Update: December 2012

Notes by Dulce Garcia and Lynn Rodriguez

It’s a busy time of the year for most of us with the holidays right around the corner. During this time, we want to remind everyone that as we go about our holiday activities, there are still some lonely rescues living in boarding that would love your company. Please consider coming out to play, socialize or walk our Barrio Dogs in boarding; you will absolutely brighten their day. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Dulce Garcia at dulce@barriodogs.org

In the mean time please take a moment to read all about the latest on our rescues at boarding.

Caitrin and Derek playing in the yard

Derek has been adopted by one of our very own AHFA volunteers and we are certain it was love at first sight. Thanks to Caitrin for giving Derek a loving home. We are all so happy for him and know that he will enjoy the rest of his life with his new family. He will be in boarding for a few more days until his new forever home is ready.

Copper

Copper is our newest addition. He had been previously living at another boarding facility but we wanted to bring him closer to home. He is a beautiful dog who has been in boarding for about two years and needs a foster or forever home. He has endured so much and is a survivor; he was a puppy when we found him in a trash dumpster outside a paint store in the East End. He was emaciated and sick but has recovered and needs a home. Please be advised that he does not do well with other dogs. One-on-one social time with volunteers will help him a lot and make him very happy.

Cooper being blessed with by Rev. Stein with Buffy Martines

Cooper is still in boarding and has been ready for a forever home for a while! We are certain that there is someone out there for him. He enjoys walks, playing fetch, riding in cars and would love to go home with you. He had a lot of fun at the Blessing of the Animals at Christ Church Cathedral last October.

Scotty is enjoying the holidays in his foster home!

Maya, Scotty, Sparky and Spuds have gone into foster care! We are so happy that they will get to spend the holidays in great company.

Tita

Tita was rescued from the streets near Hidalgo Park and was in horrible condition with skin issues and other illnesses. She has recovered physically but is a bit shy. She is very sweet and likes to be taken into the yard to get a break from the kennel environment. She’s used to more freedom on the street and is having some trouble living in the kennel. More walks and socialization would help her so much!

Lady

Lady is a gorgeous girl that was rescued from the streets by a Houston police officer who saw her wandering in a busy intersection. While Lady is safe now, she has sadly been diagnosed with cancer on her leg. She will be getting treated for it but would do so much better in a foster home.

Rusty is loving life in his new home

Rusty enjoying the holidays with his new mom

Rusty has been adopted! He went from being trapped in a drainage pipe under a cemetery to an orthopedic mattress in a loving home. We are so happy for Rusty and wish him and his new family the very best.

Renata

Renata is the newest addition to our Barrio Dog family in boarding. She used to be known as Princess and lived near Lawndale and Broadway in Houston’s East End where she spent her life tried to a tree. During that time, she had many litters of puppies. After her last litter, a caring neighbor signed her up for Barrio Dogs' FixIt spay/neuter project. When we picked her up for transport on Saturday, December 1, 2012, we saw how she was living. After she was spayed and vetted that day, we decided that we simply could not return her to life tied to a tree. We talked to the owner and she agreed to surrender Princess to us. We had a contest to pick a new name for her. We picked the name “Renata” which means reborn in Latin. We thought that name best symbolized the new and better life we want for her. She is doing well in boarding and is recovering from her various ailments but needs a forever home.


Happy holidays to our volunteers in the A Home for All program and thank you for blessing our Barrio Dogs with your love and companionship throughout the year. We look forward to a great 2013 and to finding wonderful forever homes for all our beautiful dogs.

New Play Area at the Boarding Facility

Thanks to the generosity of our friend Buffy Martines, the A Home for All Dogs have a new play area at the kennel where they are boarded. We cleaned out an overgrown area adjacent to to the back yard and created a new run for the doggies.

We really need more people to help us with the AFHA program. If you would like to volunteer and spend time playing with and socializing our dogs in boarding, please contact dulce@barriodogs.org or lynn@barriodogs.org.

After a new fence was added and the brush was cleared out, we brought in fresh mulch

Cooper explores the new play area

The dogs love their new run; now we just need more volunteers to bring them out to play!

