This document discusses rehabilitating animals considered "nonrehabilitable" and providing sanctuary for difficult animals. It explores whether any animal is truly nonrehabilitable and ways to help animals with major behavior issues through placement or other non-lethal options. It outlines the responsibilities of running a sanctuary, including providing for animals' physical, emotional and mental needs through stimulation and training. Sanctuaries are meant to be permanent homes where animals live out their natural lives, unlike shelters which seek to place animals.

1. Redefining
“adoptable”
Saving
the
other
5%

2. Is
adop3on
possible
for
“Nonrehabilitable”
Animals?
Please
note
the
quotes.
Nonrehabilitable.
Is
ANY
animal
truly
completely
“nonrehabilitable”?
Are
there
ways
you
can
sBll
help
dogs
and
cats
with
major
behavior
issues?
Ways
that
don’t
involve
killing
them?
This
seminar
will
examine
that
quesBon,
and
give
you
examples
of
how
to
place,
and
help,
the
more
“difficult”
animals
in
your
care.

3. No-­‐kill
-­‐vs-­‐
Sanctuary
What
is
the
difference?
Nathan
Winograd
says:
There
is
only
one
legi-mate
defini-on
of
No
Kill.
It
is
where:
•
Healthy
dogs
and
cats
are
saved;
•
Treatable
dogs
and
cats
are
saved;
•
Healthy
and
treatable
feral
cats
are
saved.
You
can
not
call
yourself
a
no-­‐kill
facility
if
you
are
killing
animals
with
treatable
condiBons
such
as
ringworm
in
cats,
dogs
with
food
guarding,
kiOens
with
conjuncBviBs,
puppies
with
kennel
cough,
or
a
pet
with
a
broken
leg.
You
are
not
a
no
kill
facility
and
you
are
definitely
not
a
sanctuary.

4. So,
what
is
a
sanctuary?
An
animal
sanctuary
is
a
facility
where
animals
live
and
are
protected
for
the
rest
of
their
lives.
All
sanctuaries
do
not
seek
to
place
animals
with
individuals
or
groups.
Some,
instead,
maintain
each
animal
unBl
his
or
her
natural
death.
In
some
cases,
an
establishment
may
have
characterisBcs
of
both
a
sanctuary
and
a
shelter;
for
instance,
some
animals
may
be
in
residence
temporarily
unBl
a
good
home
is
found
and
others
may
be
permanent
residents.
The
mission
of
sanctuaries
is
generally
to
be
safe
havens,
where
the
animals
receive
the
best
care
that
the
sanctuaries
can
provide.

5. How
is
a
sanctuary
different
from
a
rescue
or
a
shelter?
• Sanctuaries
oSen
house
more
difficult
to
place
or
aggressive
animals.
• Sanctuaries
do
not
EVER
kill
animals
(excep-ng
medical
euthanasia
for
suffering
animals
with
no
chance
of
recovery).
• Sanctuaries
are
challenged
to
provide
a
higher
quality
of
long
term
care
for
their
animals
(more
sBmulaBng
environments,
more
one-­‐
on-­‐one
help
for
their
animals).

6. Responsibili3es
if
you
run
a
sanctuary:
When
you
choose
to
run
a
sanctuary
it
is
not
enough
to
provide
food
and
housing
for
the
animals
in
your
care.
It
is
criBcal
that
you
provide
for
ALL
the
animals
needs
which
include
emo3onal
and
mental
s3mula3on.
Our
responsibility
while
they
are
with
us
is
to
provide
the
highest
quality
of
life
we
can,
and
to
do
all
we
can
to
increase
their
chances
for
adopBon.
Some
dogs
do
well
with
the
normal
rouBne
of
of
care
and
feeding,
Bme
with
staff
and
volunteers,
and
walks
on
our
path.
Others
arrive
with,
or
develop,
behaviors
that
make
them
unsuited
for,
or
at
least,
unaOracBve
to,
many
potenBal
adopters.
Most
of
these
behaviors
will
not
improve
if
we
conBnue
the
same
acBviBes
and
interacBons
with
them.
Their
behavior
is,
in
part,
a
response
to
things
as
they
are.
Their
behavior
will
not
change
for
the
beCer
unless
we
change
our
behavior
around
them.
It
is
criBcal
to
help
these
animals
with
their
behavior
issues
so
more
people
can
interact
with
them
and
improve
their
chances
of
finding
a
home.

7. Providing
for
the
needs
of
sanctuary
animals
Some
of
the
things
that
these
dogs
and
cats
may
need
are:
1. Extra
Bme
with
trainers
or
experienced
handlers
2. Extra
sBmulaBon
and
mental
exercises
–
this
can
be
an
agility
course,
interacBve
toys,
play
Bme
in
groups
with
other
dogs,
off
site
Bme
–
such
as
trips
to
the
ice
cream
parlor
or
overnights
with
staff
or
volunteers.
3. Looking
at
and
evaluaBng
each
as
a
separate
being
and
not
lumping
them
in
and
treaBng
them
as
“status
quo”.
4. “Warehousing”
animals
is
not
acceptable.
5. If
you
are
forced
to
think
of
other
opBons,
other
than
killing,
you
WILL!

