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Unconditional Love Helped Scout Thrive

Petsmart Charities Staff Writer — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 11:08:16 +0000

Unconditional Love Helped Scout Thrive Petsmart Chari… Mon, 03/20/2023 - 07:08

Meet Scout and her touching story.

Scout was found on the side of the road paralyzed from the waist down. She was rushed to receive medical care, but the staff had little hope that she would ever walk again.

Scout was then brought to our partners at Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter where she was provided the medical care she needed, including a wheelchair to improve her mobility. Scout was given a second chance at a better life with a foster who took great care of her.

When Scout’s mom, Rachel visited Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter and saw Scout, it was love at first sight. She adopted Scout and they have lived happily together as a family for the past two years.

"We love kayaking, camping, hiking, and swimming. She is the happiest and most loving dog ever, and I’m so lucky to have her," says Rachel.

Today, Scout goes to hydrotherapy every week and walks on the water treadmill, which really helps her movement in her back legs.

📸 : Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter

Address

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
United States

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Gatsby the Great...Dane

Petsmart Charities Staff Writer — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 21:12:31 +0000

Gatsby the Great...Dane Petsmart Chari… Mon, 02/20/2023 - 16:12

Even in a room filled with irresistibly adorable puppies and dogs, pet adoption was the furthest thing from Heidi's mind.

As the Director of Pet Placement Initiatives for PetSmart Charities, it's not unusual for Heidi to find herself surrounded by adoptable pets. "Part of my role at PetSmart Charities is to work with rescue groups and organizations that operate shelters across the North America," explains Heidi. But then, while touring the Arizona Animal Welfare League shelter, she met Gatsby, a six-year-old special needs Great Dane.

“They pointed him out to me in his kennel, and he was sitting quietly, and I came to find out he was blind and deaf, and my heart went out to him.”

While Heidi (like many of us) would love to adopt every single pet in need, she knows that's not a feasible goal. That's why her first instinct was to share Gatsby’s story with a prospective adopter.

"I took a video of Gatsby in his kennel and sent it to a friend of mine who was looking for a pet and suggested that she come and meet him," recalls Heidi. "But, when I went home and showed the video to my partner, he said, 'what are you doing? You have to go get that dog. He's amazing."

She was not in the market for another dog – they had their hands full with their other dog Kemper – who had been through more than any living being should have to endure. They briefly entertained adopting another pet but Gatsby wasn’t exactly what they had in mind.

“What is so amazing about Gatsby is although he may be blind, I really feel like he can SEE you. He and Kemper connected almost immediately. Gatsby brings such a calming and loving energy everywhere he goes, it’s unbelievable how a dog that can’t see or hear can communicate with those around him like that,” says Heidi.

The rest is history.

Gatsby-Proofing

When she first brought Gatsby home, there was a lot of careful consideration about how to care for Gatsby and keep him safe.

"Like baby-proofing our house, we Gatsby-proofed our house," says Heidi.

Heidi’s partner got extra creative and shielded sharp corners with perfectly sized pool noodles to prevent head bumps. They also leaned in on Gatsby's strengths, like his sense of smell and touch, to help guide him. "We put scents by the door, so he knows that the smell of lavender, for example, leads him outside. We also use different flooring throughout the house so he can figure out which part of the house he's in."

Building Confidence

Gatsby quickly began the process of learning and maneuvering around his new surroundings. Of course, there were literal bumps along the way, but Heidi learned to trust Gatsby’s instincts. He taught her over the course a few short days that by staying out of his way she was giving him space to grow.

The first few days, Gatsby slowly wandered around the backyard. He would walk in tiny circles, and slowly the circles would get larger until soon enough, he started running across the yard, staying within bounds.

"That was the moment we knew he was truly comfortable and felt like he was home. That was really special for us because it showed us that he trusts us now to keep him safe and feels comfortable in his home, which is always the ultimate goal."

