Most Wanted: Zip Zippy Trixie

One of the hardest things about animal rescue is trying to find the perfect match for each and every dog.  There are more than enough dogs in need of homes, and certainly plenty of willing families to take them in.  The challenge comes when a dog needs a particular type of family to join.  Sometimes it takes a little longer, and a little more digging to find that perfect match.

This is the case with Trixie.  At about a year and a half old, twelve pounds in size with a beautiful brindle coat, Trixie is a real catch.  Her foster family adores her and in turn, Trixie showers her humans with love, cuddles and kisses.  She sleeps right up against her foster mom at night and splits her time in the evening between lounging in the bedroom and lying on the couch.  One will never be lonely with this girl around.

The thing is, Trixie doesn’t just want to lounge around all day.  She also wants to be challenged, get to run, play focus games and live life to the fullest.  Often when people think of energetic dogs, they think of larger breeds or breed mixes like labs or huskies, but Trixie is so small, her need for daily walks and mental stimulation can come as a surprise to some.  Now, it shouldn’t be a secret that it is a little more difficult to find homes for dogs with a higher energy level.  We realize it can be daunting for families to add daily jogs or agility classes to their schedule. 

Daunting, but worth it.  Plus, once you get into a routine, it’s definitely not as difficult as it seems.

Her foster mom was asked how Trixie makes her smile.  She said, “When she first wakes up, her eyes are half closed and she looks so sweet and innocent.  And the first thing she’ll do is give kisses.”  Moments like this are priceless.  They cannot be bought.  Only earned by providing the necessary love and care to a dog who needs you.

Trixie needs to run and play.  She attends doggie daycare and has the time of her life, something that can always be continued once she is adopted.  Daycare is a wonderful way for dogs to burn some energy without their human having to do five laps around the block.  After a slow introduction to other dogs, playtime is so important to Trixie as, along with draining her energy, it helps to build her social skills.  She also likes to go on long walks and is thinking about taking up jogging. This is the biggest thing with Trixie – she needs exercise to feel her very best.  Give her that, and she will give you the world.

Save the Best for Last – Azure

By: Kim M.

                  When my husband and I were asked to take two more fosters, our first encounter with 2 dogs, we were excited. We were getting 2 of the “car” puppies, Nova and Mercedes, but their siblings Cobalt and Azure were going to spend the day with us too until they were picked up. They were all great, playful, adorable little 6-week-old dogs.

Cobalt, Azure, Nova and Mercedes (L to R)

We had Mercedes and Nova for 3 weeks, but they were scooped up at an adoption fair rather quickly. It is always so hard to let them go, especially when they’re so adorable! But then we were given the opportunity to have Cobalt and Azure come back and join us, so I was rather excited. So, at 9 weeks old, Azure came back to us with her brother Cobalt. They played together, they loved all the attention they got, and they learned very quickly! Within no time at all they were house trained, knew their names, could sit, shake a paw, and walked lovely on a leash.

Much to our surprise, neither Cobalt nor Azure was adopted at the Canada Day celebrations on Osborne, while there was a lot of interest in all of the adorable Mutts. I was happy; I wanted a little more time with my awesome fosters. So we had longer to play with and train them, and then came the Morris Stampede. Cobalt was adopted by a wonderful family in Morris, and this left our sweet little “Azzy” as the last of her litter. Much to our surprise, she stayed with us for a few more weeks, though there were no complaints here! She continued to be a happy, playful loving dog, and we enjoyed every minute of having her here. She made friends with other dogs, and had a great time playing while waiting for her “forever” family to find her.

Azure and her friend Nyah

My husband and I left for a vacation, leaving Azure with another great foster, and we were hopeful she would find her forever family while we were gone. How could such a sweet little girl not have been scooped up? Well, when we returned from vacation, she hadn’t quite been adopted, and honestly, as selfish as it sounded, I was relieved. I know she was the last of her litter, and we really wanted her to find a great home, but I would hate for her to be adopted without being able to say goodbye, as she was with us for two months. Then, two days after returning from vacation (on my birthday as a matter of fact) two wonderful women came and met Azure, and fell in love with her right away. With Azzy, you could tell the feeling was mutual. So while it made my birthday a little sad, it was a great gift to see the “best for last” girl finally going to her “forever” home.

