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Scrapbook

Every day, staff and volunteers at the Vancouver Animal Shelter witness, and play roles in stories of joy and sadness involving animals. In our scrapbook, we'll share some of those tales, and other tidbits about dogs who've been through our facility.

Success story

Jake, the Rottweiler Labrador Retriever mix was adopted from our Shelter in January 1999. At an early age Jake showed signs of a good nose for search and rescue. After training for two years, Jake was accepted into the Vancouver Urban Search and Rescue Team, Canada Task Force One. Shown with Jake is his handler Mark Pullen. Congratulations Jake and Mark.

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The Miracle

By Hildi Steuart, Shelter Volunteer

There are times when I cannot comprehend the cruelty humans inflict on animals and there are times when I'm overwhelmed by the compassion people feel. The story of Miracle has it all.

The Vancouver Animal Shelter picked up a stray long-haired Shepherd/Collie type dog from the Fraser River Park off Southwest Marine Drive. Close examination of this young malnourished dog brought both Animal Control Officers and shelter volunteers first to tears and then to action.

The dog had lost the hair around his eyes due to severe infection, and had no hair on his chest or belly. His exposed skin was like sandpaper. His nails were extremely long and curled underneath the pads of his feet. His ears were infected, reddened, and matted with pus. A thin rope was embedded into the skin around his neck. It was a miracle this dog was alive, so that became his new name -- Miracle.

Thanks to the fast work of the shelter and volunteers, Miracle found a foster home, and received love, nourishment, medication, and veterinary care. His foster mom expected to find a fearful, feral beast when she brought him into her home. She understandably thought the object of such abuse and neglect couldn't possibly behave well with humans. Much to her amazement, Miracle proved a wonderful addition to her household. He was house-broken and gentle with children and other dogs. He understood commands such as sitting at the curb, shaking both paws, and lying down on his mat. His brindle-coloured coat improved, and hair grew back where once there were only bare patches of skin.

Miracle Update:

An update from Miracle's loving owners:

For many months now I have procrastinated over writing Daryl’s ( née Miracle) epita p h. We miss him terribly and every time I start to type up a few words tears well up in my eyes , h owever, I feel that it is important to write the final chapter. If just one person reading this entry becomes motivated to share their home with one of the many deserving animals at the Shelter it will be well worth my key strokes and a few tears.

Despite his absolutely deplorable condition when Daryl first arrived at your facility, he rallied back to health and for seven years he was the most loyal, loving, and even tempered dog that I have ever encounter ed . Daryl followed us wherever we went and when we sat down he would loudly throw himself to the floor and happily lie there like an old blanket. He was a comfort when he was in the room , a clown when he wanted attention, and a friend always.

Daryl travelled with us extensively including dozens of camping trips all over BC . I remember one particularly cold winter camping trip where we pitched our tent in two feet of snow and spent the evening by the roaring fire enjoying a mug of hot Bailey ’ s. We had stepped away for a couple of minutes and upon returning we were puzzled by the fact that a rather large mug of Bailey ’ s was completely empty . The mystery was solved when we found a Bailey ’ s moustache on Daryl ’ s snout. He slept well that night but w e had to be very careful with our drinks after that, putting them in cups with a lid !

We also took Daryl on two extended road trips to Mexico . This was a favourite time for him as he was f ree to roam the remote surf beaches where we camped . He would regularly find leathery dead porcupine fish washed up somewhere down the beach and he would honour us by bringing them back to the tent . When it was time for bed i t was a comical struggle getting him into the tent as he preferred to sleep on the beach by the fire.

Daryl was truly a special dog and he touched everyone he met. For years after his stay at the s helter we would be stopped by strangers on the street who would ask “ Is that Miracle? I read about him on the s helter web page ” . Every day he came with me to the office where he would lie down in the middle of the reception area to get an unobstructed view of all the comings and goings. You could almost set your watch by his twice-daily habit of getting up to do a rotation of office for a biscuit (i t was also a reminder for me to re fill my coffee mug! ). When regular clients came in from out of town they would bring home-baked dog biscuits with them on the plane. He knew the location of every pet store and when out for walks he would make a B-li ne for a free biscuit. He certainly loved biscuits! In the days after his passing we were overcome with the outpouring of sympathy which was absolutely the result of Daryl's special personality and temperament .

We want to t hank the staff and volunteers at the shelter for all the care that you provided when Daryl first arrived. Thanks also to Dr. Anthony and Dr Ube for their care and support over the years. But most of all, thanks to Daryl for all the love and joy that you gave us over the years.

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Oldie But A Goodie

The shelter too often sees older dogs dropped off at the shelter due to various reasons. Sometimes it was due to circumstances beyond the family's control; other times it was because the owners could not deal with an older pet.

Potential adopters often give the same response every time they see a gray muzzle in a kennel. "You can't train an old dog." "We want a puppy so it will bond with us." "Why would I want an old dog, it' s going to die."

No dog comes with a guaranteed expiry date. A puppy adopted tomorrow might only live a year if it has a genetic problem. A nine-year-old adopted today could well live six or seven more years. It's an old wives' tale that old dogs can't learn new tricks but so many people still seem to believe it. Housetraining an older dog actually takes a lot less time than with a tiny puppy.

A dog bonds quickly and strongly with the person who takes them out of the shelter. These canine senior citizens still have a lot to offer, if only people would give them a chance.

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Meisha

Meisha, a beautiful nine-year-old Chow Chow, was left because her owner was moving into a condo that didn't allow pets.

Meisha Update: the Chow Chow was also lucky enough to find a home with one of the shelter volunteers.

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Shadow

Ten-year-old Shadow arrived as a stray with an oozing uncared for eye, which had to be removed.

Shadow Update: He has been adopted by his foster family.

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Spunky

Punky, a nearly deaf thirteen-year-old spaniel cross, had 40 infected teeth pulled while he was at the shelter. Dental surgery left him with two teeth but lots of zest for life. He is the apple of his new owner's eye and now truly suits his new name, Spunky. " He is a little gem," says his new owner, Marian, who dotes on her senior citizen pet.

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Questions or Comments? Contact: animalcontrol@vancouver.ca