Update: October 20-31, 2012

Notes by Dulce Garcia

We appreciate the time, hard work and dedication of all the volunteers in the Barrio Dogs "A Home For All" program.  They are truly working hard to make the boarding facility a great place for our rescues to stay at until they can find a forever home. In addition, the program provides various opportunities for volunteers to work hands on with the rescues to prepare them for adoption events. We have seen such a difference for the better in all  our dogs from both the individual attention and the ability to get out into the world and participate in adoption events.

Cooper playing in the yard

Cooper has been meeting new volunteers and practicing not jumping up on them.  He is advancing in the training classes he has been receiving at the boarding facility. He is starting to shed the pounds (he had gained weight) and it helps that he has excellent leash walking skills.  We can't say this enough: he is ready for a forever home!

Derek just loves to get attention!

Derek is very popular among the ladies and he loves the attention. This big boy has the personality of a lap dog.  His favorite things are going out for a short walk, playing fetch, cuddling and receiving attention!

Kiddo

Kiddo is back in boarding because her part time foster will be traveling.  Marjorie has done a great job on getting Kiddo to warm up and experience the world outside the kennel. We recommend that if volunteers walk Kiddo that they place both a harness and leash on her. She's a bit timid and some things may scare her and it is best to protect her from slipping out.

Maya has the best smile!

Maya is still in boarding and can really benefit from more breaks from the kennel.  She is very excited to see people all the time and jumps up at them. She's a social dog and looks bigger in pictures than she really is. She will begin training classes soon with Dulce and other volunteers to address her jumping issues.

Rusty

Rusty is a gorgeous dog with piercing hazel eyes that are not hard to miss when volunteers walk by the kennels.  He has come a long way; once a confused shy dog, he is now excited when people go up to his kennel. He loves when volunteers take him out on a walk to explore his surroundings. We encourage volunteers to continue socializing him so that he can continue making improvements.

Scotty is now in foster care and we couldn't be happier we are certain he is enjoying his time away from the kennels. Our fosters are very valuable to us and the rescues

Spuds

Sparky

Sparky and Spuds (siblings ) are new to the program and belong to an independent rescuer.  They have been in boarding for a while and undergoing treatment for their skin condition. They are around 5 months old and taking a 3 week training course which they are mastering.  Volunteers are more than welcome to spend time with them, but they are still uncertain about going out for a walk. They are fearful of cars and the loud noise outside. The best is to stick to taking them out only in the play yard area.

Bruno is still only to be handled by staff Ernie and Dulce because of our concerns with his behavior. He has been receiving social time in the play yard area on his own. Although he spends time alone in the yard he is supervised the whole time while he runs around enjoying his tug toys. The idea is for him not to practice mouthing or jumping on anyone; prevention is key. Arrangements are being made for him to be transferred to another facility that can give him the individualized behavioral attention he needs.

Volunteers are more than welcome to join Dulce while she is training any of the dogs; contact her at dulce@barriodogs.org for times she will be at the kennel.

Update: October 4-18, 2012

Notes by: Dulce Garcia

Barrio Dogs does not own a facility and relies on boarding our rescues until they find a foster or forever home. Many thanks to all the volunteers who come out weekly to walk, socialize and play with the rescues; it really helps maintain their health and happiness. In addition, Ernie Z. who visits and feeds the dogs daily plays a major part in helping socialize the rescues and all of them love him. Please read below to find out about the latest developments.

Scotty and his wonderful smile

Scotty is back at the boarding facility. He was living at Pet Paradise but we moved him closer to home. We look forward to working with Scotty; he is a terrific dog who has been in boarding too long! We don’t know why a lucky person or family has not adopted him yet.

Bruno

Bruno should only be handled by Ernie and the staff. He will be evaluated to analyze the cause of his behavior issues and work closely with a trainer to address any issues. Please click here to read the special notice regarding Bruno.

Cooper on his way to an adoption event

Cooper has been doing well and attended several adoption events recently. He has received a lot of attention from visitors and it is good for him to spend some time out of the kennel.  His outings help him practice his social skills that are limited in the kennel environment. We noticed that he barks at some men especially if they are wearing caps. This good boy is still looking for a forever home and this weather is perfect for him to accompany you on your walks!

