Emerald City Pet Rescue Blog

Annie & Rocky

CC & LuLu

Hank & Ginger

Sometimes, two pups can be better than one! Or at least, that can often be the case with bonded dogs in the rescue system.

Being housed at a shelter or rescue can be a very uncertain experience for a pet. There are many reasons why a pet may end up in a shelter/rescue, but often, they have lost a family and a home, and they don't understand what happened or why. 

Sometimes a bonded pair of dogs will come to us having relied on each other in a previous home, while other times, they may have bonded in a foster home or even at the shelter itself. When we notice that a pair of dogs lean heavily on each other for love and support, we want to ensure they continue to have that support throughout their lives. That's why we adopt them out together!

Why should you consider adopting a bonded pair?

Adopting a bonded pair can ease the adjustment of the animals into their new environment because they have familiarity with each other.

They have a built-in playmate they're already familiar with, which can reduce destructive behavior in the home.

Since they have each other, they are less likely to suffer from separation anxiety as they adjust!

ECPR currently has three pairs of bonded dogs that are waiting to find forever homes. By considering adopting a pair, you are ensuring that they will not be separated and they can stay together for the rest of their lives. That's a wonderful gift! In return, they will grow together with you as they adjust, and they will have each other for additional reassurance as they learn your routine. It's a win-win for all!

Annie and Rocky are a friendly and easygoing pair, one being a mini poodle and the other a terrier mix. They are low-key and love to snuggle; a short walk or two a day is all they need to stay content. 

CC and LuLu are a pair of Chihuahuas that bonded in their foster home, and we just knew by the love they have for each other that they would be devastated to be separated. They love to cuddle together and go on tandem walks!

Hank and Ginger are so precious! Hank is very protective of Ginger and constantly checks on her to make sure that she is okay; such a dedicated boyfriend!! They can be a bit timid around a lot of noise, so they are hoping for a mellow home that can help them build their confidence. 

Please give us a call at 206 557 4661 to learn more about these precious, dedicated pups waiting to find security and love in a forever home together.

Johnny Rocket has much to say about Pet Dental Health Month - "PFFFT"! But did you know that caring for your pet's teeth is not only important for their oral health but for their overall health as well?

80% of pets have some form of dental disease by only two years of age! Some pets, particularly small breeds, may have dental problems at an even younger age.

Without regular dental cleanings and at-home care, your pet can suffer from painful periodontal problems that make it difficult for them to eat. Additionally, oral bacteria can travel through your pet’s bloodstream, attacking their hearts, kidneys, and other organs. Since Dental disease has such a huge impact on your furry friend’s overall health, comprehensive dental care is an essential part of your pet’s preventive care program.

Signs that your pet needs dental care:

1. Bad breath

2. Broken or loose teeth

3. Extra teeth or retained baby teeth

4. Discolored teeth or teeth covered in tartar
5. Abnormal drooling, chewing, or dropping food from their mouth

6. Reduced appetite
7. Bleeding from their mouth/gums



How do Dentals work?

After a thorough examination of your dog's mouth, tooth scaling will be performed, using both hand and ultrasonic scalers to remove plaque and tartar above and below the gum line. The tartar below the gum line causes the most significant periodontal disease, so it is important that it be thoroughly removed.


How Can You Help Keep Your Pet’s Teeth Healthy?

Do you brush your pet’s teeth? Just like humans, it helps!  Keep the sessions short and positive. Dip your finger in beef bouillon and massage his lips in a circular motion for 30 to 60 seconds once or twice a day for a few weeks, and then move on to the teeth and gums.

Give your pet dental chews!

Spritz Dog Dental Spray on their teeth/gums as instructions allow.



Some pets are just genetically exposed to having “bad teeth”; one of my dogs was almost toothless by the time she was four! So be aware that depending on the breed and genetics of your pet, they may need frequent cleanings by your vet and extractions no matter what you do. But preventative care is the BEST oral care you can provide for your pet!

August is Vaccination Awareness Month! Why should you vaccinate your pet? Not only is it beneficial to their health, but to the health of the people and other animals that they may interact with. 

#1: Vaccines protect against deadly transmissible diseases

Dogs and cats are vulnerable to various contagious, disease-causing organisms (i.e., pathogens) that exist naturally in the environment. Vaccination is the most effective preventive health measure against these diseases and has saved countless pets’ lives since routine vaccination became common. Thanks to vaccination, heartbreaking diseases, including parvovirus and distemper in dogs, panleukopenia (i.e., feline distemper), and leukemia in cats, are entirely preventable tragedies.

#2: Vaccines strengthen your pet’s immune system

Your pet’s initial exposure to a deadly contagious disease can happen in one of two ways:

• Natural exposure — Your pet’s immune system may recognize the virus as a foreign invader, and make specific antibodies to attack and neutralize the invasion. Alternatively, the foreign pathogen may overwhelm your pet’s immune system, resulting in no response, or a delayed response that makes your pet ill.
• Vaccination — A vaccination contains a tiny, inactivated amount of virus. The immune system studies the foreign substance and develops antibodies, without the simultaneous threat of disease. When your pet is later naturally exposed to the virus, the immune system rapidly recognizes the problem and responds immediately and effectively.

