Another Cold Day at the Shelter...

 

Belize hung out with staff member, Jasmin, today.  She loves visiting the off-leash area where she can be free to run around.  When they got too cold, they came inside and hung out in the main lobby for a bit.  Belize was excited to say hello to everyone who walked in the door and was full of kisses for the staff members. 

 

                                            This beautiful girls needs a family of her very own!
                                                                   mckelvey.laura731@gmail.com
                                                                             (770)374-1338

 

Christmas at the Shelter

Belize made new friends at the shelter.  She loved playing with Emmerson.  They played hard and for a long time.  Nothing exhausts this pooch!  There are so many things she wants to do.

She is currently hanging out with me at the front desk.  I had a stocking full of goodies for her.   Don't worry!  Pictures will be posted soon.  She loved her squeaky toys, her pig snout, and her bully stick.  She is also getting professional photgraphs taken today.  It is a big day!

http://www.facebook.com/v/10152371408820177

 

Belize is Now Available for Adoption Through PAWS ATLANTA

Belize is now at the shelter and awaiting adoption.  I wish, so much, that I could have kept her here until a home was found, but my dogs needed a break.  We have had at least one foster dog in the house for the last 13 months.  They did not approve, and no one was getting enough attention.  Belize now has the chance to play with other dogs--something she loves to do and be seen by potential adopters on a regular basis.  I am hoping that she is adopted more quickly now.  I will be there 5-6 days a week with love, treats, and toys to brighten her day.

That being said, it is still a shelter, and I want to get her out of there and into a home ASAP.  It is a very clean facility, the staff is compassionate, and the dogs go out on walks and have play dates throughout the day. However, it is scary to be caged with so many other dogs and not knowing which people might end up being THE people.  It is lonely to sleep alone in a kennel instead of in a warm bed.  Please continue to spread the word that Belize needs a home.  This girl has been through enough.  She deserves love, attention, and a beautiful future.

A New Year is Coming...

2013 is coming upon us with a quickness, and Little Belize still has not found a family to love her.  I am trying, really hard, to get her on the right path and get her into a secure home where she gets enough attention.  Unfortunately, her needs are not met with me.  She is a sweet little peanut, but my dogs do not want to share the love.  I keep her separated from them, and I have to rotate between her and them every day and also work a full-time job.  There is not enough of me to go around.  She is safe with me, but she is not as happy as she should be.  She needs to live with someone who has the room to always have her be a part of the family, who can show her that the world is a wonderful place, who can show her that she is not the only one that can love unconditionally.   She wants to meet lots of people and other dogs.  She needs walks and new experiences.  There must be someone out there ready to strike out on a new adventure with an amazing best friend.  Belize is just waiting for the day to come.  Spread the word!

Working Hard to Be Your Dog

On Thursday, Belize and I went to the East Atlanta Farmer's Market.  There were loud motorcycles, other dogs (some that were friendly and some that were not), lots of people, lots of food, and even a cat that tried to chase us down the street!  It was a little overwhelming.  Belize was searching for friends and comfort, but when someone would reach out to her she would get so excited she would jump on them, lick them, and even gently mouth their hands a little bit.  I realized I had rushed her into this event too quickly.  She had been crated while I was at work, and then I took her straight into a whirlwind of energy and things that spark the senses.  I was glad she loved everyone so much, but I knew she had not mastered the art of greetings.  I took her on a walk around the neighborhood and then circled back.  We sat in a calm area, apart from the festivity, and tried to "settle."  I gave her treats when she seemed to be more relaxed and then I brought her home.

Today, we have been doing training drills on and off throughout the day.  We are working on "leave it" and "off," along with teaching her to sit when she wants attention or is greeting me at the door (refrigerator, wherever).  She is working hard and learning quickly.  She is still a puppy, and she is still so excited to have someone pay attention to her, so you can tell it takes all of her mental power and self-control to do what you ask her to,  but she so badly wants to please (or get a nip of hotdog--we are in the stage of high-value rewards) and so she does it.  I am so impressed and proud of her.  She is going to be a great dog for someone because she will do anything to be with them, impress them, make them laugh, and console them when things get rough.  She likes the treats, but she lives for "good girl" and an ear scratch so we use that as a reward frequently too.

