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Finding Gracie

10/25/2018

Leah, Carlyn, and Gracie reunited.

We have the most exciting news!! Gracie is safely back with the rescue!! Dedicated volunteers, lost dog lead Carlyn K., Gracie's foster Leah W., and Jessica and Mark M. NEVER gave up on a happy homecoming.

Gracie bolted from her dog-walker the afternoon of October 8. Posters went up and were shared across social media. Carmen Brothers and her new dog Magic of Professional Pet Trackers donated their services to help the search team move in the right direction. Despite the initial search efforts, an entire week went by with zero sightings.

We started to feel a bit hopeless. But thanks to an ace lost dog lead and a devoted foster, we never gave up. They organized several canvassing events and our awesome volunteers answered the call. Handing out flyers, posting on social media, and getting the word out any way they could. Leah traveled to the area daily to hand out flyers and look for any sign of Gracie.

Well, it worked!

October 15 the team finally got a break. Two people called with sightings in the vicinity of 110/Mt Vernon Trail. Leah and Carlyn drove over to scout the area and determine the best approach... and maybe even catch a glimpse of Gracie. But in true lost dog fashion, she stayed hidden. A few days went by and again no reported sightings. Carlyn and Leah stuck to the plan, scoping out the area and following up on possible leads at shelters. Still no Gracie.

Gracie sightings map

Saturday night, October 20, Leah answered a promising call about a sighting in Rosslyn along the Mt Vernon trail. Leah and animal control responded, but it was too dark outside to thoroughly search. The next morning, Leah and Carlyn returned to the spot along the trail, set and baited a trap, and placed a camera (the Kuder Cam) that would alert Carlyn whenever there was activity. As Carlyn said, "Kind of a shot in the dark as far as location goes but it’s worth a try."

First there was a squirrel. Then a fox who very much enjoyed the daily feeding. And... lots of nail-biting and lost sleep.

Midnight Monday, two weeks later, we got our big break. Gracie made an appearance on the Kuder Cam! We were elated! Carlyn and Leah returned each night to stake out the area and keep the trap baited. All they could do at this point was wait until Gracie captured herself. Any other move would most likely scare her. Gracie was lost between two major thruways (I-66 and the GW Pkwy) and they couldn't risk her running away and into danger.

Wednesday afternoon Mark visited the area to hand out more flyers. There's construction in the area and he wanted to take advantage of their proximity to where she was last spotted. Then Mark saw her, but all he could do was note her location, update the crew, and wait.

Wednesday night Carlyn and Leah parked in their usual spot waiting for Gracie to return to the feeding station. Around 11:00 PM she actually passed in front of their car. TWICE. But they both knew they had to stay put and wait. Stillness was of utmost importance. At 12:25 AM Gracie--finally hungry enough and with no more food along the perimeter--entered the trap. And with a click of the plate and a rattle of the gate, Gracie was finally secured and safe!

Gracie. Finally safe and secure.

Big thanks to the many volunteers and the public who handed out flyers, got the word out on social media, and reported sightings. Thanks to your efforts we were able to narrow down her location.

And a BIG round of applause for Carlyn, Leah, Jessica, and Mark for their unwavering faith and dedication to bringing Gracie home. We're lucky to know you!

5:00 AM Thursday, Oct 25. Gracie, Carlyn, and Leah at VCA SouthPaws ER making sure she unscathed from her adventure.

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A Day in the Life of a Foster

8/31/2018

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By Yasmina Ahdab

Are you interested in fostering but are worried it doesn’t fit your schedule? Hear what City Dogs Rescue & City Kitties (CDR&CK) fosters have to say. Cat foster Trudy R. says, “fostering is not too different from any other normal day, except it is extra fun! There is just more cuteness and adorableness in your life.” Amelia F. adds, “it is basically a typical day for me, but with the awesomeness of having a cat!”

Paroma with foster dog Sprocket out and about in D.C.

Most of CDR&CK’s fosters have full-time jobs. Like other dog owners, they organize a midday break through dog walkers, enroll in daycare, or come home during lunch. “After a long-day at work, I am delighted to come home to my foster dog and my own dog, Pablo,” says Paroma C. who spends her evenings “hanging out, snuggling, and playing games with the two pups!”

With a minimum two-week commitment, fostering is the perfect way to discover how a dog or cat might fit into your normal life! “These fosters become a part of your routine. Even if I am late from work or very busy one day, then that’s not an issue since dogs are the most forgiving animals. They will always love you,” says Patricia B.

