If you can help Molly, or know someone who can, please share her information.  This gentle little Schnauzer deserves people to call her own!

Apparently “Liebster” is German for “dearest” or “loved,” and the award is meant to recognize up and coming blogs with less than 200 followers. The award comes with a few stipulations:

1. Thank the giver and link back to the blogger who gave it to you.
2.  Reveal your five picks {with less than 200 readers} and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.
3. Copy and paste the award on your blog.
4. Hope that the people you’ve sent the award to forward it to their five favorite up-and-coming bloggers and keep it going!

So, thank you again to For the Love of My Dog. I really enjoy reading about Scarlet, Harley, Chelsea and Bethany! Your pack is adorable and quite entertaining!

It was a bit challenging figuring out if the blogs I follow have under 200 readers (I went by whatever number I could find on the blog- facebook, email, or twitter followers- so I apologize if you actually have 200 or more readers!), but here are five that I totally “lieb:”

Oh Melvin

Mazzie Takes Manhattan

The Rufus Way

Married with Dawgs

Life in 2-Player Mode

It’s taken a lot of hard work and dedication to keep up with the blog, but all the effort finally paid off! I have enjoyed writing about the ups and downs of our first foster experience with Laynie and how much we love our Nola Muffin. I can’t wait to write about our next foster, and continue to share my dog love with the blog world. Congrats to all the nominees and thank you, thank you, For the Love of My Dog!

]]> http://mrandmrsandnolakisses.wordpress.com/2012/06/15/so-far-so-good-laynie-update/ Fri, 15 Jun 2012 12:28:59 +0000 Mr. and Mrs. and Nola Kisses http://mrandmrsandnolakisses.wordpress.com/2012/06/15/so-far-so-good-laynie-update/ I’ve had a tough time keeping up with the blog this week. I have so many ideas for posts, but not enough hours in the day to spend writing them. It’s hard to work all day and then spend more time sitting in front of a computer when I get home. And, now that the weather is FINALLY nice (in Maine that doesn’t happen for very long) I want to take advantage and spend every free second outside with Nola and the Mr.

In all the craziness this week, I did receive an update from Laynie’s Forever Mom, that I wanted to share. It made me so happy that she took the time to update me with an email and even some photos! I hadn’t heard anything in a while, but I didn’t want to intrude on their bonding time asking for updates. It sounds like everything is going really well, which makes the Mr. and extremely happy. We miss the little monkey, but it’s easier knowing she is happy and her Mom P, sister A and fur sister Daisy are happy with her!

This is what P said:

I figured it was about time I send you a little update. Laynie is like a baby to me and all moms like to talk about their babies, so don’t feel as though you are bugging me if you want to check in on her. Laynie is still doing well. She and Daisy do really well eating together, I have not see any food aggression or stealing issues.

Laynie and her Fur Sis Daisy

Laynie takes turns sleeping with me and A. I think it depends on who has spent more time with her that day, is who she chooses to sleep with. The weather has been really crappy so we have had short quick walks and not a lot of outside time, so I am hoping this weekend to take her out on one of the trails and really do some running around and get some good exercise in.

Laynie has learned to shake paws and we are going to work on rolling over next. She is doing really good with her recall and twice now she has been out in the front of the yard with me (off leash) and stays right on the porch like she is told. I have been working on introducing her to the cat. She is getting better, but we still have a ways to go. She actually was comfortable enough the other night that she laid on the couch with me, while the cat slept in the chair in the living room. I had a leash on her just in case, but I really didn’t need it because she ended up forgetting about him and falling asleep.
 
We are still working on not pulling while walking. I have tried a couple different collars and harnesses and I find the gentle lead that goes over her muzzle seems to work the best.  She was walking really good when she first came, but is now is back to pulling. I am not sure if it was the meds and her not feeling well, or if she just needed time to get used to us, but she is definitely a puller now. She is pretty easily redirected though if she sees other dogs or birds or whatever.  We go by one house that has 3 Alaskan Malamutes and they always charge the fence (chain link) barking away, but Laynie does awesome there, she just keeps walking. It’s the little min pin down the street and the birds that attract her attention most.

