Save a Shelter Pet: Week 1

on November 8, 2011
in Save a Shelter Pet

I have a great friend named Bethany.  Bethany is one of the sweetest people in the entire world.  She LOVES animals and is studying to be a vet at University of Pennsylvania. 

Bethany (2)

Bethany is very interested in shelter medicine and has always been involved in animal rescue.  And she has even traveled throughout South America and Asia to spay and neuter dogs and cats in low-income areas.  What else can I say?  She’s a pretty cool woman (and a great friend).

Bethany (1)

Anyway – every week on Facebook, Bethany posts a photo of a sad looking dog or cat and appeals to her friends to either adopt or foster the pups.  It always kills me because I’m too far away to help any of her pups or kitties.  Last week, she posted a photo of a little pup named Bonnie.  Bethany wrote, “This little lady was spayed at Penn yesterday and all temporary homes have fallen through… She will have to go back to animal control tomorrow unless an adopter or foster home can be found. She is very calm, sweet, and loves other dogs.”

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I took one look at Bonnie and nearly cried.  Something in her eyes reminded me of James (who is also a shelter pup).  So I wrote about Bonnie on the Healthy Tipping Point Facebook page, and a reader named Diann emailed me.  She wrote, “Did anyone step in for Bonnie?  I live in the Philly suburbs and was worried about her.”  I replied that no, no one had come forward yet.  And Diann decided that she would. 

 

Diann picked her up on Saturday and brought her home.  She said, “She’s the sweetest thing.  Thanks for putting the word out; she is definitely a gem. I’m so glad she’s out of animal control. Now we just have to get her healed up from her spay, put some meat on her bones, and teach her that grass is her friend (she’s such a city girl).  I would love to keep her instead of just fostering her – that is the goal; I will ultimately have to see how she does with my 3 cats when she’s all healed up and healthy again. So far she’s a love bug so I have high hopes (and, of course, I’ll do as much as I can to help train her if she’s got any issue).”

Bonnie

I was so excited for this (hopeful) happy ending that I thought, “You know what?  Save a Shelter Pet would be a fun HTP series!”  I know how so many of you also love animals and support rescue groups.  So once a week, I’m going to feature a shelter dog or cat from somewhere in the country.  My greatest wish is we can use the interwebs to find them loving forever homes!  Even if you cannot foster or adopt the pup, maybe you know someone who can?

 

So – drumroll, please. 

 

This week’s Save a Shelter Pet is Lula.  Lula is also in Philadelphia. 

Lula says, “My name is Lula. I am a 1-2 year old Terrier Mix and weigh 35 pounds.  I came to the shelter as a stray with my brother. Our human parents were contacted, but they no longer wanted us. I am a loveable girl with great energy for long walks and games of fetch.  I am in the PenPal program, which means I have volunteers dedicated to working with me on manners, commands, and socialization. My PenPals are Teri and Petra. While my tail gets super happy when they come to visit me, I am very ready to get outta here and into a forever home!”

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Lula continues, “Why should you pick me? Well, for starters, my PenPals say I am very smart and treat motivated so that will make continuing my training fun for both of us. I also settle down nicely once I get my zoomies out, and I love affection. My human friends tell me I have the softest fur they have ever petted!  Wanna hear some more great things about me? I have done very well with dogs here at the shelter so if you have a resident dog, please bring them to the shelter so we can be sure we will be best buddies. I showed no interest in cats, but the shelter staff will retest me if you have any kitties at home. Basically, I am just a girl looking for love. The shelter is always crowded and it seems new doggies are always coming in.  Hurry! I’ll be waiting for you and working on my sit command!”

Zoomies are good for humans who like to run!

Bethany says that Lula is at high-risk for euthanasia because she’s been stuck at the shelter for six weeks and is starting to behaviorally regress – so it’s NOW or NEVER for Lula!  If you’re interested in adopting Lula (or can pass this post along to someone who might be!), please shoot me an email at operationbeautiful@gmail.com and I’ll connect you with the shelter!

 

Do you have a rescue pup or kitty?  What’s their story?

{ 174 comments }

 

  • Megan November 8, 2011, 1:15 pm

    omg Lula is SOOO cute!! I wish I lived near Philly (or could handle another dog)..
    I hope someone picks her up soon!!

    I love this series Caitlin! Great idea!

  • Sarah @ The Strength of Faith November 8, 2011, 1:16 pm

    Oh no this is going to be like those Sarah McLachlan commercials! Lula is so precious, but I’m not in the Philly area. 🙁

    • Caitlin November 8, 2011, 7:34 pm

      In the armssss of the angelllllll.

      • Liz November 9, 2011, 4:21 am

        Oh no…those make me tear up every time 🙁

  • Jamie @ A Healthy J.D. November 8, 2011, 1:19 pm

    Wish I lived anywhere near Philly and could help her out…both of my dogs are shelter dogs and I hold a special place in my heart for dogs like Lula. I really hope you find someone to adopt her or at least foster her. Great series!

  • Megan @ NewlyWife November 8, 2011, 1:19 pm

    Hi!I just started following your blog. I think Bobbi was talking you up at foodbuzz. Anywho, first, congrats on your news yesterday. So exciting. And I love this save a shelter pet feature. So sweet! We have two kitties. 🙂

    • Caitlin November 8, 2011, 7:35 pm

      Hi! Welcome to HTP 🙂

  • Candice @ Sailing on Paper November 8, 2011, 1:19 pm

    Thank you so much for raising awareness about how important it is to adopt from shelters. I hope you can connect even more readers with animals who need a home. Lula so pretty…I hope someone adopts her soon!

  • Kate November 8, 2011, 1:20 pm

    This is an AMAZING idea. I’m so glad you’re doing this – there are so many pets out there that need forever homes.

  • Stacy November 8, 2011, 1:20 pm

    My dog is a rescue. Her name is Roxie and she is an 8-year-old Border Collie. She was about a year when I adopted her and I think we were destined to be together because I am a social worker and she is a mental case! She battles extreme anxiety and fear as well as a variety of neuroses. However, she takes medication and has been pretty steady the last 4 years or so. She is an awesome, seriously intelligent dog and I am so happy to have found her!

  • janetha November 8, 2011, 1:21 pm

    This makes my heart ache. Great idea, though. I wish I could save them all. <3

  • Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife November 8, 2011, 1:21 pm

    Thank you for raising awareness!! This is awesome!

  • Katie @ Peace Love and Oats November 8, 2011, 1:22 pm

    oh goodness she is too adorable! I wish 1) I lived anywhere near you, 2) I could afford a dog and 3) my apartment allowed dogs… She seems like a great pet! I hope someone takes her!

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat November 8, 2011, 1:22 pm

    OMG she is adorable!! This is such a great idea Caitlin. I would LOVE to adopt a dog right now but unfortunately the work situation of myself and my roommates just won’t allow for it. I fully intend to do so later on in life though. I hope Lula finds an owner soon! 🙂

  • Anne @strawberryjampackedlife November 8, 2011, 1:23 pm

    So what you’re telling me is that I will have to avoid HTP this week? We have a rescue. She’a white german shepherd/corgi from South Carolina. She is the sweetest, most smartest dog, ever. I try to be involved in her rescue by volunteering for the events and donating money. I also have a friend who runs a rescue in Indiana (Daisy Mae in Muncie, IN). I have to scroll past her FB posts, too. I want to save all of the animals!

  • Jo @ Jo In the Kitchen November 8, 2011, 1:24 pm

    We absolutely love our shelter dog! I would highly recommend it to everyone. It’s amazing how fast they’ll become part of the family.

  • Shallin November 8, 2011, 1:24 pm

    Hi Caitilin! Both my cocker spaniels were rescued from sad situations. We can’t imagine life without them. They are Allie, 3, and Noah, 1 (and yes! they are named after characters from ‘The Notebook’!).

    Growing up, we always had cocker spaniels and I am extremely passionate about them! There is a cocker spaniel rescue in Alexandria, Virigina – Oldies But Goodies (www.cockerspanielrescue.com). Please consider featuring them and one of their dogs for your Save a Shelter Pet posts! They do amazing work saving dogs from puppy mills and dogs who are about to be euthanized.

