The Dogs and Puppies of the Vancouver SPCA

[hazelrunpack]

Oh, he looks sweet!! And red is so very definitely his color!!!

[Scuba]

I got to walk some dogs tonight.

First a little update on Razer. He has a picture up on his profile now. You can still see where his belly and private bits been shaved.
http://bcspcapets.shelterbuddy.com/a...89395&result=9

[Scuba]

First dog that I took out was a Mastiff cross girl puppy. I am not sure what she is crossed with, but she has webbed feet. Her name is Olive, and she is tan in colour.

She is such a cutie, I first met her last Friday but I didn't get to walk her so it was nice to be able to take her for a walk. Olive was a little bit hesitant about venturing out into the rain. But finally with some coaxing and cuddles she went for a walk with me. It was really funny, since once we got outside proper she took off like a windup toy.

Olive was hopping around and doing the zoomies (on a leash). She also shoulder checked me on my legs quite a few times to try and engage me into play with her. Basically she was trying to get me to chase her, I did a few times at first. Very big and exaggerated body movement but only at a jogging speed run after her. But I kept worrying that I would run over or into her. So in the end I just let her chase me instead. Once she was calm on leash again we went for a walk.

Then as we were getting underway into our walk, she shoulder checked me on my left side suddenly. However this time, she kind of bounced off my leg. Unfortunately she also bounced her head right into a tree that was next to us. I cringed when I heard her smack into it. It sounded really bad but Olive just acted like it was nothing and when I looked her over she just looked back at me with her big brown puppy eyes.

Since she appeared alright, we continued our walk. The whole time on the walk she was running around and hopping about like everything was fine. It wasn't until later when we had to cross one street and I looked down at Olive to give her the command "Sit" that I noticed she had a little cut on her left brow. There was some bleeding as well. After that, I took her right back to the shelter. Luckily quite a few of the staff were around and one of them took us to the SPCA hospital. Since it was after six thirty by then the Doctor had left already. But luckily there was lots of Vet techs and assistants around. Everyone knew Olive as well.

In no time, we had her all glued up. The whole time during treatment she thought we were trying to play with her, kept wiggling around. Then once she was all good, she started banging around the clinic. Ran into tables and door frames.

Apparently she is also going into foster on Wednesday!

Unfortunately no profile or picture yet.

[Scuba]

After that, the only dogs that still hadn't been out were Sugar and Buttercup. So another long time volunteer who just came back with another dog took them out with me.

I had Buttercup. They were pretty easy to walk and there weren't any issues at all. Buttercup also had some nice firm poo for me.

Buttercup:
http://bcspcapets.shelterbuddy.com/a...87344&result=8

Sugar:
http://bcspcapets.shelterbuddy.com/a...87343&result=2

Basically the two of them are BFFs.

[growler~GateKeeper]

Aww Razer is a cutie pie

A little for Olive & her owie for the fostering

Would be nice if Buttercup & Sugar could go to their furever home together

[hazelrunpack]

That would be nice...the two BFFs adopted out together

Olive sounds like a real character! Poor boo boo face, though... for Olive...

Can't open the pics today, though...connection is reallly limping along :sad:

[growler~GateKeeper]

Hazel here's Razer:


Buttercup:


Sugar:

[hazelrunpack]

Aw, Buttercup and Sugar! I love Buttercup's wild 'do'!

Razor looks like a sweetheart, too--he's got very soft eyes!

Thanks, growler!!!

[Scuba]

I found out at the last minute that I was going to coordinate tonight! Turns out the head coordinator had tried to call me but my cellphone battery had died so I didn't know there was a call for me. A message was left for me but since my phone was pretty much a paper weight by then I found out what was going on when I got to the shelter.

Luckily I got there a little ahead of time and even with a little rain, most of the usual Friday evening volunteers showed up. Still had some juggling and shuffling to do but in the end some how I managed (surprised myself).

Special thank you to three angels , without their help I would have been totally hooped. I will try to remember to bring cake for everyone next Friday.

[Scuba]

Since I was coordinating, I didn't really get to walk any dogs. Did get to put everybody to bed and interact with them though.

Razer: Didn't see him, so hopefully he has gone to a forever home.