I have thought about signing Laynie up for obedience classes and am actually waiting on some contact information. A friend of mine brought her pit bull to a trainer in the Oxford Hills area. I guess she sort of individualizes the training to whatever you need. I am just waiting to be done work to schedule something. They also have a doggie play group over that way that I would like to get her involved with as well, so she can have some dogs her size and age that she can really play with.
 
I brought Laynie up to my parents to introduce her to them. They recently had to put their dog down, so they had a shopping bag full of toys ready for Laynie with a ton of treats. I think my dad really likes her   He got right down on the floor with her, it was sweet.
 
Laynie has also had the opportunity to spend some time around some kids. The first time, I was actually a little nervous because she kept barking at my friend’s little boy (he is 6), but once I had him give her a treat and we went outside so he could throw the ball for her, she was fine. Then she also spent time around my niece, who just turned 5, and they did excellent together right from the start. E kept trying to take Laynie’s ball and Laynie would just sit and look at her with a confused look like, “why aren’t you throwing my ball for me?”.  Eventually Laynie would go up to E all soft and gentle and barely put her teeth on the ball and try to steal it back. So, all in all I was glad that she did well around kids. I am not around little ones a whole lot, but just being out and about with her, it is a relief to know she is ok around kids.
 
So, that is Laynie in a nut shell. I hope all is going well with you and Jim and Nola.  I hope you had a good trip. I saw your blog about taking pics of all the animals. Sounds like something I would do. Like I said I will send you another update after she sees the vet.

Take care,
P

P.S. I am attaching some pics “the dog days of summer” and enjoying Frosty Paws ice cream.

Could this handsome guy be our next foster?
Nola seems to do better with males, so he could be a better fit.
But it’s only been two weeks since Laynie.
Nola is so happy to have all our attention back, is it fair to her to do this again right away?
I’m SO busy at work, will I have enough time?
The adjustment period takes time, and patience, am I ready for that again?
It’s only been two weeks since Laynie.
I am traveling for work in a couple weeks and so is Jim. Is it going to be too much for one person with both dogs?
What if he fits in so well it is not a hard adjustment at all?
What if he doesn’t get along with Nola?
It’s only been two weeks since Laynie.
And so on and so on…

This is where my indecisiveness really kicks in. I could go back and forth thinking about every possible aspect of any decision for days and that is exactly what I did all weekend. Ultimately it came down to the fact that it just doesn’t feel right yet. Life is such a juggling act, between work, family, friends, and dogs, it can just stretch you so thin. The busyness of my job comes in cycles and we had Delaynie in the down time of the cycle so I could work from home, take a few extended lunches, and use some vacation time to help her and Nola adjust. But now, I just don’t have that flexibility. Next week I have a marketing summit that will leave me no free time, and the following week I will be in Miami working a trade show. Then when I come home, Jim will be going to Minneapolis for a few days, home for the Fourth, then he’s off again to Philly. In other words, we are too busy. I feel a bit selfish saying that, but I also don’t think it would be fair to the foster pup to only have a small percentage of our attention. I want to devote as much time and energy as I can to a foster, and right now I have very little of those things.

So, I said no. And it breaks my heart. But, B.U.R.N. has another foster lined up for him, so he will be rescued from the shelter anyway. I am yearning to help another dog in need, animal rescue is very addictive! I know that there will never be a shortage of dogs that need foster homes (even though I dream of a day when that will be the case) so when things calm down I will be knocking at B.U.R.N.’s door for another pup to share the highs and (hopefully not many) lows of life with.

Dear Foster Mom
Author Unknown

There I sat, alone and afraid,
You got a call and came right to my aid.
You bundled me up with blankets and love.
And, when I needed it most, you gave me a hug.

I learned that the world was not all that scary and cold.
That sometimes there is someone to have and to hold.
You taught me what love it, you helped me to mend.
You loved me and healed me and became my first friend.

And just when I thought you’d done all you could do,
There came along not one new lesson, but two.

First you said, “Sweetheart, you’re ready to go.
I’ve done all I can, and you’ve learned all I know.”
Then you bundled me up with a blanket and a kiss.
Along came a new family, they even have kids!

They took me to their home, forever to stay.
At first I thought you sent me away.
Then that second lesson became perfectly clear.
No matter how far, you will always be near.

