Edie Elting :: In Person

A Chained Dog’s Plea

2010-12-07T12:07:00.002-05:00

I wish someone would tell me
What it is that I’ve done wrong.
Why do I have to stay chained up
And left alone so long?
They seemed so glad to have me
When I came here as a pup.
There were so many things we’d do
While I was growing up.
But now the Master “hasn’t time”
The Mistress says I shed.
She doesn’t want me in the house,
Not even to be fed.
The Children never walk me.
They always say, “Not now.”
I wish that I could please them.
Won’t someone tell me how?
All I had, you see, was love.
I wish they would explain
Why they said they wanted mine,
And then left it on a chain.

By Edith Lassen Johnson
http://www.unchainyourdog.org/

FRIENDS DON'T CHAIN FRIENDS!

Recipe for the "almost perfect" dog

2010-07-29T02:14:00.000-04:00

It is reassuring to know that the ingredients for an "almost perfect" dog are available to any responsible dog owner. You can enjoy the wonderful benefits of an "almost perfect" dog. The ingredients are:

One clean bill of health. You can help ensure this vital ingredient with current vaccinations and regular veterinary check ups.

One proper I.D. Make sure your dog has a license and/or I.D. (dog tags, tattoo, canine microchip).

One well-nourished, well-exercised dog. Feed your dog as recommended by your veterinarian or professional trainer. Exercise your dog as often as possible.

One safe, secure, comfortable environment free from abuse and neglect.

A full measure of time. Time spent with your dog should include training flavored with reward, positive reinforcement, petting, grooming and exercise such as walking, playing, fetching, and just being with you and your family.

Missing ingredients result in behavior problems. Over 60% of dogs in shelters are there as a result of behavior problems or lack of identification.

MOST BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS ARE CORRECTABLE!

(from the Kong website)

Who IS this person??!!

2010-07-24T00:21:00.002-04:00

I was looking through some old photo albums a few weeks ago and ran across this photo of me. I guess I was about 10 years old, and as usual, I was with the family dog.

Suzie was a purebred fawn boxer who found her way to us via a truck driver friend of my dad's. He "found" her in Tenessee (note the cropped ears which was not legal in New York even in the 1960's). He brought her back to Akron (NY, near Buffalo), and somehow she ended up with us. In the photo I was teaching her to sit.

All these years later, and I'm STILL teaching dogs to sit!! I can't think of a better use of my time!!

PS - Did you catch those cool shorts? Rolled up denim shorts, we called them "hogwashers". Oh yeah, life in the country!!

Tears on earth, stars in heaven

2010-07-04T00:45:00.001-04:00

The last few weeks have been tough, especially for friends who have said goodbye to the dogs they loved and watched them depart for Rainbow Bridge.

Maria's two, Mari and Dale's Buddy, and yesterday, one of my students, a puppy named Shadow.

Shadow was a 6 month old rottie pup who suddenly showed signs of neurological disorders and an enlarged heart. He had been to class last Friday. Very smart, loved coming to class, and his mom and dad worked with him a lot to help him learn. They adored him. He was beautiful and loving.

Yesterday they came early to class to talk with me. When I asked where Shadow was they simply said, "He's gone," and broke down as they told me how quickly he deteriorated. They had hoped he would be well enough to come to class, at least to get a photo of him wearing a graduation hat. But early Friday morning he was in such bad shape that they decided he was suffering and that it was time to say goodbye.

They brought me two of his toys to put in the classroom toybox to share with the other dogs. Today I watched as the first dog in class found one of them and picked it up to play with and show his dad. Ironically, it was a black lab named Shadow.

It's so tragic that a beautiful puppy like Shadow had to leave us so soon. I only knew him for a few weeks, but he left his pawprints on my heart.

I trust that my Noir has welcomed him to Rainbow Bridge and is running and playing with him until the day in the distand future when his mom and dad come to walk him over the bridge.

A Pet's Ten Commandments

2010-06-24T21:20:00.002-04:00

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10 On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

~Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them.

Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without God's critters.

~Now please pass this on to other pet owners. We do not have to wait for Heaven, to be surrounded by hope, love, and joyfulness. It is here on earth and has four legs!

Pomp and Circumstance for Memphis

2010-06-13T01:21:00.001-04:00

Here's Memphis, my latest Puppy Class graduate at PetSmart. She's a puppy Einstein and her family is very proud of her. The time and effort they devote to her training is paying off. Next stop: Intermediate class starting Monday. Her new classmate will be my very own Karma! What fun!

Missing from today's graduation ceremony was Delaney, the precocious Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mix!

See the world through a dog's eyes

2010-06-12T01:49:00.001-04:00

Fascinating video...

Direct link to video in case it doesn't display on FaceBook:
http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=GOW0IKO_zfM

RIP Jackson Brown

2010-06-10T18:34:00.002-04:00

Three years ago, Jim and I built and moved into our new home. Our development was brand new, and everyone was "new". It was fun to meet people as they walked through the neighborhood, and of course the ones we remembered most were the ones who had four-footed friends with them.

The first woman I remember meeting was Susan. She had a beautiful chocolate lab with her named "Jackson Brown". Jackson was a sweet boy, happy and friendly like most labs are.

As time passed, we got to know Susan and her husband John quite well. They had a big house, and John was constanly building upgrades to it. Huge deck, Beautiful fireplace in the living room, gorgeous den, bar, and card room downstairs. Every completion meant a party with the neighbors. It was fun, and always Jackson was there to add to the smiles.

Jackson was aon older boy, though I'm not certain of his age. This spring he became ill, got a serious infection, and his health declined. He couldn't shake it.

Yesterday morning while I was out walking Casey and Karma, Susan was driving by and stopped. She told me they had to make that awful decision a few days ago and say goodbye to Jackson. I know her pain. I know her sweet boy Jackson is at Rainbow Bridge with my Noir and together they are playing and watching over the families they loved and left behind on Earth.

More puppy class graduates!

2010-06-08T01:55:00.000-04:00

Meet Mo-Mo, Finley and Tuffy, the latest puppies I graduated. I didn't teach all their classes, but I was delighted to see them graduate!

My Dad: Veteran.... Prisoner Of War... Dog Lover

2010-05-31T09:55:00.007-04:00

My dad, James Ladd Houlihan, was not the greatest dad in the world. He was abusive and alcoholic, but he was very intelligent and I tried to love him and I hope I learned from him.

My dad was drafted and served in the Army Air Corps in World War II. He was shot down over Germany and spent 10 months in a POW camp. He rarely spoke of his experiences there, but when he did, we learned of horrible conditions, sickness, and friends around him dying. There was very little to eat, and what they did have sickened him. It was mostly a stew made with dog meat.

They were on a forced march when they were liberated. He came back to the states weighing just over 100 pounds, and spent several months in the hospital getting his strength back. When he returned home to Buffalo, he married my mom, began a family, built a house, and got a dog.

I was the fifth of five children. When I was born, the family dog was an Irish Setter named "Edie". Mom always claimed I was named after my Great Grandmother, Edith Ladd, but I know better. I'm proud to have been named after the family dog.

Dogs were always well-treated in our house. In fact, they always had their own chair that no one else was allowed to sit on. I think while he was a POW he befriended dogs in the camp, then watched them disappear. I imagine he felt almost like a cannibal having to eat the meals that were probably composed of his friends, the dogs in the POW camp.

One thing I know I learned from Dad is love and respect for dogs. He is probably smiling as he watches me rescuing and fostering puppies, driving transport, and now training dogs.

A few years ago I applied for and received his POW medal. Today I hold that medal and reflect on his service to our country, the price he paid both physically and emotionally, and mostly I think about his love for dogs. I hope I have made him proud in carrying on that love.

The drive through milk bone dispenser

2010-05-17T23:58:00.013-04:00

Today was one of those boring rainy days. Casey and Karma were bored, snoozed most of the day, except of course when I wanted to take a nap. That was the time Karma selected to lay on the bed next to me and gnaw on one of her Nylabones. It figures.

I had a few errands to run so decided to take the girls with me. Casey sprawled out in the back seat and Karma rode shotgun in the front passenger seat. Stop #1 was at the gas station. Karma was fascinated, had to sit in the driver's seat and watch every move I made, as though she were learning a new skill. Casey slept in the back seat.

Stop # 2 was at a bank. As soon as I pulled up to the drive through window, Casey sprang to attention and peered forlornly at the cashier. She gave her one of those "take pity on me, I haven't eaten in a month" looks. RIIIIIIGHT. Well, the nice cashier opened the tray and had two milk bones there before she even took my deposit. The girls were thrilled! When the drawer opened and I got my deposit receipt back there were two more milk bones! JACKPOT!!

Stop # 3 was at another bank. This time when we pulled up to the window Karma started drooling. She slobbered all over my cell phone, which was sitting in the console's cup holder on charge. I can't imagine how it didn't short out with that deluge of slobber going on. Fortunately I carry extra napkins in the car. In the back seat, Casey was up to her tricks, staring relentlessly at the poor clerk, who apologetically said, "I only have crumbs, is that ok?" By the time the drawer opened Casey was nearly in my lap and Karma could hardly contain herself. I thought they would turn inside out before I could get the little milk bone pieces to them!

So there you have it. Casey and Karma's big adventure: a trip to what I'm sure they consider to be a drive through milk bone dispenser!

Puppy Class graduates in Monroe

2010-05-17T23:50:00.007-04:00

This evening two wonderful puppies graduated from Puppy Class at PetSmart in Monroe. Congratulations to Dasher and Chloe! Here are photos of the grads and a video of them showing their stuff!

Chloe ♥

Dasher ♥

Beginner Class Graduates!

2010-05-17T23:16:00.003-04:00

On May 16, 2010 another of my classes graduated from Beginner Class at PetSmart Blakeney. All the dogs did well, and learned their lessons, though Dexter was a little distracted and didn't want to demonstrate what he had learned! Here are the graduates: Buddy, Buddy, Dan, and Dexter! Congratulations! Photos of the happy grads follow, at bottom is a video of them showing what they learned.

Buddy ♥

Dan ♥

Dexter ♥

Zippy Graduates!

2010-05-11T14:27:00.004-04:00

Zippy the min-pin graduated from my Puppy class at PetSmart on May 1st! Here she is showing what she learned! And also showing that she minds her mom better than her dad!! LOL Sorry Brian! :)

Congratulations to my graduates!

2010-04-20T13:25:00.002-04:00

Last weekend I graduated two classes from PetSmart Training. It was fun to see how much the dogs had learned in the classes, and especially fun to see how much the puppies had grown! So start the Pomp and Circumstance... here are the happy grads!

Beginner Class: Roxie ♥

Beginner Class: Ginger ♥

Puppy Class: Izzy ♥

Puppy Class: Troy ♥

Puppy Class: Levi ♥

Beginner Class Graduation Videos:

Puppy Class Graduation Videos:

All that's left is sadness

2010-04-15T15:31:00.003-04:00

Sometimes all that's left is sadness. An abused puppy was rescued. Cute as can be. Adopted. Loved. But there had to be something physically wrong, because aggression started and increased. First toward the other dog, then toward the family. It turned on and off like a switch. Sometimes he was the wonderful loving family pet. Other times he was the evil twin. Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

Unfortunately as time went on the evil twin visited more and more often. In spite of every attempt to change the behavior, it only got worse. At a year old, the painful decision was made to say goodbye and let his tortured soul rest.

It took me a week to decide to write these words, but I felt I owed him the respect of a final goodbye, since I was his foster mom. I only knew him as a cute, innocent puppy, but have no doubt about what happened, no questions about the end, only respect for the couple that gave him every chance, tried everything to turn it around..

It's sad, but sometimes all the love in the world isn't enough. Rest in peace, Mulligan. Someday we'll meet again at Rainbow Bridge. Till then, play with your foster aunt Noir and enjoy the sunny days in good health.

GoD and DoG

2010-03-25T08:39:00.001-04:00

I absolutely love this video! What a delightful way to start the morning - with a reminder of unconditional love!

A home for Izzy

2010-03-24T23:08:00.004-04:00

Finally after months of searching for her love match, Izzy (formerly known as Smoochie) has landed in the perfect home with a couple that loves her and 2 kitty cats that are tolerating her... and in time will probably love having her around.

Izzy is a sweet little girl, loves to play, loves other dogs once she gets to know them, and is a regular cuddle bug. She's going to have a great life with her new family and we couldn't be happier for her!

Meanwhile, at home Karma is still at loose ends without her little buddy. We're keeping her busy with chasing tennis balls, playing hide and seek with her toys, and taking walks with her and Casey.

And who knows... another little foster puppy might not be far away!

Karma graduates from puppy class!

2010-03-17T19:13:00.003-04:00

Sweet little Karma is now 5-1/2 months old. Yesterday she graduated from puppy class training at PetSmart. She learned sit, down, stay, wait, take it, drop it, leave it, loose leash walking, touch, come when called, shake, high five, and crawl!

Here's a video of her showing off!

If you don't see the video, here's a link to my youtube site

And here she is in her graduation cap!!

A Dog's Prayer

2010-03-17T18:57:00.001-04:00

Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world’s sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps fall upon my waiting ear.

When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshiper.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.

And, beloved master, should the great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest - and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.

Dizzy Izzy

2010-03-09T15:17:00.006-05:00

Smoochie, now called Izzy, was adopted out to a wonderful woman in December who absolutely adored her. We thought it was a perfect fit for both of them, but unfortunately Izzy followed her new mom everywhere and managed to trip her. For both of their safety, we all decided it best to bring her back.

