ARK Arrows are dedicated to contributing and discussing innovative successful animal rescue practices. We encourage sharing of this ARK Base with colleagues, supporters, donors, volunteers, rescue organization, local shelters and animal control officers to further best practices for animal rescue.
ARK ARROW- November 2018
We all know there’s a bias against American Pit Bull Terriers and pit bull-type breeds. The truth is pit bulls are loyal, obedient, loving, and sociable.
So why is it that so many people fear pit bulls and assume they are all aggressive? Though they were bred for fighting back in the 1800s, today pit bulls have a bad reputation because of slanted media attention, irresponsible owners, unethical breeders, and dog-fighting rings.
Micaela Myers discusses ambassadorship on stubbydog.com, a nonprofit group focused on changing pit bull perceptions and stereotypes. She suggests five things pit bull owners can do to show people what amazing companions pitties can be.
- Good Manners – The most important thing is to train and socialize your dog. He should know basic obedience commands, and behave well around people and other animals.
- Training and Collars – Use positive reinforcement to train your dog. Pit bulls do well with treats and praise. When in public, use a colorful standard collar instead of the tough spiky kind. A bandana leaves a good impression, too.
- Start a Conversation. Educate yourself and then help others understand the pit bulls’ plight and true nature. Talk about misconceptions with friends, coworkers, neighbors, and when you’re out walking your dog, talk to strangers you meet along the way.
- Be Responsible. Let’s face it, pit bull owners are under scrutiny so it’s important to be vigilant. Spay or neuter your dog; never let him go off-leash; and have a secure fence in your backyard.
- Share the Love. If your dog has a special talent like agility, swimming, or playing Frisbee, show them off! Find out about certification for a quiet, snuggly dog. He may be perfect as a therapy dog for visiting nursing homes, schools, and hospitals.
If raised in a good home and trained with positive reinforcement pit bulls make great family pets. Whenever you go out, you and your little ambassador have the opportunity to educate the public. You can help change people’s perceptions about this misunderstood dog and break down the stereotypes.
ARK ARROW- October 2018
Creative Ways to Foster a Shelter Dog
Keeping dogs out of noisy, stressful shelters is so important to a dog’s mental and physical well-being. Many dogs become scared and nervous. They may shut down. Some resort to fear-based aggression because their stress levels gradually elevate as time passes. Unfortunately, such behavior may result in mislabeling a dog and marking them as unadoptable…and there goes any chance of a forever home.
But now you can help shelter dogs without the traditional foster commitment. Here are some great alternatives.
- Day Fostering. A day foster takes a shelter dog out for an afternoon of fun, exercise, and socialization. These outings have shown improved shelter behavior and thus improved chances for adoption. Once a week or more, any time being a normal dog is beneficial.
- Summer Fostering. Many dog lovers, such as teachers, have the summer off. This is a great time to lend a paw. Fostering is not always long-term, plus you can ask how to network your foster to improve his/her chances for a timely adoption.
- School Year Fostering. This time to foster is best for those who travel in the summer but are able to assist dogs during non-summer months. This type is similar to traditional fostering but the rescue or shelter staff understands a new foster family must be found once summer approaches.
- Short-Term Fostering. When perfectly nice dogs have been in a shelter for a long time and euthanasia is nearing, you can become a short-term emergency foster until a rescue, long-term foster, or adopter can be found. You will save a life!
Want to become a foster? ARK would love to have you! Just email us for an application: arkonnection@yahoo.com and get more information about fostering shelter dogs at maddiesfund.org.