Going by the name of Clover, she now lives in Winnipeg Beach with a gigantic yard to play in, water nearby for her favourite pastime of swimming, and two amazing owners who are certain to spoil her rotten. It was amazing to get the chance to see her grow from a little 10-pound puppy into a beautiful 30-pound puppy by the time she left us. One thing we know for sure is that this girl always has been, and always will be loved.

Nutrition and Healthy Body Condition

By: MMDR

Keeping your dog healthy:

We all know that most dogs love to eat!  However, feeding them high calorie foods and treats can literally kill them with kindness.  Dogs that spend their lives overweight or obese are at a much greater risk of organ failure, joint problems, digestive upsets, diabetes, and many more ailments.  Underweight dogs are not at their healthiest either, and may begin having issues with maintaining muscle mass or staying active. 

How do I know if my dog is a healthy weight?

The most useful tool in knowing whether your dog needs to lose (or gain) a few pounds is a chart that veterinarians use to assign a body score to dogs, cats, horses, and other companion animals.  You will assess the look and feel of the major areas of the body that store fat.  Below is a simplified version of the chart that vets use.

*Feed Your Best Friend Better

It is helpful to have an unbiased person help you to assess your dog.  We all see our pets through rose-coloured glasses, and it can be difficult to accept that your dog is overweight!  You vet, a vet tech, or even a groomer or trainer should be more than willing to help you decide where your pet sits on this chart overall.  Some variation from the ideal is OK, but the closer to ideal you can maintain your dog, the healthier she will be! 

How do I help my dog maintain a healthy weight?

• Exercise:

Daily exercise is crucial in keeping your dog fit and healthy!  Much like in humans, 30 or more minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise is ideal.  Some dogs may need much more than this to maintain a healthy lifestyle!  You do not have to limit your exercise to leash walks.  Try swimming, agility, or even skijoring (skiing behind a harnessed dog)!  Playing with other dogs can be great exercise too, if you are able to visit dog parks and doggy daycares on occasion.

• Diet:

A healthy diet is equally important to exercise.  Whatever your dog’s main source of food (kibble, homemade diet or raw food), make sure that he or she is getting the nutrients necessary without taking in excessive calories.  Treats such as fat balls (kibble rolled in cooled lard), peanut butter or cheese whiz may thrill your dog, but they can also contribute to weight problems and diseases like Pancreatitis (a painful condition caused by consuming too much fat).  Some great low calorie treats for dogs include:

·      Carrots

·      Broccoli

·      Apple slices

·      Sugar snap peas or green beans

·      Small pieces of lean meat (chicken breast, etc)

·      Antler chews provide nutrients without calories, and even help to clean your dog’s teeth!

Before trying out new foods for your dog, please talk to a vet or other pet professional to make sure that it is safe.  Also, only introduce one new food every few days to rule out allergic reactions or stomach upsets! 

What kind of dog food should I feed?

If you are shopping around for a new brand of dog food and choose to feed dry kibble, make sure that you choose one that is appropriate for your dog’s age, activity level, and size.  Good quality dog foods have meat or meat meal listed as the first (and preferably second) ingredients.  Meat by-products are not desirable.  Many dogs have allergies to various grains (wheat, corn, oats, barley, etc.), so make sure you watch out for itchiness, watery eyes, etc. when you switch foods.  Always switch food slowly by gradually decreasing the old food and increasing the new food over a period of at least 4-5 days; preferably over a week. 

Most veterinarians do not currently condone raw food, but many people do still feed this way!  If you choose to feed your dog raw food, make sure that you practice safe food handling and be aware of how parasites are spread through raw meat.  Talk to someone who knows how to safely feed raw foods before beginning this transition.

If you opt for homemade meals for your dog, take care to put in only nutritious, safe ingredients.  Lean meats, sweet potato, potato, rice, and certain fruits or vegetables are great options.  Again, please talk to your veterinarian or pet professional before attempting to feed a homemade diet to ensure your dog gets the nutrition he or she needs! 

Resources and further reading:

http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/overweight-dogs-and-canine-weight-loss-diets

http://dogfooddude.blogspot.ca/

http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/consumers/pet-food-alternatives.html

*Borrowed with permission from: Feed Your Best Friend Better by Rick Woodford, published by Andrews McMeel, $16.99

Most Wanted: Marley, Your Special Friend

There is always something special and unique about each and every dog that comes into our care here at Manitoba Mutts Dog Rescue.  Sometimes we can tell a dog’s personality from the moment we meet them but for the most part, it takes a little while to truly get to know each dog and what they’re all about. 

