OLIVIA
L is for Love, L is for Life, L is for Livy

Just a youngster, it appears poor Livy has been emotionally and physically starved her whole life.  It is difficult to see from her pictures, but Livy has a very sprite-like side to her personality.  Even though emaciated and downtrodden, it did not take long for her playful personality to peek through her despair.  Despite her rough start in life, Livy has a strong spirit--a spirit that never gave up hope, a spirit that now sees there is good in the world, a spirit that now awaits a forever home.

Livy is incredibly appreciative of being rescued.  With each day, she is becoming more comfortable in her foster home and she was a happy and friendly girl during   her visit to the Vet clinic.  From not wanting to look at you, Livy now bounces, does helicopter wags and is very eager for attention.  And, she is chowing down big time!  Like most of our orphans, Livy still needs an occasional reassurance that she will not go back to where she came from--that this is not a dream from which she will awaken.  Livy is more than willing to pay back all the love and affection she receives.

Livy is spayed, heartworm negative, current on vaccinations and being fostered in central Michigan.  As Livy continues to gain strength and confidence, we are certain she will continue to reveal more of her magical personality.  Please check back for updates and new pictures as this special girl continues to blossom.  For more information on, please contact Deanna O’Brien at marsakita@sbcglobal.net or 773-594-9302.

KENNEDY
America's Next Top Model

Move over America's Next Top Model There’s a new cutie in town! She wears her charm in her affections, her grace in her demeanor. Her stunning brown eyes will mesmerize you as she wears her black mask so elegantly. She is 3 years old, small boned and a petite gal. Aloof, maybe only at first, but she warms up as she welcomes your petting in return for her sweet kisses.

This sweet gentle lady requests only these things: Paa-lease do not repeat the command if she has already complied with it and, of course, a bowl of fresh water daily along with loving kindness will do be great too!

Kennedy is open for photo shoots and interviews, however, all details must be arranged via her agent: Deanna O’Brien at 773-594-9302 or marsakita@sbcglobal.net.

B.C.
We're Not Spilling the Beans

B.C. is a young boy, but not yet an adult, who found himself in a very full shelter near Louisville, KY. A shelter that had no choice, but to euthanize for lack of space.  There was another Akita at the shelter, Kane, who was only a pup.  B.C., being the older of the two young Akitas, would be the first to be euthanized when the shelter needed space for a new stray.  Fortunately, with the help of a local volunteer from another rescue, both boys were saved.  The shelter vetted the pair for MARS, the volunteer got them to safety and our MARS volunteers helped B.C. get to a kennel in central Ohio.

With so many Akitas on our radar, we did not have time to ponder over names, but we did need a way to keep them straight.  Our volunteer coordinating B.C.’s rescue gave him a code name based on his color and sweet personality.  As B.C. moved through the rescue process, some of our volunteers began asking--“What’s up with his name?" and "Are you really going to name him that?”  The clinic, where he stayed for a week while awaiting transport, started calling him Whiskey.  Another volunteer put together a list of wonderful Japanese names.  During B.C.’s transport to the kennel volunteers expressed concern about his psychological well-being.  One of them, immediately upon their return home, emailed us with a suggestion for a new name--something more masculine, more fitting for our big boy--something the other dogs at the kennel would not laugh at.

Well, with code names, nicknames and all the suggestions things were getting confusing.  Much of the paperwork had been completed using the code name and we decided it would be best to keep his original name.  We would just shorten it and let people and ‘keeter imaginations run wild!  All those aware of his full name have sworn a solemn oath, never to reveal the meaning of B.C.  And Kane, being the cute ‘keeter that he is, placed his paw on a picture of Duke, the Bush Baked Beans mascot, and promised that B.C.’s “secret name” is safe with him.

B.C. is a wonderful boy who is 2-3 years old. While at the shelter, B.C. was evaluated by another rescue and passed with flying colors.  He does not seem to mind other dogs and has been a great guest at the kennel.  B.C. had an upper respiratory tract infection and was a real champ while receiving treatment.  He is now well on his way to good health.  B.C. is neutered, heartworm negative, microchipped and current on vaccinations.  If you would like more information about B.C., please contact Deanna O’Brien at marsakita@sbcglobal.net or 773-594-9302.  There is one question we will not answer.  You will have to ask B.C. himself, and rumor has it, he's not spilling the beans!