Caeul and City Kitty Marshmallow.

Are you interested in fostering a cat but are worried about leaving him or her alone all day? No need to worry! City Kitties often fosters out two cats at once, so they can entertain one another while you are busy. If you’re not up for two fosters, we can assure you that your foster cat will enjoy their lazy day of napping.

Enrich your life while saving theirs. “Fostering is the best way to start your mornings. My foster kitties have given me nothing but endless love and cuddles. Their faces light up with excitement each day,” says Caeul L.

Are you someone who likes to exercise and be outdoors? Some people choose to foster younger more active dogs who enjoy spending time outside. Foster, Jess H., always makes sure to include her foster dog in her own workouts. Sometimes she even takes them on adventures to lakes or parks. It’s awesome always having a travel buddy!

Rachael and her dog, Autumn, take foster Ginger on an adventure.

Want a break from the same old, same old? “These animals have fun and cool personalities. Everyday is new,” says cat foster Jess P. “I really get to see these animals evolve and grow on a daily basis.” Dog foster Patricia B. asks, “Who can resist so many extra moments of joy and happiness?”

Fostering is also a wonderful way to meet more people. Tracy W. makes sure to put CDR’s “Adopt me” vest or bandanna on his foster dog for their daily walks. “I am continuously stopped by people passing by and have even gotten a couple dogs adopted that way.”

Fosters who provide a temporary home give these dogs and cats the opportunity to escape high-kill and overcrowded shelters. You are giving them the chance to live while building unforgettable memories and warm fuzzies knowing you saved a life. To learn more about fostering, and to apply, visit: www.citydogsrescuedc.org/foster.html.

Sara and Warren with bonded pair foster dogs, Sukie and Henry.

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Why Be a Foster for a Dog or Cat?

7/2/2018

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By Yasmina Ahdab

Interested in fostering but not quite sure what to expect?

Hear what City Dogs Rescue & City Kitties (“CDR&CK”) fosters have to say.

“It is a lot harder to never say hello,” says Patricia B., because without fosters we simply can’t rescue dogs and they remain at the shelter at risk of euthanasia. Many of the dogs and cats that need fosters are just days, if not hours away from being euthanized. Fosters provide a lifeline to these animals. “You can give them the opportunity to enjoy and experience the beauty of life. This also opens up space for even another dog or cat to be saved!” says Laura, a CDR&CK foster.

All the rewards.

In addition to being their lifesaver, longtime foster Leah W. has been “blown away by how incredibly open and sweet these adorable creatures are. They are merely looking to be loved and cared for!” By providing a dog or cat with a temporary home, you are giving them the chance to experience happiness in everyday life. Leah feels that “nothing compares to seeing your foster settle in, soak in love, grow, and just flourish. In the process, your heart will melt and open.” Patricia B. loves that her fosters “express their gratitude through kisses and cuddles.” and says “Fostering requires you to give up a little space in your home and in return gain endless space in your heart.” She finds fostering to be remarkably rewarding and that it pays back in countless ways (particularly through the endless love and cuddles these fosters shower you with!).

Have a busy schedule?

Many of our fosters work a full work-week, and like other dog owners, arrange a midday break via dog walker, or plan on using daycare for their foster dog. With a minimum two-week commitment, it's a great way to see how a dog might fit into your normal life. Are you someone who likes to exercise and be outdoors? City Dogs Rescue always has young active dogs who would love to spend time outside with you. If you're interested in fostering a cat but are worried about them being alone during the day, City Kitties often fosters two cats out at once, so they can entertain each other while you are at the office.

If you are unsure if you can manage a long-term pet, then fostering “is a fabulous way to dip your toe in and to learn about the process of having a dog or cat,” says Tracy W, who has fostered many dogs with us.

Jillian M. fostered as a way to dive into having a dog of her own. “I grew up with dogs but realistically, my parents were the true caretakers. Being responsible for an animal who is so completely dependent on you was a whole new experience for me and as my fosters learned to “dog” I learned how to be a good dog guardian each step of the way,” says Jillian M.

Concerned about costs?

No need to worry! CDR&CK covers approved vet visits, medications, or training sessions you may need. “Ultimately, you only need to provide food, shelter, and immeasurable love!” says Laura.

Join a Supportive Community!

