Tiny Paws Dog Rescue

By Lorraine Houston

In February 2007, Tiny Paws Dog Rescue (TPDR) went from dream to reality for its ten founding members – all who have been actively involved with rescue for several years.  “Since launching the rescue, we have seen it grow into a strong, united organization of 45 members and 15 regular foster homes” said Terri Epp, TPDR President.

During 2007, TPDR assisted 50 displaced dogs either by finding them new forever homes or connecting with other rescues better suited to help a particular dog.

The charitable organization assists dogs who are 20 pounds or less, regardless of age, breed or breed mix. The majority of dogs who come into the program are from shelters, where they have either run out of cage space or shelter staff feel the little dog would be better suited to a foster environment rather than a sheltering facility. TPDR also accepts dogs via owners who can no longer keep their dogs for a myriad of different reasons. Once in the care of TPDR the dogs are placed in one of the foster homes for vetting, assessment and lots of TLC.

TPDR relies on donations and fundraisers to cover the costs of dogs in their care. All dogs are fully vetted prior to being adopted and they strive to maintain reasonable adoption fees for all the dogs.

Tiny Paws is involved in a variety of events in the month of June. They will be at Woofstock in Toronto June 7-8 at the St. Lawrence Market. They are also involved in Wienerfest 2008 which will be held June 28th in Thamesford, Ontario. This event is a celebration of the beloved dachshund breed but other small dogs of any ancestry are welcome too.

Every year Tiny Paws also fundraises through the sale of vehicle magnets for those who are involved in the transport of all animals as well as twice a year online auctions. Please visit their website at www.tpdr.ca or contact Terri at terri.tinypaws@gmail.com for more information on their events, dogs for adoption or how to become involved as a member or foster in the organization.

 EVA

My name is Eva and I am an approximately 8 year old beautiful shih-tzu. The Montreal SPCA found me wandering the streets and because the shelter was full they called Tiny Paws Dog Rescue to see if they could take me. When I arrived at my foster home, my coat was a matted mess and I needed to be completely shaved. My coat is coming in nice and luxurious now. Tiny Paws has had me spayed, along with a dental cleaning and a few teeth removed and all of my shots. My housetraining is coming along but I am not 100% housetrained yet, but I am learning. I also like to use my pee pee pads! I would like a home with adults or teenagers because I do not like to be disturbed when I am sleeping. I have been told I am a quiet and very sweet girl and everyone wants me to find a wonderful home. Maybe someone reading the Toronto Barks site will ask about me?  To request an adoption application for me, please Email adoptions.tpdrc@gmail.com 

Since 1976, Lorraine Houston has been involved in the plight of homeless, abandoned dogs and has worked in animal shelters in the US and Canada. She is a feature writer for Dogs, Dogs, Dogs! a Maxwell Award winner from the Dog Writers Association of America, an evaluator for Therapeutic Paws of Canada and the director of Speaking of Dogs an organization devoted to education, outreach and rescue. Lorraine is an advocate for humane training, rescue/shelter dog adoptions and relationships built on kindness and respect. She and her family have fostered hundreds of dogs and found home for thousands of others. www.speakingofdogs.com

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