8. Crea3ng
the
proper
“space”
It
is
our
belief
that
the
worst
possible
housing
for
dogs
is
a
kennel
system.
Many
dogs
that
already
have
“issues”
will
deteriorate
in
a
kennel
environment.
If
you
are
considering
running
a
sanctuary
then
it
is
important
to
also
consider
alternaBve
housing
and
enriching
environments
for
dogs
with
behavior
issues.
Be
creaBve!
Even
if
the
alternate
is
just
a
larger
area
outside
for
the
day,
and
the
kennel
only
at
night,
this
can
assist
a
dog
that
is
stressed
in
that
environment.
Housing
animals
compassionately
is
also
a
part
of
managing
and
running
a
sanctuary.

9. Cat
Rooms
When
possible,
allow
your
cats
to
live
“cage
free”,
with
lots
of
things
to
do,
including
windows
to
watch!
•
•
You
can
make
your
rooms
as
“home-­‐like”
as
possible,
with
couches,
tables
and
lounging
areas
-­‐
keeping
cleaning
needs
in
mind.
This
helps
a
cat
easily
adjust
to
living
in
a
home
aSer
adopBon.
You
can
also
choose
a
“sanctuary-­‐style”
with
lots
of
climbing
structures
and
cat
furniture.
•
Toys,
toys,
toys!
•
Remember
to
consider
seaBng
for
potenBal
adopters
and
vistors/volunteers.
•
Quieter
rooms
away
from
the
dog
areas
are
ideal
and
can
relieve
stress.
•
Make
sure
to
have
an
area
in
the
room
with
the
cats
pictures
and
some
info
about
them!

10. Cat
Rooms
with
cages
SomeBmes,
for
quaranBne
or
other
reasons
you
may
need
cages
for
your
cats….
•
•
•
If
you
are
forced
to
use
cages,
make
sure
there
is
plenty
of
space
for
the
cat
to
move
around
and
play.
Hammocks
and
shelves
add
levels
for
cats
to
explore!
Try
a
rotaBon
basis
where
cats
can
be
out
and
free
to
explore
the
room.

11. What
animals
cons3tute
“sanctuary
animals”?
How
does
YOUR
rescue
or
shelter
“test”
animals
to
determine
their
suitability
for
adopBon
or
admission?
What
do
YOU
expect
from
dogs
or
cats
that
come
in,
and
are
put
before
you
to
be
judged?
How
fair
is
your
criteria
in
determining
their
placement…or
even
their
possible
death
in
your
facility?
Everyone
likes
to
THINK
they
are
fair
during
the
assessment
period,
but
ARE
you?

12. Why
do
we
expect
so
much?
• Incoming
animals
in
many
shelters
are
expected
to
NOT
be
terrified,
shy,
aggressive,
or
fearful.
Why?
Is
this
a
fair
or
reasonable
expectaBon?
• It
is
unreasonable
to
expect
that
an
animal
that
has
been
a
stray,
possibly
hungry,
possibly
trapped
or
poled,
handled
by
strangers,
transported,
put
in
an
unfamiliar
and
strange
environment,
-­‐
to
then
behave
as
they
might
if
they
were
in
a
home
with
familiar
surroundings
and
familiar
people.
• Many
shelters,
and
even
many
rescues,
s3ll
prac3ce
archaic
intake
exams
&
tests,
seLng
the
animal
up
for
failure.
• Given
a
few
days,
or
a
week,
these
same
animals
that
snatched
food,
or
bit
the
evaluaBng
hand,
or
trembled,
clawed,
or
scratched,
-­‐
are
oSen
absolutely
fine
and
quite
redeemable.
No
animal
should
be
brought
to
a
shelter
and
be
judged
that
same
day.
Every
animal
should
have
a
chance
at
a
kind
and
quiet
environment,
with
people
that
act
caring
and
sympatheBc
toward
them.
HOW
ARE
YOU,
OR
YOUR
RESCUE,
DOING
EVALUATIONS?
EVALUATIONS
THAT
COULD
COST
AN
ANIMAL
THEIR
LIFE?

13. “I’m
afraid.
Who
are
you?
Why
am
I
here?
I’m
hungry!
Don’t
touch
me!”
This….
Can
go
to
THIS
in
just
days.

14. Every
animal
deserves
3me
BEFORE
evalua3on.
Providing
an
animal
with
some
Bme
to
get
to
know
you,
become
relaxed
in
his
environment,
and
become
familiar
with
his
rouBne
can
mean
the
difference
between
life
and
death.
Why
do
we
expect
more
from
animals
than
we
would
from
a
child,
or
even
an
adult
that
has
been
through
some
sort
of
trauma?
The
CACC
(Center
for
Animal
Care
&
Control)
in
NYC
rouBnely
kills
animals
for
temperament.
Yet
when
we
get
animals
that
they
claim
have
temperament
issues,
into
our
facility,
they
are
some
of
the
sweetest,
friendliest
animals
we
meet.
What
is
the
difference?
SomeBmes
all
an
animal
needs
is
some
paBence,
kindness,
or
even
just…
a
hug?

