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

Susan Daffron talks to Pauline Davis from the Murray County Animal Shelter in Georgia about a nine-year old spayed, female cat named China. This beautiful black long-haired kitty was dropped off at the animal shelter when her owner had a baby. Because she is declawed, China needs an indoor-only home. Although she gets along well with other cats, China likes her space, so she'd probably be happiest if she's the only cat in the household. Because of her age and color, it's been more difficult for China to find a new home. At many animal shelters, older black cats are often the last to be adopted. But China is a friendly, laid back cat who will happily roll over on her back for belly rubs. This sweet kitty deserves a second chance for a special forever home where she'll be appreciated and loved.

Susan Daffron talks to Martie Petrie from Ken-Mar Rescue in Southern California about two dogs named Arbor and Spunky. These dogs are a mother and son that were found as strays and taken to a shelter. Right before their time was up, Ken-Mar Rescue pulled the two dogs out of the shelter and put them into foster care. Both Arbor and Spunky are a mix of Norfolk and Yorkshire Terrier, so they are small "pocket pal" dogs who weigh in at only about 8 pounds when they're full grown.

Susan Daffron talks to Ewa Rurarz-Huygens from Beagle Rescue of Southern Maryland about a six-year old beagle named Macbeth. Although Macbeth is a sweet dog, he has been largely overlooked, and has been in in rescue for quite a while. It's not because he's a "wild child;" in fact, he's really quite the opposite. At six years old, this mellow guy is well past the puppy phase, but since beagles usually live to be about 15 years old, Macbeth is in his prime. His foster "mom" says Macbeth is just about the easiest dog she's ever fostered, so even someone new to dog ownership can easily adjust to life with Macbeth. Although Macbeth gets along with other dogs, cats, and pretty much everyone, he absolutely adores affection, so he would be fine being the only dog and the center of a human's attention. It's likely that Macbeth had a somewhat difficult life before he came into rescue. Given his condition, he may have been a hunting dog or just kept outside and ignored. But now, he has learned that life as a house dog is a great thing and enjoys the basics: happily snoozing on his bed and chowing down on treats or dinner. If you're looking for a dog that will easily adapt to your home, check out Macbeth. All he needs is a little love from you and he'll be happy!

Susan Daffron talks to Gail Montgomery from Almost Home Animal Rescue in Michigan about a six-year old Bichon Frise named Gino who is available for adoption. Gino was found wandering as a stray. His home had been foreclosed upon and his family left him behind. But a kindly neighbor brought Gino to Almost Home where they groomed this fuzzy little white dog and cleaned him up, so he looks like a Bichon again. In the process, they noticed that Gino's hair was thin and that he was constantly hungry and drank a lot of water. So they took Gino to the vet. It turns out that Gino has Cushing's Disease, but fortunately it's the type of Cushing's that is treatable. Gino has been neutered and now gets a little pill in his food every day for his Cushing's. The medication is working well, Gino is feeling great, and the vet expects him to live a long life. Gino is one of those happy dogs who absolutely loves everybody: men, women, kids, cats, and other dogs are all just new friends for him. Right now, Gino is out of the shelter and doing well in his a foster home; he just needs a new family who will love him and let him love them back.

Susan Daffron talks to Kate Carpenter from Pet Zone in Georgia about a three-year old black pomeranian mix named Bailey who is available for adoption. Pet Zone saves dogs from euthanasia from animal control facilities in Walton and surrounding counties (this area of Georgia has an 85% euthanasia rate). All the dogs at Pet Zone are temperament tested, animal friendly, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and obedience trained. The facility is set up like a doggie daycare just for rescued dogs. In Bailey's case, he was left in a box in the parking lot of Animal Control with no information before the folks at Pet Zone saved him. Because of this experience, Bailey is not too fond of the idea of crate training. But he's learning that a crate is not the same thing as a box. When you go into the crate, you get a treat! Bailey is a little bit larger than some pomeranians and is black with a white chest. This cute little guy takes a few minutes to warm up to people, but then he can be a great TV-watching buddy. He would do best in a home without small children, but he doesn't need a whole lot of exercise. So if you have couch potato tendencies, Bailey can be your spuddy buddy!

Susan Daffron talks to Dawn Konrad from Mid-Atlantic German Shepherd Rescue about a dog named Sting who is available for adoption or even a foster home. Sting was turned into a shelter in Maryland when his owner died. The shelter called MAGSR who have been working to find him a foster or adoptive home. Although they don't know much about his previous life, Sting is probably about 5 or 6 years old. He's a little shy and learning how to trust people again. At this point, Sting also is very thin, so MAGSR is working on putting weight on him. Unlike most German Shepherds, Sting is white/cream and black, instead of the typical tan color. He appears to be a purebred and is a striking-looking dog with big ears and soft brown eyes. Given his prior experiences, it's not a surprise that Sting is a bit cautious about meeting people at first. But once he gets to know you, he's your best friend. Unlike many big dogs, Sting doesn't need a huge amount of exercise. In fact, he's perfectly happy to be a couch potato with you while you watch TV. Sting is great with other dogs and probably would do best in a home where he can have a canine buddy. He also seems to get along with cats and older kids. Sting is a sweet dog that deserves a second chance at a good life.

