What Did You Do Without Electricity?

In our dark, cold  house, during the nearly 48 hours without electricity after the mega-snowstorm, the one warm spot was right in front of the roaring fire in our living room fireplace.  Charlotte figured Merl needed more than fire heat.  Look closely, she's perched on top of her buddy, Merl.  I'm happy to report that the furnace has worked splendidly since 5:08 p.m. Friday and is cranked up as we wait for a "small" mixed precipitation storm. 

Stuck in the Storm -- Emergency Plans Needed for Animals

Like thousands of drivers, I was stuck in the snow storm on Wednesday night.  Max & I  picked up Natalie from a dance class in Rockville, Maryland around 5:30 p.m. and pulled into our Silver Spring neighborhood well after 2:00 a.m. on Thursday morning.    We made one  pit stop during the trek home.  At around 9:45 p.m. we  arrived at friends' house, about 6 miles from our home; we could have spent the night there, but Nigel and the cats were home alone.   The cats had food, water and clean litter, but Nigel had not eaten dinner and does not use a litter box.  We decided to keep traveling.  So, close to midnight we set out for the final leg of our long journey. 

Charlotte insists on
experiencing her first
real snow fall from the
screened in porch

You hear about what you should have in your car for such emergencies -- food, water, shovel, cat litter, a scraper, and something to keep you warm.  But, I never thought of having an emergency plan in place so Nigel and the cats would be safe and comfortable if I could not get home  When we finally opened the door at that early morning hour, Nigel rushed outside, happy to see us, and lifted his leg for what seemed like 5 minutes!   We went into our dark house -- like thousands of others in the area our power was out -- fed Nigel a meal that was neither breakfast nor dinner and fell into bed with cats cuddling close.  

Nigel greets Max and Rachel
after they return from sledding



The next day, still no power, but we were safe at home.  Nigel went outside several times and Charlotte insisted on seeing the snow from the screened in porch. 

As soon as the snow melts,  I will venture back on the road to get my next door neighbor a key for such emergencies.  

People Who Abuse Animals Rarely Stop There

The lead sentence from Tricia Bishop's (a Baltimore Sun reporter) January 9th article reads --
Seven months after Baltimore prosecutors dropped gun and drug charges against teenage twins accused of setting fire to a pit bull puppy, one of the young men was arrested again — this time on attempted murder charges.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-johnson-20110109,0,4976118.story

In her article in today's Sun, reporter Bishop explains that the animal cruelty trial, including jury selection, begins today.  The accused, now 18-years-old, are not going to find many sympathizers.  When the heinous crime was committed, and then publicized, people across the country were outraged; they responded with reward offers and verbal lashings.  The criminals need to be punished to the fullest degree of the law.  The pain that they inflicted on the dog was unimaginable.  They committed a crime, and from the looks of the January 9th article, they are still involved in criminal activity.  It may be hard to find an impartial jury, but one must be seated and allowed to hear and see the evidence so the maximum penalty can be imposed.

See right hand side of the blog, about 1/2 way down, for more information on the case of Phoenix, the dog who was burned alive.

Nature provided a a mega slip and slide during the night. It's a good day to stay inside, but dogs still have to go outside for quick bathroom breaks.  Cats don't.  Keep your cat indoors, especially in the cold. 

Remember to thoroughly wipe off your dog's legs and stomach when he comes in out of the sleet, snow or ice.  Unknowingly your dog can eat salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking his paws, and his paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice. Do something inside with your dog or cat.   Read them a good book.  For ideas, check out the book selection on the right hand side of page.  You'll need to scroll down a bit.  Stay warm.

Army dog handler based at Fort Belvoir dies in Afghanistan

The link to the story mentioned above is on the right side of the page below the Friendship Hospital for Animals' Dr. Hughes' blog.  

Every day we learn about death and tragedy.  Last week the nation was grief stricken over the horrific massacre in Arizona.   In today's paper the death of 28-year-old  Sergeant Zainah Caye Creamer is buried in the local section.   Death in war is an every day occurrence.  All the violence needs to end.  Too much hurt, too much suffering. 