And so, Foster Mom, you know I’ve moved on.
I have a new home, with toys and a lawn.
But I’ll never forget what I leaned that first day.
You never really give your fosters away.

You gave me these thoughts to remember you by.
We many never meet again, and now I know why.
You’ll remember I lived with you for a time.
I may not be yours, but you’ll always be mine.

Love you Laynie. So glad you are doing well in your forever home!

Luckily for you, I am NOT a shy dog.  Go ahead and bring me treats.  I’ll make you feel loved!  Don’t forget I’m in the new office now: 1043 E. Park Blvd Suite 110, Boise.  I hope we see you soon!

Charlie: Ma’am? I feel quite certain that this bed would be roomier if you removed the brown pillow.
Chloe: Mama! Dis MY bed!

We wish you all the best Charlie!

Charlie: Hi!  Do you want to play?

Chloe: Dis my ball!

Charlie: OK, I’m going.

Charlie: Nothing to see here, I’m just over here being quiet.

Chloe: Dis my ball.

Charlie: That is quite an attractive ball.

Charlie: Oh don’t mind me, I just wanted to get a closer gander at that fine ball you have there.

Chloe: Mama, tell dat dog dis my ball.

Charlie: *yawns, fakes stretching*

Charlie: What? What just happened?  Aren’t I adorable?

Chloe: Dis my ball, fluffy white dog.  Paws off.

The End

When she first came here I was confused. Mommy had packed that big black box and left for a little while. Daddy said it was for work. When she came back she brought a big black dog. Mommy and Daddy took us for a walk together and instead of going home like Payson does when we walk with his mom Shelley, she stayed. In MY house! Can you believe it? I spent the first couple of days trying to show her that this was my house- my toys, my food, my Mommy and Daddy. But she was just so pushy and Mommy said she wasn’t leaving, so I decided it was easier to just let her stay and let try to be ok with it. Mommy and Daddy did help me when she tried to take my bone or when she bit my legs when we played. Man, does that hurt! She’s got some serious teeth! I am NOT going to miss that.

Mommy said we had to be nice to her and show her that we love her because she hasn’t had an easy life like I have. I don’t know what they are talking about, did they forget everything that has happened to me?! How can they not remember that mean dog that bit me, or when my nail broke and the vet had to make me sleepy to fix it, or when I was coughing so much I couldn’t go to daycare. I mean what is worse than not being able to go to daycare and play with my friends?! But, I guess they are right. She did have some puppies when she was only 7 dog years old. Although it might be kind of fun to have puppies around to play with. Also, they said she lived in her crate for a long time. I liked my crate but I wouldn’t want to be in there all the time. So, I tried to pretend like I didn’t care when she would always have to sleep with her leg on me, or her back to me, or even all the way on top of me. I figured it was the least I can do.

Once I got used to sharing everything and having my routine all changed, I tried to teach Laynie the ropes because I am the older one, even if it is only by one month. I taught her that she should ignore the squirrels, birds, and cats that we pass when we’re walking. She is still working on that one. I showed her that you have to go back to Mommy and Daddy when they say ‘here.’ And when they yell it with a deep voice you REALLY have to go back. She is still working on that one, too. I taught her that you get more attention when you are calm and that jumping up isn’t something the people like. I tried to show her how I get into the bathtub all by myself and that it’s not scary, but she really doesn’t like it and Daddy always has to pick her up and put her in. And, most of all, I showed her that life can be full of fun, love, and lots of kisses when you have the right people like my Mommy and Daddy.

She taught me a few things too. Like when she plays with the ball she brings it back- all the way back to Mommy and Daddy! I really don’t know why, they always get it for me when I don’t bring it back. But she seems to get a lot of ear scratches when she does that, and the game goes longer! Also, I see how much it hurts Mommy’s arms when Laynie pulls her down the street, so I try my best to stay right next to Mommy. Secretly, I want to be up in front like Laynie, but I get more chicken treats if I stay next to Mommy.