Some of the stuff that happened:

Al is a golden retriever cross. No picture for his profile yet. This poor guy just got neutered today, he was really nervous and shy. Finally one of my angels managed to coax him out for a walk. Unfortunately he wanted to lick and scratch his stitches. In the end I had to put a cone on him. He didn't want to go back into his kennel either. Afterwards he was shooting some mighty powerful stink eyes at us.

I felt bad, since Al was clearly confused and didn't know what was happening. But it was all for his own good so I hope he will forgive me.
http://bcspcapets.shelterbuddy.com/a...89924&result=6


There was a new resident, a huge Great Pyrenees cross. All white in colour, his name is Snow. Such a handsome fellow, for a big guy he is really gentle and easy going.
http://bcspcapets.shelterbuddy.com/a...8057&result=11

[Scuba]

There were two other big boys as well.

Rocky:
http://bcspcapets.shelterbuddy.com/a...86691&result=9

He is pretty easy going as well, likes his walks!



O'Malley:
http://bcspcapets.shelterbuddy.com/a...89207&result=5

He is one big ball of fur!
One of my angels told me that he was easy to walk.

[Scuba]

There was also this super cute Mastiff puppy, his name is Trouble. He is black with a bit of white on his chest. He is still really young, no profile for him yet. But he is going to be a big boy from the look of the size of his paws.

He was getting loads of hugs and cuddles. Super cute and lots of fun.



There were a few other dogs, but I am too tired to post about them all...

[Scuba]

Normally I don't go to the SPCA shelter on the weekends, but since I didn't really get to walk a dog on Friday evening I thought I would make the trip. It was a nice sunny day too!


Some quick updates, Al was not pissed off at me anymore. Still a little bit nervous but he is getting more confident. Trouble is only two months old and hasn't been neutered yet so he is not up for adoption (hence no profile or picture).


First up was walkies with me was Lolita, I have "walked" her before. But previously it had always been in the evening and wet (raining or drizzle). She would always just go out, do her business and want to go right back to her kennel. Then she bounces off the walls when she see other doggies going out. Since it was a nice sunny day, Lolita did not go into "diva" mode on me. It was actually a real pleasure to walk her. No problem with the sitting and waiting. Her leash manner was really good as well. Our walk was almost an hour long.
http://bcspcapets.shelterbuddy.com/a...1896&result=12

[Scuba]

Then I got to take Trouble out! [dancing banana smiley]

He is such a little rascal, so cute and hyper. When I rolled up at 10 o'clock he was actually still in bed sleeping. Come 11, he was all revved up and ready to go. Found out that other than being part Mastiff, he is also part Boxer. So he definitely is going to fill out those paws of his.

Our walk out was really easy, he just kind of stumbled around my feet trying to sniff stuff. It was only on the way back that he wanted to pull! But it was a good opportunity for me to train him. I got him to "sit and wait" before we crossed the streets, the last couple of times he did it all by himself. Pulling on the leash was also getting better by the time we got back but it is something that he will need to be taught.

But I am guilty of letting him get away with a lot of naughty stuff too. Like letting him climb into my lap. He is just too cute, it is alright now when he is still a baby but I can imagine what a nightmare it would be when he is all grown up.

He is still kind of clumsy when he is running around and playing.

[Scuba]

I also found out that Olive, has not gone into foster yet. Turns out my clumsy girl had an upset tummy and has spent the last few days over at the clinic. I will still have a chance to play with her yet!

Did talk to the staff, the little cut on her eye brow is all better now.

[geisha]

Your large breed dogs are gorgeous. I have a fondness for med/large & hairy & white breeds. (the Komodor/lab mix as well as the Great Pyr/sammy x) Just a question can someone from outside BC adopt one of your dogs? We live in Edmonton...

[Scuba]

Originally Posted by geisha

Your large breed dogs are gorgeous. I have a fondness for med/large & hairy & white breeds. (the Komodor/lab mix as well as the Great Pyr/sammy x) Just a question can someone from outside BC adopt one of your dogs? We live in Edmonton...

I will ask the staff for you, the next time I volunteer at the Vancouver SPCA shelter. I really don't know the answer to this one. However, we have had people adopt animals from the shelter that were in pretty far flung places within BC.