A Sick Day for Amos McGee Wins Prestigious Award

I have not read A Sick Day for Amos McGee, so I am not in a position to criticize.   But I will --  sort of.  This book, illustrated by Erin E. Stead and written by her husband Philip C. Stead, won the Caldecott Award for 2011 -- that puts it in the same company as Officer Buckle and Gloria, one of my very favorite picture books.     I am opposed to books depicting zoos as happy-go-lucky places.  Even whimsical drawings that bear no resemblance to actual animals can subliminally give the impression that caged animals are happy.  I do not believe that to be true..

Long Time League Resident Relocates to Forever Home

Relaxed at Home for the Holidays

Visitors to our cat room often remarked on the beautiful long-haired cat who spent most of her time on the floor rather than her kitty condo.  It took Daytona, now named Misty, a long time to choose her forever home.  However, a recent after-the-holidays-update confirmed that Misty chose well.
Her personalty has really come out. She seeks attention and loves being scratched around her ears and neck, but doesn't like being picked up and isn't a lap cat. She's very friendly with everybody and will sit right next to you, but not on you. Sometimes she sleeps on the foot of our bed, but most of the time in her sleeping box I made for her.

New Year's Resolutions

New Year's Resolutions are meant to be kept. 

So I'm making only two :

Ike, agrees wholeheartedly with my resolutions

• To write about the antics of Charlotte no more than once a week
• Tell everyone who walks into the cat room that they should adopt Ike, Antoinette, or any one of the other wonderful cats patiently waiting for forever homes.

Well., I made a third -- no chocolate before 12 noon --  but that one was broken on New Year's Day.

Happy New Year -- Read & Enjoy

Toby and Cody -- an inseparable pair!

November 2009 the League took in 13 huskies who had been the victims of a bankrupt sled dog operation in Northern Quebec.  None of the dogs had ever been inside.   Placing the dogs in permanent homes was a challenging task.   Most of the dogs went to foster for a period before finding their forever homes.  A recent adoption update from Manitoba's person was signed by "Leader, Wolfpack".   Last spring I adopted 7-year-old Husky, Manitoba, from WARL. I seriously can't overstate how perfect a match Toba is for my other Husky, Cody. Like Toba, Cody was also rescued from really less than desirable living conditions and as a result had developed a tendency  to have stress-trigger seizures. He also suffered from tremendous isolation anxiety and the destructive behavior that resulted got to a  point where it was physically harming him. I had tried literally everything the Husky experts had suggested and the only other option was to adopt him a buddy. Since he's 8 and slightly arthritic I wanted a dog that would match his temperament and energy level, which brought me to Toba. I have always been drawn to the dogs with the hard luck  stories as I like to give homes to animals who aren't likely to find  an open door elsewhere. Toba's story tugged at my heart strings, and I knew that even though she's a young, spirited 7 yrs most people in the  market for a Husky are looking for young fuzzy-faced pups.The first time Toba and Cody met they instantly fell into step with each other, literally.  They bonded like an old married couple. A week after bringing Toba home, people at the dog park remarked that they seemed like they'd  been together their whole lives. 9 months later, Cody's anxiety has  not made a single appearance and he's as playful as he was five years ago. Toba's fear of jumping into cars has been replaced by boundless  excitement and she will actually shoulder Cody's 80lb frame out of the  way to be first in. She no longer flinches when pet and is actually quite insistent about receiving head rubs from all visible hands.      So glad that Toba gets to ride in the car and enjoy endless head rubs.  We, at the League, are happy for the whole wolfpack.

 

 

No Snow in Washington, But Bitter Cold and Wind are Cruel Reminders that Not Every Animal is Safe Inside

Doesn't Magda look cozy?  In her curled cat position snuggled up against a warm blanket, hers is a picture of a perfect life.     Mgada's  adopter wrote of her her first couple of days  in her new home, "just wanted to let you know that Magda is doing well at her new home.  She seemed to adjust really well; she ate right away, explored the apartment, used her litter pan immediately,and spent the night snuggling with me on the couch. She is such a sweet and smart girl! Thank you so much for the opportunity to meet and fall in love with Magda."  

