Pets of the Week – Ollie and Riggs!

Riggs on left, Oliver on right.

Meet brothers – Oliver (Ollie) & Riggs. These young, handsome brothers are loving, affectionate, with a strong connection to humans. They both love chasing anything with a string, cuddling, napping and playing with each other.

Ollie is a "giver" and he can be found massaging his brother and sometimes even to his foster parents on occasion. Riggs on the other hand is more of a “receiver” – he won’t argue with a gentle massage from Ollie and if that isn’t going to happen he might stretch out, lay on his back with his legs in the air and have a quick snooze.

Riggs and Oliver are both very loving, sweet boys who want to remain together forever. They're still young cats and have the crazy 'kitten moments’ of pure play and bliss. They're great with other cats but a little intimidated by the current resident dog they live with.

This dynamic duo are gentle enough to be with children and would be a wonderful addition to a family. If you are able to have more than one cat and can give these bonded brothers a chance to stay together then please fill out an application today.

Pets of the Week, Boots & Kiwi!

Boots and Kiwi are two cats that will charm the daylights out of you! 

Boots is a vibrant kitten who loves his human foster family and also loves attention. Boots will play with almost anything but chasing string seems to be a favourite activity for him. Boots is a real cuddler too. He has been known to find a comfortable spot snuggled around his human friend’s neck or shoulder, purring himself to sleep. 






Boots never met a food dish he didn’t like! He’s still learning his manners and is diligently studying how to sit, wait for his food and not eat his sister Kiwi’s food before she gets to it. Boots is endearingly playful and would do well in a home with children and other pets.

Kiwi is a true black beauty. This independent lady is content doing her own thing. She doesn’t like to make a big scene and will just go with the flow. When she’s not relaxing on the cushy living room chair she can be found playing with her feather toys or chasing after treats that her foster mom slides across the floor for her.

Kiwi has totally warmed up to her young brother Boots and has even been caught cleaning him and playing with him when no one is looking of course. Kiwi isn’t a fan of being picked up and will attempt to squirm out of your hold – so she is best suited to families with older children that understand that she doesn’t like to be picked up.

These cats will bring endless joy to anyone lucky enough to adopt them. Inquire about Boots or Kiwi today or fill out our adoption application today.

Medical Intervention: Hope and Valor

Meet Hope and Valor. They were found orphaned on June 18th at approximately 2.5 weeks old. Shortly after bringing them into ARF’s care it became clear that they quickly needed medical attention. They were rushed to CARE Centre where Hope received immediate attention for a rectal prolapse that she likely suffered due to days of poor nutrition and diarrhea. Over the next several days she was monitored very closely in order to ensure that her condition improved, as well as to make sure that the purse string suture repair for her prolapse was working correctly.

Valor on July 5, 2013

During this time Valor was also given critical care for hypoglycemia and a low core body temperature. Over the course of a week his body temperature and blood glucose was monitored around the clock while he was given fluids and a dextrose drip to try and keep his blood sugar levels within a healthy range. His condition was also likely caused due to poor nutrition over several days. Unfortunately, being on IV fluids and a dextrose drip is a lot for one little kitten and Valor also developed an abscess where his dextrose drip was located, which also needed to be treated.

After several days of critical care, thorough monitoring, medications and suture repairs at the CARE Centre both Hope and Valor are now in an amazing foster home where they are receiving around-the-clock care, several medications and, of course, lots of love. Over the coming weeks they are expected to make a full recovery and will be available for adoption once they are old enough and well enough to be spayed and neutered. 

Hope on July 5, 2013

You can help. To date, their medical costs have exceeded $5,000 and ARF does everything it can to help a dog or cat once rescued. This cost will not be picked up by any adoptive family, but will be paid for by ARF. ARF is a registered charity, staffed almost entirely by volunteers, and reliant on donations. Please consider donating here so we can continue to give animals like Hope and Valor a second chance.

Pet of the Week, Jesse

Jesse (formerly Jinx) has come a long way since she found a new foster home. At first she was quiet and nervous, being in a new home with young children, but she’s really come out of her shell and is really relaxed and comfortable around everyone! She no longer hides under the couch, or any closed space for that matter and Jesse has really started to enjoy the company of people, even strangers. The first time I met her she was in a strange place with a bunch of strangers. She was willing to approach me, take treats and let me pet her. Within a few minutes, she was purring and soliciting attention from me.

Jesse’s foster home has a revolving door of foster kittens and she seems to adjust really well to all of them. She has been found sleeping with them, grooming them and even playing with them.

Some of Jesse’s favourite pastimes include lazy days sitting in the window being entertained by all the goings-on outside, tummy rubs, she plays fetch and loves to hunt files and bugs.

When she’s not busy playing and getting attention, you can usually find her snuggled under the clothing in her foster mom’s closet taking a nap.

Jesse is a young, energetic cat and she is just a tiny little thing too. We think she’d make a great companion to just about anyone, provided her forever home understands that it might take her a little while to open up. But don’t you worry, once she does, you won’t be disappointed!!

