By Alyssa Schor

When animal control officers found Trinity, a stray mixed-breed dog, they couldn’t believe she was still alive.

She was taken to the Smyth County Animal Hospital in Smyth County, Va., where the vet evaluated her and gave her body condition the lowest score possible. While on stray hold, Trinity received care and began gaining weight and building more strength. But when her hold time was up in March 2015, she was to return to the shelter to be euthanized.

The vet and his staff told us about how wonderful this girl was. She used every ounce of the little energy she had to wag her tail and give soft kisses when she saw her caretakers. We decided to step in and take over her care. We couldn’t stand the thought of her being put down after all the progress she had made.

“It’s a tough call to take a dog in that poor shape,” said Hilary Kline, Trinity’s foster. “I figured she must be one incredible dog.”

While still in Virginia, the vets noticed that one of Trinity’s hind legs was badly broken and needed amputated. Many of CDR’s donors stepped up to help fund her surgery, and the amputation took place in early April.

“It was a really phenomenal thing to see how many people came together to get this dog well,” Hilary said.

On Mother’s Day, Trinity arrived to CDR and moved into Hilary’s home. She already had another dog she had previously adopted from CDR. 

“I was worried that no one else would,” Hilary said about why she decided to foster Trinity. “The pictures of her were just heartbreaking.”

At first, Hilary said she had to be careful about giving Trinity food and supplements, as gaining too much weight too quickly would add stress to the dog’s body. Trinity’s skin, Hilary said, “felt like porcupine quill” – it was thin and rough. A scar from the amputation had begun to heal, but she still had gaping wounds.
After about a week in the home, Hilary said she noticed Trinity beginning to deteriorate and become more lethargic – but the vets said they couldn’t find signs of any other condition.

On Memorial Day, one of the wounds – 1.5 inches deep – opened up. For almost a week, Trinity had to be sedated each day while vets cleaned out the wound, packed it with gauze, gave her strong antibiotics and later placed a suture on top.

Despite all the procedures, Trinity kept a great spirit.

“Even with all of that, she was always a great patient,” Hilary said. “She was never aggressive. I never saw her act out with everything she’s been through.” 

One night in May, Laura McCutcheon’s 14-year-old daughter, Brynn, was researching adoptable dogs online. Brynn loves animals and wants to be a vet. She’d been asking the rest of the family for a while to adopt a dog or cat.

“We’re total dog people,” Laura said.

When Brynn saw a picture of Trinity, she knew that dog was the one.

“I was interested in one that might have trouble finding a home,” Brynn said.

Brynn and her dad sat down and filled out the adoption application that night.

“I was very hopeful that we would get to meet her, and we’re lucky we got to,” she said. “I wasn’t sure what to expect, but she’s so happy. It was like love at first sight.”

When the McCutcheons first met Trinity in early June, Brynn said the dog greeted them at the door with a big smile. Trinity was making significant improvements with all the care she’d been receiving. The amputation was already complete, her hair was growing again and she had gained most of her weight back.

“By the time we met her, we couldn’t believe it was the same dog,” Laura said. 

The McCutcheons officially welcomed Trinity into their home on June 20, making her the 1,500th dog adopted from City Dogs Rescue.

“It really feels meant to be,” Laura said. “We didn't even know about CDR prior to finding Trinnie through an Internet search. We were amazed at the lengths this amazing organization took to help our sweet girl on her road to recovery. She has such a gentle but fighting spirit, so she deserves to be recognized as the 1,500th adoption!

Trinity joined the other family dog, Charlie, who had already been in the home almost 10 years. Brynn said the two dogs get along well.

The family is still helping Trinity build strength in her back leg. Laura said they still have to carry her up most of the staircase.

“She just has this absolute resilience,” Laura said.

But Trinity is now completely house trained, and she can chew on bones and grasp things with her paw – something Laura said she hasn’t been able to do for a long time.

“It’s incredible how much she adapted,” Laura said.

Both Laura and Brynn agree that because of everything she went through, Trinity is truly grateful to now live in a loving home.

“You can just tell she appreciates being here and having a place to sleep and food to eat,” Brynn said. “She really does appreciate everything in her life because of the experience she had.”

Trinity is great with kids and loves when people come up and talk to her during walks. She loves to lie in bed and cuddle with people.

“She’s just been such a blessing,” Brynn said. “She’s been amazing to have around. It’s been totally life-changing.” 

By Alyssa Schor

Sugar has one purpose in life: “to love her human.”

