These are a few of the questions from our inbox...

Pictures and Questions: Can you adopt Beeker?

Sat, 7 Aug 2010 10:21:22 -0400

If you are looking for a chill, older house cat to keep you company then Mr. B is your man! We have NO idea why anyone would ever dump this sweet man out on the street to fend for himself. Clearly an indoor cat before being dumped, he is 8 years old, fully adjusted to the indoors, and wants two things out of life: food and catnip. Oh, and some chin scratches and belly rubs would be great too! Beeker is the kind of cat who will sleep with you at night, lay next to you on the couch while you watch a movie, and escort you to the kitchen anytime you care to make a trip there. When he gets excited about something, his extra long, white tipped tail vibrates with happiness. We have no idea why someone would turn this handsome and lovely gentleman out of their home to a life on the street, but Beeker is a forgiving cat and is very much looking for a happy forever home. He does well with other cats, even those who are a bit grumpy, and we suspect that he would do particularly well with another male cat. Beeker is fully vetted, neutered, worm/flea-free and is up-to-date on all of his vaccinations. He even had an extensive dental cleaning. He has a slight heart murmur that needs to be checked by a vet twice a year, but is in great health! Adoption application is available online at www.citykitties.org.

Pictures and Questions: What was your process for getting a foster dog?

Sat, 3 Jul 2010 10:55:04 -0400

Hi GN,

I would love to foster. What did you and your dogs go through when you were selecting a foster dog?

First and foremost, we also have a cat, an older dog, and an anxious pitt mix, which changes things a little....

John and I decided that it was time to foster a dog from PAWS. We have found dogs. We have placed dogs. Fostering seemed like the next step, especially since the animal network is so overcrowded.

1. Think about what you can realistically handle
Our first step was to take stock and make an accurate assessment of our house and pets. We had to make sure our dogs and cat were up on flea medication and vaccines- Kennel Cough especially. It meant thinking about it for a few days and making a few trips to our vet. 
2. Apply Our next step was to contact PAWS and get an application.

1. Check out what is available
After that, we started meeting dogs. We wanted an adolescent or adult dog because Clover is way too old to tolerate a puppy. We wanted a dog that was social and a little submissive. We knew we needed a dog that expressed the right behaviors toward cats. Seger was a young female, spayed and very fearful. We left PAWS and did some more thinking. A submissive dog can have aggression problems from fear. We had to think about the best way to introduce everyone and keep things calm and positive.

1. Second visit one person one dog
We returned to PAWS and I stayed with Seger for an hour an a half to assess how quickly she warmed up and to measure how skittish or fearful she was. Our plan B was to bring in a trainer if she seemed like a tough case. It turned out that Seger warmed up quickly and showed her true playful demeanor. We tossed the ball around and I talked in a calm voice. Next, I riled her up and watched how much effort on her and my part it took for her to calm down. After that, I asked Robin to do another cat introduction and make sure Seger had a good natural response. We fully planned on training for good cat manners.

5. Third visit all the people one dog
We visited PAWS again so we could see any changes. Seger was shaping up nicely and well healed from her Spay Surgery. We decided rather quickly that it was time to introduce the dogs. Since Banjo had anxiety, Clover is a one-dog-anti-fun brigade, and Seger was fearful, we decided to maximize on the slow route. We leashed all three dogs and had them meet on the grass next to the clinic. John held Banjo. A clinic volunteer held Seger. I stodd between them and modeled a positive introduction. Clover gave a sniff and didn’t care.

6. All the dogs.......slowly.....for an extended period
Having two Pitt mixes meet takes a little more effort. Pitt energy goes from 0-60 pretty quick. I stayed in the middle and corrected Banjo. Having two other people on the leashes meant that we could change the amount of space and control that energy.

Banjo had a bit of a growl and snarl. We decided to make the next introduction in the PAWS yard with Banjo muzzled. He has a bit of leash aggression. The option of being without a leash but with a muzzle meant that he would be able to meet Seger and sort things out without the risk of biting.

When everyone was calm, we removed the muzzle. Everything stayed calm. We waited a little while. We signed the paperwork. We separated the dogs for the ride home. We did another very controlled introduction in the house.

1. Controlled introduction and controlled interaction with the cat and the dogs
Seger was on a soft leash for quite a while in our house. The role of the soft leash was:
a. quick escape for potty training reasons
b. controlled interaction with the cat until the “pack” was accepting of all parties and stabilized
c. controlled interaction with the dogs until all dogs know the rules with each other- ie Seger learns to leave Clover alone
d. learn/model calm down. Seger was fearful and part of training out of that mindset includes scaffolding success with calm periods, sleeping periods, active periods.
Seger has been fed in her crate with the door closed so she felt safe
Seger was crate trained from day one including entering the crate to find calm space
a. Calm space is not “you are bad get in your crate”
b. Calm space is chewing treats in the crate
c. Calm space is training to enter the crate if Seger feels or acts overwhelmed and won’t calm using the soft leash
We focused on this component and used a larger crate so that Seger stood a better chance of staying calm while we were out. A secondary goal was to make sure Seger could feel calm by herself(there is no guarantee there will be another dog or even a cat in her forever home.