15. Please
note,
we
don’t
advocate
pulling
a
dog
into
your
lap
that
is
this
terrified.
This
could
result
in
a
bite…
but
we
think
this
video
demonstrates
a
very
valid
point.
CLICK
BELOW
TO
PLAY
VIDEO
-­‐
hOp://www.dogwork.com/tear/

16. Lose
“pre-­‐conceived”
noBons
• How
many
shelters
do
you
know
that
would
have
“listed”
that
dog
as
irredeemable
based
on
the
first
minute
of
that
eval?
• How
much
of
a
chance
are
YOU
giving
the
dogs
that
come
in,
to
show
you
who
they
really
are?
• Many
Bmes
we
get
animals
in
that
rescues
and
shelters
have
deemed
UNADOPTABLE
-­‐
and
yet
there
is
NOTHING
wrong
with
them.

17. Finding
home
for
“behavior
issue”
dogs.
Sanctuary
doesn’t
necessarily
mean
they
stay
with
you
forever.
You
must
be
creaBve
to
try
to
find
dogs
a
home.
Have
a
dog
with
severe
separaBon
anxiety?
Try
placing
him
in
a
nursing
home!
Have
a
dog
with
a
high
energy
and
prey
drive
–
call
local
agility
clubs
and
ask
them
to
help
market
him!
THINK
outside
the
box!
There
is
always
a
soluBon
that
isn’t
“death”.
If
you
choose
death
for
an
animal,
then
you
have
failed.

18. Don’t
accept
“NO”.
YOU
may
be
all
they
have.
The
ONLY
one
that
can
make
a
difference.
Pets
Alive
had
a
dog
with
SEVERE
separaBon
anxiety.
Could
never
be
by
himself,
or
even
with
another
dog
with
out
harming
himself
and
property
very
severely.
What
sort
of
situaBon
could
he
ever
survive
in
where
people
would
always
be
with
him?
A
nursing
home
was
the
perfect
solu3on
for
him.
There
is
always
a
resident
there,
and
he
got
to
choose
whose
room
he
would
sleep
in
each
night.
• Don’t
take
no
for
an
answer.
• Start
by
gemng
the
dog
CGC
trained
and
his
other
behaviors
perfect!
• Bring
him
regularly
for
visits
so
that
the
staff
and
residents
know
him,
come
to
love
him,
and
are
sad
when
he
leaves.
• Convince
them
to
try
him
on
just
an
overnight.
• Convince
them
to
just
foster
him
for
a
while.
• Soon
that
perfect
dog
will
become
a
perfect
placement!
Instead
of
thinking
about
what
you
can
NOT
do,
think
about
what
you
CAN
do.
Change
the
way
you
think
and
opBons
will
open
up
to
you.
Focus
on
the
posiBve!

19. Have
a
lot
of
senior
animals?
BE
CREATIVE!
Reach
out
to
your
city
‘Office
of
the
Aging’
or
‘Meals
on
Wheels’.
Develop
programs
such
as
“Seniors
for
Seniors”
where
you
place
senior
animals
with
senior
people
as
a
foster,
or
foster-­‐to-­‐
adopt
program.
We
had
such
an
overwhelming
response
to
this
–
we
RAN
OUT
OF
SENIOR
ANIMALS
TO
PLACE
and
had
to
pull
animals
from
other
locaBons!

20. Don’t
be
afraid
of
a
dog
or
cat
that
is
a
challenge!
If
you
have
a
lemon…make
lemonade!
With
lotsa
“SUGAH”.
When
Pets
Alive
first
saw
this
dog,
it
gave
us
tremendous
pause.
Simng
in
the
CACC
(NYC
pound)
with
no
medical
care,
this
dog
had
a
broken
back
(hit
by
a
car).
Many
people
saw
this
picture
and
it
touched
them
all.
It
touched
us
too.
I
am
not
sure
what
his
face
says
here
–
you
decide,
but
to
us
it
said
“help
me,
I’m
not
ready
to
die”.
We
took
a
chance
on
“Robert”
and
took
him
in.
His
medical
care,
treatment
and
rehab
were
exorbitant
in
Bme,
commitment,
and
expense.
Over
$15,000
in
medical
care
and
treatment
alone.
But
we
made
lemonade.
Robert
so
touched
so
many
people
that
he
wound
up
bringing
in
far
more
than
his
medical
costs
-­‐
in
donaBons
to
our
sanctuary
through
social
networking
alone.
That
money
will
now
help
SO
MANY
MORE!!
We
weren’t
expecBng
that
reacBon
and
didn’t
PLAN
for
it
when
we
commiOed
to
Robert.
Robert
now
had
his
life
saved,
but
more
importantly
he
can
run
in
his
cart,
and
he
can
stand
on
his
own.
We
expect
him
to
conBnue
to
recover.
Take
risks.
Take
chances.
Not
only
might
you
save
a
desperate
life,
but
maybe
some
super
sweet
lemonade
will
fill
your
glass
as
well!