“She can't fight off any burglars, or pull you from a burning house, or call for help if you fall down a well,” said Nico Pandi, who’s been fostering the Chihuahua since February, “but she will give you her full and unconditional love beyond any other dog.”

She’s happiest when sleeping on someone’s lap while a person reads a book or uses the computer. If someone goes outside, rides in a car or naps on the couch, Sugar wants to join.

“If you get up and leave the room, she will follow close behind to ensure a moment doesn't go by that she's not with you,” Nico said.

Sugar was first rescued from Smyth County, Va. in November 2014. Nico was originally supposed to foster another dog, but that dog got sick shortly before the transport. He was happy to foster Sugar instead.

Nico’s had other foster dogs. He describes his experience with Sugar as “fantastamazing.”

“There isn't a word in the English language that fully encapsulates the experience of fostering Sugar,” he said.

In December, Sugar was adopted. But it didn’t work out with the children in the family, so she was returned a couple months later.

“She doesn't like a lot of action, so hyper or overly-playful dogs or small children will disturb her,” Nico said.

Sugar enjoys peanut butter, walks, belly scratches and being cute. Nico said he likes how she stands up on her hind legs when she wants to be picked up, and how she rolls onto her back when she wants a tummy rub.

What really stands out about Sugar, Nico said, is how she sticks her “silly” tongue out the side of her mouth.

“People who meet her for the first time can't help but laugh when they see it,” Nico said. “Even though I've had her for months and see it on a daily basis, I still smile when I look at her while she is sleeping and see the tongue sticking out.” 

In addition to taking Sugar to numerous CDR adoption events, Nico also tries to bring her outdoors, or to anywhere he goes that might be pet-friendly.

“I put her little pink 'adopt me' bandana on and bring a small stack of CDR business cards to hand out to people who mentioned how cute she is - and there inevitably are a bunch of those,” he said.

Nico also reaches out to his friends and colleagues, hoping he will hear of someone interested in adopting a dog.

“Even if they don't want Sugar specifically, I am happy to introduce CDR to them with the hope that another dog can be rescued,” he said.

Alexis Segal was a temporary foster for Sugar during the second week of June 2015. She said once Sugar got to know her, the dog became very relaxed and behaved well in her presence.

“She is shy at first and loves her person,” Alexis said, “but once you're it, she is the ultimate companion - and her little fun and spunky personality comes out.”

For more information on how to adopt Sugar, including how to apply for adoption, visit http://www.citydogsrescuedc.org/adopt.html. 

1. Safety at home: If you take your dog to a picnic, be sure to bring him or her home before you go to the fireworks. Check gates, doors, fences and other areas that a dog could escape to make sure that everything is secure, especially if you are having company or a party. Inspect your dog’s collar, leash and harness to make sure they are fitted properly, strong and secure. 

2. Safety while out: Lots of strangers are out on the Fourth of July, so be aware of your surroundings if you take your dog to a new neighborhood. Keep a tight grip on your dog’s leash! This sounds like a no-brainer, but it's so easy to slip up. A minor distraction when you are out with your dog, like a small noise or something blowing in the wind, could startle your dog and cause him or her to bolt. When walking your dog, hold the leash securely by putting your hand through the loop and wrapping some of the length around your wrist to prevent dropping it. 

3. Activity helps: Get your dog plenty of exercise before a party or fireworks start. Take your dog for a long walk or romp in the dog park before your company comes over, or before your community fireworks are slated for the evening. Tire your dogs out so they will not have to go to the bathroom while you're out at the fireworks.  A hike is a good option for the Fourth because the trail may be less crowded than your neighborhood. This will also make them more likely to fall asleep rather than bark through the fireworks.

4. Calm in the crate: If your dog likes his or her crate, then put it in a quiet, relaxing place. Fill it with toys and treats; soothing music could help too. If your dog does not yet use a crate, today is not the day to begin crate training! 

5. Chewing as distraction: Give your dog a special toy to play with at night. If your dog doesn't like toys, consider buying a nice bone for him or her to chew on while home alone. Chewing helps naturally calm your dog's nerves.

6. Stay hydrated: Keep your dog hydrated. Dehydration during the fireworks will amplify the anxiety they are feeling.

7. Keeping calm: Close windows, doors and curtains so your dog is less distracted by passersby and fireworks. This will also muffle extra noise. Set up a comfortable spot in a quiet room or crate - if you have company coming and going your dog may easily slip out. Shut the windows, turn on the air conditioning and some background noise before leaving for fireworks. If a Thunder shirt, Rescue Remedy or other medication works during a storm, you may need to suit your pet up or medicate them prior to the rockets' red glare.

