Canine Cary Grant Seeks Leading Lady...or Man

"Let's see this paragon! Is he as good as you say?" asked actor Cary Grant in his role as Walter Burns in the movie "His Girl Friday."

Well, when it comes to Grant's canine counterpart, I can say with confidence that he is indeed as good as they say.

The Grant I’m referring to is a liver-and-white dalmatian who is looking for a home to call his own. I recently photographed this handsome boy for my "Seeing Spots" photo series and offered to blog about him in an effort to increase his adoption outlook.

While movie aficionados know that the Grant of silver screen fame started life as Archibald Leach, the origins of canine Cary are less clear. He was picked up as a stray on the streets of Baltimore and found his way to the Chocolate Chip Dalmatian Assistance League via the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter.



When it comes to his life today, Cary's philosophy reflects the words of his human counterpart, who once said, "My formula for living is quite simple. I get up in the morning and I go to bed at night. In between, I occupy myself as best I can." In canine Cary’s case, this involves spending lots of quiet quality time with his person punctuated by periodic belly rubs. (One can never have too many of those!) He’s an equal-opportunity kind of guy who enjoys the company of men, women, older children, and dogs.

Technically a "mature" gentleman, this 8-year-old is just hitting his prime. He has a tremendous amount of energy and enjoys a good walk or run on a regular basis...although such activities must be done within the safety of a fenced yard or on a leash because Cary is deaf. But don’t let that deter you from making him your leading man. Dogs can easily be trained using American Sign Language, and his foster mom will provide Cary’s adopters with an ASL dictionary to facilitate the process.



Lastly, like many movie stars, Cary has to watch his diet, not because of his weight, which is currently a svelte 57 pounds, but because he has had some crystals in his urine. Fortunately, this isn’t a big deal since appropriate dog food is readily available.

In the classic 1959 film "North By Northwest," Grant’s character, Roger O. Thornhill, asked, "What’s wrong with men like me?" When it comes to canine Cary Grant, I’d say the answer is, "Nothing. Nothing at all."



To learn more about Cary, email Jackie Threatte at ccdal@comcast.net.

Four Bully Boy Sweeties Searching for Homes

Another week, another dog--or two, or three, or four--running out of time in an open shelter.

When I started this blog, I didn't intend for it to be primarily an online billboard for homeless pets. But, as anyone involved in animal rescue and rehoming knows, the need is there and never ending. And as it happens, I don't have a lot of other pressing issues or earth-shattering thoughts to share at the moment, so it behooves me to use my cyberspace soapbox for the purpose of saving lives...literally.

As some of you may know, I'm currently working on a couple of photo collections--"Brindled Beauties" and "Seeing Spots"--so my friends at shelters and rescue groups are frequently notifying me about potential canine models. Yesterday I was at the Prince George's County shelter to photograph three brindled boys plus one cutie with a sprinkling of spots on his ears.

As of today, only one of these guys has a single application, and even that's not a sure thing. Shelter staff have to guard against premature jubilation; it's never a cause for celebration until the lucky one has left the building. Since I had the privilege of spending several enjoyable hours with these beautiful boys, I thought I'd use my words and images to increase their visibility...and perhaps, with a little help from my friends, find them new homes. So here goes...


Meet Apollo (ID#A309190). This brindle-and-white American bulldog mix is about two years old and as handsome as they come. For some reason, he is continually overlooked by potential adopters...a fact that shelter staff find hard to understand. He's bouncy and energetic, but, come on, he's a youngster! While spending time with him, I found him to be friendly, affectionate, and food motivated (which usually makes for easy training).


Then there's Dukey (ID#A346769), an 8-month-old brindle-and-white mastiff mix. Wow! This cutie is all leg at the moment and moves like a gangly young foal. He's still underweight despite regular feeding at the shelter...probably because his body's still growing...trying to catch up with those stilts he calls legs. This sweetheart seemed a bit insecure and would benefit from some attention and confidence-building activities. But what a lover! Like Apollo, Dukey just hasn't captured the attention and imagination of any adopters, although after meeting him I can't imagine why.


Talk about darling! Okay, I probably wouldn't describe this boy as beautiful, but he sure is unique. Although he doesn't have a name, he struck me as a "Newton" (ID#A347221) kind of guy, so that's how I'm going to refer to him here. In shelter dogs, ancestry can be something of a mystery, but given his wrinkles, it's safe to say that Newton is part Shar pei. But his personality doesn't match my understanding of the breed standard; he is happy, exuberant, outgoing, and very affectionate right from the get go. In fact, he gave my face--and ears--a thorough cleaning while I was there. Being one of those people who loves kissy dogs, I was smitten!


Last but certainly not least was a precious 6-month-old American bulldog mix who I'm going to call Piper (ID#A346933), the Latin word for pepper, because of the sprinkling of black-pepper-like spots on his ears. Like Newton, this boy is a happy, confident, exuberant love bug...and another big kisser! Although we'd never met before, he bounded into the interaction room and greeted me like a long-lost friend...impossible to resist.