Susan Daffron talks to India Powell from Atlanta Animal Rescue Friends about two cats named Inky and Amber. These two kitties came into rescue as kittens about 3 years ago and have been in foster care ever since. They are extremely well-adjusted sweet cats who have adapted to multiple foster-care environments over the years. The reason they have been overlooked for so long is simply because of their coat color. Both black dogs and black cats are often last to be adopted, which is unfortunate and sad. Black cats (or dogs) can be are more difficult to see in a cage, particularly if the lighting isn't great and some people have superstitious beliefs about black animals. But as you can see from the pictures, both Inky and Amber are beautiful healthy kitties. Because the brother and sister have been together since kittenhood, they have bonded and AARF would like them to be adopted together. As many people know, adopting two cats is almost as easy as adopting one and the cats have each other for company and kitty companionship. The two cats look much alike, but Amber is a bit smaller than her brother Inky, and actually has white markings on her tummy. Both cats get along with dogs and pretty much everyone else too. Please consider giving these two sweet cats a new home.

Susan Daffron talks to Cindy Gagnon from Southeast Pug Rescue and Adoption about an 8-year old fawn-colored pug named Turbo. Because Turbo has diabetes, he needs special food and two insulin shots per day. However, Cindy (his foster mom) says that even though some people may be concerned about taking care of a diabetic dog, "it really is not that hard." Turbo just needs to receive his medications on a consistent schedule and you have to pay attention to his appetite. These are things any conscientious dog owner would do with a dog anyway. Turbo is a really easy-going guy with an extremely sweet personality. (Cindy calls him a "velcro pug.") Susan Daffron talks to Cindy Gagnon from Southeast Pug Rescue and Adoption about an 8-year old fawn-colored pug named Turbo. Because Turbo has diabetes, he needs special food and two insulin shots per day. However, Cindy (his foster mom) says that even though some people may be concerned about taking care of a diabetic dog, "it really is not that hard." Turbo just needs to receive his medications on a consistent schedule and you have to pay attention to his appetite. These are things any conscientious dog owner would do with a dog anyway. Turbo is a really easy-going guy with an extremely sweet personality. (Cindy calls him a "velcro pug.")

Susan Daffron talks to Christy Thomson from the Seattle Humane Society about a dog named Blue who is currently in foster care. Contrary to what you might think from her name, Blue is not a merle or blue gray-colored dog. She's actually a deep chocolate brown color with a white stripe up her muzzle. Blue is 10 months old, so she's still a bit of a puppy, but she loves everyone. Kids and dogs are both okay with her! Because Blue is deaf, she will need someone who is willing to train her with hand signals. At her foster home, she has already begun learning commands and the Seattle Humane Society includes include six weeks of training in one of their on-campus dog behavior courses.

Susan Daffron talks to Marti Colwell from Bichon FurKids Rescue in California about a bichon named Teddy who is available for adoption. Teddy is a well-adjusted fluffy white bichon who had a great life until his "Mom" lost her job and then her house. (The current economic situation doesn't just affect humans!) Although she had owned Teddy for 11 years, when she could no longer afford to care for him, Teddy's Mom brought him to Bichon FurKids to help find him a new forever home. Teddy is in foster care and has adjusted well to his new surroundings. Teddy is housebroken and loves pretty much everybody. Dogs, cats, kids, and adults are all just new friends for this active and happy little guy. Teddy has a big smile and likes playing with squeaky toys and going for walks. Although technically Teddy could be considered a "senior" dog, many bichons can live to be 18 or 20 years old. Teddy is in great health and his foster mom says he acts like a "young dude." Teddy is having meetings with prospective adopters, so Marti also mentioned a "bonded pair" of FurKids who may be available soon named Buster and Camille. If you are interested in adding a small white ball of love into your life, check out Teddy and the other bichons at the Bichon FurKids site.

