AALAPW - Pets Come in Sizes for Everyone - Riley and Tippy

Today's featured fosters for Petfinder's Adopt A Less Adoptable Pet Week showcase the wonderful diversity of our four legged friends! Big or small, there's a fuzzy companion out there just waiting for you, or someone you know! Yep, maybe their perfect forever parent is someone you know... so get out there, tweet, FB, post and email... and let the folks you know know about these wonderful critters!!! WE CAN ROCK THIS, guys!!!

Riley -

This gentle "Big Boy" is at a CompAnimals foster in Elkton, MD. CompAnimals started as a senior animal rescue... they've since expanded their mission but still focus on placing "less adoptable" pets.

Riley is an 8 yr old Rotti who came from a home with 'too many dogs'. He is a sweet boy who has seen some neglect and deserves to be pampered for the rest of his years. Riley gets along great with other dogs. He does have a touch of arthritis so would do best in a home without small children. he has been introduced to cats in his foster home and seems fine with them. Riley came in missing a lot of hair due to mold conditions in the home plus exema and a skin infection. Antibiotics, medicated baths and a good diet have helped a lot but he may have recurring skin sensitivity. Riley is a gentle giant who would do great in a home with Rotti experience. He would love a family that can spend time with him and is not gone from home for long hours. Riley has been neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and will be heartworm tested in the spring.

Tippy-

Tiny Tippy is a chihuahua being fostered at Hill Hounds Rescue and Animal Sanctuary in Denton, MD, that specializes in socializing their fosters in loving family environments.

This is a very nice little girl,loves to be cuddled, is not yappy and is sweet natured. She does have some skin issues, Demodectic mange, which is improving and will continue to improve when she gets into a less stressful situation, she came with Emma and Dexter, who are also being fostered at Hill Hounds.

Can you believe how many good folks have participated in AALAPW?? Just look!! And if you've supported the effort by reading, posting, tweeting, FBing or emailing, won't you join the blog hop? Does the heart good just to read it!

AALAPW: Jinx and Havana

Today, as part of Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week, we have two lovely ladies who need to be "only cats," but for very different reasons!

But first we've got a question: Have you let someone, not already hooked into the intertubes pet adoption network, know about AALAPW today? No? Well, what are you waiting for??? A simple, "check this out," with a link is all it takes. Look at it as a seed... you never know... even if it does take right away where you cast it, it may sprout later or be swept to a more fertile location! Ready, set... email!! LET'S ROCK THIS, FOLKS!

Friends of Felines, in Calverton, MD, has a sweet little girl who is just overwhelmed being around too many other cats. Just look at that sweet face!

Jinx is a black/gry tiger Female dob 3-18-08. Loves to be petted, sits on your lap and is very affectionate. Jinx is in a home with too many other cats and its just too busy for her. Every where she turns-there's another cat. She would do better with one other cat or being the only feline. Would be a great companion cat. Does like the great outdoors, may do well as an indoor or indoor/outside cat depending on location. Joyce 301-807-6660 or knitwit2@comcast.net Carol 410-495-7839

And Space Paws* is thrilled to present Havana for AALAPW. She is a lovely, stately queen, who just adores her human subjects and rules them with kindly benevolence. Sadly, she's been a bit more like Maleficent around the 4 legged residents of her kingdom. If you are looking for just one cat, this diva might just be right for you!

Ready for a beautiful diva to rule your roost? Havana is a very special, bright and loving girl! A gorgeous tuxie, she is a natural born "only cat" and will make the perfect pet for someone who wants only one special critter in their life. Havana is cared for at Chez Mari. She's very healthy, gently playful and well mannered... with everyone except other critters, that is... then she turns into a thuglette! Who would have thought it!? She must be queen, so Space Paws will be placing her as a singleton. She is 10 years old, has been an indoor cat her whole life. She has all her shots, has been spayed and chipped.

* Yep, that's us! We finally registered with Petfinder and Havana is the first gal to go up. Guess what we'll be doing this weekend... LOL!

