#animaladvocate

[daisylovesrumble]

SIGN: Justice for 8 Puppies Left for Dead in Trash

SIGN: Justice for 8 Puppies Left for Dead in Trash

Sign the petition demanding justice for eight innocent puppies cruelly abandoned in a trash can in Fort Worth, Texas.

Why is there so much cruelty in Texas? To animals and people?

[doggiedayoutnc]

Earning the Trust of Rescue Dogs: Creating Comfort in Their New Home

Rescue dogs come from a variety of backgrounds—some may have been abandoned, others surrendered, and many may have lived through trauma or neglect. No matter their story, when a rescue dog enters your home, it marks the beginning of a new chapter for them and for you. However, adjusting to this new life takes time, patience, and intentional care. Here’s how you can earn the trust of a rescue dog and help them feel comfortable in their new home.

1. Understanding the Importance of Patience

Every rescue dog is unique—while some might settle quickly, others may take weeks or even months to feel at ease. It’s important to remember that building trust takes time. Your new dog may be unsure of people, frightened by certain objects, or even confused by simple things like a doorbell.

Tip: Give your dog space to explore the home and come to you at their own pace. Avoid forcing affection, and instead let them initiate interactions.

2. Create a Safe Space

Your new rescue dog needs a quiet, comfortable space that is all theirs. This could be a cozy dog bed in a corner or a crate with the door left open. Dogs need a place where they can retreat and feel safe if they become overwhelmed.

Ideas for Creating a Safe Space:

Use a crate lined with soft blankets and keep it open for them to enter freely.

Choose a low-traffic area of the house for their bed, away from noise and activity.

Add familiar toys, treats, or scents (like a blanket from the shelter) to provide comfort.

3. Establish Routine and Consistency

Dogs thrive on routine, and establishing one will help your rescue dog feel more secure. Consistent feeding times, potty breaks, walks, and bedtime routines help your dog understand what to expect, reducing anxiety.

How to Create a Routine:

Feed your dog at the same times every day.

Walk and play sessions should follow a predictable schedule.

Use the same commands and cues for training to avoid confusion.

4. Use Positive Reinforcement

Training is essential for rescue dogs, but the key to success is positive reinforcement. This means rewarding good behavior with treats, toys, or praise, rather than punishing unwanted behavior.

Training Tips:

Reward calm behaviors like sitting quietly or coming when called.

Use a gentle tone to communicate with your dog and encourage them.

Be patient with accidents—use them as teaching moments rather than reasons for punishment.

5. Build Trust with Calm, Gentle Interactions

Many rescue dogs may be wary of people, especially if they’ve experienced neglect or abuse. Building trust requires gentle, calm interactions that show the dog they are safe. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that might startle them.

How to Build Trust:

Sit on the floor at their level and let them approach you.

Offer treats from your hand to create positive associations.

Speak softly and avoid prolonged eye contact, which some dogs may find intimidating.

6. Give Them Time to Decompress

Rescue dogs often experience stress from their previous environment. When they come to a new home, they need time to decompress. During this period, it’s important to avoid overwhelming them with too much attention, visitors, or new experiences.

Decompression Guidelines:

Limit the number of people or animals they meet in the first few weeks.

Keep walks short and in calm, familiar areas until they build confidence.

Allow them to explore the house and yard at their own pace.

7. Encourage Bonding Through Activities

Bonding with your rescue dog will strengthen your relationship and help them feel more secure. Activities like walks, games, or even grooming sessions can foster trust and connection.

Bonding Activities:

Go on daily walks to explore new areas together.

Play simple games like fetch or hide-and-seek with toys.

If they are comfortable, groom them gently to build positive touch associations.

8. Pay Attention to Body Language

Rescue dogs may not be able to tell you how they feel, but their body language speaks volumes. Understanding what your dog’s signals mean can help you respond appropriately and avoid stress triggers.

Common Signs to Watch For:

Tail tucked, ears flattened: Fear or discomfort.

Yawning or lip licking: Stress or anxiety.

Relaxed body, wagging tail: Comfort and happiness.

9. Introduce New People and Pets Slowly

If you have other pets or expect visitors, it’s important to introduce them to your new rescue dog gradually. A slow introduction prevents overwhelm and helps your dog adjust at their own pace.

Introduction Tips:

Start with leashed introductions to other pets.

Let visitors offer treats and allow the dog to come to them.

Supervise interactions and be ready to step in if the dog seems stressed.

10. Celebrate Small Wins

Progress with a rescue dog can be slow, but every small victory counts. Celebrate milestones like the first time your dog wags their tail, eats comfortably, or comes to you for affection. Recognizing these moments builds confidence in your dog and strengthens your bond.

Final Thoughts

Bringing a rescue dog into your home is a beautiful, life-changing experience for both you and the dog. Though the process may come with challenges, the rewards of earning their trust and seeing them thrive are priceless. With patience, love, and consistent care, your rescue dog will come to understand that they are finally safe and truly home.

By following these steps, you’ll not only make your rescue dog feel comfortable but also build a lasting, trusting relationship that will bring joy to both of your lives for years to come.

If you’ve recently welcomed a rescue dog, what steps have helped your new friend settle in? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments!

