Pet Photography by Sharon Hardy

Out Walking

2011-08-05T08:14:00.000-07:00

I love taking photos of all the great animals at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter. Usually, I get to bring them out of their cage into a nice, big pen where they run around, play with toys, and pose for me.

To mix it up a little, though, I followed one of the volunteers who regularly does the dog-walking. It was fun to hang out with Blossom, Farkas, and Bella while they enjoyed the world!

Chewie

2011-08-03T09:55:00.000-07:00

I'm a big proponent of adopting adult dogs, having adopted my awesome Chubs at five years old from Pugs 'n Pals. He came potty-trained, people!

But I know that people love their puppies. So you should know that animal shelters do have puppies, too. They're not quite as a common, but it happens!

Chewie here is at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter. Remember, though, puppies are crazy. (He didn't get named Chewie by accident.)

Tucksy

2011-07-29T08:51:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness, Tucksy is just the cheeriest little man at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter. He's a little shy, but becomes very loving if just given a bit of time to open up. He's looking for a full-time family and will make someone very happy!

Scout

2011-07-25T11:03:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for an extremely photogenic dog who loves to say "cheese" for the camera, look no further. Scout is a super happy pooch who's waiting for you at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter! Look at the face - do you really want to disappoint him?

Li'l Tykes

2011-07-22T08:31:00.000-07:00

As I wrote in yesterday's post, the Santa Monica Animal Shelter is busting at the seams. There are too many dogs coming in and too few places to put them.

There are a bunch of lovable pit bulls, like Xena and Casper, available for adoption. But, hey, pit bulls not your thing? No worries...they have little doggies, too!

Sammi is a sweet, spunky little terrier who never stops smiling. And Ranger is a rocking little Basenji. How many people get to adopt a Basenji?!

Let's Move Some Dogs!

2011-07-21T10:09:00.000-07:00

Right now, the Santa Monica Animal Shelter is at 100% capacity. It doesn't happen too often, but it's never a good situation. So for all you SoCal folks, if you or a friend have been thinking about adopting a dog, this would be a great time!

Two of our newest awesome dogs are Xena and Casper! They came into the shelter together and are super friendly and nice. Plus, they have the added bonus of being really obedient - they already know how to sit, lay down, and stay!

Dogs From The Dark Side

2011-07-17T14:50:00.000-07:00

Tired of little white fluffy dogs? The Santa Monica Animal Shelter has some new little black fluffy dogs for the taking (and black dogs that aren't even little or fluffy).

One of them even came to the shelter with the name "Little Black," which is...not cool. He needs a cooler name than that! Any ideas? (He's the first guy with the big ol' pink tongue.)

Gilbert!

2011-07-14T12:56:00.000-07:00

I posted some photos yesterday of my third outing with k9 connection.

After training was over, we got a visit from an awesome miniature donkey named Gilbert! His owner, Marty Gwinn, showed the teens how to take care of a donkey and taught them the similarities between Gilbert and the dogs they were training. It was adorable.

k9 connection, Part Tres

2011-07-13T14:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I got to join up with k9 connection once again. They are a great group of people who educate at-risk teens through the training of shelter dogs. The teens leave inspired to participate in their community, and the dogs leave knowing basic skills that a prospective forever family looks for. Everyone wins!

I've worked with them twice before and was excited to have another outing with them!

Big cats, little cats, tiny kittens

2011-07-11T09:29:00.000-07:00

All I have to say is that the Santa Monica Animal Shelter has a boat load of cats and even more kittens! Some of them are really, really nice. Some are kind of cranky, but in a charming way. They're all super cute. Go get 'em!

Sunny

2011-07-08T14:33:00.000-07:00

I'm reluctant to put Sunny on the blog because I want to take her home myself. I get like this once in a while and start obsessing and wondering, "Does Chubs need a sister?!"

Anyway, she's at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter! Spare me from taking in another child!

Buffy

2011-07-05T09:55:00.000-07:00

Buffy has been at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter for a loooooong time. I'm not sure why, as she's a super cool, extremely nice, very attractive little lady.

