality-wise Fred is a bit reserved. He's not boisterous and walks beautifully on a leash. Instead of pulling, he is a gentleman who walks along with you nicely, simply taking in the surroundings and observing what's going on. Like many dogs at shelters, he's just waiting for the right person to come along and see his potential. That lucky person will be rewarded with a wonderful companion for years to come.