21. TOOT
YOUR
OWN
HORN!!
It
is
ridiculous
to
be
humble
about
your
accomplishments.
When
you
do
something
great,
when
you
have
a
good
heart
warming
story,
when
you
have
saved
lives
in
a
special
way
–
BLAST
IT
OUT
THERE!
Call
the
local
press
and
invite
them
down
to
film
your
story,
take
lots
of
pictures,
post
all
about
it
on
your
Facebook
and
your
TwiOer
sites.
Take
joy
and
revel
in
the
good
things
that
your
organizaBon
does.
SPREAD
THE
WORD.
Create
a
following.
There
is
so
much
negaBve
out
there
that
people
WANT
to
hear
the
good
stories.
Post
the
HAPPY
pictures,
NOT
the
sad
ones!
Was
this
life
worth
saving?
Yes!
We
think
so!
TAKE
A
CHANCE
ON
LIFE!
When
death
is
NOT
an
opBon,
you
will
find
other
ways
to
accomplish
things
and
to
succeed
in
saving
lives!

22. Commit
to
ALL
their
needs
Not
all
the
animals
you
save
will
make
you
lemonade,
but
you
will
never
regret
saving
a
life.
You
will
never
regret
giving
that
animal
another
chance
at
life.
Know
your
limitaBons!
Robert
was
a
life
that
we
knew
would
take
a
lot
of
Bme
and
effort
and
money
to
save,
but
we
decided
to
commit
to
it.
Sanctuary
care
is
not
about
taking
a
dog
like
Robert
and
pumng
him
in
a
run
and
considering
him
“saved”.
You
must
commit
to
not
only
their
physical
care,
but
emoBonal
as
well.
Choose
wisely
and
help
the
ones
you
can,
but
also
take
chances
to
help
even
if
it
might
be
“hard”.
(PLAY
VIDEO
–
RIGHT
à)

23. Lemonade
Did
I
menBon
that
Robert
also
hated
other
dogs,
AND
cats,
AND
could
be
very
aggressive
with
people?
No?
Oh.
Well
he
could.
When
you
take
killing
animals
for
these
issues
off
the
table,
then
you
are
forced
to
come
up
with
other
soluBons.
Killing
a
paraplegic
dog
was
the
easy
answer.
Through
months
of
training
and
rehab,
Robert
is
now
ok
with
other
dogs,
and
is
great
with
people.
Cats?
Yeah.
Well.
Not
so
much.
We’re
sBll
working
on
it.
J
Robert
is
so
loved
and
his
story
is
now
so
well
known,
that
he
has
not
only
increased
dona-ons,
but
also
volunteering
and
tours
of
our
facility
–
everyone
wants
to
meet
“Robert
the
Celebrity”!

24. Dogs
and
cats
with
issues
need
MORE
exposure
&
marke3ng!
If
you
have
a
dog
(or
cat)
with
behavior
issues,
you
must
be
creaBve
when
you
list
him
on
PetFinder
or
other
services.
Who
wouldn’t
come
to
look
at
THIS
dog?
Also
be
careful
with
your
descripBons
of
behavior
issue
dogs.
Phrases
like
“has
food
guarding
issues”
is
not
going
to
get
someone
to
come
and
meet
him.
Try
“Total
food
hog
and
hasn’t
learned
to
share
yet.”
This
implies
it
can
be
fixed
(which
it
can)
and
gives
you
an
opportunity
to
speak
to
the
people
in
person
about
the
animals
issues,
one
on
one,
while
they
are
on
site,
and
aSer
they
have
met
the
dog.
Being
creaBve
means
coming
up
with
markeBng
strategies
and
tricks
to
get
people
in
to
meet
your
animals.
There
is
no
shame
in
this.
Do
not
ever
be
dishonest,
but
the
first
step
is
gemng
people
in
to
SEE
your
dogs
and
cats.
Once
there,
if
this
is
not
the
right
dog
and
they
can
not
handle
a
dog
with
issues,
it
sBll
gives
you
an
opportunity
to
place
another,
easier,
animal
with
them!

25. PetFinder
pics
of
animals
in
costumes,
with
children,
with
other
dogs,
with
happy
volunteers
–
THOSE
WORK!
Don’t
post
pictures
of
animals
in
cages!
THIS
?
Or
THIS
?

26. Your
pictures
on
your
website
and
animal
search
sites
MATTER.
THIS
?
Or
THIS
?

27.
Actual
pictures
from
PetFinder.
Are
these
helping
your
animals
get
adopted?
Make
your
animals
the
ones
they
remember!
THIS
?
Or
THIS
?

