Going Home: Tyger & Simba

Happy Feline Friday, everyone! We want to help you start your weekend off right, so we’re bringing you a going home start that’s twice as nice. That’s right, our featured family this week choose to adopt not one, but two adorable kittens! Tyger and Simba might look and act very different but read on to see just how well they’re getting along; with each other and with their new family!

We don’t have the original email from the adopters but here is what they told us… Two kittens with VERY different personalities, one very energetic and playful and one who was very shy almost to a point of being catatonic.  The adopter has two sons, each picked a cat to be "theirs".  Since being in the home, both cats have bonded to one another and have been feeding off of each others' personalities, which is very beneficial for them both. The family loves the kittens.

This is just the kind of story that we love to hear at Berkeley Humane; two happy kittens and one big happy family! We’re so glad that Tyger and Simba have formed a solid relationship with each other, as well as with their new adopted family. As you can see in the pictures, these very different kittens have one thing in common: they both love cuddling! A big thank you to Tyger and Simba’s new family for sending us this update.

Spring is finally here and that means… kitten season! Warmer weather means lots of new kittens to care for and we need your help to do so. Kittens can be a lot of work and Berkeley Humane needs to raise $10,000 for formula, lifesaving vaccinations, and medical care for hundreds of kittens. Visit www.berkeleyhumane.org to see how you can contribute. Any and all donations will help, please consider donating today and helping more kittens like Tyger and Simba find permanent homes!

Going Home: Roux

Happy Woof Wednesday, everyone! We’ve got another wonderful going home story this week to brighten your day and warm your heart. Today, we’ll be checking in with Roux (formerly Honey Bee). Although she was adopted somewhat recently, Roux seems to be very at home with her new family, and even a new canine pal! See what Sylvan had to report below.

"Thanks for checking in on Honey Bee! So far, everything is going well, she is a fast learner and a big time snuggle addict. We're working on not climbing up on furniture and people, on peeing outside (instead of inside), and less chewing on things. Our strategy is positive reinforcement, and it seems to be working so far. We love her dearly, and are so happy we found her. 

I've attached a few photos of her, and us, and her older brother, Theo."

A big thank you to Sylvan for sending us this update! It’s wonderful to hear Roux’s new owners staying so positive about her training; bringing home a new dog can present some challenges but it sounds like her family is doing a great job of helping her adjust. We’re certainly happy that Roux found such a fantastic and loving new home!

Berkeley Humane is very proud of the dogs and cats who we've been able to help and especially happy that we are able to make so many families a little bit merrier. We wouldn't be able to accomplish so much without our volunteers though! If you would like to help, visit our website to see how you can volunteer; there are so many different ways to get involved, call or email us today!

Helpful Hints to Understanding Dog Body Language

Welcome, friends, to another wonderful Woof Wednesday!  As most of our readers know, Berkeley Humane does an amazing job of finding homes for dogs and cats in need. But that’s not all that goes on, we also offer some fantastic training and classes led by our very own Behavior and Training Manager, Nancy Frensley. Nancy also offers private dog training and evaluations for dogs and owners who benefit from one-on-one attention.

I was fortunate to attend an insightful Brown Bag Primer focused on dog body language last Wednesday, where Nancy shared many tips to help attendees better approach and interact with dogs. With help from a short video, Nancy discussed the “Zoom Room Guide to Dog Body Language,” making sure to explain the different behaviors each dog exhibited.

The first topic covered was Facial Expressions. Nancy first showed us examples of relaxed dogs and pointed out certain indicators to tell when a dog is at ease such as: open mouths, ears that are relaxed/ forward, relaxed eyes, and happy expressions. Next we looked at worried dogs. Dogs that are worried will have: closed mouths, ears that are pointed backwards or sideways, wrinkles around the eyes or forehead, and often will be shrinking back from whatever it is that is scaring or worrying them.

