Cats, One Last Appeal for Pepe, and A Preview of Adoption Stories to Come
Every dog and cat should have their day
After his moment in the Patch sun, Pepe, our featured dog of the past two weeks, the retriever-pug mix, has had shout-outs from friends in the South Pacific, Australia, Arizona, Canada, New York -- how many dogs can say that?
And while popularity is all very nice of course, nothing trumps a home of your own.
About that home ... Pepe's still looking; I don't get it. Pepe has the badge of honor – the Pasadena Humane Society Blue Ribbon -- as the perfect companion. He's small, but not too small to be a protector. He's young, but not too young to mind his manners. He likes people of all shapes and sizes. He is, in short, but not too short, the perfect dog.
As I mull over my absolute failure as his publicist, let me show you some lovely cats up for adoption at the Pasadena Humane Society.
This calico, for example. She's a mere slip of a thing, and only three years old. Hard to believe this girly-girl was found roaming the streets. She's safe now, and the ID# is 280122. Close by you'll see this extremely handsome orange philosopher, and a gorgeous gray-and-white flirt (Angora, you think?).
My Patch editor, Dan, may soon ban me from this pet blog entirely if I can't let go of Pepe. But, if dogs have taught me anything, it's loyalty.
Dog-loving bloggers have something very special planned for next Thursday. Right here, on this site. Heartwarming, funny stories about their adopted and rescued pets. Stay tuned.
A really companionable and indispensable dog is an accident of nature. You can't get it by breeding for it, and you can't buy it with money. It just happens along. E.B White
A man may smile and bid you hail
Yet wish you to the devil;
But when a good dog wags his tail,
You know he's on the level.
~Author Unknown
A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three times before lying down. ~Robert Benchley
Barbara Ellis
8:57 am on Thursday, November 18, 2010
My pets keep me sane. I don't know what I'd do if there wasn't someone to greet me when I get home. I've heard that the volunteers at the shelter really love blue-ribbon Pepe, and that's saying a lot. He must be really good! The most fun dog I ever owned was a labrador cross with that same white diamond on the chest - it's a sign that the dog's going to love swimming, hiking, catching frisbees and sticks, and be gentle with children. The pug in Pepe makes him calm and easy-going and a manageable size (any pug owners out there to expand on this?). What better all-purpose companion could there be?
I've also got a thing about orange cats with pink noses, and would take them all if I could. My own ginger, whom I got from the same shelter a year ago after seeing his photo online, likes to lie with his arms wrapped around my wrist (so sweet, but makes it hard to type this), and loves visitors, catnip, children, rabbits and dogs (in that order). I'm so glad I saw that photo, as he's the best cat we've ever had.
Petrea Burchard
9:40 am on Thursday, November 18, 2010
I like that second kitty! Wish I wasn't allergic.
I wish I could bring Pepe home. I understand he needs a one-dog family, and so does Boz, our dog. I had no idea how much I was going to love Boz when we adopted him from the shelter. He amazes me with his charm and loyalty. It's impossible to explain what a good friend he is and how much he means to me. I wish that pleasure for everyone!
Patrick Lee
10:54 am on Thursday, November 18, 2010
I'd adopt Pepe if I didn't already have two dogs. Maybe I should get rid of one? .... Just kidding! I could NEVER get rid of my furry buddies!
karin
11:17 am on Thursday, November 18, 2010
I'm in the same boat, Patrick. But the timing is going to be just right for someone out there.
Susan Campisi
11:18 am on Thursday, November 18, 2010
Pepe is so patient, waiting for his perfect companion to come along. That person is out there, I'm sure of it. It's not every dog that gets this many animal lovers rallying for his cause. That speaks to how special Pepe is. If I didn't have Tommy, Pepe would be my guy. He's going to make someone very happy.
Oh, and how I love those cats! But alas, I already have two of them, too. And I love my pack. Living with animals brings immeasurable joy. Every house should have at least one!
Angela Odom
11:32 am on Thursday, November 18, 2010
If I hadn't already adopted two big fish-mouthed Boxers Pepe would be right here running the backyard or in the pup mobile on a bye bye trip. I sure hope he finds a good home soon and I'm sure he will. He's just waiting for the right person to come along and I'm sure they're on their way.
And Karin, thank you for being their publicist. I bet they all love seeing you. Good job and btw, love the Calico Kitteh.
ShellSherree
2:57 pm on Thursday, November 18, 2010
I'm sending all my good vibes for Pepe's adoption any moment now. There is surely someone out there who'll love him to smithereens and he'll return it tenfold. He's such a sweet and gentle puppy dog . I wish I had you as my publicist, Karin ~ it's perhaps just that the timing hasn't yet been quite right for Pepe's perfect person to come along. But here's hoping that changes very quickly! I have a gorgeous kitty and no dogs, but my sister and her family adopted a lovely terrier {Stanley} from a shelter a few years ago, and a kitty named Barney not long before that, and they've both brought boundless fun and love.
As for your magnificent felines on show today, aren't they temptresses!