    Thank you for using your voice to save our furry friends 🙂

    • Caitlin November 8, 2011, 7:43 pm

      What a great organization – thanks for telling us about it!

      • Kris November 8, 2011, 8:37 pm

        I can vouch for Oldies But Goodies. I volunteered with them a few times when I lived in Virginia. They do great, loving work with cockers and cocker mixes.

  • Heather November 8, 2011, 1:26 pm

    You are SO awesome for doing this. I’m a huge animal lover/activist so I really admire you for helping animals 🙂 Congratulations on your recent news, by the way!

  • erin November 8, 2011, 1:27 pm

    oh gosh!! this just makes it known that i will probably go on and rescue a shelter dog. but i also need a dog that i can train to be a seeing eye dog. but this is such a good cause! i hope she gets rescued!

    • Kate November 8, 2011, 10:39 pm

      I volunteer at the shelter where Lula is and just wanted to let you know that the right dog to be trained as a seeing eye dog could be at a shelter near you! They get young dogs in all the time. You could also look into rescue groups in your area where they tend to know the dogs even better than the shelter because of the amount of one on one time (typically there are less dogs in a rescue and they get more one on one attention). That would be another great place to rescue a dog from. And when you take a dog from a rescue (or even a shelter), you’re really saving 2 dogs because you’re freeing up a space in a rescue to pull another dog from a shelter or another shelter cage for a new dog!

  • Liz November 8, 2011, 1:28 pm

    Love this idea! Please post follow-ups if they end up getting adopted!

    I have a shelter pup. He’s a husky/doberman mix (best guess) that was found as a stray in a bad area. He made it from a high-kill shelter to our county shelter where I found him almost 2 years ago. He was totally house-broken so I’m sure he lived in a home – one of my biggest fears is running into someone in public who swears it’s their dog.

    • Caitlin November 8, 2011, 7:43 pm

      Oh no! You would just have to say, “Nope! He’s MY dog now!”

    • Tiffany W November 9, 2011, 6:43 am

      I fostered a beagle once, and i took him for a walk and this guy came over and said “That looks a lot like the dog that was taken away from me, but it couldn’t be him, cause he was a savage”.

      Its a scary situation. but the dog is yours now, and if they try to take the dog call the police.

  • Cristina November 8, 2011, 1:28 pm

    Awww, I think this series is a great idea!

    I have two rescue dogs. One is a chihuahua-jack russell mix that we adopted from the shelter three years ago. He’s eight years old now. The other is a chihuahua-boston terrier mix that we adopted two months ago. He is nine years old. We saw his picture at the vet’s office when we were taking our other dog for a check-up, and we had to get him. His story broke my heart–rescued by a foster mom when he was about to be euthanized at the shelter, two operations in the past year (from a dog attack and to fix a dislocated hip). They are both very happy dogs now!

  • Alicia from Poise in Parma November 8, 2011, 1:31 pm

    I am going to simultaneously love and hate this series: love it for all the pup pictures and hate it because I won’t be able to help them all myself!

    In all seriousness – awesome idea.

  • Ashley @ Good Taste Healthy Me November 8, 2011, 1:31 pm

    This just breaks my heart. I hope someone can step forward for this little girl. If only I could afford/adopt all these poor little kitties and puppies!

  • Kaisa - lostyarnloft November 8, 2011, 1:34 pm

    You have an amazing heart! Love this idea!

    I do have 2 rescue cats, but my favorite story is of the kitten I single-handedly rescued! I was interning at the shelter (on my last day too!) and this adorable little 2 week old kitten was brought in, whose momma had rejected him. So I kept him warm with my body heat and fed him a tiny bottle for 2+ hours while they tried to find a foster family. It was spring time (prime kitten time) and all the fosters were full, so they came back and told me to hand the kitty over – that he was going to be euthanized. I clung to this little guy in protest and, with the backing of the other RVT’s, I demanded that they allow me to take him home (even though I was not a registered foster). They saw my persistence (and tears!) and finally gave in, making me promise I’ll bring him in when he’s old enough to adopt out. I took him home that day, bottle fed and cared for that cute little doll until he was 10 weeks old. Then, after getting him checked out at the shelter, I found a loving couple to adopt him forever! The best part is that I can still go see him whenever I want, and it makes me so happy to see the joy he brings them and how amazing he has turned out to be!

    • Elena November 8, 2011, 1:41 pm

      Great story!

    • Caitlin November 8, 2011, 7:44 pm

      Wonderful story!

  • Angie @ Musings of a Violet Monkey November 8, 2011, 1:35 pm

    This is going to be a great series.

    My Lilly (Aussie – 2 years old, next week!) came from the Humane Society – which while I’m thankful that the HS here in Charlotte doesn’t put animals to sleep – it is still a pretty dismal environment there. I wanted to bring home ALL of the pups when we adopted her.

    Lula is a cutie – and hopefully she will find a home soon!

    I’m in trouble if you feature a pup here in town… I already stalk the HS website every now and then… wondering if Lilly would like a little brother or sister. 🙂

    ~

  • Julia H. @ The Petite Spiel November 8, 2011, 1:38 pm

    What a great idea! These doggies are adorable, and they deserve homes!

  • Elena November 8, 2011, 1:40 pm

    I so wish I could take her! I have 2 doggies and am in Iowa so not close but love my babies and wish I could have a farm full of them 🙂 This is a fantastic feature and great way to get the word out.

  • Faith @ For the Health of It November 8, 2011, 1:41 pm

    Aww, these stories will probably be tearjerkers. My baby is a shelter puppy, and if I could I’d get three more. I actually made my boyfriend come with me to the shelter so I didn’t come home with six dogs!

  • nancy November 8, 2011, 1:44 pm

    Keeping in mind I had never lived with an animal until I was 40 years old, I am amazed to say that I have a house full of rescues. We have a kitty we met at Petsmart when she was on loan from the local shelter. We took one look and knew we could not send her back there. That was kitty #1. A year later we rescued a tiny Siamese from horrible living conditions in a “shelter”. She had to be bottle fed and had no idea what it meant to be a kitty. We loved her madly anyway. Sadly we lost her at 6 months of age due to an incurable disease she contracted as a newborn. Kitty #3 was “resuced” from a breeder who intended to have her produce litter after litter. Then there’s the dog. A small breed rescue group saved him from death row at the shelter and we found him on their website. He came over to meet us and it was love at first sight. He was a mess. Uncertain combination of breeds, uncertain age, horrible health problems. We made him part of our family and never looked back. Now I cannot imagine life without him. He won’t likely have a long life due to his background of abuse and neglect. But we make sure every single day he knows he is loved and cared for. In return he gives us everything he’s got and that’s more than enough. I’m sure getting a regular healthy puppy/kitten or a pure bred is great but we will take a rescue any day. It’s so worth it.

    • Caitlin November 8, 2011, 7:45 pm

      You are a wonderful person!

  • Bethany @ More Fruit Please November 8, 2011, 1:48 pm

    As another Bethany and former animal shelter volunteer (and an owner of a shelter dog and cat myself), I fully support this cause! I also hope that this makes people reconsider getting an animal from a pet store or breeder and check their local animal shelters first. If you’re patient and dillegent, you can usually find the size or breed of dog that you were hoping for!

  • Mary @ Bites and Bliss November 8, 2011, 1:48 pm

    Awww she’s so cute!! I hope she finds a home soon. 🙂

    We rescued a Collie from a shelter before. She had been hit by a semi and shot in the nose with a BB gun. Fortunately she survived and came into our lives!

  • Samantha November 8, 2011, 1:49 pm

    This is so awesome! I love rescue pets. I have three right now and they are the best (2 dogs and 1 cat). I wish I could adopt more. I am probably prejudiced, but I think resue animals are extremey smart (they usually have to be to survive) and sweet too! I have had many people tell me that my dogs are so lucky that they found a good home, but honestly I am the lucky one because they are so awesome and bring so much into my life. Thanks for doing this!

  • Dana P. November 8, 2011, 1:50 pm

    I hope Lulu finds a home!

    I have 3 rescued cats: Stella, Ruby and Uncle Jesse (he’s all black, just like Uncle Jesse’s hair).