And more recently, she's been showing off her playfulness and athletic prowess in the horse pen. Everyday is a new episode of BUFFY VS. PURPLE BALL.

Summer

2011-07-01T10:48:00.000-07:00

Seeing as it's summertime, would it not be fitting to adopt an cute little chihuahua mix named Summer? She's available at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter and would be thrilled to go home with a loving family who will give her lots and lots of love...and treats!

Irish & Shorty

2011-06-27T15:39:00.000-07:00

The Santa Monica Animal Shelter has a couple of really sweet pit bulls right now, in both the large and small variety.

That's right! Irish is a super nice adult dog who's looking for a little TLC. And Shorty is a pup who is in "world exploration" mode and needs some human guidance. They're bot available for adoption right now!

Dogs! Dogs! Dogs!

2011-06-24T11:22:00.000-07:00

It's summertime! And that means it's dog adoption season!

The Santa Monica Animal Shelter has a nice crew of great looking hounds with sparkling personalities. As does your local shelter, I am sure. So check them out to find your perfect furry friend!

Sophia

2011-06-21T10:34:00.000-07:00

Sophia is a cutest, tiniest, most curious little orange kitty, just waiting for a loving home. She's available for adoption at Santa Monica Animal Shelter!

If Chubs didn't like to eat cats for lunch, I'd be incredibly tempted to grab her myself...

Hyang-Gee

2011-06-18T12:40:00.000-07:00

Hyang-Gee is a sweet, shy little shih-tzu who is looking for a loving forever family! She doesn't want to bother anyone...just wants to hang out and be around a nice, wonderful human. She's available at Happy Angels Dog Rescue!

Basil

2011-06-17T18:33:00.000-07:00

Basil is an adorable little puppy available for adoption with Happy Angels Dog Rescue! He is incredibly playful, a huge fan of sticks, and has only recently discovered that dog treats are awesome.

His foster parents have been teaching him basic commands - he is already a master sitter!

Harley

2011-06-15T12:18:00.000-07:00

Harley is the most playful and cuddly little pit bull puppy you will find. And she's up for adoption at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter! Word of warning: if you should become her new mother or father and have treasured stuffed animals laying about, hide them. They WILL become dog toys.

Cat Convention

2011-06-13T12:19:00.000-07:00

If you like cats, the Santa Monica Animal Shelter's got 'em! There are a lot of different looks and personalities milling about in the cat room over there. I am personally partial to cute little tabbies and angry-looking Himalayans, but hey, that's me. You can stop by for a visit and find your perfect furry friend!

Truffles

2011-06-10T10:20:00.000-07:00

Being a mother to the best puggle in the universe, I am a big pug fan. I think it's their gigantic eyes, floppy ears, adorable ewok face, cuddly rotund body, etc.......

Well, Happy Angels Dog Rescue has an amazing little pug puppy available for adoption! I almost stuck him in my bag and took him home.

Rico Suave

2011-06-09T13:56:00.000-07:00

Rico is a super cool chihuahua who loves people, is a bit of a tough guy around other boy dogs, and, most importantly, totally has a future in modeling. And he's available for adoption at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter!

Bah-Dah

2011-06-02T11:11:00.000-07:00

Bah-Dah is a sweet little man who likes hugs and quiet time. He enjoys being your best friend, but is also quite happy to hang out by himself. And he's available for adoption with Happy Angels Dog Rescue!

Penny

2011-05-31T17:24:00.000-07:00

Penny is a cute and cuddly lab/corgi mix, available for adoption at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter!

She's a little butterball who just loves to huddle in close for lots of cuddling. So if you like a laid back best friend who will love you until the end of time...she may be for you!

Santa Monica Hounds!

2011-05-25T17:13:00.000-07:00

There have been lots of adoptions lately at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter...it's summer, after all - a great time add to the family!

And there are still many, many dogs to choose from...all the perfect furry friend for someone out there!

Turtle, Turtle

2011-05-20T11:26:00.000-07:00

The Santa Monica Animal Shelter has alllllll sorts of animals - not just dogs and cats. Horses, birds, and rabbits are commonplace. And right now, they have turtles! Big, medium, and teeny tiny!