For more information on Jesse or to adopt this wonderful little cat, visit our website at www.arf.ab.ca and view our available cat page!

Pet of the Week, Tabitha!

Meet Tabitha! She is a very sweet and precious girl, who is still awaiting a special family to scoop her up and make her a part of their family. Tabitha came to ARF as a kitten, over a year ago, because she’s a year old now, less adopters will notice her. She’s hopeful though,  and knows it only takes one person to fall in love and give her the family she deserves. 

Tabitha would like to tell you a little bit about herself...

When my foster mom comes home I am the first one to greet her and of course I know that there is some lovin in it for me too. I am very gentle when playing and love to give little nibbles on my foster mom’s arm, which she thinks it’s cute. I have made friends very easily with the other cats in my foster home and am trying to make friends with the 2 resident dogs. I haven't had a lot of experience with dogs but I think I can do it. I have a raspy sound when I breathe as the flaps in the back of my throat don't close properly and when I purr my foster mom says I remind her of doves. Due to this condition I may be at a slight risk of getting aspiration pneumonia, but with some antibiotics I will be good as new. I have a lot of love to give and await my forever family.

If you think this sweet little feline could be a great addition to your family, fill out an application for her today! She's been waiting...

Pet of the Week, Buddy!

Hi, my name is Buddy. I'm a lady's man and a guy’s guy. I’m up for a tussle or chase with the guy cats in the house but I love to curl up with the girl cats when it’s nap time. I get along well with all the cats in the house, although the girls sometimes think I’m a bit too pushy.

You won’t often hear me because I’m a quiet guy. You’ll know I’m around because I’ll lean against your legs to be petted or jump up on your lap for some cuddle time. There’s a great three-level tower here and although I love the top level, I’ve come to realize that it’s safer to take the middle level – the top level is always very popular, and sometimes gets crowded. The good thing is that my foster mom can easily see me on this level when she’s walking by so I score lots of attention.

I’m a bit shy around strangers when they come to the house, but I won’t be too far away in case treats are offered. When a treat is tossed I’ll chase it down or knock it out of the air – none of the cats or kittens can beat me; although they never stop trying. I have very good manners and will sit on command for a treat or dinner.

I would like to have another cat to play with as I think I might be lonely without feline companionship, unless my person liked to play with me.

I arrived at my foster home about 3 years ago when I was just a little kitten but I know that the right person is out there and when they meet me, they will see the potential even if I may be somewhat wary of them at first. I’ve heard that it feels wonderful to have a shy cat in the house and be patient enough to have it come to trust and love you.

If you think you have room in your home for this wonderful feline, please, don't hesitate to fill out an adoption application!

Pet of the Week, Tia!

This is Tia! She is a radiant beauty with very distinctive markings. Tia is a medium-haired tortoise shell (black, charcoal and orange fur). She’s got a fluffy coat, but she’s really only an itty bitty thing. She’s looking for a home where she’ll be the centre of attention as she loves her people (and other cats)! If she had a middle name, it would be affection. She’ll adjust easily to a new home and would quite enjoy the company of another kitty. She has bonded well with the other cats in her foster home and will curl up beside them and give them a little massage.

Tia is the only cat available with ARF right now that has longer fur. It’s super soft and fluffy and she likes to be brushed. She’ll need regular grooming to keep it from getting tangled, but we know she’s worth it!

Tia has been around just about everything – she’s lived with lots of other cats and kittens, she currently lives with dogs, and she lives with a toddler. All she needs now is a forever home! If you think Tia would be the purrrfect addition to your family, fill out an application for her now!

When it's 30 below zero.

Warning: there is a graphic image in this post, viewer discretion is advised.

Tuesday, November 23rd marked the coldest day of the year (so far) in Calgary. Official reports are mixed, but it was at least -30. It was also rumored that we were, at one point, the 2nd coldest spot on the planet. Inside the city limits, the temperature is always warmer. There are buildings and vehicles that emit exhaust and block wind keeping the city temperature a tad higher. Outside the city limits though, that is a different story. If you've ever been outside of our city you will know that we live in the prairies. There are vast expanses of land and the eye can see for miles. No buildings, few trees and the wind here can slice through you like a hot knife through butter. The -30 temperatures out in rural areas can be more unbearable and people can die of exposure within minutes. Inside the city, Calgarians were staying indoors as much as possible and definitely bundling up when they went outside. I'm sure most of us were quite careful with our dogs, taking them out only if needed. I know my two were less than impressed and could only handle about 10 minutes of outdoor play before their feet got too cold and full of icy snowballs (which are quite painful).

So, what happens to stray dogs when it's this cold? Well, simply put, they die. Our city is bordered on the east and west by two massive First Nations Communities, where ARF gets most of their dogs, puppies, kittens and cats from. We do travel further in all directions if need be, but this is where the majority of our animals come from. Typically speaking, most dogs are not spayed/neutered and left to run at will. The majority of them are strays and have to forage for food and seek their own shelter. The stray dogs breed at will and usually have litters of pups under someones steps or in a shed, anywhere they can find some sort of shelter. The mothers are usually too malnourished to properly feed their young, giving the pups a lower chance of survival.