Heidi also noticed that it seemed Gatsby had no experience playing with toys. They researched options and got him some very specific toys recommended for blind and/or deaf dogs. “He had no interest,” laughs Heidi. “However, he does love chewing Crocs. My husband is a die-hard fan of Crocs, so it’s fun to see.”

Lessons Learned

Heidi often thinks about the life Gatsby endured before her—born without the ability to see and hear, then at six years old picked up as a stray—his resilience says a lot about his character.

“Gatsby has taught me so much,” says Heidi. “He has shown me to go into situations with an open mind because had I just walked by Gatsby and missed out on the opportunity to get to know him, my life would not have been as rich as it is now,” she adds.

Gatsby is an incredible dog because of what he had to overcome every day. He’s a beautiful soul and tender companion through-and-through, he just might need a hand here and there with things.

When it comes to special needs pets, the needs aren’t always visible. Heidi encourages potential adopters to identify their own limitations and needs first, then approach adoption with an inquisitive mind. “There may be pets that don't come to an adoption event because they don’t do well in loud environments. Some pets prefer not to live in a city and need a yard to roam. Others may have physical limitations–these animals have given us the gift of telling us exactly what their needs are so potential adopters can decide if their home is the fit they have been looking for. Speaking from experience, when you realize that your home might be the missing puzzle piece for an animal, the connection is that much deeper. Many pets that require a little extra care, will reward you with twice the love".

“These animals have a different way of connecting with people, and sometimes it takes more work to gain their trust. But once you do that, the bond is like nothing you will ever you will ever know,” says Heidi.

Start Your Pet Adoption Journey

Did you know more than five million pets enter animal shelters each year? During National Adoption Week, you can help pets find loving homes and create lasting memories. National Adoption Week is an excellent time for pets of all kinds, including those with special needs, to find what they need the most – love. Just like "Gatsby the Great" Dane!

Considering pet adoption? Don’t forget about pets that might require a little more care but provide so much love! Check out these tips before heading out to your local National Adoption Week event.

Ask the adoption representatives about pets with special needs, see if you're that missing puzzle piece for them
Be honest with yourself about what you can do and what your home has to offer. If you don’t find the perfect fit on the first try, that’s okay! Your local adoption groups will be thrilled to help you find the right pet
Keep an open mind. Oftentimes, we skip over the pets that might need a little extra care, thinking it may be harder to care for them, but that’s not always true. For example, if you primarily work away from your home, a puppy may be challenging to care for but a more senior pet who loves napping and requires little exercise could be perfect!

Grant/Partnership Type

Adoption

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Balto, the 1-in-10-Million Adopted Pet

Petsmart Charities Staff Writer — Tue, 10 May 2022 18:18:23 +0000

Balto, the 1-in-10-Million Adopted Pet Petsmart Chari… Tue, 05/10/2022 - 14:18

The De La Rosa family just ran to PetSmart for algae cleaner for their aquarium. But they never got it – instead, they took home a sweet Siberian Husky.

Their family is a busy brood with 3 young children – 5,8 and 9. They also had two dogs at home already – one a stray they took in – plus, a cat and fish. But PetSmart Charities was hosting a National Adoption Week event, so they stopped to look at the sweet animals. “We weren’t looking to adopt another dog just yet,” said Vanessa. But then, her husband, Ezri, spotted a shy husky. Volunteers explained that he was recently surrendered by a family that admitted to keeping him chained outside. He’d arrived at a local shelter with deep indentations in his neck, the result of an embedded collar. But while he may have been mistreated, his own temperament was sweet and kind. Ezri wouldn’t leave his side, and their little boy, Ezri Noah, played with him endlessly. After a short discussion, it was them who enjoyed the honor of giving him a name – Balto, inspired by his favorite movie of the same name of the heroic sled dog who delivered medicine to ill children in 1925. Mind you, his name was given even before the adoption occurred.

“We knew we had to take him home and give him a chance,” said Vanessa. She admitted to worrying about Balto integrating into their home. “Adopting is such a great feeling, but we still knew it would take time to welcome him into the family.” They took things very slowly and spent a lot of time working with Balto and both his furry and human siblings to ensure everyone got along. A side benefit, Vanessa said, was spending more time outside with all of them. They even made adjustments to their property in Texas so that Balto could roam more freely.

