Yogi Proud to Be Mutt!

Yogi Big Brown Dog - According to DNA testing he us Bulldog Mix crossed with Boxer Mix, Bullmastiff, Basset Hound, Ibizan Hound, Greyhound :)

Nala - Animals Make Us Human

You might see stories about rescued dogs, how they changed people lives. 

HSSV’s Nala “People who have pets are less stressed, there’s more laughter in their life"

In the shelter you can find many dogs that are waiting to be part of human pack, maybe yours :)

Time that I spend with Nala is giving me lots of fantastic moments. For a moment she is mine clown, she is bringing tears to my eyes while zooming around. Silly girl!

HSSV’s Nala “Sharing secrets and gossiping”

I didn't see her for two weeks, so we took off for a long walk and had many secrets, and gossips to share. She was whispering into my ear how she is missing her own bed, quiet night, stability and the most important that she can start building relationships with people and call them own.

HSSV’s Nala “LOL"

Dogs need people, play, and lots of opportunities to explore and learn, and they can't provide these things for themselves. That's human job. 

Dogs need social companionship almost as much as they need food and water.

HSSV’s Nala  “Dogs need social companionship almost as much as they need food and water” 

Dogs that live in animal shelters need at least forty-five minutes of play and exercise time with a person every day.

HSSV’s Nala “Can we go now?"

Temple Grandin graduate student Christa Coppola conducted a study in an animal shelter. Her study indicated that when a dog had been played with person for forty-five minutes its cortisol (stress) hormone was lower the next day.

Unfortunately, the cortisol levels returned to sky-high levels if play period was not repeated.

HSSV’s Nala “One Inch of Cuteness"

Dogs in animal shelters need volunteers to play and socially interact with them EVERY DAY! 

As a volunteer you can experience beauty of amazing relationship with dogs. Being so close to this animals is fascinating, simple and pure.

HSSV’s Nala “Eye of wonder"

Temple Grandin in her book "Animals In Translation" wrote that dogs have different sensory organs than people do, organs that let them see, hear, and smell things we can't. All sensory data has to be processed by the brain. And when we you get down to the level of brain cells, neurons, humans have the same neurons dogs do. People using them differently, but cells are the same. 

HSSV’s Nala “Brain"

HSSV’s Nala “Ears" 

HSSV’s Nala “Nose"

Pet owners know how much their furry friend improves their quality of life. But it’s not all about unconditional love — although that actually provides a wellness boost, too. On an emotional level, owning a pet can decrease depression, stress and anxiety; health-wise, it can lower your blood pressure, improve your immunity and even decrease your risk of heart attack and stroke. But the positives don’t stop there. Read on to discover all of the incredible health benefits that can come with owning a pet.

HSSV’s Nala “Calming energy"

1. Decreases stress 

In a 2002 study at State University of New York at Buffalo, researchers found that when conducting a stressful task, people experienced less stress when their pets were with them than when a spouse, family member or close friend was nearby. Promises Treatment Centers, which specializes in addiction, not only recommends its patients consider getting a pet, but even allows pets in its rehabilitation facilities, according to Dr. David Sack, CEO of Promises. “One of Promises' core beliefs is that we need to remove obstacles that prevent people from getting help,” Sack says. “We are committed to making Promises a safe and reassuring homelike environment. And what could be more like home than to have your pet accompany you?”

HSSV’s Nala “Stop and enjoy moments"

2. Lowers blood pressure

While some studies have found a stronger connection than others, having a pet has the potential to lower blood pressure, especially in hypertensive or high-risk patients, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “If you have a dog around, your blood pressure is lower,” says Marty Becker, DVM, veterinary consultant for "Good Morning America" and author of the upcoming book, "Your Dog: The Owner’s Manual." “A lot of it goes back to reducing stress: You might lose your job, your house, your 401(k) — but you’ll never lose the unconditional love of your pet.”

3. Eases pain

Believe it or not, pets can be the best medicine, especially when a person is dealing with chronic pain such as migraines or arthritis, says Becker. “Just like Valium, it reduces anxiety. The less anxiety, the less pain,” he says. “Some studies about acute pain actually found that adults who used pet therapy required 50 percent less pain medication than those who did not.”

