Santa Cruz Dogs

I wanted to share with you my goals for Santa Cruz Dogs in the near future. SCD was sprouted from a love for Bully breeds, and a need for local outreach. My main goal for SCD is to be able to provide free services to local dog owners, such as: Spay and Neuter, vaccinations, microchipping, food and general supplies. To do this, a fund and/or Amazon Wishlist needs to be created, and supported by public donations. Because it is difficult (and very costly!) to become a Nonprofit Organization, we are still working on that. I'm hoping to find someone who can help me through this process, as that hasn't been too easy either. My very first, and most important goal is to make Spay and Neuter FREE specifically to bully breed owners residing in Santa Cruz County. Once we're more established and have the funds for it, I'd like to offer it for ALL dogs within the county. To accomplish these goals, we need your help! Volunteers, donors, or anyone who has some advice! Plea...

Kennel Enrichment (KE) includes a variety of things, including stimulating toys (such as treat dispensing toys), training or exercise activities, in-kennel activities, music, scents, social needs, etc. The first step in KE in an animal shelter, is keeping the dogs calm, and focused while in their kennel. A quiet, distracted dog shows much better when visitors are walking by the kennels. Photo courtesy of Center for Shelter Dogs KONGs are great, durable, treat dispensing toys. There are plenty of other brands of treat dispensing toys that are equally as challenging, and durable.  You can use a variety of dog treats and peanut butter. You can put most anything in them including regular kibble, bananas and yogurt. You can also freeze them! They last longer, and are great on hot days when frozen.

Flirt Poles are an excellent way to exercise your dog and dogs waiting for their forever homes in shelters.  Flirt Poles are like large cat wand toys, for dogs. The idea is, the dog chases the lure back and forth, wearing themselves out trying to catch the lure. It's important first, to teach the dog to "take" and "leave" the lure. That is, the dog needs to wait until it's given a cue to begin to chase the lure.  The lure can be most anything. In the picture at left, there's a fleece lure that is washable and pretty durable. This is great for shelters, as it's important to frequently wash toys after each use.  You can make Flirt Poles yourself, or purchase them online.  This Flirt Pole is made by Squishy Face Studio How to make a Flirt Pole: ( via BADRAP ) Materials: 1. Five or Six foot long PVC pipe 2. 3/4” diameter PVC is best for long poles 3. Approximately 15 feet of rope 4. A stuffed animal o...