In the meantime, Izzy has had a lot of inquiries, but that perfect "furever" home has not yet been found. She's received the last of her vetting, been spayed and microchipped, and waits patiently for the love of her life to show up and take her home for good.

She loves to play with Casey and Karma, is crate trained, almost housetrained, and is learning basic commands like sit and stay. She is a really sweet little girl, when you hold her she likes to put her paws on your face and kiss you. Such a cutie pie.

For more information and how to apply to adopt her, please visit http://www.myfosterpets.com/. Her adoption fee is $150, and the adoption process includes the application, home visit, and adoption contract.

Izzy is going to make a wonderful companion for some lucky family!

A reason to smile

2010-02-10T11:12:00.007-05:00

Little Karma came to us just after Christmas. She was lost or abandoned, rescued by a wonderful couple, and we took her in to foster. She's beautiful, funny, soft and silky, goofy, and will be about 55 pounds when she's an adult. I've fallen in love with her, and we have decided to adopt her.

When Noir left, a piece of my heart left with her. Karma has given me a piece of hers. Eventually my heart will be completely replaced with dog-heart pieces.

So here's the newest member of our family: Karma!

Karma giving me that "Oh, bother!" look

Karma imitating Casey:
Casey watches her dad through the window by the door.
Karma tries to see through the door.

Understanding Death

2010-02-08T08:11:00.003-05:00

I am still in pain over the loss of my dog, Noir. I miss her every day, and everyday I shed a few tears, wishing I could just once more hold her, bury my nose in the scruff of her neck, give her a kiss, tell her I love her.

Last night a friend sent me the following. It still hurts, but it helps to remember that although the day came when I said, "There she goes," the day will also arrive when Noir will say, "Here she comes."

---------

UNDERSTANDING DEATH
By Henry Van Dyke

I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.

Then someone at my side says: "There, she is gone!"

"Gone where?"

Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side and she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.

Her diminished size is in me, not in her. And just at the moment when someone at my side says, "There, she is gone!" there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout: "Here she comes!"

And that is dying.

A parting of the ways

2010-02-07T21:58:00.002-05:00

As of last weekend I, along with many others, have severed my ties with Animal Adoption League. We are committed to continuing rescue work and are considering our options.

A home in record time!

2010-01-20T23:00:00.000-05:00

Another neighbor called... this time it was a bassett mix that was found wandering. Could I help? Of course. We searched, but no owner was found for her. We set up a vet appointment to get shots and deworming, and I called my friend Pat who went right to work. Within one day Abby was vetted and a great new home was found for her!

She now lives in a nice part of town with a family that adores her. She stayed a few nights with our neighbor, one night with us and one night with Pat before going to her forever home. That's a lot of shuffling around but she took it all in stride. And boy did it pay off for her!

Good Karma

2010-01-01T21:56:00.008-05:00

The coincidences are too compelling to ignore.

On Christmas Eve, I was having a hard time, missing my Noir, feeling sad and lonely. At the same time, in the NC mountains, a couple was walking their son's dog in an area they normally don't go to. Perhaps someone was guiding their steps. A 3 month old puppy approached them, laid down at their feet and began whimpering. Obviously lost or abandoned, they took the little girl back to their vacation home.

They searched for her owners to no avail. Then they contacted a friend to see if it was possible to get her into rescue.

Way leads to way, and my friend Pat was contacted. She thought of me. I was fostering Smoochie, but Pat knew that little cutie would be adopted in a hearbeat. So Saturday morning while I was preparing to take Smoochie to a PetSmart adoption event, the couple who rescued the puppy were sending photos to my phone. Would we consider fostering her when Smoochie goes to a new home? YOU BET!

Smoochie went to her new home Monday evening. Tuesday morning, I met the "mountain puppy's" rescuers at our vet's office. What a nice couple! The puppy was dewormed, got her first shot, and was checked over. Then home with me she went.

We estimate she is 3 months old. That means she was born around the time we found out about Noir's illness.

I think Noir was working from the Rainbow Bridge, guiding this little puppy to us. I know Noir doesn't want me to be sad, and I also know she is a rescuer too. The puppy is a sweet little thing with a striking coat and funny puppy ways. She's very smart. She's made me happy and optimistic again. Casey likes her.

We've named the puppy Karma. She just might be our first "foster failure".

Little Levi

2010-01-01T12:38:00.003-05:00

Just after Christmas a neighbor called. Friends of hers were visiting from Georgia, where they had rescued some chihuahua mix puppies. All were adopted out except one, which they had intended to keep. Over the holidays they realized that was not practical, so my neighbor offered to try to help. Would we help her help this puppy? Of course.

When her guests left for home, they left the puppy with my neighbor and she fostered him for a week. She named him Levi. We visited to get some photos. He's a little guy, seems to be mostly chihuahua.

When we took over the fostering duties, we listed him on Petfinder and took him to a PetSmart adoption event. He was everyone's favorite, several families wanted to adopt him, but we decided on a nice family that has young daughters anxious to give our little guy all the love and attention he could ever want.

While he was with us he had a blast playing with Aunt Casey. And here he is in his new home, looking out the door at the snow. He's probably wondering if he can go out and play!

Foster puppy updates: Annie, Smoochie, and another abandoned puppy

2009-12-27T21:06:00.010-05:00

Since September I have been consumed with Noir's health, caring for her, worrying about her, taking her to the vets, and finally saying that painful goodbye.

As soon as we found out she was ill, we suspended fostering puppies so we could focus on her. We also didn't want to bring any illnesses into the home that she might be susceptible to.

I have written a blog about every foster we've had, but neglected to talk about Annie. We had her about 10 days, she stayed with us when she came out of the shelter and until her next foster home was ready to take her. Annie was a sweet little girl, a black and brown basset hound. She was hilarious, cute, playful, funny, and a joy to have around. Soon after she moved into fostering with my friend Alex, she was adopted to a great family and now Annie has a little girl all her own. Another happy ending. Aren't those ears something?!

The week before Christmas, 2 weeks after Noir went to the Rainbow Bridge, Jim and I decided it was time to start fostering puppies again. We had heard about 3 little stray puppies, Jack Russell mixes, that needed help. My friend Fara had them, and I offered to help with one of them. She kept the little boys, and I brought home the little girl. She was 4 pounds, skin and bones, full of worms.

Fortunately Fara had taken her to the vets for her first shot and worming, and had given her 2 baths. (Thanks, Fara!!) She seemed to be a JRT/Chihuahua mix... not real zippy like a JRT would be, longer legs like a chihuahua would have. She is as sweet as can be, full of puppy kisses, so we named her Smoochie.

We've had her 10 days, and yesterday took her to an adoption event at PetSmart in Blakeney. A wonderful woman met her, fell in love and applied to adopt her. Today I did the home visit, and tomorrow she'll go home to her new mom and all the love and attention she deserves. She's going to have a great life! As you can see below, she's Santa's favorite!

Saturday my friend Pat got a call from some people who were on holiday in the mountains and came upon an abandoned puppy. She told me about the pup, they texted some photos to me, and Jim and I decided to foster her. Smoochie will leave Monday evening, and the new puppy will move in on Tuesday.

My private Christmas tradition

2009-12-26T22:45:00.005-05:00

Many years ago I started a little Christmas tradition. Sometime during the Christmas season, I would turn off the lights except for the Christmas tree and curl up beneath the tree with my dogs and take a nap. When I lived in New York, Spock and Floyd were with me. Since 2002, Noir and Casey were with me.

This December has been rough. Noir left us on December 8th. Much as I have tried, I couldn't find enough Christmas spirit to even think about decorating a tree or shopping for presents. On Wednesday I came home from work to find that Jim had set up a tree and put lights on it.

Later that afternoon Noir's ashes were brought to us and placed in the urn we had purchased. Obviously a very sad afternoon for me, to hold the urn and feel the weight of it, knowing this was how Noir would be with us for the rest of our lives.

Christmas day came and Jim and I spent it at his son's house with his grandson and his son's mom. It was enjoyable, and the nice part for me was Bailey, the son's golden retriever kept coming to me, licking my face and sitting with me. I think she knew I was upset, and was trying to comfort me. Bailey was Noir's first friend when we adopted her, so perhaps she knew her friend was gone. Sometimes I think dogs can sense everything. Maybe she was just thanking me for the toy I brought her. My only Christmas shopping was for her and Casey.

Late in the evening back at home, I remembered my Christmas tradition.

I turned off all the lights except for the tree and carefully took Noir's urn off the mantle and set it on the floor beneath the tree. I laid down on the floor and talked to Noir and wept for a long time. I told her I was ok, that I missed her terribly, but wanted her to run along to the Rainbow Bridge and play with the other dogs, especially Spock and Floyd, and that someday I would come for her and we would be together again. I think I even napped a little, comforted that I could feel her love and feel that she heard me.

Merry Christmas, Noir. You'll always be in my heart.

"I'm Still Here"

2009-12-11T23:36:00.005-05:00

Friend, please don't mourn for me
I'm still here, though you don't see
I'm right by your side each night and day
and within your heart I long to stay.

My body is gone but I'm always near.
I'm everything you feel, see or hear.
My spirit is free, but I'll never depart
as long as you keep me alive in your heart.

-Unknown

This was in a greeting card from some neighborhood friends, Lou and Pati. Beautiful card, wonderful friends.

Agony

2009-12-11T11:56:00.004-05:00

This photo was taken on November 6th at a Holiday Pet Photos fundraiser. The photo says it all: agony.

My friend Michelle from Phartblossoms was taking the photos and asked me to give Noir a kiss on the head. I did and I broke down, knowing my days with her were numbered. I didn't know then just how small a number we had left.

Today, 3 days after Noir went to the Rainbow Bridge, I am still in pain. My eyes and sinuses burn, my brain can't focus on anything else. I have so much work to do but can't bring myself to even think about it. Hopefully that will change soon.

Meanwhile I miss her in all the little daily things that we take for granted. The clink of her tags as she walked. Waking up in the middle of the night and reaching out to pat her on the head. Now my hand falls on her empty blanket and the ache rips through my heart.

Today Jim and I are talking about taking in a foster dog. Casey is lonesome for her buddy. She walks from room to room looking for her. We can't replace Noir, but we know she would want us to give our love to one who needs us.

The end came much too soon

2009-12-08T20:00:00.000-05:00

My sweet Noir was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver three months ago. This week she hadn't eaten for a few days and wasn't drinking. In spite of all the efforts of the wonderful Dr. DeHaan, there was nothing more to do for her but give her a quiet day without shoving things down her throat.

This afternoon she ate and drank a little, then took a blissful nap curled up with me, a memory I will treasure forever. A little after 4PM, Dr Lisa Shaw from Indian Land Animal Hosp came and helped her cross over to the rainbow bridge. Later her body was removed by Marlow and Brown for cremation.

She is gone, never forgotten. She was a rescue, she became a rescuer herself, and I found my inspiration for rescuing and transporting in her.

Please say a little prayer for my sweet girl, that she have only healthy, sunny, fun days at the Rainbow Bridge while she waits for Jim and I to cross over with her. We know we made the right decision for her, but are inconsolable nonetheless.

She is not gone, she has just run ahead to a better place and waits for us there.

Bye-bye Hershmeister

2009-10-08T23:35:00.006-04:00

This evening I took our foster "puppy" Hershey on that all-too-familiar ride to his new home. He was restless on the drive over, as though he knew something was up, because his crate was in the car for his new mom and dad to borrow.

Once we got there he was pure unadulterated Hershey. He immediately started to play with his new sister Sadie, and tried to play with his new older sister Jessie. Like the true older sister she sat quietly watching them, and occassionally voiced her disapproval at their rowdy play.

In the short time I was there, Hershey had found every rawhide in the toybox, pulled the stuffing out of one toy, and had a game of tug-of-war with Sadie. He also showed his -ahem- "affection" for her. (Get over yourself, Hershey, you're neutered!)

Ruth and Marc, his new mom and dad, took it all in stride, laughed at him, and corrected him. I'm comfortable that they're going to do just fine with this little ruffian.

In the time I've known and fostered Hershey, he's more than tripled in size. At nine months old, he's just a shade under 75 pounds. He'll probably push 90 or 100 by the time he's done growing.
When I left, I didn't look back to see if he was following me. I imagine tonight he'll be confused and wonder why I sent him away. I hope he will somehow know that Jim and I did the best we could for him, we helped him learn, we gave him a safe place and all the love in our hearts. And now we have turned his life over to Ruth and Marc, and they will give him more love and attention than we could.

Still tonight I will lie awake and sob, hoping that my heart will come to understand what my brain already knows... that this is the right thing, the best thing for him, and his life just became infinitely better because two people liked him enough to adopt him, and will love and care for him for the rest of his life.

Update on Noir... The news isn't good

2009-09-15T15:05:00.001-04:00

Noir spent the day at Carolina Veterinary Specialists. She had an ultrasound, blood draw, etc, etc. The diagnosis is that she has end stage cirrhosis of the liver. She could last 3 months, or a year.

I'm devastated. Cannot believe this. Noir has always been happy, healthy, athletic, trim, sweet... I thought she would live to a ripe old age. She isn't quite 8 years old.

It's just too painful for me to think about. I can't face the thought of life without her.

A rough day... for my dog Noir

2009-09-14T15:02:00.003-04:00

Sunday morning I noticed my dog Noir looked pregnant. SHe's always been in great shape, and of course is spayed, so this was a shocker. She's nearly 8 years old but still young acting and active.