Susan Daffron talks to Brenda Pina from the Sanctuary Animal Refuge in Florida about a dog named Flo. The sanctuary rescued this sweet pit bull mix from an open admission shelter in Georgia where she was in danger of being euthanized because she had a problem with her back leg. A woman had wrapped duct tape around Flo's leg, cutting off the circulation and causing an infection. When the woman realized there was a medical problem, she dumped Flo at animal control. A kind person named Patsy pulled Flo from the shelter and took her to the vet. Flo's leg couldn't be saved, so it was amputated. Then Flo was able to come to the Sanctuary Animal Refuge to find her new home. Although she only has three legs now, Flo has no trouble walking or running. She's a sweetheart and everybody lovers her happy, sunny disposition. Flo "smiles" all the time and enjoys being around both small and large dogs. She likes to lay her head on your lap, so you can pet and cuddle her. Flo is one of those dogs who has had a terribly rough beginning, yet still remains a kind, loving dog. She deserves a second chance at a new home where she can receive the love she deserves.

Susan Daffron talks to Cynthia Farrell from Pet Haven in Minnesota about a dog named Bishop who is available for adoption. Bishop is one of those "Heinz 57" dogs who looks like he has some American Staffordshire Terrier in him, but also probably a mix of other breeds too. He is a dark blonde with a cute white stripe on his note and light tummy. Bishop is around a year old now and has been in Pet Haven's foster care program since June of 2008. When he was just 4 months old, he was rescued with a number of other dogs from a hoarding situation. Since he's been in foster care, Bishop has been through two obedience classes and the transformation in his behavior has been amazing. Bishop is a total people lover, and loves to be the center of attention. Because he's young and still a bit of a puppy, Bishop is an exuberant boy who likes nothing better than chasing tennis balls and playing. Ideally, Bishop is looking for a home where he can receive a lot of attention from an owner who wants a great canine buddy to hang out with. Although Bishop is crate trained and used to being left alone for up to a full work day, he would appreciate lunch-time outings. Bishop would also benefit from an owner who is willing to continue his obedience training. Another training class will help Bishop bond with his new family. Won't you take a leap of faith and see how perfectly wonderful Bishop might be for you?

Susan Daffron talks to Jani Spiby from The Cat Posse in Burbank CA about a cat named Julian who is available for adoption. Julian is a male orange tabby who has undergone an amazing physical transformation thanks to the Cat Posse. He was found by a feral cat colony caretaker who trapped him and took him to the vet. Julian obviously wasn't feral, but he was quite sick. He had a terrible case of mange and a deep infected wound, which had been caused by his scratching. It took quite a bit of skin care treatment and even surgery to fix a problem with his eyelashes, but now he is a gorgeous, healthy cat. During his veterinary adventures, Julian was also tested for FIV, and came up positive. However, contrary to popular opinion, cats with FIV can live a long and healthy life and live with other compatible cats without any problem. In fact, FIV-positive cats can live into their teens, just like any other cat that is taken care of well. Julian is an extremely friendly and loveable cat. Although he's not exactly a "lap cat" he does love to be around people and is extremely social. Consider giving this sweet orange boy a second chance at a great life. After what he's been through, he certainly deserves it!

Susan Daffron talks to Alaire Garrison from the SPCA/HS of Prince George's County in Maryland about a 3-year old dog named Samurai who is available for adoption. Samurai (aka Sam or Sammy) is a rather unusual breed of dog called a Jindo. These dogs actually originated from the Island of Jindo in Korea where they were bred as hunting dogs. Sam is all white with cream-colored highlights and weighs in at about 45 pounds. He has a curly tail and pointy ears, so he looks somewhat like a small, white Akita. Because of his hunting heritage, he probably would be best in a home without cats or other small animals. He is a bit dominant, but loves to play with sociable dogs. Ideally, he would have access to a dog park or a doggie day care where he could find playmates he can romp and play with. Sam is extremely affectionate with people he knows and is content to lie by your feet. In fact, Sam is laid back enough that he could even live in an apartment or condo, if he got daily walks and exercise to keep him physically and mentally happy. Sammy is a really sweet dog who is just looking for someone to love. (Maybe it's you?!)

Susan Daffron talks to Tabitha Hanes from the Richmond SPCA about a Labrador Retriever/Hound mix named Grover. This dog mix is one of those great goofy canines that everyone loves to be around because he just makes you smile. Grover is mostly white, but he also has a collection of really nifty black spots on his head, particularly around his muzzle and ears. He's a happy dog who just wants to be everyone's friend. Although he has an old healed shoulder injury, it doesn't slow him down at all. It just gives him a distinctive gait. This Richmond SPCA uses the ASPCA Meet Your Match program to help match the perfect dog with the perfect owner based on compatible personalities and behavior. In the Meet Your Match system, Grover's personality is "goofball," which is described as: "I'm a fun-loving, happy-all-the-time, glass-is-half-full kind of dog looking for someone who loves to laugh and play around. Must have a great sense of humor and a bunch of tennis balls." The Meet Your Match Canine-ality Adoption Program that the Richmond SPCA is using is designed to help you find the dog that's just right for you. If you want a dog that will make you laugh a lot, Grover might be the one.