[handsofspirit]

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This is what I experienced on my drive home today. This is the second rainbow I have seen of this magnitude this summer! The beauty was out of this world. I dedicate this rainbow to all of the animals who have been harmed or lost their lives. You deserved better. You are not forgotten and there are many on this earth who work diligently to save your furfriends and change this world. Hopefully you are in a better place and are having a blast playing over the rainbow bridge 🌈🐾💖 - - - #rainbow #rainbow🌈 #rainbows #rainbowafterthestorm #rainbowaura #rainbowstate #thunder #thunderstorm #stormy #storms #prairies #naturelover #rainbowbridge #rainbowbridge🌈 #rainbowbrite #rip #animallover #armtheanimals #animaladvocate #colorado #frontrange #boulder #boulderco #bouldercolorado #bouldercounty #handsofspirit (at Boulder, Colorado) https://www.instagram.com/p/B07LTvmHg-_/?igshid=fo69eent37wk

[alexander-landerman]

Pile of rabbits at the @grunwaldgallery . . . #instaart #inkshares #inkillustration #rabbitsofinsta #instarabbit #cottontail #hare #wildanimals #animalart #veganart #animaladvocate #animalwellfare #rivesbfk #archespaper #pygmalionsartsupplies #bloomingtonindiana #iuartarchdesign #soaad #drawing #blackandwhite #illustration #inkillustration #thesiswork #grunwaldgallery https://www.instagram.com/p/BxSLQ6fh_Sa/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=o3l6tjwhtgp0

[funnywildlife]

Today’s Elephantastic Cuteness Overload roughy to you straight from CAR the Central African Republic by #wildographer #wildographer, film buff, journo & conservationist @larrylaverty * Defo#WorthAFollow * Do check out #AnimalAdvocate @larrylaverty’s website for prints and info about his upcoming book about elephants due out summer 2019. * #Wildography #WildographyandSafaris #AfricanSafaris #ConservationPhotography #FeaturedWildographer #LarryLaverty #RememberingElephants #SaveElephants #WorthMoreAlive #Travel4Conservation https://www.instagram.com/p/BpHMPCSAcIM/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=oktjlsot9uk3

[chelseaisavegan]

I get so tired of being painted as an “angry” or “preachy” vegan. No, I’m not going to “respect your right” to eat animal products because I don’t believe you have the right to eat them in the first place. I believe people eat animal products either because they’re selfish or they’re ignorant, and I’m not going to apologize for telling people the truth.

[paigecorapaintrun]

4 Vegan Years Later

Hey there,

I just read an old post of mine, a short blog about the first week I switched from vegetarian to vegan.

I’d say that most of the initial highs are true, you end up eating raw, beautiful foods bursting with enzymes and vitamins. Your digestion and energy levels improve... and as I stated in the original post, being a dairy free singer has helped with the clarity and mucus (or lack there of now!). 

I have not had a cold, or been sick whatsoever. The only time I ever was sick in bed was the first week of starting a new intense job, which was all stress induced. 

I will mention some of the difficulties of being vegan. Where I live, Fort Erie, I am in a 30,000 person town. Granted, the Niagara Region has some great vegan restaurant options, especially in St. Catharines. However in my town for spur of the moment dining, I have no options. I spend more time in Sobey’s grabbing ingredients to actually make the dish I am craving instead. So, it’s a positive and a negative. I love to cook, but sometimes you wish you could just take a night off... you know? Actually haha we do order from a local pizza place, and place the order with no cheese, then heat up the oven and throw it back in with some Daiya or cheese alternate.

The other downside for me is relying on wheat/bread products. It’s so easy to lazily whip up some avocado toast, or a grilled “cheese” that you end up with too much gluten in the system. To alleviate that, I have switch to gluten free and whole grain options, so atleast I am somewhat balanced. 

The other, is soy. Soy products are a newly minted vegan’s best friend. However, I have done a lot of reading on the effects of soy, and it should be avoided. If consumed, try to find sprouted, non gmo organic tofu or miso, as it is one of the most heavily sprayed pesticide foods. I still have soy way too much, but I am working on having soy free days, or weeks at a time, to give the body a break. 

Ok, so let’s get back to some of the positives of this journey now that I am done with my personal warnings...

The heart can show you extraordinary things when you have compassion for all beings. It’s humbling, and is probably my favourite thing about being vegan, you sort of become switched on to all living beings. I have become more present, and aware, empathetic to a fault. Don’t get me wrong, it makes conversations with coworkers or family members awkward at times, when they tell you stories of their latest hunting adventure, or the steak house they went to the previous evening. But as a vegan, you navigate those moments with non judgement. Open your world vegan view up to those who want it, because trust me, you can’t change the people who don’t want to change. Be your authentic self, speak up when the moments right, it will resonate a lot stronger that way. 

Veganism makes you feel both joy in the world around you, and strong anger. I don’t think I was in touch with my anger emotion as much as when I learned everything there is to about factory farming, caged animals, insemination, dairy cows, and the food industry in general. 

So 4 years strong, and I am so glad Veganism is part of my journey. Just like my first post, if you have any questions about the transition, I am here for you. 

[kittydevorerescue]

Kissa is helping her foster Mama make some diy bouquets for her upcoming wedding! Kissa is going to be a bridesmaid, but since she's caught the bouquets and even made them, she's dreaming of being the bride. Are you her special one? If you live in California, apply to adopt! Kittydevorerescue.org