    Stella was brought into the SPCA where a friend of mine volunteers at 2 weeks old. The SPCA wouldn’t take her because she was too young. My husband and I took her in and had to teach her everything. Bottle feeding her during the night made me aware of what it will be like with a baby one day.

    A month later, at the recommendation of our vet, we adopted Ruby from a shelter as a companion for Stella. They’re about the same age and became close friends.

    A year later my husband saw Jesse running across the parking lot outside his work. He was almost hit by a car and dashed off into the woods. My husband called for him and he came right to him. He was very thin. We tried to find him a home but no one seemed to want an all black cat. We ended up keeping him. He’s a snuggler 🙂

    • Angie @ Musings of a Violet Monkey November 8, 2011, 2:17 pm

      I love that you have a cat named Uncle Jesse… that is hilarious!

      ~

    • Caitlin November 8, 2011, 7:46 pm

      Poor black cats and dogs – no one ever wants them. I’m glad you took one in!

  • Sonia (the Mexigarian) November 8, 2011, 1:51 pm

    We have two cats whom we picked up as kittens at 13th Street Cat Rescue here in San Jose CA. The cats are my babies. I love the dearly. They do have their issues, but I wouldn’t trade them for the world.

    All my family cats have been strays or rescues. When a cat had kittens in our yard, we took care of her and them, got them fixed and now they rule my parents house.

  • Coco November 8, 2011, 1:52 pm

    Awww what a sweet story!! They are both so adorable!! Both of my boys are rescues.. it’s the only way to go!!

  • Whitney November 8, 2011, 1:52 pm

    Thank you for using your outlet for great causes!!!! I got choked up reading this post and am so glad you will be doing this series. It makes me furious that owners/shelters take advantage of these innocent little animals. I could not imagine my life without my two dogs. They bring so much joy to my life! 🙂

  • Emily November 8, 2011, 1:54 pm

    If only I was in Philly! I have one rescued pit bull and one rescued great dane, they are my babies. Rescues truly make the best pups!
    Great idea for a blog segment!

  • Em November 8, 2011, 1:55 pm

    My dog was a rescue! We found her through PetFinder.com. She had been given up after 6 years by the family that got her as a puppy – SO SAD!
    She is so sweet, just not great with kids or other dogs. But she was very well trained, house broken & used to apartment living – our major requirements.

    Owning a 65lbs dog is no joke. It is expensive (vets, food, toys, dog sitters) & hardwork but owning a dog is one of the most joyous parts of my life! Plus, walking her is a great addition to my work outs.

    I’d love if you would include a way we could help even if we can’t adopt the dog you post… maybe a way to make a small donation to the shelter or a different rescue group?

    • Alex - UPenn Veterinary Student November 8, 2011, 3:27 pm

      We (Vet students at the University of Pennsylvania) are actually currently starting a fund to raise money to help subsidize the cost of surgeries and medical care for shelter dogs that come through our spay program. One of our dogs arrived this week with a broken leg from the shelter and we are raising money to pay for the surgery to fix it! If you want to donate to her surgery fund, donations can be made via PayPal to account alex4416@aol.com. More information about Amy, the dog with the broken leg can be found @ http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=11009957. If you want more information you can contact me at alex4416@aol.com

    • Bethany November 8, 2011, 3:34 pm

      Hi Em,

      I am Caitlin’s friend that she mentioned in the beginning of this segment. There are so many dogs in the Philadelphia area that need help and out of the Animal Control facility because it is so high-volume. This made choosing just one to highlight very difficult.

      One of my classmates, Alex (also a Penn veterinary student), is fostering a dog named Amy that came from the same facility where Lula (and Bonnie) are from. After an orthopedic exam and one radiograph it was clear that someone mistreated this poor girl and most likely kicked her, leaving both her tibia and fibula broken. The shelter simply does not have the money to repair her fracture and the estimate for the surgery is close to $2000. She came to our school to be spayed and Alex simply couldn’t see her back to the shelter and took her home as a foster.

      We are currently exploring payment options to have her fracture repaired properly! She is an amazingly sweet and stoic dog and deserves to know love and compassion for the rest of her life. She was a perfect little lady during her entire ordeal at the hospital and is currently looking for a forever home or a savior to help save her leg!

      If anyone is interested in donating, payment can be made to the PayPal account alex4416@aol.com. We will provide updates on her progress.
      http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=968954689981&set=a.668251242101.2250261.11009957&type=1&theater

      • Em November 8, 2011, 6:07 pm

        Bethany & Alex,

        What a sad story! I’m sure you must see so much doing the work you do. Alex – I’ll send you an email shortly.

        Love, Em

        • Caitlin November 8, 2011, 7:46 pm

          So wonderful to connect you all!

  • lynne @lgsmash November 8, 2011, 1:55 pm

    This is an amazing idea – way to go! What an adorable pup – I know she’s find a forever home with your help. Hopefully Denver is on your list of cities to feature… we’ve just started our search for a shelter pup to bring home. 🙂

  • Bethany November 8, 2011, 1:59 pm

    Caitlin,

    This is such a wonderful thing to do. This past weekend one of our two dogs ran off after a deer and we haven’t been able to find her since. It breaks my heart. She has tags with our info and I hope someone will find her and call us. We adopted her from our local humane society and she made me happy every.single.day.

    • Caitlin November 8, 2011, 7:47 pm

      I hope your doggie comes back soon!!!!!!

    • Haley November 9, 2011, 1:17 pm

      My family dogs have run away twice…once two days after we got them from the shelter and the second time through our newly installed electric fence. Both times the both came back to us (once after a few days in the woods…the second one that night and the other after a nice elderly lady realized our dogs had tags–we think she was enjoying the dog’s company too much 🙂 ). There is hope that your dog will come back…they truly know where/what home is! Good Luck to you.

  • Liz November 8, 2011, 2:04 pm

    Thank you for posting this. So many people forget about shelter dogs, and this is great. I especially appreciate that you posted pit bull breed dogs, Caitlin. I have a pit bull and she is the most wonderful, loving, snarfy, cuddly, awesome dog in the world.

    FOR EVERYONE WHO IS SAYING THAT THEY WISH THEY COULD DO SOMETHING TO HELP BUT CANNOT ADOPT A PET RIGHT NOW:
    – Consider helping with a rescue transport! There are so many dogs and cats in high-kill shelters that simply need a ride to a rescue or foster. We (rescuers) organize transports to get them to safety. All you need is a car and a few hours of time. You pick up the passenger from another rescuer at one place, and transport it to the next. It’s an “underground railroad” of sorts for animals in need. I’ve done probably 25 and every single one has been fantastically rewarding because you know they will get their happy ending. Google “rescue transport” + your area to see if there are any near you that need your help!!!

    – SPAY AND NEUTER YOUR PETS. Besides preventing ovarian and testicular cancer, they help your pet to live a long and happy life without having to deal with hormonal fluctuations that can cause behavioral problems. YOUR PET DOES NOT NEED TO HAVE A LITTER TO LIVE A FULL AND HAPPY LIFE. They are pets, not humans, and do not understand concepts like “motherhood”. Trust me, they won’t miss it!!!!

    – ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO ADOPT FROM SHELTERS AND RESCUES AND SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SHELTERS AND RESCUES. For every spot you free up by adopting a pet, you are providing space for another animal that needs a home. And trust me, there are endless numbers of them. Many shelters and rescues have to turn people away because they are filled over capacity. How about skipping your daily Starbucks habit once a week and sponsoring a cage at the shelter with that money? How about taking a couple hours away from your weekend run to volunteer at the shelter to walk dogs (still great exercise!) that are desperate to get some fresh air and sunshine?

    • Paula November 8, 2011, 2:30 pm

      GREAT, GREAT ideas, Liz! And I really encourage those that want to help, to reach out directly in their community. Sending donations to ASPCA and HSUS does not accomplish what you think it may. Please support your local rescue groups and shelters, they need it the most.

      I have 4 rescue dogs and my husband’s favorite little quote is “who rescued who?”. They really do change your life! Thanks for this series, Caitlin, I think it’s awesome. Social media and networking really can help save lives.

      • Liz November 8, 2011, 2:47 pm

        I have that paw print magnet with “Who Rescued Who?” on my bumper. 🙂

        It’s really true, though. When I adopted my Bella, I promised her that she would have a home with me forever. Sometimes, she was the only thing that got me out of bed in the morning, and I am so, so grateful for her every day.