Everyone keeps using the word foster when they talk about Laynie. Mommy and Daddy are fostering Laynie, Laynie is my foster sister. I don’t really know what that means, but from what Mommy and Daddy have been saying, we helped Laynie. They seem really sad lately and they said this weekend was the last weekend we’d have with Laynie. All I know is that we got to go to the beach and play at Fuller Farm this weekend and we had fun! Although I get annoyed when she takes my spot on the couch next to Mommy, I think I am going to miss that little black dog. I am looking forward to getting all of Mommy and Daddy’s attention, and getting to play with my toys again, but I am glad that we could help Laynie find a forever home. I guess fostering means being annoyed and having to share, but also helping another dog that needs it.

• Sang:  My band performed at First Fridays in Ellicott City.  Here are some pictures:

In front of the Old Post Office (now new Tourism Office). Yes, I am channeling Stevie Wonder with my shades on in the dusk.

And another pic, showcasing the rock star earrings Mom helped select:

Don’t be hating on my mad photo skillz

• Shopped:  One of the benefits of doing a First Friday show was that all of the shops downtown were open late.  I got some cute accessories from A Journey From Junk and Sweet Elizabeth Jane.   Support local business!
• Biked:  My friend and I were supposed to bike early Sunday morning before church.  Unfortunately it was drizzly and gross Sunday morning, and Kara was unavailable for an afternoon bike ride.  After church I spent about 20 minutes feeling sorry for myself and cursing singledom.  Then I took the front tire off my bike, loaded it in the car and did the BWI Loop all by myself, thankyouverymuch.
• Watched:  The Chicago concert at Pier 6 Pavillion (from Pier 5 of course).  Ten of us (and 2 dogs) set up blankets and snacks and some adult beverages and settled in for a great show.  Pier 5 might be one of my favorite places on earth!
• Volunteered: To be a foster for Charlie.  Charlie arrived Sunday from South Carolina.  He’ll be our guest this week.

I do declare it’s nice to meet you. Won’t you pet me on the veranda? Do I smell mint julep?

So that was my weekend.  You?

We are entertaining a house guest named Monty for the week. Lemme just say he’s an awesome dog!!! We may have to fall in love with this old man. We still have our foster Misty. Poor girl has a fungal infection which means she isn’t allowed out with the other pooches. She’s sad about this and let’s us know with some periodic howling. So, four dogs in the house. That adds a little busy to busy, now doesn’t it.

My first week at home.

Happy National Puppy Day!

Everybody loves puppies!  They’re cute, silly, sweet, cuddly, and itty-bitty.  Who can resist those big eyes and that soft fur?  But every puppy grows up, I guess that’s why they have National Dog Day on August 26!

If you’ve been thinking about getting a puppy, consider saving a life at a local shelter:

Idaho Humane Society

Meridian Valley Humane Society

Canyon County Animal Shelter

And my favorite: Fuzzy Pawz Rescue.  Volunteers at Fuzzy Pawz saved my life, and helped me find my forever family!

I am a part of all that I have met… (Ulysses, Alfred Lord Tennyson).

Tomorrow we say goodbye to Jennie, the long-legged chihuahua mix we have fostered for the past two weeks. We’ll put her on a Homeward Bound truck at the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine, and she’ll be on her way to a new life in New York. The ASPCA up there will soon have an adoption event, and we’re sure she will find a family who will love and care for her, receiving in return the abundant love and affection this little pup has to give.

We’ve had Jennie for only a short time, but we will remember her fondly and miss her. I think our dachshund Chloe will miss her, too, since Jennie was such a great playmate, though Chloe will also be glad we belong exclusively to her again.

The experience with Jennie reminded me that there are also people that come into our lives for only awhile, but they remain with us. Sometimes we wish they would go away, like the rude driver who cut us off or the apathetic clerk at the store; the frustrated, angry mother screaming at her kid while she also blocks the grocery aisle with her buggy; or the telemarketer who phones at suppertime.

But other times the encounters are welcome and all too brief. We wish we could’ve lingered and savored the conversation with someone we see by surprise when we are out running errands or soaked up a bit more of the smile from a friendly store clerk who greeted us warmly and was helpful on a rushed day. We have a friend for a few years, then life takes us in different directions, and we lose touch. We see people at church or on a board or in a club meeting once a week or less, and the relationships seldom move beyond superficial conversations about business or the weather or maybe music and sports, but we long to talk about what truly touches us in our hearts. Loved ones are taken from us all too soon, and there is so much more we would have liked to have said and done.