Hoss

2011-05-19T13:35:00.000-07:00

Hoss is one of the coolest dogs ever. He's a big, hulking pit bull who would scare you to death if he wasn't so happy-go-lucky. He loves to hang out with everyone and will will play with absolutely anything. And he's available for adoption at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter!

Tiny Tots

2011-05-17T16:12:00.000-07:00

If you're of the tiny dog persuasion, the Santa Monica Animal Shelter has some cuties right now! Shelters aren't just about big dogs - lap dogs abound.

Prince is a white adorable fluffball. Liberty Bell is a black adorable fluffball. And Gracie is a doe-eyed sweetie pie. You really cannot go wrong. Cannot go wrong!

Happy Friday! Kittens!

2011-05-13T17:22:00.000-07:00

I just wanted everyone to be able to share in the kitten cuteness at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter!

Fiona

2011-05-12T11:32:00.000-07:00

Fiona is the happiest little pit bull in the world. Everyone at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter also agree that she's quite the eye-catcher.

She gets a lot of love from the volunteers, but what she'd really love is a forever home!

Roscoe

2011-05-09T11:52:00.000-07:00

Roscoe is a super cool English bulldog looking for a super cool new family. He's hanging out at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter, waiting for you!

His awesome face grabs your attention immediately. Get to know him a little better, and you'll see that he's a cool cucumber who will break into giddiness at the sight of a doggie biscuit. He also has a habit of drooling at the sight of said biscuit, but doesn't that just add to his adorableness?

Cat Royalty

2011-05-05T11:11:00.000-07:00

Come on over to the Santa Monica Animal Shelter for some cat fun!

Two beautiful ladies and one handsome gentleman are looking for their forever homes.

Cleo is a super friendly little princess of a cat, who has maintained an adorable kittenish figure. Cesare (pronounced Ches-sar-ray) is, predictably by the sound of his name, a cool cucumber who likes to lay about and act kingly. And Hermione is the queen of the shelter who will knock you out with her luxurious locks.

These three are winners!

Titus

2011-05-02T09:05:00.000-07:00

Titus is a spunky lab mix looking for a fun person who will shower him with love and attention. If you're that person, he's waiting for you at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter right now!

Oh, and he will hoard every tennis ball you own.

Romeo

2011-04-29T11:59:00.000-07:00

Romeo is a shy and gentle German Shepherd at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter. He's looking for a kind person who can help him learn that the world can be a nice place! He is the kind of boy that will be your best friend forever and ever!

Woo-Ju

2011-04-27T10:02:00.000-07:00

Woo-Ju is a sweet little Maltese mix (aka "fluff") available for adoption through Happy Angels Dog Rescue! He's still a puppy who is a little bit shy, but once he gets to know you, he will follow you EVERYWHERE. (A few treats in your hand go a long way, too. As a growing boy, ee's got quite the appetite...)

Rosebud & Bleu

2011-04-26T14:52:00.000-07:00

Rosebud and Bleu are two super gentle Great Danes who came to the Santa Monica Animal Shelter together. They're great if you like the idea of having a pug personality in a big dog's body. They'd looooove to go to a new home together. If you can find space for one Great Dane, surely you could find room for two?

Napoleon

2011-04-23T14:06:00.000-07:00

Napoleon is a big huge puppy in a tiny chihuahua body. His entire life revolves around either playing with a [insert any type of dog toy or ball here] or forcing you to pick him up and cuddle with him.

He's at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter, waiting for the right forever family to find him!

Mom & Baby

2011-04-21T11:49:00.000-07:00

Also at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter right now is a mother with a litter of tiny kittens! They were left at the shelter a couple of weeks ago, and the kids are growing up so fast...

They still have a few weeks to go before they can be let out into the world, but for right now, this little baby is quite content with mummy.

Meow!

2011-04-20T09:56:00.000-07:00

There are oodles of amazing new cats at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter! Do you want a friendly, outgoing, dog-like cat? They got 'em! Do you prefer the independent, aloof, cat-like cat? They got 'em!

As always, you can check out their current felines online or drop in for a visit.