This morning we took her to our vet, Dr Lisa Shaw at Indian Land Animal Hospital. She did X-rays which were inconclusive, and a blood test which showed elevated liver enzymes. Tomorrow I'll take her to a specialist for an ultrasound.

She's such a sweet, loving, funny, intelligent dog, and of course she's my best friend. Fortunately she still acts like she feels ok. I can't bear the thought of her suffering, or the thought of losing her.

Please say a prayer for her... I hope I'll have good news to share tomorrow.

Hershey graduates!

2009-09-11T22:55:00.008-04:00

We're so proud of foster puppy Hershey! He graduated from Beginner class at PetSmart training. Here he is showing trainer Ashley what he learned!

Hershey in his graduation cap:

You’ve got a HW+ dog? Don’t despair.

2009-07-13T11:06:00.007-04:00

The following information was compiled by my friend Pat Shannon, dedicated animal rescuer

We’ve begun treating HW+ dogs with the “slow kill” method instead of the “fast kill” method. The fast kill method is the painful, and expensive, injections of Immiticide. The slow kill method is done with Heartgard and the antibiotic Doxycycline.

In deciding which method to use you’ll take into account the age of the dog, his activity level and the extent of the HW infestation. So long as the dog isn’t showing symptoms of the HW or the symptoms are very minimal the slow method of treatment is great way to go.

The info below is taken from this site:
http://www.dogaware.com/wdjheartwormtreatment.html
It is important to understand that heartworm infections are not detectable until about six months after a dog has been bitten by a heartworm-infected mosquito. (This is why it's not possible to have a heartworm test performed monthly and give the preventative only if an infection is found.) Blood tests generally will not detect heartworms in a dog until the larvae have matured into adult worms, which takes about six months following initial infection. Symptoms, such as coughing, lethargy and difficulty breathing, will not show up until the infection is advanced.

The info below is taken from this site:
http://www.dogaware.com:80/heartworm.html
Recent research has led to the discovery of a parasite called Wolbachia that lives symbiotically inside heartworms. Studies indicate that this parasite contributes to the adverse effects of both heartworm infection and heartworm treatment, including inflammation, embolism and allergic reaction. Treatment with Doxycycline to kill the Wolbachia parasite weakens the heartworms and makes them unable to reproduce, lessens their adverse effects on the body and greatly reduces the chance of adverse reaction during heartworm treatment.

Now, new studies published in late 2008 clearly indicate that treatment with a combination of weekly Ivermectin and daily Doxycycline given intermittently will sterilize the heartworms, prevent the dog from being infective to other dogs, speed up the death of the worms prior to (or in place of) Immiticide treatment, limit inflammation and damage caused by the worms presence, and reduce the chance of serious adverse reaction from Immiticide treatment. All of these effects are greater when the two drugs are used together than when either is given alone.

Three studies used a protocol of Ivermectin (Heartgard) given weekly at the normal monthly heartworm preventative dose (6 mcg/kg), combined with Doxycycline at the rate of 10 mg/kg/day for weeks 1-6, 10-11, 16-17, 22-25, and 28-33 (the end of the studies).

Here’s what we’ve been doing: Start the dog on Doxycycline at 10mg/kg/day for 30 days. Then give the same dose for one week at the beginning of every month until the dog tests negative.

We’ve been giving the Heartgard twice a month, say on the 1st and 15th.

We get the Doxycycline at Walmart. Ask your vet to either write a prescription or call one in for you. It’s costs about $8 for a month’s supply.

The beauty of the slow method, aside from how inexpensive it is, is that you don’t have to keep the dog kenneled. Their activity doesn’t have to be cut back unless you start seeing symptoms. For example, if the dog starts coughing after running, cut back on his running. Regardless of which method of treatment you’re using, if you start seeing a lot of coughing or labored breathing get to the vet.

The slow kill method of treatment is much easier on the dog than the injections. The injections are extremely painful at the injection site and require a pain shot. If you’re going to use the injection method, hopefully your vet will give a pain shot a half hour before injecting the Immiticide.

On the slow kill method have the dog retested in about 6 months. After that, retest about every 3 months. You can adopt out a dog that’s on the slow kill method. Once it’s explained to the potential owner it’s very easy for them to follow this method. We’ve done it.

Gracie and Alice find new homes

2009-07-11T15:06:00.011-04:00

Fuzzy little Gracie was adopted Friday by a really nice couple in Huntersville. She arrived in time to help her new dad celebrate his birthday. I heard from her new mom Saturday morning, she's doing great, slept through the night, and has stolen their hearts!

Congrats to proud mom and dad, Patrick and Courtney. (Thanks for the pics, Courtney!)

Saturday was our usual adoption event at PetSmart in Blakeney. We always have a great turnout and lots of successful adoptions there. PetSmart is a great partner!

I had received a good application for Alice and invited the gentleman to come meet her at the PetSmart event. He was there before we even finished setting up and he fell in love with Alice. He's a super nice person, and I know is going to be a great dad for her. She'll move to her new home on Friday. This morning she's at the vet's being microchipped.

Alice (above) and Gracie's brother and sister, Bonnie and Clyde, were at PetSmart as well. Both look exactly like Gracie! And both received good applications in fact Clyde is already adopted and is in his new home.

I can't describe the feeling of accomplishment when we successfully fullfil our mission to find permanent loving homes for our foster pets. And as a bonus, we've met some great people too!

Avoiding Heat Related Injuries in Dogs

2009-07-05T10:32:00.004-04:00

By Nate Baxter DVM

The first thing that needs to be understood is that dogs and people aredifferent enough that most of the info cannot cross lines. Dogs do not loseenough electrolytes thru exercise to make a difference, but if the dog getstruly into heat stroke, the physiology changes will make them necessary. BUToral replacement at that point is futile, they need intravenous fluids andelectrolytes and lots of it.

Cooling: Evaporative cooling is the most efficient mean of cooling. However,in a muggy environment, the moisture will not evaporate so cooling does nothappen well. I cool with the coldest water I can find and will use icedepending on the situation. The best way is to run water over the dog, sothere is always fresh water in contact with the skin. When you immerse a dogin a tub, the water trapped in the hair coat will get warm next to the dog,and act as an insulator against the cool water and cooling stops. If you canrun water over the dog and place it in front of a fan that is the best.Misting the dog with water will only help if you are in a dry environment orin front of a fan. Just getting the dog wet is not the point, you want thewater to be cool itself, or to evaporate.

For MOST situations all you will need to do is get the dog in a coolerenvironment, in shade, or in the cab of the truck with the air conditioningon (driving around so the truck does not overheat and the AC is moreefficient). Up to a couple of years ago, I was very concerned about my dogsgetting too hot in the back of my black pickup with a black cap. New whitetruck fixed a lot of that problem. When I had one dog I just pulled the wirecrate out of the car and put it in some shade and hopefully a breeze. Buthaving 2 dogs and running from one stake to another, that was not feasible.So I built a platform to put the wire crates on, this raises the dog up inthe truck box where the air flow is better. Then I placed a 3 speed box fanin front blowing on the dogs with a foot of space to allow better airflow. Ipurchased a power inverter that connects to the battery and allows the 3speed fan to run from the truck power. It has an automatic feature thatprevents it from draining the battery. When I turned that fan on medium Iwould find that the dogs where asleep, breathing slowly and appeared veryrelaxed and comfortable in a matter of 20 minutes or less, even on very hotmuggy days.

Alcohol: I do carry it for emergencies. It is very effective at cooling dueto the rapid evaporation. It should be used when other methods are notworking. You should be on your way to the veterinarian before you get tothis point. We recommend using rubbing alcohol, which is propylene alcohol,not ethyl, for those of you not aware. So do not try to drink it. Alcoholshould be used on the pads and lower feet area where there is little morethan skin and blood vessels over the bones. Use a little bit and let itevaporate, you can use too much as some is absorbed through the skin. Thereare concerns about toxicity, but you have to get the temperature down.

I purchased those cooling pads that you soak in cold water, but found thatthe dogs would not lay on them. I would hold them on the back of a dog thatjust worked to get a quick cool, but have not use them for years. I alsobought a pair of battery operated fans but found them pretty useless. Spendyour money on the power inverter and get a real fan.

Watching temperature: If you feel your dog is in danger of heat injury,check its temp and write it down. Keep checking the temp every 3 minutes. Irecommend to get a "rectal glass thermometer. The digital ones for the drugstore I have found to be very unreliable, Don't forget to shake it downcompletely each time, sounds silly, but whenare worried about your companion, things tend to get mixed up. This is VERYIMPORTANT**once the temp STARTS to drop, STOP ALL COOLING EFFORTS. Thecooling process will continue even though you have stopped. If the tempstarts at 106.5, and then next time it drops to 105.5, stop cooling the dog,dry it off, and continue monitoring. You will be amazed how it continues togo down. If you do not stop until the temp is 102, the temp will drop waytoo low. I cannot emphasis this point enough.

When the dog is so heated that it is panting severely, only let it have afew laps of water. Water in the stomach does not cool the dog, you just needto keep the mouth wet so the panting is more effective. Do not worry about hydration until the temp has started down. A dog panting heavily taking inlarge amounts of water is a risk of bloat. Due to the heavy panting they will swallow air, mixed with a large amount of water they can bloat. Once the temp is going down and panting has slowed to more normal panting then allow water. The dog will rehydrate it self after temp is normal. If the doghas a serious problem and even though you have gotten the temp normal, getthe dog to a vet, as it can still need IV fluids and some medication. Also,a case of heat stroke can induce a case of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (notparvo), with a ton of very bloody diarrhea and a lot of fluid andelectrolyte loss. These cases need aggressive treatment.

The best method of treatment is prevention. Learn to watch your dog, and seethe changes in the size of the tongue, and how quickly it goes down. Learn your dogs response to the different environments, and be careful when youhead south for an early season hunt test or trial. I have been to Nashvilleat the end of May, only 5 hours away, but the difference in temp andhumidity did effect the dogs as they were used to more spring weather inOhio. Try different things in training to help the dog cool and learn whatworks better. Another very important point=> Do not swim your hot dog tocool it then put in put in a box/tight crate. Remember, evaporation can nottake place in a tight space, and the box will turn into a sauna and you willcook your dog. Carry a stake out chain, and let the dog cool and dry beforeputting it up. I demonstrated this lesson this spring with my 10 month oldpup. After doing a 15 minute session in yard drill on a warm 70+ degree day,she was panting pretty hard and was pretty hot. She was OK but it was timeto stop. Just for the heck of it I took her temp. She was 103.6, abovenormal but too bad for a dog that had just finished working. In my back yardI have a 300 gallon Rubbermaid tub filled with water. I took her to it andshe jumped in and out 3-4 times. She appeared totally improved, tongue wasmuch smaller, and eyes brighter and her full spring was back into her step.So I re-took her temp and it was 104.2, so even though she looked better shewas hotter. This is < /SPAN>a perfect lesson to show not get a hot dog wetand then put them in a box. The water on her skin caused the blood vesselsto constrict, decreasing blood flow to the skin. Therefore the hot blood wasshunted back to the dog's core and retained the heat. You may have felt thesame thing, after exercising but still being very warm, take a shower andget cooled off but as soon as you turn the shower off you start sweating again.

I know this is a bit long, but hopefully this is easy to understand andhelps provide some useful information.

Remember: Prevention, learn your dog. It is worth the time and effort

Nate Baxter, DVM

Bye-bye Arlo! Helloooooo Alice!

2009-07-05T10:22:00.007-04:00

Arlo is adopted! He has 3 doggie buddies, a big backyard and a wonderful mom and dad who will love him and take care of him. I love a happy ending!!

Tomorrow morning I'll meet him and his new mom at our vet's where he will be getting a puppy shot, and we'll take care of the contract paperwork.

Arlo is such a furry little guy that they named him Bear. :-) Cuuuute!

As soon as we knew Arlo was adopted, we took in another of the Fast Food puppies, and named her Alice. Alice has short brindle fur, and is a real cutie! She's feisty and loves to play with her sister Gracie.

ALICE:

Arlo and Gracie move in

2009-07-01T11:45:00.013-04:00

Our new fosters moved in Monday, June 22. They were born under the floor of an abandoned house in Waxhaw. There were 8 in their litter. Mom is a black lab mix who our group is still trying to catch. The other siblings are in other foster homes and doing well, except for one who seems to have some health issues.

Since mom frequented the dumpsters at fast food restaurants, we named this litter the "Fast Food Puppies" and at first they had names like Bojangles and Big Mac. We named the two we took in Arlo and Gracie. Arlo looks like he's paid a few too many visits to the buffet line at Alice's Restaurant! (Note: you have to be over 50 to get that one!)

Both went to PetSmart for an adoption event with a rescue group on Saturday and everyone loved them! We got a great application for Arlo and did a home visit that afternoon. The next day he went for a week's trial and today I received the message that they want to make him a permanent part of their family! YAY! He has a puppy pool, a big back yard, 3 doggie friends to play with and learn from, and a wonderful mom and dad. He new name is Bear!

Gracie is a sweet little girl, full of fun and all dressed in black. We're having fun with her, and she's doing very well, sleeping through the night, and behaving in her play pen. She probably won't be with us for long!

