By Maria

You have probably heard the quote “Rescuing one dog won’t change the world, but the world will change for one dog!”. But is this really true? Let me tell you the story of Vinnie and then you can decide.

Let’s start at the end to get the sad part over. Vinnie died this summer just short of his 16th birthday. He was in my life for over 14 years. At the time I met him, my little Chihuahua mix had just died of cancer and my border collie, Decca, needed a new companion, so I could not take as long to mourn as I might have liked. Someone in my vet’s office mentioned a poodle mix that Grateful Dogs Rescue was having trouble placing but thought he might be a good fit for me.

Vinnie had attracted the most applications GDR had ever received at the time for a dog. He was that cute! But had been adopted and returned 3 times (food protective, not hypo-allergenic, bonded to one person more than the other), but none of those issues were a problem for Decca and me. So, I took him home and changed his name to Vinnie. His original name was too cute for such a little tough guy. I decided he was the Joe Pesci of cockapoos and chose the name Vinnie. He was about a year and a half old at that time and he and Decca became best friends.

Almost 2 years after adopting Vinnie, I helped trap an abandoned dog in McLaren Park. I asked Grateful Dogs if they would take this dog if I fostered, and he became my first foster dog. I thought this was going to be a one-off thing and didn’t plan to continue to foster. But, 4 months later I was asked if I would consider fostering another dog, and then one thing lead to another and I have now fostered over 50 dogs. Vinnie, being who he was, gave most of these foster dogs a hard time while Decca, and then Shayna, gave them a nurturing environment to get ready for their forever homes.

In the 12 years since my second foster dog, I have case managed dogs, screened dogs at the shelter, screened foster applications, done website updates, answered the emails, and so many other tasks, and despite at first refusing offers to join the board, I now find myself as board president.

So, let’s circle back to the beginning of the story. Is it true by rescuing Vinnie, the world was changed for only one dog? Well, it was definitely changed for me. The world was also changed for all of the other foster dogs and the people who adopted them. And so on and so on, one step at a time, the world will continue to change and Vinnie’s legacy and memory will live on.

Everyone who meets Kit describes her as super sweet. She is very calm and quiet. She loves to be close to her humans and snuggle on the couch. She loves to give kisses. She is house trained, loves going for walks and loves to run! Kit is very quiet and doesn’t bark. She knows sit and shake. Her fur is short and soft, and she doesn’t seem to shed. She’s almost perfect.

Click here for more information or to fill out an adoption application. 

Even something as simple as a dog treat can get pretty complicated. How many? How often? What kind? When to give one and when not to? 

Just keep it simple. Give a dog a treat immediately (within 1-2 seconds) after he or she does something you would like them to do. Therefore, you must have the treat handy and be watching for the behavior you want your dog to repeat. Take “sit” for example. Hold the treat close and just above your dog’s nose. Move it slowly upward and toward him and if he follows your hand and sits…give him the treat and say only one word, quietly - “Sit”. Do not say “Can you sit?” Just keep it simple. The treat should be presented right in front of your dog’s mouth, using your fingertips or in your palm if he is not gentle. Repeat the process until it becomes one motion. After some practice, you will no longer even need the treat. Just a hand motion and the word “sit” will be all you need. This example applies to almost all the commands you will be using at the beginning stages of training.

Treats can vary from kibbles to the most delicious things (for dogs) you can find. Keep in mind that feeding your dog table scraps can reduce your training treats’ effectiveness. The best and tastiest treats should be reserved for tough or important skills, like calling your dog back to you.

Some trainers go straight to yanking on a choke chain while others believe in a literal constant shower of treats, even when a dog is just sitting. But neither extreme is necessary. Overuse of treats is a common mistake and too much of any food can become common and maybe fattening. Just like with humans, finding the balance of moderation is important as certainly more than one treat at a time may be in order when you get a great response to your request! But remember to combine treats along with praise and touch - these are often overlooked rewards that are also very effective.

Need more Training Tips?

Articles from previous newsletters can be found on the GDR website. Click here .



Rudy , the handsome German Sheppard in the photo above, is available for adoption. 

Click here to see more information or fill out an adoption application!

Grateful Dogs Rescue is approaching its 30th anniversary. Our fall newsletter will feature a section devoted to the history of the organization and its growth over the years. But, before we reach this remarkable milestone, we want to take a moment and say thank you to everyone who contributes to GDR’s mission of rescuing shelter dogs not made available for adoption and fostering them until loving homes are found rather than letting them be euthanized.

GDR is an all-volunteer organization and through the efforts of such dedicated and kind people, we are able to save dozens of lives every year. Thank you to our fosters who open their hearts and homes. Thank you to the folks who volunteer their time to work adoption events or help transport dogs around at a moment’s notice. Thank you to all who generously make donations and support our cause. And of course, thank you to our adopters who give GDR dogs their second chance at a happy life and the forever family they deserve. 

THANK YOU ALL!

Donations are our life’s blood and are always put to good use! Almost all our funds go to pay veterinary bills. Your donations help rescue dogs receive basics care like vaccinations, spay/neuter procedures and help with more extensive medical needs such as dental cleanings, treating skin problems and major surgeries.

 

Donations can be made via PayPal, check or cash. Some employers will match your donation; check with your HR department!

If you donate $250 or more you are eligible for a portrait through Pet Food Express’s My Mutt program . 

Do you shop on Amazon? Then sign up for Amazon Smile and designate GDR as your preferred charity. GDR receives 0.5% of the cost of your eligible purchases.

Did you know that Facebook has birthday fundraisers? Two weeks before your birthday FB will ask you if you want to dedicate your birthday to support a cause, requesting donations instead of gifts. Please select Grateful Dogs Rescue!