A special dog for a special year

When the New Year rings in, Mandy's wish is to be by the side of a very special person. This sweet dog deserves a new year of love. She's 11 years old, deaf and partially blind. She eats soft food only because her teeth are so bad. She had heartworms, but we're about to give her the second and final treatment for those. And because she can't hear, she's easily startled by sudden movements near her face. To make a long story short, Mandy has spent all 11 years of her life without any love. That's why she's hoping to ring in 2014 with a new lease on life and a very special person. Could that be you? This special dog is your Adoptable Pet for the week of December 23, 2013.

Steady as she goes

They call her mellow yellow. That's because this six-year-old beauty prefers to stop and savor the finer things in life. Sandy wants nothing more than a meaningful relationship. That means lots of love shared between you and her. You have to meet her in person to appreciate the calm, steady and confident air of her personality. If you're looking for a low-key but inspiring relationship, Sandy is ready to be your partner in life. She's your Adoptable Pet for the week of September 2, 2013.

A magical attraction

Prepared to be charmed. When you're in the presence of this delightful dog, you'll feel an almost magical attraction. Buttercup is super friendly, very beautiful, unfailingly mellow and ultra-sweet. You won't find a more faithful partner in life. Once you meet this special dog, you'll soon see past her beauty to her loving personality. That's when you'll be charmed. Buttercup is your Adoptable Pet for the week of August 19, 2013.

Looking ahead to 2013

Bear was one of the first pets rescued by Rockwall Pets in 2013.
The heartworm-positive shepherd mix was rescued from the Dallas shelter on January 2.

This interview with Michael Kitkoski of Rockwall Pets appeared in the January 4, 2013 edition of neighborsgo in the Dallas Morning News.

What are the greatest challenges and opportunities you anticipate for animal shelters in 2013?

The most critical concern for any retail-like business is location. That puts most animal shelters at a disadvantage, since they're generally located in out-of-the-way areas. We've proven in Rockwall, Seagoville, Austin and the other 200-plus no-kill cities and towns across the nation that taking the pets to the people - by doing adoption events at places like Petco and PetSmart - increases pet adoptions.

How will 2013 differ from 2012?

Most Americans are now aware that the facilities they thought of as "shelters" kill a lot of healthy and adoptable pets. Shelter killing is the No. 1 cause of death for healthy dogs and cats in America. In a recent AP poll, three-fourths of Americans said they didn't want their tax dollars used to kill healthy pets in shelters. So the mindset is changing. The Dallas shelter, for instance, has been making tremendous progress under the leadership of Jody Jones. If Dallas continues to improve during 2013, it won't be long before it's the largest no-kill city in the nation.

What are some goals for your organization this upcoming year?

We have an ambitious goal: To double the number of adoptions we did this year. Since nearly every pet rescued by Rockwall Pets was in danger of being killed at an area shelter, that means we're doubling the number of lives saved. Our mission is to save every life we possibly can.

What are the main needs your organization will face in 2013, and how can community members help?

Until we can purchase our own facility, we always need more foster homes and volunteers. As we expand, we're also looking for more local businesses that are willing to host adoption events on a regular basis. And donations, of course, are always needed and welcome. If a fundraising expert wanted to volunteer to help us, it would be a festive occasion!

What growth and development would you like to see in the animal shelter community in the coming year?

The old shelter business model, which was based on the killing of healthy pets to make space, is gradually giving way to the more compassionate lifesaving model. It's about time, since the old method has been in place for about 150 years! The Dallas shelter has nearly doubled its save rate in one year; it was 26% in September 2011 and 43% this year. There's still a long way to go, but they're making substantial progress. It's time for other North Texas shelters to follow that lead.

What important pet- or animal-related issues should residents be most aware of in the coming year?

Forbes magazine recently documented that the pet business is now one of the largest industries in the United States. Americans spent $50 billion on our pets during 2011, which is more than movies, music and video games combined. It's obvious that Americans love our pets.

What factors are most important to consider for those who want to adopt an animal in 2013, and during the winter months?

Consider adopting instead of buying a pet. When someone adopts a pet from Rockwall Pets, they're not only saving a life, they're getting a pet who's had full veterinary care, including spay/neuter, vaccinations and testing. Puppy mills and backyard breeders, on the other hand, often keep their pets in deplorable conditions. Nearly 17 million American families are looking for a new pet each year, while four million adoptable pets are killed in shelters annually. Do the math. If only a fourth of those families would adopt a shelter dog or a rescue cat instead of buying from a puppy mill, we would end shelter killing. And that would mean a happy New Year for all of us.

Pear is a peach of a dog

Pear is a wonderful dog. She has enough Great Pyrenees in her to give her the stature, the intelligence and the gentleness of that breed. But the lab in her keeps her a little smaller and thinner - with shorter fur, of course. Once she gets her heartworm treatments - ask us because financial assistance may be available - she's going to be a thriving, obedient and attentive companion. Pear is your Rockwall Adoptable Shelter Pet for the week of February 20, 2012.

Mr. Handsome is in the house!

Have you ever seen a more handsome dog? The color of Jack's coat is simply stunning. He's extremely intelligent and mellow. The poor guy obviously hasn't lived the happiest of lives. It appears he's been abused, so he's very cautious around strangers. A patient, loving touch soon turns him into a loyal companion. Your love will transform Jack into a faithful and ultra-handsome family member. He's your Rockwall Adoptable Shelter Pet for the week of February 13, 2012.

A faithful friend

This four-year-old red heeler mix is about as smart as they come. Parker may be a little leery around strange dogs, but he's as faithful a family dog as you'll hope to find. He tested as heartworm positive, so he needs to get his treatments to return to full health. But Parker is ready to be your dedicated, mellow and obedient companion. Parker is your Rockwall Adoptable Shelter Pet for the week of January 30, 2012.

Chip In to help some great dogs!

Kimmy has her sad face on. She's one of a dozen heartworm positive dogs currently in the Rockwall shelter. Chip In to help us give these wonderful dogs their Health for the Holidays. http://rockwallpets.chipin.com/health-for-the-holidays

Health for the Holidays

There are at least six heartworm-positive dogs at the Rockwall Animal Adoption Center. Our goal is to get them healthy by Christmas, and then adopt them into loving homes.

Please help us give these dogs a holiday season to remember by giving them their health for the holidays.

Looking for an angel

This little girl is counting on all of us to be angels. Along with two additional dogs at the shelter, Angel is heartworm positive. We're trying to raise $750 in a week - by Saturday September 3 - so we can return all of them to health. Once this adorable chihuahua-mix is rid of those nasty heartworms, she'll obviously find a loving home right away. Please donate to help Angel and her two shelter mates. That's what a No Kill Rockwall is all about. Angel is your Rockwall Adoptable Shelter Pet for the Week of August 29, 2011.

Georgia is a peach

This gorgeous heeler mix is a peach. Georgia has it all: gorgeous eyes, a winning personality and smarts to spare. There's only one problem: she tested as heartworm-positive. But our friends at Rockwall PAWS are paying for her treatment when you adopt her. If you have Georgia on your mind, it's because she's your Rockwall Adoptable Shelter Pet for the week of June 27, 2011.

Maizy needs a little help and a lot of love

You won't find any dog cuter or sweeter than Maizy. She's very outgoing and very lovable. There's just one catch: She's heartworm-positive. But her treatment will be paid for when you adopt her. Don't let her illness deter you. Maizy is a wonderful dog. She's your Rockwall Adoptable Shelter Pet for the week of April 18, 2011.