28. Key
to
success
–
don’t
abandon
your
adopters
or
your
animals!
Get
the
person
to
make
a
connecBon,
then
explain
the
animal’s
issues
and
offer
help
to
them
when
the
dog
or
cat
is
in
their
home.
Let
them
know
you
will
be
there
to
help
them
overcome
those
issues.
Make
sure
you
have
a
GOOD
behaviorist
or
posiBve
reinforcement
trainer
on
your
staff.
Follow
up
on
all
your
adopBons
within
the
FIRST
week
and
again
in
a
few
weeks.
ANY
trouble
at
all
–
put
them
right
in
touch
with
your
trainer.
You
can
keep
animals
IN
these
homes
if
you
catch
the
issues
early
on
and
help
them
fix
it!

29. A
note
about
trainers…
If
your
trainer
is
NOT
commiCed
to,
and
ONLY
using,
POSITIVE
REINFORCEMENT
training
techniques,
GET
RID
OF
THEM.
Shocking
dogs,
snapping
their
collars
for
aOenBon,
striking
them,
forcing
them
into
ANY
sort
of
posiBon
or
place,
is
NOT
the
answer
and
DEFINITELY
not
the
answer
for
BEHAVIOR
ISSUE
DOGS!
You
will
do
MORE
to
set
the
dog
back
and
MORE
to
increase
his
chance
of
biBng
again,
if
you
use
ANY
other
method
other
than
posiBve
reinforcement.
This
is
not
just
an
opinion.
This
is
supported
Bme
and
Bme
again.
(This
picture
of
Wanda
and
Clyde
has
nothing
to
do
with
training.
It’s
just
funny.)

30. TAKE
RISKS,
DON’T
BE
AFRAID
TO
ACT,
TAKE
CHANCES
AND
“ASK”!
We
take
risks
when
we
adopt.
Take
risks
when
we
do
an
admission.
Much
of
what
we
do
is
really
a
risk.
UnBl
you
take
risks
&
step
outside
your
comfort
zones
and
stop
being
afraid
of
making
mistakes
-­‐
you
will
always
be
where
you
are
now.
YOU
are
the
leaders.
The
future
of
this
movement.
The
examples
for
others.
Step
outside
that
box.
Take
a
chance.
Accept
some
risk.
Lead
others
by
example.
Show
them
what
can
be
done.
Pets
Alive
took
in
108
kiOens
and
mother
cats
in
one
week’s
Bme.
Is
taking
in
108
cats
a
risk?
Sure.
But
when
the
shelter
that
has
them
is
killing
them
all
(and
you
know
how
adoptable
kiOens
are),
don’t
be
afraid
to
take
a
chance!
A
lot
of
work?
A
lot
of
expense?
Yes
-­‐
but
you
would
be
surprised
how
many
people
in
your
local
community
will
step
up
to
donate,
foster,
and
come
in
and
help
clean
–
IF
YOU
JUST
ASK!
JUST
ASK!

31. Don’t
be
afraid
of
leLng
your
volunteers
take
risks
EITHER!
Start
volunteers
on
dogs
with
no
issues,
of
course.
But
so
many
will
surprise
you
&
WANT
to
help
and
work
with
the
“issue
dogs”.
This
dog
is
wearing
what
many
people
call
a
“muzzle”,
and
what
Pets
Alive
calls
a
“treat
basket”.
Teach
a
dog
that
may
bite,
to
LOVE
his
treat
basket
and
WANT
to
wear
it.
That
is
step
one.
Then
the
whole
world
opens
up
to
them.
Once
they
can
safely
be
interacted
with,
their
progress
will
move
much
faster.
Empower
volunteers
to
safely
interact,
train,
and
work
with
your
issue
dogs.
Don’t
be
afraid
of
using
posiAve
tools,
in
a
posiAve
way,
that
will
result
in
a
beCer
quality
of
life
for
your
dogs.

32. Ronin
has
a
new
life!
Ronin
was
an
aggressive
dog
that
would
bite
when
excited.
Volunteers
couldn’t
walk
him
and
staff
Bme
is
limited.
By
training
him
to
love
his
treat
basket,
Ronin
now
gets
a
lot
of
Bme,
aOenBon
and
love
from
everybody!
Eventually
he
will
no
longer
need
his
treat
basket
and
then
he
will
be
a
candidate
for
an
adopBve
home!

33. Predictable
or
unpredictable?
Aggressive
dogs
are
oSen
frightened
or
have
just
never
been
shown
another
way
of
responding
to
things
that
upset
them.
In
many
cases
aggressive
dogs
can
be
helped,
“cured”,
or
managed
safely.
Many
feel
that
dogs
with
aggression
issues
are
unpredictable.
We’d
argue
that
dogs
with
aggression
issues
are
MORE
predictable.
You
can
PREDICT
that
they
will
bite
in
certain
situaBons.
Wouldn’t
a
dog
that
has
never
biOen
actually
be
considered
more
unpredictable
than
one
that
you
know
exactly
what
he
will
do
(bite)
in
certain
circumstances,
and
can
address
that
before
it
happens?
A
dog
that
has
NEVER
biOen
could
sBll
bite!
Which
is
unpredictable?

