Santa Cruz Dogs

Photo credit: Dayton Daily News Yesterday on Twitter, there was a post about an adoptable dog and someone had replied with "well their adoption fees are more expensive than some papered purebreds. People would adopt more if it was more affordable!" My first thought was: That's exactly why animals are in shelters; For YOUR affordability. (Ironically, this person calls themselves a "Pit Bull advocate." See: Abuse of the term "advocate.") This brings up many points: "Papered" means nothing. It's literally a piece of paper with no value. Any so-called "breeder" can register anything, even mutts. And I'll tell you right now, if you paid $100 for a dog with "papers" those don't even prove the dog is of pure bred lineage. There are pure bred dogs in shelters. Most shelters have fees under $200. So think about what you're actually getting if you're purchasing a dog for this little with "papers...

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...