Last week, ARF's Dog Program Coordinator, Julie Felber, went out to find puppies. It was already starting to get cold on top of all the snow we were getting, and she knew that if there were any new litters they weren't going last much longer. She did come across one litter of 3-4 week old puppies. They were cold and scared, and she did catch 4 of them, but the other 3 got away from her and hid somewhere.

On Tuesday when temperatures plummeted and Calgarians were warm and snug, Julie and another Volunteer headed out into the freezing weather to see if they could find more puppies. They happened upon another litter of 3-4 week old puppies living underneath a cement slab staircase. They grabbed the 3 smallest and weakest puppies because they were easy to catch. Unfortunately, the 5 remaining pups were hiding in a tiny hole too far back for any arms to reach. They tried digging them out and bribing them with canned dog food, but their efforts were in vain as the ground was frozen solid and covered in ice. They soon realized the 3 pups they already rescued needed to be seen by a veterinarian immediately in order to survive, so they left the rest of the litter and rushed the little ones to a nearby animal hospital. On their way to the hospital they spotted two adult dogs running along the side of the highway. When they pulled over to leave food for them, they realized that these two were also strays and extremely malnourished. They likely wouldn't make it through the winter. Fortunately, one of them was smart enough to know a good thing when he saw it and he hopped right into the van! The other dog soon followed suit. Once they dropped everyone off at the vet they had to try again for the remaining pups.

These are the two dogs that were running along the highway, now safe and sound.

On their way back to check on the pups under the stairs, Julie and her trusty sidekick decided to stop by the place where the 3 remaining pups from last week were hiding, hoping to find them and rescue them too. Unfortunately, 2 of them did not make it and were laying nearby, frozen. The one surviving pup was in bad shape, so they got him into the van and tried warming him up as quickly as possible. The volunteer took him home with her that evening, waking up every 3 hours to feed him canned mush and to brainstorm ideas on how they could get the other 5 puppies that were living under the stairs. All she could think about were her own dogs who didn't even want to go outdoors to pee, never mind the 4 week old puppies out in the cold, all alone.

 These are the two that didn't make it.

The only plan they could come up with was to try and fish the puppies out of their hole with butterfly nets. So, they went and purchased some nets on Wednesday and off they went. When they arrived at the location, the puppies were outside but once they saw the van, they started to run back towards their hole. The volunteer couldn't bear the thought of having to leave these guys again, so she jumped out of the van, while it was still in motion (please don't try this at home) and rushed to the stairs. She was able to push them out of the way and grab the smallest ones, blocking the hole with her body. One puppy managed to escape, but he was quickly found hiding under a nearby tarp. All five of the puppies were immediately brought to the same hospital as their siblings and are being fed goat's milk until they can get on solid food.

The puppies that were rescued in this two day span were very lucky. They will receive medical attention, be spayed/neutered as soon as they are old enough and will be placed in loving forever homes.

The seasons in Alberta can be incredibly unforgiving to animals out in the elements, especially if they are left to fend for themselves. In the summer, our temperatures can soar into the +40's and in the winters they can plummet as low as -40 (not including the wind chill). Julie is faced with rescue challenges like this on a regular basis and she is frequently looking death straight in the eyes. We are currently at capacity and have been for months now. Yet, when she sees a dog who is going to die, she's not thinking about what foster home can take it, she's think about a life she can save. This is true dedication and compassion and I know it is not a job most of us would ever be able to do.

 

 This fellow was the remaining dog from the first litter partially rescued last week.

He's now snug as a bug in a rug!

The winter months are quite possibly harder for the stray animals out there and we can only save as many as we have room for, but you can help more dogs and cats have the same happy ending. Consider fostering a dog or cat to help our at-capacity foster system to take more animals in from the cold. To find out more about fostering, click here. If you are not able to help out by fostering, you can still help ARF dogs and cats by donating or volunteering.

Alternatively, we are raising funds to purchase/build our very own facility for emergency situations like this. Learn more about how you can have an impact on the lives of many animals through our "Pad for Paws" campaign.

Please, stay warm and give your pets a nice pat on the head for me!

Pet of the Week

 Hi, My name is Gypsy. I’ve been in foster care with ARF for a little while now, so they thought it would be nice if I introduced myself and let you know what I’m like. I’m about 3 years old and I had moved into a garage so I could have a litter of kittens. The people let me live there for a little while, but then I had to go. ARF took me in and found out that I really like people! I love to cuddle and get attention from people and I’m very inquisitive. I’m not afraid of new people coming into the house and after I satisfy my curiosity about them, I usually just curl up for a nap.

I love to play with bags; plastic, paper, it doesn’t matter. I love to jump into them and see what’s inside! I also like to burrow under newspaper, but my favorite toy is one of those circular tracks that has a ball inside… man, I could bat that thing around all day long!

I get along with other cats and kittens, no problems there, but I don’t know how I feel about dogs.

Well, that’s about it. If you think you have room for a beautiful and affectionate feline like me, fill out an application for me today! I hope to see you soon!

Love Gypsy