        • Paula November 8, 2011, 4:41 pm

          Where’s the “like” button? 🙂

        • Em November 8, 2011, 6:08 pm

          Aww! I “like” that! So sweet!

        • Rachel November 8, 2011, 7:50 pm

          I have that on my car as well! My rescue babies are my life!!

          • Kelly November 9, 2011, 8:25 am

            I will also add as another way you can help a shelter is that some of them offer dog training/manners classes with the proceeds going back to the shelter.

    • Caitlin November 8, 2011, 7:47 pm

      Thank you for this!

  • Ari @ Ari's Menu November 8, 2011, 2:05 pm

    This post totally just made me cry!! What an amazing idea Caitlin! As a dog lover, it just makes me so happy that you are putting this out there and trying to find homes for these pups! They deserve it!

  • Katrina November 8, 2011, 2:07 pm

    Great idea to try and help out the shelter animals! I hope it helps to save a lot of the animals that otherwise would have not been saved. Great job Caitlin!!

  • Varsha November 8, 2011, 2:07 pm

    Caitlin– I’m SO glad you posted this and i love this idea! I have actually been meaning to get in touch with you for a while now– I love your blog and I’m a huge animal rescue advocate. I know you love animals from the way you write about Maggie and James, and I was wondering if you would help me out. I’d like to explain more in an email, but I couldn’t seem to find one easily on your website. Would you mind sharing your email address with me so I can get in touch with you?

    Thanks in advance!

    • Varsha November 8, 2011, 2:16 pm

      Silly me– I just saw your operationbeautiful gmail address in this post. I’ll write to you at that address, unless there is another that you prefer I contact you at.

  • Meaghan@ChooseYourJourney November 8, 2011, 2:07 pm

    Ah, a subject very near and dear to my heart. I have two rescue pups- a 3yo pit bull and a 5yo boxer/greyhound mix. I’m also fostering a pit mix right now. My house is sliiightly insane but I love them 🙂

  • Danielle November 8, 2011, 2:10 pm

    What a great idea-keep up the great work Caitlin! Shelter animals are the best-my family rescued 2 shelter dogs and I’ve fostered many dogs. I am also the happy mom of a shelter kitty. I can’t stand it when people say “I have to go to a breeder to get a pure bred”….shelters are full of purebreds (although I am preferential to my mutts 🙂 ) and you’re saving a life! They might not be able to say it, but shelter animals are TRULY grateful.

    • Caitlin November 8, 2011, 7:48 pm

      Maggie is a purebred that I got at a rescue!

  • Elizabeth @ reads recipes runs November 8, 2011, 2:10 pm

    Baby posts and now puppy posts? Are you trying to get me in trouble with my husband? Haha. I can’t even tell you how much I love this idea for a blog series. If I was in Philly I would be headed to the shelter to see her TODAY I have such a soft spot in my heart for terrier mixes like her, and I need a new running buddy. Can someone bring her to Utah?!

    • Caitlin November 8, 2011, 7:48 pm

      Really? 🙂

  • Leah @ Why Deprive? November 8, 2011, 2:18 pm

    I am so glad you’re posting this. Hopefully someone will take this sweet girl home.
    My dog is a rescue, and she is just the sweetest and most loving dog. She’s from an abusive home, and has a bad leg which the vet figures is from being kicked. She’s also still afraid of men she doesnt know, and anything that seems angry. Even if people argue on tv she starts to get worried. It breaks my heart. I just dont understand how anyone can hurt an animal that loves so unconditionally.

    • Caitlin November 8, 2011, 7:49 pm

      Oh man. Scared doggies like that KILL ME.

  • Lauren L. November 8, 2011, 2:18 pm

    Definitely cried watching her little video. So great for you to continue to share your passions on the blog!

  • abbi November 8, 2011, 2:20 pm

    Great series! I currently have 3 dogs, all from shelters, of course! First one was just a normal, we want a dog thing and got a 2-3 black lab mix. Next, we took in a beagle, who was a stray and had been adopted but already returned once. Third one was one I took to PetSmart adoption days (volunteer w/ the shelter). Six months later, she still needed a home, was sick and had spent a good amount of time in quarantine…took her and now she’s great!

  • Gina @ Running to the Kitchen November 8, 2011, 2:22 pm

    I love that you’re doing this. These type of announcements always make me so sad when I see them on facebook and stuff. Not that I don’t completely love my dog, but I wish I had adopted one instead of buying one in retrospect. Next pup will definitely be from a shelter!

  • Lisa November 8, 2011, 2:25 pm

    This is a great series!! I always read the weekly announcements in our local paper (old school style).

  • Briana November 8, 2011, 2:36 pm

    This is a great effort you are doing.. I’m going to look forward to the pets you will post each week! It makes me happy that these animals will get a happy and loving home 🙂 Maybe I’ll adopt one!

  • Kim November 8, 2011, 2:36 pm

    This is such a great series. I have 2 dogs from shelters who are also terrier mixes (pit bull) and they are the best dogs ever. I am such a dog lover… I tend to “look” through adoption websites all.the.time.. because I have such a soft spot for all of them. My husband has to hold me back or we would have 5 dogs living in our 2 bedroom condo haha! Hope all these dogs find a great home.

  • Rachel @ Runner's Tales November 8, 2011, 2:37 pm

    I love that you are doing this series!

    My cat didn’t come from a shelter but he did come from the streets. One of my coworkers rescued him from the highway during rush hour 2 years ago. At the time, he was only 7 weeks old and had a chemical burn on one of his back paws. I fell in love the moment I laid eyes on him and took him home. He has been with me ever since. 🙂

  • Lori November 8, 2011, 2:37 pm

    Great idea Caitlin, and extra props for featuring a pittie mix-I have a whippet/pit mix and other than the fact that he’s 35 lbs of scared of everything, he’s a fantastic dog 🙂

    And re: Liz’s post about doing transports-I got into this about a year and a half ago and am now on a few different email lists. Unfortnately things have been busy on the weekends for me lately so I haven’t gotten to do one in a couple of months, but I would definitely recommend looking into it…it’s so rewarding and is maybe 3-4 hours out of a Saturday or Sunday! If anyone is interested, I’d be happy to pass on contact info for the email lists that I’m on-send me an email at osulori at gmail dot com and I’ll pass on the info 🙂

    • Liz November 8, 2011, 2:49 pm

      My partner and I do them together, and we have really bonded over them. He loves dogs too, so it’s nice to have a “puppy wrangler” while one of us drives, lol.

      Also, if anyone wants more info, I will gladly pass it on if they want to email me: thelizzy at gmail dot com!

  • erica November 8, 2011, 2:43 pm

    this is SUCH a great idea!!! i hope you help find homes for these shelter pets!

  • Lea November 8, 2011, 2:45 pm

    My parents found a beautiful, starving orange tabby cat outside on a walk last year. They didn’t bring the cat inside since we already had a cat. Instead, they put out some food, water, and a blanket inside an Apple computer box, thinking the cat would eat and then leave.

    In the morning, the cat was curled up inside the box on the driveway. Not wanting to upset our other cat, we tried to find a home for the new cat, but couldn’t find a no-kill shelter which would take him. Besides, he had already picked us.

    Fast forward a year later, Seven is a loving and friendly part of our family. He loves ping-pong balls, french fries, and sitting on the stairs. He has doubled his weight since we found him and our two cats love each other. We can’t imagine our lives without him. (And yes, his name is a Seinfeld reference.)

    Also, sounds like Bethany is doing wonderful things and she will be a great vet! Thanks for telling us about her!
    I went to Penn and my roommates and I snuck a little kitten into our dorm. Penn Vet saved the kitten’s life when she needed emergency surgery.

  • Katie of Cabbage Ranch November 8, 2011, 2:48 pm

    My dog of twelve years was a stray who adopted me when she wandered onto the horse farm where I then worked. She transformed from starving and shy to a glossy, healthy and joyful companion. Georgie was a truly wonderful girl and we just lost her a few weeks ago. Wouldn’t trade a moment of our time together! Thanks for sharing some blog space with unwanted animals!

