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

Susan Daffron talks to Kim Nelson, the foster mom of a cat named Camden who is available from the Partnership for Animal Welfare in Maryland. Camden was one of a group of cats that were rescued from a semi-feral colony. He has completely adjusted to being an indoor cat and hanging out with people. In fact, he pretty much thinks people, his foster mom's small dog, and other cats are great and enjoys being in the middle of the household "action" wherever that might be. Camden is extremely social and loves to roll around and purr while getting scratched and petted. He is a gorgeous soft gray color with striking tabby markings and beautiful eyes. Camden is one one of those cats that is curious about everything, so he'd do best in a home that is "cat friendly" so he doesn't get into anything he shouldn't. He is neutered, up to date with all his shots, and ready for a new loving forever home.

Susan Daffron talks to Asha Ellison from Cane's Crossing in Florida about two kitties named Danny and Eugene that are available for adoption. Cane's Crossing is a vet clinic that also rescues homeless pets. Danny and Eugene were part of a litter of 11 kittens that were left in a box on the clinic's doorstep. Although their feline siblings have been adopted, Danny and Eugene are still waiting. The pair has now been at the facility for more than seven months, so they are about a year old. Danny is a beautiful playful outgoing solid black cat, and Eugene is a gray tabby with expressive yellow eyes. Although he is friendly, Eugene is a bit more reserved than his brother. Their personalities actually complement each other nicely. Because the two cats have grown up together, they have bonded and the folks at Cane's Crossing are hoping that they can be adopted into the same home so they can stay together.

Susan Daffron talks to Eran Albrecht, the volunteer coordinator for the Humane Society of Williamson County in Texas about a dog named Plex who is available for adoption. Plex is a 3-year old American Stafforshire pit bull mx who is white with brown spots. His ears are cropped (one ear is white and one is brown) so he looks like kind of a macho guy. However, Plex actually is a quiet sweet-natured dog who likes nothing better than playing "ball" with people. He's friendly and gets along with other dogs and kids wonderfully. When he arrived at the humane society, he was extremely underweight because of his rough time out on the streets as a stray. He has a pancreatic condition which is treatable with enzymes he eats with his food. Now that he's getting his enzymes, he's putting on weight and looking great. Plex had some tough times and is ready for his perfect forever home. Maybe it's yours!

Susan Daffron talks to Don Helfrich from Doberman Rescue of New Mexico about a 10-month-old female Doberman named Alie who is looking for a new home. She has "natural" ears and tail, which means they aren't cropped. She came to Doberman Rescue after being found as a stray with two siblings (both of whom have been adopted). Alie was extremely thin when she arrived, but thanks to lots of TLC in her foster home, she has filled out and is now a gorgeous dog with a gleaming black and tan coat. She has learned how to use the doggie door, walks well on a leash, and is housebroken. Alie is still basically a puppy and is still in the chewing phase. Plus, Dobermans are large dogs, so Alie will need an owner who is willing to be a leader and take her to obedience classes where she can learn more socialization skills. She tends to be wary meeting other dogs, probably due to her lack of socialization earlier in her life. But after Alie has determined that other dogs are friendly, she'll happily romp and play with them. Alie loves people and Don says that like many Dobermans, she's a "leaner" that enjoys receiving affection. Since she's only 10 months old, her puppy nature comes out whenever she encounters a human who wants to play with her. This beautiful dog had a tough beginning, but will thrive in a new home with an active family who loves her.

Susan Daffron talks to Moira Monahan from the Friends of the Sacramento City Shelter Animals about a cat named Zola who is available for adoption. Zola is a beautiful spayed female short-haired black cat with big expressive yellow eyes. She came into rescue in early September 2009, when a hoarding situation arose (subsequently called the "Belinda Cats") and 140 cats were left abandoned in a home after the owners were evicted. Zola was one of those cats. Unlike many hoarding cases, the cats were in good shape and thanks to groups like the Sacramento City Shelter Animals, 131 cats have been adopted so far. Zola currently is in foster care and her foster mom says that Zola will often look at you with those big eyes as if she has something extremely important to impart to you. Although she was very shy when she was first rescued, now Zola loves to sleep at your feet, and is starting to think that a nice warm lap isn't such a bad thing either. Unlike most cats, Zola patiently waits for you to get up in the morning before she meows for attention. Although she's only 7 months old, Zola is a calm and quiet cat who doesn't have a constant need to be entertained. She is sweet, mellow kitty who gets along well with other cats. Eight other cats from the Belinda case are still available too, so you could adopt Zola and another feline friend!

