Celebrating Blossom

It is with heavy hearts today that we mourn the passing of Blossom, the pit bull that we have featured before on the blog. Her story is here.

Any discussion of Blossom's life must include at least some mention of its hard beginning. Consider it therefore mentioned, so that we may focus instead on the last and happiest part of Blossom's life - the home she shared with owners Ashley and Dan. After all, while dogs may remember the past they do not dwell in it, nor do they count the days and grieve for what might have been. From the moment Blossom went home, all that she knew was that she was cherished and loved.

Everyone here at the Humane Society of Eastern Carolina knew Blossom, but only Ashley and Dan had the honor of seeing her become - blossom - into her true self. Their endless patience and love transformed this dog from a nervous stray into a pet that was playful and mischievous, clever and cuddly. She slept in the bed with her people every night, her head pillowed on Dan's shoulder. She enjoyed daily walks, and was often adorned in costumes created by Ashley. She even got to see the ocean.

On Tuesday, April 16, Blossom went into cardiac arrest during a routine surgical operation and passed away despite heroic resuscitation attempts by the attending veterinarians. She was brought home, lovingly dressed in her favorite pink tutu, and laid to rest in one of her favorite places beneath hundreds of brilliant springtime flowers. As she had been in life, she was surrounded by her family and others who loved her. She will never know how many lives she touched with her sweetness, gentility, and above all, her ability to trust despite her many past hardships.

"She made us a family," Ashley says. Blossom was a remarkable dog, and she will be greatly missed.

"Every life is noted and is cherished,

And nothing loved is ever lost or perished."

- Madeline L'Engle

For those who are mourning the loss of a pet, please read our entry here.

Success Series - Blossom

Welcome to another installation of our Success Series! Every Friday for the next several weeks we will post the story of a pet who has found their forever home through HSEC. If your animal was adopted from HSEC and you want them to be featured on the blog, contact us here: humanesocietyofec@gmail.com

Blossom

At arrival

When Blossom first arrived at HSEC with her litter of three puppies, she was in desperate need of care. This devoted mama had given everything to keep her pups nice and fat, leaving her extremely thin and with a variety of skin conditions. We don't know much about her past, except that she was found living on the street, but we believe that she may have spent her young life having back-to-back litters. She was also very nervous around people. Her experiences around humans had not been positive, and during her time as a stray we think she was sometimes harassed or had objects thrown at her.

After some much-needed care and recovery

In addition to these issues, Blossom is a pit bull mix, a breed that is commonly maligned and misunderstood. She also needed a home without other dogs. Despite her bad beginnings in life, this girl was a true lady, sweet, friendly, and shy. We all loved her, but we knew that it would take some very special people to welcome her into their home.

During her long stay at HSEC, Blossom put on weight and recovered from her other health problems. She also spent some time in foster care with a reliable and frequent HSEC foster family, where it became clear that her fear issues would take a lot of patience and love to overcome. Foster care helped Blossom substantially. But she needed a permanent home.

Adopters of difficult-to-place animals are very special to those of us who work and volunteer in the animal welfare world. Some HSEC residents stay at the facility a long time. But when their families finally come to claim them, we know why they have waited so long. They were just waiting for their perfect match to come along. And while we fretted and worried about Blossom's future, she waited patiently for her family to arrive.

Blossom on the day of her adoption

Dan and Ashley-Anne first took Blossom on as a foster. The couple had been considering dog ownership for a while, but they weren't certain if this responsibility would fit well into their lives. In time, though, it became clear that their home was where Blossom was supposed to be. We call this a "failed foster", but this adoption was anything but a failure.

Today, Blossom is flourishing in her new life. She loves her treats and sleeping on a big bed and getting to meet all of Ashley-Anne and Dan's interesting friends. Slowly she is overcoming the issues of fear and shyness that have kept her back. And now this mother who gave everything is finally having her own opportunity for care and nurture.

When she came to us, Blossom was a bud that hadn't yet opened. And as she continues to grow in her forever home, we can finally see the beautiful flower inside. It can be hard to work with homeless animals. Amidst the sea of need, it can be difficult to remember why we got into this in the first place.

Blossom is why.

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday: Blossom

Longtime HSEC resident sweet Blossom waits at the front door of her new foster home, ready for some love from a family. Blossom's adoption fee has been waived.

