Q & A with a Stellar Foster Dad

 Sula Foundation recently conducted an informal interview with Rooney’s fabulous and extremely dedicated foster dad, Gabriel.  We hope you enjoy the informative (and lighthearted) excerpt included below.  There are so many wonderful dogs in need of homes throughout New Orleans.  The dogs are diverse; they are smart.  They are deserving of a loving home.  Competition is high -- this is one explanation as to why Rooney has yet to be adopted.   Another reason might be – that he is such a large dog in stature, and needing of a strong (and smart) handler, or that he’s roughly four years old, and no longer a puppy. 

Or perhaps, Rooney is living proof -- Sometimes… the best really is saved for last. Right?  Then it goes without saying we are extremely eager to meet Rooney’s forever family – because they are going to be good folks with a bright future.  No doubt.

Rooney on Instagram (and on a car ride too.)

 

SF: How would you describe the perfect home for Rooney?

Gabriel: Rooney, like any other human (or dog) needs love and attention.  He will benefit greatly having another dog and/or someone who can exercise him (jogging, dog park, walks, etc). Rooney is a versatile dog.  He loves his kennel which makes any home transition easier.  For the past few months he has been primarily an inside dog with a clean record (no #1 or #2) 

SF: Would this home have other dogs? Cats?

Gabriel: He gets along great with other dogs unconditionally.

Sleeping Beauty

SF: Share with us something we wouldn’t expect from Rooney.

Gabriel: He can be intimidating at first because of his muscular physique.  But like a Chihuahua, he's not aware of his looks or size.  He is extremely sweet and will cuddle/lick any given chance.

He is also bilingual (English and Spanish)

SF:  So he's bilingual AND he knows the merengue... now THAT is something!

SF: What is your favorite aspect of Rooney’s personality?

Gabriel:  Rooney is loving, sweet and can definitely chill out when it’s time for downtime!

SF: Does Rooney have a favorite toy?
Gabriel: Hands down…tennis balls

SF:  If you had to guess, what would be Rooney’s ideal way to spend an afternoon.

Gabriel: At the dog park

Now THOSE are some "Puppy Dog" eyes.

SF: What about Rooney’s sleeping habits? Does he snore? Does he steal the covers?  Is he a bed hog?

Gabriel: Rooney sleeps in his kennel -his choice. Occasionally he'll nap in the laundry room (where it’s darker).  He snores sometimes.  He hasn't been allowed to jump on furniture or beds but I would guess he would be a bed hog if given the opportunity. Haha.

If you want to learn more about Rooney, please email us at adopt@sulafoundation.org and we'll happily arrange an opportunity for you to meet this incredible canine creature.  We love him and think you will too. 

(Gabriel is also available to answer any questions you have - about anything and everything Rooney.  Just ask.)

Gladys At Home

Here's Gladys...

  "I don't need to meet another dog.  We want her."  How these words had never been spoken by another family before us, is a mystery to me, but it was also a stroke of luck.  For this piece,  I had all of my words perfectly arranged to explain how Gladys had captured not only my heart but the affections of my son as well, but as I sat down to type my story, Gladys intervened and changed the course of my tale.  By this I mean, she placed her head upon my wrists as I attempted to type and reminded me that life with a dog is utterly unpredictable and equally filled with affection.  For instance, I may set out to do a specific task, such as wash the dishes or put away laundry and then in an instant, those eyes look at me, that tail starts to wag, and all plans are chucked to the side as I drop to my knees and give my girl the belly rub she deserves.  This is my life with Gladys and I have the Sula Foundation to thank for bringing her into my world.

Gladys lends a shoulder to her two-legged brother.

Why The Sula Foundation?