Snoopy

2011-04-18T19:53:00.000-07:00

Snoopy is a super playful, happy-go-lucky terrier from Happy Angels Dog Rescue! He loooooooves other dogs (like his foster brother, Tofu) and is looking for a home with a built-in playmate.

Oh, and though he's not a big fan of dog biscuits, he LOVES Slim Jims. Go figure...

Cream

2011-04-15T10:30:00.000-07:00

Look at what a happy boy Cream is! He's a lab mix (i.e. happy-go-lucky dog who loves everything) and is incredibly handsome and charming. And he's available for adoption at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter!

Santa Monica is Pooch Central

2011-04-13T13:25:00.000-07:00

The Santa Monica Animal Shelter is overflowing with brand new pooches, just in time for spring! It's a great time to adopt a dog. Here in Los Angeles, it's great to have a reason to drop everything and take a walk with your dog outside in perfect weather.

All these guys would love to be your walking partner!

Spring Rabbits!

2011-04-08T15:26:00.000-07:00

Just in time for Easter, a trio of rabbits have arrived at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter!

Admittedly, I don't know a lot about rabbits, so...Samantha is the cute one who looks kind of like a Siamese cat, Happiness is the cute white one with dark mysterious eyes, and Maximum is the cute tan one that looks exactly how I always imagined the Easter Bunny.

They're all looking for a happy hutch to call their own!

Arlo

2011-04-06T15:05:00.000-07:00

Arlo is a combination of sweet, friendly, happy, and totally deaf. He's over at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter and is looking for a forever family who loves his unique quality. (And being deaf, he's not a loud barker, so you get the bonus of quiet time!)

Rocky

2011-04-02T13:48:00.001-07:00

Rocky is available for adoption at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter! He's such a cool guy - actually reminds me a lot of my awesome dog, Chubs. He's really friendly, a nice smiler, and really really reallllllly into treats. It was such a beautiful day, and he was such a good boy, I took him for a little jaunt around the neighborhood!

Kappy & Kong-Tok

2011-03-28T11:38:00.000-07:00

Hey, two more adorable little dogs to show you from Happy Angels Dog Rescue. As always, they're spayed/neutered, vaccinated, awesome, and ready to go!

Kappy is a mellow and affectionate poodle who thankfully scooped off the side of a busy Los Angeles street, his fur all matted and dirty, looking like a little street urchin. Now he's clean and ready for the good life!

Kong-Tok is a cute little papillon who will insist on a belly rub within moments of meeting you. She also reminds be a lot of Chubs, as she will do ANYTHING for food.

Oh yeah, cats!

2011-03-25T14:28:00.000-07:00

There are some swell new cats at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter! I've been paying lots of attention to the dogs lately...got to show the kitties some love.

Check out Giovanni with the different colored eyes!

Thumper & Poppy

2011-03-23T08:17:00.000-07:00

White furry creatures have invaded the Santa Monica Animal Shelter!

Well, Poppy is more feathery than furry, but look at that handsome George Washington wig he's sporting.

And Thumper is a super cute, super inquisitive rabbit enjoying a brand new hutch that was recently delivered to the shelter.

They're both available for adoption!

Jilly

2011-03-22T11:23:00.000-07:00

Another great dog is available for adoption with Happy Angels Dog Rescue. I have a particular fondness for pugs, as my awesome dog, Chubs, is a pug mix.

Jilly is a laid back girl who, like every pug I know, loves the company of people. So if you're like me, and you like to have the constant love and attention from your furry friend, this girl may be for you!

Hee-Mang & Yi-Seul

2011-03-20T16:34:00.000-07:00

Happy Angels Dog Rescue brings you two more cute little fluff nuggets, as I like to call them. These two white balls o' fur are not related, but both would make a wonderful addition to the right family.

Hee-Mang is a tiny four-pound Maltese boy with some medical issues affecting his balance and coordination. He is very cuddly and is looking for a special family who understands his needs.

Yi-Seul is a handsome gentleman who was rescued from a high-kill Los Angeles shelter, just in the nick of time. He is a very happy and curious boy, but prefers the company of lady dogs. No fellas for this guy...

