Sam

Dear folks at RAPS-

Okay, I just wanted to brag.

But here's our boy Sam.... he's got it tough!

Sam has always kept his promise to go for two walks every morning with Katie our Border Collie. Sam has always kept his promise to go for car rides (he LOVES the new sun roof in the new station wagon we got two weeks ago!!!!). And Sam has also kept his promise to play and play and play in his kiddy pool, on hot summer days. I should also mention that Sam is looking forward to the fireplace being turned on soon....

How did we ever get such a wonderful, wonderful boy?
It's thanks to YOU GUYS!!!!!!

Keep up the wonderful work!

Much love
Kristi

Breyer

Hi girls!

A report on the boy's first day -----
He was absolutely perfect on the ride home - very attentive to the goings on outside of the car, a few laydowns to rest a bit, not a bark or a whimper. We were so happy because we always took our previous guys with us most places we went and we wanted to be able to do the same with Breyer..Yay, now we can.

He came right into the house with us, no hesitation whatsoever and of course began snooping from room to room. That took him a while, he did a very thorough job!

We then proceeded to take our first walk and explore the neighborhood, everything went well - no dogs around. I wasen't so fortunate on the next exploration jaunt. We met a friend from the building with her Lhasa who is very similar to Breyer in his dislike of those "other bothersome dogs". I stopped to chat with her and that gave Breyer just enough time to get his dander up. There was no growling or snapping - just lunging to get at Murph (the Lhasa) - and then we went our merry way and he didn't even look backwards. We've been out 3 times and it will soon be time for our last.

He is one smart fellow - he knows all of his obedience commands plus shaking hands, rolling over, rolling around in a ball, sitting pretty and God only knows what else we have yet to uncover. We haven't tried heeling yet - tomorrow is another day.

Right now he's sound asleep on the bed with Al after his big moving day.

I'll keep in touch with you with updates on his acceptance of his new home. It's like he has always been here with us.

Talk to you soon.
Sandy

Our Dog Jake (nee Pudding)

Hi RAPS,

I realize this message is long overdue but as they say better late than never.

In October of 2009 I sent my fiance Haven over to your shelter to meet a puppy you had there by the name of Skippy. He was approx. 3 months old and about as cute as could be. The interest in Skippy was tremendous as is usually the case with puppies and ultimately he went to live with a family other than ours.

A few days later Sonya called us to let us know about a recent arrival that she thought we might be interested in. You called him Pudding. Interested? We'll be right there!

While we were out walking with Pudding and our dog Roxy a car pulled up along side of us and asked "is that Pudding?" This lady had come to meet him as well. My first instinct was to run fast and far but knew that acquiring a dog and then having to be on the lam for months was not an option.

Our walk back to the shelter was one of mixed emotion. I knew Pudding was our dog. I just knew it, but what I didn't know was if the decision makers at RAPS knew it too. After a brief conversation about Pudding (while the other lady was standing nearby) we left. As we drove away I almost cried thinking he might not be coming home with us. Tenacious as I am, I sent an email to Sonya immediately to let her know how much it would mean to us to have Pudding join our pack. Then the waiting began. Fortunately it wasn't long after that I received a reply to tell us Pudding was coming to us. HURRAY!

Pudding, who we now call Jake, was being neutered the next day so we decided to let him recuperate at the shelter for a few days. We went to visit him every day until he could come home with us. He was not a happy little dog. Big incision, nasty collar and living in a strange place. The first 10 days were trying ones. Jake wanted desperately to play with Roxy but his surgery put an end to that. Hiding under the bed, growling at us when we tried to move him and just being generally out of sorts we knew we were going to have to exercise great patience to allow this little guy to get comfortable with his new pack.

Patient we were and so was he. Since Jake has been with us he's attended a Halloween party, flown to Leduc, AB for a prairie Christmas (thank you to WestJet for letting small dogs fly inside the cabin and to the small child who sat behind us and howled louder than Jake) where Jake absolutely loved being out in the cold & snow, camping to Cultus Lake and on two road trips, one to Seaside, Oregon (running for miles on the beach) and the other through the Canadian Rocky Mountains back to Leduc. Trips to the beach, 3 walks a day, playing at the dog park, visiting the next door neighbours, keeping a watchful eye on the street from his perch on the window ledge and the occasional day at the office round out Jake's life with us to date.

With each passing day he gets a little more comfortable in our pack. He cuddles like no other dog I've ever known. He's silly and slightly indignant and a real sport putting up with our other dog Roxy who wants to play most of the time. After almost 10 months together I know now, as I did the day we met him, Jake is definitely the other dog we were looking for.