  • Samantha November 8, 2011, 2:52 pm

    This is such a fantastic idea, Caitlin and my heart goes out to these animals. I’m going to re-post on my Facebook page every time you post this so I can help spread the word. Please somebody pick up Lula and take her home!!

    • Caitlin November 8, 2011, 7:50 pm

      Thank you for spreading the word!

  • Mel November 8, 2011, 2:55 pm

    my heart melts for rescues.I have two at home- my sweet, hyper, fun loving chocolate lab puppy Bella, and my sweet, gentle, pit bull mix Radley. He was abandoned and we found him in the middle of the road and we picked Bella up from a rescue shelter. They complete my life and I wouldn’t be the same without them. They make my hubby and I so happy and I love waking up to their faces everyday. I love that you have a pit mix featured…please feature all kinds of pits because they are the most wonderful, gentle breed in the world. Bad dogs are only created from bad owners….shame on people who give a certain dog breed a bad rap. Love the series!

  • sarah (sarah learns) November 8, 2011, 3:03 pm

    i love this series! i hope lula finds a great home.

    my husband and i just adopted a rescue dog. he and his mom and litter mates (11 puppies!) were abandoned when the puppies were 1 day old. 🙁 we’re not sure what breeds he is, but it looks like lab and maybe pit bull. we love him to death & i don’t think i’ll ever be able to have a dog that’s not from a rescue in the future.

  • Cindy November 8, 2011, 3:04 pm

    My first cat, Cally, was a rescue cat. I believe she was feral and had a hard time adjusting to being inside all the time, so I started letting her out. I had her for about 2 years, and one morning she didn’t come home. 🙁 I believe I saw her one more time and she seemed ok, I just don’t think she was meant to be an indoor cat. I looked for her {and cried} for months.

    My next 2 cats were also rescue cats; Mittens and Spinoza. They stayed with my ex when we broke up and lived happy, healthy lives. I know Mittens passed away last year from cancer, but Spinoza is still living life happily with my ex.

    My last cat was technically not a rescue, but was. Someone where I worked needed to give his cat some love since he was working too much and didn’t have time to look after him. Rascal was my faithful companion for nearly 10 years until I went off to Scotland last year. It broke my heart that I couldn’t bring him with me. He is a wonderful cat and now is living it up in California with my friend who is studying there to be a vet.

  • Zo November 8, 2011, 3:05 pm

    Thanks for doing this, Caitlin (oh, and Congratulations!)! My kitty came from a colleague who had taken in a pregnant cat from someone who couldn’t care for her properly. He’s the perfect combination of silly and sweet. I also volunteer at a local shelter, hoping to help get other animals ready for their “forever homes.” I think it’s great that you and HTP will play a role in this.

  • Kendall (On An Inhale) November 8, 2011, 3:16 pm

    I am so happy you are doing this! once i am out of a studio and have a more flexible schedule (so they can have lots of play time) i plan on saving one! thank you for doing this!! so happy for you too 🙂

  • Amanda November 8, 2011, 3:18 pm

    I LOVE LOVE LOVE that you are doing this, Caitlin! I volunteer at the MSPCA in Boston on the weekends as a “cat cuddler & condo cleaner” and it’s one of the best parts of my week.

    This past weekend, they had an anonymous donor offer to pay the adoption fees for 240 adult cats (since they have a tougher time finding homes) and the turnout was incredible. Over 80 cats were adopted on Saturday alone (the line was out the door!), and when I went in to help Sunday morning, there were so many empty cages. One staff person commented how amazing it was to see only kittens and no adult cats, since that never happens! They were even able to bring in some cats from other shelters and cover their adoption costs.

    I thought it was one of the most powerful ways for that donor to give back. So many animals were given a 2nd chance at a good home.

    I hope to be in a position to give back in a similar way one day. 🙂

    • Caitlin November 8, 2011, 7:51 pm

      That is AMAZING. What an amazing donation!

  • Stacey @ Here's to Life November 8, 2011, 3:29 pm

    Love this idea and series! I have a cousin in Philly who I’m going to send this link to ASAP! Hopefully he’ll be able to help! Thanks for being an advocate for these sweet pups!

  • Kim November 8, 2011, 3:30 pm

    SO cool that you are doing this!!! My sister is a vet tech in Cornelius and I am constantly trying to help her out (she is currently taking care of 4 two-week old kittens) by getting the word out about stray cats/dogs. I work a computer job and I sent an email out today to my coworkers about the poor little kittens that need homes and my boss’ response was that I was “breaking the acceptable use policy using our email for personal use”…..so i’m so glad that you have such a great platform and such a huge audience for this type of thing!! LOVE IT!!! If there were more people like you in the world, and if everyone would spay/neuter their animals, then this would be less of an issue. Good work, Caitlin! 🙂

  • Sarah November 8, 2011, 3:35 pm

    My cat isn’t from a shelter but is definitely a rescued pet. We found him when he was very young on the streets in Serbia where we used to live. He was abandoned by his mom and meowing very loudly. Because he was so young when we found him he is super bonded to my family. He’s quite small even now that he is 10 years old, most likely from prenatal malnourishment. This, however, does not stop him from catching birds and mice and getting into fights will opossums. He is also a total snuggle bug too though and will climb onto your lap…or laptop at any chance. We used to have a golden retriever who we got as a puppy when our cat was an adult and they got along fantastically. The dog would lie on the floor and the cat would lick his face. So cute!

  • Danielle @ D.Sells Seashells November 8, 2011, 3:46 pm

    Love that you’ve posted pit bulls so far. They are illegal to own where I live but if I could I would love to rescue one.

    • Caitlin November 8, 2011, 7:51 pm

      So sad that pits are illegal. Hate the deed, not the breed!

  • Chelsea November 8, 2011, 3:55 pm

    I LOOOVE the idea of this specially since I’m a huge animal lover =D! I live in Texas which is VERYYY far, but I hope that lovely lady fines a home <3 Stories like this warm my heart.

  • Alex @ Raw Recovery November 8, 2011, 3:59 pm

    I have two shelter dogs and they are absolutely amazing. My family dog, Lacy, was adopted by us almost 9 years ago. She came from a reservation in New Mexico and had been abused. She is still very skiddish around new people, especially tall men, but she is very protective of us and very sweet.

    This past February I adopted a dog of my own. His name is Buddha. He was an owner surrender, meaning the owners did not have the time to take care of him. I saw his picture on the Foothills Animal Shelter website (in CO) and said, “This is the dog I have been looking for”. For weeks I had searched for a dog that would be the right fit for our family. My main concern would be how the dog got along with Lacy and our cat. Buddha and Lacy got along great from the beginning and he has completed our family. He is like my precious little furry baby and I adore him.

    I think adopting shelter pets are the way to go. They are often loyal and loving animals and I personally do not believe in buying from a breeder when so many other animals NEED homes.

    What a great post!

  • Jenn November 8, 2011, 4:02 pm

    This is such a great idea! Both of my dogs are rescue pups and they are the best dogs ever…rescue dogs really tug at my heartstrings.

    As soon as my boyfriend and I moved out on our own (literally a week later) we were looking at a local shelter when we saw a picture of an adorable German Shepard puppy. We went to the shelter showing interest in him, met him and fell in love. We took Kratos home a few days later. All of the puppies adopted at this shelter have to go to a puppy class, well in our puppy class was Karto’s brother…he was there one week, gone the next, and then back again the following week. We asked the trainer about him and she told us that he was adopted, taken home with someone, but they decided he was “too hyper” (he was 12 weeks old…) and they brought him back.

    It killed us to hear this story especially because he was the last one in his litter still stuck in the shelter. We expressed interest in wanting to adopt him too but the guy that ran the adoptions kept fighting with us over it. I guess he thought we were too young / not responsible / etc. Luckily our trainer called the guy and told him that we were the perfect people to adopt him.

    We’ve had Kartos and Helios for 2 1/2 years now and I’m honestly SO glad that we adopted both of them. I really love that they’ve basically been with each other since birth and will get to stay together for the rest of their lives.