KANE
Tribute

Kane’s story is a tribute to the power of cooperation and determination.  This young lad, who is not even a year old, found himself in a very full shelter near Louisville, KY.  A shelter that had no choice but to euthanize for lack of space.  There was another Akita, BC, at the shelter., He was a young adult and would be euthanized first.  Fortunately, with the help of a local volunteer from another rescue, both boys were evaluated and the wheels started to turn.  The shelter vetted the pair for MARS and then the volunteer got them to safety.  Our local MARS volunteer was short on kennel space, but she contacted her Vet, the one who saved our Anthony. He gladly agreed to care for Kane until a permanent foster home could be found.  He even mentioned Kane on is weekly radio show!  Other volunteers safely got BC to a kennel in Ohio. 

Kane is a love, who loves to cuddle and give kisses.  He has been a champ at the clinic and continues to impress all those he meets.  Kane does not seem to mind other dogs or children.  In addition, he is as handsome as he is sweet!  He is neutered, heartworm negative and current on vaccinations.

For information on Kane, one of two wonderful Akitas in our care, who are living tributes to the power of cooperation and the special determination of a volunteer we now call a friend, please contact Deanna O’Brien at marsakita@sbcglobal.net or 773-594-9302.

MOZART
A Symphony in A (as in Akita) Major

MARS recently met a special organization who cares for animals of the sick and dying.  Sadly, Mozart’s owner is in the hospital and will not be coming home but one of the volunteers stepped in to get help for Mozart, and his best friend a Chow mix.  These situations are always so sad.  An owner is sick, sometimes dying and they can no longer care for their pets.  At a time when they need their furry friends the most, they have to say goodbye.  Good people, who due to circumstances beyond their control, need our help—in many eyes the only real reason a rescue should need to exist. 

Mozart is gorgeous four-year old boy who was being cared for by the elderly parents of his owner.  They did what they could, but the makeshift accommodations left Mozart with severely fly bitten ears.  He charmed his way into the heart of one of the volunteers who, first got him medical treatment, then contacted MARS for help in placing him.  Thanks to his special friend, Mozart has been neutered and vaccinated.  He is heartworm negative, and is now receiving heartworm and flea preventatives.  Mozart has been a good boy, allowing the Vet and staff to treat him.  He was also a good and grateful boy during his transport to the Cleveland area--

“He is such a good boy and soooo sweet, I hope his forever home comes quickly. Mozart rode like a dream, took treats as gently as anyone could have asked, and he is completely attracted to Mustang cars!  Every time we passed, or were passed by a Mustang, it had his undivided attention. Oh, and he seems to like Billy Joel's music!”

Mozart is in need of a new forever home—a new place he can call Carnegie Hall. So, if woos and woofs are music to you ears, and you prefer wags and kisses to sharps and flats, please contact Deanna O’Brien at marsakita@sbcglobal.net or 773-594-9302, for more information on our fuzzy composer.

ENZO
The Art of Finding a Forever Home

Named after the author of a recent New York Times bestseller, Enzo is a loveable boy who finds himself in need of a home.  Unlike the author, who rose to fame at the end of his life, our Enzo is a young boy who has just started his journey.  Less than a year old, this handsome lad was found as a stray in Cleveland.  Sadly, one of Enzo’s rear legs had been broken.  By the time he reached the shelter, the leg had already begun to heal, but the bones were not totally aligned.  While he has a slight limp, he is not in pain and our Veterinarian has recommended we reassess the situation in a few months. 

While in the shelter Enzo was a little shy, but since reaching his foster home, his happy, playful personality is emerging.  He takes him a little time to feel comfortable with new people but he is quickly becoming a favorite of his foster family.  He is enjoying his new blanket and he likes to rearrange his stuffies and chews.  Enzo rides very nicely in the car, but he is a little scared of cars on the street. 

Enzo is practicing the art of finding a forever home near Columbus, Ohio.  If you would like more information about our special boy, please contact Deanna O’Brien at 773-594-9302 or marsakita@sbcglobal.net

STELLA
A Stellar Five Star Review!