What does Magda's perfect report have to do with extreme weather?   Nothing, except to remind us that not all animals are so lucky as to have a person to cuddle with.  Strays are obviously in need of immediate help, even when the weather is not freezing.  But, sometimes animals who appear to have "homes" should be reported to the authorities, too.   In the District of Columbia it is against the law to chain a dog and all dogs outside for an extended period of time in a fenced in area MUST HAVE a proper dog house.  That means, the structure needs to be off of the ground, have a door flap to guard against wind, and have adequate dry bedding inside.  Cats should not be outside. They constantly seek warmth and sometimes they find it under the hood of a recently parked car.  Those temporary shelters can turn into death traps.  Report animals in distress to District Animal Control, 202 576-6664.  To report animals in need outside of D.C.find your local animal control agency through 411 or google search. 

All animals should have a doting guardian who takes photos and writes emails just like Magda's.

A Holiday Treat -- Another Happy Adoption!

From Lelani's adopter

I re-named her Mika, and she is doing great! She and my pug Tank get along splendidly! They love to play and then crash...always makes me laugh. You would have to see the two goofballs in action to truly appreciate it. She is extraordinarily loving and sweet. She is just a big goofy couch cushion! She is a wonderful dog!

Read & Relax -- Paul Public Charter School Students Share Stories With Dogs & Cats

 As part of a student service learning project, students from Paul Public Charter School are spending a couple of hours each month at the League.  They help out in lots of conventional ways -- stuffing kongs, cleaning kennel cards, folding laundry -- but they also spend time reading to the animals.   Daniel came prepared with the all-time favorite, Green Eggs and Ham.  The little dog in the distance may not have been ready for belly rubs, but she was a good listener, probably identifying  with Sam I Am. 

I could not, would not, in a house. I would not, could not, with a mouse. I would not eat them with a fox. I would not eat them in a box. I would not eat them here or there. I would not eat them anywhere. I would not eat green eggs and ham. I do not like them, Sam-I-am.

                                         A pat

and a story makes for a perfect afternoon!

Lots of Labs & Laughs



Cordelia, a recent WARL adoptee,
and her buddies are
decked out for the holidays!

 It's Christmas every day when we get updates like this one.
Cordelia's a great dog -- with her own very strong personality (greedy, stubborn, energetic and loads of fun).  She joined this household, and its established dog routine very successfully, and contributed positively to the energy.

• Camden (Cammy/Cam Cam), a 14.5 year old black Labrador retriever;
• Ce Ce (Chi Chi) a six-year old chocolate Labrador retriever and
• Cordelia (Co Co), a five-year old yellow Labrador retriever -- all "C" names (none named by me) and all adopted!

Now that there are 3 of them, they're a true pack, and they do what they want -- including seeking me out wherever I'm located in the house and scolding me, if I am late or diverge in the slightest from their established routine.  'And I have no better sense than to laugh at everything they do. 
I started this blog so I could write about animals.  But, in recent days our adopters'stories have been coming fast and furious.  Sharing our successes is so much fun.  If the weekend weather predictions hold true, I may be sharing photos of dogs enjoying a romp in the snow.  Check back soon!

 

A Holiday Letter to Warm Your Heart

Dear Friends at Washington Animal Rescue League,


On the three month anniversary of being rescued from the horrible abuse at the PLRS "research" lab, Sweetie Pie (formerly known as "Cyclone") would like you to know he is thoroughly enjoying the holiday season and is looking forward to his first Christmas with presents and treats from Santa Paws.

Sweetie Pie is such a happy cat! I had the privilege to adopt him two months ago today. Within less than 8 hours he was exploring his new home and playing.within two days he was allowing me to pet him all over.  After only ten days he re-gained his purr; in three weeks, he started sleeping on the bed all night with me; and as of yesterday, he let me pick him up and hug him (briefly, but it was the first time he didn't struggle immediately).

He is an excellent companion. He is extremely curious, very polite, loves to talk and to demand attention. And he has a great appetite. At long last, he is able to be a cat and do all the things felines are supposed to do. Other than the blue tattoos in his ears, there is virtually no sign of the trauma he experienced and adopting him has been 100% easy!

Warm wishes to everyone at WARL for a happy new year,

Cynthia  & Sweetie Pie

Happy Ending Thanks to a Young Hero

Just before the Arctic cold gripped our area a 
hungry, dirty teeny kitten surely would have died had it not been for the heroic action of Daven, a teen who, not only picked up the kitten and fed her, but brought her to the League so she could be adopted into a forever home.  Daven wrote on the intake form, "I am surrendering this animal because I found her not fed, dirty, running in the street, and I felt I needed to do it."  Many people -- teens and adults -- would have walked right by the kitten figuring rescuing a six-week-old kitten was not their responsibility.  Not Daven.  Thank you Daven for doing the right thing!   The kitten, named Peppermint by shelter staff, has been adopted and will be home in time for Christmas!

