Gracie's Bark - A Purely Dog Blog

Christmas Wish Come True for Brady

Some of you may remember, Gracie was reaching out to rescue a very handsome golden retriever named Brady about 3 weeks ago. Brady's Christmas wish came true. He was adopted by a wonderful family in Rhode Island and is settling in quite well. The Rhode Island family had recently lost their yellow lab named Petey in October and their home hasn't been the same. Allison contacted Gracie's Bark when she read our blog article about Brady. She a bustling home with two teenage boys and lots of company and wanted to meet Brady. Gracie became a successful match maker and connected Brady with Allison. 

Let's just say, the rest is history! Allison and her husband fell in love with Brady and picked him up just before Christmas to surprise her sons. 

"Brady is doing well and seems to have adjusted better than expected.  He made himself very comfortable as soon as we got home!  He is quite a character...we went for a walk the first day and when my neighbors met him he stole a loaf of bread from their groceries!  He's loving long walks and riding in the car.  He's sleeping through the night in his crate and I know he's trying to be good but does need to go to school! I want to thank you for posting his story otherwise we would have never found him. He's a love!"        ~ Allison

Gracie is just thrilled that we were able to connect Brady with a loving family. It was a wonderful Christmas wish come true for everyone!

Gracie's Bark is happy to spotlight any dogs in need of a good home. We are very willing to do our part in finding the loving homes these dogs need, it is the least we can do! Email us anytime with requests at GraciesBark@gmail.com. 

Tips for Bringing Home an Adopted Dog

We know that dog adoption during the holidays is quite popular. In many cases puppies are the preferred gift for families at Christmas. We actually wrote and article about a Golden Retriever named Brady, a couple of weeks ago, who was looking for a home for the holidays. Brady was fortunate to be adopted just in time for Christmas.

Below are some great tips for bringing home an adopted dog written by VetDepot, our guest blogger, this month.

 

Post by VetDepot

Tips for Bringing Home an Adopted Dog 

There’s no doubt that your new pooch will be forever grateful for giving him a forever home and you will surely be rewarded with plenty of love, loyalty and companionship in return. However, it’s important to do some planning ahead to make sure the furry new addition to your family gets off to a great start in your home. Below are a few tips to consider before adoption day:

• Do a Family Meet and Greet: All members of your household, including any canine family members, should meet the prospective dog prior to adoption. A possible canine addition to the family may appear to be a little nervous at first, but an aggressive or extremely fearful response toward any individual indicates that this particular dog might not be a good match. Returning a dog to a shelter is extremely hard on the animal, so it’s crucial to make sure everyone gets along before following through with adoption.
• Go Shopping Before Fido Comes Home: Make sure you have all of the basics to make your pup feel comfortable as soon as he gets home. A comfy bed, food and a few toys will ease the transition and help make your sweet pooch feel more at ease at he adjusts to his new surroundings.
• Establish Rules, Routines and Responsibilities: How many walks will the dog go on a day? Who is in charge of feeding? Is the dog allowed on the furniture? Clearly establishing all of these things will benefit both your family and your pooch. There won’t be any disagreements about whose turn it is to give the dog a bath and your furry companion will thrive better in an environment with an established routine and set rules.
• Puppy-Proof your Home: There’s a good chance that many potential puppy (or dog) hazards are lurking around your home. Electrical cords, human medications, chemical cleaning products and children’s toys are just a few of the common household items that should be kept well out of reach from pets.
• Pencil in Some Appointments: It’s a good idea to take your new four-legged companion to the vet for a wellness exam within a couple weeks of adoption. This is an excellent opportunity to ask the vet any questions you might have about vaccinations, nutrition, flea control or anything else. It’s also in your dog’s best interest to sign up for some training sessions because both owners and dogs can benefit from some extra guidance! Schedule these appointments in advance so they don’t fall to the bottom of your to-do list once you’ve brought your new dog home. 

A special thank you to VetDepot for writing a very helpful and informative post for Gracie's Bark. If you have adopted a dog recently, Gracie would love to hear more about your new furry friend. Email us anytime at: GraciesBark@gmail.com. 

Don't forget about Gracie's Reaching Out To Rescue segment. Gracie's Bark is happy to spotlight any dogs in need of a good home. We are very willing to do our part in finding the loving homes these dogs need, it is the least we can do! Email us anytime at: GraciesBark@gmail.com. 

Reaching Out to Rescue Two Beautiful Dogs in Dallas Texas

We received a request to help spread the word for two precious dogs who so badly need our help.