Next, Nancy explained Stress Signals, which are behaviors dogs exhibit when they are stressed by a situation. These are also called Calming Signals, because they are used by dogs to diffuse aggression and calm interactions. Common stress signals to look out for are: a lifted paw, repeated yawing (when not tired), the “Half Moon” (wide or scared) eye, and nose licking. According to Nancy, you should look out for these signals any time your dog is encountering a new situation or meeting new dogs/ people. If you notice your dog displaying stress or calming signals, remove them from the situation or distract them until they calm down.

We then moved on to Body Language, and how to determine if a dog if relaxed, nervous, or alert. Dogs that are relaxed will have: a low, wagging tail; a friendly expression that looks alert and interested, and all four paws on the ground. Dogs that are nervous, however; will be slouching or slinking, with their tails tucked and a wary expression. They will have stiff legs and often will try to hide from what is making them nervous. As Nancy mentioned, nervous dogs are much more likely to bite so it is important to be wary of these body language displays. She then discussed the body language of alert or aroused dogs (rather than nervous). These dogs will have: closed mouths, ears forward or pricked, a forward stance, and an upright tail that may wag slowly.

Lastly, we looked at danger signs to look out for in dogs. These signs include: teeth showing, lips curled back, ears back, the “half-moon” eye, and growling and snarling. It is very important to be aware of these behaviors because dogs exhibiting them will often bite.

Throughout the discussion, Nancy gave helpful hints on how to approach dogs in each situation. For example, if a dog is very nervous or scared you can throw a treat behind them to distract them and divert their attention.

If you found these tips helpful and would like even more be sure to check out the Dog Training page of our website, https://www.berkeleyhumane.org/Dog-Training. There you can find information on our many behavior classes or private training available with Nancy, as well as great at-home resources and you’ll have access to our behavior advice hotline!

Going Home: Rusty

Welcome to a fantastic Feline Friday! Berkeley Humane was overjoyed to host Grumpy Cat last weekend but there’s nothing grumpy about the cat featured in this week’s Going Home post. Meet Rusty, formally known as Azul (not hard to guess why he was given that name), who was adopted last year. His new owner sent us a quick update to let us know how he is doing now.

"This is Rusty (previously Azul.) We got him from you guys at 8 weeks and now he's about 6 months. We just love him so much. Thanks so much for rescuing him and bringing him into our lives."

Rusty might not be as famous as our Grumpy visitor last weekend but with those beautiful blue eyes we think he’s just as good looking! We’re so glad he’s found a loving home and he looks pretty happy about it too. A big thank you to Kat for sending us this update!

Berkeley Humane was thrilled with the great crowd at Grumpy Cat’s visit this weekend but we always have more wonderful pets looking for homes. Are you looking for a furry friend to add to your family? Stop by and see us during adoption hours: Wed. – Sun., 11 AM - 5 PM for dogs, Fri. – Sun., 11 AM – 5 PM for cats. You can also see the animals available for adoption on our website, www.berkeleyhumane.org. 

Going Home: Luna

Welcome back to Woof Wednesday! We’ve got another wonderful going home story this week. We checked in with Ashley to see how things were going with her cute new pup, Luna (Madeline). Read on to see what Ashley had to say about Luna’s life post- Berkeley Humane.

"I am madly in love with Luna (formerly known as Madeline). She is a sweetie pie and I am so happy to have found her. Thank you all for rescuing her and taking the time to love and care for her. I am so glad I can offer her a home and eternally grateful for her snuggles and companionship."

Well it looks like Luna's yoga poses could use some work but she's clearly feeling right at home already! From dog beds to yoga mats, Luna seems ready to cuddle anywhere. We're so happy her new year has started out positively and are grateful to Ashley for sending us this update. 

Did you know that Berkeley Humane offers training classes for dogs? From simple obedience skills to more advanced tricks, there is something for all different types of dogs. Visit our website, www.berkeleyhumane.org for more details or to sign up today!

Going Home: Misha

Happy Feline Friday everyone! It might be raining cats and dogs outside, but there’s just one cat we want to talk about today. This week’s going home story features the beautiful Misha. His owners were kind enough to post on our Facebook page to let us know how happy Misha is in his new home and even leave a couple of pictures. Read what they had to say below.