Star #1 - Stella was found as a stray in east central Indiana.  The shelter had worked with MARS in the past and, realizing Stella was a very sweet Akita, they immediately contacted our local volunteers. 

Star #2 - After evaluating Stella at the shelter, we received a two thumbs-up review from our volunteers.  She was very sweet.  She also liked to run around a play (keep an eye out for her video)

Star #3 – Stella stayed temporarily with another volunteer while awaiting transport to a kennel in the Cleveland area. Once again Stella received another wonderful review—“She is very people orientated. She really wants to be near you at all times. She has not shown any aggression to my hubby, our dogs, or me. She just wants to play and be loved.”

Star #4 – Stella earned another star on her transport to Cleveland, where she was described as perfect. If a certain previous orphan didn’t take up so much space, Stella’s trip might have ended before they reached the kennel!

Star # 5 – Since arriving at the kennel outside Cleveland two of our volunteers have been visiting Stella.  Again we have received outstanding reviews—“What a vibrant happy girl and wow, so gorgeous! She just loves life and walks, taking it all in looking and smelling everythng! If I had to describe her in one word it would be "Happy"...or would it be "Beautiful"....I think, " Vibrant"...that is my final answer. She will quickly win someone’s heart and make a lovely addition to their family! Stella seems to be fine with the cats giving them a quick sniff and not overly interested.”

Stella is eagerly awaiting one last review, that of her forever family.  If you would like more information on this stellar girl, please contact Deanna O’Brien at 773-594-9302 or marsakita@sbcglobal.net

Update: Stella is now being kenneled near South Bend, IN where she is earning yet another star!

SAMURAI
The Japanese Warriors

The Samurai (or bushi) were the members of the military class.  Our Samurai is a warrior who is in the process of fighting his own personal battle--getting through Heartworm treatment and finding his health once again.  Samurai is a 3 to 4 year old male Akita who, although obviously neglected by his owners, is on the path to health and a better life.  Samurai and MARS are hoping there is a forever home at the end of the path on his journey to good heath.

When Samurai was evaluated in the shelter by MARS volunteers, their statement was "He has huge snow shoes for paws with long legs and big bone structure.  And he was a BIG BOY at one time!  Poor boy now has enough extra skin to make a second small dog.  It is like a size 4 person wearing a size 12 fur coat."

He was caked with mud so our volunteers gave him a bath that he loved.  Samurai is now engaged in his battle to regain his health, fill that skin with muscle, and become the wonderful valiant Akita that dwells within him.  If you would like to help this warrior and give him a forever home, please contact Deanna OBrien at marsakita@sbcglobal.net or 773-594-9302.

UPDATE: "Samurai is looking better and better, and has gained 10 lbs. He was a VERY good boy while shopping at the pet store. He was so happy to meet everyone". 

Samurai sends a grateful bow to the Serazin's in honor of Pam for Mother's Day!
Big Woo-woo's to Peter McCall for sponsoring Samurai!
Keeter kisses to Blaze & Judy Schenk for sponsoring Samurai in memory of Keizo.
Indigo Coleman is sponsoring Samurai in loving memoray of her old warrior, Chewy

BURTON AND TAYLOR
Together Forever

ADOPTION PENDING!

Four years ago, Burton and Taylor were found abandoned in a wooded park near Chicago. Taylor had cut on the top of her head and Burton was standing guard. Unlike the infamous Hollywood couple, this pair has remained devoted to each other but once again find themselves in need of a home. With their adopters no longer able to care for them, MARS is looking for another loving home for these two wonderful and bonded Akitas.

Writing this profile is difficult, as Burton and Taylor were my first foster kids. They came into my life a few days after the sudden and unexpected death of our special boy. I had contacted MARS to thank them for their assistance and in appreciation, casually offered to help in the future. We said our good byes and I hung up the phone. The future came five minutes later when the phone rang--a foster family had an emergency and needed to travel out-of-state ASAP, was there any way we could foster two sweet Akitas named Burton and Taylor?

When you speak with MARS volunteers, you immediately sense their passion and dedication for the breed.  You also get a strong sense of teamwork and respect for each other. So, before we had time to think about what we were doing, we found ourselves driving to Chicago. Burton and Taylor jumped in the car and within minutes, we were heading back home. What we did not realize, as we sat in bumper-to-bumper traffic that late Friday afternoon, was were also beginning a journey that would profoundly change our lives.