So now you've met this handsome canine quartet. Do you have room in your heart and home for one of them? If that's not feasible, please spread the word about them. And if you need more information, just call the shelter at (301) 780-7200.

UPDATE: "Piper" has been adopted!

SECOND UPDATE: "Newton" has left the building!

THIRD UPDATE: "Apollo has been adopted!"

Zeus Seeks a Home

It doesn't have to be Mt. Olympus...just a place here on this mortal plane where Zeus can get the love and attention he craves.

Named for the most powerful of Greek gods, this handsome redbone coonhound isn't feeling very "lordly" these days. Zeus arrived at the Prince George's County shelter way back on December 14, accompanied by his canine paramour and their pup...both of whom have since been adopted.

So now it's just Zeus.

When I was asked to photograph Zeus and blog about him, I couldn't say no. To begin with, I have a weakness for hounds. Plus, I knew Zeus was a favorite of shelter staff, who were charmed by both his good looks and affable personality.

And so was I.


Zeus is a big boy, but not as large as some of his breed, and while strong, he didn't jump on me like so many, less mannerly, dogs do. He just wanted to lean up against me while I scratched his head, fondled his face, and whispered sweet nothings into his large, droopy, velvety ears. Then, with the "affection session" over, he reveled in his time outdoors, exploring the field behind the shelter and checking the ground for the elusive scent of deer or fox.

Unfortunately, this canine charmer is facing some challenges in his Herculean quest to find a home. He has tested positive for both heartworm and Lyme disease, and while both diseases are highly treatable (especially for a dog whose overall physical condition is good, like Zeus's is), shelters strained by budgetary constraints cannot afford to take a financial gamble on a dog that may never be adopted.

But the news isn't all bad. An anonymous supporter (i.e. human friend of Zeus) has agreed to contribute $500 to help defray the initial veterinary costs incurred by anyone who adopts Zeus or donate the same amount (plus the shelter pull fees) to a rescue organization that can take him one step closer to his forever home.

You can help too...by sharing this post widely. For more information about Zeus, call (301) 780-7200 and refer to ID#A344077.



UPDATE: Zeus is now in the care of Best Dawg Rescue, where he is being treated for heartworm and Lyme disease. If you are interested in adopting Zeus, call them at 301-407-BEST or submit an application.

One Down, Two to Go...for Now

First, can I just say I'm over the moon about Ajah's adoption! I don't know if my blogging about her and my wonderful friends spreading the word about her had anything to do with it, but in the end, it doesn't really matter how it happened...just that it did. Woo Hoo!

So now it's time to turn my attention to two other girls who have been waiting patiently (okay, maybe not so patiently) at the Washington Humane Society for their forever homes. Seriously, Carousel and Bonnie have been at WHS's New York Avenue shelter for months; that's more than a year behind bars in dog years! And despite the dedicated care of shelter staff, these pretty pittie mixes NEED to get outta there. They're young (just over a year), full of energy, and need people of their own to play with and yards of their own to run in.

Plus, let's face it, being in an "open" shelter is living on the edge, big time. With a never-ending flow of abandoned, "disposable" dogs being picked up off the streets or relinquished by their families, space is at a premium. Talk about an uncertain existence.

So, once again, I'm sending my message in a bottle out into cyberspace, trusting in the ocean of dog lovers to spread it far and wide. To help you in this mission, Carousel and Bonnie have shared some biographical information:



"My name is Carousel. I can be a little shy at first, but once I get to know you I’ll be your best friend...and will even share my toys (which I adore) with you. I like to be petted and hugs are great. I told Santa that all I wanted for Christmas was to be in my new home with a loving family; I guess he just ran out of that particular gift (there are so many dogs who want the same thing). Maybe I’ll be someone’s special canine Valentine!"




"Hey y’all! I'm Bonnie, an exuberant, one-of-a-kind Southern belle who loves life! Like Mack, I ended up in the shelter when my owners were forced to move from our home. I really miss them but am ready to share my love and joie de vivre with someone new. I LOVE people, and they love me too; I also get along well with other dogs but can be a little too pushy sometimes, so the canine kids at the local dog park may not want to play with me. I hope 2011 will be "my" year, complete with a warm, cozy bed, my own beautiful leash and collar, and a loving family to call my own."

So let's get this done, people! Obviously, forever homes would be best, but even loving foster homes would be a fantastic first step. Just contact the friendly folks at the Washington Humane Society at 202-576-6664.

Saving Ajah

As much as I love photographing shelter dogs and helping to give them extra visibility--and perhaps greater chances of adoption--there is a distinct "downside" to this involvement. The animals that need the visibility the most are often the ones at greatest risk of euthanasia...at least at "open" shelters, which are required to take in every animal relinquished by his or her owner or picked up on the streets as a stray. With a seemingly never-ending flow of such unwanted, abandoned animals, this open-door policy means that space is at a premium and animals that have languished, "un-rescued," must make way for the newcomers.