Derek at Rover Oaks adoption event

Derek has also been on his best behavior when out of his kennel. His favorite thing to do is play fetch and he will let you know when he’s tired by resting under the shade. He would really enjoy a home to call his own where he can just crash peacefully on your couch!

Molly and Hoover our youngest rescues at boarding have gone into foster care in different homes each. We are very happy that they will get to spend the rest of their puppyhood stages out in the real world as the kennels are no place for them. Thanks to these fosters for stepping up and giving these two puppies a chance at a normal life.

Kiddo

Kiddo is being fostered on a part time basis by Marjorie, one of our volunteers, and we are so happy to see her coming out of her shell. Marjorie has put a lot of time, effort and patience into getting Kiddo to where she is now.

Maya at the kennel

Maya is one of the new rescues and our first dog spayed under the upcoming Fix It project. She is social with people and other dogs. She jumps up a lot for attention so be careful when getting her out of the kennel.

Rusty

Rusty is one of the new rescues in boarding and at first he was very withdrawn but with time, has taken an interest in hanging out with volunteers. He enjoys going out on walks and spending time in the yard where he receives attention from the volunteers. 

Phoebe has also gone into foster care and is enjoying her days away from the kennel. We are so thankful and happy for her. We are sure she is really enjoying it.

Greyson is no longer at boarding because he has gone to foster care and we couldn’t be happier. He was beginning to feel a little down at the kennels. He has also had eye surgery and is recovering well at his foster home.

Bruno

Bruno

Bruno has been living at AC Boarding for several weeks now. He is not a Barrio Dog but was brought in by an independent rescuer. We have been including him in A Home for All activities for his own benefit; however, we learned today that last week, Bruno jumped on and snapped at a volunteer who was trying to walk him. The volunteer was not injured but did get  bruised.

We had previously alerted our A Home for All volunteers to use extra care when working with Bruno. We are now asking all volunteers to please not take Bruno out at all when you visit the kennel. We have reached out to Bruno's rescuer and owner to tell her of this incident as well our observation and concern that Bruno does not seem to be doing well at the kennel. We are urging her to work with a trainer and make other arrangements for him. In the meantime, please leave Bruno in his kennel when you are at AC; the staff at AC takes care of him along with the other boarded dogs there.

If you have questions or comments, please contact lynn@barriodogs.org.

Update: September 20-25, 2012

Notes by: Dulce Garcia, Marjorie, Wendy Thiessen, Tauna Ready and Buffy Martines

The Barrio Dog's rescues at AC have been receiving lots of social time thanks to our volunteers who visit them during the week.  Short walks and play time in the yard have been helping them learn good manners and it's really showing.  Many thank you's to our volunteers who take time from their busy schedules to give the lonely dogs some TLC.  

Bruno

Bruno is a strong boy and we recommend that you ask a staff member at AC to help you get him out of his kennel.  He plays rough, jumps high and is mouthy.  For safety purposes, we recommend that he only gets social time in the yard while you supervise him on the other side of the fence. Please don't attempt to take him out on a walk without any help. Until he learns to sit and calm down, his activities should be confined to the back yard at AC.

Cooper looking handsome

Cooper has come a long way. He is certainly a whole different dog since we first met him. He is great on walks and doesn't pull. He is now sitting down to get attention from new people without jumping as much as he used to. This bright boy is ready for a forever home! 

Derek cooling off after a walk

Kiddo is back from being fostered temporarily by Marjorie Jackson, who had to make a trip overseas but will pick Kiddo up when she returns. Sweet girl Kiddo is still a bit shy but thanks to Marjorie, has learned to gain more confidence, walk on a leash and explores her surroundings. To keep her safe when going out for a walk, place a slip leash on her with a body harness since she becomes nervous at times and may try to pull out of the leash.

Hoover and Molly

 




Derek had a sleep over with his rescuer Claudia Almaguer and really enjoyed spending time in a home away from the kennels. His favorite thing is going out for a walk. It breaks our hearts placing him back in the kennels because he doesn't want to go in and begins to cry. He's been attending adoption events and we hope he can find his forever home soon!