8. Keeping tabs on your dog: Dogs can easily slip out of fenced yards. Double check that your dog is wearing his or her tags and collar, and make sure the dog is microchipped and that the microchip is up to date. Your dog should have the collar on at all times, especially if you going to bring him or her along for any festivities.

9. Have a plan: If you are out and about, make sure your family has a plan for the dog if he gets nervous around loud noises. Everyone should be aware of where the dog should be and for how long.  This avoids a situation where someone accidentally lets the dog out in the yard after dusk. 

The best prevention is to leave your dog at home, since crowds, explosions and everything else associated with the parades and fireworks on the Fourth is often too much for dogs.

Should your dog get out, immediately contact CDR (202) 567-7364. It doesn't matter if you are fostering, you’ve recently adopted or you've had your pup a long time. If he or she gets loose, call for help immediately!

Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!

By Alyssa Schor

Stella weighed only 2.9 lbs when she was rescued from Smyth County, Va. in early January 2015. The 8-year-old teacup Chihuahua needed many of her teeth and several lumps removed. She had a massive flea infestation. Much of her hair was gone, and she carried a bad odor, too.

But when Michelle Nottingham, a friend of City Dogs Rescue’s fundraising events coordinator John Benedetto, first saw a photo of the dog online, she knew she wanted to meet her. After having Stella in her home for a week at the end of January, Michelle decided to adopt her.

“I just knew I was gonna keep her,” Michelle said. “She just clung to me ever since I got her. She loves me.”

Unfortunately, Stella faced more medical problems. She had a heart murmur, and she would occasionally collapse from lack of oxygen to the brain. Michelle brought Stella to a cardiologist, who ran several tests on the dog - as it turned out, she actually had bronchitis.

Michelle said Stella also was not receiving enough quality food, which may have contributed to the hair loss and odor.

“You could feel every bone on her body, and that was from having no muscle,” Michelle said.

Stella now weighs 4 lbs. Most of her hair has grown back on its own; the odor is gone. Her coughing from the bronchitis has stopped, and the collapses are far less frequent, thanks to all her medications.

Her teeth are still a work in progress, Michelle said. Stella can only eat soft treats and dog foods, as she only has three teeth – all on one side of her mouth. One of those teeth is infected.

Next month, Michelle will take Stella to see a specialist. The dog’s teeth cannot be removed unless grafts are put in, which are fillers needed inside the mouth to keep the jaw in place.

Although Stella still needs help fixing some of her medical issues, Michelle said her dog has come a long way in the few months she’s had her.

“She’s in tip-top shape,” Michelle said. “It’s amazing what she looks like compared to what she did.”

When adopted, Stella joined another dog, Vivian, in Michelle’s home. Michelle said the two dogs get along very well and keep each other company – Vivian has even taught her “little sister” to be a real city dog.

“She acclimated really well,” Michelle said of Stella.

Michelle said her favorite thing about Stella is her affection. Stella sleeps with Michelle and often sits on her chest when she’s lying down – traits of a true Chihuahua.

“She has to be near me, sit on me all the time,” Michelle said.

Stella loves to wag her tail, run in the grass and travel. Michelle said Stella loves to give her kisses.

“She’s such a good girl,” Michelle said. “I just can’t believe her transformation.” 

Help us spread the word about our online auction!

We are looking for gift certificates or tickets for restaurants, hotels, sporting events, performances, shows, concerts. Everyone knows someone!

If you'd like to help us contact places to donate, please email meredith@citydogsrescuedc.org.

Interested donors are asked to fill out the form below. (If the form isn't loading, please try this link.)

The deadline for submissions is June 30.

Thank you!

The flyer below provides information about CDR and can be given to contacts who might be interest in donating an item:

The file below can be downloaded and used as a gift certificate template if you like:

By Lauren Caldwell

On spring afternoons in Washington, D.C., the streets come alive with men and women in sweatbands, sneakers, and brightly colored t-shirts. For many residents, recreational sports leagues—and the requisite post-game pitchers of beer on restaurant patios—are the center of social life in the District.

With nearly two thousand members, Stonewall Sports has become one of the most visible recreational sports leagues in the area. Yet what sets the league apart is its commitment to charitable giving. Since its establishment in 2010, Stonewall Sports has donated more than $12,000 to City Dogs Rescue to further its mission of rescuing dogs from overcrowded and high-kill shelters.