Thank you so much for the introduction. We are grateful beyond words.

Cassandra and Haven

p.s.

I've attached a few pictures of Jake.

Jay

Hello

Don't know if you remember me....I am Jay the little Schnauzer that had no fur and had a terrible skin problem and food allergies. Since two years ago when my mom and dad adopted me I have gotten better.

Just wanted to show you how I look now. This was taken this past summer on my summer holidays.

Mare, Larry, and Jay

Zoe Ivory

Hello everyone, enclosed are a few photos of Zoe Ivory taking a walk up Cypress mountain this morning. She sure is looking better with her hair starting to grow in. Right now she is having her afternoon walk with Grandma to the beach.

Have a great day, Jane

Paul

Hi, my name is Paul. I was adopted on August 30th, 2009 from RAPS, Richmond Animal Protection Shelter in BC.

I had been told that my adoptive family had been looking for an addition to their family for quite some time. They had searched the internet extensively and been to numerous foster homes, looking for just the right dog. One day they heard there was a very nice black Lab that needed a forever home and they decided to go have a look see. The Lab was sweet, but as they were looking around, they came across the kennel where I and 8 other new arrivals were housed. This is where my life changed. The mom sat on the floor in the middle of the kennel and embraced all of us! As there was incredible competition for her attention, I chose to play it cool and stay out of the fracas. It was probably a very good decision, as when the dad picked me up we bonded immediately! I watched from my vantage point in dad's arms and saw that Wriggles was playing favourites with the mom and she was buying it. Dad set me down and I sauntered over to steal her attention. I actually chose to be a little stand offish and didn't get all wrapped up in that licking and puppy biting stuff, thinking maybe I could make a better impact by being different. But Mom kept going back to Wriggley!

Mom asked Dad, “What do you think”? Dad replied that they had to consider a few things about their home situation. They talked about Grandma and Sasha and someone named Riley. He sounded important. This Riley person wanted a Pitbull, or a Bulldog or some other big dog that looked meaty. I looked around and thought, we are Schnoodles, will we grow up to be big, handsome and tough?

The Mom and Dad t talked about personalities, energy levels and size. I was starting to get very nervous. Mom said, “I like Wriggly, he is so cute and energetic and fun”! Dad thought he may be too energetic for our home. Then, Dad said the words I was waiting to hear, “I think this little guy would be my choice. He is calm, he seems to thrive on just being held, he doesn't fight for it, he just accepts it and soaks it in.” More talking and then mom said, let me hold him again for a while. That’s when I really laid it on thick. I laid there and let her stroke me and although I was so excited that I wanted to pee in her lap, I held my composure and just let her love me. Then…what’s going on……the whole thing was over, they were leaving and not one of us was leaving with them. Did I make a mistake? Should I have licked her, nibbled her, fought for her attention? Maybe, I should have peed. That would have got her attention! But, they just disappeared! We were all alone once again and I was sad and disappointed. I was struggling with the thought that 2 of my siblings had already been chosen and would be going to a new home soon and I might be stuck here forever or, I might be adopted by someone who had a toddler and have to worry about having my ears or my tail pulled, my eyes poked, chased continuously or hit with toys, I began to tremble. I went back to my blankie and lay down thinking, what have I done to deserve this? Why did my real parents put us into a box and just abandon us? Am I not worthy of someone’s affection, am I ugly, do I appear to be mean, what is it? I lay there with those awful thoughts and soon I nodded off.

Suddenly I was awakened by the sound of the door opening, I leapt to my feet hoping they came back! No, it was just one of my regular caregivers, probably coming to feed us or fill up our water dishes. Hey, why are you picking me up? What did I do? Where are you taking me? Why am I on the outside and, hey, I have to say, it is big out here, there is a lot to see, a lot of different smells and people, look at all the people! I don't care where you are taking me, I just want to stay on the outside! No more steel bars, no more peed on blankies, freedom - just freedom. That is all I care about right now! And then I saw them! Those nice people that were with us a while ago were back and that lady had her arms out and said my name, "Paul". She snuggled me and cuddled me and stroked me and said welcome! You are coming home with us, you are now part of our family – forever! I looked at my new dad and saw the smile as he repeated my name, "Paul". Who names a dog "Paul"? he said. I like it, but who names a dog "Paul"? He was still smiling, oh boy, was he smiling!