“We didn’t want to tether him in any way,” Vanessa shared. “Even when we walk him, we use a harness so he doesn’t get triggered by any tightness around his neck.”

So far, she says, Balto is a perfect complement to their brood. He’s playful, protective, and sweet, and she thinks he truly understands that he will never again be chained up. “I guess you could say he is a 1-in-10-million-dog!”

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Maze’s Journey Home

Petsmart Charities Staff Writer — Mon, 03 May 2021 20:04:04 +0000

Maze’s Journey Home Petsmart Chari… Mon, 05/03/2021 - 16:04

It takes an incredible group of people to help pets with special needs reach their full potential. In the fall of 2020, CARMA (Cat Rescue Maritimes) in Fredericton, New Brunswick was contacted about a kitten who was born with a deformity that left her without a tail, unsteady on her feet and unable to use a litter box. But that didn’t stop CARMA from getting Maze the love and care she needed to live a happy, full life.

After sharing Maze’s story with their community, Delcy and Jordan contacted CARMA interested in providing a loving foster home for little Maze. The pair had previously fostered 2 adult cats and 5 kittens for CARMA, and with special needs cats of their own, they were the perfect fit.

PetSmart Charities of Canada has been partnering with CARMA for over a decade and in 2020 awarded them a $15,000 Adoption Prep grant to help cover medical costs and prepare pets for adoption. In Maze’s case, this meant constant care at their local vet for nearly a month before she moved in with her foster family.

Despite her disability, Maze settled into her new home and her big personality began to shine through, leaving a lasting impression on her foster family. Before long, Delcy and Jordan knew they had to give her the forever home she deserved. In March of 2021, they made it official, finalizing the adoption at their local PetSmart store. The pair even started an Instagram account for Maze so people interested in her story could follow along on her journey.

“Maze is doing fantastic,” said Delcy after adopting Maze. “She’s adapted to living with the other three special needs cats as well and adores cuddling with one especially.” They have settled into a routine that gives Maze the care she needs to live a happy life. “She’s just the sweetest with every human and gives kisses to anyone who asks for them and loves her adventures to PetSmart to make new friends.”

It’s thanks to generous donations from supporters like you that PetSmart Charities of Canada can provide grant funding to hundreds of animal welfare partners across the country. Donate today to help make a difference in the lives of pets in need like Maze.

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How One Rescue Pup Made a Family Whole

Petsmart Charities Staff Writer — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 06:56:51 +0000

How One Rescue Pup Made a Family Whole Petsmart Chari… Fri, 02/05/2021 - 01:56

"Growing up in NYC, I wasn't surrounded by many animals, but I was always a dog person. I knew that once I got older, I would want to have a dog in my family," says our newest board member, Elliott Francis. In 2004, his lifelong dream of becoming a pet parent finally came true, but the road to pet parenthood wasn't a direct route.

"Before getting married, I learned that my wife-to-be, Kristina, had a fear of dogs. This was sad to me because I wanted to have a dog with her in our home and our family."

Recognizing his wife's paralyzing fear of dogs was concerning for Elliott, but it wasn't until he saw it first-hand that he realized it would be an obstacle to overcome. Not giving up on his will to incorporate pets into his life and his family, Elliott came up with a plan. "I had the brilliant idea when we got together that I would take her on the weekends to a local animal shelter, not far from where we lived, just to get her comfortable with dogs."

Together, they visited local shelters almost every weekend for about a year, yet, Kristina never fully embraced being around dogs; the fear continued to get the best of her.

And so it went, another weekend, another visit to the shelter—only this time it was different. A foster dad arrived at the shelter with a beautiful litter of German Shepard-Rottweiler mixes, and one feisty and playful puppy caught his eye.