“Hello, we adopted Misha about a week ago and here he is relaxing! He has already made himself at home and is amenable to having his head scratched while stretching out on our laps. And here is Misha enjoying his view of the world....thank you Berkeley Humane!”

Hopefully Misha likes watching rain at his window, there’s lots to see outside today! We’re glad to see him doing so well; he looks as beautiful as ever and very happy too. A big thanks to Martha for sending us this update, we always welcome Facebook posts and emails to let us know how our adopted pets are doing.

The holiday season is upon us and tis the season of giving! This time of year, we ask everyone to keep Berkeley Humane in mind, we can always use donations to help keep our animals safe, warm, and well-fed. Visit our website, berkeleyhumane.org, to see how you can help!

Going Home: Bailey

Welcome back to another great Woof Wednesday here at Berkeley Humane! Everyone loves a feel good story around the holidays and this week’s Going Home post is just that. This week we’re checking in with Bailey (formerly Marley). Bailey’s new owners gave us a wonderful update telling us how she got her new name, a new canine friend, and a fantastic new home life. 

Bailey's owners were nice enough to send us a detailed emailed and some great pictures (before and after grooming). Read all about Bailey’s transition from Berkeley Humane below:

“Well, that would be Miss Bailey now. My daughter's friend was over while we were thinking about names and she heard me in the kitchen saying something about bay leaves, and she said, "Bailey!" It stuck. We knew Marley was a temporary name.

So, things have been going great with Bailey. They couldn't be better, really. She immediately fit right in with the family, and gets on well with our older dog -- who she'd like to play with more, but he's deaf and blind and pretty mellow. But we have lots of other dogs in our life and neighborhood. My daughter does some dog sitting, so we have a giant golden doodle over tonight. Bailey has spent time with her before and they love to play.

It's kind of crazy to think that she was on the street. She's house broken and responds to some commands. She seems very comfortable in her crate at night. She has a great temperament and is great with other dogs and kids. We keep thinking we're going to see a poster for a lost dog with her picture on it.

Bailey went to the vet and groomer on Friday. She has a clear bill of health, apart from an ear infection -- which we're treating.

She's really a gift, and we're grateful to have her in our family. She made for quite a Thanksgiving treat.

By the way, I'm also grateful to the fellow who helped us out on Wednesday. The shelter closed early because of the holiday and we got there 15 minutes before closing. I told him we were very interested in Marley and I wouldn't be able to come back on Friday because I had to work. He stuck around and did all the paperwork for us to bring her home then.”

Bailey hasn't been home long but it's clear she's already made a huge impression on her family. We're so happy to hear about all her new friends, both humans and fellow dogs! Nothing makes the holidays a little happier like having a new furry friend to play with, and it's clear that Bailey made this Thanksgiving extra special for her family. A huge thank you to Will for his positive email, it's always great to hear back from our animal adopters.

Everyone knows the holidays are a great time of year to add a lovable new pet to your family! Who didn't ask for a puppy for Christmas as a kid? (I still do.) Berkeley Humane has found homes for more animals than ever this year, but we've got a month left to find even more. If you're looking for a new dog or cat for your family, come visit us! Adoption hours are 11 - 5 on Wednesday through Sunday for dogs and 11 - 5, Friday through Sunday for cats. 

Going Home: Wren

Happy Woof Wednesday folks! The weather might be getting colder but we’ve got another going home story that will warm your heart. This one comes from Megan, who reached out to us after adopting her adorable pup Wren (Dorian) over a year ago. She was nice enough to send us a picture from his adoption day as well as a more recent one. It's wonderful to see how much he's grown! Here's what Megan had to say about their experience with Wren:

“I got my dog, Wren (formerly Dorian), from Berkeley Humane. We adopted Wren when he was just a puppy. People stop us on the street all the time to ask what kind of dog he is - they're always shocked to hear he's a rescue! We get a lot of ‘who could give up that face?!’ Lately, I've been thinking a lot about how truly lucky my husband and I were to find our pup there, and I would love to help the Humane Society.”