Laura and Tracy both feel that “every dog they have fostered has been wonderful, and just a pure delight. However, if you happen to come across a foster that has any behavioral or health issues, then no problem - CDR&CK is more than supportive.” CDR&CK provides a free foster training, taught by professional dog trainers and has an active online community where any foster or alumni can seek out answers to their questions. There's also a group of volunteers dedicated to helping each foster help their foster pet adjust to their new environment, so you are always supported. Leah states “CDR&CK is a true community, where people are open to helping and learning from one another.”

Learn More and Apply!

Fosters who provide a temporary home give dogs and cats the chance to escape high-kill shelters. You are giving them the opportunity to live and creating beautiful friendships in the process. To learn more about fostering, and to apply, visit: www.citydogsrescuedc.org/foster.html

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100% Rescued: Larry

4/13/2018

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by guest blogger and volunteer Jillian Molina

CDR&CK is a foster-based all breed rescue in the Washington, D.C. metro area. Due to the nature of our rescue, CDR&CK is focused on rescuing dogs and cats that are in jeopardy of being euthanized due to overpopulation.

A variety of dogs and cats in shapes, sizes, pedigrees and temperaments find themselves in overcrowded high-kill shelters, where resources are severely limited. City Dogs Rescue partners with specific shelters and commits to saving several dogs each month per shelter.

Strays, hoarding seizures and owner surrenders typically describe the background of our dogs and cats. When an owner surrenders their dog to a shelter, there is typically no hold time for that dog, as opposed to a stray who's owner is given time to come claim their lost dog. If the shelter is overcrowded, owner surrendered dogs are typically the first dogs to be euthanized to make room.

Rescues like CDR&CK step in at this point, offering to cover the adoption fee, medical expenses, boarding costs and transportation of a dog until arrangements can be made to bring the dog to the Washington, D.C. area and placed into a foster home. Since CDR&CK doesn't have it's own shelter, we rely on foster parents to care for our animals until they are adopted. Foster parents help us learn more about a cat or dog's behavior, training level, and personality so that we can match them with the right forever home.

Larry, CDR&CK alumna Piper, and his sister Buca.

Larry is a 5-year-old purebred golden retriever whose elderly owners surrendered him to one of our partner shelters in Georgia. They had both Larry and his mom, but when Larry's mom passed, they realized they weren't able to keep up with Larry's energy or get another dog to keep him company. CDR stepped in to rescue him and got him to a veterinarian, bringing him up to date on vaccinations and preventatives, where it was discovering that Larry was heartworm positive.

In Washington D.C., Larry's future mom was a volunteer with City Kitties, processing adoption applications and in the process of becoming a dog foster. When she saw Larry pop up on the City Dogs website and noticed he was hoping for a home with another dog, she knew her family (including her dog, Buca) had to apply. Within weeks of rescue, Larry was on a 10 hour drive from Georgia to D.C., where his future family waited. Almost a year later, Larry is heartworm free and enjoys his days as a City Dog with his forever family and plenty of dog friends.

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It's Puppy Power!City Dogs Rescue and City Kitties Will Be Represented in Animal Planet's Puppy Bowl XIV Airing Sunday, February 4th!

1/30/2018

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90 Adoptable Puppies Compete for Most Valuable Puppy (MVP) Title

Sally Photographer: Hannele Lahti | dog photography www.adogphotographer.com

City Dogs Rescue &City Kitties is pawsitively thrilled to announce we have a puppy player in this year’s PUPPY BOWL XIV.The cutest competition in sports history airs Sunday, February 4th at 3:00 pm ET/12:00 pm PT on Animal Planet.

Sally storms the GEICO gridiron and makes the cutest ear pulls and tail tugs as part of Team Fluff as they compete to win the CHEWY.COM Lombarky Trophy.

Sally is one of ten Plott hound mix puppies born to mom Tamara in rural West Virginia. Sally charms everyone she meets and is described by her foster mom as "good for the soul." She's sensitive, quiet, and (don't tell the others) the sweetest one in the bunch. Sally was adopted by Daniel and Charles and is now living a happy life in Dupont Circle. Sally, along with 90 adoptable puppies from 48 shelters and rescues across the country, go paw to paw and nose to nose for the in the ultimate match up between “Team Ruff” vs. “Team Fluff.”