Vaccination is a safe way to stimulate your pet’s immunity without risking infection and illness. While healthy pets may fight off certain diseases naturally, most devoted pet owners would prefer not to gamble with their pet’s health. 

#3: Your pet’s vaccines improve public health

Several diseases commonly vaccinated against are zoonotic (i.e., they can be passed from animals to humans). Rabies virus, which can be transmitted to humans through an infected animal’s bite, is the most well-known zoonotic example. Leptospirosis, a bacterial disease affecting the liver and kidneys, is another zoonotic threat. By vaccinating the pet population, the risk of a widespread outbreak in the pet or human population is diminished. 

For example, rabies is 100 percent fatal once signs appear, so a potential outbreak could be catastrophic, making preventive vaccinations essential for animal and public health. Rabies vaccinations for pets are mandated by many state and local laws.

#4: Vaccines can extend your pet’s life

Pets may survive illness and disease, but they often suffer lifelong effects well after their recovery. Puppies and kittens often develop poorly, which leads to weakness, pain, and inability to thrive. Pets with a history of chronic illness tend to have weaker immune systems, predisposing them to additional medical conditions. 

Vaccinated pets typically enjoy robust health. Puppies and kittens grow and flourish, and their successful early development helps ensure good health and resilience against disease as adults.

#5: Vaccines are cost-effective pet care

Vaccination is the most economical veterinary care available. Hospitalization and treatment bills for sick pets can quickly reach the thousands, and may still not be enough to save the pet. An entire lifetime of vaccines is far less expensive and avoids the devastating heartache, guilt, and grief of losing a pet to a preventable illness.

#6: Your pet’s vaccine examination may detect early disease and improve outcomes

When your pet visits our hospital for annual or semi-annual vaccines, their physical examination may reveal early warning signs for other, unpreventable diseases, including diabetes, cancer, thyroid disease, and osteoarthritis. 

Early intervention and treatment for these diseases and many others allow your pet to live a more comfortable, pain-free life. Early treatment may delay terminal diseases, giving you additional years that you may not have had without keeping your pet up to date on their vaccinations.

#7: Vaccinations allow your pet to be social, well-mannered, and well-groomed

Boarding, training, and grooming facilities usually require certain vaccinations to use their facilities or services. Pet owners should always plan ahead for emergencies, knowing that boarding facilities and pet-sitting services likely will not accept unvaccinated or under-vaccinated pets. 

Our veterinarians will make vaccine recommendations based on your pet’s age, health, vaccine record, and lifestyle. While some vaccinations, like rabies, are mandatory, our veterinarians may add or remove others from your pet’s protocol. If your pet has reacted to any vaccine in the past, let us know. Vaccine side effects are rare, and typically mild, but some pets experience an allergic reaction or gastrointestinal signs. 

Vaccinations often take a back seat to the more exciting aspects of veterinary medicine. We believe “boring” appointments are the best kind, because they show your pet is in great health, and receiving the benefit of comprehensive preventive care.

Did you know that February is Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month?! We are so excited to tell you our top reasons why rabbits can make wonderful pets!

1. Are you hoping to find a social pet who loves being a part of your family, but doesn't need to be taken outside for walks and potty breaks? Rabbits LOVE to be involved in your day-to-day life!

2. "But cats are like that, too, and they can be litter box trained..." So can rabbits! Plus, a lot of people who are allergic to cats and dogs are not allergic to rabbits!

3. As herbivores, rabbits mesh well with vegetarian and vegan lifestyles. Generally speaking, though, having a pet who encourages you to stock your fridge with fruits and vegetables is good for everybody — vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Feeding a rabbit properly can definitely help to encourage you to eat a variety of healthy foods, too!

4. Bunnies are quiet. If you live in an apartment or condo, neighbors will definitely not complain about any noises your bunny make make, they certainly don't bark! ;) They're a great fit for an urban lifestyle.

5. Rabbits don't need a ton of space. Of course, we are not referring to a mini box where it can barely move, but they are often quite happy in a singular room or an x-pen. Again, great for the urban lifestyle!

6. Rabbits love to be clean, in this, they look a bit like cats, as they are constantly grooming themselves. Interestingly, these animals are organized even in their own space, constantly organizing their own belongings (their toys, of course). Which is excellent for their owner and for the home. A negative aspect of them is the excess fur of rabbits. They lose plenty of hair and to avoid knots, you have to brush their fur constantly.

* We have some wonderful bonded pairs currently available for adoption, we have some bachelors/bachelorettes that prefer their solitude from rabbits but love human company, and we have single rabbits looking for the love of their life that can be bonded with your current bunny. Browse our available bun-buns on our Critters page under "Our Animals", and give us a call at 206 557 4661 to ask us about our adoptable bunnies and find one, or a pair, that would be a great fit for your home!