BUT no one wants to work all day so we try to play a lot too!  We did a fun impromptu photo shoot for Stubby's Heros.  They are being kind enough to post us on their Facebook page--what a wonderful group!

Belize is available for adoption.  If you or someone you know might be interested, please have them contact me at mckelvey.laura731@gmail.com

A Snapshot of the Life You Could Have

I made this montage of Belize to show her growth and to show her exuberant spirit that grows and strengthens every day.  She has been through so much and yet she is so loving.  Please watch this video and, if you cannot adopt, share it with your friends.

Belize Navidad!

 Belize had a great Thursday and Friday night.  On Thursday, we started working on our doggie IQ.  She quickly mastered this treat puzzle and so we moved onto the surprisingly more complicated treat cube and tug-a-jug.  I really did not challenge her long before I gave her a stuffed Kong and called it a day.  We will work again in the future!  Can you say spoiled?!

I would like to tell you that she is a genius, and that she got those treats out of that cube all by herself, but I would be lying.  She is so interested in hanging out with me (anyone) that she does not care to focus on a food stuffed cube when I (anyone) am around.  She would rather have my rubs and affection.

I admit it!  I stuffed it with peanut butter.  She was not sure what to think of the sticky stuff at first.  She looked at me, licking her lips, in confusion, but it entertained her when I had to crate her with it later and there was not a lick of peanut butter left this morning.

Tonight, we met with a friend in Oakhurst.  We stopped by Taj Ma Hound to pick up a Boneyard Bag. Belize does not mind getting the "rejected" cookies.  They are equally delicious, and she gets more of them!  Little does she know she will have to share with the other pups.

We took a long walk around Oakhurst before meeting Yvonne for coffee, and then we took another walk to look at Christmas trees.  Belize wanted to say hello to everyone that walked by and seemed very disappointed when people did not reach down to pet her.  She has a particular fondness for children.  Her tail would go a mile a minute the second she spotted one.  She walked fairly well on a leash.  She did not pull at all, but she would gravitate to anyone walking by us, haha.  She could not resist all the friendly faces!  She really was great though.  She was not overly exuberant, but she was happy.  She did not notice all the squirrels rustling around in the leaves and running up and down trees.  She politely sniffed other dogs walking by.  I couldn't be more proud of her and so a rewarded her with this little elf when we got home.

                                                    This little elf did not stand a chance.

                        That is one satisfied customer.  How can you resist that happy dog face?

Belize would love to go home with you!  Contact me at mckelvey.laura731@gmail.com for more details.

The Pit Bull Howls

I am reading a book in my bedroom with my own dogs, a firetruck goes by, and I hear a low howl from the other room.  Belize is a howler!  She only did it twice and both times were subdued, quiet songs.  Ador-a-bull.  I have begun to leave her out of the crate and in her very own bedroom.  So far so good.  We have not had any accidents, and she seems to only be chewing on her toys.  She also seems much happier and less anxious when I get home.  I had to try something because she was rubbing her little face off on the bars of the crate.  She has a rather large number of dog beds in there and a lazy boy.  She is living the life.  I am so glad she came into my life before it got too cold.  Now, if you will just adopt her into your family so that she does not have to sleep alone!
mckelvey.laura731@gmail.com

Spay Day!