34. Don’t
believe
everything
you
hear.
If
you
do
believe
it,
don’t
believe
it
forever.
Sam
was
a
dog
that
lived
in
another
shelter
for
almost
his
enBre
life
–
eight
years.
No
one
really
interacted
with
him
and
it
was
well
known
that
he
was
aggressive
and
vicious.
To
humans
and
to
other
dogs.
Don’t
believe
things
that
you
hear
from
other
people.
It
is
amazing
how
liOle
people
really
understand
about
dog
psychology
and
it
is
amazing
how
one
minor
incident
can
label
a
dog
for
life.
Even
if
you
are
aware
of
a
serious
incident
with
an
animal
-­‐
animals
change
-­‐
and
who
they
were
five
years
ago
when
they
had
an
incident,
is
not
necessarily
who
they
are
now.
We
found
that
Sam
not
only
LOVES
people,
he
loves
other
dogs!
He
quickly
became
an
ambassador
dog!
No
issues
AT
ALL
–
a
dog
confined
to
a
cement
run
for
eight
long
years
was
quickly
adopted!

35. This
is
“vicious”
Sam.
With
other
dogs.
(Play
video
below:)

36. Evaluate
animals
properly,
tend
to
their
needs,
and
TRUST
your
volunteers
to
help!
Volunteers
can
oSen
be
your
biggest
asset
-­‐
and
your
biggest
liability
at
the
same
Bme.
Again
–
take
risks!
Step
outside
your
comfort
zone.
TRUST
THEM
TO
HELP
YOU.
Give
volunteers
guidance,
training,
help
and
support.
Set
them
loose!
This
is
Cam,
once
the
most
aggressive
dog
we
had
ever
met.
Cam
can
now
be
walked
and
handled
by
children,
thanks
to
dedicated
volunteers
that
didn’t
give
up
on
him.
THIS
is
what
volunteers
can
do,
with
your
help,
and
when
you
stop
pumng
obstacles
in
their
way.

37. Stay
in
the
loop
• Keep
in
touch
with
your
trainer(s).
• How
is
the
dog
progressing?
What
are
the
issues?
What
tools
do
they
need
to
help
them
help
this
animal?
• Once
progress
has
been
made
make
sure
it
is
made
over
all
and
NOT
just
with
that
one
handler/trainer!
That
is
NOT
indicaBve
of
how
the
animal
will
behave
with
others.
• Many
dogs
and
cats
will
develop
close
bonds
with
their
trainers
or
care
takers,
but
that
does
not
mean
they
are
ready
to
be
adopted
yet.

38. DON’T
BE
AFRAID
TO
ADOPT
OUT
YOUR
BEHAVIOR
ISSUE
ANIMALS!
Even
the
“aggressive
ones”.
(Everyone
has
suddenly
stopped
breathing
and
you
now
all
think
I’m
nuts.)
I’m
not.
Once
you
have
evaluated
a
dog,
goOen
to
know
a
dog,
and
understand
that
dog’s
triggers
-­‐
do
NOT
be
afraid
to
adopt
him
out
to
the
right
home.
Ideally
your
staff
or
volunteers
may
opt
to
adopt,
but
if
not
–
be
honest,
explain
the
animal’s
issues,
DON’T
abandon
the
adopter,
and
work
with
them
on
conBnuing
to
help
the
dog
past
their
fears
and
aggression
issues.
Kimmie
was
declared
a
“Dangerous
Dog”
by
a
NYS
court.
She
was
ordered
executed
un-l
Pets
Alive
stepped
in.
Is
THIS
is
a
dangerous
dog?

39. “But
the
dogs
will
just
come
back!”
We
have
fearlessly
adopted
out
HUNDREDS
of
behavior
issue
dogs
and
dogs
with
aggression
issues.
The
percentage
of
returns
on
these
dogs?
5%.
(Percentage
of
returns
on
our
other
dogs?
6%
)
But
for
behavior
issues
dogs,
that
means
95%
of
dogs
most
shelters
would
euthanize
or
refuse
to
accept,
could
be
in
homes.
Out
of
the
5%
that
come
back
that
we
adopt
out
again,
how
many
come
back
for
a
second
Bme?
Less
than
1%,
-­‐
and
we
usually
can
adopt
them
out
again.
Some
Bmes
3x’s
the
charm!
Our
experience
is
showing
that
99%
of
dogs
stay
in
adopBve
homes,
that
most
shelters
would
never
consider
adopBng
or
fostering
out.
Why
not?
Bonesy
is
one
of
the
top
three
MOST
aggressive
dogs
we
have
on
our
property.
Here
he
is
with
volunteer,
Aimee.
If
she
wanted
to
adopt
him,
would
you
let
her?