Here are their photos:

ARLO

GRACIE

My Story - by Magnolia

2009-06-21T10:22:00.004-04:00

I was picked up as a stray on Cloverleaf Circle in Rock Hill, SC on May 4th, 2009, and taken to doggie jail. The jail was really full so I couldn't even go to the adoption floor. On May 9th I was listed as a "rescue only pull" and my picture was sent out to rescue groups in case someone could help me. There were 8 other puppies in the same dire circumstances as me. We only had until May 15th at 5:00PM to be pulled or we would be sent early to the Rainbow Bridge, and never have the chance to fulfill our promise as loving family members.

Fortunately at 3:00PM that day, my foster mom came and got me, and another puppy. She took us home, but I barked and cried all the way home cause I was so scared. I didn't feel well, and I really smelled bad which I didn't like. I had fleas driving me crazy, and a few ticks in my ears. They only gave me one shot at the jail because they weren't going to keep me for long.

When we got home, foster mom gave us baths. That felt good and I sat down in the warm water. She rubbed us dry and talked softly to us and told us she promised to find wonderful homes for us where we'd be safe for the rest of our lives, and that we had to promise to be good girls and love our new families forever because they are the true rescuers.

The first night I was really confused. There was a soft music, but I barked all night long. I was scared, and had never been in a crate before. It seemed big and scarey. The next night I had a smaller crate, and foster mom and put one of her t-shirts in there with me so I knew I wasn't really alone. I also had toys and she hid some little treats in my blanket so I would have to hunt for them. I did better, only cried a few times, and every time mom came out and talked softly to me and I was able to calm down and go back to sleep.

Over the next few days I got good food, medicine, and lots of belly rubs and got to play a lot with my foster sister. Her name was Meadow, and she's a border collie mix like me but we didn't look alike at all. She was younger than me too, which gave me a real advantage when we played! She was adopted about 10 days later and I missed her.

I have two foster aunts, too, named Casey and Noir. They play sometimes, but other times they just wanted to relax and chew their bones.

Every afternoon we go outside on the deck and I get to swim in the puppy pool. I love it! I snorkel for toys on the bottom of the pool, and sometimes just lay down in the water and cool off.
Last week another puppy came to live with us named Mulligan. He had been abused as a puppy and foster mom decided he deserved a "do-over". He was adopted and went to his new home yesterday. He was fun to play with too, and this morning I miss him. But foster mom says today is my "big day" and this afternoon I start living with my "furever" family.

My new sisters have already sent me emails and pictures and I can't wait to meet them. I know we're going to be best friends. It will be so nice to have someone to play with all the time!

I will miss foster mom and dad and aunts Casey and Noir, but I told them I will never forget them for helping me when I needed them most. I will try be a good girl, and fulfill my promise as a loving pet and best friend to my new family. Life is going to be a wonderful adventure and I am so happy to be here and part of it all.

Well..... DAMN!

2009-06-17T22:50:00.005-04:00

I met Amy and Brian, a couple that applied for Magnolia, at Petsmart this afternoon and I loved them... Both very nice, genuine people and they fell in love with Magnolia. She said they had made a list of 10 dogs to meet, and said to each other "what if we fall in love with the first one? Oh, we won't." Yeah, right!

I told them she was a very special little dog, and is the one I would keep if I could, and that they would have to almost be God for me to let them adopt her.

Well, then they met Magnolia. And that was all she wrote. The home visit is set for Sunday at 2PM, but I've seen their neighborhood before, and they live on a golf course and at dusk run with their lab/border collie mix down the 5th fairway. I can already picture Magnolia running along with them and loving every minute of it. They also have a keeshond. They go boating and all their dogs have life jackets. The dogs go with them everywhere and sleep with them in the king-sized bed.

My stories of her laying down in her little pool pretty much did them in, then two little girls walked into the store. Magnolia sat down, bowed her head and looked up, smiled at them and lifted her paw, inviting them to pet her. Done. Case closed. Amy and Brian were so smitten they were almost weeping.

Later on I sent the pics of her in her pool, etc, and they loved them, said they're sending them to all their friends. They showed me pics of their dogs on their iphones. So digital pics will be no problem at all, and they said I can visit anytime.

So my days with my wonderful little darling are winding down and I'm already sobbing at the thought of parting with her. But visions of other little faces swim in my head, and I know if I can just get past my selfish desire to keep her and hug her forever, I can help so many more little ones get the start in life that they deserve.

The fact that I liked them instantly from the moment we shook hands helps me a great deal and will see me through this parting. Somehow I must get through this...

I don't know why you say goodby, I say hello

2009-06-16T22:56:00.011-04:00

I guess it shows my age to have that old Beatles song running through my mind!

Three weeks ago we said goodbye to little Meadow. We didn't have her for very long before the little cutie was adopted by a great couple in Gastonia. I've received updates and pictures from them and she is doing very well. She landed in a very soft place, and I've had the good fortune to meet two more very nice inhabitants of the planet.

That left little Magnolia here as the only puppy. She has flourished in the past few weeks. SHe's doing well with house training. She's crate trained and behaves in her crate, never messes in it. She knows "sit" and "stay". Her favorite activity is getting toys from the bottom of the puppy pool, or just laying down in it to cool off.

She's sweet, affectionate, and is just as happy to sit on your lap and cuddle as she is to play with our older dogs, her foster "Aunts" Casey and Noir.

Magnolia is one of those special dogs... when you look into her eyes, you can see there is "someone home". She is bright and intelligent.

Her new family will have to provide not only love, but also challenge for her.

It will be difficult to give her up, but I want her to have the best possible life, a safe backyard to play in and other doggie friends to keep her company.

Yesterday a new little puppy came to stay with us. He is 10 weeks old and was removed from an abusive situation. I don't even want to think about what kind of monster could abuse a puppy. Anyway, we felt he deserved a "do-over" so we named him Mulligan.

We're not sure what he is, but so far our guesses are Bernese Mountain Dog, Saint Bernard, rottweiler, and spaniel. :-)

Mulligan is a beauty - black with a tan face and legs, some white on the chest and some of his toes. He's cute and sweet and is loving having a little friend to play with. The first time on the deck he marched right over to the puppy pool and walked right in to get the tennis ball that was floating in it.

He's starting to understand that being in the crate means be quiet and sleep. He hasn't messed in his crate, and only cries for a few minutes when he goes in it. He sleeps all night too. He has not yet messed in the house. He already knows to sit to have his leash taken off when coming in from outside.

All this and puppy breath too!!

It was just tooooo quiet here!

2009-05-15T23:17:00.002-04:00

You had to know it wouldn't last. It's been a whole week since Jim and I delivered little Hershey to his furever home. A looooong, quiet week! Two days ago I got the usual weekly emails about the dogs that were scheduled for euthanasia at York Shelter, and there were loads of puppies. :-(

I picked two that would have been killed today. I watched for two days to see if anyone would rescue them. I checked at noon today and they were still there.

So I went and pulled them. I know I left others behind and they are probably gone to the Rainbow Bridge by now. That rips my heart apart, but I can only do what I can do. It was like pulling teeth to get Jim to agree to taking two.

I got them home, gave them each a bath and a capstar (to kill the fleas on them), pulled the ticks out of their ears, fed them, played with them, and now they are snoozing in the dining room in their crates.

They are adorable! One looks like an Australian shepherd mix and she's very mouthy. The other looks like a border collie mix and is quiet and calm. Both are females.

Here they are:

Magnolia...

Meadow...

I have done something...

2009-05-13T10:32:00.002-04:00

I looked at all the caged animals in the shelter...the cast-offs of human society. I saw in their eyes love and hope, fear and dread, sadness, and betrayal. I was angry. "God," I said, "this is terrible! Why don't you do something?" God was silent for a moment, and then spoke softly, "I have done something," was the reply. "I created you."

~Jim Willis

WARNING: Dangerous Pet Products

2009-05-11T09:51:00.002-04:00

Please review this video before even considering buying over the counter flea and tick treatments for your dogs and cats. Always buy these products from your veterinarian!

A Hershey kiss, then goodbye

2009-05-09T21:39:00.013-04:00

This was a tough week. Last Sunday I did two home visits. Monday evening my foster puppy Gilligan went to his new furever home, leaving his little friend Hershey behind. On Wednesday Hershey was at the hospital being neutered, and on Friday afternoon he went to his furever home. That's a lot of goodbyes.

Hershey came to stay with us on March 23. He is one of a litter of 7 rottweiler mix puppies. His mom is a pure bred rottie, as calm and sweet as can be. Hershey takes after his mom. We don't know who dad was... apparently some opportunist.

His coloring isn't typical rottie... he must get some of that from his dad. He is a drop-dead gorgeous mix of brown, black, tan, and white.

For the first several weeks of life, he lived in an exercise pen with his 6 brothers and sisters. He didn't get outside much and hadn't had the opportunity to develope his muscles and coordination. When we got him, he couldn't sit and scratch himself without falling over! He didn't know what stairs were, and he tripped over his big paws. He was a big clumsy 10 week old puppy. And I do mean big!

He loved to play with our other foster puppy, Gilligan the hound mix, who would chase Hershey around the yard and play tug of war or wrestle with him. Gradually Hershey developed his coordination.

He got a nutritious diet, including Nussentials MORE and PET RESTORE added to his food. His coat became silky and shiny, and he started to fill out.

I took him to several adoption events, and people loved him, thought he was beautiful, but were scared off by the thought of this cute puppy turning into an 80-100 pound dog. Go figure! Finally last Saturday at a PetSmart adoption event, just when we were starting to get ready to go home, a nice woman stopped to talk and fell in love with him.

Hershey and I visited their home Sunday afternoon and on Monday we got the call: the family adores him and wants him to be a permanent part of their lives starting Friday afternoon.

I was so excited for him - 3 kids, a great mom and dad, a new grandma with a doggie named Mugsy, a super big fenced-in yard to play in, everything I had hoped for him to have. But I was sad for me to be giving him up so quickly. I spent as much time with him as I could over the next few days. He loved to cuddle and nap with me. We played catch and chase and worked on "sit", "shake" and "take it nice".

The week flew by, and before I knew it we were in the car, heading to his new home. He was so excited to get there and see everyone! He ran in, wiggling and wagging, and had to greet everyone with kisses. Such a sweet little boy.

His new mom and I completed the adoption paperwork, and then while he was distracted with his new dad, Jim and I slipped away.

We've heard from his mom that he's doing really well and they are having lots of fun with him. I'm looking forward to hearing how he's doing in months to come. They already have reservations for him to stay at Camp Bark in a few weeks, so I'll get to see him then.

I haven't slept well for a few nights. I keep waking up thinking I hear the puppies, but then realize they're both gone. I feel at loose ends, it seems so strange not to have the two crates in the dining room. They're cloroxed and in in the garage waiting for the next little one, as is the puppy playpen.

Noir and Casey are getting extra doses of attention, but even they seem to wonder where the little guys have gone. Casey will pick up a toy and wander around the house looking for someone to play with.

Hershey was a heart thief. All the things I look for in a dog: beautiful, killer eyes, sweet, calm, funny, and destined to be large.

I long for just one more Hershey kiss.

Gilligan leaves the island

2009-05-09T21:20:00.007-04:00

He wasn't voted off the island, survivor style - he could have had immunity forever. But last Saturday we were at a PetSmart adoption event and a young couple fell in love with him. They passed every step of the adoption process; application, vet check, personal reference and my scrutiny at a home visit. We liked them and they obviously loved little Gilligan. So tonight at 6PM I took that awful drive... and left my little buddy with two people I hope will love him like I do, care for him, and give him the very best life they possibly can.

Gilligan had a rough start in life. He was born around November 20th, '08, and on December 29th his owner surrendered him to a Shelter. Happy New Yeah, huh? Usually owner surrenders are euthanized immediately, but they gave these puppies a chance. By early February no one had adopted them and Gilligan had developed a "cherry eye", so he was considered unadoptable and made available as a rescue only pull. That means if no rescue stepped up for him by the "euth date", he would be killed.

The day I saw the email with his listing, I had a recently vacated puppy crate. Jim and I agreed we should take him in as our foster, and on February 11th, a few hours before his euth date, I pulled him.

He was obviously scared in the shelter. Usually they take the dogs out of the kennels before they hose the concrete down, but if the animal is scared or refuses to come out, they leave them in there while they hose it down. Consequently everything that is on the floor is sprayed on the animal. A027007, as he was known in the shelter, was handed to me a sticky mess, with a thick film of urine coating his body. Why would they do this? Because they can. Though I'd like to think differently, I'm convinced that sometimes the workers torment the animals so they can feel power over something. And besides, he had a cherry eye, and they were going to kill him anyway.

But he was now mine. I took him straight to our wonderful vet, Dr Shaw at Indian Land Animal Hospital, and he got a checkup, puppy shots and dewormed. She said she would fix his cherry eye at a rate a rescue could afford. I took my little castaway home, with the new name, Gilligan, and scrubbed the indignity and filth off him and covered him in a warm towel, and lots of hugs and kisses.

Later that night, when looking at the listings on the shelter's website site, I discovered to my horror that Gilligan had a sister... and I had pulled her brother and left her there all alone. The next day I went back and got her. We named her Ginger.

And then we got to work, preparing them both for adoption. We took photos and listed them on Petfinder.com with cute bios. Ginger was adopted after the first PetSmart adoption event she attended. But week after week Gilligan was passed over, and the most frequently asked question was, "What's wrong with his eye?"

Finally he was old enough to be neutered and have his eye surgery. Unfortunately the first attempt to fix the eye failed. It happens sometimes. The cherry eye had become fibrous and was not going to lie down. So we waited a few weeks and he went back to surgery and this time it worked. A week later he was healing nicely and looking beautiful.