I learned about the Sula Foundation from a friend, Jill, who volunteers her time to several local pit bull rescue and advocacy groups in the New Orleans area. She described the work that the Foundation does for the homeless pit bulls of our city.  This particular group piqued my interest because the adoptable dogs are first fostered and socialized, which was a non-negotiable necessity for me.  For several weeks, I had considered adopting a dog and since I had nothing but positive experiences with the pit bulls I had encountered, I figured that was the breed I wanted to explore.  After cyber-stalking the Sula website, I knew the dog I wanted, Rosa! I filled out my application and sent it off.  As it turned out, I had another friend, Christine, that was involved with the Sula Foundation as a foster parent.  She put in a good word for me with Kelly and helped to get the ball rolling. 

The Adoption

Kelly called me to do a phone interview. Yes, a phone interview to adopt a dog!   I knew I was adopting from the right organization since they put this much effort into finding a forever home for their pups.  After speaking with Kelly, it was agreed upon that the dog I should meet first was Gladys and not Rosa.  It was not that there was a problem with Rosa, it was simply that Gladys might be a better fit for me and my son.   We had talked about my expectations in adopting a dog.  From the sound of it, Gladys met all of them. (In fact, she has continued to meet all of them)! 

Gladys helps out with chores around the house.

 Meet and Greet

The next step in the process was to meet the pup and determine if she was the right match for my son and me. I had seen pictures of her. She was a medium-size tiger striped girl with a goofy grin and intense stare.  Her pictures did not do her justice. After entering into out home, Gladys plopped on the floor, rolled on her back and waited for her belly rub, a practice she has repeated many times during these past few months.  She was perfect. My son, who was 15, at the time, was smitten. Our short search was over. We knew Gladys was the one.

My Shadow

I could hardly wait to pick her up from her foster dad, Aron, and bring her home.  On September 14, a Friday, I left work early, ran to a local pet store and bought some goodies for my girl. I picked her up from Aron's and drove her home.  She has been by my side ever since.  Over the past few months, Gladys has grown into my shadow. Whether I am cooking or washing dishes in my tiny kitchen, or hanging clothes in my even tinier closet, Gladys is next to me.  Much to my son's disappointment, Gladys sleeps in bed with me too. What fun is having a dog if you don't get to cuddle her; and cuddle her I do!  Sometimes I wonder if it is possible for her to get any closer to me; and then she somehow manages to contort her body into a position that just about smothers me. I couldn't be happier!  

The Future

Gladys does not know it yet but I already have plans for our spring.  She is going to be my running partner when the weather becomes milder. And in March, I have signed us up for the Sula training.  I understand the importance of training and socialization. We have already had a few puppy play dates with Lucy, Villere and Chico, just a few of Gladys' new friends.  She has gone on walks with them and has proven to be quite the social lady. I intend to continue to socialize her with other dogs as well as with people.  My future and my present are definitely brighter with Gladys.  I like to think that Gladys wasn't adopted prior to our meeting because she was waiting for the right family; and now she has it and will never be alone again.  ~ Eileen A.

Gladys (left) enjoys a walk with her buddy Lucy.

Did you adopt from Sula Foundation and want to share an update on life with our alum? -   Please email us at adopt@sulafoundation.org.

And of course, it is NEVER to late to adopt a companion for your family.  Check out our available dogs here: http://bit.ly/YqcimS

Foster Spotlight: DR. PEPPER

Pepper has been doing so well lately and just loves to lay on his bed and soak in the sunlight through the window. Sometimes the cats saunter into the room and he lifts his head with acknowledgement, then puts in back down on his bed to continue with his beauty rest.

Pepper in his foster home, on his favorite bed yet.