40. These
dogs
have
SEVERE
bite
histories:
Homer
would
not
tolerate
handling.
FOUR
people
rec’d
s3tches
from
him
before
he
was
accepted
at
Pets
Alive.
Rusty
has
severe
food
&
toy
guarding.
Three
people
had
been
severely
biCen,
one
requiring
s3tches.

41. They
were
adopted…
Homer
with
his
“dad”:
Rusty
in
his
home:

42. KaBe
has
such
severe
dog
aggression
that
she
can
not
even
SEE
another
dog
without
going
insane
and
trying
to
get
at
that
dog.
What
hope
did
any
shelter
have
of
adopAng
her?
The
shelter
that
had
her,
admiOed
she
was
truly
wonderful
with
people,
but
they
just
could
never
safely
adopt
her
out,
and
she
was
scheduled
for
exterminaBon.
Pets
Alive
took
her
in
and
adopted
her
out.
It
has
been
three
years.
Her
adopters
understand
the
issues,
they
call
ahead
when
they
have
to
go
to
the
vet,
they
are
cauBous
at
all
Bmes,
they
conBnue
to
work
on
her
dog-­‐to-­‐dog
issues.
She
is
a
PERFECT
lady
and
a
wonderful
companion
to
this
family.
DON’T
KILL
DOGS
FOR
FEAR
OF
WHAT
THEY
MIGHT
DO!!

43. Did
this
dog
deserve
to
DIE?

44. ExcepBons…
• Yes
there
ARE
excepBons
such
as
dogs
w/unpredictable
rage
syndrome
or
animals
with
mental
issues
(everyone,
please
nod
&
shake
your
head
yes).
• How
many
have
we
encountered
in
over
15,000
dogs
that
have
come
through
our
doors
in
the
past
years
that
we
could
not
make
progress
with?
NONE.
• We
have
NEVER
failed
at
being
able
to
work
with
a
dog
and
get
them
to
a
place
where
they
can
be
safely
interacted
with.
NEVER.
• Give
animals
a
chance.
Some
take
a
much
longer
Bme
than
others.
THEY
ARE
REDEEMABLE
-­‐
if
you
commit
to
them.
• I
am
sure
there
ARE
such
dogs
out
there
and
I
am
sure
some
of
you
encountered
them
–
but
really
–
how
long
did
you
give
it?
How
much
work,
Ame,
effort,
training,
and
aYenAon
did
you
really
give
that
dog
before
declaring
him
unadoptable
and
unredeemable?

45. Take
killing
off
the
table!
• Dogs
that
hate
or
will
bite
children,
can
STILL
be
adopted
to
responsible
homes
WITHOUT
kids!
• Dogs
that
hate
or
are
fearful
of
men
–
can
STILL
be
adopted
to
female-­‐only
households.
• Dogs
that
have
a
bite
history
can
STILL
go
to
homes
with
responsible
adopters
who
take
the
-me
to
get
to
know
them
&
work
with
them!
• Dogs
that
will
aOack
other
dogs
–
can
STILL
be
adopted
to
families
that
UNDERSTAND
this
and
don’t
HAVE
other
dogs.

46. But
BE
RESPONSIBLE
• You
can
not
simply
start
saying
“let’s
take
a
chance
and
adopt
out
this
bite
history
dog”
to
any
unassuming
family
that
walks
through
the
door.
• It
may
take
bringing
the
adopter
down
many,
many,
Bmes
and
having
them
work
with
your
trainers
or
staff.
• It
might
be
doing
extra
diligence
in
making
them
understand
the
ramificaBons
and
responsibility
that
they
are
taking
on.

47. But!!!!
BUT!!!
BUT!
-­‐
-­‐
But
the
dog
might
BITE
someone!!
But
the
dog
might
aOack
another
dog!
So
might
all
the
other
dogs
you
have
adopted
out.
So?
Yes,
this
would
be
awful.
But
if
you
lived
by
“but”
then
you
wouldn’t
ever
adopt
any
animals
out,
or
have
any
volunteers
either
(they
could
get
hurt,
get
biOen,
get
scratched,
trip,
fall….sue
us!)
Maybe
you’ll
save
5,000
more
dog
lives
before
you
ever
have
one
that
bites
again.
Maybe
10,000.
Maybe
100,000.
Develop
a
good
posiBve
reinforcement
program,
stay
in
touch
with
and
help
your
adopters
–
you’ll
be
ok.
So
will
they.

48. But
I’m
afraid
of
my
insurance
company!
We
hear
this
all
the
Bme
and
if
you
don’t
step
outside
of
this
fear
-­‐
then
your
insurance
company
will
run
your
shelter
or
rescue.
We
all
NEED
insurance.
We
all
need
to
abide
by
rules,
but
if
you
simply
abide
by
all
the
rules
that
insurance
companies
lay
down
for
you,
then
you
will
never
step
outside
the
box
and
your
growth
and
change
will
be
hampered
by
this
fear.
Consider
your
coverage,
consider
your
risks,
don’t
be
afraid
of
having
to
use
your
insurance
if
need
be.
That’s
why
you
have
it.
But
the
fear
of
ever
having
to
“use”
it
hampers
so
many
creaAve
ideas!
Don’t
let
that
stop
you!