 




Hoover and Molly have been spayed and neutered but are still staying at AC.  We worry about them because they are missing out on the most formative months of their lives living in a kennel. They can really benefit from play time in the yard and going out for walks. Most importantly a foster or adopter will make their dreams come true!

Sweet Phoebe is new to AHFA

Phoebe is new to the AHFA program. She was found at Bohemeo's coffee house in the East End during a Barrio Dogs' meeting. We couldn't leave her behind so we took her with us. She has been vetted  and spayed. She's 8 months old, was treated for intestinal worms and has a mild case of demodec (non-contagious). This sweet puppy really loves the company of people and going out for walks.

Raven

Raven is still only handled by supervised staff and experienced volunteers.  We don't recommend taking him for a walk at this point because he needs a nail trim; it is uncomfortable to walk with those long nails and we to get them trimmed, we will need to take him to Gulfgate vets.

Zoe

Zoe is not a Barrio Dog but lives at the AC facility. If you ever have a few extra minutes, you are more than welcome to take her out for a walk. She has lived in the kennel a long time and needs company, socialization and time outside the kennel.

Update: September 9-18, 2012

Notes by Dulce Garcia

The rescue dogs boarded at AC have been quite busy lately attending Barrio Dogs' community awareness adoption events. They have also been receiving regular visits from volunteers but could definitely benefit from more visitors during weekdays.

Bruno

Bruno really needs someone who can spend time socializing him. He has opened up a lot and is recovering from his skin condition. He enjoys going out for walks and playing in the yard but be aware that this big boy is a big jumper.

Cooper at Martini Hardware

Cooper has been doing so well! He has learned to sit for release from his kennel, at every door and when greeting people. He also attended his first adoption event at Martini Hardware and did great! He is definitely ready for a forever home. Did we mention he is great on a leash?

Derek at Stubbs

 Derek:  Don't let his big size intimidate you. This big boy is such a lap dog. He loves to play fetch, knows how to sit, is great on a leash and is obedient. He attended the Stubbs Cycle community awareness event but unfortunately, despite how great he did, he still hasn't found his forever home. We believe there is a special person out there for him.

Raven at Martini Hardware

Raven also attended his first adoption event at Martini Hardware and for the most part did well. However, we advise volunteers to be extremely careful with him as he is a resource guarder and will be aggressive when there is food nearby. Be sure and ask a supervisor for help with him. Do not give him any stuffed filled Kongs or treats because he may guard them. Otherwise, he likes attention and especially having his thick coat brushed. Let the staff at AC and Ernie feed him and give him treats since they are more experienced with him.

Izzy-  This happy girl will be going home with her rescuer Estelle Mack! She is such a social dog that loves attention from both human and other dogs. We know Izzy loves Estelle and is happy to be away from AC although we will miss her.

Kiddo at the beach

Kiddo has been having a ball at volunteer Marjorie Jackson's home. Marjorie is fostering her on a part time basis and it has helped Kiddo tremendously. She has a new friend in Marjorie's dog and has even gone on her first trip to the beach. Thank you Marjorie for giving this girl a break from the kennels!

Kiddo snuggling with her foster brother

Molly

Hoover and Molly are the puppies that were abandoned at AC by their owners several weeks ago. They really need a lot of social time. We hate for them to be growing up in a kennel and want them to be engaged with people and exposed to the outside world as much as possible. Right now is a crucial time to build their social skills so that they don't grow up to become fearful dogs. They will benefit from walks and social time with volunteers. Please consider fostering or networking to find them a forever home. A weekend foster would also be a great idea!

Hoover

Markee in the swimming pool

Markee has gone into foster care with the family that adopted our rescue Sugar (former AHFA dog). They have a pool which is great for Markee's physical therapy. Thanks so much to this wonderful family for welcoming Markee into their home!

Zoe

Zoe is not a Barrio Dog but this friendly girl also receives attention from the volunteers. She belongs to one of the staff members at AC but needs exercise and human interaction. She will benefit from daily walks considering she is overweight.