ARK ARROW- September 2018
When shelters or rescues obtain a dog with physical injuries or ailments, they almost always intervene medically if needed. These steps make the dog feel so much better and increases his chances for adoption. Case in point: Recently ARK helped a stray chihuahua who was very sweet, but quite elderly. “N” was assessed by a vet who found several health issues, but determined his age and heart made him a poor candidate for surgery. Was he euthanized? No. He was networked until we found a loving foster home to care for him during his final chapter. A hospice visit was paid for and the foster now has information to make “N” as happy and comfortable as possible with plans for a dignified passing. On the other hand, when a dog is displaying behavioral issues or has a bite history too often little is done to determine cause, circumstance or develop a behavioral modification plan. Dogs are often put on hold. During the hold such dogs will sometimes worsen in a shelter environment, not unlike any other dog. Anxiety, fear, and aggressive behaviors may increase. He is not treated for the behavioral issues and his condition worsens. More time passes and the cycle continues, which reduces his chances for rehabilitation and adoption. Case in point: Recently ARK was asked to help a chocolate lab who had been in a shelter for months due to aggression. The behavior had escalated to biting. “B” was in perfect physical health, but was never given a behavior modification plan for the staff to follow. We did network “B” and found an experienced foster willing to work with a trainer. But “B” had digressed so much the shelter felt it was too late. Was he euthanized? Yes. His brain was so negatively wired due to a lack of intervention at the onset. So, here’s our point. As soon as a dog enters a shelter or rescue, he must be treated for not only physical health but also behavioral. A behavior modification plan must be put in place and the staff trained to implement it. If physical health is treated, so should behavioral health. When a shelter can’t manage this, they should transfer the dog to a place that can. Here’s an analogy to further clarify. People with diabetes are given appropriate treatment to feel better and control their disease. Likewise, people with anxiety are treated to feel better and control their illness. It took a long time, but now mental health is given the attention that physical health receives. In turn, shelters must change outdated policies and treat behavioral symptoms in step with physical symptoms. It’s time to solve both issues sooner, not months later when it’s too late.
ARK ARROW- August 2018
Insurance Practices Impact ARK’s Mission
Animal Rescue Konnection (ARK) focuses its efforts on helping dogs deemed “unadoptable.” With the support of our like-minded partners, we have saved numerous dogs including those scheduled for euthanasia.
Most of our dogs are pit bulls, pit mixes, or other commonly blacklisted breeds. We’ve had several potential fosters with good applications volunteer to care for these homeless dogs until they are ready for adoption. However, one of the many obstacles we face comes from insurance companies. They have a misplaced, biased attitude toward certain breeds, especially pit bulls (the breed focused in this article) and as a result, we have lost many fostering as well as adoption opportunities.
The ripple effect is that dogs remain in shelters for months and eventually degrade physically and emotionally, making it harder to re-home them. Some landlords are uninformed and simply refuse pit bulls, but the main problem is all about money. We have lost fosters because insurance companies raise premiums or refuse to insure landlords who house pit bulls.
According to the Insurance Information Institute and State Farm (largest writer of homeowner policies), dog bites and dog-related claims were nearly $700 million in 2017, with an average claim of $37,000. Understandably, insurance companies have passed on costs of exorbitant claims to homeowners and renters who own certain breeds.
The actuaries are highly mistaken in selecting specific breeds over individual dog history. Fortunately many organizations are working to educate the public and fight such unfair policies. Here in Massachusetts, the MSPCA is supporting an Act concerning the use of certain insurance underwriting guidelines pertaining to dogs living on insured properties (S. 533, H. 554).
This bill would prevent homeowner insurance companies in Massachusetts from discriminating, that is cancelling, refusing to renew, or charging a higher premium based solely on the breed of dog owned. The bill is now being reviewed by the Committee on Financial Services.
The Massachusetts legislature has already prohibited “municipalities from discriminating against dogs based on breed — because no such legislation has ever proven effective at reducing dog bites. It is time for the same standard to be applied to the insurance industry.” (https://www.mspca.org/animal_protection/insurancebill/)
With this in mind, ARK looks forward to the passage of Bill S. 533, H. 554 as it would certainly increase our foster pool. Meanwhile, we hope that potential fosters will pursue other insurance options instead of taking no for an answer.
In Massachusetts, if homeowners are denied coverage, they may be able to get insurance through the state’s Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plan (http://www.mpiua.com/) or through dog-friendly companies like Liberty Mutual, Nationwide, and Amica.
For MSPCA’s complete response in support of this bill, check out https://www.mspca.org/animal_protection/insurancebill/. You should also take action. Contact your state representative and state senator and ask them to support this bill. Not sure who represents you? Visit www.wheredoivotema.com.