Burton and Taylor were very sweet and gentle.  They rode nicely in the car and had wonderful manners.  Upon arriving home, they immediately set out to heal the shattered pieces of our hearts with sweet keeter kisses and fill the deafing silence of our empty home with joyous woos.  Burton's main desire in life was to be with people and Taylor loved to be loved.  Although it takes Burton a little longer to warm up to men, neither of them came with any issues or problems.  Today, they still are the same sweet Akitas we fostered four years ago.  In addition, their owners had a baby a few years after they adopted Burton and Taylor and both dogs have been wonderful with the now, two-year old toddler.

Burton and Taylor are approximately 7-8 years old and are residing in Chicago.  They are physically big Akitas, with even bigger hearts.  We know leaving their home is not going to be easy and just as they helped us heal, we and the entire MARS family will work to find them another home where compassion and love will mend their hearts.  If your heart and home have room for two very special Akitas please contact Deanna O’Brien at 773-594-9302 or marsakita@sbcglobal.net.

Kita kisses to the Smith Family for supporting Taylor & Burton in memory of Kallie!

HANA
Just remember in the winter, far beneath the bitter snow…
Lies the seed, that with the suns love in the spring becomes the rose

Hana means blossom or flower in Japanese and it is a very fitting name for a rescued Akita.  Tired, alone, often ill kept and abused, many abandoned Akitas have been crushed by life.  And just like a hidden flower, it can be difficult to imagine the beauty of body and spirit that is buried deep inside.  However, we welcome them with open arms as we have been privileged to experience many seasons of rebirth.  We know that with medical treatment, nutritious food, and most importantly, lots of love and understanding, they slowly begin to bloom both physically and emotionally.  Our latest little Hana is no exception......

Hana is a petite girl, who just turned two in November.  We were contacted by a rescue group in Minnesota when Hana’s family was preparing to “get rid of her” when they decided not to breed her.  Hana is a sensitive and sweet girl who is learning that nice people are wonderful sources of affection and belly rubs.  A bath washed away the dirt, and revealed a beauty with a lovely red coat and a white chest.  She is housebroken and working on basic doggie manners.  Hanna is food motivated and really, really loves cheese, it’s her favorite training reward.  She rides very well in the car and was a good girl for the Vet, even let them clip her nails. Hana is being fosterd in Wisconsin, where she is learning to play with toys and is becoming more and more relaxed with each passing day.

Having a consistent routine is really helping Hanna to blossom and like the rose that needs the suns love, Hana needs a forever family’s love to continue what rescue has begun.  If you would like more information on how you can help Hana blossom into a wonderful Akita, please contact Deanna O’Brien at marsakita@sbcglobal.net or 773-594-9302. 

UPDATE: "As we all know, two female Akitas usually don't do well together, but don't tell that to Phoenix and Hana.  These two are the best of friends.  They look for each other every time they go outside, share a tennis ball without argument, and try to go into the same kennel when it's time to go back in. Hana has some separation anxiety but just maybe having Phoenix around will help her from feeling so lonely.   Hana is also a little shy until she gets to know you, but Phoenix more than makes up for it with her enthusiasm.  So if you're up for a couple of loving, playful new friends, Phoenix and Hana are the pair for you."

Hanna is sending big hugs to Julie Ellis for being her sponsor!

TOMASHII

TORA (Adopted)

TOMASHII AND TORA
“Spirit” and “Tiger”

Sponsor Us

Sadly, we have been seeing younger and younger Akitas in need.  There are so many in Akitas in danger, rescuers are spending all of their spare time, and much more, trying to help as many as possible.  Unfortunately, this leaves very little time to delve in to the ever increasing “why’s” and “how could they’s” of abandonment.  Moreover, it is heartbreaking when, no matter the atrocity, you are no longer shocked by what you hear or see.  Please don’t think rescuers get numb; the plight of each new orphan still fills their hearts with sadness.  While the soulful look of those they could not help haunts them to find the answers to the “why’s” and “how could they’s”….