Who Needs Cable?



Nigel in the office figures
he will need to share his bed with
Charlotte

I never thought I'd adopt a kitten.   After all there are many wonderful adult cats at the League -- all waiting patiently for their forever homes.   And, every time I walk through our cat room, I imagine taking one of them home.  Since my best cat, Bruce, died in August I've thought about how Merl might like Harley, Antoinette or Tom.   But it didn't seem quite right to throw an adult cat into the chaos of my home -- busy schedules, two older male cats who don't like each other, and Nigel, a gentle, but still 75 lb dog.  Max, on the other hand -- ever the optimist, thought a kitten was just what Merl needed.  Merl was yowling all night and sedentary all day.   No doubt he should have a buddy, but a kitten -- I didn't think so. 
Things have a way of working out.  I brought home an adorable Siamese mix around Halloween.  Merl acted like the teeny kitten, Nugget (AKA Bo) was just another hairball waiting to be vacuumed.   The kitten went back to the League and was adopted with his sibling (More on Nugget later).   I started thinking that Merl would eventually adjust to living without a best friend.  And then came Charlotte -- the cutest kitten ever.   As Max said, she was what I was looking for -- a female with a round face.  Well, I had other criteria, but that face definitely got me.  I brought her home shortly before Thanksgiving.  And, for whatever reason, Merl decided that he could be friends with Charlotte.  After a few days he pounced back when Charlotte got in his face.  And, a week into her residency he took to chasing her up and down the stairs and pinning her in the center of the living room rug.  



Charlotte settled in
the minute she moved in.



We don't have cable TV.  Definitely no need now.  When we aren't watching Merl and Charlotte wrestling, we are playing with Charlotte, throwing toys toward her, dragging, a cat dancer for her to chase, or saving her from precarious places like the center of a huge house plant.  Sometimes we just watch her sleep.  She is very cute when she sleeps.   Charlotte is more entertaining that 120 television channels and she snuggles!

One Picture is Truly Worth a Million Words!

Every dog needs a couch and person to call his/her own.  Cammie's new guardian reports "I've really enjoyed our first month together". 

More updates coming -- this is truly a joyous holiday season for many of our canine and feline alumni!

A Very, Very Heartwarming Update

In September, the League took in 30 of the more than 200 dogs and cats surrendered to officials after the USDA began an investigation into allegations of neglectful living conditions and cruel abuse of the animals at Professional Laboratory and Research Services, Inc. in Gates County, North Carolina.   While people may disagree on whether or not there is a need for animals to be used in research, no one can justify the way the North Carolina lab animals were treated.  An undercover investigation by PETA documented horrible incidents of blatant cruelty.  The dogs and cats were were force-fed some substances and subjected to having others smeared on their skin—one such smear test caused seizures, blindness, and bleeding from the nose in 57 cats—but they were also allegedly routinely abused by their caretakers who screamed at them, sprayed them with water and chemicals, dragged them through the facility, and threw them into cages.  Thankfully, all of the horror is now past history.  

Muffin and Cookie lounge comfortably
on the sofa in their forever home

The update from Cookie and Muffin's person proves that animals are extremely resilient and forgiving. Why would a once tortured animal trust a human being?

From their new home --

"....Cookie is such a loving little thing, she is my dream cat and Muffin is not far behind. Cookie likes to sleep on my neck with her little face right next to mine. Her whiskers tickle my nose. Muffin also comes around and wants loving but she is my explorer and my guard. They both follow me around. They play together and are so funny and I enjoy playing with them. Muffin jumps on top of Cookie and "grooms" her followed by rough and tumbling play...."

All of the lab cats were placed in homes and most of the dogs have been adopted, too.  A couple rat terriers are still waiting at the League for their forever homes.

Oh Cyrus -- the Great Recycler

Two updates in one day -- more good news to be thankful for. 

There is a book in this one, maybe a series.   This update is in fact excerpted from a much longer tale called "Oh Cyrus!".  

