In today's issue:

-Meet our adoptable dog of the day

-Learn about our Shelter of the Week

-Enjoy a laugh with our dog meme of the day

-Get great information in our featured article

-Take our action of the week

-Check out our family photo of the day

Join our Facebook group - Post Your Pooch!

Miri’s Haven Senior Dog Rescue is an all-volunteer, foster-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption of senior dogs. Operating primarily in the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) and surrounding areas, their mission is to create a kinder world for older dogs by providing them with comprehensive veterinary care, safe and loving foster environments, and placement into permanent, forever families. Guided by the promise that every senior dog matters and is worthy of love, the organization strives to ensure that older, neglected, or medically vulnerable dogs live out their final chapters in comfort, dignity, and deep affection.

What Makes Miri's Haven Special

• Specialized Focus on Complex and High-Need Senior Cases: Unlike organizations that focus primarily on younger or easily adoptable animals, Miri’s Haven routinely welcomes senior dogs with complex, costly, or terminal medical conditions—cases that many shelters or rescues often pass over or cannot accommodate.
• Foster-Centric and Sanctuary Support: Instead of being housed in stressful kennel environments, all rescue dogs live directly in loving foster homes where they are spoiled, closely monitored, and transitioned to good health. For dogs whose age or medical conditions make traditional adoption difficult, the rescue provides a permanent sanctuary program so they are never displaced.
• Entirely Volunteer-Run with a Community-First Philosophy: Operating with zero public funding, the rescue relies completely on a passionate network of volunteers, donors, and foster families. They are deeply committed to public advocacy, educating communities on the joys of older pets, and matching each dog thoughtfully to ensure the best possible fit for both the animal and the adopter.

How to Keep Your Dog Safe in Autumn’s Favorite Playground

Few things capture the magic of crisp autumn days quite like watching a dog dive headfirst into a towering pile of golden leaves. Tail wagging, eyes wide with pure joy, and leaves flying in every direction—it’s an iconic picture of simple canine happiness.

While those crunchy leaf piles offer endless fun and enrichment for your four-legged friend, damp and decaying autumn foliage can hide a few unexpected hazards. With just a little awareness, you can make sure your pup’s fall adventures stay fun, festive, and completely risk-free.

Hidden Critters & Unwanted Hitchhikers

Raking leaves creates cozy insulation—not just for playtime, but for local wildlife. Ticks, fleas, and spiders love damp, dark leaf layers, staying active well into late autumn until the hard freeze sets in. Rodents and snakes also seek shelter under dry leaves.

• The Quick Fix: Keep up with year-round flea and tick prevention, and give your dog a thorough coat and paw check after every backyard romping session.

Damp Leaves, Mold, and Toxic Fungi

When fallen leaves sit in damp weather, they decompose quickly, creating the ideal breeding ground for microscopic molds, bacteria, and wild mushrooms. Ingesting decaying leaves can lead to upset stomachs, while toxic wild mushrooms hidden underneath can pose serious health threats.

• The Quick Fix: Steer clear of wet, soggy, or blackened piles that have been sitting for days. Stick to freshly fallen, dry leaves for backyard games, and keep a close eye out for wild mushroom growth along trails.

Hidden Sharp Objects & Yard Hazards

A deep leaf pile acts like a blanket, disguising whatever lies underneath. Sharp sticks, jagged rocks, lawn tools, forgotten garden stakes, or thorn bushes can easily cause cuts or eye injuries when a dog bounds in with high energy.

• The Quick Fix: Before encouraging your pup to dive in, give the ground a quick sweep to ensure the landing zone is clear of debris, sharp branches, or garden gear.

Autumn Plants and Acorns

Beyond the leaves themselves, fall brings dropped acorns, black walnuts, and toxic ornamental plants like Autumn Crocus or yew berries. Acorns contain tannins that can cause severe gastrointestinal distress if chewed in quantity, and their shape presents a dangerous choking or intestinal blockage hazard for curious chewers.

• The Quick Fix: Gently redirect dogs who like to forage or crunch on fallen acorns, seeds, and pinecones during walks.

Dog Food and Supplement Recalls

Here are the recent recalls and advisories:

• FI - Pet Supplements: Potential Salmonella Contamination
• Northwest Naturals - Chicken Recipe: Potential Salmonella and/or Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination
• Fromm - Wet Canned Dog Food: Potential Metal Contamination
• Oma's Pride - Canine Food: Contaminated with Salmonella

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We want to feature your pup!

We want to share your pup with our pack. Email us your favorite doggy pic or video with your pup’s name, and we'll try to feature it as a family photo in one of our upcoming newsletters or on our Facebook page.