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residentPaws4Pets Adopting Dogs From Puppy Mills


D ear Paws4Pets:


My family would like to adopt a shelter dog, and a recent news story about several dogs


rescued from horrible conditions in a “puppy mill” facility really captured our hearts. However, the shelter caring for these dogs is not immediately putting them up for adoption, and it says there will be stricter requirements for those who want to adopt them. Why is this? -- Karl


Dear Karl: Many shelter pets come with their own special set of behavioral quirks, often due to the stress and trauma of being abandoned at a shelter. But dogs (and other pets) that suffer especially traumatic situations, such as abuse, starvation, or neglect, can have a very diffi cult time adapting to home life. As you found, the puppy mill dogs were not immediately put up for adoption; they’re be- ing treated and evaluated. Some may never be considered safe to adopt.


Once dogs are considered healthy enough to adopt, the shelter follows guidelines to make their transition to a new home as smooth as possible. For instance, it may not allow


a puppy mill rescue to go to a home that has kids under age 10. First-time pet owners will likely be discouraged or outright not allowed to adopt. Many rescues need a great deal of one-on-one atten- tion, love and patience. If you’re an experienced dog owner, meet the guidelines and are willing to take on the challenge of rehabilitating a rescued dog, go for it. But if you’re not sure, then consider very carefully whether your family is ready to care for a rescued pet.


Send your pet questions, observations and tips to editor@theresident.com.


February 1 ~ 14, 2012 the Resident 860.599.1221 www.theresident.com


residentAdopt-A-Pet Jessie


Medium • Baby • Female


Meet Jessie! She is a one year, one month old Curly Coated Retriever/


Labrador Retriever Mix. She would do best in a home with older children and where she would be the only pet. She has a lot of energy and consistent training will be needed. Jessie is smart and learns quickly. She is housebroken, crate trained, and spayed. If Jessie sounds like the perfect match for your family, stop by and visit her at the Connecticut Humane Society- Waterford Branch, or call 860.442.8583 for more information.


Resident Sudoku residentHollywood DIFFICULTY THIS ISSUE:


Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each small 9-box square contains all of the numbers 1 to 9.


DIFFICULTY:


:Moderate :Challenging :HOO-BOY!


ANSWERS: Visit our website: www.theresident.com/ sudoku


Nudging Celebrities In The Right Direction For 2012 By Tony Rizzo It’s time again to make resolutions for the new year. We thought it would be great fun to nudge a few of our favorite celebrities in the right direction. Lady Gaga: You are such a talented singer/songwriter, let us see more of that great tal- ent and less of the over-the-top costumes and props. Tom Hanks: You recently wrote, produced, directed and starred in “Larry Crowne” with Julia Roberts. Why not hire other professionals to help you get it right! Tom Cruise: Take on the impossible mission of proving once and for all you’re ALL man! Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt: Put your kids in day care and take them out of the public eye. But seriously, Let’s make 2012 the year we care as much for our neighbors and friends as we do for ourselves.


Stefanie Germanotta, also known as “Lady Gaga”, remains a popular artist entering 2012.


residentHoroscope Salome’s Stars


ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Your batteries should be fully recharged by now, making you


more than eager to get back into the swing of things full time. Try to stay focused so that you don’t dissipate your energies.


TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) You’re eager to charge straight ahead into your new responsibilities. But you’ll have to paw the ground a little longer, until a surprise complication is worked out.


GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Rival factions are pressuring you to take a stand favoring one side or the other. But this isn’t the time to play judge. Bow out as gracefully as possible, without committing yourself to any position.


CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Reassure a longtime, trusted confi- dante that you appreciate his or her words of advice. But at this time, you need to act on what you perceive to be


your own sense of self-interest.


LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22) You need to let your warm Leonine heart fire up that new relationship if you hope to see it move from the “just friends” level to one that will be as romantic as you could hope for.


VIRGO (Aug.23 to Sept. 22) There’s still time to repair a misunderstand- ing with an honest explanation and a heartfelt apology. The sooner you do, the sooner you can get on with other matters.


LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22) Expect a temporary setback as you progress toward your goal. Use this time to re-examine your plans and see where you might need to make some signifi- cant changes.


SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21) Some missteps are revealed as the cause of current problems in a personal or professional partnership. Make the necessary adjustments and then move on.


SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21)


Jupiter’s influence helps you work through a pesky problem, allowing your naturally jovial attitude to re- emerge stronger than ever. Enjoy your success.


CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19) Set aside your usual reluctance to change, and consider reassessing your financial situation so that you can build on its strengths and minimize its weaknesses.


AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18) Some recently acquired information helps open up a dark part of the past. Resolve to put what you’ve learned to good use. Travel plans continue to be favored.


PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20) Act on your own keen instincts. Your strong Piscean backbone will support you as someone attempts to pressure you into a decision you’re not ready to make.


BORN THIS WEEK: You embody a love for traditional values combined with an appreciation of what’s new and challenging.


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