Stonewall Sports was founded to provide a positive and inclusive environment for the LGBT community and allies, and has grown to include dodgeball, kickball, bocce, darts, and billiards leagues. Philanthropy is at the core of its mission: Teams compete to donate to charitable organizations of their choice, raising money through fundraising events, sponsors, and low-cost registration fees.

“Stonewall Sports has three core values: fun, philanthropy, and building a community through sports,” founding member Melvin Thomas said. These values attract community members with big hearts, who often care passionately about animal welfare, Thomas said.

Lane Hudson, a lifelong rescue dog owner, has helped to raise more than $3,000 for City Dogs Rescue through his Stonewall Bocce team. Hudson and two of his teammates have also fostered dogs through City Dogs Rescue.

“It’s wonderful to see the impact of the money you win for City Dogs Rescue,” Hudson said. On City Dogs Rescue social media accounts, donors can follow the journey of a dog from its rescue—when it is often unhealthy and fearful—to its eventual placement in a caring home in the Washington, D.C., area. 

This tangible impact is a key feature of Stonewall’s charitable giving strategy. By partnering with local organizations, teams can make a measurable difference in their community, member Austin Henderson said. For example, in order to rescue one dog from a shelter, City Dogs Rescue must raise $250 and find a local foster home. Every $250 donation helps to cover veterinarian, transportation, and other expenses that typically exceed the adoption payment.

Although Stonewall Sports is a young organization and run entirely by volunteers, its presence is strongly felt in the community. One can hardly enter a gym or grocery store without encountering a Stonewall Sports t-shirt, Thomas said. And for members who have painful childhood memories associated with dodgeball, Stonewall Sports provides an opportunity to “be your most authentic self” in an environment free of judgment.

With $48,000 donated to charitable organizations in the first half of 2015, Stonewall Sports teams in Washington, D.C., are on track to donate $100,000 annually, Thomas said. In addition to City Dogs Rescue, past partners have included the DC Center for LGBT Community, Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders (SMYAL), The Wanda Alston House, and Casey Trees, among many others.

Looking ahead, Stonewall Sports will continue to grow its presence outside the District. On July 17-19, the organization will host its first national tournament, inviting teams from Illinois, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania to celebrate five years in operation. Stonewall Sports will also expand its partnerships with local organizations, seeking opportunities to not only donate money, but to actively engage with meaningful causes, member Tommy Rossman said.

As an organization that relies entirely on donations to fund its rescue efforts, City Dogs Rescue is grateful for the enthusiastic support of Stonewall Sports teams over the past several years.

To learn more about Stonewall Sports or to join a team, please visit their website or league registration pages:

Stonewall Billiards
Stonewall Bocce
Stonewall Darts
Stonewall Dodgeball
Stonewall Kickball

Shelter Staff Appreciation Week is April 12-18.

By: Meredith Raimondi (Volunteer Roane Shelter to Rescue Coordinator and Member of CDR Board of Directors)

There is a widespread misconception that animal shelter staff do not care about the animals. In Roane County, West Virginia, this couldn't be further from the truth. The staff go above and beyond every day in a rural area with limited resources and overcrowded kennels. Oftentimes they find they have twice as many animals as kennels, which can leave for difficult decisions. The work of three extraordinary women, Stephanie Justice, Susan Lyons and Tanya Hicks, who are both staff members and dog fosters, has made a remarkable positive difference in lives of hundreds of animals and helped limit the number of animals put down due to overcrowding. As fosters, they volunteer their time and homes for dogs rescued by City Dogs Rescue. For a month or more, they feed, nurture, and care for these dogs. They travel far distances to go to the vet to ensure the dogs have all vaccinations and vetting prior to arrival in Washington, DC. Their charitable actions have inspired the local community to step up and join the Shelter Staff Fosters in finding ways to help animals leave the shelter alive through rescue or adoption. Whether it's through community fundraisers, adoption events, or fostering, everyone is pitching in to help the Roane County animals.

Kacey has been in out of the vet and her prognosis is not good and there’s not much we can do. In the meantime, Karen and her family (husband Sage, furbabies Tahoe and CDR alumna Fiona) are making her as comfortable as possible and documenting her days with them. She has been diagnosed with two types of cancer: mammary carcinoma and a mast cell tumor.  The oncology specialists said they cannot cure her cancer but we are doing all we can to keep her pain at a minimum. Cancer is not easy with dogs or people. At this time, we want her to live in a stable, comfortable place and Karen has committed to being her hospice home.  We will not be placing her up for adoption as she is in her forever home now.