I have began to refer to Cyrus as the "Great Recycler". Clearly, he gets just as upset as I do about the constant junk mail arriving at the house everyday. In fact, he dislikes it so much that he has developed a very firm position on it.


Each day the mail comes after I get home from work. As I hear the sliding door on the mail truck I feel a cold chill down my spine. Cyrus-who is normally watching me (watching him) lolls his tongue to dare me to get the the mail slot first. We wait each other out...

Tension is building....

I bolt for the door and he bolts first-EVERYDAY. Personally, I think 4 feet vs 2 is an unfair contest. I should at least get a head start! As Cyrus runs for the door, the other animals panic and try to get out of the way. I have seen one of the cats actually try and climb drywall to keep from being mowed down.

Once Cyrus gets to the mail slot he takes it all in his big mouth (slobber and all) and starts to shake it back and forth. At this point, I have to take it-and he knows it. My only goal is to get the important mail (usually bills so I should really just skip it), but Cyrus likes to keep it and demolish it. Minutes pass as we are locked in this daily tussle. Eventually (being the good dog that he is) he relents and gives me the mail. In return, I give him the junk mail to tear up. Once it is torn into tiny little pieces, it breaks down into garden compost easier. Even while Cyrus is having a good time he is respecting the environment-that's great recycling!

Prescott Update

Remember Prescott, my office buddy?  Well,  he is still keeping up-to-date with the latest technology.  This picture, sent by his forever person, shows Prescott, the computer geek, cat-napping on the job. 

Giving Thanks

Many of our wonderful volunteers visited the dogs and cats in our care on Thanksgiving.  We are very grateful to them for coming in on the holiday and spending time with the animals.  



Lou modeling her stylish bandanna

We are grateful, too, for the people who adopt shelter animals and provide them with loving forever-homes. We got an update from one of those homes yesterday.  

Lou snoozing on her piggy bed



"A little over two years ago, we adopted a black and white coonhound mix named Blitzen (now Lou). In that time, Lou has become an irreplaceable member of our family. She's the perfect companion, whether going for a hike or relaxing on the couch. Her sunny outlook and goofy charm win over everyone she meets."



I Can See You Just Fine

Uno

Meet Uno and Mister. 
Totally unrelated.
Both missing their right eyes.  
AND, both ready to go home!  


Mister
(photo taken soon after surgery. 
Mister's eye wound  has healed.)



Mister has been described by staff as "the sweetest kitten ever." 



The older, yet ever-playful Uno possesses the true orange-tabby personality -- delightful.

Uno and Mister  will be spending Thanksgiving at the League, waiting for their forever homes. 

Tigers May be Saved from Extinction

An article in yesterday's Washington Post, 13 Nations Sign Declaration Meant to Save Tigers,  was encouraging and heartbreaking at the same time.  

Heartbreaking --

Tigers once roamed most of Eurasia from the Tigris River to Siberia and Indonesia. But in the past century, the number of countries that are home to tigers has dropped to 13 from 25, while three of the nine tiger subspecies have become extinct. Experts say there are now only about 3,200 tigers left in the wild.

Encouraging --

Officials from the 13 countries where tigers live in the wild have signed a declaration Tuesday aimed at saving the iconic big cats from extinction.  The new accord stipulates that the nations will strive to double the tiger population by 2022, crack down on poaching and illicit trade in tiger pelts and body parts.

Read Associated Press reporter Irina Titova's article  in it entirety at http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/23/AR2010112303245.html.  



Two in a Row -- Another Happy Ending

You would think that when a dog goes home, the last thing on the adopter's mind is reporting back to the League.  Not so with Toucan's new person.  She sent an update, complete with pictures, 24 hours after "Touk's"   homecoming.   The photos  definitely show forever-home, especially this one with Toucan's bed front and center.

What a great dog this is. Your team has done a fantastic job at training her. She's got such a nice personality.  She seems very comfortable already... She is happy to play, but is also relaxed. It is surprising to me, how quickly she has taken to all of us.  She acts like "finally, guys! you finally showed up to get me! now let's get this thing going!!"

Happy Adoption Story!

