Creating a more caring community for people and pets.
HERE ARE THE DOGS IN OUR LIFESAVER PROGRAM
Please email lifesaver@icarestl.org if you are interested in saving them!
Nov 1 2024 - Pupcup still has no interest in adoption or foster.
October 29, 2024
Pupcup received good feedback:
"Despite previously being very strong and dog-reactive, it’s clear that someone has worked on her leash skills. She is still strong and reactive indoors, but outside, she walks like an absolute dream. While she can still be occasionally strong, it’s nothing compared to how she was before. She is very sweet and seems to be calmer during her walks, especially when crossing the street."
We need to find a home for this girl ASAP. She was in a foster home for 43 days but she's been available for adoption for 159 days. She needs to find her forever home. Can you help her?
2 years old, 44 pounds of sweetness!
Why she was added to the Lifesaver List:
- Has been adoptable in the system for 159 days. Length of Stay is over 90 days.
- She is dog-selective.
- She is a high-energy dog.
- She lived in a foster home with kids
- Her quality of life in the shelter environment has been discussed due to the stress she is experiencing right now
CHEW Buddy outing 10/9 to Tower Grove Park:
I gave Raja a stuffy for the car and made sure her leashes were very secure. She gave her attn to the stuffy for the most part and was pretty good in the car. She only barked once the whole time and that was when we parked. There were some people across the street but there may have also been an excited bark. She pulled pretty strong for about 15 or so minutes, but she did check in with me when I asked and I treated her. She also stopped for sniffs. I did not walk her or play ball in the yard before we left because I know she overheats easily but I will try that next time since it's cooling off to see if she's less excited/pully. We saw other dogs and people and kept our distance and she was fine. She was tired on the way home and so was also good on the ride back. We played ball in the yard when we got back and she was able to "wait" a few times for me to throw the ball instead of going for it.
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Meet Raja, the 81-pound bundle of joy who's 7 years young and always ready to play! Whether she's frolicking in the yard or diving headfirst into a basket of toys, Raja's motto is, 'Why act your age when you can act your shoe size?' She participated in playgroup while at the shelter, where she was very neutral and chill. She seems to prefer dogs with that same calm, neutral vibe and play style.
This lucky girl got to go on a straycation, and here's what her foster had to say:
'Raja is the sweetest, most loving, and most empathetic dog you'll ever meet. We've had a wonderful time bonding with her over this week of fostering. She has had many big snoozes, long walks (sometimes even jogs!), and hours of playtime with every toy you can imagine. She LOVES playing fetch with tennis balls, wading in pools, and leaning up against people for butt scratches. Raja has just as much energy inside her as she has love. She would thrive in an active home with a large, fenced-in yard where she can let loose! This sweet soul has the wisdom of a senior and the heart of a puppy—proof that you're never too old to have a little fun!
Why Raja was added to the Lifesaver list:
- Her Length of Stay (LOS) at the shelter is 103 days. When a dog has been in the shelter for over 90 days and has not been into meet and greet because of how she reacts to certain people, her quality of life in living in the stressful shelter environment is discussed.
- She is dog selective and dog reactive
- She is people selective.
-Another thing that triggered her was anything on wheels - strollers, carts, bikes - she was very reactive to any of that.
Crew is a 2-year-old, 57-pound boy whose owner could no longer take care of him. He is sweet, but is stressed and nervous in the shelter, as most are. He's very treat-motivated, loves food, and enjoys a good sniffing. He is working on his leash walking and needs a strong handler as he does pull.
Short stay at a foster home on 10/18/2024
- potty trained
- crate trained
- resource guarding and difficult to handle in the shelter
- dog reactive and people reactive sometimes on walks and in the backyard
- some resource guarding but has been a minimal reaction in my home -- watching me or moving a toy away from me but no snapping, growling, etc
- good in the car
- requests affection nudging head into me; prefers touch on face/shoulder area, can be jumpy when touched or moving too fast
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CHEW buddy update:
He has shown some anxiety when he has food and a person is around so we've been working on him knowing I won't touch or interfere when he has his special snack. He gets his treat and then I tell him "All done and I don't interfere with speaking or touching. I just let him have his space with his snack.
Crew has some anxiety about being unleashed in his room so we have come up with a routine where I toss his treat in, say "All done and remove myself from his room so he has space, then unleash from outside of the door with a clip lead. He has been doing so well with this and showing zero signs of stress or frustration as he had been.
He’s just fearful and can be uncomfortable/jumpy with the touch of new people. Hasn’t shown any signs of it being from pain and no external injuries were noticed. Just out of fear and anxiety.
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Why he was added to the Lifesaver List:
- Has been with us for 98 days. Length of Stay is over 90 days and he needs more focused promotion and marketing.
- He is dog-selective.
- He is a high-energy dog.
- Was barky with children during meet & greet.
- He shows dog and people reactivity
- His quality of life in the shelter environment has been discussed if she is not able to find a home placement soon!
Meet Shaq, our charming 4-year-old who was found wandering an apartment complex and has quickly become a standout with his tall, ruggedly handsome demeanor. Much like his namesake, Shaq has a commanding presence and a heart of gold.
We want Shaq to find a home soon!