The total number of days during the PAWS part of the process was 18. That final visit took 3 hours. We knew walking in that Banjo would typically be anxious for five minutes and then calm down. We had very supervised play sessions and hang out time for two weeks.

Pictures and Questions: Can you adopt Mayla?

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 20:41:25 -0400

Mayla was rescued from the streets in West Philly while nursing an old wound. This gorgeous, affectionate dilute calico had been limping on a broken leg for weeks or even months. X-rays showed that the break had already mostly healed without veterinary care. Mayla had a small limp she may carry for life, but she's a healthy and happy girl and has no trouble walking, running, or going up and down stairs. She's sharing her very own foster apartment with her foster mom, dad, and a feline friend. Mayla loves getting attention from her people. She gets along fine with other cats, as long as they're laid-back. She would do well in a home by herself or with another cat. Mayla is spayed, FIV/FeLV negative, FVRCP and rabies vaccinated, and flea-free. Adoption application and $75 adoption fee required. Adoption application is available online at www.citykitties.org.

UPDATE: Mayla was adpoted!

Pictures and Questions: What is Super Adoption Day?

Sat, 22 May 2010 20:34:47 -0400

With Love Super Adoption Day was organized by Citizens for a No-Kill Philadelphia. It happened at the Piazza at Schmidts in the Northern Liberties.

The day had plenty of activities and highlights.

Rescue Ink from the Discovery Channel visited. They had their trailer and were offering photo ops and autographs. They also spoke about the importance of rescue and as well as their special take on rescuing dogs.

The mayor also came by to hand out awards to two very special dogs. Hector, a rehabilitated ‘Michael Vick’ dog, and Sarge, a therapy dog who was previously a bait dog in a South Philadelphia fighting ring, both received commendation for educating the public about truths and misconceptions about pit bulls and dog fighting. Both dogs were as inspiring and loving as their heroic stories implied.

Wendy Rollins of 104.5 hosted the entire event and introduced a multitude of adoptable dogs from dozens of local groups. The PSPCA, PAWS, Morris Animal Refuge, and City Kitties joined with other breed specific rescues and neighboring rescues from the Mail Line and New Jersey to truly show the diverse array of adoption options for this area.

Alongside the Animal Groups and foster dogs, there were plenty of animal accessory vendors, people accessory vendors and activities like face painting. There was even a Farmers’ Market. We had a great time volunteering. It was great to see such a big event. We have set a goal to bring our own foster dog next year. See you there.

Pictures and Questions: Can you adopt Stanley?

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 17:04:12 -0400

Sweet, handsome Stanley was rescued from the streets of West Philly. He's a very nice guy who enjoys cuddling sessions and lots of pets. Stanley has FIV, a virus of the immune system. Don't let that scare you away from this wonderful kitty. He can live a long, normal, happy life--he just needs someone who will provide him with a low-stress home and high-quality food. Stanley doesn't need any medication or other special care. He would do well on his own or with other FIV+ kitties (check out Silent Bob--also FIV+ and looking for a home). FIV only affects cats, so he could also live with a dog. Stanley is waiting for your application. He'd love to go home with you!

UPDATE: Stanley was adopted!

Pictures and Questions: How do you select a second Dog?

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:31:41 -0500

There are three general ways to go about getting a second dog.
1) Private family/breeder
2) Breed specific rescue/ safe haven
3) Local shelter/rescue network

Many people stick with the same breed after success with the first pet. Breeders and breed specific rescues are a means to get a second dog of the same breed. You can bring your family, including Rex, and try combinations until you find what is best.

The other option is to find a good match within the local shelter/rescue system. To some, this option seems a bit more challenging. For that reason, I would like to share Ramona’s story with you.

Ramona’s Mommy started with a Jack Russell. After some of life’s twists and turns, she decided that a second dog was the right choice. More to the point, she had to find a second dog that was of average size, but that would be safe and submissive.....because, well, Jacks are little dogs that think they are big dogs.

At this point, we had a discussion about what to look for in a shelter dog. This family needed a submissive dog that wasn’t too submissive. The family wanted a shepherd mix around forty pounds. Enter Ramona.

Ramona was friendly but submissive. She had a case of the ‘happy squirts’ (peeing when you walk in the door) that eventually disappeared after a period of planned ignoring (actively not acknowledging the accident). And while she still has initial anxiety about other dogs(dogs walking down the street), she is purrfectly behaved around visiting cats and a model citizen around dogs that are properly introduced.

Ramona is a two year veteran of the Mutt Strut and looks forward to her third year.

Below: Ramona catching snowballs and Ramona proving soft crates are not Mommy’s best idea.

Pictures and Questions: How can we help local cats?

Fri, 8 Jan 2010 21:36:03 -0500

Above: Vegas, Below Left: Papi, Below Right: Vegas

We would like to thank everyone for their support with placing Buddy. During our search for his owner, we ran into several people interested in the plight of the city’s forgotten kitties and Gracious Neighbor’s role in helping cats as well as dogs. We have fostered and placed several kitties but are not doing so currently. If you are interested in helping a local fostering agency for cats, I would like to introduce you to City Kitties and one of their foster kitties, Papi.