HSSV’s Nala “Reduces anxiety"

4. Lowers cholesterol

According to the CDC, another heart-healthy result of owning a pet is lower cholesterol. “They lower cholesterol by about five points,” says Becker. It isn’t clear whether the pet’s presence decreases cholesterol, or if those who maintain a healthier lifestyle are more often pet owners. However, it is known that male pet owners, in particular, have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels than non–pet owners.

HSSV’s Nala

5. Improves mood

A lot of the health benefits of owning a pet may stem from the mental and emotional benefits. “People who have pets are less harried; there’s more laughter in their life,” says Becker. “When you come home, it’s like you’re George Clooney. You’re a star.” This is a primary reason pets are used in various forms of therapy. “At Walter Reed Army Medical Center, they’re using dogs to help soldiers dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder,” says Katy Nelson, DVM, associate emergency veterinarian at the VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital in Alexandria, Va. “They’re finding the guys who have a pet are able to re-enter society a little bit easier. They’re showing a decreased suicide rate, one of the biggest health threats [veterans] face. These guys who have a pet have someone they’re responsible for, someone who cares about them. And they don’t have to explain what they’ve been through.”

HSSV’s Nala “Whne you come home, it’s like you’re George Clooney. You are a star."

6. Helps people socialize

While it may seem a bit counterintuitive, owning a dog actually increases a person’s opportunities to socialize, according to Michael Landa, CEO of natural pet food brand Nulo and founder of Los Angeles–based dog-walking service The Pet Staff. “I take my dog for a two-mile walk every day, and I run into five to 10 people whom I stop and talk to,” he says. Christie Keith, the online and social media editor atPetConnection.com, agrees. "A 1999 Canadian study found that pet owners were more 'socially engaged' than non–pet owners," she says. In addition, an Austrian study “found that pet ownership led to an increase in social contact, more socialization within neighborhoods [such as neighbors chatting as they walk their dogs], and even a greater perception to observers that the neighborhood seems 'friendly.’” 

HSSV’s Nala “Pet ownership led to an increase in social contact" 

7. Prevents strokes

Although dogs are often touted for their health benefits, cat owners can see gains, too. Felines are just as beneficial to your health as dogs. “If you have a cat, you’re 30 percent less likely to have a heart attack, and you’re 40 percent less likely to have a cardiovascular incident like a stroke,” Becker says. In addition, pets can aid in the recovery of a heart attack. “If you have a heart attack and you have a dog, you are eight times more likely to be alive a year later,” Becker says.

HSSV’s Nala "If you have a heart attack and you have a dog, you are eight times more likely to be alive a year later” 

8. Monitors blood sugar levels for diabetics

According to the American Diabetes Association’s Diabetes Forecast magazine, a 1992 study found that one-third of the pets living with diabetics (mostly dogs, but other pets included cats, birds and rabbits) would change their behavior when their owner’s blood sugar level dropped. Most likely a reaction to chemical changes in the owner’s body, the behavior noted in the study has resulted in organizations likeDogs4Diabetics, which trains dogs to be companions for patients at risk of unstable blood glucose levels.

HSSV’s Nala “Looking to be part of human pack"

9. Prevents allergies and improves immunity

Becker says pets can dramatically improve immunity and prevent allergies. “A study found that children ages 5 to 7 from pet-owning households attend school three weeks more per year than those who don’t have pets,” he says. He also says that the more pets you have earlier in life, the fewer allergies you will develop. “Kids who grow up on farms and around animals don’t have allergies,” he says. “That dander on that hair, that’s natural immunotherapy.” But he notes that this effect is not reversible: Getting a pet as an adult will not minimize allergies, it only helps prevent certain allergies from developing in children.

HSSV’s Nala “Happy face" 

10. Helps children develop

Children who grow up in a household with pets benefit in myriad ways, especially in their emotional development. “When a child is attached to a dog or cat, they learn to express themselves in more ways and they learn to relate better,” says Landa, who brings children to animal shelters to deliver toys and food. Pets are also hugely beneficial to children suffering from autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). For children with ADHD, taking care of a pet can encourage them to focus on responsibilities through a predictable routine. While the sensory experience of holding and petting an animal can be soothing for children with autism. 