Given this harsh reality, I find myself in utter awe of the dedicated shelter staff who interact with these animals on a daily basis, giving them the best life possible during their window of opportunity for adoption. I don't know how they cope when animals they've gotten to know and maybe even love are euthanized. I know I couldn't.

Which brings me to my current situation.

I recently photographed several dogs at the Prince George's County Shelter in Maryland, an open shelter that takes in some 15,000 animals every year. (In a county with such abysmal intake figures, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that, despite the best efforts of everyone involved, thousands of adoptable animals never make it out alive.)

But I digress...

All of my recent canine models have been adopted, picked up by a concerned owner, or transferred to a rescue organization...except for one. Ajah is still waiting...and her time is running out.
I know full well that thousands of dogs and cats die in shelters every day, and I can't save them all. But having photographed this brindled beauty, I unwittingly established a relationship with her and feel compelled to at least try to save at least this one dog. I look at the images of her bright, smiling face and I can't bear the thought of her death.

So...I'm reaching out wherever and however I can to find Ajah a home, and I beg your assistance...especially if you live in the DC/Maryland/NoVA region. If you can't give Ajah a home, perhaps you know someone you can...or a rescue organization that has room for "just one more." Please spread the word far and wide.

At 2 years old and 57 pounds, Ajah is that perfect mix of age and size: past the puppy nonsense but still full of energy(!) and not too big or too small. She is also already spayed and appears to be housebroken. Her shelter paperwork describes her as a Lab/whippet mix, but given her compact, muscular build, she could just as easily include boxers or terriers in her ancestry. Whatever her genetic mix, she's gorgeous!
Ajah is somewhat timid meeting new people but once she's given some time to relax and get comfortable, she likes nothing better than to sit in your lap, be petted, and give kisses. She doesn't seem too interested in toys at this point...perhaps because she never had any and doesn't understand what they're for (isn't that sad).

Because of her strength, muscular build, and exuberance and energy level, Ajah is looking for a family with a fenced yard and no small children. She'd love a person who can build her confidence, teach her leash manners, and give her the time, attention, and exercise she craves.

If there’s any way you can help this girl, please contact the shelter at 301-780-7200 in reference to Ajah (ID number is 343322) or email Virginia at jonesvii@verizon.net.


You have my deepest appreciation.

Four Photogenic Dogs Looking for Homes

One of my favorite things to do is photograph shelter dogs and increase their visibility among potential adopters. My most recent photo shoot took place at the Washington Humane Society’s New York Avenue Shelter, where I met four absolutely happy, friendly, wonderful dogs...all looking for forever homes. In an effort to help them achieve this goal, I’d like to share some photos and information about them...in their own words.

Please share with friends and family in the Maryland/DC/Northern Virginia region. You'll be glad you did!


Hi, I'm Marshmallow! And just as my name suggests, I am a total softy. I am super social and love to be stroked and scratched. I also get along great with dogs. My favorite hobby? Hmm...giving kisses and showering my people with love. I am definitely a staff favorite and everyone just can't help but to love me. (What can I say? I'm a loveable guy.) I would love to go to a home with an active family to give me plenty of exercise and training.


Hi! I'm Mack! I'm a sweet one-year-old Shepherd/Corgi mix. I look like both breeds and I'm the best of both worlds. My previous family brought me here because they had no home. I bond really strongly with one or two people, but would be fine in a family with more, and although I’m not really a dog park kind of guy, I’d be fine living with another dog of the right match. I'd like to have some training to raise my confidence level and be the best dog I can.


My name is Carousel. I can be a little shy at first, but once I get to know you I’ll be your best friend...and will even share my toys (which I adore) with you. I like to be petted and hugs are great. I told Santa that all I wanted for Christmas was to be in my new home with a loving family; I guess he just ran out of that particular gift (there are so many dogs who want the same thing). Maybe I’ll be someone’s special canine Valentine!


Hey y’all! I'm Bonnie, an exuberant, one-of-a-kind Southern belle who loves life! Like Mack, I ended up in the shelter when my owners were forced to move from our home. I really miss them but am ready to share my love and joie de vivre with someone new. I LOVE people, and they love me too; when it comes to "loveability," I can give Marshmallow a run for his money. I get along well with other dogs but can be a little too pushy sometimes, so the canine kids at the local dog park may not want to play with me. I hope 2011 will be "my" year, complete with a warm, cozy bed, my own beautiful leash and collar, and a loving family to call my own.

I Rescued a Human Today

Another volunteer with the SPCA/Humane Society of Prince George's County shared the following. I don't know who originally wrote it, but it sure touched me and I just had to pass it on. And remember, the dogs below are just three of the many that would love to rescue you. Just walk down their corridors at the Prince George's County animal shelter; they're waiting.






I RESCUED A HUMAN TODAY

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help .. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid.

As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life.

She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship.

A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.

I rescued a human today.