We Are Lennox

Lennox

This time last week, hundreds of thousands of dog lovers around the world hoped and prayed that the Belfast City Council would spare the life of a dog condemned to death. Lennox, a mixed breed dog, was taken from his loving family, and held in solitary confinement for two years.  A lengthy court battle ensued, various dog behaviorists testified that Lennox was not a danger to the public, and sanctuaries in the United States offered to rehome the dog. Despite all of that, Lennox was killed. Not because of anything that he did, but because of what he looked like.

At the center of the dispute was a Breed Specific Law (BSL), which prevents citizens of Northern Ireland from owning Pit bull or Pit bull type dogs.  Although a subsequent DNA test showed that Lennox was not a Pit bull, the city used measurements and physical characteristics of the dog to enforce their ruling.

Sadly, BSL’s have often specifically targeted “Pit bulls”, American Staffordshire terriers, American Pit bull terriers, or dogs who may be none of the above, but share some of the breed characteristics. These laws are hard to enforce, costly to the public, and often punish responsible dog owners whose dogs have done nothing wrong.  The vast majority of the dogs that these Breed Specific Laws target are neither vicious, nor dangerous.  Blame it on misinformation, misperception, or media hype, but most of these dogs are good dogs who have gotten a bad rap. 

If you would like to adopt or foster a Pit Bull, you’ll always find an adora-BULL face or two at HSEC. Right now three of our residents are Pit bulls or Pit bull mixes - Blossom, Hadley, and Blue.

Blossom

Blossom has been at HSEC for 15 months. Blossom had a rough start in life. She was emaciated when found under a building with her puppies.  She gave them all she had, and almost paid the ultimate price for it. Luckily, things have really turned around for her. She is a gentle soul who loves to give licks, get tummy rubs, and take walks. Blossom’s skin still gives come clues to her hard beginning, but we hope you can look past that and see what a gem Blossom is. Blossom is housetrained, spayed, up to date on all shots, and would need to be the only dog in the family. Her adoption fee has recently been waived, and she’s waiting on her forever family!

Hadley

Hadley is a three year old who is full of life and full of love. She is very smart and very eager to please. Hadley loves attention and gets so excited when volunteers take her for a walk. Hadley is a pretty girl with soft fur that she loves to have rubbed. She would love to be a part of an active family. Hadley is housetrained, spayed, and up to date on all shots.

Blue

Blue is a beautiful grey male who was thrown out of a car onto our facility’s property in May.  When
we got to him, we found that he was in a lot of pain, and immediately took him to the vet. The diagnosis was a broken front leg and and a broken tail. The leg was put in a cast, but the tail had to be amputated. Blue has been in a foster home since May, and would love to find his forever home. He does not do well with cats, but is housetrained, neutered, and up to date on all shots.



There is nothing that we can do to change Lennox’s sad ending. However, there is plenty that we can do to change attitudes, perceptions, and laws that impact these innocent dogs. Breed Specific Laws are intended to provide peace of mind, but all they have accomplished is a false sense of security and the destruction of animals never shown to be dangerous.

Help us correct this injustice. Perhaps you can’t adopt one of these guys. That’s ok. You can foster. If you can’t foster, you can volunteer. If you can't volunteer, you can donate. If you can't donate, you can crosspost information on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, email, etc. You don't have to feel powerless - EVERYONE can help.

Deal of the Century: Fee-Waived Adoptions!

We have some exciting news to share today. Seven HSEC residents have just been approved for fee-waived adoptions, which means that there is no cost to take them home with you!

Our adoption fees are designed to cover or defray the costs incurred while the pet is living at the facility - food, medical care, and so on. But these residents have either lived at the facility for more than a year, or they have special needs and will greatly benefit from finding a home right now.

Don't worry - these animals are just as loving and wonderful as any other pet at HSEC. In fact, since we've known them for so long, we've gotten very attached. It's just time for them to move on to their forever homes, which is of course a huge benefit to each animal, but also benefits HSEC since we can use the space for more needy pets.

Remember, there's no such thing as a free lunch. That concept is especially true of a "free" pet. All adopters must meet HSEC requirements.