"I explained to the gentleman that my wife was afraid of dogs and that we were coming here just to get her accustomed to them." Without hesitation, the foster picked up the playful pup and quickly handed him to Kristina, giving her no time to react to her fearful instincts.

"My heart just sank because I thought she was going to freak out completely, but she didn't," recalls Elliott.

The pup was a pro. He curled up, laid his head on her shoulder, and gave her puppy kisses until Kristina finally relaxed. "I saw her muscles relax a bit, and when I saw that, I said, 'ok, this is the dog for us,'" says Elliott.

Just like that, Lenox became the official first child of the Francis family.

Like most first children, Lenox paved the way for his future siblings by me and Kristina all about unconditional love and responsibility.

"I believe he helped us prepare for our children. He taught us how to parent together, how to be responsible, how to communicate, and how to nurture."

When their children came three years later, Lenox integrated well and took good care of his new siblings, also teaching them how to love and be responsible for others.

"When Lenox passed away, it was one of the saddest days of my life because the bond we developed with him was real. He brought so much joy, I could be having a bad day, and he'd be there wagging his tail."

The memories of how Lenox blessed the Francis family will live on forever. For Elliott, the joy and love that animals bring to families inspired his belief that pets make families whole. "I want for everybody to experience having a healthy and happy home augmented by the joy and love that comes from having a pet."

We're excited to welcome Elliott Francis as our newest board member! Read more about his background here.

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Finding Comfort by Fostering

Petsmart Charities Staff Writer — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 07:03:21 +0000

Finding Comfort by Fostering Petsmart Chari… Fri, 08/14/2020 - 03:03

Basant knew that moving to the United States for school would be a big undertaking, both culturally and emotionally. She had a history of depression in the past and the new changes in her life instigated her depression again. As she settled in, she sought a medical professional for treatment and advice. Her doctor suggested she get a pet as pets are proven to help humans with emotional support. Having never owned a pet before, Basant had no idea where to even begin when seeking a first-time pet.

After doing some research, Basant found the Animal Protective Association of Missouri (APA). She met with their team, told them her situation, and they suggested she try fostering. Basant got all set up to become a kitten foster and quickly realized how much she loved having pets in the house. After fostering two litters of kittens and witnessing them find their loving homes, she knew animal welfare was something she was passionate about so she began volunteering at the APA.

While volunteering, a quiet, orange kitten named Carrot caught her eye. Carrot was extremely shy and wouldn't let Basant pet him, but she didn't let that discourage her. Basant was patient and affectionate, carrying and petting him whenever he would let her. One day, Carrot finally returned her affection and that’s when Basant knew she was ready to make the commitment and adopt Carrot. Since bringing Carrot home, Basant says “he’s a very special boy! He has to greet me every morning and every afternoon when I get back home by jumping in my lap and licking my nose. He’s basically my family here."

This story is one of our 25 Partner Photo Contest winners. Congratulations, Animal Protective Association of Missouri (APA)!

?: Animal Protective Association of Missouri (APA)

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Tips for Fostering Your New Pet

Petsmart Charities Staff Writer — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 18:31:42 +0000

Tips for Fostering Your New Pet Petsmart Chari… Thu, 06/11/2020 - 14:31

Looking to help pets in need?

Our very own Dr. Amanda shares her tips for becoming a successful foster pet parent.

Before fostering

Involve The Whole Family: Involve the whole family in the fostering conversation. Will kids be responsible for feeding the new 'roommate'? How will your family tolerate future adoption? Do your current pets tolerate other animals ok? The new pet is a big change for everyone, so allow everyone to weigh in, and suggest how they would like to help care for the pet.
Pet-Proof Your Home: Adjusting to a new environment can be a daunting task for new pets. Many animals can jump onto high surfaces or squeeze into the smallest of spaces. To protect foster pets in a new environment and to safeguard your belongings, it's recommended to animal-proof your entire house. Pay attention to any small or dangerous objects, such as pins, needles, paper clips, nails, staples, thread, string, rubber bands, caustic/toxic chemicals, mothballs, plants, and any other items that are potentially dangerous. We also recommend performing a check at pet-eye-level (on hands-and-knees or squatting) to ensure you aren't missing anything.
- Other pet-proofing tips: Animals are attracted to electrical cords, TV cords, telephone cords, and curtains. These items should all be blocked so they can’t get at them.

