Animal Rescue League of Northwest Georgia

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WHO WE ARE

Animal Rescue of Northwest Georgia is a non profit, no-kill organization.
We are dedicated to improving the lives of dogs, cats & people in all of Northwest Georgia by rescuing unwanted, abandoned and special needs dogs and cats;
treating, vaccinating, spaying/ neutering them; and then placing them in carefuly screened and loving homes.
We believe we have a lifelong obligation to every animal that comes to us, which is why we try to make the best possible placement of each animal to the right person

Featured Pet

Wink

Wink is a sweet 1 year old male Shih Tzu. He has been though a lot in his short life. He had an eye removed due to injury and has been treated for heartworms. Wink is now facing another challange. He has degenerative retinal disease in his other eye. He sees better in bright light and night lights help in the dark but he will eventually lose all sight. Wink needs a special home that will embrace his disability and love him unconditionally. Adoption fee $175 For more information on Wink, please contact Judy Lawson at 678-848-1889

A Little Info About about the Shih Tzu Breed

Once the prized lap dog of Chinese emperors, the Shih Tzu doesn’t see any reason to accept the slightest reduction in status. But his assumption that the world revolves around him rarely comes with arrogance or aggressiveness. The Shih Tzu is, somewhat inexplicably given his willingness to be spoiled, one of the sweeter of toy breeds and one of the more popular, too. Shih Tzus do not guard, hunt, or tunnel into the earth. They are born to do one thing, and they do it well: They are companion dogs who give love to the world and soak it back in. They’re an in-your-lap kind of dog. A terrific apartment dog who does equally well in mansions and farms, he will adapt to whatever living arrangement you provide. What he can’t do is live outside. The Shih Tzu is too small, too human oriented, and too heat sensitive to live outdoors. He may not need a palace, but he definitely needs a home.

Living with a Blind Dog

By Stanley Coren, PhD and Sarah Hodgson from Understanding Your Dog For Dummies

Blind dogs can live comfortably. Some sightless canines take quite a while to even recognize the full limitations of their handicap, since vision usually diminishes progressively and isn't a dog's primary sense. To help your blind dog live happily, take these steps to provide a new map of her living space:
Attach short directional word or phrases (such as Sit, Down, Stay, and Come) to daily routines. Verbal cues reassure your dog and help him feel connected to your daily interactions. Your voice will both guide and reassure him.

Create landmarks for your dog, keeping daily objects, such as dog bowls and bedding, in the same place. In addition, avoid relocating furniture, TVs, or radios to prevent any disorientation that may result when the dog's mental map is disrupted.

Use carpet runners to create a "road" to familiar rooms.

Use different scents to map out locations or forbidden areas. For example, you can use scented oils or powders to cue your dog to avoid ledges or locate important places in a room. When you travel, these same scents can comfort and guide him in an otherwise unknown environment. If your dog is distressed at not being able to find you, wear a familiar scent or clip a small bell to your wrist or belt loop.

Return objects to where they belong. Things that are left out are opportunities for collisions that may disorient your dog and lead to anxiety or fearfulness.

If your dog is disoriented, lead him to a favorite anchoring spot, such as a familiar bed, and pet him calmly until he's settled down.

Going up and down stairs is difficult for blind dogs. Install carpeting and chaperone your dog until he feels confident: Hold his midsection gently as you support his weight and/or lead him up each step by luring him with a favorite treat.

The most important tool in dealing with a blind dog is the leash. Think of the leash as giving you the ability to hold your dog's hand. Your dog will feel more secure because he knows where you are. Leashing the dog can be helpful even in the house until he gets adjusted. The dog should certainly be walked on the leash because his owner is now his eyes.

Feeling socially isolated is a problem with blind dogs just as it is with deaf dogs. Most dogs seem reassured if they know where their owners are. A dog that has been free to roam the house may have to be confined at night. Securing your dog next to your bed at night or using a crate is an ideal solution.
Once the dog gets used to the routine and has a mental map of his world, he'll do fine. Many dogs happily go around their homes and live a happy life despite their blindness. In fact, many do it so well that visitors don't even notice that the dog is blind.

HAPPY TAILS

Click here to view our Happy Tails! (Adopted pets)

Adopting a Pet

If you see a pet that you would like to adopt, fill out an online application. Once we have your application and it is approved, we will set up a time for you to meet the animal. Our adoption fee includes spay/neuter, vaccinations, heartworm test (dogs), feline HIV and Luekemia test (cats) and deworming. All of our animals are all current on flea and heartworm (dogs) prevention. If you have any questions, they can be answered by emailing us at arlofnwga@gmail.com