We’ve been working on sit, wait, & watch me, as well as just lots of good positive fun & love. He does “watch me” well & according to the information the trainer provided, that’s a good indicator that Pepper is willing to learn. Our routine has become more relaxed & fun-oriented. I’ve started a toy box for him, & put a couple of things in his crate, too. I’ve noticed he won’t play with them in his crate, but once I let him out, he’ll go in his crate & pull his toys out to play. He really is like a child sometimes. I was cutting up some stew meat for a meal the other day & made a pile of some pieces I wasn’t going to use. I called Pepper over & gave him the 1st piece. From that moment until I was done, I had his full attention & he sat for me every time I asked. LOL

Last Sunday’s trip to City Park was a success. He hates riding in the jeep & I have to carry him to get him into it, but once we got going, he’s started to relax. We didn’t have any tummy upset at all that day, & we went from home to City Park, then we drove down to the Fly & back home. At some point he was relaxed enough to try & lay down, but of course the seat is too small for him to do that so he just sighed & looked out the window.

Dr. Pepper really enjoyed his field trip to City Park.  He's lucky to have such an amazing Foster Mom

The cats still tantalize him, but I can tell they aren’t as much of a temptation as they had been. I have one that stays inside most of the time & sometimes if she is in the hall, she will sit still & let Pepper pass by her. You can tell they are both cautious, but I see that as a good sign that they are respecting each other. As long as the cat stands his/her ground, Pepper will leave them alone. If they run, however, he still tries to chase them. I’m wondering if that will ever change, tho. *sigh*  ~Rebecca T.


Pepper is looking forward to starting his obedience class in January. And really hopes his forever family comes to find him soon in the new year!!

Pepper's best Reindeer impersonation

Here's a link to Pepper's Bio on Petfinder: Adopt Pepper

We rely on supportive homes like yours to continue helping these animals in need of a little extra time and care.

If you are interested in joining the Foster Volunteer Team for Sula Foundation, please contact the Foster Coordinator at foster@sulafoundation.org

2013 Pit Bulls of New Orleans Calendar

Sneak Peek...

Six GREAT Reasons To Foster a Dog

1. Rescue dogs often need to learn what it’s like to live with a caring person (or family); they can come to know what a life filled with love should look and feel like.
2.  If you already have a dog, they will make a great playmate for your pooch.   If not or either way, the foster dog will have a chance to show you what it means to be a devoted and loyal companion. 
3. Foster dogs probably need some help in becoming the BEST dog they can be – You can help to show them manners and teach them.
4. Providing a temporary and loving home to a dog will teach them how to trust and will give children (and other adults) a lesson in compassion and kindness.
5. You will learn all about their unique personality, which will be helpful in finding them the perfect forever home!   You will be able to tell potential adopters about all of their strong points, as well as areas that need extra focus if they are considering adopting your foster. 
6. You’ll SAVE A LIFE and allow Sula to reach out to another deserving dog in our community!

Sula Foundation needs loving homes like yours so that we may continue to help Pit Bulls that need a little extra time, care and attention.  

 

If you are interested in joining the Volunteer Foster Team for Sula Foundation, please contact us at foster@sulafoundation.org or you may also submit an application form on our website.

Introducing Amy Knoll, Event Coordinator

Amy

Amy Knoll is a native of Chicago, she moved to New Orleans in 2008 after falling in love with a Katrina evacuee who needed to come home.  So here she is in New Orleans and we are happy to have her!

Since arriving to the Big Easy,  Amy has collaborated on several notable projects, culminating with the opening of her own store Bon Castor, in Bywater.  She really dove into our city and is thrilled to be absorbed into a community so rich in creativity and culture.    

Amy became involved with Sula after adopting Calliope, a pit-mix from the LA/SPCA . She quickly recognized that pit bulls and pit mixes are the unofficial Dog of New Orleans, and wanted to contribute towards health and safety of all the dogs in the City.  We are delighted that Amy has stepped up to the position as Event Coordinator and will be a major player in the continued growth of the Sula Foundation’s presence in New Orleans. 

Calliope

 Amy lives in the New Marigny with Sophie a chow/lab mix & Calliope a pit mix (pictured), two cats named Cleo and Erik……. and the boyfriend who recruited her here in the first place.  Feel free to bring your dog by the shop so Amy can gush over him/her and share treats. We hear she is very good at belly rubs, too!