A lot of people are coming forth, wanting to adopt “Vernon,” the dog rescued from the Los Angeles River by the heroic efforts of the LA Fire Department last weekend. But only one person or family will get him if his original owners don’t come forth to claim him soon. That leaves many dozens of potential adoptees who could make many dozens of adoptable dogs very happy.

I wish every one of them could see the above video. LA’s shelters would be noticeably emptier, at least for a while.

Warning: Have your tissue box, or a very absorbent sleeve, handy for this one…

Oh, and in case you were wondering, here’s a happy update on Stanley, the “star” of the above video.

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The cutie above is one of 15 Chihuahuas who took to the skies today on a journey from San Francisco to New York in pursuit of loving homes. The dogs are flying for free in the cabins of two Virgin America flights.

The airline gave human passengers on the flight a celebratory round of drinks to thank them for sharing the flight with the dogs from Operation Chihuahua. Passengers hoped it would not turn into a six-hour-long yapfest. We heard the dogs would probably be sedated, and were going to be safely stowed in carriers under the seats of their human escorts, so it sounds like there probably isn’t a giant tiny dog party going on 35,000 feet above the US.

As of this writing in the early afternoon Pacific time, the flights would be landing in New York shortly. Virgin America promises in-flight pix soon on the airline’s Facebook page. Click here for a slide show of the dogs getting ready for their flight. For background on why these little dogs need to leave California to find homes, check out Dogster’s story about the state’s Chihuahua overpopulation problem.

Animal Care and Control officer Le-Ellis Brown kisses Malibu goodbye before the flight from SFO to NY (Photo: San Francisco Chronicle)

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This week’s Sunbear Squad tip comes from an event that just took place in Canada, the rescue of more than 100 sled dogs.

Do you have neighbors like this:

100 sled dogs, 30 of them pregnant, and winter is almost here

If you care for a few dogs and cats in your home, you might be horrified to think about caring for 100 to participate in a sport. Provide shelter, food, water, vet care, exercise, socialization and training for 100 dogs? Not to mention investment in the sport events, travel, competition costs. Then, one of the males got loose, wasn’t caught, and impregnated 30 females. And if each has 5 puppies? Do the math.

On Nov. 17, 2009, United Animal Nations, Humane Society International, and SPCA Laurentides Labelle rescued these dogs from a neglectful owner in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, Quebec, Canada. Luckily they were rescued before the births would start in the dead of winter. At the link below, scroll down to click on “Animal Rescue” in the “Channel” list to find a video link to Canada Sled Dog Rescue.

Watch the rescue video on the Humane Society website, click on Canada Sled Dog Rescue.

Do you know of a large number of dogs kept nearby?  Make a point of driving by on a regular basis. Look for evidence of fresh food and water.  Is shelter adequate?  Are some of the dogs too thin? Do any of them act sick?  Do you see birds circling above?  Do you smell anything?  Be diligent.  Keep a camera and notebook handy to gather evidence if needed. I hope you won’t find any problems.  Most sporting enthusiasts take good care of their packs.  Some are deeply devoted to their well-being.

-Anna Nirva-

Founder of  Sunbear Squad

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I received a message from Angels Among Us (Cumming, GA) about a little black lab named Buddy. He was terribly abused but this little guy has amazingly bounced back and is now in need of a loving forever home.

Don’t you need a new Buddy ?

Hi! My name is Buddy. I am a black lab/retriever mix and the vet thinks I am about 7 months old now. When you look at me, you might see the scars down my spine. About 4 months ago, someone poured acid or gasoline or something like that down my back. I little got on my head, too. You would think that I would hate people and be very distrustful. Well, I am quite resilient! I love people! I love other dogs! I play really well with cats, too! I am the most loving dog you will ever meet!

Luckily, someone from Angels Among Us Pet Rescue heard about me and my nasty bloody, painful burns. No one wanted me because I was ugly and going to be a burden financially and physically. I did not have too much going for me at the shelter. I was burned, and not so pretty, and I am black. Black dogs get put to sleep first, so I was due to be put to sleep.

But right before my doom, a lady with Angels Among Us found a loving foster for me, and here I am alive because of her. She is my hero. I have been living with 2 other rescue dogs, and 2 rescue cats. It totally rocks, but I want a family of my own. I am going to miss her nieces too. They love me so much, and I thank them for teaching me what love is. They believed in me, and I knew when I was rescued from that stinky place that I had to prove why I was worthy of that love.

In addition to my burns, I have been to the vet and had lots of things done: had a physical; been de-wormed twice because I tested positive for whipworms; had bordatella, so I got the vaccine up my nose and am now clear of that little bug; had an upper respiratory infection and got that cleared up with antibiotics; been neutered; had the DHPP and rabies vaccines; and gotten my toenails clipped. I am currently on Interceptor both as a heartworm preventative and to make sure my whipworms don’t come back. I used to walk funny on my feet because of my really bad case of malnutrition. Since going to my foster home, I have gained 15 pounds. My foster mom can no longer count my ribs like she could 5 weeks ago.

The vet did not think the fur on my spine would ever come back. I am trying my best to prove them wrong! It IS growing BACK!!! YAY!!!

I am truly one of the most loving, affectionate dogs you will ever meet! Please consider adopting me. And if you cannot adopt me, please consider donating to Angels Among Us and help cover my vet bills. Call Lisa at 404-895-3999 for more info on how to donate.  It has taken over $500 to get me lookin’ good!

If you’re interested in Buddy contact Angels Among Us Pet Rescue by phone at (678)296-9786 or via email.  Please post and crosspost this message, I know we can get Buddy a new forever home before the holidays.

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Howard Stern is well know for his ‘no holds barred’ attitude when it comes to his radio show, but did you know he actually has a softer side when it comes to dogs?

Stern and his new wife, Beth Ostrosky Stern, helped raise quite a bit of money for the North Shore Animal League.

Here are the details from Celebrity Everything.

Q: Why are you so passionate about the North Shore Animal League?

B: Their mission is incredible. It’s so important that they are a no-kill shelter. Their facility is above and beyond everything I’ve ever seen in my entire life. They go on rescue missions that are absolutely incredible, they shelter these dogs, rehabilitate them, and find loving homes for over 20,000 animals a year, and that to me is the most inspirational thing ever.

H: We’re here tonight because we love animals. Beth really does the grunt work with North Shore Animal League and loves animals and has been involved with animal rescue her whole life. She puts her money where her mouth is, having just raised $300,000 with the [NYC] Marathon money for North Shore Animal League.

The North Shore Animal League is the biggest no-kill shelter in America.

* Pic courtesy Celebrity Dog Watcher

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