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Our Orphans Are all equal in our eyes—young or old, show quality or pet. We see them through the eyes of rescue Beyond physical apperance, beyond age, beyond judgment. Each one deserving of love, compassion and a forever home. We see their spirit and love them equally We kindly ask that you do the same. Additional information on the breed and our application, which is required, are located under the Welcome Menu above.

 

TY “Extreme Makeover: Rescue Edition” Cleveland, OH Sponsor Me
Ty was surrendered to the shelter by his owners, seems they did not research the breed and assumed he would remain small. They told the shelter they were a small dog family and the Ty was just too big. Entering adult is a confusing period for dogs, losing your home is frightening for any dog, being told you should have not grown so much is crazy—all these things happening at the same time is downright scary. Ty was just starting to find his place in the world and the floor was pulled out from under him. Ty didn't know it, but he was lucky. He ended up in a shelter that is rescue friendly, staffed by heroes who go above and beyond to save each dog and volunteers who set the wheels on the rescue bus in motion. Despite being uncertain, Ty has been a brave and is very loving and appreciates what others have done for him. So far he has been friendly with everyone, didn’t seem overly concerned with cats or other dogs at the kennel. Ty was a champ during his transport, at the Vet clinic and at the kennel. If you would like to learn more about Ty and see if you might be able to help put a floor back under is feet, please contact Deanna at marsakita@sbcglobal.net or 773-594-9302. The entire MARS family will be waiting to say “Bus driver move that bus and let Ty see his new forever home!” Oh, not to worry, we took away the bullhorn. Can you imagine what those woo woos would sound like!

 

GIA - KOJI - HOOPS Cleveland, OH Sponsor Us
GIA - Adoption Pending!	KOJI - Adoption Pending!	HOOPS
Unfortunately, these three Akitas are in urgent need of new homes. Their owners have to move and can not take the dogs. All three dogs have been raised with two young teenaged girls. Koji who is four is a big loveable goofy guy and is madly in love with Gia, who is five. They whine without each other. Hoops is just over a year old and was the mascot of the girls basketball team. They are fully vetted and will come with their crates. We would like to see Gia and Koji placed together. Hoops is just a year old and should more easily adjust to life as a single girl or with a new laid back male.

 

SHADY Southeast of Indianapolis, IN Sponsor Me
Young female who stole the hearts of the shelter staff! There is nothing Shady about our Shady--she just happened to be picked up as a stray near a street named Shadeland Avenue. A little timid, but wanting to be loved, she quickly became a favorite of the shelter staff and they nicknamed her Shady. We had worked with this shelter in the past and trusted their judgment, as all the dogs they asked us to take have blossomed into wonderful examples of the breed. We also had a new adopter in the area who, along with their new buddy Shakespeare, wanted to pay it forward and offered to foster Shady. She has been a wonderful guest, is crate trained, quiet and keeps her crate clean. A petite girl, you can see from the center picture how quickly she is responding to unconditional love and good care!

 

NIKKO Cleveland, OH Sponsor Me
Young adult male who has the "kita-love-lean" down pat! Nikko is a sweetheart and a lover. He was a bit shy when he first came in but his personality is blooming daily. He is generally a happy and spunky dog that meets people easy. He is on the medium side, around 70 lbs, very handsome and really enjoys his walks and one-on-one human time. Nikko is very leash savvy, is able to walk happily along with other dogs, and we think could get along with another K-9 friend with proper slow introductions. He met the kennel kitties and did not find them very interesting and they quickly lost his attention as he finds humans more fun!

 

KRINGLE Chicago, IL Sponsor Me
Young adult male - Very sweet and loves to smile - Might do best as an only pet.