We’re not surprised that Wren gets that reaction, that furry little face is adorable! Clearly, Wren is just as cute as ever and loving his life post-Berkeley Humane. We’re so happy to hear from him again, a big thanks to Megan for sending us this update!

Would you like to volunteer with us?  Our volunteers mean so much to us and we love welcoming new members to the Berkeley Humane family. If you’re interested, fill out the application on our website or send us an email!  

Going Home: Gideon

It’s another Woof Wednesday here at Berkeley Humane and that means we've got a great new adoption story to share! This week we will be checking up on Gideon. 

This adorable pup’s new owners sent us a very positive email to let us know how well Gideon is doing, both with them and his new puppy playmate, Ginger. Read their report below:

“Hello, things are going great!! Gideon has been such a joy for us and our puppy, Ginger; they love playing and interacting with each other! He seems to be very happy and has been eating very well too!! We took him to the vet on Wednesday and they said he was healthy. Thank you for checking in on him. Here is a pic of him cuddling with Ginger! They do that a lot!!”

They say a picture is worth a thousand words but we think this one is priceless. Gideon and Ginger might not have known each other long but it’s clear these two were meant to be friends. We’re so glad Gideon has found a happy, healthy home and would like to thank his new owners for their update! It’s always great to see just how well our adoptees are doing, and especially to see them cuddling up with new friends.

Have you adopted a dog or cat from Berkeley Humane? We’d love to hear your special story! Send us an email or write on our Facebook page to let us know how your new pet is doing. Pictures are always welcome too!

Going Home: Lisbeth

Welcome to another exciting Woof Wednesday! This week we will be checking in with Lisbeth (formally known as Senga). Lisbeth’s new owners were kind enough to send us an email update; not only do they love having a new puppy in their life but Lisbeth has already found a new canine friend as well. Read about Lisbeth’s  wonderful new home and family below.

“I saw ‘Senga’ on your Facebook page. Sure, she looked like a mini version of our Corgi/Pit mix Rocket. And yes, she had the same brindle coat, and the same goofy ears. But there was something in her eyes… And while my boyfriend, Eric, is used to me constantly sharing adoptable dog photos with him, this time was different. He immediately said, ‘Well, why don’t we go see her tomorrow?’

At the Bark Around the Block adoption event on Sunday, we walked her around the corner. Eric held her in his arms and said, ‘There’s no doubt we’re taking her home with us, right?’ Right.

She had been severely mauled before she was brought to the first shelter, which was Stockton. Three days before we adopted her, she was luckily transported to Berkeley Humane. She is scarred, and will
probably have some lasting issues with her tongue, due to the incident.

Rocket is dog selective. He either LOVES a dog or, well, REALLY doesn’t like them. So, I was a bundle of nerves. We had them meet on neutral territory. She proceeded to lick the inside of his mouth and climb on his head. He couldn’t have been more pleased about it.

We named her Lisbeth, after one of my favorite characters, Lisbeth Salander (Girl with the Dragon Tattoo). Like Lisbeth Salander, she seems very smart, cunning, and has superb investigative skills. Despite her traumatic start, she’s still finding her way in the world.

Since Sunday, Rocket and Lisbeth have been absolutely inseparable. They vigorously play, take happy walks, and then collapse in exhaustion next to each other. At night, Rocket lies close to her crate to keep a watchful eye on her.

Potty training is, seemingly, a 24-hour job right now. But I will say that it is worth every second. We lucked out with this beautiful pup. We had a great, happy life before, but somehow, it just got infinitely better.

Lisbeth would like to thank you for what you do, Berkeley Humane.”

Thanks to Gretchen for sharing this update with us! We are so glad they saw something irresistible in Lisbeth and decided to welcome an adorable new member into their family. It’s clear that Lisbeth and Rocket have become fast friends; they’re already singing duets together!

Are you looking for a new puppy to join your family? Be sure to check out our website or come visit us during dog adoption hours (Wednesday through Sunday between 11 and 5)!