Marley was a bit of a mix.  As soon as we laid eyes on her we could tell she had a gentle, caring soul.  We’re willing to bet anyone ten dog biscuits that if you take a look into her eyes you’ll notice a bit of a sparkle that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.  It’s that feeling that makes you want to cuddle up to her and tell her all of your secrets, worries and dreams.

It’s no wonder she makes you feel that way.  After getting to know Marley and having her in several different situations we realized she loves children!  Maybe it’s because she’s still a puppy at heart, and maybe it’s because she has a special maternal instinct in her that will grow with time, but one thing’s for sure: she is one happy girl when kids are around.

This is such a great trait to have in a dog.  For those who grew up with childhood pets, there’s no question that furry friends play an important part in every aspect of the lives of kids.  From helping them through the toughest times to brightening each morning with a kiss and a cuddle, there is absolutely no substitute for the special relationship between dog and child.

Marley is now looking for that special relationship and bond.  She wants to find someone, child or adult, to spend her days with.  She wants to greet you every morning with a wagging tail; go on long, soothing walks after a hard day at work; and be a part of your annual family portrait for years to come.  She loves to keep busy and would be the perfect pet for an active family that would integrate her into as many family activities as possible. 

Even if you just started to consider adopting a dog, Marley is a great girl to visit.  Just make sure that when you bend down to say hello, you take note of that special glisten of love that so plainly shines in her eyes.  Once you notice it, it will be pretty hard to walk away without her by your side. 

Learn more about Marley and other adoptable dogs on our adoption page.

Minnie Series Part 4 - Saila

By Christie O.

This Post Has Gone to the Dogs! An adoption story from the other side of the chew toy. 

Sometimes here at Manitoba Mutts we don’t just get blog posts from our human adopters, but every once and a while a four-legged friend takes over the keyboard. Without further adieu, I give you Salia to tell her story.

How can you not love these eyes?

Hi Saila here!

                I met my furever parents when I was six weeks old. I knew we were meant to be a family as soon as they came to my Foster Mom's door. My excitement overtook me and I bounded out from behind my foster Mom's legs and I clumsily (like only a wee puppy can) ran smack dab into my new Mommy's shin. I looked up and our eyes met for the first time. It was love at first sight! I am pretty sure there was a puddle at my new mom's feet, but she didn’t seem to mind. It was her heart, it melted, I swear I didn't pee on her! My new Mommy picked me up and I couldn't help but lick her face and neck, I even nuzzled in for a quick cuddle. After our introductions, we went across the road and played in the park for a little while. My new Mommy sat on the grass and I would venture off a little but always go back to her, just to make sure she was still there. After playing together, my new dad carried me back to my foster mom's house and I felt my whole body relax as I snuggled up against him. Our first visit was pretty special! They knew that very same night that I had chose them to be my furever family, it was a done deal.

                One week later my new parents came to visit me again at my foster Mom's house. They brought me a couple of toys and I showed them just how much confidence I gained in one whole week. I still walked a little sideways, but I held my head high and proud, my legs were much stronger and I was much more determined then before. I heard my new Mommy say, "oh boy, we've got a strong willed little puppy on our hands." She had no idea just how true of a statement that really was!

                On June 22nd my new parents picked me up and brought me to my new house. I was so little then, only 7 pounds! My new yard had many interesting areas to dig in and explore. By day two I felt like I was home and my confidence and strong willed nature started to shine through. No worries though, Mom and Dad are training now. They're learning all sorts of neat tricks! For example, I've trained them to give me a treat when I sit and lay down!

                My mom and dad tell me every day how lucky they are that I am living with them now. Life isn't the same, it's better than ever. We are a family and every so often I reward my new parents with that famous doggie smile of mine, and that's when I know, my parents are pawstruck in love with me.

               

Check it out, we figured out the timer setting on the camera! 

                                                                                             

                             

                I am extremely lucky because my Mom's good friend adopted my sister Sibley (formerly Flower) so we get to hang out together all the time. We get to have sleepovers on the weekend when her human family is out of town. Life is pretty good, and I have Manitoba Mutts Rescue to thank for taking in pups like my Mom, Minnie, and giving her a safe place to live so that she could give birth to all of us. Thank you for helping all of us find wonderful, loving people to adopt us and take care of us!

Being this adorable is a pretty hard job….