Akita Angels

25/05/2026

20/05/2026

Today is National Rescue Dog Day! This day is proudly observed on May 20 to bring awareness to the countless number of amazing dogs in shelters around the country who deserve a second chance at a forever home.
Rescue dogs are truly remarkable! They overcome extreme obstacles and are incredibly resilient. They make loyal family pets and can be your best friend. But, rescue dogs are capable of much more. They can be wonderful emotional support companions, and they contribute to the independence of people with disabilities. The possibilities are endless, but most of all, they are love in the purest form.
My husband and I have fostered and/or adopted 8 Akitas, all Seniors, and we would do it all over again. The sad, the abandoned, and the broken all deserve to live The High Life. It's so gratifying to see them begin to start to thrive, to be happy, and to love life. We are honored to have them be a part of our family for as much, or as little, time that might be. Awoowoo!!
Kim DeBolt
*The Akita in the photo with me was my Akkan. We grew up together.*
----The last 5 Akitas we fostered were rescued by Akita Angels! But many people may not know how much they do or how they assist other rescues.
Akita Angels, Inc. is a nonprofit charity and relies on donations, which are tax deductible to the extent allowed under law. If you wish to help by making a donation, please visit the Akita Angels website (akitaangels.org). ❤----

10/05/2026

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! ♥

30/04/2026

Today is also National Therapy Animal Day! This day was created to recognize all of the exceptional therapy animals who partner with their human companions to bring comfort and healing to those in need.
Therapy animals and their handlers can be found helping people of all ages in a variety of settings including hospitals, pediatric care units, schools, and assisted living facilities.

30/04/2026

Each year, National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day on April 30th raises awareness for thousands of pets that are waiting for, and needing, adoption from the shelter. The day also encourages you to visit a shelter near you to find your new fur baby, and to learn and consider all the needs your new pet will require.
If you cannot adopt, consider helping in other ways. Give your time by volunteering. Not only will this help the shelter by providing the animals with exercise, companionship, and socialization, but it also gives you that wonderful animal love we all so enjoy.

14/04/2026

Communication is EVERYTHING, whether you are dealing with Communication is EVERYTHING. Human's communicate with one another very differently than dogs do, and communicating with a dog (or expecting a DOG to communicate with you like a Human would) is unreaalistic and sets everyone up for failure. When you watch dogs interact with one another - those within their family unit or pack - or those that are meeting for the first time - you will see an entirely different language that may start with something so subtle as a slight ear twitch, or a blink - rapid or slow - or one eye or both; or a dog with a fixed stare; stiffness or softness in body; and more. With a soon to be 12 year old Akita (Miko) in the home, and a soon to be 7 year old (Loki); and a 5 month old Akita pup (Kobe), we see and hear many sounds that may cause alarm to other people - but a quick glance at the source of the sound and cause for it most often reveals that the older ones are setting boundaries for the young one.

BE GRATEFUL FOR THE GROWL

Not all growling is a sign that a dog is unhappy. Some growls may be part of a particular play style, seeking attention, from frustration, excitement or other reasons. They may all sound a little different and may be unique to that particular dog.

This post is about the early warning growls.

When a dog growls, especially when it’s directed at us, it’s natural for us to feel offended, insulted or perhaps even angry.

Surely dogs need to learn not to growl - growling is bad, it’s unacceptable, a problem that needs to be stopped or punished so a dog learns that it’s wrong, disrespectful and unacceptable, right?

This couldn’t be further from the truth! A dog that growls has just provided us with very valuable information.

In their way, they have just told us how they feel about a situation in a non-violent way without escalating to a bite.

Dogs use growling in an attempt to avoid having to resort to biting, not to initiate it. They could just as easily not have even bothered to growl and gone straight to a bite.

A dog that growls is trying to communicate how they feel. Ignoring or punishing only suppresses this communication. Punishment increases fear, anxiety and stress.

A dog that bites without the warning of a growl is a far more serious problem than a dog that growls but doesn’t bite.

Look for any other early warning signals that may precede a growl. Learn to recognize body language and any specific situations that trigger it.

Be grateful for the gift of a growl – it’s clear communication that we need to acknowledge, understand and respect.

A growl allows us to intervene, advocate and prevent escalation.

11/04/2026

Today is National Pet Day! This day was established in 2006 to put a spotlight on the joy pets bring to their owners' lives, and also to bring attention to the ongoing needs of many pets waiting in shelters to find their forever homes. The ultimate goal is to encourage people to consider adopting a pet!

09/04/2026

08/04/2026

It would seem, from pictures alone, that this poor dog's life changed for the better when he ended up in this shelter. Neglect of an animal is just as bad as Abuse, and true advocates for animals care less about the feelings of the dog's owner when the dog's well-being is at stake.

05/04/2026

Happy Easter from our pack to yours!
Remember everyone, chocolate is poisonous to dogs. Please keep your Easter goodies well out of reach of your dogs!