So how did I know this was the right couple to adopt him? They saw his puppy picture with the cherry eye and thought he was cute then, too, and the eye didn't bother them at all. They adore him.

It's been a long time, since Feb 11th, and Gilligan has gone through a lot. He grew from 15 pounds to 31 pounds, developed strong muscles and runs like a deer. He's had two surgeries, several urinary tract infections, lots of adoption events, lots of learning, and through it all he was an adorable little wiggle worm who loved to be held and give kisses as much as he loved to play with his foster aunts, Casey and Noir. Every morning he would whimper at 6:30 or 7am to go out, and when I opened his crate door he would stagger out half asleep and flop on the floor wiggling and wagging his tail, begging for a belly rub.

Tomorrow morning will be quiet. Our other foster puppy, Hershey, is sweet and calm, not at all a wiggler like Gilligan. Tonight I'll sleep in fits and starts, knowing that he is in a strange place, confused, and wondering why his world has been turned upside down. I'll sob, as I am now, and hope he knows that I fulfilled my promise to him, I loved him, cared for him, and found him a wonderful home and today he started a great life.

I hope he knows I will always love him. He took a huge chunk of my heart with him, and I will miss him for a very long time. But my work continues and there are other puppies that need our help. It seems the more chunks of my heart that I give away, the more of them I have to give.

Goodbye, little buddy.

I rescued your dog today (a rescuer's poem)

2009-04-26T14:18:00.001-04:00

I rescued your Dog today...
The one you left at the pound,
The one you had for five years,
And then no longer wanted around!

I rescued your Dog today...
Do you know that he's lost weight?
Do you know that he's scared and confused
And has lost all of his faith?

I rescued your Dog today...
He had fleas and a terrible cold,
But don't you worry yourself -
You've unburdened YOUR load.

I rescued your Dog today...
Were you having a baby or moving away?
Did he suddenly get too big?
Or was there some other reason he couldn't stay?

I rescued your Dog today...
He doesn't play or eat very much.
He's very wary and depressed right now
But, with time, will learn again to trust.

I rescued your Dog today...
And right here he will stay.
He's found his forever home
And a warm bed on which to lay.

I rescued your Dog today...
I will give him all that he could need -
With patience, love, and understanding.
Hopefully, he forgets your selfish deed!

I rescued your Dog today!

Not enough time

2009-04-14T07:20:00.006-04:00

In rescue we see this story played over and over, thousands of times every day. A new baby arrives, or a new job, a new boyfriend or girlfriend, the cute little puppy is now an adult, and suddenly there's "not enough time" for him. So their owners take them to the shelter to be killed. Owner surrenders can be killed before the owners even get back in their car. Here's one dog's perspective of "not enough time".

Dear Mom and Dad,

This is Blackie writing you. Betcha didn't know I could write, huh? Well, I can. Anyways I wanted to write you a quick email to let you know I'm not mad anymore and I understand. I was really mad when you brought me here to the Shelter. You told them you didn't have enough time for me. I was mad because I didn't think I took that much of your time. I mean I know the baby takes a lot of time, but really all you needed to do was give me food and water every day, make sure I get my heartworm medicine every month, and my shots once a year. I mean it was max 5 minutes a day. And when you had a few minutes to pet me and toss a ball for me to play with - well that was great. (You know you spent more time on me the day you took me to the Shelter than any other day I can remember.)

I was really really mad that day. See, I really didn't have a lot of stuff to do and no deadlines to meet so I really had no idea what "not enough time" means.

But I understand now. I have the same problem. See, I have just 24 hours to find a rescue. And I'm really scared that's not "enough time". After all, they don't know how good a dog I am. They don't know that I am a loyal companion - that I listen really great and that I love to walk in the dog park. And that more than anything else I want to have someone who will play with me, and tell me what a good dog I am. Did you know that I really love to have my ears brushed? And that I'm a spaniel? That's ok - I didn't either. I learned that here from a girl named Taryn. She's cool. She's even trying to get me some more time.

Well, I'd better hurry. I don't have "enough time" to really write this well. I have to really pray hard that God finds me a rescue. Because I don't have "a lot of time" left right now. My new friend in the dog run next to me ran out of time yesterday. I hope I'm not next.

Anyways I'm not mad anymore. I know what it means not to have enough time.

High Paws!
Blackie

The housing crisis: The innocent victims

2009-04-13T21:51:00.002-04:00

Get a dog and live a better life

2009-04-13T17:17:00.006-04:00

When Irish eyes are smiling...

2009-03-15T11:06:00.005-04:00

...they're usually up to something!

With a maiden name like Houlihan, you have to know St Patrick's Day is special to me. So in honor of St Patrick, we led 55 dogs and cats out of Spartanburg and on to freedom! I hope you enjoy the little video I posted below. And check out the kiss I got from that beautiful boxer!

10 year old border collie returns to agility

2009-03-12T23:33:00.006-04:00

Brewster, our 10 year old Border Collie, has been trained and performing agility jumps since he was a pup. In the last year, as a large dog (50+ lbs.) he has developed some arthritis in his hips, the vet says due to age and his athletic life.

His symptoms were hard to rise from lying down while on a smooth tile floor, and after 2 or 3 jumps on the hurdles, he would drag his back feet and knock the hurdle over.

We started him on Pet Restore and one pill a day of Run. After only a few days, his energy activity level picked up (if you can believe a Border can have an increased level) and he was taking his daily jump routine making 10 – 15 jumps with no problem or fatigue. He has also become more lively, such as rising in the morning and running for a toy to fetch with, similar to the way he behaved as a young dog.

The Pet Restore and limited Run tablets have really worked with him. Thanks for giving us our family athlete back!!

Rick Z.
Florida

17 common poisonous plants

2009-03-11T09:59:00.000-04:00

From the ASPCA:
What flora should be forbidden in your home, pet parents? Dr. Steven Hansen, veterinary toxicologist & ASPCA Senior Vice President, shows you examples of the most common potentially dangerous plants.

Bye-bye sweetie pie

2009-03-03T00:24:00.004-05:00

I took Gilligan and Ginger to an adoption event last Saturday at Petsmart. The first family that met her fell in love and filled out an application. I took Ginger over Sunday evening for a home visit and we decided on a weekend trial. So Friday evening I delivered my little sweetie to them along with her crate, toys, food, etc. By Saturday morning they had made their decision to keep her! Here's a photo of Ginger and I just before we left to go to her new family.

We still have Gilligan and he probably won't get adopted until his cherry eye is surgically corrected. He's a good boy, sweet and fun too. His eye surgery and neuter are scheduled for March 25th.

We're having fun playing with him He's a precocious little guy. He jumps out of the puppy play pen, and can jump up onto our bed, which is quite high. Poor Casey and Noir thought they could go get on our bed to escape the little monster, but not anymore!

It's snowing tonight. This is our third snowfall this winter. Last winter it snowed once, the year before not at all. It started about 5PM and it's still going strong now. Big fat flakes. When I was a kid in Buffalo, we used to say, "mother goose is shaking her feather bed," when the flakes were so big. I guess we have maybe two inches accumulated already. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools have already announced they'll be closed tomorrow. My friends in PA, NY and Canada are probably having a laughing fit over that!

Here's a photo I took of the front of the house. Just LOOK at all that snow! LOL In NY that would be considered a "dusting"!

Makes me want to put up the Christmas tree!

56 lucky dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens

2009-03-01T20:45:00.002-05:00

This weekend a huge group of people transported 56 dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens from shelters in South Carolina. The pets were bound for Virginia, Baltimore, and all sorts of points North and East.

As usual I took a lot of photos in Spartanburg, SC, and Charlotte and Salisbury, NC and have assembled them into a little video. My favorite dog this trip was Gem. Poor boy was so scared he didn't want to come out of his crate and had to be carried to the next car. Thanks to Jeff Boyd for his tender care of Gem as he carried him to Judy's car in Salisbury. Gem is a sweet boy and I hope his receiving rescue knows they have a true Gem on their hands!

Adoptable dogs

2009-02-25T09:47:00.009-05:00

I'd like you to meet three adoptable dogs currently in Animal Adoption League foster homes...

Calvin, a sweet red doberman:
ADOPTED!!
More about Calvin

Annora (honor), an intelligent Belgian Shepherd mix:
ADOPTED!!
More about Annora

Gilligan, a cute little beagle mix puppy:
ADOPTED!!
More about Gilligan

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

A prayer for dogs

2009-02-16T20:44:00.003-05:00

"Dear Lord, as we start each day
There's just one gift for which I pray
Please watch over all dogs everywhere
And bless them with someone to care.

Watch over the pups with plenty to eat
And the hungry strays out on the street
Those getting treats each time they yap
And those who struggle for every scrap

Those that sleep on a nice soft bed
Those with hard ground under their head
Those who play with girls and boys
And those who never have any toys

Those kept clipped and brushed and clean
And scruffy ones that don't smell too keen
Those who get to ride in cars
And those that sit behind cage bars

Those that flunk obedience school
Dig up the yard, snore and drool
Chew up your stuff, chase the cat
And they're still loved in spite of that

And those that are as good as gold
But left out to shiver in the cold
Chained up and forgotten there
They long for a warm home to share

Please God, as we end each night
Help more people do what's right
For each dog they meet, to do their best
And send your comfort to all the rest."

~Janice Wolf~

This is a tale of castaways...

2009-02-16T18:30:00.007-05:00

OK, cue the theme music... our new foster puppies are a brother and sister we named Gilligan and Ginger! I pulled Gilligan on Wednesday because they were going to kill him Saturday. They said he was unadoptable because of his cherry eye. But it's totally repairable and our vet is going to do it when she neuters him. He's a sweet little boy who deserves a good life.

Late Wednesday night I realized when we pulled him we left behind his sister. She wasn't in danger, but it broke my heart to think she was there all alone. I went back Friday morning to pull two other dogs and transport them so I adopted her to get her out of there. Ginger's very sweet too, and she and Gilligan play all the time. It's hilarious to watch them.

The shelter said they were "beagle mixes" which is pretty much what they call anything that has long ears. I have a few ideas of what they might be, but am waiting to hear from my resuce experts!

Bella: Puppy mill survivor and her puppies

2009-02-16T18:16:00.006-05:00

Bella gave birth to 6 puppies. Last week 2 of them were called to the Rainbow Bridge and will wait for a resucer to take them to heaven. Meanwhile, after losing two, all the pups and Bella visited the vet. Bella's other four pups are now thriving, and Bella is starting to experience the life she should have had all along - she has a yard to run in and is learning that's the place for her to do her business.

Please visit Bella's Blog to get all the updates on Bella and the pups. And while you're there, please consider making a donation via the PayPal link on the right side of the page. The expenses involved with caring for this little family are mounting... but a rescue group will do whatever it can to ensure their lives will be happy and healthy.

Valentine's Day Transport

2009-02-14T22:49:00.003-05:00

This morning countless volunteers arose with a single mission on their minds: rescue. Thirty-nine dogs and two cats are on their way to freedom and new lives on the day that symbolizes true love. Enjoy the video and photos as we do the the work we love to do.

Ramona the Dog writes to her RESCUERS!!

2009-02-06T20:20:00.006-05:00

Dear Miss Cindy and Miss Maria,

Thanks fer gittin me outta that shelter this morning! I was kinda going crazy with boredom in there. I had fun riding with you and also with Miss Edie. Thanks for making my crate so comfy and soft and for giving me a chewie. Between that and the milk bones Miss Edie gave me I had a great ride to Concord! I even got a little nap and Miss Edie said as a special favor to me she was not going to sing!

I know you help lots of other doggies like me who are down on their luck and I want to thank you for them and especially for me. To show you how grateful I am, I'm going to be an extra good girl my whole life just so you'll know it was worth all the effort you put in to save me. Well, at least I'll try to be good tomorrow. ;-)

I am already at my new foster home and I'm very happy. I have toys and I love my new foster mom!

Thank you again, U guys R lifesavers!
All my love furever and ever,
Ramona xoxoxoxox

PS - A special thanks to Mr Jim for lettin me ride in his car. :-)

Ramona's ride to freedom

2009-02-06T15:33:00.009-05:00

Ramona's big day:

First she was picked up from the Union County Shelter and transported to Camp Bark by Cindy Starkey (Camp Bark's owner) and Maria Kearney:

Here she is on her way to Concord with Edie Elting, enjoying a few milk bones along the way:

Saying goodbye to Edie:

Saying hello to new foster mom Angela (right) and Anne, her fellow AARF volunteer:

Gas round trip to Concord: $8.50
Five milk bones: $1.25
Freedom for one sweet pit bull: PRICELESS!!

Ramona the Dog writes letter to God

2009-02-06T09:24:00.008-05:00

Dear God, and Guardian Angels,

Hi! Its me Ramona. I am 8 months old and I'm begging for your help. I was picked up by the dog catcher 2 months ago and I landed in jail. The people here have been pretty nice to me, but ya see, they aren't allowed to adopt out pitbulls. :-(

Lucky for me, I have a great personality, a pretty face, and I've been told I am very Charasmatic (wink,wink) The people here have grown fond of me, which is why I've lasted this long, but I overheard someone say today "my time is almost up". (GULP!) They have tried to help me get out of here, but sadly there arent many takers for a girl like me.