Tomashii and Tora are three-month-old brothers whose owner dumped them at a shelter in Detroit.  It was easy to see that at least one of them had a physical deformity.  While some may feel it is not our place to take on cases that require so much time and money, it is hard to turn away.  Maybe it’s because they are so young, maybe it’s because we need to at least find out if something can be done, maybe it’s because we find it hard to be like the person who brought them in to this world--the person that turned away.  So, we decided to give them a chance, to see if something could be done. 
 
One of the marvelous things about dogs, is they do not have a concept of “disability”  they simply adapt as best they can. They do not feel sorry for themselves.  Well, we do know of a few ‘keeters who can get pretty melodramatic when they try to manipulate their humans.  Tommy and Tory will see the orthopedic specialists at MSU.  There are no guarantees.  Maybe stepping in was not the most prudent thing to due, maybe we would have been better off using the time and money we will spend on Tommy and Tory, trying to answer the big questions.  Yes, we need to address the big issues, and we have huge medical bills, but there is tomorrow.  But, for the brief moment before the next plea for help, our hearts are smiling and we are so very glad we did not turn away—

“They both woo and I must say this morning was the cutest.  They both woo’d at me when I came down to greet them and Hachiko was in the other room.  She came running over and starting wooing at them too – so cute.  I don’t’ think she has ever heard another woo because Ben was not a woo’er. She was loving the fact that they knew her language.”

For more pictures of click on the button below to view their video. For more information on Tommy please contact Deanna O'Brien at 773-594-9302 or marsakita@sbcglobal.net

UPDATE: "Our journey together started out on difficult terms.  Saved on their last day, they came to us and quickly became very ill.  Torn from one another, each puppy faced their own set of challenges.  One triumph after another has led us to a place that is healthy, well adjusted and very happy.  The two puppies are not the same.  Both boys have blossomed. They are warriors that have fought to be saved, to find health, and now they are still fighting to find their forever homes. 

These days they are so excited to see people.  They love to talk Akita and to sing their song(s).  They do not know of any disability they have – especially Tomashi.  He is the first to try to make himself bigger, or to climb on tall things. We are working on manners.  Both boys are responding well to potty training.  They have really taken to clicker training. Tora thinks if he touches the clicker that he makes it click!  We now wait patiently for food, and will not eat until told it’s ok.  We also have some of our basic manners down, like sit, down, and walking nicely on a leash. " -- Tommy and Tory's Foster Family

Tommy and Tory are sending lots of puppy kisses to Shanna Leeland!
Keeter woo-woos to Jody Tarwid, Teddy and Shayna for helping Tory and Tommy!

PHOENIX
MARS’s  Inspiration

"A mythical bird that never dies, the phoenix flies far ahead to the front, always scanning the landscape and distant space.  It represents our capacity for vision, for collecting sensory information about our environment and the events unfolding within it.  The phoenix, with it's great beauty, creates intense excitement and deathless inspiration "

The Feng Shui Handbook, feng shui Master Lam Kam Chuen

Our Phoenix was found walking the sidewalks of Chicago with no collar nor tags.  The shelter was full but the manager knew that this Akita was too special and sweet to be put down.  From the din of the shelter many voices rose to plead for her safety.  Although there was no space, we took her in to our arms while we looked for foster space.  While being vetted Phoenix developed what had started on the streets as bronchial pneumonia.  Through the care of many, our Phoenix rose above the illness and is on her way to a complete recovery.  Phoenix is a loving 2.5 to 3 year old girl who prefers to be the only pet, except for....

Big 'keeter woo-woos to Sinjin & Domino for sponsoring Phoenix!

LUIGI
“But not for long”

The Akita version of Mario and Luigi is not about rotund twins who are plumbers by trade, but rather it is the story of two young, neglected brothers who were dumped at a shelter in east-central Indiana by their owner.  Mario and Luigi were not fifty years old (even in dog years), no, they were only five months.  Like the video game characters they were almost identical in appearance, they just had slightly different coloring and sometimes the shelter staff would get them mixed up.  While waiting for foster spots in rescue, Mario was adopted and poor little Luigi was left behind in the shelter, but not for long.  When we sent out a plea for foster homes for a number of very young Akitas in need, one of our foster homes offered to take in another rescue.