Barbara Ellis
3:06 pm on Thursday, November 18, 2010
This reminds me to recommend the 2007 film "Year of the Dog", by Mike White, which was filmed right here in Altadena, and is about a woman who rescues animals. It's funny, you'll recognize many of the places, and it has a happy ending.
Laurie Allee
6:53 am on Friday, November 19, 2010
I"m in the same boat -- two dogs and a cat already. But I'm already in love with Pepe. This better be one of those stories with a happy ending.
Margaret Finnegan
1:19 pm on Friday, November 19, 2010
Yeah. My husband is allergic to cats, but I'm all for them. Hope this one finds a home soon. I'm still rooting for Pepe.
Lori A. Webster
10:42 am on Saturday, November 20, 2010
Beautiful cats...that shot of the orange one is adorable! I don't understand why Pepe isn't adopted yet, either. My Pepe would maybe love a companion, but I don't think we're good dog owners anymore, since we're hardly ever home.
I'd love to join in the bloggers with dog stories, Karin, if possible.
Kathy
10:43 am on Saturday, November 20, 2010
I'm so shocked and sad that Pepe hasn't found his home yet!!! He's such a cutie!!! With all of our good wishes and mental visioning of him in his happy home, he'll get there!!!
Each of our two cats came from the Glendale shelter, the oldest was from before it became a no kill shelter. Miss Daisy was rescued when she was about 5, at a Golden Retriever rescue event at our favorite pet store, Anderson's, in Montrose. Come to think of it, I think just about every animal I've ever had, has been a rescue of some sort or other, usually from a shelter.
Karin, you might want to get in touch with either a Lab or pug rescue group in the area...they do rescue mixes...
Karin Bugge
12:40 pm on Saturday, November 20, 2010
Where there's a will... Dear POP'S (pals of Pepe's): I love all your comments over the past few weeks. Warms my heart. Lori, absolutely. Petrea's going to help me on this, and I'll send some info out tomorrow. Angela, I've never met you, but I can tell we have much in common. Shell, Pepe's booster (and wonderful illustrator) from Australia, created a very hopeful illo of my favorite orphan. Take a look at http://www.shellsherree.com
Laurie Allee
10:21 am on Sunday, November 21, 2010
Shell's illo is so wonderful.
I actually DREAMED about Pepe last night. He's now like one of the profound dogs in Jonathan Carroll's novels. Crossing fingers and toes that he finds a home.
Jean Spitzer
11:29 am on Sunday, November 21, 2010
I too am having trouble believing Pepe has not been adopted. Do you think he needs breath mints?
The cats are delightful, but Pepe still has my love. But Texas is a long way away.
Carla
3:01 am on Tuesday, November 23, 2010
How is dear Pepe?
Sending big hugs from Australia for Pepe and these two kitties!
karin
3:05 pm on Tuesday, November 23, 2010
ADOPTED! Pepe, the wonderful lab/pug mix we've been featuring was adopted from the Pasadena Humane Society today. Thanks to everyone for their wishes, drawing, links, facebooks, tweets, and emails. And thanks and congratulations most of all to Pepe's new friend.
Kathy
3:09 pm on Tuesday, November 23, 2010
YAY KARIN!!! You truly were Pepe's Goddess of the week!!! Congratulations on your new home Pepe!
Petrea Burchard
3:19 pm on Tuesday, November 23, 2010
I'm absolutely thrilled! Oh, little Pepe, I'll be thinking of you in your new home.
If they all tug at my heartstrings like Pepe I'm going to go nuts.
Susan Campisi
3:28 pm on Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Yay! That's such great news. Dear, sweet Pepe. Someone found you as irresistible as your fan club over here. I'm so happy for him and his new human.
Angela Odom
3:50 pm on Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Hooray for PEPEEEEEEEE!!! I love it and what good news. I'm going to go do the happy dance with my babies now. Yay!!!
Carla
4:26 pm on Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Oh this is fantastic news! It's pepped me up this morning here in Australia! :)
Keep up the wonderful work Karin!
Hoping these sweet kitties find homes soon too!
Barbara Ellis
5:50 pm on Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Hurray! This has really made me happy (and made Pepe even happier, I'm sure).
Jean Spitzer
8:36 pm on Tuesday, November 23, 2010
I'm so glad for Pepe and his new family.
Susan Estrada
12:09 pm on Wednesday, January 19, 2011
What an interesting site you have! I'm so glad I found it, even though I live out of your area (West Covina). Do you know of any no-kill place that will take stray cats if you don't live in their "area"? I've had 2 strays since the holidays and they're getting quite comfortable. Trouble is that they crowd out my other 2 cats at dinner time and it's become quite a nuisance. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Kathy
9:43 pm on Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Susan...have you tried the Glendale Humane Society or Seal Beach???
Susan Estrada
3:17 pm on Thursday, January 20, 2011
Glendale requires an evaluation appt and $100 intake fee per animal (I'm not sure these kitties would pass the evaluation :) ). Seal Beach is full to capacity. Thanks for the suggestion. I'm still being hopeful.