The Local Leash

Homeless Pets Need Foster Families

Want to help pets but can't find the time to volunteer at a shelter? Becoming a foster parent is a rewarding experience full of love and wet kisses.

Last week's column discussed the pros of adopting fostered pets. Today we'll look at what it's like to be a foster parent. I interviewed Cuyahoga Falls resident Anne Caston, who has been fostering dogs for Rose's Rescue for four years. Rose's Rescue is based in Rootstown, but doesn't really have a shelter; they mainly care for pets in foster homes. One of those foster homes is actually Camp Bow Wow in Cuyahoga Falls. The doggy day care houses dogs for Rose's Rescue as well as another rescue, Paws & Prayers of Akron. People interested in adopting a well-socialized dog can visit Camp Bow Wow any time to take a meet their fostered dogs. Rescues that rely on foster homes, like Rose's and Paws & Prayers, pull a lot of dogs from death row at …

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TABATHA

4:28 pm on Tuesday, August 14, 2012

HI MY NAME IS TABATHA I OWN THREE PITS. I JUST GOT OUT OF AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH MY BOYFRIEND. HE IS IN JAIL NOW BUT THE THREE DOGS THAT WE HAVE BOTH RAISED I HAVE NOW. I MOVED OUT BUT I NEDD A TEM HOME FOR THEM UNTILL HE GETS OUT BECAUSE I CANT GIVE THEM THE CARE THEY NEED RIGHT NOW WITH TWO JOBS BOTH FULL TIME. IM DESPRETE AND I LOVE MY PITS ALOT. IM TAKING A SHOT IN THE DARK WITH THIS …   more ›

Helping Pets Feel Happy & Comfortable at Home

Our pets crave routine. Any swing in that routine and sometimes it's up to us to help them feel safe and happy again in their own home.

In general, our pets feel most comfortable at home, especially when we are with them. But some pooches and purr boxes are more sensitive than others, and any shift in their daily routine can cause stress, fear, and unpredictable behavior. Such stress can cause a whole host of other issues, including: Every pet is different. During thunderstorms, my childhood dog would run and hide. If you tried to go to him to comfort him, he would just run to another room to hide and be alone. Perhaps he felt like every crack of thunder was striking down his pride. My current dog, however, runs straight to my lap and the first flash of lightning. As long as I hold him, he'll fall asleep during the storm. But if no one comfort him, he cries, shakes and …

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Neighbors You Should Know

Get to Know: April Hakaim

She refuses to give up on any dog that needs rescued.

When April Hakiam looks back on her life’s work, one picture stands out. It’s of a golden retriever named Ben, floating on his back in a pool. When Ben was just 2 years old, he was epileptic and unnaturally obese. He was unable to walk due to bad knees. His owner no longer wanted him and was orphaned. Then Hakaim and her team came to the rescue. Hakaim is the co-founder of Golden Treasures Rescue. Located in Bath, Golden Treasures is a nonprofit that saves unwanted golden retrievers and finds homes for them. Golden Treasures rescued Ben, alleviated his medical problems (he did rehab in a swimming pool) and found him an owner. “The dogs just break my heart. It’s not their fault that they need a new home,” Hakiam said.  “Somebody’s got to do…

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The Local Leash: Heartworm Prevention is a Must After Recent Rain

If you don't test and preventively treat your dog for Heartworm because you aren't familiar with the disease or think it rare, it's time to get educated.

At the front desk of the vet clinic I go to, there is a print out from an advice column taped to the counter top.  The column is a reprint of a letter from someone in the veterinary industry offering tips for pet owners who bring their pets in to the vet. One of the points the reader makes it to ask that pet owners not dispense advice to each other in the waiting room.  So recently, I had to bite my tongue when the woman in front of me turned down a request to test her dog for Heartworm. Thankfully, the woman behind the desk let her know what an important test it was, and she agreed to have one done. We've had such a rainy spring, many experts are warning that excess moisture (especially where there is standing water) will allow mosquitoes…

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Pets of the Week: Arthur and Mel

One of these pets could be the next new member of your family.