She may look a little sad now, but her life has been greatly improved by one simple surgery.  It may cost a little bit of money, and it may be slightly heartbreaking when you first get your baby home, but it is the right thing to do.  It is a simple, commonly done surgery that many vets are very experienced in doing.  This girl will never have to endure labor and losing her puppies---particularly when 499 of 500 pit bulls are put down in the US every year.  She will not get ovarian or uterine cancers later in life.  Her new owners will not have to deal with the mess of heat cycles and inconvenient bleeding.  She will be happier and better behaved now that mating is not one of her number one focuses.  She will, therefore, be less likely to wander from home.  Shall I go on?  At my house, Spay Day is one of the most important days in a dog's life!  I love you, Belize, and now you are one step closer to getting that loving home you have always deserved.

Weekend is Almost Over

Belize is sad that my weekend is almost over.  That means there is less time for adventure and intrigue!  Every day is a chance to experience something new.  Today, we did yard work, which may not be exciting for me and you, but she seemed to enjoy the time romping around with me in the backyard and smelling newly uncovered scents.

Now, She did think the rake was slightly alarming, though okay after further inspection.  The leaf blowing monster, however, was a true horror.  I let her hang out inside when I was using that beast.  The first time I turned it on she tried to hide in a faraway leaf pile, and I had trouble finding her.  I thought she might be lost for good!

So Much to be Thankful For...

When I got off work today, I scooped Belize up and we made the 45 minute drive to my Aunt's house for Thanksgiving dinner.  I did not know if it was too much too soon, but I did not want to leave her crated all day either.  We decided that if it was overwhelming we could give her a quiet room to herself while the family hung out.  There was absolutely no need to worry!  She was in heaven.

 

I was under the impression there would only be one, very laid back, dog there, but there were multiple.  Belize did great.  No one ran around and played, but they kindly shared the space, water, attention, and occasional treats.  One little chihuahua was not happy to see another larger dog and would nip at Belize's face.  It did not make her happy, but she handled it very well and was able to continue being around the adorable, lovable, little brat.  She was supervised closely, but I was so very proud of her.

 

 

 

 

She loved the human family, and she quickly became bonded with the youngest one there.  He was in love with her too, and it was amazing to watch them interact.

 

 

 

She did "steal" some food from my grandmother, which is not cool.  At my house, she does not get any human food or table scraps, but she got a lot tonight so I am going to need to make sure to get her back on the right training path.  My family could not resist slipping her tasty morsels here and there.  My cousin caught this picture.    I know it is terrible, but I couldn't help but smile in the end anyway.  I thought, in many ways, it was more important for her to have so many positive experiences with so many people of different ages.  She seemed so happy---though she may not be now.  She was very gassy on the way home!  Tonight was not a big training night, but it was an awesome night none the less.

 

 

 

 

 

Belize slept hard on the way home, and I think I will sleep well tonight too.  It is going to be really hard to let this girl go, but I know that she cannot have the life she deserves with me so I am reluctantly putting her up for adoption.  Please share her story with your friends!

mckelvey.laura731@gmail.com

 



Something New Everyday

I cannot believe how quickly Belize picks up on learning new things.  She is really a joy to be around.  She loves to be pet and sits eagerly waiting for your attention if you ask her to, and she is quite content to sleep, curled up in a ball, while you read a book.

As far as her crating goes.  If you have read previous entries, you know it is not her favorite thing.  She gets better everyday.  She only whines for a minute or two before settling in and going to sleep.  She had a bath yesterday, and now she is fresh and ready to go home with some loving family.

She was a little nervous, but she liked the part where I massaged the shampoo into her coat.  Even though it is not her favorite thing it was not difficult to do.  She is such a good girl!  We even cleaned out her ears and trimmed her nails.  She has no problem being handled.  I think she is just glad for the extra attention.

In conclusion, this is what you are getting if you adopt Belize:

• A loyal companion for life.
• A dog that loves car rides and sleeps peacefully in the backseat.
• A smart dog that is eager to learn new things.
• A dog that loves all people and wants nothing more than to be with them.
• A dog that is fully vetted and healthy.
• YOUR NEW BEST FRIEND

Shall I go on?