When Luigi first arrived at his foster home, he was very scared and huddled at the back of his crate, but not for long.  His foster brother is Zen a former MARS’ orphan and a participant in the recent Rescue Parade.  While good food, fresh water and a warm home helped Luigi, what really got him “jumping” were the stories Zen told him about the Rescue Parade. Zen told him how everyone was so nice and so very proud of all the rescue dogs, how he got a beautiful ribbon and bag of treats, how he got to see Mary the volunteer who saved him, and best of all how his pictures and video are now on the Internet!  Little Luigi was a little overwhelmed by all of this, but he could clearly see the pride Zen took in being a rescue.  And, when Zen told him about his own tough start in life, Luigi began to believe in second chances. 

Thanks to his newfound confidence, Luigi is learning very quickly.  He still likes his crate but he no longer huddles in the back, and he now enjoys wearing his collar and going for walks.  He is also learning that food and water are not occasional things.  Most importantly, he is leaning to be a pup and what it feels like to be loved and respected.  Little Luigi is being fostered in Fort Wayne, IN, but not for long--we are certain this special boy we will be “jumping for joy” in his forever home, in the very near future.  For more information about Luigi, please contact Deanna O’Brien of MARS at marsakita.org or 773-594-9302.  Ciao!

Update: Luigi is grown into a very handsome, and confident young hunk! He continues to thrive in his foster home, where his favorite pastime is playing with Zen. Luigi is crate trained and housebroken. And ,while he loves his foster family, he is waiting for the day he is adopted so he can say "thanks for taking such good care of me and Arrivederci"

Woowoos to Perfect Pet Food & Accessories in Fort Wayne, IN for sponsoring Luigi's visit with Santa Claus!
Keeter kisses to Judy Schenk & Blaze for sponsoring Luigi in loving memory of Keizo

KIKU
She’s Grrrreat!”

As the last leaves of autumn were falling to the ground Kiku, which is Japanese for chrysanthemum, was roaming the streets near Battle Creek, MI.  In less than a month’s time, Kiku was the fourth Akita, yet to celebrate their first birthday and in desperate need of finding a place with rescue.  Our simple, but heartfelt plea for foster homes did not go unnoticed. 

Fortified with Akita playfulness and sweetness, Kiku is approximately 8-10 months old and well mannered for such a young girl.  She rode politely on her trip from the shelter to her foster home and she behaves nicely in her kennel.  Kiku is not food, toy or dog aggressive.  So far, she has been a quiet girl but does “Akita Talk” on occasion.  While she has become back yard buddies with the resident male dog, her response to cats has not been as friendly.  Kiku was very good at the Vet Clinic and was deemed to be in good health.  Everyone that meets her wants to take her home!

Hailing from Battle Creek home to Kellogg’s and Tony the Tiger we think anyone who meets Kiku will agree with us—she’s grrreat!  For more information on having Kiku give a wonderful start to your mornings, please contact Deanna O’Brien at marsakita@sbcglobal.net or 773-594-9302.

Big woo-woos to Lynn Bessant from Blacklick, OH for sponsoring Kiku!

JAKE
MARS' Song-and-Dance Akita!

Jake was only seventh months old when the pipes in his family's home burst and they were forced to move. Unable to quickly find a place that would allow them to keep Jake, they were going to take him to shelter when a volunteer from MARS offered to evaluate him. Given all the upsets in his family, it is understandable that he is a little confused and unsure of what is expected of him. He is a little shy at first, but once he gets to know you he loves getting any attention you are willing to give him.

Jake was a champ at the clinic where he was also kenneled and it didn’t take long for the staff to become enamored with this boy. Jake is very food motivated and takes corrections easily. He is being fostered near Louisville, KY and has already begun basic training. With an experienced Akita owner Jake will transform into a wonderful and loving adult.

UPDATE: Under the tutelage of Miss Lynn, Jake has grown into a strapping young Akita who loves to cuddle and is learning to walk nicely on lead. He graduated from his puppy woo-wooing class, and from the picture, it looks like he is now enjoying his "dance" lessons! Jake is quickly becoming MARS ' Song-and-Dance Akita!

Woo-woos to Jill McCoy & Grace Anderson for sponsoring the Three Amigos!