The Humane Society of Greater Akron  is offering these animals for adoption. Arthur Arthur is just under 2 years old. He's a Lab mix that weighs about 55 pounds; he arrived at the Humane Society after his owner passed away. He already knows sit and down and is eager and ready to learn more! He LOVES, LOVES, LOVES toys and is always ready to play. He gets along well with other dogs and won’t mind sharing a home with one of them. If you think Arthur may be a match for your family, stop in and visit him today. Mel Mel is shy, but you can tell that he’s trying really hard to come out of his shell. He watches people with interest but once they approach, he backs away a bit. His interest can be captured with treats and quiet conversation. After …

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Take a Peek at What Your Neighbors are Doing

Check out these videos from neighboring Patch sites.

At Fairlawn-Bath Patch, we try to bring you the most up-to-date and interesting news from our area every day -- more and more of those pieces are on video.   But there are fascinating things happening all over the region, and we want to make it easy for you to check out those stories.  Check out the links below to see what's happening beyond your own back yard, in Patches in Cuyahoga Falls, Lakewood and Brecksville. Cuyahoga Falls -- Woodridge and Cuyahoga Falls Schools are discussing whether to share a superintendent.  Lakewood -- The city remembers one of its own at the funeral of a former firefighter. Brecksville --Takes a look at alcohol awareness program at the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center. Fairlawn-Bath -- Here at home a rescue dog …

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Rescue Dog and Elderly are Therapy for Each Other

Visits to Sumner on Ridgewood raise the spirits of residents who take special comfort from animals.

Ruthanne McMeechan, of Fairlawn, and her 6-year-old German Shepherd Ella make weekly visits to Sumner on Ridgewood in Copley Township. The dog provides an opportunity for socialization for residents, many of whom have some degree of memory loss and communication difficulties. The program also is therapeutic for Ella too. The animal was wary of people when she was first rescued from a breeding facility, but training and the Sumner visits have put her more at ease with people.  

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Pets of the Week: Garret and Nikita

These homeless animals are ready to join your family.

The Humane Society of Greater Akron  is offering these animals for adoption. Garret Garret is a 4 year-old American Bulldog mix that weighs around 60 pounds. He does well with other dogs. He is a sweet, playful and goofy boy! He can be a little timid with some new situations and people, but warms up quickly. Garrett is pretty easy-going and would enjoy a quiet low-key lifestyle. Nikita Nikita is an all around great cat, both cuddly and playful. She is about 6 years old, loves attention and will let you know when she wants it with her distinct "meow."  Adoption Fees: Dogs and Puppies: $99 Senior dog over 6 years old: $40 Senior to Senior Program - Senior person over 60 adopts a senior dog: $15 Kittens: $75 Cats - over 6 months: $50 Rabbits…

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Pets of the Week

These local pets are waiting for a new home.

The Humane Society of Greater Akron  is offering these animals for adoption. Bronx Bronx is about 4 months old and is a Pit Bull mix. He will probably grow to be a medium size dog. He arrived with four other siblings. He is the only one left from the litter who is still waiting for a home. The staff and volunteers can’t understand why -- Bronx is such a sweet, playful and loving puppy who gets along great with other dogs.  Lydia Lydia is a fluffy and demur kitty that is around 3-4 years old. You have to prove yourself to her before she will trust you, but once that is accomplished you better be ready to play! Lydia is a trophy kitty with a luxurious coat and attitude to match.  Adoption Fees: Dogs and Puppies: $99 Senior dog over 6 years …

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Bath Dog Trainer has Resolutions for Pet Parents

Suggestions from an expert on ways to thank your furry friends.

As we're all still thinking of ways to make this year better than the last, Patty Vesalo offers New Year's Resolutions of a different kind: good deeds for the best friend who's always doing for you. Vesalo is a Bath Township dog lover who worked as a trainer for a pet superstore chain and now operates her own business, Clever Pup 101. At home, Vesalo has a king charles spaniel, a shelti-chow mix and Quint, a rescue.  Dog Lover's Resolutions  Spend Time With Your Dog Educate Yourself on Dog Health Issues      Feed Your Dog Well Donate Time, Resources And Love To Animals In Need The rewards are many fold.  My favorite charities include:   Live In The Moment, Enjoy Each Day!    Learn the lessons your dog has to teach you   

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