Celebrate Seymour

Roberta Littky recently shared the story with us of how her dog, Seymour, joined her family. Here is how it all happened, in her own words:

After raising three small dogs for many years, our oldest, Princess died in June of last year.  Her passing left a gaping hole in our hearts.  After six months, we decided it was time to add another dog to our family.

For the first time, we decided to rescue an older dog.  We went to Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League and met our adoption counselor, who listened intently to our needs. She understood that we were not looking for a replacement, but a wonderful new addition to our family.

She patiently showed us through the "small dog" room and asked us to look at each dog as we walked through and see if we could relate to not just their looks but their personalities.

Obviously, we could not adopt all of the dogs, but we did see a very calm and adorable one.  He appeared to be without anxiety; he did not bark or cry.  He just lay at my feet waiting for a tummy rub.

My husband and I were in love, but we needed to bring in Norman and Sophie, our two Shih Tzus to see if they would give Seymour a “thumbs up,”

I can't say they loved him immediately, they just really didn't mind him.  We took him home that day.  As soon as he was inside our home, he ran up the stairs and jumped in our bed.  I think he realized he was home.

We have trained Seymour to be a certified therapy dog and he volunteers at Quantum House every Tuesday, entertaining the children and their parents.  He can now play our baby grand piano and has learned other tricks.  Seymour has brought so much joy to our family!

We are eternally grateful to have a facility like Peggy Adams. Seymour was only there a few days, but he was very well taken care of during that time and was carefully checked for any health problems or social issues.

We always thought that rescuing a dog or cat was a one sided transaction. We are indeed fortunate in our community to have a "home" like Peggy Adams.

Do you have an adoption story you'd like to share? Send them to marketing@peggyadams.org

Your Dog Will Love Saturdays

Did you know that Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League offers free training classes every Saturday morning? It's a great chance to strengthen the bond between you and your dog. 

Here are just a few of the things you'll be able to share with your dog:

• The commands for sit, lay down, stay, and come
• How to walk your dog in a controlled manner
• How to prevent unwanted behavior, like jumping
• Better communication and understanding

The classes are provided by staff and volunteers from Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League. As a nonprofit, we will always welcome donations any collected money will support our animals.

The sessions are held outside in our training fields, which are on the eastern edge of our property.

To maximize your experience, keep these things in mind:

• Arrive by 8:30am to register - classes start promptly at 9AM
• Do not feed your dog in the morning—we will be doing reward training.
• If your dog is very energetic, please exercise your dog prior to joining us.
• Wear closed-toe, flat shoes. No flip-flops or heels. Sneakers are preferred.
• Bring a 4’ or 6’ leash—no retractable leashes permitted.
• Please bring soft, chewy treats for your dog. No Milkbone or cookie-type treats.
• This class is open to anyone in need of help. It doesn't matter which shelter you adopted your dog from!

Our goal is to teach you positive reinforcement and proactive training methods proven to produce quick, happy responses & long lasting results. Puppies get a chance to interact with other pups in a safe & professionally controlled setting.

Make Saturdays a special day for you and your animal.

In case you missed it, here's a look back at Day One of our Mega Match adoption event. The two days saw 163 animals find new homes!

 

Calendar Alert - Our Blessing Of the Animals is Coming Soon

It's the phrase that we hate to hear: "I forgot about the Blessing of the Animals."

We know this is one of our most anticipated events of the year, so we want to remind you that it will be taking place on our campus, by the Berman Memorial Garden, on Saturday, October 5th. The brief service will begin at 10 a.m.

By popular demand, the uplifting event will once again be led by renowned spiritual leaders, Father Frank and Rabbi Frank. 

You and your pets will also enjoy music during the service. A Cantor and a soloist will bring a new dimension to this special day.

After the service, we'll continue our tradition of giving you and your animal some one-on-one time with Father Frank and Rabbi Frank. You'll leave with a special certificate and a link to a professional photo from your visit with the "Franks"

The Blessing of the Animals is free to attend. We do accept donations and we think the $5 sounds like a good amount. As always, all donations will help the animals at Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League.

We know that it can be warm in early October, so we will have some drinks and light refreshments available.


But wait, there's more! Our friends with Scenthound Dogwash and Care will be on our property, that same day, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. It's a great chance to give even more TLC to your animal.