ARK ARROW- July 2018
Shelter Dog Behavior Assessments Not Reliable Reports the ASPCA
We’ve come a long way in the last five years. As many of you know, ARK was founded in 2012 on the very principal that you simply cannot judge a dog by how he or she does in a shelter environment or in an evaluation or during a vet visit. We do value evaluations for information gathering for appropriate transfer however.
We were often criticized for wanting to give these dogs a second chance when there are so many ‘good’ dogs out there. We are still sometimes criticized for speaking out and advocating for these dogs to be transferred to foster homes instead of killing them as the first option. With very hard work, we’ve changed the hearts and minds of many Animal Control Officers (ACOs), holding facilities, vets, shelters and rescues who have witnessed the incredible transformation of ARK’s dogs, and our partnerships and shared vision are allowing more dogs to be re-homed.
It’s wonderful to see veterinarians understanding the need to learn shelter dog behavior and evolving from recommending euthanasia based on vet visits, which use to be a common occurrence.
Though the public is more aware of the unfair mislabeling of certain breeds, more work is still needed to help these so-called ‘unadoptable’ dogs.
Let’s persist in educating skeptics about the overwhelming data from across the country that parallels ARK’s success rate. Let’s convince the naysayers to follow the lead of organizations like the ASPCA, Maddie’s Fund and Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, who had the forethought to trademark their tagline “Save Them All.”
One day very soon, the skeptics will evolve or simply be pushed aside. The old motto “We Can’t Save Them All” will be replaced by we can “Save Them All.”
Please educate and please advocate for these ‘unadoptable’ dogs.
ARK ARROW- June 2018
Would your dog or cat’s temperament change if thrust into a kennel/shelter environment? If so, how do you think it would be effected and why? Would he/she be considered adoptable or would that depend on the shelter/rescue/aco facility they found themselves?
ARK ARROW- May 2018
Field Trips for Dogs remove them from euthanasia list for behavior.
Such simple programs, once rare, are becoming standard practice in many progressive shelters.
Tell us about your local shelter? Do they have field trips outings? Overnight fosters? Temporary fosters of any kind?? Tell us about the programs they use for dogs not faring well in the shelter.
This is a wonderful way for people who can’t commit to long-term fostering to have a direct effect on a shelter dog’s chance for success. If interested in any short term fostering, please contact Mary Lou at ARK. maryloumaria@yahoo.com
ARK ARROW- April 2018
ARK’s 12 Step Program: Dog Adoption For Dummies – A Satire
Step 1: Immediately after picking up your dog, bring him to a Petco/Petsmart type store. Introduce him to as many new people and dogs as possible.
Step 2: Attend a big party or event or have a large party at your house and repeat Step 1.
Step 3: Make sure you note your dog’s body language and strive for tucked tail, ears back, whale eye, raised fur, low growl.
Step 4: When you greet your dog, make sure you bend over and have your head down at the dog’s level making him uncomfortable and easier for him to bite you. Encourage others to do the same.
Step 5: If you have another dog, do not bother with slow and controlled introductions. Just put them together allowing full play unleashed and unmanaged.
Step 6: If you have a cat, repeat Step 5.
Step 7: If you have kids, well you get the picture. Make sure they are unsupervised and your dog is off leash. Do not manage or monitor. Invite over other children and encourage your kids and their friends to pull on tail, ears and climb on dog.
Step 8: Ignore all handouts, tips and suggestions given by rescue or shelter. You and your dog are different and do not need to learn from experience.
Step 9: When your dog whines or barks, give him lots of attention and treats.
Step 10: Allow your dog on all furniture without invitation. Make sure your dog makes the rules. Bring your dog to bed with you immediately. Ignore the crate.
Step 11: Do not offer your dog direction and structure. Instead make sure you give your dog lots of attention and affection even if he doesn’t solicit it. When your dog is asleep or eating, make sure you bother him.
Step 12: Provide little exercise, training or daily walks. Love is all your dog needs.
