Insider Report
- September 2016 -
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Board Report
-- Spotlight on PAWS Volunteers: Karen & Phil Martin
by Sharon Sherman, Chairman of the Board
Sometimes, there are volunteers who just stand out as outstanding. That would certainly be the case for Karen and Phil Martin. Karen is a member of the PAWS Board of Directors, keeping our events calendar, fielding inquiries from those who want to partner with PAWS, and sharing sound and thoughtful opinions and advice at the PAWS Board meetings. She is also a member of the PAWS Dog Adoption Team, handling applications, home checks and the happy days when she is able to place a dog in a forever home.
One need only come visit the Coronado Animal Care Facility (ACF) to see the contributions that were made by Karen's husband Phil to improve the aesthetics of the ACF. Phil created the beautiful original artwork of cats and dogs found throughout the facility. He is a very talented artist. You saw him as the chauffeur for our Coronado Canine Mayor in this year's Fourth of July Parade. And, you might not have recognized him, but the man in the doggie suit at the First Annual
Pet Parade and Chili Cook-off was none other than Phil Martin.
Karen and Phil are always there when we need them. But even more importantly, they are there when the animals need them most. Having been members of the PAWS family for about three years, they have adopted three of our dogs. Karen, Phil and Finny, their 12-1/2 year old Wheaten Terrier who sadly passed away earlier this week, first welcomed Rigby (now Rigi) into their home. Rigi had been caught in the ringworm outbreak in 2013, stalwartly accepting his daily chemical baths, his lack of contact with people and animals while the outbreak ran its course, and unable to go for walks outside of the facility.
That all changed when Karen spied him one day, Rigi looked back at her with those big eyes of his and it was a match made in heaven. Rigi's little feet didn't touch the floor for weeks and he definitely became "Mama's Dog," with Karen taking him everywhere. This past February, Finny, ever patient and kind, welcomed the second PAWS addition to his backyard, a blind senior Wheaten Terrier Mix named Tina (now Rose). This time the firm attachment was to Phil and, even without being able to see, little Rose followed (and still follows) "Papa" everywhere. When at the beach, the Cays Dog Park or just on their walks, Rose is right there looking up adoringly at Phil.
Perhaps Finny knew his time was short because just a month ago he approved little Angelo becoming part of the family. Angelo is a senior white Bichon mix, as sweet as they come. He had an adoption fall through and when Phil heard what had happened he said, "I just can't think of that little fellow spending one more night alone in that kennel. Let's bring him home." The next day, Angelo was up on the bed with Finny, Rigi and Rose, like he had been with his sister and brothers forever.
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Angelo with Finny on the dog bed in the SUV |
It's not luck that PAWS finds people like Phil and Karen Martin. They find us because they need to spread their love and commitment to the animals. And then they fill their own family up with those who need them the most. Soon Karen and Phil will be taking a road trip, complete with a new SUV "for the dogs," tricked out with a bed in the back, new food and water bowls and lifts so the little ones can see, and sniff, the beautiful scenery as it glides by. Finny will be watching from Rainbow Bridge, telling his new friends, "There's my family right there...the best family ever."
(Photo credits: Karen & Phil Martin, Kim Johnson)
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Team Biscuit Kicks In
by Kim Johnson
On occasion, PAWS of Coronado uses a specialty team to help one of its furry friends. Our Chiweenie pal, Biscuit, was a boy in need. Biscuit Bob, as we playfully like to call him, needed a second chance to trust his surroundings, and with Team Biscuit's interaction, we succeeded in achieving our goal.
Team members: Kim Johnson, Claudia Lorge, Nancy Hodges, and Betsy Anderson worked with Biscuit to just enjoy his walks and not feel the stress of interfacing with strangers. It worked, allowing this little guy his smile back, a bounce in his step, and that general good feeling of finding his way.
Nancy was already fond of Biscuit Bob and quickly decided he could be a good fit for her family. Since Nancy's grand dog stays with her while her daughter travels, a successful meet and greet was all it took to welcome him into their home. Biscuit is now called "Bob" and will live happily ever after in the loving arms of Nancy and her husband.
Though the effort brought forth was for the good of Biscuit Bob, I walked away feeling like he added a ray of sunshine to all of our lives. With an added bonus, I became friends with three incredible ladies.
(Photo by Kim Johnson)
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Update on Skye, a Staffordshire Terrier for Adoption
by Jennifer Roe
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In the last two months, Skye, our female Staffordshire Terrier, has made leaps and bounds of progress in her training. We believe that this improvement is due to the consistent handling and training walks that she has received from numerous volunteers. As Skye has become used to the chaos of the outside world and established a routine during her walks, she is now calmer which allows her walk with gentle ease.
During her walks, Skye is learning to ignore other animals until a proper introduction can be made. Recently, she even walked by a roaming stray cat without more than a second glimpse! Skye has also learned that when told to sit and focus or walk forward, she understands that the unknown dog is not going to be introduced and she carries on her way. Although Skye still wants to chase bicycles, if she is told to sit and wait until the bike passes, she now sits still! Like most shelter animals, Skye finds the outside world a bit scary, but she is making wonderful progress in her behavior training. We believe that Skye will make a great companion for someone who understands the time, empathy and dedication it takes to rescue a shelter pet.
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Skye enjoying her walk with Jennifer Roe |
Skye will always be an Alpha female and does not enjoy the company of other female dogs, but she has done well with several properly introduced passive male dogs. Since she is so longing for human love and affection, however, a single pet home might be best for Skye. Besides learning "sit, stay, wait, shake, lay down, belly, and kisses," she has also conquered the "focus" and "slow" commands. Skye LOVES kisses and cuddles, is eager to learn and wants to please her walkers. Skye has no problem with any human who wants to get to know her; she is a sweetheart. Looking past her regal Staffordshire appearance, you'll find a big ball of mush with loving amber eyes looking up at you with hope that you will want her to be your companion. If you are looking for a pet that will be a loyal and loving addition to your home, look no further... Skye is your girl.
To learn more about Skye, please view her profile on our website or call Karen at 619-437-0220.
(Photo credit: Jennifer Roe)
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Successful Adoption Stats for July and August 2016
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July August
Cats 14 9
Dogs 9 10
Click to view our
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Here are some of our current adorable adoptables:
To view all our animals for adoption, click here. (Photos by Kim Johnson)
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August Yappy Hour Costume Contest:
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Yappy Hour - Bikinis and Bun Huggers Costume Contest Winners
(Photos by Kim Johnson) |
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