Once all of my adoption papers were signed, it was time for the second and most important car ride of my life. Home. Where I am going to live and be loved. It was time to meet the rest of my new family. I was still nervous because I had to make a good impression on that Riley guy. I had to win him over right away. After all, I am a Schnoodle, not what he was hoping for, not what he expected. I am simply me, “Paul”. The door opened, and there he was, looking at me in wonderment and then I heard him say, what is that? "Paul"! This is "Paul" our new family member! Your new brother! WOW, I have a human brother already, this is incredible! "Paul" what kind of a name is "Paul"? I was handed over to him and I knew the way he held me, I was home! He didn’t need much convincing. Turns out it I am very easy to love after all. Everybody loves me. Everybody loves Paul. Wow. And that is how I came to my very own forever family… and in the end…

"Paul's Your Dog!”

Cortez and Frida (formerly know as Tippy and IttyBitty)

Hi Carol and crew!

I am sorry that it has taken me so long to send photos out to you, but
we have been having way too much fun over here! These kittens are a
riot! As I sit here typing this email, they are racing around with
their little mice in mouth. I actually don't have any action shots
yet - most photos are of both of them when they are in 'cute' poses.
The ones I have attached are all fairly recent except for the first
one which was taken not too long after they came home on August 8th.

I can't remember what it was like at home without them!! Mark and I
love them so much!

Camille

Nikki

Hi everyone at the shelter,
just wanted to let you know i'm doing fine with my new family. They love me alot! I get lots of walks, rubs, treats.... today is my birthday and they said i will get a surprise! I miss you guys and i am greatful for all your attention. I miss my sister Jade too! I hope she has a nice family like mine. If you hear from her can you pass along my e-mail to her poeple, i would love to see her!

see you soon
Nikki <3

Alexia's Story

It has been nearly 3 years since late December 2007 when I adopted a scrawny but very loving and cute American Bulldog Pitty cross named Mercedes (now known as Alexia or Lex). Thanks to your understanding and our detailed conversation I was fortunate to bring Lex home before the New Year and we brought the New Year in together and she has not been away from me for more then one night since. With lots of spunk, a jaded past and a ton of energy Lex became a challenge I more then gladly undertook.

Since this faithful day back in December of 07 Lex has led a very colourful and happy, well-adjusted life and is a shinning example of a great Bully Breed Rescue Dog so I thought I would fill you in on her accomplishments. Maybe her story will inspire other folks who want to adopt but are on the fence.

Since Lex came to me she has had many other 4 legged creatures in her life. At first she lived with 2 cats, then I would routinely take her to the stable with me where she would socialize with cats, kittens, dogs, and horses alike. Supervised and leashed of course around the horses to prevent her high energy from spooking them and someone getting hurt. As recently as six months ago we acquired another female dog, this time a Presa Canario Pitty cross named Jersey. She was also from a rescue situation and after some work with socializing, Lex has adopted this little girl as her own best buddy.

Since I adopted Lex she has become a staple in my life as I feel all dogs should be to their owners. She comes to work with me often, and moved with me to Edmonton when it became necessary for me to go. Hahaha I even drove to Edmonton and drove back to Vancouver on my numerous visits so that I could keep her with me and spare her the stress of flying. That cost me 12 hours one way as opposed to a 1 hour flight however the peace of mind of having my dog by my side was well worth the effort. Even when the roads became un-drivable I bought this slight 50lbs girl her own extra extra large kennel and took the train home for Christmas just to ensure she could stay with me at all times and to ensure her comfort and safety.

In the Spring of 2009 we moved back to Vancouver where Lex has a full townhouse to pass time in (never kenneled) when she can’t come to work with me and spends her day with our cat Boo (also a rescue) and Jersey. Lex even got a front row seat for the Winter Olympics as I worked at the UBC Thunderbird Hockey Arena with the Site Management Team and Lex became the site mascot for us as well as for the RCMP on site. She stole everyone’s heart, played stick and cuddled with everyone on the site back of house compound. She literally met crowds of 10 and 20 people daily who would eagerly come to visit and play with her when they saw my truck and knew she was on site. Some days we were out there for up to 18 hours so having her with me was a great way for everyone to pass time and keep our spirits up and laughing.

Since the Olympics she spends her spare time mountain biking, hiking, (she climbed the Chief in Squamish and visited the Meager Creek Hot Springs in Pemberton this summer) camping (she and Jersey make great space heaters in the tent), swimming at any lake, river, pool, or ocean handy, and recently has taken a strong liking to motor boating (in her hoodie and life jacket of course). Since Lex came to me as a high strung wild puppy who didn’t know the meaning of the word “No” she has matured into a reasonably calm and well adjusted sweet girl who will do anything I would ask of her, be it jump off a rock and trust me to catch her, or climb in the bath tub by herself when she has had too much fun in the great outdoors.