Help Japan's Animals

2011-03-18T12:18:00.000-07:00

World Vets is a non-profit, non-government organization providing veterinary aid around the world. They are currently on the ground in Japan, helping animals who were injured during the earthquake or who have been separated from their owners.

You can help by making a tax-deductible donation HERE.

You can also support Search Dog Foundation, a non-profit, non-government organization whose mission is to produce the most highly trained canine disaster search teams in the country. These brave dogs are trained to search for live victims of natural disasters or terrorist attacks. Search teams began work in Japan on March 15th.

Submit your donation HERE.

Mee-Jah & Panda

2011-03-18T09:07:00.000-07:00

Check out Happy Angels Dog Rescue if you like adorable, loving lap dogs! They specialize in small breed dogs that they rescue from high-kill shelters in Los Angeles and dog farms in South Korea.

Mee-Jah is a shy Pomeranian who's a little shy of strangers, but needs a nice home to show her what love is! And Panda (formerly known as Ahgahshi) is an affectionate fluffball who loves toys and playtime. These ladies are winners!

Lily

2011-03-16T09:43:00.000-07:00

Lily is an adorable, cuddly, spunky, tiny little chihuahua, available for adoption at Happy Angels Dog Rescue. She's only three months old and weighs a whopping two pounds! Lily loves people and other dogs, and in traditional puppy fashion, is curious about EVERYTHING.

Your Latest Santa Monica Pooches!

2011-03-08T10:39:00.001-08:00

The Santa Monica Animal Shelter has been busting at the seams! There are always new amazing dogs to found. These guys and gals are so friendly and in search of a loving, doting family. The term "cuddle muffins" comes to mind...

Tabasco

2011-03-02T10:14:00.000-08:00

This spicy little pit bull is available for adoption at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter! She's really gentle and very cuddly. She's basically a lap dog in a pit bull's body. Be prepared to be sat on!

Awesome Shelter Dogs

2011-02-23T15:52:00.000-08:00

The Santa Monica Animal Shelter has a bunch of new amazing dogs, all available for adoption immediately! Big, small, shy, outgoing. Your perfect furry family member is out there at your local shelter. Let these little guys and gals be your inspiration...

Puppies!!!

2011-02-18T10:56:00.000-08:00

The Santa Monica Animal Shelter has a litter of puppies! They're a group of four little Miniature Pinschers. One of them is a rowdy boy who likes to chew on shoelaces and pant cuffs. The other three are a sensitive lot. They will be available for adoption very soon!

Itty Bitty Kitties

2011-02-15T19:04:00.000-08:00

There are some good lookin' cats at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter right now.

Arowen is the gray and white alert little lady. And Athena is the cuddly little one that is gray and almost pink! They are both tiny little perpetual kittens.

Columbus is the big fluffy guy who has come full circle. He was adopted from the Santa Monica Animal Shelter 17 years ago. His owner had to give him up due to a move, so he's found himself back there. But he would love to spend his remaining years in a loving home (hint, hint)...

Casey

2011-02-07T20:44:00.000-08:00

The Santa Monica Animal Shelter has a boatload of awesome pit bulls right now. If you want a cuddly friendly pooch while looking real tough on the street...Casey is for you!

He's super nice and masterfully playful with the tennis ball - but he can give the stink eye if you're walking alone down an alleyway at night.

Millie

2011-02-04T19:06:00.000-08:00

Millie in a nutshell: super cute big-eyed chihuahua; thinks she's the size of a great dane; and loves loves looooooooooooves food. She's the first dog I've met who's given my awesome dog, Chubs, a run for his money on that topic. And she's available for adoption at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter!

Olive

2011-02-01T21:14:00.001-08:00

Olive is a sweet, friendly little cat, available for adoption at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter. She's one of those cats that people refer to as "dog-like." Friendly, social, and up for some mischief!

An added bonus is that she's quite small - she's like having a perpetual kitten!

Roxie & Simba

2011-01-23T16:43:00.000-08:00

These ladies are both available for adoption at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter!

Roxie is an American Staffordshire mix whose tail is always wagging and tongue is always flapping around. She's a happy-go-lucky gal who is looking for someone to play and cuddle with.