#PuppyBowlXIV star and CDR&CK Alumna Sally made it to Rolling Stone! #TeamFluff Animal Planet https://www.rollingstone.com/sports/news/puppy-bowl-xiv-what-you-need-to-know-w514905
Posted by City Dogs Rescue & City Kitties on Tuesday, January 30, 2018

For the last 13 years, Animal Planet’s PUPPY BOWL has owned the world’s cutest sporting event on television. Every Super Bowl Sunday, two teams of the fluffiest and cuddliest line barkers and wide retrievers take to the gridiron for a playful game of terrier touchdown, puppy penalties and furry fumbles. Representing rescues and shelters from across the country, these adoptable four-legged players that make up #TeamRuff and #TeamFluff are serious when it comes to winning the Most Valuable Puppy title and more importantly...their furever homes.

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Vote CDR&CK & Gwennie Best in Shelter!

11/11/2017

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Gwennie was rescued in January 2016. She only made it out of the shelter alive thanks to a vet tech recognizing something special about her. The vet tech contacted Pam Nalley in South Carolina and asked her to find a rescue for Gwen. Thankfully we had space and brought Gwennie to DC. After arrival she went through several foster homes because she couldn't settle in. Her fosters determined there was something going on that was causing her pain and hence her grumpiness. Upon further evaluation, the specialists determined she had two torn ligaments in her legs and a dislocated (luxated) patella. This required extensive surgery and a long rehabilitation. The next challenge was to find a foster who could manage her care. The wonderful Pezzoli family stepped in and took Gwennie in. They managed her surgical appointments and aftercare and quickly fell in love with this special girl. After all they went through together, they knew they could not let her go and adopted her in July 2016. Gwennie has an amazing life with the Pezzoli's on the Eastern Shore and trips to the beach in South Carolina. A few months ago Gwennie was diagnosed with lymphoma. The Pezzoli's were once again faced with a challeging medical condition. Gwennie is now in treatment and receiving the best care. She is loved dearly and enjoys her life daily. Who could have guessed this bully mix girl from rural South Carolina would have found such an amazing life? Gwennie tells her story below.

Cast your daily vote for Gwennie so we can continue to provide the best care for other discarded cats and dogs. Thank you.

VOTE for GWENNIE!

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Adoptable Dogs at Dogs Days of Summer

8/6/2017

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Gypsy

A rainy morning couldn't keep families away from the Dog Days of Summer event at the Postal Museum last weekend, July 29! CDR was there with plenty of adoptable dogs looking for their fur-ever families. Here's some of the great pups we brought out!

Gypsy is a terrier mix looking for her person or family. She'll spoil you with unconditional love and soak up all your affection. To learn more about her and apply to meet her, visit her page at: goo.gl/gwN65q

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Adoptable Dog of the Week: Loretta

7/18/2017

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Loretta heard that you might be looking for a gentle, silly, and loving companion to accompany you to the office, on your errands and out and about town, and she's happy to let you know that she's your gal! She's a 2 year old coonhound who has loved everyone (and every dog) she's met.

She's up for hikes, visits to the neighbors, a picnic in the park, or snuggles and Netflix on the sofa, all provided she doesn't have to leave your side. She's a love bug who has some separation anxiety whenever she's been left alone, so she's looking for a family with someone who sticks around home during the day. She's not well suited to a condo or apartment because she can't quite leave her hound howls behind, but her foster says she's a great vocalist!

She'd love a yard, though it is not mandatory for adoption, since she loves sunbathing and never misses out on playing chase with herself and her toys when she has the space. She'll spend her nights happily snoozing on her dog bed, but she's happy to be your alarm clock if you let her. She loves a quick snuggle and roll around in clean sheets before you take her on her morning walk.

She'd love to have another pup in the home, but would be perfectly happy to have all the belly rubs to herself. To meet Loretta, apply here: https://www.petstablished.com/pets/public/124192

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Volunteer Spotlight: Emily Cooperman

12/3/2016

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By: Renée Orcione

At City Dogs Rescue, we can’t thank our volunteers enough! Their hard work and dedication drive the work we do, and we want to highlight their efforts. We hope to give you a look into the heart of our organization through our Volunteer Spotlights Series.

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Adopt: Sherwin the Beaming Boxer Mix

11/7/2016

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By: Renée Orcione

If you’re looking for a happy, loyal companion who loves to give kisses, look no further. Sherwin, the young boxer mix with the beaming smile, would make the perfect addition to your family!

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