Susan Daffron talks to Sandy Boulton, the Public Relations Director for the Dearborn Animal Shelter in Dearborn, Michigan about a dog named Sparkles who is available for adoption. Right now, Sparkles is in a great foster home, but is looking for her perfect forever home. She is a two-year old white pit bull mix who weighs about 40 pounds and has the most amazing ears you have ever seen. Plus, as Sandy points out, Sparkles looks like she's wearing eyeliner, so when she looks up at you, her eyes actually do sparkle (hence her name). Like most young terriers, Sparkles has a lot of energy and would do best living with a family that has time to give her the exercise she needs. (Her foster family even has a treadmill she has learned to use!) Sparkles has been crate trained and housebroken and has a happy spirit that is a joy to be around. She gets along with cats, kids, and other dogs and has attended obedience class where she learned to 'sit' and 'lay down'. Sparkles is a sweet girl who would make a great addition to your family!

Susan Daffron talks to Jo-Anne Dixon, D.V.M. from the Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley about a dog named Hoss who is available for adoption. The Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley is a no-kill shelter located in Idaho near the Sun Valley ski resort. Hoss is a medium sized, neutered male border collie/heeler mix who is about 5 months old. Hoss and his brother were found as strays and brought to the animal shelter. Although Hoss' brother found a new home, Hoss is still waiting for his special someone. Although he is still a bit of a puppy, Hoss is a smart dog with a lot of energy. Both border collies and heelers are herding breeds that love to have something to do, and Hoss is no exception. Given his herding heritage, Hoss would do best in a home prepared to give him lots of time, exercise and mental stimulation. If you have ever thought about doing obedience or agility with your dog, or even just having a canine friend to go on long walks with, Hoss would be the perfect companion. With his happy energetic spirit and fun personality, Hoss will make a great addition to your family.

Susan Daffron talks to Ellen Lockwood from the Diamond Dachshund Rescue of Texas about two dogs named Kaaz and Oscar. Kaaz is available for adoption and Oscar is in permanent foster care. Although Oscar has found a home, Ellen wanted to share his story because he represents the forgiving nature of the animals you often find in rescue. His story is on the Web site and involves terrible past abuse by a prior owner, which has left him with permanent medical problems. Even after all he has been through, you can see the love in his eyes. Although Oscar has found a permanent living situation, Kaaz is still looking for a perfect forever home. Kaaz came from a terrible living situation where the other dogs actually died from mistreatment. As the sole survivor, he came into rescue with a severe case of mange, skin infections, and giardia. Although he has been enjoying life in foster care in rescue, his compromised immune system probably also resulted in a case of kidney stones, which required surgery. However, he has been treated at the vet and now has a clean bill of health. He will need to eat a special kidney to reduce the chance of this kidney problem happening again in his future, but he's ready for his new home home. Kaaz is only about 3 years old and has many years of love left to give!

Susan Daffron talks to Anke from the Tails of Hope Sanctuary in Maryland about a cat named Rudy who is available for adoption. Tails of Hope is a network of foster care providers who save animals from shelters. Rudy is one of the cats Anke has in the foster care Cattery now. A two-year old beautiful male neutered orange tabby, Rudy is probably about two years old. Although Rudy was quite shy when he first came into rescue, he's turned into quite a character. Anke says he is the only cat she's ever seen who loves to play "fetch." Rudy has a favorite blue ball and if you throw it down the stairs, he will run after it and bring it back to you. Or sometimes, he may opt run down the stairs and suggest you throw the ball to him as well. Rudy is also noted for being one of the "greeters" at the Cattery. When people come in, Rudy comes up and says "hi" hoping that you'll pet him. Ideally, Rudy would enjoy living with another cat. (In fact, he has a special feline "buddy" so if you are interested in adopting two cats, please do get in touch with Anke!) Even if he is the only cat in the household, Rudy misses having his own special human in his life who will call him his own. Maybe that person is you.

Susan Daffron talks to Martie Petrie from Ken-Mar Rescue in Southern California. The topic of the call is two small dogs named Dora and Roxy. Many people seem to think that little dogs are all alike, but as Martie points out, Dora and Roxy couldn't be more different. Dora is a high-energy year-old brown Dachshund mix who likes to be in the life of the party. She is great with people, kids, and other dogs. Although she may be small, Dora has a lot of energy and loves her walks. She would do best in a busy fun family household where she can get a lot of attention. At two years old Roxy is a bit more mature than Dora and lot more reserved. She is a mix of Yorshire and Silky Terrier with soft pretty gray fur and deep dark eyes. Roxy was found wandering the streets and the experience has caused Roxy to be a worried about new experiences. She is rediscovering the world around her and is looking for a home with a patient loving person who will take the time to help her gain confidence again.