PS - We got to visit Sophie in her new home yesterday and, as soon as AALAPW is over, we'll be sharing some pics and stories!

AALAPW - Another 2 Fer - AC & Dez and Beatrice

Today we're doing a "right in our own cyberspace backyard" entry for Adopt A Less Adoptable Pet Week. And we have two entries from folks you know.

AC & Dez
Remember AC & Dez, the beautiful girls Webbthistle fostered and for whom she found a home? Well, this has been a real rollercoaster day for all of them. Webbthistle wrote a mere 1 1/2 hours ago that AC & Dez's new mom felt they hadn't bonded and that she wanted to relinquish them. They were to be returned to the shelter. Webbthistle was heartbroken and so worried for these girls, who are "past prime adoptable age."

But just a few minutes ago I received this wonderful, email:

Wow! Sometimes miracles do happen.

I just (15 minutes after writing that last message to you ) heard from AC and Dez's adopter.....she was leaving her office and heading home to pick up AC and Dez to bring them to the shelter when she ran into a co-worker who volunteered at Tails High - one of the no-kill rescue organizations she had previously tried. The co-worker made a call, and the girls are heading to a new foster home even as I write this. The Tails High person felt confident that they will find a new home.

What a blessing! First prayer already answered! Now, for forever home(s) for these sweeties!!!!!

Webbthistle

OK gang, time to crank up those purrayers again!! If AC & Dez's new foster mom is willing to share info an pics with us, we'll keep you posted and promote them here, too!!

A Home for Beatrice?

Even when it's not AALAPW, our little intertube community passes the word about cats in need of a good home. Here's a little gal that needs a specially gentle situation... follow this link and let Nico, the Poly Meezer, tell you all about her. Alasandra, who regularly passes the word about special critters in need, gave us the heads up about Nico's post!

That's the power of the intertubes... one tells another, who tells another! So many of us who visit are already fostering and helping as we can. So what about if today we each email JUST ONE person who we know is not yet plugged into the cyberspace adoption network and ask them to help spread the word, too... amazing things could happen! Believe it folks, WE CAN ROCK THIS!!

AALAPW - Two Fer Tuesday - Manny AND Wesley & L!!

Oh, boy!! A double feature today, folks!!! I blatantly stole the 2-fer idea from Chica, at Cats of Wildcat Woods, BEFORE I saw the post over at our friend, CCL kittykye's place!! I just knew it was meant to be. So today we have one "less adoptable" furry from Petfinder's AALAPW, Manny, and our precious Wesley and Elliott from our own little cat blogosphere, who are grown and ready for a new home!

Late to the party? Well it's not too late!!! Click on the AALAPW badge and go read about how you can help raise awareness and help find homes for "less than perfect" lovebugs around the country! LET'S ROCK THIS BOYS AND GIRLS!

Knine Rescue in Germantown MD is looking for a patient home for young Manny, who just needs some loving guidance to change habits he picked up 'cause he's been in an outdoor shelter for two years! Take a look at this young loverboy:

Considering this boy has been living in an outdoor kennel in a shelter environment for the past two years, Manny is one greatful guy. He is a bit shy at first, but his tail wags & he smiles as if to let you know that he WANTS to make friends. He is just tentative & unsure of a home environment.

Given time to explore, he does focus more on his person & LOVES attention.

He will need to be broken of marking, as most dogs living outside need. But he's a smart boy & willing to please. He'll probably do good with older kids that approach him calmly. Manny LOVES to be brushed (& will need to be brushed on a weekly basis as he sheds ALOT). His favorite "brusher" is a 7 year old dog savvey girl that volunteers with our rescue. He also walks nicely on the leash for her unless something spooks him, then he needs a stronger handler til he calms down. He's also dog friendly. Manny may even be ok with cats.

Manny says 'come meet me & make friends with me.' Won't you??????

Wesley And Elliot - All Grown Up and Ready for Homes!