Simba is the coolest cucumber I've ever met. She is a Chow Chow mix and just goes along with whatever you have planned.

Spring is right around the corner - it's the perfect time to find the perfect furry new member of your family!

Sally

2011-01-19T20:20:00.000-08:00

Sally is such a friendly, sweet, happy pooch, available for adoption at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter. She just loves to play and cuddle, and is looking for a great family to do just that!

As you can see below, she's a happy camper.

Nitro

2011-01-17T09:35:00.000-08:00

Nitro is a super cool pit bull, available for adoption at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter! He's been at the shelter for a while and has become a favorite of the volunteers. He's just a laid back big fella who enjoys some attention and a rawhide bone or two.

Just a note about pit bulls - there is no reason to be afraid of the breed as a whole. Yes, some are very strong and aggressive - but certainly not all. In my experience as a volunteer photographer, most are fantastic and would make great pets. It's just important to ask about their demeanor, and whether they are good with kids or other pets, if that is important to you. A good shelter will tell you the truth and let you spend time with the dog - they want a great match!

Santa Monica's Latest Pooches

2011-01-11T20:19:00.000-08:00

As usual, there are some fantastic dogs up for adoption at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter. Even in Los Angeles, it can get a little chilly in the winter, so a couple of these guys are sporting very fashionable jackets...

Noisekiyu

2011-01-06T09:01:00.000-08:00

Noisekiyu is a really cool, super smart, sharp-looking Australian Cattle Dog, available for adoption at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter. She is, admittedly, a bit on the noisy side at the shelter...perhaps that's where her unique name came from? But that's because she's very intelligent and, therefore, bores easily.

If you're someone who can shower this dog with attention, provide her with mental stimulation, and doesn't mind that you and your family may be herded once in a while, then Noisekiyu is for you!

Huff

2011-01-03T08:52:00.001-08:00

Huff is making his second appearance at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter. If you like big orange cats with a dog-like disposition, this guy is for you! He's incredibly friendly & social, and at least as big as my dog, Chubs!

Corday

2010-12-23T16:59:00.000-08:00

Before I spend some splendid holiday team out town, I want to bring your attention to Corday! He's making his second appearance at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter. His previous home, unfortunately, didn't work out. But he's a great, happy-go-lucky corgi who deserves a wonderful forever home!

Jack (& his friend Penelope)

2010-12-21T21:09:00.000-08:00

Jack is a feisty, food-loving little terrier who just arrived at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter. He's already made fast friends with Penelope, a cute little poodle who's been at the shelter for a few weeks. They're both available for adoption!

Latest Shelter Pooches

2010-12-20T16:22:00.000-08:00

Adoptions are kind of slow around the shelter this time of year. But buy adopting a pet now, you can make somebody's holiday very happy and have many new dogs to choose from! These are the newest members at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter.

Mona

2010-12-13T19:04:00.000-08:00

Mona is one of the beautiful new cats available for adoption at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter. Little pink kitty tongue!

Lenny

2010-12-04T21:29:00.000-08:00

Lenny is a big ol' Chow Chow/Golden Retriever mix at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter. He's a smiley, fluffy pooch who is a master with the tennis ball. I'd say...almost obsessive compulsive about it. But that's very charming in a dog...

Moxie

2010-11-29T07:36:00.000-08:00

Moxie is a pit bull puppy, available for adoption at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter. She had been hit by a car as a stray, but after a visit to the vet and some love and care by the staff at the shelter, she is ready for a home! She has a little limp, but is playful and feisty, and ready to stir up some trouble.

Santa Monica Pooches

2010-11-18T16:35:00.000-08:00

Pounds and pounds of cute pooches are at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter and looking for loving homes! As usual, there is a variety of big and small, young and old, sporty and fluffy. When thinking about adding a furry family member to your home, don't forget about your local shelter. Many people who fear they won't be able to find a suitable pooch at a shelter leave wanting to take home ten!

Archie

2010-11-16T12:25:00.000-08:00

Archie is a chihuahua/terrier mix available for adoption with Happy Ending Rescue! He is a sweet little puppy with a lot of energy and a love for attention. In other words, if you want spunk....this guy's got it!

