11.11.15 We greatly appreciate our Veterans – Human and Canine. The bond between people and dogs can be very strong. Dogs are called man’s best friend for a reason. They have worked side by side with human soldiers throughout history. Sometimes they are forgotten. Today we remember a very special Veteran, his name is Sergeant Stubby. He lived from 1916 or 17 to March 16, 1926 and was a stray wandering the Yale University campus while the 102nd infantry were training. He hung around and Corporal Robert Conroy grew attached to him. When it was time for them to ship out to France, the Corporal apparently snuck Sergeant Stubby on board and the rest is history. He has been called the most decorated war dog of World War I and the only dog to be nominated for rank and then promoted to sergeant through combat. There is no official documentation for this, but it is recognized with the Smithsonian exhibition called, “The Price of Freedom.”
10.26.15 Our senior foster, Jack, was featured on Fox 11’s Pet Project last week. Unfortunately, he did not find a forever home from the showing. The good news is, we have made a decision. Jack now has a forever home and a job! He will be a permanent and important part of the Nika Animal Network as our senior dog advocate and we embrace him with open paws. His new title is….Director, Senior Dog Advocate.
10.19.15 We were contacted this week about Duke and Snoop and we are trying to help network them. Unfortunately, their family is unable to keep them and they are seeking help to find them a new home. They can be adopted separately if two wonderful homes come forward. They do not want to take them to the shelter and are doing everything they can to avoid that.
Duke is an 8 year old Beagle mix (about 20lbs). He loves to sunbathe and run around the yard. Very sweet disposition. He is house trained. Neutered and up to date on shots.
Snoop is a 6 year old Border Collie mix (about 50lbs). He loves to play and herd other dogs. He is a higher energy dog and needs an experienced dog person, preferably someone who understands what working dogs need. He would do better in a home with adults or older kids. He has shown some sensitivity to certain men, so he needs someone who understands that. Snoop is also house trained. Neutered and up to date on shots.
10.12.15 We are so proud to announce Fiona has been adopted! When her new dad, Michael, initially called about her, it sounded like the perfect match….and it is. He had been looking for a special companion for a few years. Knowing that, a friend texted him Fiona’s picture from her appearance on the morning news. When Michael saw her she sparked his interest and the rest is history. We are so grateful to Michael for adopting Fiona and giving her a loving home. She is a special dog and now she has a special dad. We know they are going to be very bonded buddies for a long time into the future.
10.8.15 Dewey was with us for twelve years. He will be missed but never forgotten.
http://www.nikaanimalnetwork.org/little-dewey-a-big-impression/
9.25.15 It has been a very busy week for Fiona. There is a lot to get done preparing for a forever home!
- Get a bath – DONE
- Take pictures – DONE
- Decide on a name – DONE
- New collar and I.D. tag – DONE
- Veterinary appointment – DONE
- Spay surgery – DONE
- Fox 11 appearance – DONE
- Find a forever home –
9.23.15 Fiona was brought to the shelter as a stray – no tags or micro-chip – nobody claimed her. She is a Cairn Terrier with the sweetest disposition and she is pretty calm and quiet. The vet estimates her around 5 years old. Fiona loves to go for car rides and lays down quietly in the back seat. It is hard to imagine how a precious dog like Fiona is left to run the streets. It looks like she has had puppies and may have been used for that purpose – we don’t know for certain. Her past will remain a mystery, but her future we hold in our hands. We want to find her a home that cherishes her for the special dog she is.
9.15.15 After living her young life seriously neglected, Mati will be living the life she was meant to have – being loved and cared for. We are so proud to announce she found the perfect home. Her new mom saw her on our recent Fox 11 showing and said to her family, “That’s our dog!” And, she was right. Mati’s family has a big heart for animals. They adopted Lucky from a shelter almost a year ago. He understands what Mati’s been through. Mati and Lucky are about the same size and age – it was love at first sight. With their little tails wagging and flirtatious posturing, it was clear they were the perfect pair. Mati was very comfortable with her new family right from the start. She is doing very well in her new home – it is as if she has always been there. We express our heartfelt gratitude to Mati’s new family!
9.3.15 Many of you have been asking about Jill and how she is doing. Given her advanced age of 10+ years and what she has been through in her life, she is doing well. Most of her vision is gone, but she still finds her way around. We take it one day at a time. As you may remember, she almost died a few months ago due to heart failure and we were faced with having to make a very difficult decision. Thankfully, our wonderful veterinarian, Dr. Chong, gave us an option of trying a combination of medications. We did not want Jill suffering and needed to see an improvement for her quickly. The medications gave her immediate relief and we are so grateful. Her regime of three medications will continue for the remainder of her life. Some of the medications have been generously donated by Dr. Chong and we can not express our gratitude enough. Jill has not had a good life. We want her to live the final chapter of her life comfortable, cared for, and knowing she is loved. We are so grateful to the wonderful veterinary care Jill has been given – she has been given the gift of time.