JUST today kittykye put up a post to update us about her CH darlings, Wesley and L (now Elliot!). Their foster mom, Ann, sent pics and videos and everything!! Remember how you all pulled together to help find someone who could care for babies with Cerebellar Hypoplasia? Well the boys are healthy and strong and Ann has patiently helped them to learn to live happy and not let their disability hold them back. Can you believe how much they've grown??

Now can we help them find their furever homes????

RIP Sweet Sniffie

It's a sad day over at Friends Furever. Let the Furkidsmom know you are thinking of her and their family at this difficult time, won't you.

Sniffie, run free, honey! We'll see you sooner than you think!

AALAPW - Sir Yardley and a Murph Update!

It's Adopt A Less Adoptable Pet Week. Many of our blog friends are participating and it's not too late for you to join in! Click on the badge in the sidebar and learn more about it. Posting, tweeting, FB and just plain old emailing friends can help spread the word!! In fact, encouraging friends to come on over and read the blogs is one of the best things you can do... 'cause these are often folks not yet plugged into the intertubes pet adoption community!! Come on guys, LET'S ROCK THIS!!

The next "LA" pet to be featured here at Space Paws is Sir Yardley, who is being fostered in Bowie, MD. He may have lost an eye to a cruel abuser, but not his spirit! Yardley is a young lab/hound mix, full of life and love to share with a special family.... you, perhaps??

Even if you can't take Yardley, you can help with a donation to his rescue group, MJs Animal Sanctuary. Even small donations can help the wonderful critters fostered there. Here's Yardley's story:

Whoever jabbed out Yardley's eye also hurt this poor boy's chances of adoption even more than we realized. Yardley has just been diagnosed with diabetes insipidus as a result of his eye/head injury. He is in the peak of health but his body does not concentrate his urine so he requires daily medication so he can remain housebroken (he is housebroken but sometimes is unable to control his urine without the medication).

Without the medication Yardley will be perfectly fine (as long as he has access to fresh water 24/7) but he may not be able to control his urine all the time. In light of this latest development, we are working harder than ever to change the course of fate for this amazing, beautiful, young dog - we will work closely with anyone interested in adopting Yardley to give him the chance his abuser has tried to take away. His medication is currently a twice a day pill that costs only about $16.00 per month. Please watch the video below to get an idea of just how awesome this boy is!

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Yardley is believed to be a lab/hound mix, a beautiful red-brown and white, and he is missing his left eye due to a penetrating eye injury. Someone literally had to jab out this poor boy's eye as he had no other injuries. Extensive surgery has been performed and he has made a full recovery, but he will always be blind in the left eye. This has not deterred Yardley, though! He is sweet, affectionate and loving, and will do well in home with some room. He is great with female dogs and puppies. He probably will not do well with cats, though he has not been tested with them. He is excellent with his foster mom's two children (ages 4 and 11), and follows them around wanting to be with them always :) Yardley is about 2 years old, about 60 lbs., has been neutered and is up to date on all vaccines. He is housebroken but requires a simple medication to help him hold it due to the injury he suffered at the hands of his abuser. Yardley is a total love bug! He loves people and wants to be a family member. He is affectionate and loves belly rubs and to be petted. He enjoys chew toys and treats, and shows no food, toy, or treat aggression. Interested adopters or fosters please contact MJsAnimalSanctuary@gmail.com. Application, references, vet reference, home visit and adoption application apply. There is no adoption fee for Yardley to an approved home

Is Sir Yardley the fur friend for you????

Murph Update!

Murph was our very own "Less Adoptable" pet, placed in record time thanks to YOUR efforts folks!! We heard from Pati yesterday!