Waggers & Bear

2010-11-10T10:16:00.000-08:00

Waggers and Bear are two pups at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter who arrived separately, but are now the bestest of friends.

They've made the most out of their shelter time, constantly wrestling with each other while waiting until they're old enough to be adopted. And now that time has come! If you're looking for a couple of spunky little playmates (who will grow into pretty big playmates), look no further...

Halloween Party!

2010-11-02T11:16:00.000-07:00

Happy Ending Rescue threw a big Halloween party for all of their adopters last weekend. The food and company were excellent, but the cherry on top was obviously the many, many dogs in costumes!

I hope it becomes an annual tradition, as they have now found so many dogs good homes and the volunteers love to see how happy the little pooches have become.

Frenchie

2010-10-28T10:54:00.001-07:00

Frenchie is a sweet little American Eskimo mix at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter. He had been found as a stray by a nice couple who took him in and cleaned him up. But they weren't allowed to have him in their apartment building, so they outfitted him with an adorable Halloween collar and brought him in.

He was very scared of everyone at first, but once he realized the shelter staff had delicious beef jerky, he was their best friend for life!

Bouncer

2010-10-25T08:28:00.000-07:00

Bouncer is available for adoption at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter. She's clearly not made for life in a cage!

Santa Monica Cat Ranch

2010-10-21T15:25:00.001-07:00

Okay, so it's not an actual ranch, but lots and lots o' cats have been finding their way to the Santa Monica Animal Shelter.

The good news, is that they would all make cute and cuddly new members of the family. The only reason I've resisted bringing several home with me is that Chubs considers them breakfast, lunch, and dinner...

Paul Anka (the dog - not the singer)

2010-10-17T22:01:00.001-07:00

Paul Anka is always and completely Paul Anka. Never Paul. He is also a blue heeler mix, a master of the English language, and Chubs' best friend. We went up to Mentryville, CA to capture Paul Anka in an environment his ancestors would love. Though he's a big-time Los Angeles city dog, he just seems to belong in a place with a barn.

Latest Santa Monica Arrivals

2010-10-12T11:59:00.000-07:00

The Santa Monica Animal Shelter has seen a lot of adoptions this month, which is great!

There are always new arrivals, however, ranging from Sneakers, the pocket chihuahua, to Kofi, the big bear of a chocolate lab. Plus, autumn in Los Angeles is a great time to get a dog. Not only is the weather perfect for hiking, but it's "sweater weather" for those with a penchant for clothing your pooches.

Miles

2010-10-06T13:26:00.000-07:00

Miles is available for adoption with Happy Ending Rescue! He flew all the way from South Korea to find his loving forever home. His mom and siblings all found theirs, so now it's Miles' turn.

His foster mother (who just happens to be his sister's forever mom) says he's a quiet, low-energy lap dog who just wants to cuddle with his human. My kind of guy - sounds just like my Chubs!

Pugtoberfest!

2010-10-04T20:52:00.000-07:00

I just got back from Pugtoberfest, the annual fundraiser for the rescue group Pugs 'N Pals! I look forward to Pugtoberfest every year because a) hundreds of pugs are all waddling about, and b) half of them are in costume!

Pugs 'N Pals is where I got my awesome dog, Chubs, so I'm a very big fan of theirs. Remember, even if you're interested in a particular breed of dog, you don't need to go to a breeder. Every breed has multiple rescue groups all across the country to help you find your perfect furry family member!

Cowbelly Workshop

2010-09-22T18:31:00.001-07:00

I just came back from a fantastic pet photography workshop, led by Cowbelly Pet Photography's Jamie Pflughoeft!

On the final day, she brought some awesome dogs to the Seattle Center and we all got a chance to get some sweet shots.

Caaaaaaats!

2010-09-18T19:08:00.000-07:00

Cats are king at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter! They continue to take over the joint. But just look at 'em. Don't you want to add one to your family?

Downtown Art Walk

2010-09-16T08:41:00.000-07:00

In Los Angeles, we have a free, self-guided walking tour through the art galleries of downtown, called the Downtown Art Walk. After taking in some art, we wandered to the craft booths, where this fashionista was holding court. He was very interested in Chubs!