We're hoping that this is the little extra push these cuties need to find their homes. And maybe they've been waiting so long because you haven't found them yet! Click on the name under each photo to visit that pet's Petfinder page, where you can get more information and see more pictures.

Blossom

Blossom is a true lady, sweet, calm, and friendly. She's mastered the puppy dog eyes, so be warned! She is crate trained and housebroken. This mama sacrificed everything to raise her puppies, and when she arrived at HSEC, she was in bad shape. Now that she's been nursed back to health, she is most comfortable around women but is learning that men are good friends too. She needs to be in a home where she is the only dog - she isn't classically dog aggressive, but she will snap if another dog gets in her face. Our February 2012 Blog Dog of the Month!

Lilly

Lilly is a smart, sociable girl who loves to be outdoors. And doesn't that doggy grin just make you smile? She excelled in foster care, where she learned several commands and had lots of fun camping and canoeing. If you're looking for a dog who will keep up with all your adventures, Lilly's the one for you! Our April 2012 Blog Dog of the Month!

Rocky

In addition to having the world's cutest ears, Rocky is loyal, well-mannered, and easy to please. All he wants is a calm home (preferably one with other dogs to be his friends), a few treats once in a while (cheese is his favorite), and maybe a few toys to play with. Rocky has irritable bowel disease, a condition exacerbated by the stress of living at the facility. When in foster care, the condition went into immediate remission. Read more about IBD here. Rocky is house trained. He's a real favorite at the facility - we've known him since he was a pup, and we're hoping he gets to go home soon! Rocky was featured as a foster success story on the blog in February 2012.

Mona

Mona will always let you know how much she loves you! She's a vocal cat with personality to spare, and her beautiful, silky coat is so wonderful to touch. She loves attention and cuddles. But she doesn't like to share her humans with other cats, and doesn't like to be surrounded by so many felines at the Humane Society. Potential adopters have been mislead by her sulky demeanor, but that's not what she's really like. Give her a treat and some chin scratches, and she's yours forever. Mona needs to be the only cat in her home. Our January 2012 Blog Cat of the Month!

Olive

Olive is a striking girl who loves to play and give head boinks. Pictures don't really do justice to her beautiful and unusual markings, which she keeps exquisitely clean. She's alert and curious (some of her neighbors might say nosy), and will often stick a paw out of her cage to say hello. Olive likes attention on her own terms and needs an understanding family that will give her the affection she wants. Our February 2012 Blog Cat of the Month!

Harriet

Harriet will greet you at the door when you come home and snuggle on your lap every night. She's a beautiful tortie with glowing eyes and is quite the chatterbox, upholding her end of every conversation with purrs and meows. She doesn't always like to be petted, but she loves to be near people and to cuddle up with them. In her foster home, she enjoys limited access to the outdoors, and is available as an indoor/outdoor cat to a home with a safe yard (no busy streets or aggressive dogs nearby). This is the kind of cat who will keep you company when you're sick. Our April 2012 Blog Cat of the Month!

Smokey Joe

Smokey Joe is a laid back, friendly guy who's never met a stranger. He'll greet you with a head boink and just loves to be petted and held. Smokey Joe is FIV positive, a chronic condition that can be managed well with preventative care, and is no barrier to a long and healthy life. Read more about FIV here. Smokey Joe is one of the sweetest cats we've ever had at HSEC. He's looking for someone with a big heart who will look past his diagnosis to see his wonderful personality. Our May 2012 Blog Cat of the Month!



These pets have been waiting a long time for their owners to walk through the facility door. Is one of them waiting for you?

Blog Dog of the Month - Blossom

Happy February!! 

Meet Blossom, our blog dog of the month!

As you can see from her picture Blossom is one happy dog!  She always has a smile on her face, a wag in her tail, and lots of kisses to give!  She came to HSEC in the Spring of 2011 with her litter of three puppies who have all since been adopted.  Blossom was an outstanding mom but unfortunately she used up all her energy caring for her pups leaving her in bad shape.  When we first met Blossom she was very underweight and had a variety of skin problems.  Luckily we're happy to report that Blossom has recovered beautifully and all she needs now is her forever home!