 

MURPHY BROWN Central OH Sponsor Me
Female puppy - Adorable - Arrived at the shelter day after Christmas :( Ms. Murphy Brown, like the character played on TV by Candice Bergman, is an independent and highly intelligent female Akita mix puppy who has weathered her own obstacles with courage and persistence. She was turned into a shelter in Nashville Tn at the age of six weeks and was to be put down due to acquiring kennel cough. Wonderful angels pulled her and got her to a Vet where she immediately received care and started to thrive. MARS was contacted as she was perceived to be an Akita puppy and we worked our miracles to bring her to Ohio where she is presently fostered near the Columbus area. She is an amazing female puppy who is crate trained and house broken and loves to toss her toys in the air and exhibit her happiness. "Smart little girl. She's affectionate and beginning to give kisses. She loves to run around chasing leaves, retrieving a soft ball, chasing her tail. And, she has learned to go to the door when she wants in ... it's a bit cold for her! She also tries the dog door, can't quite make it, but she knows what it is for!"

 

Jersey (Boys) Chicago, IL Sponsor Me

Male puppy - 12 weeks old - Rockin', Rollin'and Growin' in Rescue! "...he is doing great and he loves to voom the yard. Plus he has had a few play dates with the neighbor dogs. He sits on command, gives paw, knows he has to sit before he gets anything even playing fetch! Jersey will play for hours."

 

ZOEY Milwaukee, WI Sponsor Me
Beautiful and active adult female. Wonderful houseguest. Zoey is a ready-made BFF. An absolute sweetheart who doesn't mind running errands with you, or waiting while you stop by the store to pick up a few things, especially if those "things" include BFF dog treats. She likes to be close by and will quietly follow you as you do household chores. And when it comes time to relax, she will gladly keep you company while you watch a movie or favorite TV show. She will also gladly entertain you by tossing her toys around. Zoey does think that you really only need one four-legged BFF and would do best in a home where she is the only pet. Despite losing her home on Christmas Eve, Zoey is never short of smiles. And like all good BFF has lots to "talk" about! For more information on Zoey, please contact Deanna O'Brien at marsakita@sbcglobal.net or 773-594-9302.

 

Shh! Stake Out at the Park	Agent 99	Shh! Cute Puppy Disguise
MYA Agent 99 Indianapolis Area Sponsor Me When a call came in from a kind and compassionate Animal Control Officer about a very sweet female Akita in need of rescue, our former orphan Maxwell Smart leapt into action and offered his assistance.  Before the wheels of rescue could start spinning, this girl was nicknamed “Agent 99” and Maxwell had a plan.  He engaged the services of his family who not only picked her up from the shelter, but made sure she was thoroughly vetted, and then set up a spot at home to foster a cute secret agent . . . Mya is a very young girl who is full of energy.  She is so young, we think still has some growing to do. Mya has been well-behaved in her foster home and is fully crate trained.  She is a young agent and learning how to be incognito, but very observant, on her frequent walks around the neighborhood.  FYI—we can’t share all our secrets, but incognito is secret agent code for walking nicely on a leash.  A report from Maxwell and his family says it all. . . "She is really a great foster—she is fine with being alone and sleeps quietly in her crate.  She likes to play—is very talented with catching the bouncing tennis ball and if she starts to nibble you can give her a chew toy and she will work on that instead of being destructive.  She has done really well about waiting for her regular walks—no accidents to speak of.  Mya still likes to nibble and lick, and is totally adorable.  She is a sweet girl and will be a great companion.  Caveat—Mya has been watching A LOT of HGTV (have a TV downstairs to keep her company at times) so she might insist on her own TV. " It sure sounds like MARS Agent 99 has been doing great in her foster home.  And, she is totally recovered from her spay surgery and starting to gain some weight.  Maxwell has helped Mya pass her first level of secret agent training and she is now ready for field work in a forever home.  Mya also knows where Maxwell hides his secret all-purpose Akita communication device (the phone in the shoe is long gone).  What we don’t know is what Mya has been watching on TV. Maybe reruns of Get Smart?  If you want to ask her please contact our “Chief”, Deanna O’Brien, at marsakita@sbcglobal.net or 773-594-9302 to schedule a secret rendezvous.

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Ready For My Big Jump	The Sweet Roll of Success	Your Turn to Jump!