ARK ARROW- March 2018
Best Friends Animal Society has id’d that the majority of animals killed in shelters fall into 4 categories: cats, bully breeds(by appearance), puppy mill dogs and owner surrenders and go on to say “virtually all puppies sold in stores come from mills or back yard breeders.”
Bottom Line: Don’t buy, adopt. And if you must surrender, do it responsibly.
Contact your local ACO to see if backyard breeding is a problem in your community and work to end it. Does your city or town still have a pet shop? If so, boycott it and contact your local paper.
ARK ARROW- February 2018
Are first impressions important when you walk through a shelter door?
Recently I was home in Delaware and visited a local shelter. Immediately I was greeted by a friendly volunteer, asked if I had been there before, told a bit about the shelter, given a few tips on roaming the shelter floor, asked to sign a liability waiver and then told to enjoy the dogs and that staff and volunteers were there to answer any questions or to help with any dog I might want to meet out of the kennel.
Also recently I was at a local MA shelter. I walked through the door. There was no greeting as I stood there really not knowing what to do. Staff were very solemn looking as I was searching for a friendly face. Intimidated, I asked if I could visit with the dogs. Oh no I was told you have to wait for a staff/volunteer. It is a very busy day and off she went. So I waited in the lobby and looked at all the outdated postings on the bulletin boards and took in the unwelcoming feel of that tiny area concluding I didn’t need to see the kennel area. And off I went.
We all know customer service is important in the business world. Are shelters an exception? Or is it just as, or even more important? What do you think?
ARK ARROW- January 2018
Last year we started our monthly ARK Arrow series to promote discussion: We thought we would repost our first ARK Arrow because we think it Speaks Volumes on how the Industry has changed over the last 10 or so years. To a New Year of more Shelters and ACOs moving forward actively working towards “Save Them All” and away from the old and passive “We Can’t Save Them All.”
ARK finds the fact that Best Friends Animal Society in Utah chose to trademark “Save Them All” quite telling. Does it reflect your local shelter and city or town’s philosophy?
ARK ARROW – January 2017
ARK finds the fact that Best Friends Animal Society in Utah chose to trademark “Save Them All” quite telling. What does it say to you?
Selected Comment with ARK Reply:
I’m going to throw out the unpopular, but informed, opinion. “Save them all” as a mantra is the most IRRESPONSIBLE thing that results in tremendous harm to animals. This entire concept that “out of the shelter” is equal to “saved” is complete BS. All of these large organizations are more interested in their numbers than in the quality of the save; if you’ve got cash, they’ll give you an animal and they will call it “open adoption policy”. The idea that everyone who wants an animal deserves an animal is WRONG; if it were true, there wouldn’t be shelters in the first place. These organizations focus on the “easy” placements–the puppies, the fluffies, the young and the cute, and leave behind the “hard” to place animals (got mange? They aren’t taking it. Got Heartworms? They aren’t taking it. Got allergies? They aren’t taking it. Got some years? They aren’t taking it. It would ruin their “numbers” because those animals sit for awhile while you actually have to do work to help them). All of those lovely “clear the shelter” adoption events? Check out facebook yardsale pages and craig’s list for the next month. AT LEAST 25% of the animals adopted out at those events will be sold on CL or FB within the month. We don’t know how many get given away, left on the end of logging chains in the elements, abused, dumped. These numbers-driven organizations interestingly leave out a couple of numbers that would tell a lot about how successful (or not) that they are: I don’t care how many you adopt out, I want to know how many are returned (or the owner tries to return but is refused). And I want to know how many end up in OTHER shelters. These big box rescues don’t want to talk about RECIDIVISM, because it’s not a number that shows their “save them all”, “open adoption policy”, “Clear the shelter” mantras ina good light. That pesky RECIDIVISM number shows that the “save them all” mantras are FAILING the animals. If your goal is just to get them out of the shelter, fine. But don’t call it “saved”–because “Safe” and “OUt of the shelter” are NOT the same thing.
ARK Reply: Thank you for this comment along with all the other comments we received.
To keep the conversation going here is our reply to the above comment.
- “Save Them All” includes saving all the homeless v. just the easier dogs. It’s not just about numbers. Yes numbers do play a part but true ‘save them all’ mentalities speak to All animals.