Gracie is a 10-year-old Yellow Lab and Sam is a 6-year-old Chesapeake Bay Retriever. They are docile, well behaved, housebroken and good with other animals.

These two dogs were living happily with their owner and his daughter until one month ago, when they lost the only master they've ever known very suddenly to a heart attack. The owner's daughter is a minor and must move overseas with her grandparents very soon, making finding a home for these two dogs an urgent priority. They are in the Dallas, Texas area. However, transportation could be arranged if they find a perfect fit to adopt them.

They need a miracle. For more information please visit American Dog Rescue on Facebook, email Monaica Ledell, or call American Dog Rescue at: (316) 207-3581.

They wanted so badly to create a Christmas Miracle for Sam and Gracie, but they're not giving up!

Thank you for helping and sharing this information. Sometimes it takes a village!

Gracie's Bark is happy to spotlight any dogs in need of a good home. We are very willing to do our part in finding the loving homes these dogs need, it is the least we can do! Email us anytime with requests at GraciesBark@gmail.com. 

Gracie is Reaching Out to Rescue a Golden Retriever this Holiday

We received a letter from Katie in the SouthCoast asking us for help finding a good home for a very handsome Golden Retriever named Brady.

"Dear Gracie:

I have a 1 year old, male golden retriever named Brady that I need to find a home for. He was given to us a few months ago by a woman who could no longer care for him because she was a single mother and lived in a condo. He is really sweet and knows his name and "sit." He is potty trained (to go outside...). He is still a puppy so he has lots of energy and needs someone to love him. I really want to find a home that I know he will be loved in. We would keep him, but we already have a dog and 4 cats and the house is a bit too crowded.

Do you know anyone who would be interested? He is really lovable and cuddles.

Ideally no cats because he likes to "play" with them...i.e. he won't get out of their face even if they swat at him. He is purebred, but fixed. 

Thanks Gracie! I know you have more doggie loving friends than I do and I hope we can find an even better home for Brady."

Let's help spread the word and try to find Brady a wonderful home for the holidays! Email Gracie at GraciesBark@gmail.com with any inquiries.

Sunday, December 18, 2011 - Update: Brady officially found a home today with a wonderful family in Rhode Island. Stay tuned in to the blog for pictures! Brady's new owners will be sending them over to us shortly. 

Dante is still in need of a home and time is running out

On July 15, 2011 Jeannine contact Gracie's Bark for help with a pit bull named Dante. We recommended that Jeannine contact her local animal shelter and the MSPCA to find out if they know of any Pit Bull rescues in New England who she can contact. We also did some research online and found PittieLoveRescue.org. But Jeannine has had no luck finding him a home. Jeannine emailed Gracie's Bark today with this information: "Unfortunately time is running short for our displaced Dante. We will be boarding him for one week in a last ditch effort to find him a home. On October 11th, if we have no home for him, we will be forced to drop him off at our local animal shelter. Please help us! Respectfully, Jeannine Cabral and Michelle Alves (two desperate Aunties)"

 

"This is a long sad story about a beautiful and loving gray and tan Pit Bull named Dante. 

My nephew picked him up from somewhere unknown as a pup.  At the time, my 18 year old nephew was bouncing around between homes, his mom's, his dad's, his grandparents, his friends (he doesn't like to follow rules.)  Dante ended up living with my brother which was the best place for him at the time.  A year later my brother met someone and moved from Massachusetts to S. Carolina and took Dante with him.  Dante had a sweet life for a couple of years; a large fenced in yard with a built in swimming pool (he loves to swim) and two playmates.  One of the other dogs was a chihuahua mix named Baby with whom Dante played a little rough too many times, so my brother's new wife gave him an ultimatum, either Dante goes or they both can go.  So Dante was driven back to Massachusetts and dumped at my elderly, non pet loving parents' home (much to their surprise.)   

It has been a year that Dante has been living there.  He is confused and lonely and we've experienced some negative behavior issues. 

Now you may ask, why don't I take him?  My husband & I have two cocker spaniels, one who is elderly, and a cat.  They do not like large dogs and we would be a little afraid of Dante being too rough with them.  My sister has a husky and doesn't feel she can handle Dante also. 

We have placed posters of Dante in several veterinarian offices over the past several months.  My nephew, who can not have dogs in his apartment and has a baby now, has been trying to find a home for him.  My husband and sister, who are letter carriers, have been asking their customers if they know anyone who would want him, but we have had no interested parties.

My mother is at her wits end and recently procured a phone number to call to have Dante taken away and is threatening to call.  I don't know who this number is for, but if it is for animal control, Dante is doomed.  Can you help us place Dante in a loving home?  Any help you can give us would be greatly appreciated."