BUNGEE A leap of faith leads to a soaring rebound! Cleveland, OH Sponsor Me We are never totally certain how things will work out for an orphan. The unwanted are asked to put their faith in us, and there are times, when we hold our breath and take that leap with them. The miracle of rescue is not that we dare to leap, but that despite all the ills life can hold, these magnificent beings rebound and soar beyond our expectations while they gladly take us along on the ride, inspiring us to take that next leap . . . . . Bungee is well named. He's our literal bouncing boy, loaded with athletic energy and "joie de vivre", a comprehensive joy of living. Bungee is a year old, owner surrender.  His high energy became too much for his busy owner and he ended up spending his days bouncing at the end of a six foot tether and nights alone in a garage. While a bit uneducated— no fault of his own— it turns out he is quite smart, and he has spent the last couple months with us learning to pay attention to the games humans play. Now he can't wait to see his handlers and walkers and does his bungee jump for joy on their arrival. He loves long walks, likes rolling in tall grass, sniffing for woodland creatures, and  following anything that moves. Bungee is a big handsome ball of Akita fun who is eager for the love and life long attention from  a dog-savvy someone with a good heart on the lookout for a rambunctious youngster. Bungee walks well with his fellow Cleveland orphans, but he has little experience sharing a house with other animals, so he may do best as a solo canine companion. If you are looking for an Akita ready to take a big jump into adulthood, and eager to live life to it's fullest, please contact Deanna O'Brien at marsakita@sbcglobal.net or 773-594-9302.

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VIP Reunion	Waiting for the Limo	Touring the Windy City

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ANAHI It’s Never Too Late to Live Happily Ever After. . . Chicago, IL Once upon a time in a land far away, there lived a female Akita named Anahi.  She lived with her family until the age of 10.5 at which time she found herself in a shelter.  She was so sweet and loved everyone she encountered  The shelter staff quickly fell under Anahi's spell and knew she deserved a special place to live out the rest of her life.  They believed she would be a great companion for Best Friends Sanctuary in Utah and Best Friends folks agreed. So Anahi traveled to Utah to live out the rest of her life. Fast Forward a bit and some of MARS' old and dear Golden Retriever Rescue friends were visiting the sanctuary.  They also fell under Anahi's spell and took her to their motel for the weekend.  Well she grabbed their hearts and they were not going to let go.  After a couple of phone calls and emails, MARS was offered one of their best Golden foster homes if we would agree to take Anahi under our wing.  The news got even better, Best Friends would fly this special Akita to Chicago.  On October 30, Anahi landed in Chicago with her tail wagging and ‘keeter kisses for all those who were waiting for her special arrival. Yes, Anahi is a senior girl but what an ambassador for our breed,  bringing together sister rescue breed groups for the love of one special girl and a great sanctuary that felt she deserved a home to live out the balance of her life.  Our sincere thanks to all those who helped save Anahi —to all those who did not see age as a detriment but as a celebration.  Please know you have many Akita tail wags and wooos coming from the MARS   grandstands. All stories, including Fairy Tales, have a beginning, middle and an end.  Anahi’s life story is already filled with many chapters and the most recent ones are truly the heart of fairy tales.  None of us ever knows how many chapters are left to be written in anyone’s book, including our own.  However, when we open our hearts and homes to the less fortunate, when we love for no other reason then love, we provide the paper and pen to ensure the full story of extraordinary souls is told.  And, if one is willing enough and we dare say brave enough, to help write those final chapters, the moral of the story will teach lessons beyond what one can simply imagine.  Lessons that will forever change you—lessons that will become chapters in your life's story. For more information on fostering or adopting Anahi, please contact Deanna O’Brien at marsakita@sbcglobal.net or 773-594-9302. Anahi is sending keeter kisses to Tabitha, Hachiko and Roger Petry for being her special sponsors!