Papi was living on a City Kitties Volunteer's porch, and was constantly trying to sneak into the house with the goal of becoming an indoor kitty. He got his wish, and quickly acclimated to the good life! He is a cuddly fellow, and loves to lay next to you for chin scratches and belly rubs. He has spent his entire life around other cats, and would be happy to have a friendly feline companion or two. (Two of his kittens are also up for adoption: Sydney and Little Bear). He is truly adorable, particularly with his pouty chin. Papi is two years old, is neutered, FIV/FeLV negative, FVRCP and rabies vaccinated, and worm/flea-free.

Vegas was abandoned in an alley one night. A City Kitties volunteer heard her plaintive cries and went to investigate. Vegas was terrified to be alone, but happy to see a human. We can't believe someone dumped Vegas outside to fend for herself. This cheerful, laid-back, and friendly girl would love to be your lap cat! She loves people and gets along well with cats. She would especially like to be adopted with one of her foster siblings, Little Bear or Moxie, but would do well on her own, too. Vegas is spayed, FIV/FeLV negative, FVRCP and rabies vaccinated, flea-free, and microchipped. Adoption application and $75 adoption fee required. Adoption application is available online at www.citykitties.org.

***UPDATE**** Papi was adopted as soon as he landed on our webpage. We know it to be an independent source but we would like to thank ourselves for the power of ‘Jinx’. To se if we are magic, we want to test our powers of ‘Jinx’ on another City Kitties Foster, Vegas.

***UPDATE*** Vegas, after a bit of a stay in foster care, found her forever home. Salut.

Pictures and Questions: Can we share a funny cat story?

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:13:16 -0500

There have been a lot of dog posts. Can we share a funny cat story to balance things out?

Above: Idgie trying to “Castanza” the cookie.

Idgie was born in Buffalo, New York. She met her forever mommy when her previous owner had to move to Seattle. Idgie has had a notorious sweet tooth for quite some time. Her mommy first noticed her sweet tooth when she came home to find an empty Twinkie wrapper.

This fall, Idgie’s mommy had purchased a delicious pumpkin cookie from Panera Bread to help her continue through a rough spot in her dissertation. Mom went to do laundry and Idgie went to work on the Panera Bread bag. (See exhibit A below.)

Mommy, a little frightened of that self cleaning tongue, made the tough decision to throw away the cookie. Idgie, in a moment of shameless weakness not always visible in cats, actually tried to fish the cookie out of the trash. Now Idgie must live with her shame just like Castanza on Seinfeld.

Exhibit AIdgie helping Mommy focus on her work.

Pictures and Questions: What happened to the ‘found’ puppy?

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 13:56:39 -0500

Above: We carefully introduce Buddy to Dilly to see how he gets along with cats.

This was the original post:
A fellow dog walker discovered this little guy up around 18th and Spring Garden on 11/09/09. We have had him scanned for a microchip (no luck), and we have posted signs and left little flyers in the area with no luck so far. We have also posted to Craigslist and Petfinder.com

He looks to be about 3-4 months old and maybe six pounds. His mix seems to be predominantly Cairn Terrier and Jack Russell Terrier. The photo shows that he has a bit of wire hair in him.

What happened:
We posted signs. We made and distributed post cards. He was scanned for a microchip at Banfield and Girard Veterinary Clinic (there are different brands and thus different scanners for microchips). We posted to petfinder.com. We posted to craigslist.com. His foster family had him neutered. (It turns out that the vet thought he was about twelve weeks old.) His foster family also diligently worked on house training and crate training. Finally, he found his forever home with two cats and two new, loving, human parents. And, just in time for a nice Christmas story ending!

Thank you for the emails highlighting how young puppies can get stolen in the hopes of reselling them to pet stores. We held out hope for an entire month and spoke to many local dog owners in the hopes of finding his original owner.

Thank you too for the follow up emails. It is good to know that lost puppies are not easily forgotten.

Pictures and Questions: What is the Mutt Strut?

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 12:59:16 -0400

Above: Banjo peers outside, very worried about the rain. Many recovering strays suffer from ‘rain anxiety’. We all dressed up as a Where’s Waldo scene.

The Mutt Strut is a means for PAWS, Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society, to do some large-scale fundraising. Dog owners join the walk for $25 or do fundraising on their own to bring in extra cash. This is the third year of the Mutt Strut, and we are proud to have attended all three events. We have a personal goal to never miss a Mutt Strut.

This year was especially important for two reasons. First, PAWS is fundraising for a new, high-volume, low-cost spay/neuter facility to bring Philly closer to a no kill city. This is truly exciting news for the animal community as well as the community at large. We felt so excited to see this emerging success in the face of a recession. This year was also important because of the turnout in spite of the mud and the rain. Philadelphia has shown its love for all of the animals. It was an important year to make that point.

So, our third year with the Mutt Strut was amazing! By all accounts, the event raised more than $100,000!!!! And, walking through the mist and the rain really drove home the point that we were walking for the neglected and abandoned animals of this city.

The above video is from streettalkin.com, an internet video channel.
The video below is from youtube.com.