If you have any suggestions or would like to contact Jeannine, please email GraciesBark@gmail.com

Story about a beautiful and loving pit bull named Dante

Jeannine contact Gracie's Bark for help with a pit bull named Dante. We recommended that Jeannine contact her local animal shelter and the MSPCA to find out if they know of any Pit Bull rescues in New England who she can contact. We also did some research online and found PittieLoveRescue.org.

"This is a long sad story about a beautiful and loving gray and tan Pit Bull named Dante. 

My nephew picked him up from somewhere unknown as a pup.  At the time, my 18 year old nephew was bouncing around between homes, his mom's, his dad's, his grandparents, his friends (he doesn't like to follow rules.)  Dante ended up living with my brother which was the best place for him at the time.  A year later my brother met someone and moved from Massachusetts to S. Carolina and took Dante with him.  Dante had a sweet life for a couple of years; a large fenced in yard with a built in swimming pool (he loves to swim) and two playmates.  One of the other dogs was a chihuahua mix named Baby with whom Dante played a little rough too many times, so my brother's new wife gave him an ultimatum, either Dante goes or they both can go.  So Dante was driven back to Massachusetts and dumped at my elderly, non pet loving parents' home (much to their surprise.)   

It has been a year that Dante has been living there.  He is confused and lonely and we've experienced some negative behavior issues. 

Now you may ask, why don't I take him?  My husband & I have two cocker spaniels, one who is elderly, and a cat.  They do not like large dogs and we would be a little afraid of Dante being too rough with them.  My sister has a husky and doesn't feel she can handle Dante also. 

We have placed posters of Dante in several veterinarian offices over the past several months.  My nephew, who can not have dogs in his apartment and has a baby now, has been trying to find a home for him.  My husband and sister, who are letter carriers, have been asking their customers if they know anyone who would want him, but we have had no interested parties.

My mother is at her wits end and recently procured a phone number to call to have Dante taken away and is threatening to call.  I don't know who this number is for, but if it is for animal control, Dante is doomed.  Can you help us place Dante in a loving home?  Any help you can give us would be greatly appreciated."

If you have any suggestions or would like to contact Jeannine, please email GraciesBark@gmail.com

Check out Daisy! Gracie's October Spotlight Dog

Stacie from Leicester, MA contacted Gracie's Bark to spotlight her American Bulldog Daisy.

"Daisy is an American Bulldog. We don't know her exact age, her vet estimates about 8. Daisy came into my life just over a year ago on a very sad day, but she helped to make that sad day one of the happiest also. On the morning of may 8, I lost my second dog Yogi-just two weeks after I lost his litter-mate Winnie, they were 12 and I had them since they were two months old.

My vet clinic had rescued daisy from near death at a local shelter two months prior and she was now ready for a home. They offered her to me, even if it was just temporary, knowing that suddenly going home to no dogs would be difficult. I went back that evening to get her , and the next day I went back to get her paperwork and license her in town… they weren't getting her back! So May 9th is the date I chose for her birthday. She is an absolute love, I feel not only did I rescue her, she rescued me.

 

Daisy loves her stuffed squeaky toys, going for rides, hiking and swimming, exploring lakes and beaches, hanging out in her yard, and visiting people. She also loves her puzzle toys with hidden treats.

 

So far she seems to prefer the company of humans over four footers, but she has a fondness for English bulldogs, and any dog with her coloring! She has had some unexpected play dates and is growing more and more comfortable playing with her canine friends.

 

Daisy enjoys a healthy grain free diet of high quality kibble, home cooked and raw foods. She also likes to support small companies with great products such as STAM grain free treats (she was dog of the week last December!), Dublin Dog Co. (home of the original no-stink collar) and Planet Blue Dog."

 

 

 

    

We have one more picture of Daisy that Gracie wanted to add. American Bulldogs, in many instances, get a bad rap. Stacie wanted to get the word out and share how lovable Daisy really is. This is a picture of Polly and Stacie's 94 year old friend Polly. 

Polly thinks the sun rises and sets in Daisy!

 

Daisy is beautiful and we want to thank her for becoming part of Gracie’s Bark Blog Family. Every month Gracie will spotlight a dog. 