- Regarding ‘clear the shelter’ type programs, nothing is more ‘clear the shelter’ than Free Adoptions. You might want to read http://petsalive.com/…/free-adoptions-no-fees-isnt-that-da…/
- We love source statistics. Will you tell us the source of your stat that “at least 25 %” of the “clear the shelter” adoptions will be sold on cl or fb within a month?
- Recidivism is an issue. We need lots more data for sure. But regarding data, we don’t even know the basics here in MA. How many homeless animals we have?? How are we doing?? I don’t think the possibility of recidivism should stop innovative thinking. For I could make the same argument of shelters/rescues bringing up puppies from out of state and adopting them out. Who gets those puppies 2-3 years later?? Yes, many of our local rescues and shelters in MA. Who keeps count on that? Should that stop? I don’t think so(although I think there should be a balance..a topic for another day)…but yes more stats on that would help know the recidivism of such programs.
- “Save Them All” is about changing the mindset in rescue. Since inception the standard mantra of most every rescue person was “You can’t save them all”. It is such an antiquated way of thinking but was ever so prevalent that taking a stand in the complete opposite direction goes to changing our view. Only radical statements will do that. If they said “Save Most of Them” it simply wouldn’t have the impact or lead to these thought provoking discussions. Rescue was so unbalanced with that thinking that shifting the pendulum to the other extreme will help lead to more balanced view and open up our hearts and minds to taking the time and patience to see what that homeless animal needs to succeed. Not when it gets difficult, labeling him ‘unadoptable’ and killing him without even giving the animal a chance outside the shelter. “Save them All” mindsets create the atmosphere to build innovative, successful programs that do just that.
ARK ARROW – February 2017
Can you hear me now?? Share your Shelter Stories on Sound and the effect on the animals.
Research and common sense are telling us sound can add or decrease Volumes the stress level in animals.
Something so simple as softly opening and closing cages v. slamming them shut can reduce stress.
Also many of us have heard and witnessed the beneficial effect of classical music but
“New research shows listening to audiobooks can help dogs waiting adoption.” Also some shelters have programs in which volunteers/children read books to dogs.”
“Shelters frequently are stressful environments for dogs,” says Dr. Tamara Montrose, “and any reduction of this stress is beneficial for their welfare. In our study we found that audiobooks enhanced resting behaviors in dogs which is suggestive of reduced stress. Dogs are highly social animals who value human contact. We believe that audio-books approximate human interaction for these kenneled dogs and that they benefit from the illusion of company and comfort provided by the audio-books.” Companion Animal Psychology-Jan 13,2016.
ARK ARROW – March 2017
It is becoming standard practice in animal sheltering that all shelters implement a consistent on-going foster program to assist not only the puppies and kittens but the adult cats and dogs deteriorating behaviorally due to the stress of displacement. Programs are already in place so shelters don’t have to recreate the wheel.
We, at ARK, are very interested to hear your thoughts on this topic.
Should Foster Programs for All animals be standard practice for shelters in the year 2017??
https://www.aspcapro.org/…/2…/animal-selection-family-recruitment
ARK ARROW – April 2017
A Secret No More.
Mark Barone of An Act of Dog – Museum of Compassion brings this secret to the public, and it will change the way homeless pets are viewed forever.
WATCH the trailer.
READ the story.
SHARE your comments with us.
https://anactofdog.org/pages/other-videos
ARK ARROW – May 2017
What shelter dogs need is obvious – homes. But how do we find all those homes? That question sends best-selling writer and shelter volunteer Amy Sutherland looking for answers in her own experiences and beyond. The result is “Rescuing Penny Jane: One Shelter Volunteer, Countless Dogs, and the Quest to Find Them Homes” an inspiring trip through the world of homeless dogs and the people who work so hard to save them. http://www.amysutherland.com/Amy_Sutherland/Home.html
In rescue we often share our experiences and discoveries with each another. Singing to the choir so to speak. But what is really needed for quicker advancement in the sheltering world is public awareness. This thought-provoking, entertaining book does just that.