Adopt Belize today!  She is in desperate need of a home, and she obviously deserves one.
mckelvey.laura731@gmail.com

Belize Helps Me Clean

This little peanut wanted to be a part of the action all day.  I cannot wait until I put a little more weight on her and give her vaccinations some more time to kick in so I can start taking her out with me to have some real fun!  In the meantime, she helped me clean.  We found this little Santa hat.  I have no idea where it came from, but she thought it was a toy.  She was particularly invested in organizing the hall closet.

 

Then we had to sort out her room.

 

 

 

Excuse the mess in the background.  I have a book problem I am trying to work out.  I put a bunch of fluffy beds and an assortment of toys in her crate.  All that is needed now, is a blanket to cover it and some water, but Belize is quite clearly telling me that she would rather not be crated at all.  She is getting much better about it.  When I first got her, you would not believe the tantrums she threw.  I can now get her to walk in by saying "in your crate" and, while she howls and throws a fit at first, she does calm down and fall asleep.  As long as she does not have to be in it too long, she is practically perfect.  She needs to go home with someone who does not crate or who will not leave her in there too long (she is fine while I am at work--I am full-time).  She no longer has accidents in her crate and seeks it out for security now, though she is not in need of security often.  She seems pretty comfortable.

 

She mostly lounges around, while I blog and plot her adoption.  She loves attention and enjoys walks around the yard.  She enjoys toys from time to time, but she is not obsessed with them.  Same with treats.  She picks up on training quickly, and she already knows sit and down.  We are working on leave it.  When she first gets out of her crate/meets new people she jumps and, unfortunately, nips a bit, but she is already learning that it does not pay off.  Several trainers have suggested that she just has not had the chance to learn manners, and they have given me great tips on how to help her learn.  Like a fish to water.  She stops doing all of that mess quickly, and I am sure we will be able to be able to put a stop to it quickly.  In a home where she did not have to be rotated in and out for attention, I do not think it would be a problem at all.

 

 

She loves car rides, and she just lays down from point A to point B without any problems.  She has met four other dogs and has done will with them.  One of the dogs she met was unsure of her and so she was unsure of her too, but they both handled it by having repeated, curious greetings.  It seems to me like she just needs some guidance and positive interactions to feel good with others.  The other three more laid back dogs were very exciting for her.

 

 

 

She has a healthy appetite, and she is putting on much needed weight, but she has no problem with me taking away her food.  She would rather have my attention anyway.

 

I have only had this beautiful girl 8 days, and she has already proven herself to be a wonderful, loyal, and loving companion for some lucky person.  If you or anyone you know is interested in adopting this baby please contact me right away.  Please cross-post and share.  Belize needs your continued help and dedication.

mckelvey.laura731@gmail.com

(770)374-1338

Get the Word out!

Please help me post these flyers in public areas!  Even if you can only do two.  I can send you the file or I can print some up for you.  I would be glad to hand em over or to mail them.  I could really use the help of my community, friends, and family!

Day 1 and 2

Meet Belize!  I just met her yesterday--in my driveway.  She is not the first starving pit bull to show up and when I saw her I was filled with dismay.  I felt completely hopeless, but I took her inside, got her some food, and started trying to formulate a plan.

 

 

Animal Control is overrun with dogs, and pit bulls are being euthanized in extremely high numbers.  All the no-kill shelters are full, as are the pit bull rescues.

 

Belize appears to be around 8-10 months old.  She was covered in fleas when I found her, but she has since been given a Capstar to kill them off and has been put on Revolution.

 

She has had her first set of shots (DHLPP/C, Bordatella, Rabies) and has tested negative for heartworms!  She has also been dewormed.  As you can see above, she loves riding in the car!

 

Help me find this girl a family by spreading the word on Facebook, Twitter, talking to your friends and family.  There is no way I can keep this girl longterm, but I can get her healthy and ready to love you for the rest of her life.

mckelvey.laura731@gmail.com

(770)374-1338