Raven Update

Raven

Raven was at our Martini Hardware adoption event and community awareness day on Saturday, September 8, 2012. He’s rarely out of the kennel and we wanted to take him out to see how he would do in public. He was great most of the time until late in the day when he nipped at a volunteer who had him on a leash.

Raven has never shown any aggression. Ernie Zenteno and the owners of AC are around him daily, move him and let him and in out of the kennel and he has been fine. We think the incident resulted from food aggression and happened because Raven wanted some food on the ground behind the volunteer; however, regardless of why it happened, we need to do a more thorough evaluation of Raven before we work with him closely.  

Raven gets out of the kennel and into the yard daily when Ernie is at AC and we think that is sufficient for now. We are asking all volunteers to please not work with Raven until we do a formal evaluation. We will keep you posted. Thank you.

New Volunteer Orientation

This past Labor Day we had a great turnout for the new volunteer orientation and training. The new volunteers learned about the program and how it benefits the Barrio Dogs living at the boarding facility. They also had the opportunity to meet and interact with our dogs and meet other volunteers. Photographer Gwen Juarez was present to take photos of the dogs in the program. Thank you to everyone who showed up; we look forward to having you participate and work with our Barrio Dogs!

 

 Derek was looking so stylish for his photo shoot. Thank you Gwen Juarez for the fantastic pictures of him and the other dogs!

Update: August 21- 29, 2012

Notes by: Dulce Garcia, Lynn Rodriguez, Tauna Ready and Gloria Medina Zenteno

There are new dogs and new  volunteers in the A Home for All program at AC Boarding. In addition, some of the rescued dogs have either gone into foster care or found their forever home.

Amos at the dog wash

Amos- Thanks to Lisa First for continuing to foster Amos. Over the weekend, Amos participated in the "Dog Days of Summer" dog wash at Firkin and Phoenix . Since he is a rock star, his photograph was featured in the the Houston Chronicle! You can see the story at this link.
 

Darla (left) and her new family

Darla- Has found her forever family and even has a furry sibling. She was also at the dog wash last weekend and someone fell in love with her and decided to adopt her. We wish her and her new family the best.

Derek

Derek- Also attended the dog wash but unfortunately didn't get adopted. On a brighter note, he was able to spend the day out of the kennel and enjoyed the extra attention. He also made it in the Houston Chronicle in this picture where he is being walked by one of our volunteers.

Daisy

Daisy- Was brought to AC Boarding to get groomed and unfortunately, her owners never came back.  AC made many attempts to contact her owners but was unsuccessful. Darla had been boarding for several weeks and is stressed and afraid in the kennels but fortunately just found a foster home. She's very sweet, weighs less than ten pounds, has been vetted and will be spayed soon.

Hoover and Molly

 
Hoover and Molly- These sibling puppies were also abandoned at AC Boarding and need a foster or adopter. They are about four months old, weigh around 25-27 pounds, have received their first set of puppy vaccinations and have puppy mange (non contagious) and hookworms which they are being treated for. They will be receiving their next set of shots on 9/19/12 and will be spayed/neutered when their skin improves.

Markee is no long wearing his collar and is ready to go swimming!

 Markee- Is on the road to recovery. His stitches are out and he is ready to go swimming! The swimming will be great therapy for him so if anyone has a pool and can take him, please contact gloria@barriodogs.org or lynn@barriodogs.org.

Izzy- Is now in the Friends for Live adoption program. We wish her luck in this new venture. You can view her FFL profile at here.

Kiddo- Is still being fostered by Marjorie Jackson a few days a week and is slowly gaining confidence.  We are very thankful that Marjorie has been spending time socializing and caring for Kiddo.

Bruno

Bruno - Was rescued by an independent rescuer and has been living at AC for several weeks. We are working with him since living in a kennel is so difficult for an animal and we want to make his life a little better.

Wallis- Wallis went into foster care last week and in a split second, escaped and got away. Our efforts to catch him have not been successful.

We will begin a basic manners training for the A Home for All Dogs soon; the classes will be conducted by our trainer Dulce Garcia; we will need volunteers to assist with dog handling. The class start date will be announced soon.