[Scuba]

Updates:

O'Malley - He has been transferred to the Burnaby (city next to Vancouver) shelter.
Olive - She has gone to her foster home, didn't get to say my good byes.:sad:



I Got to the shelter really early this afternoon and kind of helped the staff out by walking a couple of dogs. They were busy talking to a couple who were interested in adopting Lolita.

Lolita
http://bcspcapets.shelterbuddy.com/a...1896&result=11

[Scuba]

The first dog that I took out for the afternoon was Bear. He is a black lab puppy/teenager (about 6 months old). He is pretty hyper, which is normal for his breed and age. We didn't really go that far, normally it is just a quick walk/bathroom break that the staff do with the dogs mid afternoon. We were out for about 20-25 minutes.

Bear was basically like the energizer rabbit, quite a few times I had to short leash him at the curb. He was picking up pretty quickly though "come to curb, sit down".

Otherwise, it was just a brisk and fast walk.

http://bcspcapets.shelterbuddy.com/a...8647&result=10

After Bear, it was Buffy. He is a Bichon Frise, no picture or profile of him as he is not available for adoption yet. We also went out for about 20-25 minutes. His belly and legs got pretty muddy due to the rain though. When we got back to the shelter, I did dry him off and clean him up a little.


After that, I just chilled out in the reception for a bit and waited for six o'clock. I did play with Lolita for a bit.

[Scuba]

When actual volunteering dog walking time started I took out a few dogs that only staff/coordinators can walk. The usual Monday night coordinator was there (great person) so I took those dogs whilst the coordinator got the ball rolling with the other volunteers.

Afterward, I was a little tired so I swapped for a bit with the coordinator. The coordinator took Snow out whilst I took a breather and kept an eye on things back at the shelter.

Trouble kept himself in the back of the kennels and didn't seem to want to come out. Then I figured out why, he was cold! The back of the kennel is heated while the front is not. So, I found a nice red fleece lined coat for him. I just socialised with him at the shelter, had him on a leash as I was walking around. In the end I handed him off to a volunteer who had just come back with Bear. I figured the volunteer had earned the right to walk an easy dog!

Then I just coordinated for a bit. When the normal coordinator came back, I took out Daniel. He is a BC puppy, not available for adoption though so no picture or profile. We only went for a short walk. After that I took Rocky, he is a big boy. We didn't go far either, he had been for a walk once already but I figured he could do with another one.

Rocky:
http://bcspcapets.shelterbuddy.com/a...86691&result=8



Also Al has got a picture on his profile now! Also he is most definitely no longer cross with me.
http://bcspcapets.shelterbuddy.com/a...89924&result=5

[Scuba]

Originally Posted by geisha

Your large breed dogs are gorgeous. I have a fondness for med/large & hairy & white breeds. (the Komodor/lab mix as well as the Great Pyr/sammy x) Just a question can someone from outside BC adopt one of your dogs? We live in Edmonton...

Originally Posted by Scuba

I will ask the staff for you, the next time I volunteer at the Vancouver SPCA shelter. I really don't know the answer to this one. However, we have had people adopt animals from the shelter that were in pretty far flung places within BC.

I asked at the Vancouver SPCA location for you, yes you can adopt from out of province. Even out of country, but you need to go in person to the shelter and meet the staffs and animal. They have had people come up from Washington State and Alberta before. Rarely, but it happens. Also Snow is going to a home soon!

[Scuba]

I was too tired to do the updates last night so I am doing them now.


Al - He got adopted and has gone to a forever home. I am really glad that he before he left he didn't hold a grudge against me for putting a cone on him.
Lolita - She got adopted as well!


When I first got to the shelter, a volunteer (also a back up coordinator) was walking Pepper. When I went to say hi, Pepper gave my face a really good lick.

Turned out I was coordinating again, but I had help from the other back up coordinator so it was alright. There were a few dogs that could only be walked by staff or coordinators so it worked out well. I took them out whilst the shelter was left in charge to the other coordinator. Everybody got to go to the bathroom and a nice short (about 20 minutes) walk.

Got back and some of the dogs still hadn't been out yet, we had a full kennel. So, I took Kai out after I had put the other dogs away. Kai still looks skinny but he is actually doing really well. He is just lean and all muscles, his muscle tone is amazing. Good thing is that he has pretty good leash manners now. On out walk, there was a small off leash dog that charged at us and that barked at Kai. It even followed us (chased) across the street before it turned back. Kai was pretty calm about the whole incident and luckily nothing happened.