The Publicity Hound: We Celebrate Your Animals

A full color glossy magazine that we've produced for 40 years gives you the chance to show off your dogs and cats as well as help those animals in need of a second chance.

It's call the Publicity Hound and it's become part of a proud tradition at Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League.

Here's how it works:

1. You pick your favorite picture of your animals and/or yourself.
2. You choose the size and whether the image is in color or black and white.  
3. You purchase an ad in the publication. 
4. You enjoy seeing your picture featured when the publication comes out in early December (It's unveiled at our Christmas Ball).

If you run a business or know someone who runs a business that caters to animals, then it's a no-brainer to take out an ad in the the Publicity Hound as it is targeted marketing at its finest.

And the gift of an ad would make for the perfect gift for a loved one. 

Keep in mind that at a time when magazines are becoming an endangered species, this is a publication that will stay on a coffee table all year long and become proudly "dogeared."

All proceeds from the Publicity Hound help our animals.

Why not click here to find out more information?

And by popular request, here's a replay of our video about the scent training work we're doing with our animals. 

Shaggy Shoppe Special Delivery

The boxes kept arriving but no one seemed mind all of the unpacking. The other day, Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League received a big shipment of new merchandise for The Shaggy Shoppe, our boutique and pet supply center.

Inside the boxes are lots of fun items for your Halloween and Christmas celebrations. Every year we introduce some new items to the mix of popular favorites.

But wait, you say, "It's 90 degrees and super humid outside. How can we think of fall holidays right now?"

We're all about preparation but if you feel like you must shop for summer, while it is summer, then you'll love our selection of nautical and Hawaiian themed dog outfits.

And you can make sure your cat doesn't feel left out by picking up a new toy from our wide selection.

There's nothing scary about our Halloween chew toys. And what dog wouldn't want to sink his teeth into a squeaking "Chick Magnet" toy.

We know this is a lot of information to take in but we want to make sure that you understand that all proceeds from the Shaggy Shoppe help our adoptable animals.

We are very excited about our new collection of Pet Odor Eliminators. These sprays and candles come in a variety of scents. Here's the super cool part: These enzyme formulated products attack and remove pet and household odors.  And did you know that they are Made in the USA? Want to find out more? Go to this website.

We also carry all the essentials to start off right with your newly adopted pet. Everything from collars, leashes and ID tags to litter boxes, cat beds, and a variety of cat toys. We carry name brands such as Kong, Premier, Zymox, Science Diet, and our hottest NEW product, the Thundershirt for very anxious dogs. We also have a variety of Barkworth gourmet dog cookies, training treats, pill pockets and cat treats. 

Our Shaggy Shoppe is constantly evolving to meet your needs. It's located next to our lobby in the Grace Pavilion and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Every once in a while, visitors to our lobby are awarded a coupon to the Shaggy Shoppe.

If you're still in the shopping mood, you might want to visit our Thrift Store in West Palm Beach.

Shopping for the Animals

When you do anything for 40 years, you get pretty good at it! We're proud that this year, our Thrift Store is turning 40.

Did you know that we sell anywhere between 100 and 200 shoes per month. So over the past 40 years, that means we've put shoes on close to a quarter of a million feet! Shoes are just one of the treasures you'll find inside.

When our store first opened, volunteers picked up all of the donations in their personal cars. Today, we have big truck and two drivers. This makes picking up large items, like furniture, much easier.

Over all this time, the sales from our Thrift Store have helped our animals. We thank all who have shopped and helped that dog or cat who was in need of a second chance.

The Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League Thrift Store
1905 S. Dixie Highway
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Phone: (561) 833-8131   

South of Okeechobee Blvd, west side of Dixie Highway
Parking in rear of building.

 For information about our donation policies, click here.

And since you've read this email, we want to let you know that this Sunday's Palm Beach Post (Accent Section) and The Palm Beach Daily News (The Shiny Sheet) will feature a 20% of coupon for our Thrift Store. Clip it and save!


Here's a special message for our volunteers from Steven and Benny:

Scent Training at Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League

At Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League we understand that it's important that we care for both the physical and mental health of our dogs and cats. As part of that commitment, we've expanded our animal behavior services. One of these exercises has our adoptable dogs perform a scent training exercise. Here you can see Missy in action.