Shaq is an amazing big boy who is ready to find his forever home or a loving foster. He’s a dream at the park—easy to walk and full of energy! We’ve seen a tremendous difference in him as we work with him and with a little time and positive reinforcement, he’ll thrive even more!
He’s a wonderful protector who loves being by your side and is so sweet-hearted. He’s housebroken and responds well to commands, making him a fantastic companion. Let’s help him find the right fit soon, as he truly deserves a loving home!
Why Shaq was added to the Lifesaver list:
- His Length of Stay (LOS) at the shelter is 142 days. When a dog has been in the shelter for over 90 days and has not been into meet and greet because of how he reacts to certain people.
- He is dog-selective and dog reactive
- He bit another dog in the shelter through the kennel in between the wall
Gretel is an adorable 6-year-old lady who is silly and playful but also loves being a couch potato with her people. She’s house-trained, non-destructive in the home, and dog-friendly—she's even lived with another dog and did really well.
-House-trained
-Non-destructive
-Loves to snuggle up in bed while her buddy Hansel prefers floor naps
-People-friendly; can be shy at first but is very sweet, loves to snuggle, and adores getting pets
-She's still a bit leash-dodgy with new people, but she's making great progress!
-Loves affection and enjoys an easy walk
-Nervous with a leash and prefers a clip to a collar
Gretel is the perfect blend of playful and cuddly, ready to bring joy to any home!
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Why Gretel was added to the Lifesaver List:
- She is dog-reactive.
- She has a medical condition - cherry eye and needs someone to look after her after surgery
- Her quality of life in the shelter environment has been discussed if she is not able to find a home placement soon!
Zamboni is a sweet 3-year-old, 64 lbs. boy who’s not only potty-trained but also a snuggle bug who absolutely adores belly rubs! If you’re looking for a loyal friend to fill your home with love and joy, Zamboni is ready to be your perfect companion. Let’s help him find his forever home where he can share all his cuddles and happiness! He is dog-reactive and can be a strong puller on walks.
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Why Zamboni was added to the Lifesaver list:
- His Length of Stay (LOS) at the shelter is 94 days. When a dog has been in the shelter for over 90 days and has not been into meet and greet because of how he reacts to certain people, his quality of life in living in the stressful shelter environment is discussed.
- He is dog-selective and dog reactive
- He is people-selective.
- He is a strong puller.
- Has medical issue --cherry eye and will need eye surgery but also needs someone to help him during recovery. The person will have to ensure his eye is monitored and meds are given after surgery.
Lynx is a 2-year-old, 69-pound shy, sensitive soul looking for a loving place to land. He has the sweetest energy, and watching him explore the world will fill your heart! Lynx is friendly with people and dogs but mostly enjoys co-existing with other pups, at least in the shelter environment. He is both crate-trained and potty-trained, so you won’t need to worry about those skills with this guy!
Lynx is a loving, playful dude who was a wonderful house guest on his straycation. His hosts had only good things to say about him because he’s such a good boy. He adores spending time in the yard, whether he’s playing or just relaxing and soaking up the sun and fresh air. If you are looking to help a dog blossom into their full self, look no further than this sweet boy. We love our boy Lynx, and we know you will too!"
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Why he was added to the Lifesaver List:
- His Length of Stay (LOS) at the shelter is 99 days. When a dog has been in the shelter for over 90 days and has not been into meet and greet because of how he reacts to certain people, his quality of life in living in the stressful shelter environment is discussed.
- Fear around new people.
- He has a medical condition - cherry eye and needs someone to look after his after surgery
Meet Octopus, a handsome 8-year-old boy weighing 62 pounds who was found as a stray. This sweet senior loves to carry his bone around and is a super-duper snuggle bug. He makes the cutest whining and snorting sounds when he is happy to see you.
Octopus very rarely has accidents in the office and is considered non-destructive. However, he can be a strong puller and jumpy when excited. While he can be dog-reactive at times, he does well with treats. Due to aggression displayed in the shelter environment when meeting other dogs, we recommend that Octopus be the only pet in the home.
Because of his dog aggression and high levels of stereotypical stress in the shelter environment, Octopus has been placed on the Lifesaver's Initiative list. Despite these challenges, Octopus has a lot of love to give and would thrive in a home where he can be the center of attention.
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Why Octopus was added to the Lifesaver list:
- He is dog reactive in the shelter and pulls towards them
- He is a redirect risk
- He is very stressed at the shelter and his quality of life was discussed
- He is a strong puller.
This sweet 3-year-old boy, weighing 60 pounds, was found injured in a parking lot. Despite being hurt and in pain, he's been such a sweetheart to everyone he's met, as though he knows he's safe now and wants to thank everyone.
Armie was found with a swollen face and wounds all over his body. He is very friendly with people and affectionate, showing no signs of aggression despite his injuries. However, he reacted with growling and a stiff body toward his reflection in the window.
Due to his high levels of stress in the shelter environment, Armie has been placed on the Lifesaver Initiative Program. Despite these challenges, Armie has a lot of love to give and would thrive in a supportive and understanding home.
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Why Armie was added to the Lifesaver List:
- Redirect risk in the shelter
