We are three little girls born on Valentine's Day of this year!  Our names, left to right, are "Peanut," "Logan," and "Violet." (Do any of those names seem familiar to you?)  We think that we are part Spaniel and part -  well , we really don't know.  But we sure are cute, aren't we?

You can give these adorable puppies a loving home.

 

We're little things now, but we're growing fast and will probably grow up to be about 25 or 30 pounds.  If you adopt one of us, we don't want you to be surprised in a few months to see that we're no longer little, cuddly bundles of fur.  We'll still be furry and cuddly, but no longer little. Of course, that just means that there will be more of us to love!  We're making this clear to you, because we want to be part of your family forever, and not be deserted because we didn't stay little.  That would break our hearts.
There's a lot to learn about puppies, so I'll tell you what, we're going to turn you over to Vi now, as we have to admit, she can tell you more about what to expect from us than we can.

Thanks my sweet little ones, here I go:  There is so much involved in adopting a puppy that, in my opinion, if you've never had a dog before it is best to adopt a dog that is a little older.  People don't realize how much is involved and that is why so many puppies end up in shelters.  You have to have a lot of patience in training them.  They don't know what they can and can't do.  You have to teach them right from wrong, just as you would a child.  If they do something wrong, please, NEVER, ever hit them or yell at them!  A firm "no" and distracting them with something positive will work wonders.  When they do something right, shower them with praise and love and they will always want to please you.

Be sure to keep food out of reach.  There are so many foods, such as grapes, raisins, chocolate and onions, that can be toxic to them.  The same goes for medicine. No matter what kind of bottle they may be in, and no matter how hard they are for US to open, they will find a way - and that can be deadly. Other things to keep out of reach are cleansers, soap and certain plants. Wires and cables are tempting for them to chew on, so try to conceal them the best you can.  Spraying them with Bitter Apple may help. Don't forget that they will be teething, so be sure to have plenty of safe things, made specifically for dogs, to chew on. That will keep them busy and keep them from chewing things that they shouldn't. Oh, yes, don't forget that there's housebreaking, too!

I could go on and on about things to do and not to do, but I suggest that you get a good book on training a puppy. An obedience class is a good thing, too, and can be lots of fun for both of you. Be sure that you choose a trainer that teaches with kindness.  And, always remember, no hitting or yelling - ever!!!!!!  The joy, love and loyalty they give is well worth every single second of so-called work.  I've never considered anything to do with any of my little ones to be work - I don't care what was involved – it was all done with love, and the love and joy that has been given back to me could never be put into words.

If you haven't read Tommy Garrett's wonderful  and informative article, "Picking The Right Pet," which was in last week's Canyon News, please do.  We feel the same way about animals, and he always explains things in such an interesting way, not only about dogs and cats, but about all other animals.  I always learn so very much by reading his columns and you will, too.  Thanks, Tommy!

If you feel that a puppy is right for you, please come to see the little girls.  If you would like one a little older, or one of our wonderful cats, I'm sure we can make a match.  Don't forget my famous last words - we always need volunteers!!

FRIENDS OF ANIMALS (310)479-5089