Lex had a turbulent past when she came to me and winning her over took a little time, she also has severe hay fever type allergies, and is hard of seeing which makes her nervous around items and bush/fluffy animals that she does not recognize. With that said she is so exceptionally well behaved, responsive and devoted to me that these issues are a very very small price to pay for having such a great dog and she overcomes these challenges daily with ease and an exceptionally happy disposition. Lex and Jersey were so well mannered that they recently took part in a video shoot to be part of a new iphone app depicting playing with bully breed dogs. They had a great time playing fetch and splashing around in the water. They were so focused and did such a good job that they have been asked to come back and shoot at another location. I feel a bit like a proud parent I'm not gonna lie!

In summation she has stolen our hearts and the hearts of many others and with any luck this story will inspire other folks to give another dog in need a second chance, because their pasts truly do not need to dictate who they become in the future. Cheers and thank you for the greatest dog I could ask for... well ok in fairness to Jersey, top two!

Karolina

Titan's New Life

Just a quick update on Titan and some pictures. He is loving his new place and all the many walks he is getting each day. He has been such a good boy being left home while I work. Been a great travelling companion on our trips to the store or just for a drive.. Next week he and I start our Obedience classes. He has awesome manners but just needs a little help being not so dominant when other animals are near. But I’m sure with how smart he is, it soon won’t be a problem.

Theresa

Molly - 3 years after her adoption from RAPS

On one of my frequent trips to RAPS I met Molly, a beautiful little 1 year old orange kitty. As soon as I laid eyes on her I knew I wanted to adopt her.

That was 3 years ago.

This Sunday Molly will turn 4 years old and I couldn't be happier to have her in my life. Molly is doing amazing. She loves playing with her older cat brother and sister although they may not always be in the mood to reciprocate. She loves watching the birds that fly by our condo. She greets everyone that comes for a visit and everyday she knows precisely when it's time for her favourite wet food (she lets me know when I'm running late!).

Although she likes to act independent, Molly still expects one on one time with mom every night and always likes to have a cuddle when she comes to bed.

Molly is truly living the life she has come to expect and deserve.

Laurie

Four day old kittens find a safe haven at RAPS

Salt and Pepper, two 4 day old kittens, were brought to RAPS when their mother was killed by a dog. They are healthy little babies that require around the clock care! RAPS is actively seeking a surrogate mother for these little cuties, but in the meantime they are enjoying their meals by human hands.

Little Hobo

Hello Carol,

We want to thank you again for taking such good care of our little adopted Hobo, now called Coco. She has settled in very well and is a wonderful, loving addition to our family. We love her so very much.

We were at her first vet appointment today with Dr. Ashburner and she is nice and healthy. She got her chip and was a good little patient.

Here are some pics.

Thanks Carol.

Fondly,
Sue

Kitten Season is in Full Swing

However late, kitten season has reached full swing at the Richmond Animal Shelter. Pictured below is a little kitten that was caught by our dedicated volunteer Mary He. The poor, tiny kitten was suffering from severe anemia due to the vast number of fleas living on his skin. It took Carol Reichert an entire hour to patiently brush and wash the fleas away, to the immediate relief of our little kitty! He is now in foster care while he regains his strength and prepares for adoption.

Too Darn Hot

Everyone welcomes the return of warmer weather, especially after that long, cold spring. Cats do, too. We know that they’ll snooze in the warmest spot they can find, like in front of a warm fire, or on a sunny windowsill or patio. But sometimes it just gets too hot, even for them.

At RAPS’ cat sanctuary, the hottest summer days find most cats sprawling in the shade, just like we humans do. Sometimes a hat or an umbrella helps, too. Maybe a little cold catnip juice?

Seriously, though, as much as cats do enjoy warmth, they need to be protected from heat stroke when the temperature soars, especially long-haired, older and frail cats. Here are a few tips:

• be sure to provide shade for your cat to move into, whether they’re inside or outside
• make sure there’s always lots of fresh water available so they don’t get dehydrated
• if they have to be inside a carrier on a hot day, make sure it’s in a shady and well-ventilated spot and for as short a time as possible
• cats can’t resist chasing anything that moves, so save the string toys, balls and laser light games until the cooler parts of the day
• early signs of heat stroke are panting, stumbling, and sweaty foot pads; in the later stages, high fever, coma and death can result
• if heat stroke is suspected, give the cat water to drink immediately and cool it down with cold wet cloths and ice packs (wrapped in a cloth), especially on their head and chest
• contact your veterinarian if the symptoms don’t resolve quickly