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THE MANY FACES OF "POOCHINI "
Comedy	Audition for Rescue	Drama

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MICHI Bravo "Poochini" Cleveland, OH It can be a challenge coming up with a unique name for each orphan.  We need a name for legal and medical records but we usually don’t have much background information nor do we have the luxury of spending a great deal of time learning about the dog’s personality before assigning a moniker.  And, we've learned you can’t always trust what you read online.  Thanks to Peter, one of our “Cleveland Crew” volunteers, this lucky lad now has a nickname and a profile that suit his personality and expressive face . . . This year old pooch has been an all star performer while with MARS. He's a different sort of actor. Unlike many of his more staid, sometimes willful Akita comrades, on walks he constantly looks back to his handlers, eager to see what they might want him to do next.  Poochini is a super quick learner (he picked up "Target!" in about five minutes), very agile, eager, and yes, tireless. He sings and dances with excitement and anticipation at every opportunity to get out of kennel and into a walk. He's always eager to be in the lead, and will play at the drop of a hat (or glove, or treat, or gesture). We're thinking major agility dog potential here. Poochini may be a Monsieur Butterfly, but he does calm when he's able to spend some time with his human. During a long first ever car ride from Chicago to temporary quarters in Cleveland with an unfamiliar human , he spent more time curled up in the front seat with his head in the driver's lap than he did looking out the window, and was patient and quiet in the car at rest stops.  He bonds quickly. For his next act, our little bohemian wants a supporting role in a forever home. If you are looking for a companion who, under your care and direction, will earn bravos and standing ovations for a multitude of roles from dramas to comedies, please contact Deanna O’Brien at marsakita@sbcglobal.net or 773-594-9302 to schedule an audition.

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MARS’ WOODSTOCK MOMENT
Cleveland, OH and Wilmington, IL

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SLY Male - 2 Years Old - Chicago, IL

“What means the most to me is the connection to one another felt by all of us who worked on the festival, all those who came to it, and the millions who couldn’t be there but were touched by it.” -  M. Lang, Festival Producer This year is the 40th Anniversary of Woodstock and the media spent of good deal of time revisiting the monumental event.  During the week that marked the actual festival, MARS was involved in a coming together event of its very own.  Despite an uncaring owner, and a breeder who refused to take their dogs back, many were saved through the cooperative efforts of strangers, a local com-munity, breeders, rescues, and our volunteers.  No we weren’t half a million strong , but on one day alone that week we were a half-a-dozen strong, taking in six dogs, including five from one shelter.  Nor did we go up to Yasgur’s farm, but the five did go over to Dr. Schroyer's clinic; not crammed in a VW bus, but in a van from the shelter.  No, we will never number in the millions, but on some magical days we seem to have the determination of millions and manage to set a few souls free…. Our rock and roll band members range in age from one to five.  All are heartworm negative, have been spayed/neutered, vaccinated and we have their registration papers.  All were underweight, but good food is in plentiful supply and in no time they will be magnificent. Despite not having had the best of life, all are sweet and enjoy the company and attention of people.  They have been well behaved at the clinic and are thrilled with the mini-love fest of attention from the staff.  The girls look so much alike in their pictures that we need to look at the white frosting on their paws to tell them apart.  And, while the band hates breaking up, it is time for them to venture on to solo, or possibly duo careers.  They desperately need places to jam, either temporarily, or forever. “Woodstock came to symbolize their hopes and dreams for a better, more peaceful world” If you are ready to produce your own personal Woodstock moment, and you have either a temporary or forever stage to offer one or more (hey, we dream big around here) of our orphans, please contact Deanna O’Brien at marsakita@sbcglobal.net or 773-594-9302 for more information on how we can all work together to make the world a better and more peaceful place. UPDATE: Our band members are moving on and have put their hippie, mud-rolling days behind them. While their previous manager didn't emphasis manners, all five rock 'n rollers are eager to please and quick to respond. All are incredibly sweet and enthsusiastic Akitas, who are totally enjoying the love and attention of our volunteers. They don't even mind rehearsning new routine called basic obedience. Woo-woos to Chris Schiavi and his Akitas Max & Bailey for helping the Woodstock Five!

