Thank you so much to everyone who joined in our recent Q&A with Karen Schuppert.
We’re now over halfway through the Season of Pet Happiness and we have been loving seeing your questions to our panel of experts.
Our third expert is waiting in the wings, and we’re really excited to introduce you to Kendall Schulz, Adoption Services Director at Helen Woodward Animal Center based in San Diego, California!
Kendall actually grew up visiting the center, so when the role came about, it felt only natural for animal-loving Kendall to take it on.
Her unique perspective to the adoption process means that she is ready to help you all with any questions you may have. Adopting a pet is a huge life decision and many have lots of questions about it, so if there’s something you’ve been desperate to ask, now is your chance! She also recently shared her must-knows when adopting a cat on our blog.
Submit your questions for Kendall via this forum topic by 11.59pm BST on Friday 6th September. Then, join us a week later on Friday 13th September and we’ll share her answers with you!
While we would love for Kendall to be able to answer every single question submitted, please note that this may not be possible depending on the volume of questions received.
We’re super excited to see what questions you have for her!
Question: 1 I recently did some pet sitting for a very active dog. He loved fetching the ball, but during walks, he would refuse to move at a certain point and would bite if I tried to pick him up. I was scared at the park during our walk because he stopped and refused to walk. I was worried about how to get him back in the car. He would walk a few steps with a treat, and then stop again. Luckily, I was able to coax him back to the car. Do you have any tips for dealing with this behavior?
Question: 2 I’m pet sitting a one-year-old Ragdoll cat for a family member while they’re on vacation. The cat doesn’t seem very interested in eating his food, which consists of raw beef with some added ingredients. He’s playful but doesn’t have much of an appetite. Do you have any advice on how to handle this situation?
Hi Karen, we have a 3 yr old longhaired Dax has had to have bladder stones removed twice. The vet has her on the Hill Science C/D prescription food which she hates. What are my options for other food for her?
Three years ago I adopted my little rescue dog as an 8 year old - one of the reasons we chose him was because he was ‘older’ and we knew we wouldn’t have the puppy phase, as well as knowing that he’d probably be overlooked when comparing him to the other, younger dogs at the shelter.
I am the biggest advocate for people adopting older dogs, to give them the best retirement as they really don’t deserve to be in a kennel in a shelter.
What would your advice be to those who want to adopt, but perhaps never considered a dog that’s already an adult?
Kendall, We adopted our 3 year old Rough Collie from the shelter about 1.5 years ago. She was very shy and scared at first, but with training help and the company of 2 best friend dogs she is slowly relaxing. What training advice do you have for helping her to get over her shyness with humans - also, she is not treat motivated. Thanks! Frances
Hi Kendall,
It seems like there are a lot of shy, timid cats available for adoption in the shelters, with many hiding in high places or under blankets or crouched at the back of their cages. How do you make sure that these cats get noticed by potential adopters?
Thanks
Pets up for adoption can have a very different background. I have been so fortunate as to be second home for pets - directly from previous owners. That gave an opportunity to know more about the pet and the pets upbringing and circumstances.
Adopting from adoption centres doesn’t give this opportunity in many cases.
Do you have any advice for what one should think of before adopting pets from an unknown background? I think especially on first-time pet owners and families with small children - concerns and/ or advice on that?
Another question as a petsitter at THS. Some petsits are for cats/ dogs that have a background as strays. I see from some of the profiles and forum stories that this can affect the pet -whether it be not being trained from young regarding socialising, defence (cats biting, for instance), food (fast eating, defence) or flight/leash. Do you have some general reflections that is useful to be aware of adopting or caring for pets with a stray-background? Maybe in particular for good questions to ask a host to find common ground and a good match?
Thank you for giving us this opportunity to focus on adopted pets!
I’ve always said I’ll adopt one day but I can’t see myself buying a place instead of renting any time soon.
I don’t know if its the same in the US as the UK, but this is often seen as an ‘unstable’ living situation by shelters. Do you have any tips for mitigating that perception when it comes to applying to rescue a pet?
Thanks! I don’t want to have to resort to ‘shopping’ instead of adopting but sometimes it feels like it’ll be the only option.
Hi Kendall, we’ve wanted a dog for a very long time and are hoping to adopt one in the next year.
What would your advice be to help make sure we have everything ready for when they come home with us to make it as easy as possible for the dog on their first few days?