Fresh Faces @ Santa Monica

2010-09-14T16:51:00.000-07:00

The Santa Monica Animal Shelter has some fresh doggie faces to choose from. They've had a lot of adoptions lately, which is great! But there is never a shortage of awesome dogs who need loving homes. Here are just a smattering:

Tofu & Caramel

2010-09-13T14:46:00.000-07:00

Tofu and Caramel are the latest dogs to be rescued by Happy Ending Rescue! They are competing against Peanut, Almond, Cookie, and Kiwi in the "Most Delicious Sounding Name" contest.

Kappel

2010-09-11T11:51:00.000-07:00

Kappel is a tiny little puggy pup who just flew all the way from South Korea to be fostered with Happy Ending Rescue. He is super talented at looking really cute and relaxing in sun beams.

Carl

2010-09-10T08:53:00.000-07:00

Carl is an awesome Boston Terrier who just came into the Santa Monica Animal Shelter. He's so fun and active, you'd never know he only has three legs! And as you can see, he's also quite a gentleman.

Sae-Byok

2010-09-08T09:35:00.000-07:00

Sae-Byok just came over from Korea and is being fostered with Happy Ending Rescue. As you can see, she is quite fashionable!

Dynamic Duo

2010-09-07T10:56:00.000-07:00

These two guys just came into the Santa Monica Animal Shelter together. Not only are they extremely handsome, but they have an undying love for tennis balls!

Wiggles & Mitzi

2010-09-03T11:59:00.000-07:00

These two girls are two peas in a pod!

(Interestingly, NOT related. They were both adopted from Happy Ending Rescue, but at different times...one came from Los Angeles, and the other from Korea.)

Peanut & Almond

2010-08-28T17:13:00.000-07:00

These tiny little puppies were rescued from scary shelter life and placed with fosters through Happy Ending Rescue. They're looking for forever homes, though, and are very hard to resist!

A Bruiser & A Princess

2010-08-24T11:06:00.000-07:00

The cat explosion over at Santa Monica Animal Shelter seems to be coming to a close, but they still have over 100 cats available for adoption!

These are a couple of the new arrivals. Whether you like the dainty kitties or the rough-and-tumble types, the shelter will certainly have something for you.

Little Adoptable Pooches

2010-08-21T14:11:00.000-07:00

I just went over to foster mother extraordinaire, Viki Kim's grooming shop, where she fosters several dogs for Happy Ending Rescue.

Chong-Ah, a cute little maltese pomeranian mix was still there. She's very quiet and loving, and would make a sweet pet! (She was also quite warm and took advantage of the tile floors).

Eun-Ha had just been rescued from an LA shelter and given a bath & haircut to made him look quite sharp. And I caught sweet-faced Chug right before nap time!

Santa Monica's Latest Adoptables

2010-08-16T23:04:00.000-07:00

There's never a dull moment at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter, as new and awesome dogs are always coming in. As usual, they have a big variety to choose from. If you want a big dog, small dog, crazy dog, or quiet dog - they may have the perfect furry friend for you!

Reunion! Lala & Daughters

2010-08-09T14:32:00.000-07:00

About a month ago, three dogs - a mother and her two daughters - flew from Korea to Happy Ending Rescue in Los Angeles. They were all then adopted by separate wonderful families. And just a few days ago, they all got back together for a doggie reunion!

Lala, the matriarch, arrived first. She's totally cool as a cucumber, but still gets angry at her daughters when they get out of hand.

Blue arrived next and proceeded to eat as much dirt and chew on as many sticks as possible. Finally her sister arrived, and they immediately took to some major puppy wrestling.

At the end, they all had to go their separate ways, but they all live in Los Angeles, so I hope there shall be more reunions to come!

Cat Clown Car

2010-08-05T15:14:00.000-07:00

The Santa Monica Animal Shelter is truly having a cat bonanza. If you ever thought about getting a cat, the gettin' is good right now. You will very literally have your pick of the litter.

There is one tired mama cat who just finished nursing her own kittens, and has been employed to nurse the new ones that keep arriving. She is doing her part for cat domination!