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

Susan Daffron talks to Angie Platten, a volunteer for the Prince William SPCA, in Manassas, Virginia about Kane, a strikingly handsome collie, golden retriever mix. Kane was found wandering the streets as a stray and taken to the shelter. He is an extremely easygoing, friendly young dog. In fact, everyone who has met him is surprised no one came to claim him! Kane doesn't’t have an aggressive bone in his body and loves to play with other dogs. Although he doesn't seem to have much training yet, he is incredibly willing and loves to please. Because he's a big young dog, he does have a lot of energy, but he'd do well in a home with kids, since he seems to love humans of all shapes and sizes pretty much universally. If you are looking for a wonderful family dog that you can play fetch, go running, or swim with, listen to the show and hear more about this

Susan Daffron talks to Bridgette Mongeon from the Homeless Pet Placement League in Houston, Texas about a one-year old black Labrador retriever named Sam (short for Samantha). Bridgette is Sam's "foster mom." She and her husband have been fostering dogs (especially puppies!) on a regular basis for HPPL, but Sam actually was a dog they found. Sam was wandering the street, in heat, with a rope wrapped around her throat, body, and trailing behind her. This dog obviously had not been well cared for by her previous owner and Bridgette was relieved when no one came forward to claim Sam. Malnourished and skinny, Sam also had mange, heart worms and other problems, but after a few months in foster care living the "good life" and receiving veterinary treatment, you would never know it. As you can see from the photo, Sam's fur just gleams and she's clearly a happy healthy girl now. Although Sam had a rough beginning, she is truly a "marvelous dog" (to quote Bridgette). Sam likes to play, go for walks, and even knows a few commands. If you like Labs or other retrievers, you'll love Sam!

Susan Daffron talks to Christine Mathis from the Oregon Ferret Shelter about a four-year old female ferret named Raja. Sadly, Raja's former owner had to give her up because she couldn't afford Raja's veterinary expenses. The folks at the shelter took in Raja, and she had surgery for an adrenal tumor. She now is healthy and doing great. Raja actually would be great "first ferret" for someone because of her age and personality. Unlike some ferrets, Raja is not a biter and loves being around people. Plus, although like any ferret, she does like to explore, she is not as high-energy as some ferrets. Because ferrets have special feeding and care requirements, Christine recommends that prospective owners get a copy of a book like Ferrets for Dummies before they adopt or purchase a pet ferret.

Susan Daffron talks to Mary Wyman from the Humane Society Waterville Area in Maine about a Siberian Husky mix named Russ. Originally found as a stray, Russ has been at the Humane Society for a while and would be a great family dog. Unfortunately, his photo doesn't really do him justice. He's a striking dog with blue eyes and a beautiful fawn-colored coat. Although he's obviously part Siberian, he probably is mixed with another breed like Australian Shepherd as well. Both are "working" breeds, so Russ's new owner should be prepared to give Russ lots of exercise, such as going for hikes or playing ball. The folks at the Humane Society have been working with Russ on "sit" and "down" but this exuberant guy is going to need more training. If you have older kids, they would benefit from the experience of taking a new adopted dog like Russ to obedience classes. After all, most of the time, the humans learn at least as much as the dogs!

Susan Daffron talks to Lori Searfoss of the of the Poundhounds Adoption Welfare Society (PAWS) in Ohio about a 2-year old dog named Portia. When you look at Portia's photo, you can see what a happy girl she is! This dog was rescued from "death row" at a high kill shelter. Portia had been found as a stray when she was very young, and taken to the shelter. But she was such a happy, playful, affectionate dog, the dog warden just "couldn't do it" when Portia's time ran out. So PAWS was called in to save the day. Portia has been at PAWS for quite a long time and is extremely well crate trained. She loves to run and play with other dogs, since she has lots of energy. A volunteer has been working with her on some of the basics like "sit" but she will need a bit of an obedience refresher and solid leadership from the people in her new home. Lori says Portia would make a great "jogging buddy" for someone because she just loves her walks. But she also likes to crash on the sofa with you and watch TV. Although Portia probably shouldn't go to a home with cats, she seems to get along great with most dogs and people.

