Document text
http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Blogs Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Multimedia Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Road Cams Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Distinctly Northwest Readers' Choice Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend February 20, 2007 Click image for larger view MaryAnne Petersen gets a friendly kiss from Missy, a 12-week-old mix from Roseburg. Petersen and Penny Mayben head up Southern Oregon All Breed Rescue, a nonprofit dog adoption program. (Mail Tribune / Bob Pennell) They're a dog's best pal Adoption program brings needy pets to loving owners By paul fattig Mail Tribune Penny Mayben tugs lightly on the leashes, prompting the two gentle giants in the form of Saint Bernards Cal and Dixie to plop down on the floor. While dachshunds Lena and Holly continue to explore to the end of their leashes, MaryAnne "Granny" Petersen holds a squirming cocker spaniel mix puppy named Missy. Meet the crew of the Southern Oregon All Breed Rescue, a nonprofit adoption program Mayben and Petersen started two years ago to link would-be owners with appropriate pets. Of the five pooches they took on an outing Monday, only Missy has yet to be spoken for. Advertisement "She's just a little wiggle worm," said Ruch resident Petersen of the 12-week-old pup who wanted to hop down to visit her big pals. "We don't place any before 12 weeks," explained Mayben of Shady Cove. "You saw her social interaction with the giants. Because she has interacted with them, you have a very well-adjusted social dog. And that makes a nicer pet." Working closely with the Jackson County Animal Shelter, Mayben and Petersen, who both have long histories of improving the lives of dogs, try to bring together those who want a dog and those who can no longer care for one. "Our intent is to save the dogs," Petersen said. "We have a list of people who want a dog and those who can't care for their own dog for whatever reason. "We try to match the dogs with the right people," she added. "We try to do it as fast as we can but we want to make sure it's a good fit." The two check out the homes of would-be owners before turning over an animal. "If that dog doesn't fit that person's life, they don't get the dog," Mayben said. "If we get one in and it eats kitty cats and they have six cats in the house, they don't get the dog. Those are the kinds of things we're looking for. "We want the dog to fit the family because we want a permanent placement," she added. "We deal with a lot of seniors who are being put into homes and can't take the pet with them." They require that would-be pet owners sign a document stating they will care for the animal. And those who give up their pooches must sign an agreement to that effect. All the dogs must be spayed or neutered when they are adopted. If either is required, those adopting the animal must pay for it, Petersen said. "We take all breeds, all sizes," Mayben said. "We don't turn any away." They just sent a dachshund mix by plane to Dallas, Texas, after it had been rescued in Southern Oregon. Those making the adoption had read about the program on the Internet. "And we just took five standard poodles down to California to a friend of ours who was able to adopt them out in less than three days," Petersen said. Some of the unwanted animals are a by product of irresponsible owners who fail to get pets spayed or neutered. Others become homeless through no fault of the owner. "We had a call about a chihuahua in January of last year from a woman in Medford," Mayben said. "She said the lady next door had been put into a home and the little dog was thrown out into the yard. It had been left there for two weeks. The neighbors had been feeding it but they were concerned it would freeze to death at night. We were able to place it with a lady who dearly loves the dog." Petersen will be traveling to Roseburg later this week to pick up a small dog named Lizzy. "She's a little Jack Russell terrier," Petersen said. "The people who have her can't take care of her anymore. She'll come down and spend a week or so with me. We'll find her a home." They recently had a call from a young man with a Belgian Malinois that needed temporary care while the man's parents erected a proper fence on their property to keep the mid-size dog. "He's going into the military in two weeks," Petersen said. "He just needed someone to provide foster care for 30 to 60 days. We got someone to do that." Meanwhile, they are hoping to find a home for Missy. "She's from the Roseburg area — a lady with a cocker female mix brought us a whole basket of puppies," Mayben said. "Missy is the last one. They were all sweet like her." For further information about the program, call Mayben at 878-3719 or Petersen at 899-3959. Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2007 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Casinos Canada Cord Blood Banking Entertainment Guide Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Trunks, Footlocker Men's Clothing Debt Help