November 3rd, 2016 

If you’re looking for a new way to exercise and engage your dog, the answer is right under his (or her) nose! Happy Paws, a humane pet training center endorsed by Chesapeake Humane Society, Norfolk SPCA, and the Virginia Beach SPCA, now offers K9 Nose Work Classes. These exciting classes use detection dog training methods to develop your pup’s searching skills! Nose work burns off mental and physical energy, improves your pet’s problem-solving abilities, and strengthens the bond you share. Because all dogs conduct their searches individually, this is a great class for reactive or shy dogs! Visit the Happy Paws website for more information or to sign up.

October 11, 2016

Chesapeake Humane Society is proud to announce its newest adoption partnership with Pets for Patriots. The Pets for Patriots program serves individuals from all branches of the armed services at any stage of their careers, including retirement, by helping them overcome financial barriers to pet adoption. This program also helps save the lives of dogs and cats over three years of age, special needs pets of any age, and dogs weighing 40+lbs of any age.

Individuals who rescue a qualifying pet from an adoption partner like Chesapeake Humane Society receive access to a virtual pet food bank, ongoing discounted veterinary care from veterinary partners, and sponsor-provided discounts on pet products. At Chesapeake Humane Society, qualifying adopters receive a $25 discount on their adoption fees. To receive benefits from Pets for Patriots, adopters must apply through the program directly. We are excited for a new way to say “thank you” to our service members and veterans!

August 3, 2016

 The following is an excerpt from a blog post by Jennifer Milius. Jennifer is a Chesapeake Humane Society supporter, cat lover, and writer. She has written several children’s books about her two adopted cats, Einstein and Moo.

“How many times have you realized that something was perfect as it is, even though what could be considered an important item to have was missing?  Mark and I were out for dinner one night at a place with an outdoor patio that faces a plaza and fountain. It was lovely sitting outside enjoying the wonderful food and beautiful weather. As we were finishing dinner, we noticed a dog with a wheeled contraption supporting his back end, but with no back legs. That pup was as happy as he could be with his tail wagging while people would stop and be allowed to pet him…”

To enjoy the entire post, please click here.

July 6, 2016

Nothing says summer like a romp at the beach with your dog, but what happens when Fido gets out of arm’s reach?

A strong recall (“come” command) helps keep pets safe.  Here’s some advice on how to train it from Tim Molina, Lead Trainer at Happy Paws Humane Pet Training.

1. Call your pet, starting from a short distance away. Cheerful tones often produce better results. Remember to actually give the command “come.”
2. Make yourself interesting. Clap, whistle, squat, open your arms, and cheer your dog in. Once he arrives, have him sit then spill the treats.  For your cat, make any sound that prompts him to come. Shake a bag of treats or open a can of cat food, then treat/feed as soon as he reaches you.

Tim abides by the Top 5 Rules of Recall when teaching this important skill.

1. Never call your pet for something unpleasant such as nail clipping, medicating, bathing, or heading home from somewhere fun. For these activities, go to your pet instead.
2. Never call your pet if you are not sure he will come. All recalls should be successful recalls. Work at your pet’s level. If he has a kindergarten level recall, don’t give him a graduate level assignment like being called away from a playmate or tasty treat.

Interested in learning all 5 Rules of Recall? Check out the Total Recall Course at Happy Paws. This class will teach you how to train your dog to come when called, even with distractions. While this course is just for dogs, remember that cats can be taught the recall command too!

Happy Paws is a collaborative project of the Chesapeake Humane Society, Norfolk SPCA, and Virginia Beach SPCA. Training offerings include individual consultations along with obedience, agility, shy, and reactive dog classes.

June 11, 2016

Casey was one of “long-timers” but I’m very pleased to report that this fella has been adopted! He is an older cat with diabetes, which means that he requires a special diet, two shots of insulin every day, and frequent trips to the vet. He certainly required a home that was willing to provide all of this for him … not an easy task to take on.

Thanks to a generous grant from the ASPCA, his medical care has been covered for the past six months AND he has found a loving forever home! We are very grateful to our adopter and for the grant which specifically covers medical care for cats with special needs (like Casey!) and in hospice care, made possible by Lil Bub‘s Big Fund for the ASPCA.

June 4, 2016

Lacy Kuller, CHS Executive Director, recently participated in the YMCA’s Active Older Adults Day.  She brought along Henry, a five year old Chihuahua mix, to promote their Seniors for Seniors Adoption Program.  If you are interested in meeting Henry, he is currently available for adoption at Chesapeake Animal Services.

Click here for the full article in The Virginian-Pilot.