Susan Daffron talks to Liz Keller from the Glen Wild Animal Rescue, which is based in Delaware County, New York. The topic of discussion is a 6-year old shepherd mix named Spike. Liz calls Spike the "Walter Matthau" of dogs -- kind of gruff on the outside when you first meet him, but then a total marshmallow once you get to know him. Spike ended up at a local animal control facility after his owner died. Glen Wild Animal Rescue took him in to help find him a new home. Spike is one of those all-around great dogs that sometimes are overlooked by adopters since he isn't "flashy." He's a well-behaved mature dog who gets along with pretty much everyone and deserves a chance for a new home.

Susan Daffron talks to Kunzang Drolma about a dog named Pipi who is available for adoption from Tara's Babies Animal Welfare, an animal sanctuary located in Northern Arizona. Tara's Babies was formed after Hurricane Katrina. A group of volunteers went to help and brought back 130 animals to the former ranch land in Dakini Valley. The volunteers realized that even after the Katrina dogs were adopted, the need for a sanctuary was not over. So today, 36 dogs live at the sanctuary. Rescued from the streets of Taipei, in Taiwan, Pipi is one of those dogs. Pipi is a solid black Taiwanese Mountain Dog, which is a breed that is rare in this country. She is now about 3 years old. Taiwanese Mountain Dogs have short coarse hair and do not shed very much. Pipi has beautiful dark eyes and "bat" ears that stand up like a German Shepherd. She is extremely alert and attentive to everything that is going around her. Pipi would probably enjoy participating in active sports like agility because she is extremely smart and playful. Although she plays well with other dogs, Pipi is a dominant dog, so she would do best in a home where the other dog is more submissive. She loves to run and is a bit of an escape artist, so Pipi will need a home either with "invisible" fencing or a fence that is tipped in at the top, so she can't climb out. Pipi is a fantastic, attentive dog that will be a great companion for an active person or family that appreciates her joyful spirit.

Susan Daffron talks to Vicky Caponiti from the Partnership for Animal Welfare (PAW) about a tri-colored border collie mix named Mickey who is available for adoption. Based in the Washington, D.C. area, PAW is a non-profit group of volunteers who take homeless pets out of animal shelters and find them new homes. Most of the dogs are in foster care and attend adoption shows in the suburban Maryland area. Although his prior owner neglected him, after some medical help from the folks at PAW, Mickey is now a healthy, happy dog who is always a big "hit" at the adoption shows because he just loves everybody. Mickey is an active young dog (about 1.5 years old) so he will need a fenced yard to play in. Because he's a border collie mix, he is also extremely bright, so he would enjoy doing something that exercises both his mind and his body. Mickey would love to participate in obedience training classes, but he also would be great at sports like flyball, Frisbee, or agility. If you are an athletic type who wants a new canine buddy to go running with, you won't find a more enthusiastic companion than Mickey! This dog had a really rough start and deserves a second chance from someone who will appreciate what a wonderful dog he really is.

Susan Daffron talks to Christina Nestor from Mike's Dog House about a dog named Duchess who is available for adoption. Mike's Dog House is a rescue in Florida that specializes in saving "bully breed" dogs, which may include American Bulldogs, Old English Bulldogs, Staffordshire Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers, Bull Terriers, American Staffordshires, and others. Duchess is a 4 or 5-year old female pit bull who is a pretty "reverse" blue brindle color. She is a one of the stocky "low rider" type pit bulls and weighs in at about 50 pounds. Unlike many bully breed dogs, she's extremely laid back and doesn't need much exercise. Although she likes a regular walk, she is basically a couch potato. (If you're a couch potato too, perhaps you can be spuddy buddies together!) Duchess is a mellow, extremely well-socialized dog who gets along with kids and other dogs. She has no bad habits, and is spayed housetrained, crate-trained, up-to-date on her shots, and even microchipped. Duchess is just ready to go to her new home and eager to meet a new family who will love her.

Susan Daffron talks to Barbara Masi from the Florida Chapter of Greyhound Pets of America, which is the largest single breed adoption group in the world. The organization is dedicated to finding homes for racing greyhounds that have retired from the track. Slammer is a six-year old male dog who raced under the name MPS Goldfinger. After that, he lived at a veterinary clinic for a while as a "donor dog." Because greyhounds are "universal" blood donors, many retired greyhounds spend some time helping out at clinics. After having two careers, Slammer is ready to retire completely in a new forever home. He is a gorgeous blonde "fawn" color and has big expressive brown eyes. Slammer is a big boy weighing in at 77 pounds, but like most greyhounds he's very lean. (Greyhounds have a low percentage of body fat and thin fur, so being able to see their ribs doesn't mean they are "too skinny.") Slammer is a low-key dog and like most greyhounds doesn't need an exceptional amount of exercise. Retired racing greyhounds do need daily walks like any other dog, but they aren't particularly "hyper" dogs. In fact, although they like to play, many of them are large couch potatoes. Slammer has an easygoing personality and will make someone a wonderful companion. Barbara says that "greyhounds are like potato chips; you can't have just one!"