God in his providence brings vulnerable and loving creatures like Jennie into our lives, and they are gifts. He also provides the encounters with people of all sorts, for a shorter or longer time, and they too may be gifts. Time and life will teach us what God intended in giving them.

© 2012 Tom Cheatham. All rights reserved.

Snickerdoodle the Foster Dog

I found this blog today, and I love it! Click and read the story of a family and their foster dogs in Texas, saving lives one furry friend at a time. Her pictures are spectacular too!

So the dread come sin because I’m sure the new rescue will ask if we’ve fostered before. How do we address the situation? Will they want to talk to him? How do I tell him we’ve decided to foster with another rescue?

(As an aside: I have this gut feeling that the dog we fostered is not in a good place and it kills me. There were some strange things that happened – not sure if it was former co-worker being shady or the family who adopted him or both, but something about the situation is off.)

100% of all dollars received through donations go directly to help Arizona’s homeless Veterans’ pets receive medical care, vaccinations, foster care, permanent housing, and transportation until they are reunited.  Please join us in this great cause!

End of year donations: Please consider making a year-end (or New Year) donation to help support Vets and Their Pets^SM in 2012.  Help make the dream of self reliance and independence possible for Valley Veterans, without having to give up their beloved pets, who so often offer therapeutic and emotional support. We can do so much more, but not without help from people like you.

To make a tax deductible donation, please visit us at:
http://www.valleydogs.org/donate.html
(Please indicate ‘Vets and Their Pets’).  Many thanks!

Resolve to make a difference: Consider making a New Year’s resolution to help Valley Veterans; giving back to those who have served in the U.S Military. We have a number of hands-on and administrative positions available that directly help Veterans and their pets in need. Please contact us at: Vetsandtheirpets@Valleydogs.org.

… A few stories of Veterans and their pets we’ve helped:

Gary and Libby

Gary and Libby:  U.S. Veteran Gary lost his job, his wife, his home; and a major injury cost him his health. Libby (a yellow lab) was all Gary had left, and she was worth fighting for. Gary knew that VA services were available to help, but without someone to take care of Libby, Gary made the only decision he could.  They remained together, homeless. Gary and Libby lived on the street until Vets and Their Pets^sm was formed, inspired by their story, and rallying hundreds of people to take action.

Vets and Their Pets^sm found temporary foster care for Libby, while Gary received the medical care and VA transitional housing he needed. Today, Gary and Libby are reunited, and living in their own apartment.  … Libby is even working on her Canine Therapy Badge, allowing her to visit the VA hospital!

Sirius and Licorice, two wonderful lab mixes originally under foster care with Vets and Their Pets^sm, had their teeth cleaned, veterinary care, and some additional training by Vets and Their Pets^sm animal behaviorist.  Their Gulf War Veteran mom had extensive back surgery at the VA hospital, during their initial foster stay. She received updates on Sirius and Licorice whenever possible, and looked forward to being reunited with them when she recovered. Unfortunately, their Veteran mom never left the VA; she passed away and both dogs had to be placed (at the request of the family) in permanent homes.

Serius

Licorice

Licorice is doing well, is happy and adjusting to his new life; however Serius remains available for adoption.  Serius has had the advantage of having the Vets and Their Pets^SM animal behaviorist/trainer as a temporary foster. If you’ve ever wanted a wonderful, well behaved black lab mix with obedience training, this is your opportunity.  Please contact us if  you are interested in adopting Serius, and giving this wonderful dog the new forever home he deserves.  Thank you!!! Contact us at: Vetsandtheirpets@valleydogs.org.

Tiffany ‘s move to Tampa… In June, 2011 Tiffany, a chocolate lab mix, took the LONG flight home to be reunited with her Veteran dad, Mark, in Tampa, Fl.  She did well on the flight, and received gold stars from the flight crew! Dad relocated to Florida for rehabilitation (completed late June), and he and Tiffany live with Dad’s parents, who love their new family member!

Roxie

Roxie and Buddy: Roxie and Buddy are large, older, mixed breed dogs, permanently given up after their Veteran dad lost his job, home, and suffered a heart attack. He loves them very much, and takes comfort in knowing that they’re doing well in their new homes, receiving lots of love, attention (and a few extra treats!).