Hi lisa!

we're doing well!!! we moved about a mile away to a bigger house and Murph is enjoying his retirement with a view of a golf course. he's still hanging in there, recently being perkier than before. i have to get some pictures up of him on flickr. we've gotten a few cute ones. Caroline (i know her as fiddle twist on ravelry) suggested that i make a blog for him, which i'm going to look into doing.

murph is still cranky towards the other cats, and keeps to himself in ian's room. he also sleeps on ian's pillow at night to make sure ian's head is warm.

i'll pass on the blog address when i get it going!
pati

We can't wait Pati!!! :-)

Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet-Week: Lian

Who could be more perfect for Space Paws first featured pet than Lian?!

Huh??? I thought Space Paws did cats? Well, most of our fosters have been cats 'cause that's what we've found or been given. But this is Maryland folks! Home of the Terrapins! I went to school in College Park and passed by Testudo every day! So when I saw Lian, I knew she was for us!

This week is Petfinder.com's Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet Week, a week dedicated to spotlighting those pets that are most often overlooked in shelters. It's all about getting people to take a second glance -- and give a second chance -- to those pets whose only crime is being a little older, the "wrong" color, an "uncuddly" species, or otherwise "less adoptable" -- but who have just as much love to give.

So BlogPaws Be the Change for Pets, tons of folks across the intertubes, and I are taking up the cause for the next Be the Change Challenge! We're spreading the word about the many great adoptable pets who sit in shelters for weeks, months, and even years waiting for their forever home while the cute and cuddly kittens and puppies get snapped right up.

Here's Lian's story, courtesy of her foster organization. (Just a side note, my pastor and her hubby have had a tortoise for years. He's the perfect pet for them and they interact with him every day. And, for them, turtle and tortoise longevity was a big draw, as passages to Rainbow Bridge are much less frequent than with our furry companions.) Lian is a red eared slider, an aquatic turtle, which will mean a more work to maintain a healthy habitat. Those of you who have fish know all about that. If you already have a fenced year with a pond, you've got the makings of a perfect fair-weather place for Lian!

Lian has been in foster care for over two years now. We had a home lined up recently, but it fell through. but it fell through.

Lian has been blessed, but she still needs a home! She was at the 2008 BARCStober Festival in Baltimore and took part in the Blessing of the Animals. Still, she's a slightly special needs girl and she's been waiting over a year for the right home! She's overcome so much, can't you give this little fighter her first real home?

Her shell is deformed - whether it's congenital or from an old injury, we can't tell. One side is shorter than the other, and is likely to stay that way. She arrived using only one leg (but was still able to pull herself onto a basking log!), but now she uses all four legs, and has improved so much, we think she might be able to live in a fenced-in backyard pond during the warmer months, although she won't turn up her nose at a 50, 55, or 75 gallon tank or Rubbermaid stock tank, either! It's best if she's the only turtle in the tank, or if she's living with turtle of a similar size (another sub-adult female slider). She probably shouldn't hibernate at this point, but we'd have to see how she deals with living outdoors before we say for certain. She's also recovered from old shell rot, which is why her shell looks so ragged. Lian is a fighter and deserves a chance at her first good home.

She was surrendered to animal control when her family moved, which was probably the best thing for her. She was dropped off in a 10 gallon aquarium in 4" of water - that's what she'd grown up in since she was a hatchling. She wasn't used to swimming when she arrived at her foster home, and was only using one leg when she arrived, but has gradually adjusted to deeper water . Lian eats well, likes her Reptomin pellets and leaf lettuce, but she really loves a treat of plain cooked chicken or an earthworm. She begs and is very personable. Please review our adoption requirements for aquatic turtles at http://www.matts.petfinder.com if interested in adopting Lian.

How to Adopt: E-mail matts_adoptions@hotmail.com to request an application - make sure to indicate your CITY and STATE - and one will be e-mailed to you. Send it back with DETAILED description on how you will care for the pet (size of enclosure, food, type of water source, substrate, type of lighting, etc). If you already keep reptiles or amphibians, send a picture of one of your current enclosures and the animal. Once approved, send a picture of your completed set-up, then a time and location can be arranged for pick-up. We do not have a shelter - all fostering is done in our homes, so we meet in central locations such as downtown Baltimore.