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!

Offer Abbey Another Someone to Love

Abbey and her previous person were inseparable and did virtually everything together. They shared a very deep bond filled with mutual love and respect for six long years after Abbey was adopted from the Santa Cruz SPCA. Tragically, Abbey's other half was hit by a car and killed while walking in a crosswalk. Not only did this horrific event leave Abbey without her person, it also left her without a home after attempts to place her by friends and family members failed.

This beautiful 12-year-old Wheaton terrier mix is settling in at the Santa Cruz SPCA, and although she is very obviously grieving, her sweet and calm nature is winning hearts already. You would never guess her age; Abbey is extremely able-bodied and loves to fetch balls and take long walks. She's been through obedience classes and knows basic commands like sit, stay, come and down and walks wonderfully on leash. In the home she's mellow, quiet and completely house-trained. She enjoys lying at your feet, by your side or following you from room to room. This is a seasoned house dog who's smart to boot!

 

The perfect home for this sweetheart would be with a kind and gentle person or an adult family with no small children. She prefers a gentle approach when first greeting, as fast movements by strangers intimidate her. After just a couple seconds her tail begins wagging and she'll give a few kisses for good measure. She seems to tolerate other dogs but doesn't enjoy puppy energy or engaging in play. That being said, we could see her doing OK in a home with another older dog or as an only dog.

Abbey is a healthy girl with no history of major medical issues. Due to her age, she does have a few benign fatty tumors that are very common in older dogs and generally pose no health risks or require any treatment. Although they are not painful, Abbey is a bit sensitive about them being touched as well as some other parts of her body, so it's important that her new person be perceptive and gentle when handling her.

Weighing in at around 30 pounds, Abbey is a medium-sized dog with an extremely soft coat. At this time she has a summer cut and has been shaved relatively short while her face and tail remain longer. She seems to shed very little, but it's not known if she would be considered hypo-allergenic. Her hair will grow out long and fuzzy, so she will require regular grooming.

Abbey has a lot of life and love to give a special person. She's lost a soulmate, but that doesn't mean there isn't another perfect someone out there for her. If you think you may be the one to pick up her pieces, please come meet her!

The SPCA's adoption package for dogs and cats includes spay/neuter, vaccinations, micro-chipping, an ID tag, collar, a free vet exam, one month's free health insurance and other animal care materials.

Consider donating to the nonprofit Santa Cruz SPCA, which receives no government funding. The Second Chance Fund also helps pay for emergency surgical procedures.

Teacup for Two!

It's tea time! Why not sit down with Pumpkin, Sweet Potato or both? These two adorable 4-month-old teacup Chihuahuas are very loving, affectionate and sweet. Although they are teeny-tiny, barely 3 pounds, they will bring big love into someone's life.

These two were part of a litter of four that came to the Santa Cruz SPCA with their mom at only 4 weeks old as an unwanted litter. Pumpkin and Sweet Potato are the last two of the group and have literally grown up in a shelter. Although they have been loved by volunteers and staff, been given all of their vaccinations, and been properly socialized with other dogs and kitties, they are in dire need of a real home with a lifelong family of their own.

Sweet Potato is a little boy who is the more confident of the two. He is curious and bold and has the "take-charge" approach to life. He's playful with other dogs, loves his toys, and has the most adorable little upright ears and bright eyes. Pumpkin is a little girl who is a tad more submissive and shy. She is definitely the cuddle bug of the two and will follow a person around until she can figure out a way to wiggle into your lap, arms or clothing! She loves to be carried around and doted on, and although she's shy she will be the first to scurry over to beg you to pick her up.

These siblings are available to be adopted together or separately. They are so sweet with each other and spend hours playing, cuddling and cleaning each other. Even if they don't go together, we are confident that they will adjust to life with other dogs or human family members just fine. They would do great with other small to medium dogs or gentle larger dogs, as well as cats. We don't recommend that they go to a home with small children because their size makes them more delicate and they can be more easily injured.

Call the Santa Cruz SPCA at 465-5000, or visit www.santacruzspca.org. The SPCA, at 2685 Chanticleer Ave., is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The SPCA Mall Adoption Center and Gift Shop is at the Capitola Mall near Target and is open on Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

You Are Winning if you Pick Charlie

Charlie may have a little hitch in his giddy up but that doesn't stop him from enjoying life to its fullest. He can still run, jump, play and give you all the love in his heart with no hesitation. This three-year-old Beagle/Rat Terrier mix was hit by a car when he was six months old and his injuries, a broken leg/hip and torn foot, were never treated because his family could not afford it. In time, his body healed the only way it knew how which left him with a fused rear leg and half a foot. He can still use his leg when walking but elects to trot or run on three legs. Other than the unfortunate results from the old injury, Charlie is a healthy boy who has a lot to give even though a little was taken from him.

A move forced his previous family to give Charlie up and now he waits patiently for a new home to call his own. He is a very friendly dog who adores attention and closeness. He loves to cuddle and follow his person around the house like a little side-kick. Charlie has done very well with men, woman and even children and would fit into most any household. Because of his old injuries, his athleticism was a bit hampered but he is still enjoys daily walks and is no slacker, he’ll keep up! He would be a good walking buddy for someone who is trying to get out and stay active.

Charlie prefers female company when it comes to other dogs and should either be the only dog in the house or a buddy for a girl. Although he is part Beagle, he is on the quiet side and only occasionally whines when he gets anxious or excited. He is about 18 pounds and has long legs making him appear bigger than his weight might suggest.

If you're looking for a loving dog with a kind spirit, who is mellow and easy to handle to give you years of companionship, then you have easily found that in our boy Charlie. Come meet him and he'll make you feel like a winner!

Pet of the Week, March 7, 2010: More than 20 Chihuahuas need homes

The Santa Cruz SPCA has been inundated with Chihuahuas. "They are running and playing everywhere at the SPCA. When you think you have seen the last one, another comes running toward you," says director Lisa Carter.

The SPCA is overcrowded and has taken in many dogs. The latest flock of Chihuahuas was rescued from two out of County shelters that had them on the euthanasia list because they lacked space.

The Santa Cruz SPCA has more than 20 Chihuahuas that need a home. Each has a unique personality and a few don't bark, but make odd sounds to communicate to their Chihuahua companions, Carter says.

For information call the Santa Cruz SPCA at 465-5000, or visit www.santacruzspca.org. The SPCA is at 2685 Chanticleer Ave. in Santa Cruz and is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The Santa Cruz SPCA is a nonprofit and receives no government funding, relying solely on public donations.