After becoming a foster

Vaccination and Treatment: Make sure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations. Many infectious diseases for pets are preventable through vaccinations, including Canine Influenza, Leptospirosis (which can be transmitted to people), and Lyme. The cost of prevention is far less than the cost of the treatment and helps to keep pets healthy and free from disease. Many shelters and veterinary clinics are currently doing 'drive-through' vaccines, to minimize human exposure to COVID-19. Speak with your foster coordinator to find out about foster pet requirements.
Check Your Pet’s Food: Pets at varying ages have different nutrient requirements, so consider assessing your pet’s food and adjust accordingly. For example, if your dog is overweight, certain weight management pet food formulas can help them lose weight, along with exercise. Consult your veterinarian on any changes to your pet’s food, and always accurately measure your pet’s food vs. “eyeballing it.” Many pet food companies are providing free or discounted shipping in light of COVID-19.
Groom Your Pet: It is recommended to professionally groom your pet every four to six weeks. While that may not be possible at the moment, between salon appointments, use at-home grooming tools such as a cat or dog-specific toothbrush and specially formulated toothpaste, a nice rubber brush to help de-shed and invigorate the skin and coat, ear cleaner and cotton balls to gently cleanse the ears, and wipes for cleaning around the face, mouth, and eyes.
How to get started:

Visit your local shelter, or animal welfare organization and complete necessary forms and background check. Some organizations may provide financial support for foster parents, while others may not be offering support at this time due to natural disasters or emergency situations.

COVID-19 Emergency Relief Grants: With recent impacts of COVID-19, animal welfare organizations and pets are in need, now more than ever. To help address these issues, PetSmart Charities, the leading funder of animal welfare, has committed up to $2 million to support pets and people affected by COVID-19. For more information, you can view the full release, here.

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3 Unique Pets You Can Adopt at PetSmart

Petsmart Charities Staff Writer — Fri, 28 Feb 2020 18:34:12 +0000

3 Unique Pets You Can Adopt at PetSmart Petsmart Chari… Fri, 02/28/2020 - 13:34

Cats and dogs aren’t the only loving creatures you’ll find for adoption at PetSmart Charities adoption centers and events. A variety of small adoptable pets including turtles, rabbits, and guinea pigs can all be found for adoption at your local PetSmart store. They offer just as much unconditional love as their feline and canine counterparts, plus they’re available for adoption (not for sale!) at PetSmart stores near you.

Red-Eared Sliders

Appropriately named after its signature red markings that run alongside its ears, this semi-aquatic turtle has become an increasingly popular pet within households across the United States.

Why Adopt?

Turtles are the number one relinquished pet reptile due, in large part, to care and maintenance misconceptions. If you are interested in adopting a Red-Eared Slider, several organizations work to rehome turtles that need a new environment.

Need to Know:

Potential owners often overlook how big Red-Eared Sliders can get. A full-grown adult can reach 12 inches in size, requiring a large tank (we recommend 55-gallons or more), with an external canister filter. It’s important to note that though red-eared sliders are primarily aquatic, they do enjoy emerging from the water to bask and require a proper set up that allows them to do so.

For adoption at the following store’s thanks to our partners at Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary:

Sahuarita PetSmart

Casa Grande PetSmart

Phoenix (South Mountain) PetSmart

Gilbert PetSmart

Mesa PetSmart

East Gilbert PetSmart

East Mesa PetSmart

North Scottsdale (Frank Lloyd Wright) PetSmart

Rabbits

Rabbits are now the third most popular house pet thanks to pet-lovers seeking smaller, quieter versions of unconditional love. Just like dogs or cats, rabbits can become loyal companions and establish bonds with their pet parents through voice and sight recognition.

Why Adopt?