Our upcoming issue of the Shaggy Sheet will tell you more about some of the other behavior services we're offering our adoptable animals. It's all about preparing our dogs and cats for their new forever homes.

If you have a dog, you might want to check out training classes. They offer you and your animal the chance to bond and learn together.

It was a busy week at Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League as we also received a a four wheeled surprise that should help our four legged friends.

What We Can Do Together

Always remember that each gift that comes into Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League can have a tremendous impact on the life of a dog, cat, puppy, or kitten. The information below demonstrates the power of your dollars. Please feel free to share it with your friends and family.

Since 1925, we've received tremendous support from the community. We couldn't do it without you. As you know, we receive no government funding.

Perhaps you'd like to make a contribution to our cause. You can do it right now through this link.https://www.hspb.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=462

Enrichment!

The needs of our animals go beyond the physical. Sure, we're proud that we offer all of our dogs and cats medical exams, provide vaccinations, treat any problems, and perform spay and neuter surgeries.

But we're also aware that we need to attend to our animal's psychological needs. In addition to mental stimulation, we make sure that our dogs and cats are able to overcome any fear or less than charming behavior they may have developed.

Our volunteers play a key role in this process. Walking a dog or playing with a cat are just a few tasks that can make a huge difference in an animal's life. Their help is especially important during this time of year when so many animals enter our shelter.

So if you're looking for your new best friend, know that he or she has been cared for very well. Adopting a dog, cat, puppy, or kitten means a lot as, ultimately, a shelter is a poor substitute for a loving home. Adoption matters. And along the way, you might experience some enrichment of your own.

Is Something Missing?

It's the kind of thing that makes you love going home. When you open the front door, you're greeted by unleashed excitement. And no matter what kind of day you've had, you suddenly feel better. It's as if you've just taken a shower of love.

This memorable moment is brought to you by a cat, dog, kitten, or puppy.

Last year, Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League helped 3,263 animals find new homes. Each received the second chance they needed and the loving family they deserve.

Along the way we provided vaccinations, medical care, food, shelter, spay/neuter surgeries, exercise, and if needed, special training. The animals can stay as long as they need with us. Most find new families after about 35 days.

But we have to admit that a shelter is a poor substitute for a home. That's where you come in.

This is the time of year when we have the most animals looking for homes. We need loving families for them.

Start by visiting the adoption area of our website. Then come in and meet with one of our Adoption Coordinators.We take this process seriously and will work with you to find the perfect match.

And maybe a few days later, you'll realize that something had been missing from your life.

Please share this message with your friends and family.

Clean!

It's a comment many people make when first visiting our shelter. They say, "It's so clean!"

Cleanliness is a very important value at Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League. On average, an animal is with us for up to 35 days (some long term animals have been with us for more than a year) and we want that stay to be as comfortable as possible.

As you can see, every day our dog and cat areas are sprayed, scrubbed, and mopped. We make sure to use cleaning products that safe for the animals.

For our dogs, the morning cleaning time is also the time when they are walked, so they come "home" to a nice, clean place.

We also want to make sure that your visit to our facility is a pleasant one.

Please join us in saluting our many staff members who keep Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League. Their dedication is priceless and we know it is appreciated by the animals.

Tips from the Trainer - The Recall Command

Recall is the most valuable command you can teach!  This command can even save your dog’s life! Teaching a recall is easy—just reward your dog for coming to you! 

Start by kneeling a few feet away and making happy noises. Praise when the pup takes her first step toward you and give her a yummy treat when she gets to you. Run a few feet away and repeat the process. Make it a fun game! When she’s reliably coming to you, start using your cue.

Add distance and distractions to the recall. Calling a young puppy from across the yard when she is exploring a new, interesting scent is setting yourself and your pup up to fail. Walk to within a few feet, kneel down, and call her from there—and make sure to reinforce her for abandoning the distraction with something even better.

Success comes from repetition. Don’t increase your distance or distractions until your dog responds immediately and enthusiastically to the recall cue. While you’re training, remember to give a super-good reward every time you call your dog.

Kristi Jackson is the Senior/Lead Trainer at Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League. To find out more about our classes, visit http://www.hspb.org/page.aspx?pid=457

 

Want more training tips? Stay tuned for the next issue of our Shaggy Sheet Newsletter.