49. It’s
all
about
the
rela3onship!
Develop
posiBve
relaBonships
with
your
volunteers
(&
adopters).
The
odds
of
them
gemng
hurt
or
upset
or
suing
you
decreases
with
every
posiBve
experience
they
have
with
your
rescue
or
shelter!
Your
“friends”
rarely
sue
you.
Invite
them
to
be
a
part
of
your
organizaBon,
involve
them
in
plans
and
strategies.
You
don’t
have
to
take
anyone’s
advice
but
welcoming
opinions,
and
listening
to
ideas
and
thoughts
from
the
people
that
are
there
so
oSen,
and
working
hands-­‐on
with
your
animals,
is
a
win-­‐win
for
you
both!
Get
out
of
your
office
and
watch
your
volunteers
-­‐
are
they
acBng
responsibly?
Do
you
see
them
following
your
training
and
orientaBon
pracBces?
If
so,
then
empower
them
to
help
others,
take
a
leadership
role
and
take
on
greater
responsibility!
TRUST
the
public
to
help
you!

50. “But
they
could
get
hurt!”
You
are
always
going
to
have
injuries,
people
that
get
biOen,
hurt,
or
their
property
damaged.
If
you
have
a
relaBonship
with
those
people
they
are
far
more
likely
to
take
care
of
things
on
their
own,
than
come
to
you
for
a
hand-­‐out
or
a
pay-­‐out.
Volunteers
can
be
your
best
source
for
assistance,
help,
donaBons,
supplies,
care,
foster,
and
affecBon
for
the
animals
you
are
housing.
Loosen
up.
Let
them
come
when
they
want
to,
don’t
force
them
to
Bmes
and
shiSs,
set
rules
but
make
them
reasonable.
The
goal
is
to
get
your
volunteers
to
come
back,
and
get
them
to
WANT
to
be
there.

51. You
can
accomplish
more
and
save
more
lives
with
volunteer
help!
You
can
accomplish
so
much
with
volunteer
help.
If
you
had
more
help,
how
many
more
lives
could
you
save?
Volunteers
can
do
so
much
more
than
walk
dogs,
play
with
cats,
or
be
foster
homes.
Volunteers
can
help
you
with
data
entry,
running
errands,
handling
transports,
help
with
adopBons,
help
with
cleaning,
help
make
repairs,
facility
upkeep,
mowing
and
landscaping
–
the
list
is
truly
endless.
Collect
data
on
your
volunteers
–
what
do
they
do
for
a
living?
Now
you
can
reach
out
to
them
if
you
have
that
specific
need.
JUST
ASK!

52. Children
are
a
wonderful
source
of
help!
Allow
children
(with
a
parent)
to
come
and
volunteer!
Parents
are
always
looking
for
inexpensive
things
to
do
WITH
their
children.
Why
not
also
teach
children
empathy
and
responsibility
at
the
same
Bme!
Children
can:
• Walk
and
care
for
animals
• ParBcipate
in
your
offsite
adopBon
events
• Run
fundraisers
for
you
• Rally
their
peers
&
schools
to
collect
donaBons
&
supplies
• They
are
great
at
helping
to
clean
up,
poop
scoop,
fill
water
buckets!
• You
can
“kid-­‐test”
your
dogs
and
cats!
J

53. Summary
• Take
risks
–
take
chances
for
success.
• Provide
for
ALL
the
animals
needs,
not
just
food
and
shelter.
• Allow
an
animal
to
have
an
opportunity
to
show
you
who
they
are,
with
no
pressure
or
fear.
• Don't
get
too
distracted
by
an
animal's
history
(which
may
or
may
not
be
accurate).
Get
to
know
who
they
are
today
-­‐
give
them
a
chance
to
shine.
• YOU
are
all
the
have
–
make
sure
when
you
promote
them
you
do
so
in
a
way
that
markets
them
posiBvely!
• Think
outside
the
box
to
find
creaBve
homes
for
the
animals
that
may
have
extra
needs.
• Embrace
your
accomplishments
and
promote
yourself
oSen.
• Empower
your
volunteers!
• Don’t
accept
“no”
or
“you
can’t”
–
YOU
CAN!
• Don’t
be
afraid.
Fear
of
failure
stops
more
people
from
even
trying
than
anything
else.
You
will
fail
someBmes.
So
what?
You
will
also
succeed.
• Run
YOUR
rescue/shelter.
Don’t
let
the
insurance
companies
control
what
you
do,
where
you
go,
or
who
you
work
with!
• Take
killing
off
the
table
and
you’ll
find
other
soluBons!

54. Contact:
Kerry
Clair
kerry@petsalive.com
@petsalive
Facebook.com/petsalive
363
Derby
Road
Middletown,
NY,
10940
845-­‐386-­‐5408