Handling heartache with grace

Senior animals have a special place in the hearts of many. The Santa Cruz SPCA just hopes some of you are out there reading this article because Gracie, a 10½-year-old standard poodle, could sure use your help.

This stunning beauty was once someone's cherished companion, but became displaced from home when her owner entered a long-term care facility and could no longer keep Gracie. Poodles are extremely intelligent and sensitive dogs and it's plain to see that she is mourning the loss of her family. However, she manages to put on a strong façade and endure each day with quiet grace.

Gracie is a very gentle girl with a mild manner and a docile temperament, making her both easy and enjoyable to have around. She's potty-trained and loves her crate, which she uses as her safe and quiet space. We have yet to hear a peep out of her, even when all the other dogs are singing loudly.

Gracie is wonderful with other dogs both her size and much smaller. Most of the time a few sniffs and she's done, but at times you'll see an unexpected yet adorable playful side when she meets a dog she likes.

It seems Gracie has had some training as she knows some basic commands and comes when called. However, she can be strong on the leash especially if she's spooked by something. While this girl is absolutely as sweet as they come, she also has a bit of a shy and unsure side that comes out once in a while, requiring some loving words and a little positive encouragement.

She is a big and beautiful girl, weighing about 60 pounds. She looks to be in great shape other than some small benign "old-dog" lumps and mild cataracts in both eyes that don't seem to be hindering her vision. She moves like a much younger dog and is more than capable of being active, going up and down stairs, and getting in and out of the car on her own. This breed has a long life-span compared to other large breeds and Gracie could easily live another five or more years. However, senior dogs tend to need more in the way of vet care.

This girl is an absolute "shelter-gem" who would make a great addition to many families and household types. She would do well in a home as an only dog, but would also fit into a multi-dog household. She would make a wonderful companion to a fellow active senior or someone who just loves and enjoys the standard poodle breed. Because of her age, Gracie would probably prefer not to live in a home with young children, but certainly doesn't mind young visitors and interacts with respectful children like the polite sweetheart that she is. Has this senior stolen your heart yet?

Take a look at Gracie on our Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SantaCruzSPCA.

Dorothy hopes to follow the yellow brick road to a forever home

If only she had a pair of ruby red slippers to click together three times! Dorothy is an adorable 5-year-old terrier mix at the Santa Cruz SPCA who has a one-of-a-kind personality that blends humor with affection all in one mellow and tiny ball of black wiry fur. She was found in an abandoned home along with two cats just as the food and water left behind ran out. It's hard to imagine someone leaving an animal behind in that manner, especially a dog as wonderful as Dorothy. However, we see this as her yellow brick road leading her to the loving and dedicated family she deserves.

 

It's quite easy to fall in love with this friendly little girl. Dorothy is a very relaxed soul with a wagging tail and prancing trot. She enjoys greeting new people and observing her surroundings, seemingly assessing situations. When things are hustling and bustling she is up and going, many times dragging a toy around or following volunteers silently hoping for a stroll around the block. When times are slow, she has no problem finding a lap or soft blanket to curl up on and pass the time. Dorothy is incredibly easy to have around, never causing problems and always bringing the cute factor into whatever room she enters.

 

Although she enjoys the company of all people, she seems to gravitate toward and spend more time with the gentler folk. She has integrated wonderfully with the other dogs and is very adept at setting her boundaries. She's not afraid to keep a pushy puppy in line. Dorothy is comfortable and patient when put in a crate and will whine when she needs to go potty. On a leash she is gentle and walks nicely, enjoying the sights and smells of the outdoors.

 

Dorothy is truly a tiny thing, weighting in at about 6 pounds, making her very portable and easy to tote around town. She's got the most expressive facial features with big soulful eyes. Her medium-length wiry coat behaves itself for the most part and although she's mostly black, it's the salt and pepper in her face that adds to her charm.

 

The perfect home for Dorothy would be with kind and gentle people looking for an easy-keeping and affectionate canine companion. She would make a great addition to a family with other mature and respectful dogs, but would also be perfectly fine as an only dog receiving all the attention. Most of all she's looking for someone with the brain to choose her, the courage to adopt her and the heart to love her!

Binky Deserves More Than a Backyard

Binky, a purebred Pomeranian puppy, was purchased from a breeder at 8 weeks old by a family who wanted him for their young children. He was the cutest and tiniest ball of fluff you ever did see -- but it only took a few months for him to grow to nearly adult size and just that long for the children to lose interest in the bigger version.

Once the kids stopped playing with him, Binky stopped getting exercised altogether, and because he was a normal bouncing puppy, he was relegated to live full-time in a small concrete backyard. Soon thereafter he was listed on Craigslist for free. A very caring woman saw his ad and, in fear he may end up in the wrong hands, went to get him. She decided to bring him to the Santa Cruz SPCA, where she knew potential adopters would be screened and he would have the best chance at finding the home he deserved.

 

Binky is now 4½ months old and is the most friendly, eager, outgoing bundle of joy! It doesn't appear that he's had much in the way of training, but this happy guy has a wonderful temperament which is a solid foundation to build on. His eyes light up when he sees people -- big or small -- and absolutely LOVES to play with other dogs. Once he's got his giggles out, he'll stretch out on the floor with both legs behind him or hop in your lap for some snuggles.