Right after adoption

Reagan in her new home

What a pleasure to see this picture of Reagan, formerly known as Fig Newton, on the sofa -- in a real-honest-to-goodness home. Reagan was one of more than 80 dogs who was rescued from a HORRIBLE hoarding situation. Dogs were everywhere. They were timid and terrified; many of them, including Reagan, had terrible skin problems due to gross neglect. Reagan's  new guardian reports, "She was one of the dogs from the Mississippi hoarder and had a lot of skin problems. I can't tell you how much we love her. She is such a good dog. She just started doggy school last week. We are so proud."

It might be cold and raining outside but, when we get updates like this, the sun shines at the League!

What Does it Feel Like to Be Returned?



Malia -- Back Again!

 We are not Macy's or Nordstrom's or Target.   Yet, we get our share of returns!   Cats and dogs are returned, not just to the League, but to shelters everywhere.  Well-meaning people think they want to add an animal to their household, and then something happens.  Of course, we will take the animal back -- we would much rather that the cat or dog be returned than given away, let go, ignored ,or hurt.   But, even still, when you watch an animal go home, you want to believe that it is forever.

13 common reasons

why animals are returned to shelters

1. The dog gets too big
2. The dog chews the furniture, the wall, the cabinets
3. The dog poops on the floor
4. The dog bites
5. The dog barks
6. The dog doesn't bark
7. Someone in the house developed an allergy
8. The cat scratches the furniture
9. The cat doesn't use the litter box
10. The family has a baby and has no time for the cat/dog
11. It's too expensive to care for the dog or cat
12. The guardian doesn't have enough time
13. The children are not responsible  (Really, parents tell shelter staff that they return or give up the cat or dog) because their kids are irresponsible.)

How do you think Malia feels being returned to the League for a second time?

Another Happy Homecoming

Cyrus -- WARL alum --tells Maggie that he is thrilled to be part of the family!

"He's so big," was a frequent comment heard when people looked in the den and saw Cyrus (formerly known as Thor and Big Foot).   Lucky for this big-hearted shepherd, there are people who are looking for BIG, goofy dogs.   Staff love getting updates from adoptees.  I was going to excerpt the report from Cyrus' new person, but could not decide which  paragraph or sentence to leave out.  It's all so good.  So here is nearly the entire text. 
Cyrus' doggie brother (Toby-"the boss"-pug) and sister (Maggie-"the playmate"-labradoodle)keep him very busy, his dad does a great job with his exercise, and our afternoon dog walking team wear him out (for awhile anyway). He spends his evenings stalking me around the house, licking the dishes in the dishwasher clean (gross) and carrying his stuffed moose who now (sadly) has one antler left.


 He enjoys a simmering energy with the cats who he would love to chase (unfairly of course-mom and dad say "no"), so he settles on glaring at them with a twinkle in his eyes every chance he gets. He enjoys invading the bathroom when it is occupied, stealing any shoe not put away in the closets (I love this because we all seem to be putting our shoes away more often now), learning to unscrew the top of a peanut butter jar (we still don't know how he did it), laying in the sun and dozing, sprawling on "his" couch, tucking his nose under his tail when he sleeps, and gently laying his nose against your knee in a really sweet "I'm here with you partner" kind of gesture.

He LOVES children and will try and make himself smaller and less threatening to every child he meets so they will come pet him. In fact, while hiking in a creek he rolled over for four small children to pet his belly and ended up putting his nose underwater and practically drowned as a result. He didn't seem to care though as the children now felt sorry for him and gave him even more attention (I think it was staged).  He apparently also enjoys coffee as he stole mine today and got completely amped on caffeine (note to self-no coffee for the dogs).


 He is an all around comical, soulful, playful, generous, spirited, gentle and kind family member that we will cherish and love (and laugh at-often).
Can't wait to hear more about the adventures of Cyrus, Maggie & Toby!

Name That Cat Toy

 Cat toys can be very expensive. BUT, cat toys are also easy to make. See Klaus playing with my yet to be named cat toy. All it is a pom pom and a bell covered in a scrap of material. I bunched the material together and tied it with a long piece of sewing ribbon. I tied a second bell onto the dangling piece of ribbon. AND, I curled an orange pipe cleaner and wrapped that into the ribbon. Presto -- a cat toy! The entire thing was made with craft supplies and scraps on hand. Maybe it cost $.20 in materials. That's it.   By the way, Klaus would like to play with this and other toys in a new home