Hundreds of homeless rabbits across the country are looking for loving homes. With several rabbit-specific rescues and shelters located nation-wide, there’s sure to be adoptable bunnies near you.

Need to Know:

With proper care and housing, pet rabbits can live to be eight to 12 years old (and even longer in some cases). Just like adopting a dog or cat, rabbits are not one size fits all. With more than 50 recognized rabbit breeds, varying in both in size and color, bunnies tend to have different personalities and temperaments. It’s essential to choose a pet that best fits your lifestyle and family.

For adoption at the following store's thanks to our partners at Shelter Rabbits Rock and Rabbit Rescue:

Sand City PetSmart

Garden Grove PetSmart

Guinea Pigs

Squeaky, small and adorable, Guinea Pigs make great family pets for those willing to dedicate time to their inherent social nature. While they won’t take up as much space as a dog or a cat, they do require plenty of attention and love spending time outside of their cage.

Why Adopt?

According to PetFinder, an online pet adoption search tool, an average of 10,000 adoptable guinea pigs are listed on their website each year –finding a small pet to rescue could be as easy as contacting your local shelter.

Need to Know:

Guinea pigs are as social as they are cute and do best in an environment that provides the companionship of another pig. Though they are small, guinea pigs need to explore and socialize daily. Pet parents should incorporate daily interaction and attention as an essential part of their pet's well-being.

For adoption at the following store’s thanks to our partners at Wisconsin Humane:

Green Bay PetSmart

Grant/Partnership Type

Adoption: in-store

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Partner Spotlight: Wings of Rescue

Petsmart Charities Staff Writer — Tue, 18 Feb 2020 20:27:53 +0000

Partner Spotlight: Wings of Rescue Petsmart Chari… Tue, 02/18/2020 - 15:27

In 2019, Hurricane Dorian tore through the Bahamas, leaving nothing but devastation in its path. Our partners at Wings of Rescue responded to provide relief and unite pets in need with loving families. See the uplifting rescue story of Ms. Abigail Abaco Davis made possible thanks to generous donors across the country.

This incredible work wouldn't be possible without your support. See how your donations change the lives of pets in your hometown.

Grant/Partnership Type

Emergency relief

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Meet Luna! Our 9 Millionth Adopted Pet

Petsmart Charities Staff Writer — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 17:19:08 +0000

Meet Luna! Our 9 Millionth Adopted Pet Petsmart Chari… Mon, 11/11/2019 - 12:19

Luna, a five-year-old Pitbull mix from Phoenix, AZ, became PetSmart Charities' 9 millionth adopted pet when Bekah Wilson and Bri Sommers adopted her.

The couple initially saw the dog online.

“My aunt shared a picture of her from the (Arizona) Humane Society,” Sommers said. “And then she (Wilson) had found the same photo on a different pet finder, pet for adoption site.”

The two realized Luna was at their local PetSmart and visited with her that same evening.

“We just couldn’t leave without her,” Wilson said. “We just saw loving she is and how adorable she was, and we were just hooked on the spot after that.”

Luna is a special-needs dog. Arizona Humane Society’s Emergency Medical Team rescued her after a dog fight. She had extensive injuries, especially to her front leg. AHS tried to save the leg, but it had become lame and ended up removing it.

That doesn’t stop Luna, though.

“She’s really strong,” Sommers said.

“She’s figured it all out,” Wilson added. “There’s nothing that stops her because she’s missing a leg.”

Luna instantly changed the couple’s life, even though the first few days were hard.

“She struggled the first couple of days,” Sommers said. “The first week, we stayed up with her until midnight or 1 a.m. every night just trying to get her to calm down and sleep.”

The new pet parents want other potential adopters to know just because a dog may require a bit of patience at first, the pay off is worth it.

“She instantly brought so much joy and happiness in our lives,” Wilson said. “There’s no reason we shouldn’t give her a chance.”

For those looking to adopt their new pet, the couple has a few words of advice.

“Never give up on your pet,” Wilson said. “They’re never going to give up on you.”

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