I promise if someone will give me a chance, I'll be the best I can be. I'm smart, and funny, healthy and fully vetted...I have a contagious smile and I've never met a stranger. I have a docked tail that doesnt stop wiggling when I meet you., Did I mention how funny I am???? I love everyone, and I need to get outta here ASAP!!!!. I am starting to get a little stir crazy here since I'm just a pup, and I need to run and play. I pray those days arent over, God Please help Me! Please answer my prayer and send a rescuer my way! Please tell all your peeps to Call or email my friend Cindy to find out how to save me!

Sincerely Thankful,
Ramona (pawprint) xoxo

NOTE: Ramona is being rescued! I am transporting her to Concord this morning where she'll be picked up by AARF (Animal Adoption and Rescue Foundation) and taken to her new foster home in Winston-Salem! YAYYYY!! Many thanks to my friend Cindy Starkey of Camp Bark for her hard work on behalf of Ramona!

Marvelous Marvin checks in

2009-02-06T09:11:00.006-05:00

Hi Everybody! Remember me, Marvelous Marvin?!

I lived with my foster mom Edie last summer. She found me a great home with my new mom and dad, Brekke and Jeremy, and my new best friend Spitfire. Spit's a chihuahua, but I don't hold that against him! We play and chase each other around, and sometimes Spit likes to sleep in my crate, which is silly cause I can't fit in his crate!

My mom and dad take me on long walks and we go to parks and play. I really like where I live. I have all sorts of toys and life is good. Oh yea, and the food is good too. I got big! Well, that's all, I just wanted to stop in and say, "Hi!" to everyone and post some photos so you can see how handsome I turned out!

Love, Marvin xoxo

Earlier posts about Marvin:

==> Sir Marvin of York, aka Marvelous Marvin

==> Marvelous Marvin moves on

45 fur kids moved to freedom!

2009-02-01T11:07:00.004-05:00

Here is a video of yesterday's transport, legs 2 & 3 from Spartanburg, SC to Charlotte, NC, then on to Salisbury, NC.

I dedicated this run to my new friends, Maryann Bloos and her family, and their newest adopted family member Smokey, my former foster puppy!

Union County Animal Control and a local rescue group partner to rescue 24 dogs

2009-01-28T12:01:00.012-05:00

On January 20, 2009, Union County, NC Animal Control released 24 dogs taken from a puppy mill to Animal Adoption League. The volunteers in the photo, led by rescue volunteer Cindy Starkey (front row, center), transported the dogs and coordinated their intake and movement to foster homes.

One of the dogs, now named Bella, has health problems and is about to deliver puppies. She has her own blog! I hope you'll take some time to read about her.

The medical care for Bella and her soon-to-be-born puppies will be provided by a local rescue group. Costs are expected to reach or exceed $2,000. All donations are tax-deductable, and we are grateful for your help! There is a donations button on her blog page.

Yellow lab: the new "in" dog

2009-01-24T21:51:00.015-05:00

Movies and TV shows have always shaped our lives by dictacting fashions and trends, what's "in" and what's not. Unfortunately movies even affect our decisions about which type of dog to add as our new family members.

Think back to popular dogs.. Lassie, Rin Tin Tin, Benji, Papi the chihuahua. And this year's popular movie, "Marley and Me".

My husband and I volunteer as animal rescuers. We foster puppies, give them a safe home, love them, then find them wonderful, loving, permanent adoptive homes. We love black or black and white dogs. Partly because black dogs are less desired by the public, and have the highest euthanasia rate in shelters.

My guess is that breeders are already starting to pump out yellow lab puppies like Carter's little liver pills.

As a rescuer, I know what that means. In 6 months or a year, the shelters will be packed with yellow labs that people got when it was in vogue, and got rid of when they realized what energetic little hellions they can be without the proper exercize, discipline, and affection. So as soon as no one is interested in yellow labs any more, rescue groups will have a bumper crop of them.

Don't get me wrong. I love ALL dogs. I love yellow labs. What I don't love is that a living animal is treated as an in style, must-have accessory.

Don't breed or buy while shelter animals die!

A message from Smokey

2009-01-24T21:00:00.005-05:00

Are you confusing your brain?

2009-01-23T20:49:00.001-05:00

How to Program Your Mind to Attract What You Want
by Jack Canfield, America's Success Coach

We all aspire to be, do and have great things. Yet most of us simply aren’t creating the results we want. We don’t have enough money, romance, success or joy in our lives. But what we need to understand is that greatness exists in all of us. It is simply up to us to pull it out of ourselves. We all have genius. We just need to learn how to apply it.

Decide What You Want
In order to get what you want, you must first decide what you want. Most people really foul up at this crucial first step because they simply can’t see how it’s possible to get what they want — so they don’t even let themselves want it.

Don’t sabotage yourself that way!

What scientists now know about how the brain works is that you must first decide WHAT you want, before your brain can figure out HOW to get it. Once you lock-in your desires, your mind and the universe can step in.

Are you ready to get started?

Be Willing to Dream Big Dreams
As soon as you commit to a big dream and really go after it, your subconscious creative mind will come up with big ideas to make it happen. You’ll start attracting the people, resources, and opportunities you need into your life to make your dream come true. Big dreams not only inspire you, they compel others to want to play big, too.

Set Goals That Will Stretch YouAnother value in giving yourself permission to go after the big dreams is that big dreams require you to grow in order to achieve them. In fact, in the long run, that is the greatest benefit you will receive from pursuing your dreams — not so much the outer trappings of fulfilling the dream (an expensive car, impressive house, loads of money and philanthropic opportunities), but who you become in the process.

As I’ve seen many times over, the outer symbols of success, can all be easily lost. Houses burn down, companies go bankrupt, relationships end in divorce, cars get old, bodies age and fame wanes, but who you are, what you have learned and the new skills you have developed never go away. These are the true prizes of success. Motivational philosopher, Jim Rohn advises that “You should set a goal big enough that in the process of achieving it, you become someone worth becoming.”

Service to Others
Something else you’ll discover is that when your dreams include service to others — accomplishing something that contributes to others — it also accelerates the accomplishment of that goal. People want to be part of something that contributes and makes a difference.

Turn Your Dreams into Goals and Objectives
Once you are clear about what you want, you must turn each item into a measurable objective. By measurable, I mean measurable in space and time — how much and by when. For instance, if you were to tell me that you wanted more money, I might pull out a dollar and give it to you, but you would probably protest, saying “No, I meant a lot more money — like $20,000!” Well, how am I supposed to know unless you tell me? Similarly, your boss, your friends, your spouse, your brain — God, the Universe — can’t figure out what you want unless you tell them specifically what it is. What do you want — exactly — and when do you want it by?

Write Your Goals Down
Write your goals down in detail, and read your list of goals every day. This will keep your subconscious mind focused on what you want. For an even more powerful approach, close your eyes and focus on each goal and ask yourself, "What is one thing I could do today to move toward the achievement of this goal?" Write down your answers and take those actions.

To help your reticular activating system begin finding YOUR wants in unexpected places, take time now to decide what you want and start writing!

Remember, don't hold back!

© 2006 Jack Canfield

Jack Canfield, America’s Success Coach, is the founder and co-creator of the billion-dollar book brand Chicken Soup for the Soul and a leading authority on Peak Performance. If you're ready to jump-start your life, make more money, and have more fun and joy in all that you do, get your FREE success tips from Jack Canfield now at www.jackcanfield.com

When a rescuer dies

2009-01-22T23:10:00.004-05:00

This year several rescuers I knew, or knew of, passed away. It's a sad day on Earth, but here's what happens at Rainbow Bridge. This explains why I will never stop rescuing. And this describes the reward I will receive when my days on Earth are finished

The Rescue Rainbow Bridge

Unlike most days at RainBow Bridge, this day dawned cold and gray, damp as a swamp and as dismal as could be imagined. All the recent arrivals were confused and concerned. They had no idea what to think for they had never experienced a day like this before. But the animals who had spent some time waiting for their beloved people knew exactly what was happeningand began to gather at the pathway leading to the Bridge to watch. They knew this was something special.

It wasn't too long before an elderly animal came into view, head hung heavy and low with tail dragging along the ground. The other animals on the pathway...the ones who had been at RainBow Bridge for a while...knew the story of this sad creature immediately. They had seen ithappen far too many times.

Although it was obvious the animal's heart was leaden and he was totally overcome with emotional pain and hurt, there was no sign of injury or any illness. Unlike the pets waiting at the Bridge, this dog had not been restored to his prime. He was full of neither health nor vigor. Heapproached slowly and painfully, watching all the pets who were by now watching him. He knew he was out of place here. This was no resting place for him. He felt instinctively that the sooner he could cross over, the happier he would be. But alas, as he came closer to the Bridge, his way was barred by the appearance of an Angel who spoke softly to the old dog andapologized sorrowfully, telling him that he would not be able to pass. Only those animals who were with their special people could pass over the Rainbow Bridge. And he had no special beloved people...not here at the Bridge nor on Earth below.

With no place else to turn, the poor elderly dog looked toward the fields before the Bridge. There, in a separate area nearby, he spotted a group of other sad-eyed animals like himself... elderly and infirm. Unlike the pets waiting for their special people, these animals weren't playing, but simply lying on the green grass, forlornly and miserably staring out at the pathway leading to the Bridge. The recent arrival knew he had no choice but to join them. And so, he took his place among them, just watching the pathway and waiting.

One of the newest arrivals at the Bridge, who was waiting for his special people, could not understand what he had just witnessed and asked one of the pets who had been there for some time to explain it to him."That poor dog was a rescue, sent to the pound when his owner grew tired of him. They way you see him now, with graying fur and sad, cloudy eyes, was exactly the way he was when he was put into the kennels. He never, ever made it out and passed on only with the love and comfort that the kennel workers could give him as he left his miserable and unloved existence on Earth for good. Because he had no family or special person to give his love, he has nobody to escort him across the Bridge."

The first animal thought about this for a minute and then asked, "So what will happen now?" As he was about to receive his answer, the clouds suddenly parted and the all-invasive gloom lifted. Coming toward theBridge could be seen a single figure... a person who, on Earth, had seemed quite ordinary... a person who, just like the elderly dog, had just left Earth forever. This figure turned toward a group of the sad animals and extended outstretched palms. The sweetest sounds they had ever heard echoed gently above them and all were bathed in a pure and golden light. Instantly, each was young and healthy again, just as they had been in the prime of life.

From within the gathering of pets waiting for their special people, a group of animals emerged and moved toward the pathway. As they came close to the passing figure, each bowed low and each received a tender pat on the head or a scratch behind the ears. Their eyes grew even brighter as the figure softly murmured each name. Then, the newly-restored pets fell into line behind the figure and quietly followed this person to the Bridge, where they all crossed together.

The recent arrival who had been watching, was amazed. "What happened?" "That was a rescuer," came the answer. "That person spent a lifetime trying to help pets of all kinds. The ones you saw bowing in respect were those who found new homes because of such unselfish work. They will cross when their families arrive. Those you saw restored were ones who never found homes. When a rescuer arrives, they are permitted to perform one, final act of rescue. They are allowed to escort those poor pets that couldn't place on Earth across the Rainbow Bridge. You see, all animals are special to them... just as they are special to all animals."

"I think I like rescuers," said the recent arrival.

"So does God," was the reply.

I rescued a human today

2009-01-22T17:01:00.001-05:00

by Janine Allen

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her.

I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn’t be afraid. As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn’t want her to know that I hadn’t been walked today. Sometimes the overworked shelter keepers get too busy and I didn’t want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn’t feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone’s life.

She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.

Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms.

I would promise to keep her safe.

I would promise to always be by her side.

I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes.

I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven’t walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.

I rescued a human today.

No truer words were ever spoken...

2009-01-20T01:00:00.006-05:00

I saw this signature on an email from my rescue group.
So true, so true!!

"I am involved in dog rescue:
my wallet & gas tank are always running on empty,
my house is never quiet & free of dog hair, nor is my car;
my inbox is full of ongoing despair & misery,
but my heart & soul are replenished with
unconditional love, loyalty, & joy that can only come from a rescued dog!"

.....Author Unknown

Cruzer the cabin puppy

2009-01-15T12:24:00.006-05:00

Last weekend I went on a cruise to the Bahamas with Nussentials Leadership Council. We had a great time having meetings, learning about fabulous new announcements and enhancements to our pay plan, hanging out on the beach, and having fun together!

After a hard day of work ;-) on the beach at Coco Cay, I was missing my dogs. When I returned to my room, I was thrilled with what my clever cabin attendant had left - my very own cabin puppy! Of course I named him Cruzer!!

Here I am catching some rays at Coco Cay with our ship in the background. Ahhhhh!

An "EASY" transport day? What's that??

2009-01-03T23:56:00.005-05:00

In almost a year of transporting, I've never experienced a day like today. Maybe it's because we only had 26 dogs and cats. Maybe the stars were perfectly aligned in the heavens. I don't know what it was, but I sure wish there were more days like today!

We left Spartanburg on time, left Charlotte early, and got to Salisbury before even the next leg's drivers! And they even left on time. WOW!

Everything went smoothly, except for the usual puppy pooping and the two or three vocal passengers. I even had time to take a lot of photos, which I compiled into a little video. Enjoy!!

What happened to Michael Vick's dogs ...

2008-12-29T17:51:00.006-05:00

Vick's Dogs: The Good News Out of The Bad Newz Kennels

In the latest issue of Sports Illustrated, the article by Jim Gorant

"Since being rescued 20 months ago from the dogfighting ring financed by Michael Vick, all but a few of the abused pit bulls have been recovering in sanctuary, foster care and adoptive homes. Now even the most traumatized of them can have a happy new year."