He'll need some help figuring out how a leash works and may need a reminder that all four feet need to stay on the ground, but give this guy a chance and you will be happy you did! Binky is going to bring a lot of fun and laughs into someone's life.

This little guy is pillow-soft and extremely beautiful. His coloring is rare -- red sable merle -- causing him to have a "freckle-faced" appearance. He's at the in-between stages of puppy fur and adult fur so he has a little of both. We expect his coat to become thicker and fuller as he matures. This breed is known for its grooming needs, particularly the brushing upkeep and shed control. As far as size goes, Binky is now about 8 pounds and should mature to between 10-12 pounds.

The perfect home for Binky would be an active one, possibly with children or another playful dog. Of course, this time around we want to see that the whole family loves him and that he will be a valued indoor member. He'll need daily exercise and play, as well as basic obedience training. Because he's still a puppy, your schedule is something you must consider as puppies his age shouldn't be left alone for more than four or five hours a day.

Come down to the SPCA and you'll go bonkers for Binky in just one bounce!

Dog Blog: Irresistible Bella!



Who could resist this face?

 Bella is 10 years old and is a very sweet and gentle girl who's still got pep to her step! She no longer has any teeth but still has a hefty appetite for wet food and does totally fine with it. However, her tongue likes to make it's way out into a silly grin. Bella gets along with cats and other small dogs. She would make a great companion for a senior looking for a quiet, mellow dog to spoil!

Dog Blog: Meet Cinnamon!

Little Cinnamon here is about as sweet as they come. Her loving nature and sweet demeanor belie her past...her, her "baby daddy" Jackson , and her two pups Max and Ruby, were rescued from death row at another shelter. She's been through a lot, but you'd never know due to her calm temperament and affectionate nature.

Cinnamon is available at the Santa Cruz SPCA located at 2685 Chanticleer Avenue on the mountain side of the 1 freeway.

For more information on Cinnamon or any of our other dogs, please go to www.santacruzspca.org or call (831) 465-5000 during business hours.

Dog Blog: Meet Riana!

Adorable little Riana looks more like a gazelle than a dog as she trots around on her stilt-like legs. The happy-go-lucky girl loves being held and will happily sit on your lap for as long as you will let her. She loves playing with toys, especially the smaller, stuffed variety, but doesn't share well with other dogs and would be best as the spoiled only child of a quiet, adult-only household.



Riana walks well on a leash, but, as with most dogs, needs some behavior and potty guidance. When she was fostered, she only had 1 accident in the house and after some simple but consistent instructions, she began going outside.

More information on Riana is available by clicking here or by going to the Santa Cruz SPCA website(www.santacruzspca.org) and selecting from the "ADOPTION" toolbar at the top.

Dog Blog: Meet Klaus

Klaus is sweet, loving, calm, gentle...everything you would want in a puppy. The tragedy is that lovely cattle-dog mix Klaus is in jeopardy of growing up in a shelter. Having been here for almost a month, he is the last remaining pup in his litter and is just longing for a home of his own. All our volunteers and staff just dote on him, think he's just the best and are completely puzzled that he was not adopted immediately.

If you, or anyone you know, are looking for a wonderful addition to the family or a hiking buddy, come over and check out Klaus. He's just waiting for love!

Santa Cruz SPCA is located at 2685 Chanticleer Ave, Santa Cruz. Our cross-streets are Chanticleer and Soquel on the mountain side of the 1 freeway.

Please call (831) 465-5000 for more information.

Dog Blog: Meet Stanley

Handsome Stanley! Adorable and affectionate, Stanley would follow you anywhere! He is a 7-year-old spaniel poodle mix. He has had a couple of scraps with our alpha males, but is just fine with the rest of our free-range population. He is pretty smart and picks up obedience training very quickly.

Stanley is available for adoption at the Santa Cruz SPCA (2685 Chanticleer Ave, Santa Cruz)immediately. He adores attention and would be a lovely addition to your family.

Dog Blog...Meet Shiloh!

Shiloh is a wookie with a heart of gold. A purebred Lhasa Apso, he's extremely handsome with beautiful flowing hair and the cutest little smile you've ever seen in your whole life! Shiloh has a lot of energy and needs an all-adult forever home that can provide him with the consistency and training he needs. He loves going on walks and would benefit from an active lifestyle. He's extremely sweet and just wants to be cuddled and loved. Plus, he looks exactly like a miniature Chewbacca...how cool is that?

Please Click here for more information on handsome Shiloh.

Dog Blog...Meet Tinker

Tinker, a female 1.5 year old chihuahua terrier mix, has a heart of gold that has been hurt in the past. She has let the shelter staff into her heart, but remains wary of strangers, especially men, and will cower with sudden movements. Once you win her affections, however, she is the warmest, sweetest, cuddle-bug on the face of the earth. She just wants to be held, made a fuss of, hang out with you, or sit at your feet. Incredibly loyal, she would be an amazing dog for a single female in a mellow home, although she has warmed up to several of our male volunteers. She is good with the other dogs and cats, but sometimes gets a little possessive over her human friends. We absolutely love her here at the shelter and want to find her an amazing forever home who will treasure this tender-hearted soul.

Learn more about Tinker by clicking here!