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POLAR Global Warming Greater Indianapolis Area We're not sure at what rate the polar 'bergs are melting but we are fairly certain this boy is likely to melt your heart in no time.  We're also certain that if brain power contributed to global warming, we'd all be swimming because, when it comes to smarts our Polar is definitely firing on all pistons…. A stray in Kansas, Polar was in desperate need of rescue.  Thanks to volunteers with the shelter we got Polar vaccinated and neutered, then transferred to a kennel while he awaited his trip east.  The kennel manager stated Polar was one of the nicest and smartest boys he had ever met--very agile and a bit of an escape artist.  We thought the kennel just hadn’t seen too many Akitas. After a few weeks, Polar made traveled to a foster home outside of Indianapolis.  Poor Polar had been moved around a lot, and that is tough on any dog, but especially on a young boy just leaving puppyhood behind.  After a bit of time, Polar started settling in and he quickly became attached to his foster parents, especially his foster Dad—maybe it had something to do with the long transport back home and Polar riding shotgun for the better part of the journey!  Polar loves to sit quietly by your side and rest his head in your lap.  He also enjoys watching his foster Dad work in the barn.  Polar really got excited when construction started on a new addition.  He is very content to lie outside for hours, under his favorite tree, and watch all the building that is going on. We didn’t think much of all this “observing” until the day Polar opened the door.  No, not the door to a crate or kennel.  No, not a door that was left ajar with enough room to fit a curious nose.  Seems our Polar was taking lots of notes—he turned the dead bolt with his mouth, then jump on the handle till it popped,, then wiggle in-between to push the door open.  We told you he was firing on all pistons! We have taken his instructions away and he is now learning that playing hide-n-seek or searching for treats is much more fun. Polar is a sweet and affectionate boy who has yet to meet a stranger.  In addition to being observant and intelligent, he is also very athletic and agile.  This is a boy who would probably enjoy and excel at agility or rally. You see, when Polar is good, he is very, very good, but when he is bad he is brilliant.  Polar will need a home willing to give him a job or one that is looking for a potential agility dog.  He would also probably do okay with a four-legged buddy to keep him company.  If you are interested in learning what other notes Polar has been making, please contact Deanna O’Brien at marsakita@sbcglobal.net or 773-594-9302.  And if you have an extra hard hat hanging around, Polar said bring it along. Polar is sending warm and fuzzy woo woos to Nancy Richards for being his sponsor!

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Smile, and the whole rescue world smiles with you!

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MINK The Power of Unconditonal Love Works Wonders Battle Creek, MI Mink is a sweet adult female Akita who was adopted from a shelter by a family from Tennessee. When the family’s breadwinner had to leave the Country for work, rescue was approached to find a spot for Mink.  A kind foster family took her in temporarily while Akita Rescue jointly took Mink under our wings.  We found her to be one of the sweetest girls and sadly, we also found out her owner decided he would keep his other Akita and leave Mink to "others".  Upon Mink’s arrival, her foster family noticed there were some spots on her nose.  We had the Vet do a biopsy and she has Pemphigus Foliaceus, an autoimmune related disorder often found in the breed.  The good news is Mink is responding very well to treatment, and her nose is healing.  Only time will tell whether or not she needs to be on medication for life, but the medicine is inexpensive and given her quick response, Mink now has a wonderful future ahead of her.  The only thing she needs now is a more permanent foster spot or a forever home.  She adores kids and people.  Here are some excerpts from emails we have received from her temporary foster Mom.... “Those of us, who have been helping Mink, really feel for this girl.… she is a love.  Mink is a very low maintenance dog.  I have had her here with me for 3 weeks and she has been no problem.  Two of my Vets noted what an exceptional personality she possesses.  They were very impressed with her.  She is good with other dogs; however, she probably would not do well with another dog who is overly dominant.  My vet started her on prednisone a couple of days ago and her nose looks so much better.” UPDATE: As soon as Mink entered rescue her pemphigus started to improve and since Joyce has taken Mink under her wing for fostering, For more information on Mink, our sweet girl who deserves a loving and permanent home, please contact Deanna O’Brien at marsakita@sbcglobal.net or 773-594-9302. Keeter kisses to Marc and Britt Caras for sponsoring Mink!