  • Vikki November 8, 2011, 4:14 pm

    Gypsy’s tale

    On new year’s eve 2009, I received a text from a friend saying “I’m bring you a cat.” I text back “Really?” She sends me a response “Yes.” My friend was in Ohio for a wedding and had seen a cat carrier beside the road. Her mom was involved in cat rescue so they stopped to pick up the carrier because they could use it.

    The carrier was not empty. Inside was a fluffball of a cat that had been declawed and abandoned in the snow with temperatures well below freezing. She took the cat to the wedding and sent me the text. The cat carrier and the fluffball made the trip to SC with my friend and her husband.

    I named her Gypsy because she travelled to me in a catavan. (I’m punny.) She is a super sweet cat who likes to be cuddled and held and dislikes doors that closed between us.

    That is Gypsy’s tale.

    • Caitlin November 8, 2011, 7:52 pm

      <3

  • stevie November 8, 2011, 4:20 pm

    I have a mastiff/chow/boxer mix named aspen. I live in colorado but she was rescued from a high kill shelter in new mexico. There is a group here called a puppy’s voice, they typically get calls from the shelters telling them that they have some dogs/puppies that will be killed in the next few days if they can not come and take them. I’m not sure what aspen’s story was before she was received at the shelter but she lives a very happy/carefree life now! My boyfriend has recently started fostering puppies for the rescue group until they can find the dogs a forever home! Don’t shop, Adopt!

  • Lindsay November 8, 2011, 4:35 pm

    AW!! These stories brought tears to my eyes. SO glad you are doing this, Caitlin. There are so many wonderful dogs in shelters, I wish everyone would adopt/rescue when bringing a dog into their lives.

    I rescued my dog, Lottie (http://llshots.wordpress.com/category/lottie/), 4.5 years ago and it was the best decision that I have ever made. She had two owners before me – one who died, and a 2nd who gave her up to the shelter. Lottie has bb’s (from a bb gun) under her skin, so its clear that she was abused in the past:(

    Considering that type of background she is amazingly gentle and well mannered. She is perfectly behaved indoors – doesn’t get into things, have accidents, beg, etc. And, she is perfect with people and children, but she does have some aggression with other dogs. Its pretty manageable, considering her background. I feel so lucky that I found her. I love her so much 🙂

  • Paula November 8, 2011, 4:44 pm

    I forgot to mention this earlier, but there is an outstanding organization called PilotsNPaws. It’s made up of volunteer pilots, who donate their planes and fuel, to fly resscue dogs to foster and forever homes. If someone is ever interested in a dog that is not close by, it’s possible that transport might be doable. It never hurts to ask. 🙂

    http://www.pilotsnpaws.org

    • Caitlin November 8, 2011, 7:52 pm

      Thanks for sharing this link!

  • Mellissa November 8, 2011, 4:54 pm

    This made me cry, I have a rescue dog who is one of the best things in my life. Anytime I hear about a dog without a home I want to go rescue them.

    I wish I lived closer!

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey November 8, 2011, 4:55 pm

    Oh my gosh I want to cry. Bonnie looks like my baby boy Charlie. It’s so sad that all these dogs don’t have homes!

  • Sheilah November 8, 2011, 5:01 pm

    I have a rescue cat named Meadow. We found her on Halloween night in 2008 – for whatever reason, some people seem to feel that doing horrible things to animals on Halloween is a good time. She was clearly malnourished, but the worst part was that someone had tied ribbons and elastic bands tightly around her neck. Luckily the group I was with happened to find her and cut her free, and the rest is history. I’m so glad we found her and took her in. She is the nicest cat I have ever met. It still upsets me to think about why anyone would want to hurt her and what would have happened had we not walked by at the exact time that we did, but the story has a very happy ending! Thank you so much for doing this.

  • Tee @ She Writes, Bites, and Window Shops November 8, 2011, 5:02 pm

    Caitlin this is such a good idea. My boyfriend and I really want to adopt a shelter dog when we move into an apartment building that allows pets. It just kills me to think about them being euthanized.

  • Angela @ MyPinkyToes November 8, 2011, 5:16 pm

    Both of those dogs are too adorable. I love what you are doing with this series and what Bethany is doing for all of these dogs. It is very inspiring!

  • Diana November 8, 2011, 5:35 pm

    This is the greatest idea ever! No sweet puppy should ever be euthanized. I only wish I lived closer to PA…and weren’t totally broke 🙁

  • Kris November 8, 2011, 5:39 pm

    Thanks for highlighting shelter animals. I have had two rescue dogs. We lost Tyler in June when she was 16. We got her from a shelter in Newport News, VA when she was one, and she was abused. We were her third home. She was the sweetest girl in the world, and we miss her so much. We’ve had our newest rescue for about seven weeks. He is an 8 mo. old Italian greyhound. We are his fourth home. His original owners bought him from a pet shop (he is a puppy mill dog), and then gave him up (left him at the vet). He went to two foster homes and neither one wanted him. He stayed at the second foster home for almost two months and when he left to come to me he had over 300 ticks on him, worms and infected anal glands (he was left out in the yard I think). He is a total love bug with tons of puppy energy, needs a lot of training but is a really smart little guy. I’m so glad we can give him a forever home (DH never wanted an IG, and he is totally in love).

    • Kris November 8, 2011, 5:48 pm

      I was just thinking how Tina did Blog Dogs posts of readers’ dogs. Maybe you would consider posting pics of readers’ rescue pets? It would give your readers a chance to see the many beautiful animals that got a second chance for a loving forever home. Just a thought …

      • Caitlin November 8, 2011, 7:53 pm

        That would be fun! Maybe I should start an album on the HTP facebook page!

  • Karlee @olivewineandfood November 8, 2011, 5:45 pm

    I’m so glad we have so many people who help animals like this, and i hope many animals are adopted because of it! this is why this is one of my favorite blogs. it’s down to earth and covers everything that is important to me.

  • kathleen @ the daily crumb November 8, 2011, 5:51 pm

    this breaks my heart. i almost did not read this post when it popped up in my reader because it literally tears me to pieces to see animals suffering. not to start a discussion, but i think the primary problem here is unprepared adults who purchase or adopt a pet and just as quickly give that pet back up. it just makes me so sad. i have tears in my eyes.

    we just adopted our second pup, winnie, and she is the light of my life (in addition to her older brother). winnie was found in a box in an alley in st. louis with the rest of her litter. she is now a crazy 7 month old bundle of love and i can’t imagine life without her.

    i’m so glad i read this post because winnie was driving me up the flippin wall today. this made me appreciate having her in my life and realize that the moment to moment annoyances are a small price to pay for the value she brings to my life.

  • Jen November 8, 2011, 6:04 pm

    This made my heart melt. I want a dog so badly. Unfortunately, not only do I live in Canada (way too far away to save this sweetheart) but I also live in Ontario, with our ridiculous pit bull ban.

    I hope she finds a loving home soon.

  • Brooke @ sweats & sweets November 8, 2011, 6:13 pm

    Oh my gosh she is beautiful! I hope someone in the area has the biggest heart and wants her! If we lived closer we would love to see her! Sadly our land-lord doesn’t allow pets that is the only thing keeping us from adopting. Someone find her a home! She looks so cuddly.

  • Kelly November 8, 2011, 6:44 pm

    Hi Caitlin. I just made your Tom Kha Phak Quinoa Bowl recipe tonight for dinner and loved it but my husband thought it needed a little more flavor. What spices would you recommend I add next time?

    • Caitlin November 8, 2011, 7:53 pm

      Hmmm Maybe cilantro? Or chili powder?

  • Lainie November 8, 2011, 6:49 pm

    I rarely comment on blogs but had to post after I read your idea to do this series. I think this is such an incredible idea, and I commend you tremendously for thinking of it! Your blog is creative and refreshing, and I look forward to your posts daily. Thank you!

    • Caitlin November 8, 2011, 7:53 pm

      Thank you!

  • Jenny November 8, 2011, 6:52 pm

    I have a rescue pug (found on Petfinder at a small breed rescue) and a rescue cat from the local animal shelter. I’d like to remind anyone who has their heart set on a certain breed that there are many pedigreed dogs at shelters and available with rescue organizations. Petfinder is a great site! My beautiful three-legged pug Buffy is the best thing ever!

  • Wendy November 8, 2011, 6:58 pm

    Such a great idea!