Susan Daffron talks to Janine Allan who is a trainer for RescueMeDog.org. As a trainer, she works with dogs at shelters throughout southern California and helps shelter staff and volunters improve dog behavior and increase adoptability. This time, she tells us about a 4 year old male Rottweiler mix named Pepper who is at the Humane Society of the Desert, Orphan Pet Oasis in Palm Springs, California. Pepper is a happy, friendly loving dog, who happens to only have 3 legs. (But Janine points out Pepper can out run any dog with four legs and really loves his walks!) Pepper was originally found at a junk yard with a wounded leg. The shelter fixed him up, but he has been there for about three years now and needs a loving home. He walks nicely on the leash, and also knows a few training commands. Plus, he just loves children and people, so he'll surely put a smile on your face when you meet this friendly guy.

Susan Daffron talks to Jennifer Williams of the of the Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society in Texas about a horse named Casper. This horse was originally seized by law enforcement and has been in foster care gaining weight and getting the care he needs to be a healthy happy horse again. Casper is a seven year old white quarter horse gelding who has no bad manners. He trailers, ties, and is good about having his feet handled. (Jennifer also says Casper wants everyone to know that he really LOVES horse cookies.) Casper has been receiving groundwork training and wears a saddle, but has not been ridden yet. He needs a patient owner who is willing to fiinish his training and give him the great life he deserves.

Susan Daffron talks to Judy Hutnik of the Animal Orphanage in Voorhees NJ about her "Pet Partner" dog named Kane. As a volunteer Pet Partner, Judy has been teaching Kane basic manners and giving him lots of exercise. Kane loves people and particularly playing fetch and frisbee. Because he is a bulldog pit bull mix, he will need a owner that is willing to provide leadership and guidance, plus give him the exercise he needs. Kane's original owner went to jail, and this dog never really the love, attention, or training he deserved when he was a puppy. But thanks to Judy and the Pet Partner program, Kane is learning basic manners, how to walk on a leash, and commands like "sit" and "down." This handsome boy is learning quickly and is very eager to please. He will make a great companion for an active adult or family with older children..

Susan Daffron talks to Sarah Quinn of the Humane Society of Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League about a dog she is fostering named Lucy. A 6 year old merle female Great Dane with natural (not cropped) ears, Lucy is a friendly girl who takes about 10-15 minutes to warm up to you and after that she's "Velcro dog." Lucy has been in foster care for a while and has made great progress. She is playful and loves her daily walks, but would do best in a home that has no small kids, dogs, or cats. She is fine with larger dogs and seems to particularly like women. As far as training, she had learned sit, stay, and lay down. Her foster mom says Lucy is quite the "cuddle bug" and thrives on attention from humans.

Susan Daffron talks to Laura Martin of the Humane Society of Davie County in Mocksville, North Carolina about a dog named Mila. All alone and having obviously been mistreated, abandoned, malnourished, wounded and missing most of her fur, Mila kept trying to get into peoples’ cars at a Humane Society of Davie County fundraising event. Her willingness to try once more to be accepted, loved and cared for, and hardest of all, to trust one more time, paid off. Through generous donations from a caring community, Mila has responded to treatment and is now a healthy, 65 pound Shepherd mix. Sweet natured, exceptionally intelligent and energetic, Mila loves attention and to run and play. Listen in and find out more about Mila!

Susan Daffron talks to Rhonda Hamerslough of Second Chance Animal Adoptions in Bonners Ferry, Idaho about a pair of dogs whose owner moved and had to leave them behind. Riot is an 8 month old terrier mix and Lucy is a 1-year old black lab. Both are in foster care and need a great new home. Riot is a "special needs" dog who is hard of hearing, but still eager to learn and easy to train with hand signals. Lucy is just a big happy black lab who loves everybody.

Susan Daffron welcomes everyone to "Take Me Home" gives some background on herself and her pets and gives an overview of what to expect in upcoming episodes.