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ZEN “This is the sweet boy that is haunting me” Minneapolis, MN Sometimes it is their picture, sometimes it is their story, but most times we don’t know exactly what it is that catches are attention; we just know that we need to make room.  In Zen’s case maybe it was his plaintiff look, or the fact that this was a gassing facility, or this brief posting on Petfinder that summed up Zen’s life and plight…. This dog was left in the drop box with no info on him. He has a blue nylon collar on. He will be held for 3 days for the owner to reclaim him. Zen is grateful for whatever it was that caught our director’s attention.  MARS made room, a volunteer went to get him—the rescue wheels had started turning for Zen.  However, there was a slight bump in his journey to rescue Nirvana—Zen tested positive for heartworms.  The Vet felt it was a light case and Zen was a good candidate for treatment.  His gentle nature had already impressed the clinic staff and he was an excellent patient during treatment.  Zen’s journey then continued to Detroit for fostering. He is now healed and awaiting his forever home. We have learned much about the dog left in the drop box—Zen loves to explore and is good at meeting new people.  He will check them out and then goes about his business.  In typical Akita fashion, if they call him he’ll go back for a quick recheck and then he’s off again.  He is also quiet and so far, not a big talker.  While Zen likes attention and affection, he is not clingy.  He is crate trained and quickly settles in to meditate until it is time to play and run in the backyard.  Zen is also smart, and he loves food.  We couldn’t help but smile and laugh a bit, when we got the following training report from Zen’s foster Mom— "Couple times when I took him out and praised him and gave him a treat, he was so funny, after he ate his treat he looked at me for another--when I didn't give him one, he walked away a bit, peed again and came back to me looking for a treat!  He's working on sit, come and stay. When I tried heel and sit, he did so good I wondered if he had training sometime in his past.” Zen is a handsome five year old boy who is neutered, current on vaccinations and ready to reach treat Nirvana in a forever home.  If your mantra is Akita and you would to meditate with our gentle giant, please contact Deanna O’Brien at marsakita@sbcglobal.net or 773-594-9302. Former orphan Buster, and his mom Julie, are "paying it forward" and sponsoring Zen!

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MOLLY Grateful for the Little Things Kansas City, KS Area Molly hasn’t had an easy life so far and that makes her appreciate the little things more than most.  When we were notified about Molly she was heartworm positive and oh my, what was up with that coat, well what coat that is?  Despite her condition she became a favorite of the shelter staff and was so appreciative of even the limited comforts and care a shelter gives.  The Mastiff Rescue folks took such a liking to her that they scooped her out of the shelter determined to find her a good home.   She dearly loved the comforts of her foster home and had such a tough past that she enjoyed the safety and coziness of a crate.  Treats and good food were an unimaginable pleasure and the company of humans . . . pure heaven.  There was only one small, well big problem really – the mastiffs.  Turns out Miss Molly was not a fan of other dogs and preferred being the only dog in town.  MARS was contacted to see if they could help this most grateful girl.  She greeted our volunteer with wags of her scraggly tail and took treats nicely.   It took a bit of convincing to get her into the Akita hauler but then she still had staples in her belly from her spay surgery.  Molly rode nicely and happily went into her new kennel.  Here is what her new foster mom says about Molly and her recent visit to the Vet with one of our volunteers: “Molly did not want to leave with her, so I helped. Molly came running back to the kennel door when she brought her back. So I went into her pen with her and she immediately rolls on her back for me to scratch her for a while. She's ridiculously affectionate, a real hugger. Climbs up in my son's lap; she thinks she weighs 2#.  Eating great, which is I think one of her fave things to do.  She doesn’t care that much about being outside and running and playing. Would rather sleep on the couch with someone and be fed bon-bons. She's responding very eagerly to commands, not perfect on the leash, but you know me, not strict at all!! NO other dogs or cats, mine all stay away from her…but gigantic people dog. I love her, she'll be great!” Molly now has a gorgeous coat and she is well on the road to being healthy.  Molly is once again beautiful on the outside—which perfectly matches her heart.  You will never find a girl who would be more appreciative for a forever home then Molly.  So if it is in your heart to share your home with such a sweet and grateful girl please contact Deanna O’Brien at marsakita@sbcglobal.net or 773-594-9302.  Molly is currently on treatment for heartworm which will need to be continued.

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