Please email your entry with a photo to GraciesBark@gmail.com and tell her about your favorite pal! (Three to five sentence limit) 

 

Check out this Cattle Dog and Adopt a Shelter Pet

Millions of companion animals in shelters across America are just waiting for a special home like yours. Animal shelters are like having your very own personal shopper. They can help you select a pet based on your family's needs and/or your lifestyle. Stop by or check them out on-line to find out more: (http://www.mspca.org/adoption/) Whether you are looking for a puppy or a more mature dog, a purebred or a one-of-a-kind mixed breed (my favorite!), your local shelters have the best selection of animals anywhere!

While Gracie and I were perusing through the local shelters on-line the other day, we came across an adorable Cattle Dog named Tyson. Tyson is super cute and we wanted to highlight him today. More about Tyson... Do you know what Cattle Dogs were originally bred for?

A Cattle Dog is a dog that has been bred and trained to gather, herd and drive livestock. Different breeds of Cattle Dogs work cattle in different ways. Some breeds, such as the Australian Cattle Dog, typically nip at the animals heels, therefore they are "heelers". Others like the Border Collie, get in front of the animals and use what is called "eye" to stare down the animals, these are the "headers". The Koolie has been observed to use both these methods and to jump on the backs of their charges. Koolies are therefore said to 'head', 'heel' and 'back'.

Gracie is actually half Labrador and half Australian Shepherd (Aussie). Aussies are "an energetic breed with strong herding and guarding instincts, the Aussie requires daily vigorous exercise. Although sometimes reserved with strangers, they are “people” dogs that want to always be near their families." 

Gracie is a devoted, loyal friend and guardian (Aussies are naturally protective). She's affectionate, very lively, agile, attentive, and eager to please with a a sixth sense about what we want.  With all this being said, she can also be quite a handful! We are constantly working with her and we are diligent about remaining consistent with her training. Because of her high intelligence level, she excels at whatever we teach her. Sometimes she ends up being too smart for her own good! Raising her has been a challenge and I'm sure it will continue to be for many years. Aussie's tend to remain puppy-like well into the adult years. So we are in for a quite a ride with Gracie! 

 

Gracie's Bark is happy to spotlight any dogs in need of a good home. We are very willing to do our part in finding the loving homes these dogs need, it is the least we can do! Email us anytime with requests at GraciesBark@gmail.com.

Gracie has truly been an inspiration to us and we don't know what we would do without her. This is our way of giving back to the pet community for providing us with such a wonderful dog!

Help Gracie find Jacques & Gigi a good home!

We are helping out a friend in a tough situation find a new home for her two French Bulldogs. 

 

"Gigi (right) is a silly playful little lady.  She has energy and loves to play, but at the same time, she loves to lay down with you on the couch.  She will plant herself next to you and not want to move.  She is very easy going and loves everyone.  She is easy to please and is not an attention hog (unlike Jacques)  She is good with children and does not have an aggressive bone in her body.  She is spayed.  

Jacques (left) is the dog version of Garfield.  He is lazy, lazy, lazy.  He can walk for a little bit, but not too much.  He will get up enough energy to play for a minute, then say what the heck, I'd rather watch the others play. He likes all the attention and will let you know it too!  He can get a little moody with Gigi at feeding time, but it passes quickly.  He is happiest just being next to you.  He makes friends with people really quick and is very loyal to any of his people friends by sticking close by at all times.  He follows me into every room.  He will not leave a room without me. He will literally wait outside the bathroom door for me.  I would be confident that he would be good with children, but I'm not sure about any other dog other than Gigi, unless it was maybe a passive female, but I would say probably not another male. Jacques is still intact, unfortunately something I've never got around to."

If anyone would like to find out more about Jacques & Gigi, please contact Gracie's Bark at graciesbark@gmail.com. Jacques & Gigi are both 6 years old. Please spread the word, so we can find these two wonderful dogs a good home. 

 

Gracie's Hope for a No-Kill World

It may seem impossible to hope for a world where every dog (pet) is given the opportunity to live a safe, long and healthy life, but I think in recent years we are able to be more optimistic about this dream.

The majority of shelters involved in tracking data, in the United States including the Humane Society, are now estimating that the number of animals killed in shelters on an annual basis has decreased dramatically since the 1970s. 25 Million to 4 Million today!

Even though 4 million is still a staggering amount, we can hope to change this figure as we develop programs that will help sustain good care and promote adoption.  Taking preventative measures such as trap/neuter/return of feral cats, low-cost or free spay/neuter services, and comprehensive foster home and rescue associations are all detrimental to decreasing the amount of animals killed in shelters each year.

I would like everyone to really think about the 4 million figure for just a minute and realize how important adoption really is. Adopting a pet can be the most rewarding activity you do in your life.

At Gracie’s Bark, we encourage you to please think about adoption first when planning on getting a new pet!