    I desperately want to adopt a shelter dog (this girl in particular tugs at my heartstrings: http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/20404215, those eyes!), but I just can’t right now.

    I do, however, have 3 rescue cats. The oldest is a former barn cat, the second I acquired when I worked on a big dairy farm several years ago – one of the guys left him for me because he said he knew I’d take care of him – and the third I just took in last week! She is the most precious thing, and was destined for the local shelter, where they would have had to euthanize her due to lack of space. Also, she has markings very much like my kids’ cat that disappeared when we moved into our new house last fall. It was fate!

    • Wendy November 8, 2011, 7:03 pm

      I just realized how much that pup I just posted about looks like James! Maybe you could feature her sometime? She’s been on my animal shelter’s petfinder listings since this summer!

      • Caitlin November 8, 2011, 7:54 pm

        I will do some research on her and the group and put it in line! I’ve gotten loads of requests but hopefully we can get her on here!

  • Katie November 8, 2011, 7:00 pm

    My heart just broke into a million pieces! I can’t wait till my hubby and I can adopt a sweet dog like Lula! It’s one of the things we hate the most about renting! 🙁

  • Samantha November 8, 2011, 7:00 pm

    OMG. It makes me want to cry. We have a rescue kitty and I love him dearly. I want a dog but we rent and we both travel a ton for the military. My friend posts these on facebook and it kills me every time. I’ll spread the word for Lulu!

  • Taylor November 8, 2011, 7:07 pm

    I love/hate shelters. I love them because they are great and do good things in the world and care about saving animals! I hate them because they make me so sad 🙁 My boyfriend and I have 2 adopted shelter cats and we’re actually getting a puppy from a shelter tomorrow! I’m so excited! But when we were at the shelter the other day picking out our pup, I was on the brink of tears because I just wanted to take them all home!! It’s so hard to see those loving puppy eyes that just say “Please take me home with you!” This is great tho Caitlin, great way to get the word out and find these amazing animals a home!!

  • Courtney @ The Petite AthlEAT November 8, 2011, 7:20 pm

    I am just GUSHING over this blog post – I had to RUN and grab my husband and just show him what you were doing and how AWESOME this is. Using your Blogging power for good! (Not that you EVER use it for evil 😉 But I mean, like, really, really, REALLY using it for good – you’re not just blogging to make healthy lives, now you’re blogging to save lives, Caitlin. You’re my Mother Theresa.

    • Caitlin November 8, 2011, 7:55 pm

      Bawhahahha! That is my blogging for good laugh 🙂

  • Maren November 8, 2011, 7:28 pm

    Awww sooo precious! Our little kitty Lilly is a shelter kitty, too! Got her from the humane society in May. We love her so much! She is the cuddliest, friendliest cat EVER. No one believes us til they meet her and she begs to sit on their lap 😉

    I think it’s GREAT that you’re doing this series!

  • m November 8, 2011, 7:36 pm

    I want to adopt so badly but constantly stress about whether I would be able to give it enough time? I hate to sound naive, but could you do a “how to know if you are ready for a dog or not 101”? I wonder things like “well, if both my husband and I are gone from work from 8-6, could this ever work?” I’ve always told my husband it would be unfair to an animal, but then I think about a poor pet being put down and I get all confused. Do you have any advice??

    • Caitlin November 8, 2011, 7:56 pm

      This resource is good: http://www.dog-adoption-and-training-guide.com/get-a-dog.html Plenty of people work full-time and have dogs – I think it’s just a matter of knowing whether you are okay with coming home immediately and walking them. It is definitely a responsibility but its so worth it. But maybe a cat (lower maintenance) is a better choice for you?

    • Sara November 9, 2011, 9:56 am

      Hi M, I don’t know if this will help, but my husband and I have two dogs and they stay home while we’re at work. My husband leaves at 8:30 and I get home at 5, so they’re by themselves for 8 1/2 hours and they do fine. I was worried about this too when our one dog was just a puppy (the other we adopted as an adult, but he wasn’t used to being by himself, so that was an adjustment.) I just make sure if I can’t be home by 5, that my husband can leave a little early or if we will be really late, my parents live nearby and they come let them out for us. What Caitlin said is exactly right–you do have to come right home. We try to stay home after work too so they’re not by themselves again in the evening. I hope that helps!

  • Rachel November 8, 2011, 7:58 pm

    Wow….your post put a lump in my throat, but reading all of these comments has put me in tears. So many great rescue stories. Hope you do an update on Lula and that she finds her forever home!

    I have 2 rescue dogs, Layla and Rosie, and they are my babies. I just adore them. Nothing makes me happier than coming home to their cuddles and kisses. I just don’t know how people could pass up on these sweet faces!! I might be biased, but there is nothing sweeter than a rescue dog.

    So glad you’re doing this series, Caitlin!!

  • Katie November 8, 2011, 8:01 pm

    What a great idea! My little apartment already has 2 cats, 2 rats and 2 hamsters, so sadly I will not be able to take on any more critters, but I am such a big advocate of shelters and rescues. This is a fantastic way to find homes for them! I love how you use your internet niche to accomplish good, not only through fitness, but in other ways too 🙂

  • Stacy November 8, 2011, 8:04 pm

    Thank you for choosing to highlight adoptable pets! I work as an Outreach Coordinator for my local Humane Society and promotion is key to finding homes for our animals and also educating the public about what wonderful pets are available for adoption. As our motto says, “Adopt a Friend. Save a Life.”

  • Jen November 8, 2011, 8:21 pm

    Lula is adorable! I think it’s awesome that you’re highlighting shelter animals…I hope she finds her forever home soon <3 We've always had strays/shelter pets. Our family's cat growing up was taken in off the streets when he was approx 3 and lived to the ripe old age of 18…he was the best. My husband and I have two cats that we adopted from a local rescue. They're brothers (litter mates) and were found perched on top of a hydro pole a few winters ago. Now they're pretty much the most spoiled cats ever and they make us laugh every day, so we're all winners!

  • Brittney @ Brittney Breathing November 8, 2011, 8:52 pm

    Oh this makes me so sad. My heart breaks any time I see a helpless animal. I wish I could help, but I am no where near Pennsylvania. Great idea about the weekly posts though!

  • Bobbi November 8, 2011, 9:11 pm

    Thanks so much for doing this. You and Bethany are both so awesome! I have two cats adopted from the shelter and would love to adopt more, but hubby said no more:P Hopefully someone will adopt Lula, she seems so sweet.

  • Amber November 8, 2011, 10:47 pm

    I have tears in my eyes. This is just about the sweetest idea and I am so, so, so happy to see you doing this! Shelter pets are truly the.best.pets, hands down. All of my animals have been from a shelter, and they are the kindest most loving animals in the world. I wish I had house with acres of land instead of my little condo, because then I would adopt as many cats and dogs as was humanely possible. This made my heart so happy. You are just wonderful and I hope that Lula finds a wonderful forever home. She looks like such a peach!

  • Laura November 8, 2011, 10:53 pm

    You’re such a lovely person…I love that you use your blog as a forum to help others. I’m nowhere near Pennsylvania but I’m keeping this little girl in my thoughts that she finds a good home VERY SOON 🙂

  • Kristin November 9, 2011, 12:18 am

    I have 3 cats, 2 of which are rescues. My middle cat I found at a shelter. She was incredibly timid with huge expressive green eyes. When I went into the small room to hold her she cuddled up under my chin. I knew I had to take her home.
    My 3rd cat showed up on my deck in January during an extremely cold and snowy winter. She was missing the hair around her neck and was incredibly thin. I lured her into a pet carrier with some food and she lived in my bathroom for 3 weeks. It took her 3 days to even come up to me. I believe that she was meant to be my pet and found me. She must have been abused in her short time as a kitten before being dumped because even 5 years later she is still skittish. I’m glad I found her.

  • Elizabeth November 9, 2011, 12:30 am

    As if I didn’t like this blog enough, now you go and promote shelter adoption!! Thank you so much for bringing much needed attention to shelter pups!
    I help run a rescue here in Los Angeles called The Mutt Scouts. We sadly see the most amazing dogs get put to sleep everyday in the shelters here (800 per day in LA) – the real problem is backyard breeders/ puppy mills and the lack of spay/neuter access/ education. If everyone stopped buying from stores/breeders/mills, this wouldn’t be a problem! Spay and neuter and adopt! 🙂

  • Krystina (Organically Me) November 9, 2011, 12:33 am

    I hops Lula finds a home. 🙁 She has the saddest, sweetest eyes.