We suspect that Blossom spent most of her young life having back to back litters of puppies and that this sweet girl suffered a good deal before she came to us.  Despite her rough start Blossom is a staff favorite because she's put her past behind her and loves just about everybody!  Blossom is currently in a foster home where she is learning to be the best dog she can be and we hope she'll find her forever home very soon!

Because Blossom is a pit bull mix and considered a "bully breed" the HSEC prefers that she go to a home with prior pit bull experience.  We also require a home check and vet check before adoptions can be processed and there are no same day adoptions for dogs like Blossom.  These policies are in place to ensure that our bully breed dogs are going to wonderful and safe new homes with owners who are truly committed to loving and caring for their new pets!

For more information on Blossom please visit our website or give us a call at (252) 413-7247!  Blossom has been spayed and dewormed, is up to date on all vaccines, and is on heartworm and flea prevention.  Blossom is a genuinely sweet and loving dog who deserves nothing but the best!

Woof!

National Pit Bull Awareness Day 2011

Happy Saturday everyone!  Today is a great day for animal rescue, it's National Pit Bull Awareness Day!

Today animal rescue organizations across the country are working together to raise awareness about the struggles and discrimination pit bull terriers face every day and unite against breed specific legislation.  For more information please visit Bless The Bullys website about the campaign. 

Pit Bulls are one of the most loyal and loving dog breeds, but also the most misunderstood; often associated with fighting and violence, an image the media tends to support.  Here at HSEC we'd love to show you just how wonderful pitbulls really are.  We currently have 5 pit bull terriers under our care and we'd love to see them get some special recognition today!  Below is more specific information about each of our pit bulls so if you have time please stop by the facility any time today between 1-5pm to give them some treats, a nice long walk, or a forever home!

Blossom

This sweet mama has been through a lot.  She came to HSEC early in the summer of 2011 with a litter of three pups who have since been adopted.  She is one of the absolute sweetest dogs in the world and as you can see from her picture she always has a smile on her face and a wag in her tail!  Blossom came to us severly underweight, covered in scratches, and with multiple skin conditions.  With some love from the HSEC staff and proper vet care Blossom has bounced back and is ready for her forever home  Blossom is definitely a lover, not a fighter!  She is at the HSEC facility today so come check her out!

Ginny

Ginny is a gorgeous brindle pit bull who loves attention!  She left for a temporary foster home this week to get some extra love but she is still very much available for adoption!  Ginny loves to go on long runs and she is also housebroken!  Ginny does not get along well with other dogs or cats so we want her to be in a one-pet household.  This sweet girl has been waiting a long time to find her forever home and we hope that happens soon :-) ***UPDATE*** Ginny has been adopted!

Hadley

Hadley is the newest bully to join the HSEC pack and unfortunately she is not available for adoption just yet as we finish caring for all of her medical needs.  Keep this image in your head though 'cause she's quite a looker!  We will keep you posted when Hadley is ready for some love in a new forever home!

Porkchop

Porkchop is currently the only male pit bull at HSEC.  He is still a young dog full of puppy energy who greets everyone with a smile!  His unique hazel eyes make him even more endearing and we hope you'll come out to take a look at him soon!  Porkchop has a classic bully build and when he's full grown is going to be so handsome!
***UPDATE*** Porkchop has been adopted!!

Wiggles

We've saved the best for last!!!  Wiggles is one of the friendliest dogs on the planet, we guarantee it!  She was rescued this past summer from an animal hording case, but you'd never know it!  She is a smaller pit bull but she makes up for it with her amazing jumping skills.  Wiggles LOVES to go on walks and when she's done she always has energy left over for lots of hugs and kisses!  Wiggles only struggle is that she loves too much, she has separation anxiety when her volunteer and staff friends leave for the night so we hope she'll find a special home with a big family who has lots of time to spend with her!



We prefer to adopt bully breeds to owners with successful previous bully experience. The adoption process for bully breeds involves a home check, vet check and possible reference check. There are no same day adopted for bully breeds. We want to ensure that all our pit bulls find the right homes and the right families. Come meet them today!

All dogs at the Humane Society of Eastern Carolina are spayed/neutered, up to date on vaccines, dewormed, and on heartworm and flea prevention. All dogs 6 months or older are tested for heartworms. Adoptions come with a small bag of Hill's Science Diet food and a free one month trial of pet health insurance. Call or stop by for more information!