Later on in our walk, we saw a lady walking her cat on a harness and leash. I commented on how cool I thought it was. Her reply was "This is my dog." to which I replied "That is a funny looking dog!". Before we went our separate ways her parting comment was "That is a good looking dog." to Kai.

Kai's profile: (There is a picture)
http://bcspcapets.shelterbuddy.com/a...7592&result=11

PS. Finally tried out my own spliced rope leash. Worked well and no problems at all.

[Scuba]

Some other updates about the shelter is that Trouble is now sharing a kennel with Buffy. They are getting along really well. I have walked Buffy before, but since he had a skin condition before he wasn't up for adoption and hence no picture or profile. Now he is all better, he is available for adoption!

It is great that Trouble gets to socialise with a dog and Buffy is good at teaching Trouble some basic manners. Like if Trouble gets too crazy and hyper in his face, Buffy would tell him off. It is actually pretty cute to watch them play and interact with each other.

Trouble is also doing great, already he is visibly bigger than when I first met him. He is most definitely heavier. He still likes to climb on my lap and cuddle.

Buffy's profile:
http://bcspcapets.shelterbuddy.com/a...89246&result=2

[Scuba]

I had to go to go the Vancouver Animal Control in the morning so stopped by the SPCA. Since I was there I took one dog out on a walk. Her name was Orianna. She is a brindle bully, pretty young. No picture or profile, at least none that I could find online. We had no issues at all on our walk. She sat for me no problem. Seems like a pretty easy going girl. Apparently she is going somewhere soon, no sure if it is a transfer, foster or adoption. I will ask for slightly more details when I get a chance.

She kind of reminds me of Sacha.

[growler~GateKeeper]

Good news for Snow, Al & Lolita

[Scuba]

Monday, if most of you did not know I was pretty sick with a stomach virus. Therefore I didn't go volunteer as usual. However I was browsing the internet.

Orianna - Whom I walked on Saturday morning, now has a picture on her profile. Currently she has been transferred to the SPCA shelter in Burnaby (adjourning city to Vancouver).

http://bcspcapets.shelterbuddy.com/a...89061&result=5

Also found out about some of my girls from before. Louise is currently in foster with Bully Buddies and is available for adoption.

About half way down the page:
http://www.bullybuddies.net/adoptabledogs.htm

Daisy-Mae was being fostered through Hug A Bull, but has been adopted.

Almost the bottom:
http://www.hugabull.com/adoptable.shtml


I always wonder about those dogs that I feel I have made a real connection with whether they would remember me if I was to meet them on the street now.

[growler~GateKeeper]

Excellant for Daisy-Mae

for Louise

Orianna is adorable for her

[hazelrunpack]

I think they'd remember you, Scuba. In my experience, dogs have much better memories than humans do (or at least than senile ol' hazel has! )

So many adoptions since I last checked in here

And Trouble! I'm in love

[Scuba]

I know I really shouldn't be spending time at the shelter, what with study and revision. But I needed a mental break, plus I was laid up in bed Monday evening so I was actually itching to see some of my doggy friends. Well, that and also drop off a leash that I made for one of the staff. Good thing I went since I caught her before she went away for the long weekend.


Kai - He got adopted! I am going to miss that boy.:sad:
Pepper - She got adopted as well. Going to miss her as well.

Forgot to ask about Sugar and Buttercup but I didn't see them at the shelter either. Most likely they have been adopted.

[Scuba]

After doing some little stuff to help around the shelter, I decided to hang around until dog walking hours started.

First dog I took out was Brewster. My old buddy Brewster is still pretty much the same. Trying to be clever and slick. But I kept a close eye on him and didn't let him get up to any of his old tricks. We went for a good hour long walk. I was just very firm and consistent with him through out. No problems at all. Brewster did want to play with two different kitties on our walk. The cats were none too thrill about the prospect so I didn't even let Brewster get close. I actually have it from a solid source that Brewster is good with cats. It just happened so that the two cats we encountered today didn't see things from Brewster's point of view and one ran away while the other I was sure would have gone all kung fu kitty.