    I have a cat named Lily that I found outside crying. I took her in because I instantly fell in love with her and ended up being unwilling to part with her. My boyfriend and I tried finding her owners but had no luck, so she’s mine. 🙂

  • Jen November 9, 2011, 1:12 am

    This is WONDERFUL. Caitlin, you never cease to amaze me with your huge, amazing heart (and drive)! The GOOD that you do is truly something special!

  • Britt November 9, 2011, 4:09 am

    I love this new idea and hope it gets some animals adopted! I used to volunteer at an amazing no-kill shelter in Oregon when I lived there and loved it. They had an on-site surgery suite and I was able to help assist in spays/neuters and other small surgeries. It is so important for these animals!

  • clara November 9, 2011, 5:14 am

    So saad! I hope someone takes her! Such a lovely dog.
    I cried watching the video… I’d like to own a dog again so much, but as a student that’s almost never home this is just not possible.

    We had a rescue dog that unfortunately died this year (at age 17!!!). We got her when she was already 10 years old and her family decided to euthanize her because she was “old and would die soon anyway”. Well, Kira was nothing like an old dog. She was still loving to go on extremely long walks until she was 14/15, running around, being happy and wonderful. Just the sweetest dog ever. Everybody who met her loved her, even people who were scared of dogs or didn’t like them. So glad we saved her and gave her another 7 beautiful years (crying again now…)
    That’s us: http://veganefreude.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/cimg3274.jpg?w=480&h=640

  • Tiffany W November 9, 2011, 6:49 am

    I live in Canada, so adopting a dog that far away is a bit impossible, but Lula is SOO adorable, i hope she gets a good home 😀

    I have two Cats, one i got off of my aunt before she brought them to a shelter (her cats an indoor cat and she didn’t even know she was pregnant till they came out) i got 3 friends to adopt the rest and my other one, my dad rescued off a cliff with her momma and 3 brothers. my dad kept the momma and one of her brothers and i found homes for the other two.

  • erin @ oliveourhouse November 9, 2011, 7:26 am

    thank you for doing this! reading all these comments made my morning- everyone is so proud of their rescued pups/kitties! it blows my mind that people out there *still* go to breeders and pet stores (really? pet stores still exist?). i think people who want a specific breed don’t realize purebreds end up in shelters all the time. and there are breed-specific rescue groups. or there’s the idea that animals end up in shelters because something is wrong with them- not the case! (people are just irresponsible a-holes)

    i’ve got two rescue pups now and would love to start fostering- just trying to convince my husband.

    also, AWESOME that you are highlighting a pittie mix. hope this new series is successful!!

  • ellie November 9, 2011, 7:50 am

    I’m so glad you are featuring a pitty! Whenever I go on PetFinder.com and see how MANY MORE pit bulls are in the shelters than other breeds, it breaks my heart. I have a pit bull who is truly the sweetest baby ever. I used to think pit bulls were scary, but it’s only because people have made them out that way. Now when I’m out and about and see a pit bull I always go up to the owner and ask if I can pet them. I have never met a mean one! My girl even learned to live with 2 cats and she’s NEVER had a problem with them. She even gives up her bed to one of the cats! haha. Anyway, I just wanted to tell you thank you for posting this sweet girl and I hope she finds a good home!!!

  • Maria (RealFitMama) November 9, 2011, 9:15 am

    We have a rescue pet!!

    Oliver, a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, was welcomed into our home 2 months before I gave birth to our youngest daughter, Regan. He was scheduled to be killed by the breeder he lived with because he has a hip deformity and couldn’t be sold.

    He was eating up their profits and living in a carrying crate for over 3 months before becoming part of our family.

    He still has behavioral issues (very timid, afraid of men, hates walking on a leash) but overall he is a great dog and our girls ADORE him!!

  • Sara November 9, 2011, 9:47 am

    Love, love, love Lula! We adopted our Standard Poodle from someone who didn’t want him anymore. 🙁 Sad. We didn’t adopt our Labradoodle, but all of our cats are rescues from different places. Two came from two different shelters and our third cat came from a woman who rescues cats. She works with a shelter, but she has a special building that her architect husband built for her behind their house, where she keeps kittens and cats until they can be adopted or taken to the shelter. She also takes them to our local Petco and coordinates that. She’s so loving and giving and the cat we adopted from her as been our healthiest 🙂 She is such a loving woman.

  • Amber K November 9, 2011, 12:02 pm

    I can’t wait until I move out of my current apartment. I need a doggy in my life (I grew up my entire life with dogs until I moved into apartments). This is such a great idea Caitlin!

  • Allison November 9, 2011, 12:09 pm

    Caitlin-You made me cry just now. This topic is so near and dear to my heart, I feel so powerless knowing how many shelter animals need rescuing. You are my absolute favorite blogger for sharing such a selfless topic. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I hope that all bloggers would take advantage of their popularity and help out like this.

  • Karen November 9, 2011, 12:51 pm

    Don’t forget senior dogs! I adopted a 9yo sheltie mix and he was the sweetest, most loveable dog. He died last year but the three years I had him made me so happy! They need homes and love too!

  • rebecca lustig November 9, 2011, 2:07 pm

    In the process of finding out more about Lula. My roommates and I are in love.

    Thanks Caitlin!

  • Sophie @ threetimesf November 9, 2011, 6:25 pm

    Aw, I wish I was in the states/could help out – she’s adorable! I hope you find something 😀

    ps – love that you’re using the blog to help a great cause again!

  • Dominique November 9, 2011, 11:15 pm

    Awww Lula is adorable. Too bad I’m in Canada. We adopted both our cats. One was living in a broom closet in the condo Sean was working at and I felt really bad for the cat, Mischief. I told Sean that as long as he got him neutered I’d take card of him. That was back 2006. He’s still behaviourally odd, because of his closet living conditions, but I love him and love the fact that he’s doing better now. Another cat was living on the streets and my dad started feeding it so it started hanging around our porch. Eventually my dad let me keep it and she’s been with us since 2005. In a few days both Mischief and Fatty and are coming to live with Sean and I in our new condo.

  • Libby November 10, 2011, 6:36 pm

    I just shared this post on my facebook page and I even though I live in Oregon and cannot adopt her myself I do hope that she gets a home soon. I’ve asked all my friends and family to share her story and get the word out that she needs a home. I think it’s great that you are doing the save a shelter pet posts. My cats have all come from shelters and my dog that I grew up with was a rescued retired racer greyhound.

  • Alett November 10, 2011, 6:41 pm

    I’ve had three dogs of my very own in my “adult” life. Bagel, my first, was a humane society dog; she was the love of my life and helped me get through some tough times. I had to euthanize her in 2004 due to complications from heart failure *sniff* Along the way I managed to rescue Toffee, my chihueagle, from The Ohio State University and sort of rescue Riley, my JRT, from a farm when he was returned at 2years old. Toffee had been hit by a car & repaired at the vet hospital in Ohio. I was there doing a senior externship for vet school & fell in love. Riley & Toffee are definitely our “fur babies.”

    I am a huge proponent of rescue – there are so many wonderful dogs & cats out there that just want to give love and be loved.

    NOTE: I currently work at the Animal Rescue League of Boston. If your friend Bethany would be interested in an externship at the shelter with our shelter vets I can help out with that.

  • Andrea @ Run, Eat, Date, Sleep November 11, 2011, 2:11 pm

    I love what you’re doing with this shelter pet series! I just adopted a rescue dog on Wednesday, and I’m already over-the-moon in love with her. I tear up a little every time I think about the kill shelter where she came from, and she was just days away from being put to death. It’s absolutely heart-breaking! I don’t live near Philly anymore, but I did post this post on my Facebook just in case anyone has any interest.

  • Alexandria November 11, 2011, 8:30 pm

    Thank you so, so much for starting this series! I volunteer at the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society and shelter pets have such a special place in my heart. I truly appreciate that you are using the popularity of your blog for something so dear to me.

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