(http://www.mnn.com/family/pets/stories/10-ways-owning-a-pet-benefits-your-health)

HSSV’s Nala “Resting in her temporary home, after interaction with Bubble Mom"

Nala - How Do You Spell Love?

Piglet: "How do you spell love?"
Pooh: "You don't spell it. You feel it."

HSSV's Nala "Awesome, smart and happy"

Nala is awesome, very happy and smart dog. She loves people. I am enjoying time spending with her, she is very active, but also loves sitting next to you and experiencing world surroundings.

HSSV's Nala "Experiencing surroundings "

For her and other dogs staying in the shelter is drastic change and a stressful experience. 

HSSV's Nala "KONGS time"

HSSV is making every effort possible to make dogs very welcome, and love. But shelter is still often a place where dogs will be confined, separated from their previous families, and exposed to more noise due to the close proximity of other dogs. 

HSSV's Nala "KONGS attack"

These environmental changes are very stressful for most dogs.  Because of the influence of individual dog personality on behavior, signs of stress can vary. Some dogs will hide in the back of the kennel, be less active or stop eating. 

HSSV's Nala "Selfies"

Some dogs may behave aggressively in response to stress, while other dogs will begin to perform repetitive behaviors, increase their frequency of barking/vocalization, become destructive, and start to urinate and defecate in their kennel.

HSSV's Nala "Experiencing pink"

Stress may also affect a shelter dog’s physical health, causing increased susceptibility to diseases and a longer recovery time from illness. 

HSSV's Nala "Selfies"

Sharing my time with Nala is priceless. With busy lives, it can be hard to find time to volunteer. However, the benefits of volunteering are enormous to you, your family, and your community. The right match can help you find friends, reach out to the community, learn new skills, and even advance your career. Volunteering can also help protect your mental and physical health. 

HSSV's Nala "Measuring benefits of volunteering"

I guess Nala can measure all these benefits in licks on my face. 

HSSV's Nala

Yogi and His Adoption Story

Yogi adopted from HSSV October 2011

I met Yogi in April 2011 when I started volunteering at HSSV. First he was a dog behind glass window, with red, tired and sad eyes. In July 2011 finally I could take him for a walk. At HSSV you have to complete five levels of training to start socializing more challenging dogs and Yogi was one of those dogs - diamond dog. I was taking him every other day for a walk, so he could excersise and have some special time just for him. At the end of the September 2011 I read carefully Yogi's adoption plan and noticed that he was in the shelter since December 2010, almost 10 months. At first I couldn't believe it, and that day I asked at the shelter if it is ok if I can take Yogi home so he can have some break. Shelter environment is very stressful for dogs. For 3 weeks I was fostering him, and at the end of October 2011, I signed adoption papers and he was mine. During our journey we went through many training session, I started taking seminars with the best dog trainers, reading tones of books, watching hours and hours of videos, and absorbing everything about dog aggression, about fears in dogs, about socialization. I started exposing Yogi to dogs and people, and using positive reinforcement, good structure we started our journey that is continuing. In July 2012 we joined together doggy daycare me as an employee and Yogi as a student, special needs student. In December 2012 for the first time Yogi was able to play with another dog . From that point he started playing with more dogs, and his group was including more buddies to play with. 

Yogi at Canine Corral Doggy Daycare with Dakota

Bringing Yogi home was one of the good things that happened to us. Watching his transformation is amazing. YOGI gave me and my family great lessons that patience, kindness, no judgment can open all the best sides of anyone, fulfill with good energy. Yogi shares his life with me, my husband and 13 and 17 years old human brothers. 

Yogi sharing his life with his family with respect, love and understanding :)

He goes with us everywhere, loves backpacking trips in Sierra, he helps socialize other dogs, and he is an integrated part of our family. He is six years old, we don't remember how was our life before him 

Yogi at backpacking trip at Lost Coast last summer

Nala In Motion

Nala is wonderful puppy if you are looking for buddy to run, learn, and cuddle together. Lazy to turn off light, teach Nala to do it. Tired with picking up socks from the floor, TaDa! Nala is looking not only for jobs, she is looking for love, and being part your pack.