>>> Read the entire article on the Sports Illustrated website

Be sure to look at the photo gallery for some wonderful photos of these dogs!

Rescue Transports - 2008

2008-12-24T23:01:00.009-05:00

Here's a little movie I made of some of the photos I've taken of some of our passengers this past year. Most of the photos were taken in Spartanburg, SC, Charlotte, and Salisbury, NC along our regular transport route. Most of those dogs came from Greenville and Newberry, SC. Other photos are of dogs we've pulled from Gaston County, NC and York County, SC and transported to adoptive homes, foster homes, and other rescues.

This is just a small sampling of our transports. We remember every one with a smile, one or two with great sadness.

I present this movie in honor of all transporters, especially my friend and mentor Mari, and our passengers, and in memory of Jasmine, a beautiful, sweet border collie. She was pregnant when we transported her. We found out later that neither she nor her pups survived the delivery.

The Holiday Express Transport

2008-12-20T18:36:00.006-05:00

Today our group of transporters moved 45 dogs from shelters in South Carolina to rescues and forever homes from Virginia to Connecticut.

Aside from a 10 minute delay along I-85 at the North/South Carolina state line, everything went pretty well. Bailey the puppy whined a little, but seemed to quiet down when I talked to her or shoved her kibble through the holes in the crate!

Tomorrow the transport may be delayed because of bad weather as they head north. Pray for the safety and comfort of all our drivers and passengers.

Mari and Oslo

The van from Charleston, SC met us in Salisbury, NC to drop off some animals heading north on our transport. I would LOVE to have a van like that for transport! We could fit a lot of crates in there!

Newberry Animal Control transferring animals to us in Spartanburg, SC

My Passengers:

Sunny

Bailey

Missy

Farmer

Brownie

The Chesterfield "Ewoks"

2008-12-18T14:17:00.004-05:00

Sunday, Dec 14th, 10 puppies were pulled from a high-kill shelter in Chesterfield, SC. They were supposed to go on transport up North. Everything changed Monday morning when two of the puppies were diagnosed with Parvo. This is their story and why they need your help.

Read their story: http://www.chesterfieldewoks.blogspot.com/

Sadly, the little girl succumbed to parvo on Thursday night. In the meantime, the vet bills incurred trying to save her are astronomical. Her brother is thankfully doing well.

Beloved pets and people remembered

2008-12-14T12:00:00.011-05:00

Love Lights, held last night at Camp Bark in Waxhaw, NC, was a beautiful and special event where we honored and remembered our cherished loved ones. Luminarias were lit in honor or memory of a special person or pet for a small donation to a local rescue group.

It was a crisp winter evening, but we were warmed by the memories of our loved pets and friends. The luminarias made a warm glow down the winding driveway and along the path to the pond and memory garden at Camp Bark.

I placed candles on the stone memorializing my special dog, Floyd who passed in 1995. She was a special dog, I loved my "little woofer".

Christmas pictures with the dogs

2008-12-08T01:00:00.003-05:00

Every year my rescue group holds a Holiday Pet Photo fundraising event. The last two years were hosted by Camp Bark in Waxhaw, NC. One of our volunteers is a professional photographer and he sets up his lights, backdrop, etc, and takes photos of pets and their families. It's a lot of fun, sometimes a bit chaotic, always a good event for our group.

Jim and I took our girls Noir and Casey, and also little Smokey our foster dog. I thought I'd share some of the pictures with you. :-)

Smokey

Jim, Edie, Casey & Noir

Smokey with his foster mom, dad, and aunts

Casey and Noir trying hard to "stay"!

Ralphie's been adopted into the perfect home

2008-12-07T13:34:00.003-05:00

Ralphie had been malnourished and was living outside with no shelter or medical care, so he was wormy, underweight, and intact. While at the hospital for his surgery, he was neutered and wormed. In foster care, his foster mom added Nussentials MORE to his food at every meal. Two weeks later when he returned to the hospital to have his stitches taken out he had gained 10 pounds and was healing well. The vet was surprised at his weight gain and said, "Whatever you're doing, keep doing it!"

Today Ralphie moved to his new furever home. He has a big fenced yard and another dog named Ruby to be his buddy. He said goodbye to his rescuer/foster mom Tammy, then ran off to play in the yard with Ruby and his new mom and dad. Ralphie Tripod is going to have a great life!

Ralphie's rescuer/foster mom Tammy

Ralphie with his new mom and new buddy Ruby

Smokey's night out

2008-11-26T23:00:00.001-05:00

Sunday evening there was a special charity event at the biggest mall in Charlotte, South Park Mall. It's called the "Evening of Giving". They close the mall at 5 then re-open at 6 and you have to have a ticket to get in. Charities sell the tickets for $10 and we keep $7 of it, the rest goes to the mall's charities, so it's all a donation. The stores offer special prices, there's food for everyone to eat, and music to enjoy, and lots of raffle drawings. I took my foster puppy Smokey up to show him off. Everybody loved him, he's such a great little puppy, very friendly and yet calm. So here's a photo someone took of us - the famous team of Smokey and Skinny!! LOL

Update on Ralphie

2008-11-20T13:31:00.002-05:00

Ralphie's been in his foster home for a full day now and what a day it's been. He's doing incredibly well and has far exceeded our expectations.

By lunchtime he was going up & down the stairs off the back deck to the fenced yard. He does this by himself. He plays with the two resident dogs but has bonded with one in particular; Thelma Lou (a Corgi/mix). Ralphie loves her and follows her around.

This evening when he was put in his ex-pen he just couldn't settle down.......until Thelma Lou was put in there with him. Now they're both sleeping; Ralphie on his giant pillow and Thelma Lou on her blanket. All is well.

Ralphie is discharged

2008-11-19T13:22:00.003-05:00

Ralphie was able to come home today. The vet and was amazed. Remember the first photos of Ralphie's leg with the open wound where you could see the bone and the horrible x-ray? That happened 3-4 weeks ago! It would appear someone else hit this boy and they too didn't stop to help him. Because he received no care when that injury happened, it started to heal incorrectly and by the time he received care it was just too late. The ends of the bone had already started to die.

So the woman who hit him the other day can take solace in that she didn't cause this horrible injury. However, she's not off the hook. She too wasn't willing to help him in any way. Morally, that's just wrong. Some would say morally bankrupt.

Because of the previous injury he's had a head start on learning to walk on 3 legs. At his foster home, he was carried out of the car and they had to coax him to move around. Then he got his bearings, laid down and rolled around in the grass. He walked/hopped around a bit, watched the cats and when he saw another dog he wagged his tail.

In the house an ex-pen was set up for him.

You'll see it's got a large dog cushion in it which should be comfortable for his stump. It was covered up with a super soft blanket. That too should feel good while he's healing. It was obvious he'd never been indoors before; he refused to go inside the house. So Ralphie was carried inside and put into his pen. It's happened before with rescue dogs who've never had a bed; they don't know what to do with it. Here's Ralphie, half on & half off his bed.

That's a chew bone which I don't think he ever saw before. He treasured it and laid his head down on the bone. An hour or so later his foster mom reported that he not only chewed it but ate the whole thing then got up on his new bed to lay down. First milestone: Ralphie figured out what a bed is!

Ralphie's story

2008-11-17T13:03:00.004-05:00

A volunteer rescuer was driving one day and saw a dog beginning to cross the road in front of her. She stopped, but another car came from the other direction and hit him. The woman driving the other car wasn't going to stop, but our volunteer made her stop.

The woman said she was late for work, at a vet's office! What luck, our volunteer thought - she can take the dog to work. "Oh no, I can't do that," she said and drove off. Didn't even stay to help our volunteer get the 50 pound black lab into her SUV. Fortunately some men were working on a house nearby and they help lift the dog into the car.

Off she went to Indian Land Animal Hospital. The dog, now nicknamed "Ralphie", was given pain meds and made comfortable. His wound was dressed and the leg stabilized. Because it was shorter than the other leg, the vet said the bone had probably broken and slid past itself. Surgery would be required to put a plate in the leg, or it might have to be amputated.

Ralphie was stabilized and made comfortable for the night, while our volunteers made a plan to move him the next morning to The Pet Hospital in Bessemer City, NC for surgery.

Ralphie waited patiently for the results of his x-rays. It wasn't good news. Apparently he had been hit by a car a month earlier and the same leg was broken and not treated. The leg couldn't be saved.

Ralphie's leg was amputated on November 18th. He did well in surgery.

Renni, a pekinese, is free of allergies and skin problems

2008-11-15T15:06:00.000-05:00

My girl Renni is a 10 yrs-old Pekingese. She has been the joy of my life for all these years. Not so pleasant has been her skin condition for the past 8. She was prescribed numerous different pills, topical, medicated shampoos, special foods and injections. Blood and skin tests have been done numerous times, trying to find-out what was wrong with her skin. Nothing ever helped for more than a week or two. She lived in a great discomfort, itching, scratching and biting herself. Along with that Renni developed an allergy 5 yrs ago which progressively turned into a severe condition. For which she was prescribed meds on the top of the meds that she was taking for the skin.

I went in search of the best Vet in Florida who specialized in Infectious Disease. I found one 600 miles away, who comes to that location once a month. We traveled to that particular office to see "THE DOC". He prescribed some different meds, a change in her diet and allergy shots to be given at home under strict regiment. That was 2 months before I started hearing amazing stories about other dogs taking PET RESTORE, and their health improvements. It took me a couple of days to figure-out how to give it to her, because she was refusing it.

Two weeks after taking PET RESTORE the improvement of her skin and fur was so drastic, that I stopped the injections first. Week later after increasing improvements I stopped the pills and that horse shampoo with bad smell. Renni's skin is so healthy now-2 months on PET RESTORE. I do not remember it like that ever. She grew hair on spots that were so abused from biting that I still can't believe it is possible. She is FREE of allergy. She has not been taking anything but Restore for 2 months. I'm so grateful that this product gave her and me normal life again after many years of suffering. No more meds and injections - I can tell she is happy!

Silva A.
Florida

Smokey's improved health

2008-11-14T12:22:00.001-05:00

Dramatic turn around in health of puppies pulled from shelter

My husband and I foster puppies and work to find them loving adoptive homes. Usually they are in poor health when they come to us and we immediately start adding Nussentials’ MORE! to their food.

We recently pulled 2 puppies from a local shelter on their last day before being euthanized. We named them Smokey and Bandit. They had been at the shelter for over a month. They are the sweetest pups on earth, but were very malnourished and wormy. We started shaking 1/2 tsp of MORE onto their dry food, and got them to the vet to be wormed. Smokey’s coat was very dull and very thin around his neck, down his back, and in spots on his legs. A test for demodex, a non-contagious form of mange, was negative. The vet felt his sparse coat was the result of poor nourishment.

He visited the vet again a week later, and in one week he had gained 4.2 pounds, in spite of being treated for worms! Amazing! His coat was still poor but she expected it would improve in a month or two.

The next day, our first order of PET RESTORE! arrived and we started adding it to his food. That day we took a photo to document his thin coat. Eight days later, he has gained another 3 pounds, and his coat is now shiny and thick. The photos below show Smokey before and 8 days later after using Nussentials’ MORE! and PET RESTORE!

BEFORE: Dull, thin coat, fur missing around neck, on back and legs

AFTER: Soft, silky, shiny, thick coat

And now appearing in the puppy crate

2008-10-27T23:00:00.001-04:00

Well, as I said in the last post's comments, Bob the pitiful pittie puppy was adopted over the weekend so never got to come live with us. Instead, this afternoon we picked up two, yes, TWO, puppies from the York County shelter that had to be out by 5PM today.

They are approx 10 weeks old, male, beagle and who knows what mixes. Cute as all get out, of course, and very sweet. Love to be held and play. Here they are: Smokey and the Bandit!

Bandit has a white line on his forehead and a white dot on his nose just like Molly did. Smokey looks like his toes were dipped in white paint. This is going to be interesting!

>>> Smokey and Bandit's petfinder page

Molly moves on...

2008-10-23T14:30:00.001-04:00

Wow, that was fast! in the 4 days I had Molly listed on Petfinder, she got 650 hits, and several great applications were received for her. Yesterday Jim and I took her to meet a man in Lake Wylie, SC, and tomorrow he's going to pick her up and take her to her forever home. He's retired and his wife is retiring next week. She has been begging for a dog for a while, so this will be a little surprise for her. Should make her retirement very interesting!
I'm flying out to Colorado for the weekend, so I won't be here to see her off. All her things are packed - vet records, a few days' worth of food, her first hearguard and frontline. Jim will add in a few of her favorite toys.

As always, I'll miss her. She's so adorable! But I know she is going to a good home and will want for nothing. We'll check in with her in a few weeks and see how she's doing. Till then we'll wonder how she's doing, if she's behaving, and if she likes her new home.

On Monday, Bob will move into the puppy crate. He's a little pitty puppy that was neglected and left for dead, rescued near death by my friend Cindy 3 weeks ago. She hovered over him, giving him IV fluids for a whole weekend. Now he's doing great. Jim and I went over to see him last night. He loves to be held and sat in Jim's lap for a long time. He's on Petfinder as "Cowboy Bob", dressed in a cowboy outfit with a hat and everything. TOO CUTE!

>>> Bob's" Petfinder Page

Good Golly, Miss Molly!