Lucky, a Jack Russell mix, was neutered, micro-chipped, and vaccinated in May 2011; Tiger, a domestic cat, had a complete set of vaccinations in June 2011; and Russo, a mixed-breed dog, received vaccinations and was neutered in July 2011. Vets and Their Pets^SM facilitated these services free of charge to grateful Veteran owners, while each works diligently to achieve freedom from homelessness.

Princess, Maria and Chewy are three wonderful, well behaved dogs in need of foster

Chewy

Maria and Princess

and permanent housing. Their Veteran dad is undergoing medical care through St.Vincent DePaul in Phoenix, and has asked Vets and Their Pets^SM  to help find a permanent home for one dog, and foster care for 3 months for the other two. These are very well loved dogs, and their Veteran dad can’t wait to be reunited with them! Unfortunately, dad can’t handle 3 dogs once he is up and around; sadly, either Maria or Princess needs a permanent new home.  These are truly wonderful dogs, please contact us if you, or someone you know can offer foster care (3 months), or a new home. Contact us at: Vetsandtheirpets@valleydogs.org.

Billy and Copper -

Billy and Copper

Billy and Copper

Billy, an Air Force Veteran, needed foster care for his dog, Copper, while receiving medical care at the VA Medical Center. To support Billy, Vets and Their Pets^SM had Copper checked by a veterinarian, spayed, vaccinated, and provided temporary foster care, all free of cost.  ”Because I’m a Vet, he did it out of the charity of his heart,” Billy said, referring to VaTP Executive Director Michael West’s frequent trips bringing Billy to visit Copper during foster care.

A homeowner for almost 35 years, Billy lost his home, job and Copper is all he has left.   Unfortunately, what little Billy had, was stolen (hidden, on the street) while he was hospitalized.  VaTP’s Michael West helped Billy get new clothes via the generosity of MANA House, and also ensured that Billy had a warm place to stay for Thanksgiving at a local motel that accepted dogs (all on his own dime), and a warm meal via the VA. “He’s a 200% guy, everybody he helps, their heart should go out to him”, said Billy who, with Copper, recently moved into a rehabilitation facility perfectly suited for them.  As part of a pilot program facilitated in part by Vets and Their Pets^SM, Copper is permitted to stay with Billy, something never before done at this residential facility.

“A good day’s work makes you feel viable.” – Billy, VaTP success story

‘Little Bit’ is an (approx) 1 year old indoor kitten in need of temporary foster care (thru May 2012), as her Veteran dad gets back on his feet. Little Bit is a friendly, very sweet indoor cat (‘Dad’ requests she stay indoors). Vets and Their Pets^SM has had the kitten spayed, vaccinated (up to date), and is searching for a special foster parent who can care for her through May. …What a wonderful way to start the new year, by helping a Veteran and his beloved kitten! Please contact us to temporarily foster a Veteran’s kitten at: Veteransandtheirpets@valleydogs.org.

Thank you for supporting Vets and Their Pets^SM, an Arizona based non-profit dedicated to helping homeless Veterans through foster care and veterinary treatment of their pets. These services are provided to Veterans free of charge as they pursue medical treatment, transitional housing, and get back on their feet.

We are making a difference
…but we can’t do it without the support of volunteers, and your donations.

To make a Tax Deductible End-of-Year Donation, please visit our parent organization, Valley Dogs Rescue, a 501(c)(3) non-profit (EIN: 26-0896950): http://www.valleydogs.org/donate.html  (Please indicate ‘Vets and Their Pets’).
Thank you!

Volunteers: Our volunteers help Veterans regain dignity in their fight to survive homelessness, without the necessity of having to give up their beloved pets through the process. We have a great team with over 40 years of combined animal rescue experience, and need the support of people like you, who understand the value of pets to the lives of Veterans.  Positions range from events coordination and support, to administrative, and organizational duties. To volunteer, please contact us at:  Vetsandtheirpets@valleydogs.org for additional information and a list of available positions.

Pet Fosters: We also always are in need of pet foster parents to help support the pets of Veterans in need (time frames vary). Please contact us at:  Vetsandtheirpets@valleydogs.org.