HSSV's Nala "In Motion"

Blackberry Aka BBerry The Adventures of One Nosy Dog

HSSV's BBerry "Learning how my favorite people smell"

Blackberry Aka BBerry, she might be shy dog, but the sweetest one. Do you know that the most important point of socialization process is to bring fun, positive energy and not judgment. 

Dogs are in nature migrating animals so exercising dog will get him/her into her/his natural migrating state of mind, which will be great time to bond with him/her.

HSSV's BBerry "It's a Beautiful World"

BBerry loves her walks, she might be tiny and fragile, but once she is in adventurous state of mind she wants to see more and to smell more. It is so much fun outside. 

HSSV's "Let it be!"

Everything smells different, but how different? There are many ways in which people and dogs are similar, but an area in which dogs are much superior is in their olfactory ability, or their sense of smell. 

Dogs can smell 100,000 times better than humans. In tests, dogs have been able to detect a chemical in a solution diluted to 1 to 2 parts per trillion. 

HSSV's BBerry "Memorizing good moments..."

The human brain has a large area devoted to vision, while dogs have a large portion dedicated to olfaction, in fact 40% more of a dog's brain than a human's is committed to smell. 

Humans can smell roses

The average person has 5 million smell receptors, while the average dog, depending on breed, has 125 to 250 million smell receptors. The Bloodhound has an incredible 300 million smell receptors! 

HSSV's BBerry "I am a size of four medium size mushrooms"

Dogs can smell things up to 40 feet underground. Dogs can even smell human fingerprints that are a week old.    

HSSV's BBerry "Week later I will remember this spot with accuracy of my nose"

Can you imagine BBerry will smell my shoes print week later at the same spot.

HSSV's BBerry "Please come meet me at HSSV!"

Sweetheart - I Can Be Center of Your Universe

HSSV's Sweetheart

Fact is that there is no centre of the universe!  

According to the standard theories of cosmology, the universe started with a "Big Bang" about 14 thousand million years ago and has been expanding ever since.  Yet there is no centre to the expansion; it is the same everywhere.  The Big Bang should not be visualized as an ordinary explosion.  The universe is not expanding out from a centre into space; rather, the whole universe is expanding and it is doing so equally at all places, as far as we can tell.

This is complicated, but whatever I don't agree with theory above because Sweetheart can be center of your Universe.

HSSV's Sweetheart can be center of your Universe

“When people hear ‘high drive dog,’ most think of border collies or similar active breeds. But a high-drive dog can be of any breed or mix. A high-drive dog is highly active both mentally and physically, and requires plenty of exercise as well as mental stimulation just to be able to relax at home.

While these dogs are, indeed, among the most competitive dogs in many sports, they are not for everyone. Along with their high energy levels, their mental activity can cause problems in most pet homes. Without consistent and dedicated training, these dogs may become destructive and/or reactive, barking or aggressing at a variety of triggers including moving bicycles, scooters, children, other dogs and animals, and even passing cars. (http://highdrivepups.com/high-drive-dogs/)

HSSV's Sweetheart is not typical couch potato dog

Sweetheart definitely is not typical couch potato dog. She loves having some jobs to do, solves problems, and learns new things really quick.

I met her today for the first time and she immediately clicked with me, even though sometimes she was interested in passing by cars, or rolling on the grass or jumping high when she got too excited.

HSSV's Sweetheart "Guess what she loves to play?"

When we back to her room she showed me were is her bed and toys. She loves playing fetch, and she can go over, and over and over again, and it makes her really excited sometimes, so it was good moment to start some training. 

HSSV's Sweetheart "Fetching time!"

HSSV's Sweetheart

We had so much fun together. I am looking forward to meet her again. Such a smart cookie, and I have already plan what we are going to learn together. While in the shelter she is going to be my exclusive Sweetheart, just for me!

HSSV's Sweetheart exclusive just for you!

HSSV's Sweetheart