The public has little idea what happens behind shelter doors. This book opens their minds and hearts to both the good and the not so good. Reading just one excerpt shows how creatively the author weaves story lines into questions for the audience creating the discussion of what makes a good shelter.
Let the sharing begin. What programs and policies do you think make a shelter great?
ARK ARROW – June 2017
The long standing belief that adopters are not interested in adopting dogs with behavioral issues is unfounded and actually not true. This is reported by National Canine Research Council. We at ARK have actually learned this as well. Often people that have experience with certain types of dog issues, would rather adopt a dog with similar issues because they know how to handle the issues and also know the dog’s options may be limited.
Would you adopt a dog that needed some help with behavioral issues, and if so, what types of issues?
ARK ARROW – July 2017
Reducing euthanasia among homeless animals.
In July we are focusing on the realities in sheltering which include animals being euthanized daily.
Many wonderful shelters, many wonderful aco’s and many wonderful holding facilities…Yet still too many killings without giving these dogs a chance outside the walls of confinement.One man, One paint brush and too many dogs to paint…show we still have a ways to go.Please support an ACT of Dog to bring the plight of these rescue animals slipping through the cracks to light.
Have you checked out their site? What are your thoughts? What are you doing in your shelter or rescue to save more animals?
ARK ARROW – August 2017
Great article!
Dog evaluations: Do they really speak the truth?
What do you think? How does this make you feel?
Please share so we can get the word out!
ARK ARROW – September 2017
Sept: The ARK Arrow for September is a little food for thought and discussion. We here at ARK want to continue our conversation and message:
Behavior changes in a foster home. “…adult dogs, especially bigger dogs, can be more challenging to find foster homes for, and these dogs really seem to recover and thrive in foster homes when they are stressed and deteriorating in a shelter.” Dr. Sheila D’Arpino
Please share your experiences fostering and/or adopting a dog that had behavioral issues in the shelter. We would love to hear from you.
http://chewonthis.maddiesfund.org/…/next-level-fostering-f…/
ARK ARROW – October 2017
A great way to introduce or enlarge a shelter’s foster pool. Because no more discussion is needed. Fostering saves lives. A shelter without a foster program is simply behind the times.
ARK ARROW – November 2017
How many times have we heard …I can’t keep my dog because we are starting a family??? Guess what …dogs and children can co-exist but you MUST manage/teach your children and your dog to be respectful of each other or bites will likely occur. If your dog is having a difficult time with a new child, seek help immediately. Often it can be resolved before a bite occurs.
Please read this article and tell us what you think? We would really like to hear your opinion so that we can gather your thoughts for future articles.
Written by Madeline Gabriel, CPDT-KA
Why not to leave children unattended with dogs/puppies?
* There is a high penalty in our society for a mistake by either one that leads to a bite, even a nip/bite that essentially leaves little/no physical damage. Knowing that there is going to be a freak out and maybe pressure that your dog needs to die if something happens should logically lead to a higher level of vigilance.
* Dog bites to young children (under 5) are almost always going to be to the face or head so there is little room for error. Children’s skin is more fragile so even a “small bite” from the dog’s perspective is going to make a mark. And, when it’s on a child’s face, it is a much bigger deal than, say, a skinned knee.
* Children, pretty much by definition, do not have the physical,
emotional and mental maturity to consistently make appropriate behavior choices. It doesn’t make sense to leave another creature to fend for themselves with a child without any help. Children behave in childish ways. Dogs respond in ways that make sense to dogs. This should not be a surprise to anyone. (And, to a lesser degree, dogs can be annoying, too, and young children should not be expected to manage this by themselves.)
* It is a generally accepted responsibility for pet owners to control their dogs and for parents to keep their children safe, with legal repercussions for neglecting these responsibilities. You can’t do either of those if you are not present. I can’t believe I had to have a conversation with a client (before firing him) that included asking him, “Are you too busy at work to go to jail?” when he was saying he couldn’t do what was needed to keep his baby safe.
* It’s really pretty easy to make sure dog or child is with you or safely separated if you are not able to guide their interactions. It’s not like it’s so impossible to do that it is an unrealistic expectation relative to the benefit.