Altadena, Animal Shelters, and a Dog Named Vinnie
There is more than one way to help a dog in need in Altadena.
There’s a ridiculous amount of real estate separating Altadena from our county-assigned animal shelter to the east. And that’s only one reason why, when we pick up a lost or abandoned animal, some of us choose another route. We drive south, to Pasadena. And then we tell a lie.
I don’t know if telling the Pasadena Humane Society we found an animal south of our border (when in fact we didn't) is morally justifiable, but then I don’t think conditions at most of the County Shelters are morally justifiable, either. I suppose this is what one would call a moral dilemma.
Once we get our township straightened out and loosen some of the county hooks, many of us would like to have a PHS annex up here. That way we’d pay more attention, take greater responsibility for the lost and abandoned pets in our care. And our tax dollars would go to the right place.
Until that time, there’s one other option to consider, both as a place to take a lost animal and to adopt: Breed Rescues. A breed rescue focuses on one particular dog breed, and unless you absolutely have to have a puppy, they’re the go-to place for boxers, shepherds, bassets, weinheimers, you name it. I’m pretty sure all these organizations are privately funded and most if not all are no-kill.
I adopted my boxer Phoebe from Boxer Rescue of Greater Los Angeles. And now that she -- one of Altadena’s favorite and most popular citizens -- died of old age, I pitch in occasionally at the BRLA Sunland facility.
Because Altadena is a boxer-loving town – four live within a couple of blocks of me -- I want to call your attention to Vinnie. He currently makes his home at Boxer Rescue LA.
Vinnie packs all the admirable boxer traits into one compact and solid frame – he’s smart, brave, and has rarely met a man, woman or child he doesn’t love. But here’s the thing: Unlike many of his breed, Vinnie is a calm and patient soul; he keeps his enthusiasms in check. Vinnie doesn’t jump, pull, or try to French kiss everyone who says hi.
In other words, he’s a gentleman with perfect manners, and would be a suitable companion for any boxer lover of any age, from the very young to the very old.
Vinnie is probably 7 years old, but with maturity comes, as Wordsworth says, the philosophic mind. He likes to sit by your side and think deep and pleasant thoughts. If you want to talk, he’s all ears. Your concerns are his concerns. If you tell him a joke, he’ll probably say that’s the best darned joke he has ever heard. And if, once in awhile, you stretch out a hand to pet him, he will bow his head.
So I just wanted to introduce Vinnie to anyone around town who is looking for a loyal friend with clean habits, a kind and honest character, and a sense of humor.
As for the many virtues of the boxer dog, don't just take my word for it: visit Writer/blogger/photographer Petrea Burchard at pasadena daily photo.
What do you think the best way is to help a local animal in need?
Tell us in the comments.
Petrea Burchard
8:05 am on Tuesday, January 24, 2012
I adore Vinnie already. Love his soulful eyes! I also think Boxer Rescue is a great place from which to adopt a dog--we've had such good luck with our Boz, who came home with us from there in 2003.
I think places like Boxer Rescue are funded by donations (money and in-kind by volunteer workers and veterinarians), and the small fees you pay when you adopt a dog. Those fees cover spaying/neutering and shots, and they're commensurate with what you'd pay a vet. Well worth it to bring home a healthy dog who's ready to be your pal.
Angela Odom
11:56 am on Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Oh that Vinnie is a handscome man. When I lost my little Diva Dawg (a Cocker Spaniel) some years ago, a friend suggested I get a Boxer because, as she put it, they're kids that never grow up. She suggested I go to the Pasadena Humane Society with my heavy heart, walk around, visit the pups and see if one of them eases the pain of my loss. Well, one did get my attention. Actually, I think I was the one chosen by her. She did everything she could to get my attention and yes, she tried to French kiss me through the gate. I was told she's a deaf white boxer. In reality, she has selective hearing. Well, that's my story and I'm sticking with it.
The other rambunctious French kisser I have was actually an escape artist from La Canada. I had plans on visiting Boxer Rescue for a companion when I heard about this guy. Apparently, he didn't choose the people who adopted him from Boxer Rescue and was out looking for someone else to live with. He's a g'boy though and the sweetest big, big, very big fellow you'll ever meet. Adoption is the best.
Karin Bugge
1:41 pm on Tuesday, January 24, 2012
What a great story, Angela. You know I want to meet the kids sometime. I'll keep my mouth closed.
Susan Campisi
4:42 pm on Tuesday, January 24, 2012
What a face! I love the idea of adopting an older, calmer dog. Most people gravitate to the young, cute rambunctious dogs, but then so many of them are surrendered because they're harder to handle and require a lot of work and training. Vinnie arrives already well-behaved and ready to please. He sounds like a real catch. I hope he finds a wonderful forever home.
Petrea Burchard
4:44 pm on Tuesday, January 24, 2012
That's been our experience, Susan. I don't think I have the stamina to adopt a young dog!
Natalie
9:31 pm on Tuesday, January 24, 2012
It's shocking that the Pasadena Humane Society looks after stray animals from all the cities around Pasadena, but not from the closest neighbor, Altadena. What hope is there for a lost Altadena dog when it's taken to Baldwin Park, wherever that is? How would most Altadena residents looking for their dog know to go there? The word "shelter" is definitely the wrong word for the underfunded, high-kill Los Angeles County facilities. The breed rescues play a heroic role in getting dogs out of these places and taking care of them. A few years ago, I was looking for a border collie, and the Border Collie Rescue folks had the best. If you like boxers - which are very intelligent, obedient, loyal, and good with children, Boxer Rescue is the place to visit. Vinnie may still be waiting.
ShellSherree
2:54 am on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
I haven't even met Vinnie and I'm besotted. I have clean habits, a kind and honest character, and a sense of humor. If only a gazillion miles didn't separate us. I hope he finds a beautiful forever home very soon where he will be treasured. Thanks for telling us about him, Karin.