2008-10-17T09:26:00.001-04:00

Here she is, our new foster puppy, Molly! She's a trip. Very cute, loves to play. We think she's only 6-8 weeks old, and she weighs 6.0 pounds. Loves to play. Has the prettiest blue eyes. Cried every few hours all night to go outside. :-) She's smart, I think we have a puppy einstein on our hands!

Here comes Trouble!

2008-10-15T23:00:00.000-04:00

You knew we couldn't go puppy-less for long! Tomorrow we're taking in a puppy that, of course, was dumped by the side of the road in Rock Hill, SC. Who could do that to an 8 week old puppy?
Well, anyway, the people that found her nicknamed her Trouble. We'll probably re-name her so's not to give her a bad reputation. She's a black lab mix with a white dot on her nose, a white streak on her head, white chest and white paws. Sounds adorable, and I'm sure she is!

Today was Jim's birthday. We had a nice dinner with friends, a quiet day, and this evening Helen invited the neighbors for cake and coffee. We love our neighborhood, and have made some great friends here, so it was good fun.

I also heard from Simon's mom, too!

"Here's some great news for you! He didn't cry Monday or last night at all. We took him out at 10:30 for his last walk and then put him in the crate and said good night. He was pooped for sure :-) We didn't hear a peep from him until morning. I came downstairs and he was standing up waiting for me and we went outside and took care of business. That was about 5:00 am. The early morning is when I do my devotion time, so he then cuddled up on the couch with me after breakfast and chewed on a bone while I read... of course then the kids get up and quiet time is over! He's done great during the days as well. There's been no accidents in his crate and only one in that puppy bed that you saw (such as it is with life... remember we said that we were fine if he messed up the carpet because it was old and coming up soon... so he pees on the NEW bed. Oh, well, that's what they make deodorizer for!) We are doing great! I will send pictures this weekend for sure :-) I can't thank you enough for taking such good care of him for us. He's a joy!"

It's so good to hear that he's doing well. He's destined for a wonderful life! :-)

Coming up - another happy/sad day

2008-10-13T00:01:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow morning I'm helping Mari transport 5 puppies to a vet in York, SC, that are on their way to be transported to New York. We'll probably cover a few hundred miles.

Then I'll get home, play with our foster puppy Simon for a while, then Jim and I have the honor/pleasure/sad task of taking him to his new home. The good news is he's being adopted by a wonderful family. The sad news is that our time with him has reached an end.

He has been a wonderful house guest, sweet, funny, bouncy little puppy. Probably a Jack Russell/yellow lab mix. He's a little guy. Took to his crate and house training right away. Always tells us when he needs to go out. Loves to play with balls and stuffed toys, and most of all, loves to play with his Aunt Casey and Aunt Noir.

Tomorrow evening will be quiet. I know I'll cry tomorrow night and wonder if he is scared to be in a strange place where the mom and dad and aunts he's known are no longer there.

And soon there will be another need... another homeless, cast-off puppy will need our help. And the crate will come back into the dining room and we'll be smothered in puppy kisses again.
Here are some photos and a movie of Simon:

Sissy is my co-pilot

2008-10-12T23:30:00.000-04:00

It was another large number of dogs and cats on the transport Saturday - 34 dogs and puppies, and 2 kittens.
My passengers were all really well behaved, sweet dogs. First in was Thumper, a 50 pound Australian Shepherd mix. He hopped right up and into his crate like he was ready for an adventure.

Next loaded was Aussie (Austin), a red merle Austrailian shepherd, who had just been neutered Friday. It was a delicate surgery because he was cryptorchid. His testicals never fell, and one was found attached to a kidney. Poor baby! We carefully lifted him into and out of the car. I walked him first and when he had a bowel movement he cried out in pain. I felt so terrible for him, to be just out of surgery and have to travel all day.

I also had two scruffy dogs, Holly and Mickey D. And then there was a little heart stealer named Sissy. She's a scruffy Jack Russell Terrier. I tethered her to the front seat and she curled up and went to sleep. I scratched her ears and petted her all the way to Charlotte, then Mari grabbed her for her lap for the leg to Salisbury.

Thumper

Aussie

Holly

Mickey D

tan puppy

Mari had two puppies who weren't getting along in the one crate, so I put one of them in my extra crate and the cutest little tan retriever mix rode with me to Salisbury.

I love driving transport. I can't imagine a time when I wouldn't jump at the chance to participate. Most of the people we meet are great, and I look forward to seeing them every time.

Thursday afternoon Mari and I drove to the horrible Gaston shelter again and pulled one dog and transported it to Huntersville. This is the shelter we swore we'd never go to again. BUT.... we knew we couldn't live with ourselves if we avoided the place to ease our minds, and left dogs there that could get out with our help. So we went. One of the shelter workers brought the dog out to our car. Then he handed me the leash and said, "Oh, by the way, she's aggressive to strangers. That's why her owner turned her in."

LOVELY. So here we stand, two 50+ year old women, with a 50 pound dog that needs to get up into the back of Mari's Ford Expedition. The dog was scared spitless. We weren't much better! But I finally steeled myself, talked to her in a low voice, and with my very best Dog Whisperer-style calm, assertive mindset, I slowly picked her up and put her in the crate. Then sighed a huge sigh of relief! She hadn't so much as looked at me. :-) Of course, I had pictured myself with a bite to the arm or neck. But she was a very good girl. She was nervous, sat in the crate all the way to Huntersville. She calmed down pretty quick once she got out of the car and went into a pen. She even wagged her tail before we left.

You just never know!

You can support rescue transports with a tax deductable donation to Animal Adoption League

Animal Adoption League is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Thank you!!

Mari and I cried our eyes out

2008-10-04T22:00:00.000-04:00

Our usual transport wasn't running this Saturday, and Mari and I decided not to pick up on another one. Instead on Friday we ran two local transports.
It started when an urgent plea and a picture of a border collie came from our friend at theYork County shelter. "Please save this sweet girl, she's out of time!" I love border collies, and my friend that owns Camp Bark does too. I wrote her and told her if she could foster her I would transport her.

Since Mari and I never like to do just simple things, we picked up on another urgent need to pull some dogs from the Gaston County shelter and move them to Huntersville.

We headed out early and on the way to York, my friend from Camp Bark called. "There's a chihuahua there that's terrified. Just bring her." Then the group that needed us to pull from Gaston called and said York has a rat terrier, can we bring it too. So instead of pulling a border collie at York, we also had a chihuahua and a rat terrier.

From York, SC we returned to Waxhaw, NC and dropped off Heidi the Chihuahua and Rita the Border Collie.

We dropped the two passengers at Camp Bark, then stopped at Mari's house to let Buddy and Foxy, her dog and foster dog out. Buddy's an old guy and has to go out every 4 hours. Then we stopped for a quick lunch, and headed to Dallas, NC to the Gaston County shelter.

Gaston is known as a high-kill shelter, not friendly to rescues. We felt it the minute we got there, like they were not happy that we were pulling dogs. The place is so sad. We had to go into the horrible shelter to pull the dogs. The first one was a terrified chihuahua that snapped and snarled and had a sign on his cage "Biter! Not adoptable". The shelter worker wouldn't go in to get it, he was too afraid of the dog, so Mari and I did. He put up a real fight, but once we got him into the crate he settled down.

Next we pulled another rat terrier, then a dalmation mix. No struggle there. Next we got a chocolate lab. I didn't have enough crates so we tethered him in the back. It was horrible there, to see all the dogs that looked at us as though to plead, "Take me too!" Old dogs, puppies, dogs that looked like they'd never had a bath or had spent their life at the end of a chain, dogs that looked like they'd been fought. It was heart wrenching and at times Mari and I looked at each other and sobbed.

We were loaded and started to drive away and Mari started crying. There was another chocolate lab that had been dumped there by it's owner... a mother and pup that were found tied to the gate a few mornings before. I turned around and went back in and got her. We made room for her behind the passenger seat. All she wanted was to put her head between us and nuzzle our elbows. Such a beautiful sweet lab/ basset mix.

The car was packed. Crates were crammed in on top of other crates. We had bungee cords criss-crossing, holding them in place. Finally we left. I never want to go back there again. The images are etched into my brain and my heart.

Once underway, the first chocolate lab that was tethered in the back started to heave. And poop. All over everything, including the dog that was crated next to him. Oh, did I mention I was driving Jim's Toyota Highlander? Yep. What a mess. We couldn't open the windows all the way, either, because in the course of being sick he had slipped out of his slip lead tether and was trying to climb over crates to get to the front, spreading the mess around even more.

It was a stressful, sickening ride, in an hour we had gotten lost twice, but finally arrived at Great Dane rescue in Huntersville, NC. The farm worker held up a remote and opened the big iron gates. He motioned us to follow him back to the kennels. One by one he carefully unloaded the animals, and they seemed calm and ready to follow him. Even the "biting killer chihuahua" that had put up such a fit was suddenly sitting in his lap kissing his cheek. This guy had to be the second coming of the dog whisperer! He was constantly followed by a chihuahua mix named Ricky, that trotted behind him.

He was great, helped us clean ot the car, clean out the crates, and disposed of all the blankets and towels that were too disgusting to keep.

At 4PM we were back home, cloroxing crates and cleaning the inside of the car so you couldn't tell what a mess had been made!

Alas, I have no pictures of the Gaston dogs. But the dogs we transported from there will long be remembered. And the ones we left behind we will remember with our tears. By now they have all been killed.

It is not merely an offhand choice to make whether to spay and neuter your pets. It is a mandate from the heart that has seen shelters like this and know that irresponsible breeding causes an exploding pet population and more of these animals being killed merely because they were alive and no one would take them in. It's sickeing.

Many times I have heard people defend breeding dogs, saying,"I want my child to witness the miracle of birth". My answer is, "Then they should also see the horror of those same animals dying in a gas chamber." Because that's where most of them will end up. But mine are pure breeds, you say? 40% of the dogs killed in shelters are pure bred. Too expensive? Let me tell you where the low and no-cost spay neuter clinics are.

Can you tell I'm angry? Damn right. Come visit a shelter in the Carolinas some time and see why.

Pukers and pee-ers and poopers, OH MY!

2008-09-27T17:00:00.000-04:00

Oh, yeah, another transport. Fortunately the puking, peeing and pooping was going on in everyone else's cars! My passengers were quiet as little mice, settled down and slept all the way to Salisbury. Our friend Alex had the worst offender, in her brand new Buick Enclave! :( Mari helped her clean it up in Charlotte. UGH. Then on the way to Salisbury Mari called me to ask me to pull off at Popler Tent Road because one of her dogs had puked and peed in the crate, which was sitting on the front seat. And then the crate flipped and everything came pouring out. A good reason to have leather seats!!

We got that all cleaned up and got back on the road, but with all these events, we were late getting to Salisbury and they were 45 minutes late leaving for Greensboro. That puts every leg of the transport late, but sometimes it just can't be helped.

Add to all this trauma the fact that there has been very little gas in Charlotte. I waited in line a half hour yesterday to pay $4.09 a gallon. Fortunately when we got to Spartanburg this morning they had gas, $3.65 a gallon, so I topped off the tank.

Here's a little math: The transport run from my home to Spartanburg then to Charlotte, then to Salisbury, then back home is 250 miles. Jim's Highlander gets 18 miles to the gallon. So it takes about 14 gallons, or somewhere between $51 and $57 to make the trip.

Below are some more photos of my passengers. In all we transported 36 dogs today! THEY'RE ALL GOING TO FREEDOM!

Freddie

Freedom

Lena

Les

And here's Mari with her little puker Madeline. Such a sweet little dog to have made such a big mess!!! LOL

On the road again

2008-09-23T11:30:00.000-04:00

Transport Saturday! This time Mari was out of town so wasn't driving. Instead I drove, and Kylie, another friend from Animal Adoption League, drove too.
Kylie took mostly puppies and one tiny little kitty. I had big dogs as passengers - a 50 pound shar pei named LuLu who was as sweet as could be, a 35 pound chocolate spaniel mix named Dovey, a 35 pound yellow lab mix named Goldie who loved to give hugs, and a little 20 pound chow mix named DeDe. The picture at left is of me and LuLu just before we loaded her up for the next leg of her trip, Salisbury to Greensboro, NC.

It was a perfect day, mid 70's temperature, a nice cool breeze, light traffic on I-85, and my passengers didn't make a peep, just settled in and went to sleep. Kylie's day was a little less perfect, she had to clean out puppy crates and replace the newspaper in them. Puppies that are less than 6 months old aren't allowed to touch the ground during transports because they are at risk of getting parvo. So they have to stay in their crates or be held by a person wearing rubber gloves while their crate is cleaned out. On transports, puppies are called "poopies". :-)

Here are a few pics of my passengers:

Dovey

Goldie

DeDe

11 year old black lab with arthritis is like a puppy again

2008-09-21T12:00:00.000-04:00

Our dog, Amore, is an 11 year old Black Lab. She has been diagnosed with arthritis in her hind leg which causes her to limp.

Instead of giving her the pain medication that the vet prescribed my wife thought that PET RESTORE might help her. My wife and I were taking PET RESTORE for shoulder joint pain.
Miraculously, when the dog took the PET RESTORE she stopped limping and actually acted like a puppy again.

What is also very fascinating is animals do not have a placebo effect. A placebo is a substance containing no medication and given to reinforce a person’s expectation that they will feel better. In my dog’s case the PET RESTORE works because it really works not because the dog just thinks it is going to work.

That was all I needed to convince me of how great PET RESTORE really is.

Dr. Jonathan Musher
Maryland