Sponsor a Veteran – Please consider sponsoring a Veteran in need.  Any amount you can donate (individually, through work, or with a pool of friends/co-workers) will go to help a homeless or Veteran in need to support them and their pet through safe housing, food, and clothing. For as little as $400 a month, a homeless Veteran can have housing that will allow their pet to remain with them; a relatively small amount compared to the relief it brings. We have several Veterans we’re working with through the VA who desperately need permanent housing with their pets; a few months of support may be all a Veteran needs to get back onto their feet, and escape the perils of homelessness.  Please contact us for further information on sponsoring a Veteran.  Also, consider offering a rental property to a Veteran in need (with a pet) for days, weeks or months, at low or no cost. Contact us: Vetsandtheirpets@Valleydogs.org.

We look forward to the new year, and helping more homeless and in need Veterans and their pets!  Thank you, and Happy New Year, from the team at Vets and Their Pets^SM!

“Never be afraid to do what’s right, especially if the well being of a person or animal is at stake.  Society’s punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on the soul when we look the other way.”  - MLK

]]> http://thefranklincountyhumanesociety.wordpress.com/2011/12/25/christmas-with-camelot/ Sun, 25 Dec 2011 16:33:50 +0000 Inglath Cooper http://thefranklincountyhumanesociety.wordpress.com/2011/12/25/christmas-with-camelot/

Lola and Camelot

The joys of Christmas morning are obvious in a home where people love each other and come together to exchange gifts that represent that love.  I feel immensely blessed to be part of a home like that, and there’s no question that this is one day of the year when my children and my husband remind me of what it means to be loved and cared for.

My dogs remind me of that, too.

On Christmas morning, our living room explodes with a profusion of wrapping paper, empty boxes and oohed and aahed over gifts.  Scattered among and in between it all are our dogs.  Ninety pound Simon found as a six-week old puppy with his five siblings after being left to fend for themselves at an abandoned house.  Roscoe, sleek and beautiful hound boy rescued from a county shelter where he had been left with a broken heart.  Bea, sweet Beagle girl once starving and found searching for food on the side of the road.  Pretty Julia saved as a puppy on her last day at the county shelter.  And fourteen year old Sophie, the yellow Lab matriarch of our family.

They each watch and absorb the merriment, lazing in front of the fireplace, sprawled out on the sofa.

New to the commotion this year is our most recent foster dog, Camelot.  Ten days ago, he was a picture on the Franklin County Humane Society Facebook page, an older dog in urgent need of help at the Franklin County Animal Control Shelter.  Last week, the Franklin County Humane Society went to the county shelter to pick him up and take him for a vet check where it was determined that in addition to his malnourished condition, he is severely heartworm positive and has teeth urgently in need of care.  He is in the range of 8 years old. His treatment plan will be a lengthy one, and so he will need to be in foster care for a while.

That’s how he ended up at our house.

On the first day he arrived, I tried setting him up in his own room, complete with a comfy rug and toys.  But he was miserable, and it wasn’t until I bunked him up with my two oldies but goodies, Rosie and Gleeson that it became clear what was making him unhappy.  He didn’t want to be alone.  Being with them seemed to comfort him, and he curled up and slept the rest of the night like a dog that finally feels safe and knows he has nothing to worry about.

It’s my experience that it takes a little time to get to know a new dog and what makes them comfortable and happy.  But with Camelot, it didn’t take long at all.  His needs and expectations are simple.  He is transparently grateful for the bowl of food that arrives at feeding time.  His tail wags and his ribby body shakes with excitement.  When it’s time to go outside, he makes use of the fenced yard, and then returns to the door with a hopeful look on his greying face, as if he isn’t sure that he will be allowed to come back in.  His older hound bark is raspy and hoarse, and it seems to take a lot of his energy to let it go on for long.

Early this Christmas morning, before the household is fully awake, I take Camelot his breakfast.  He stretches and yawns and then gets to his feet with an instantly wagging tail, ducking his head to eat his food with obvious appreciation.  Watching him, I wonder if it is his first Christmas morning inside a home where it’s warm and he doesn’t have to shiver against the December cold.

I suspect that it is.

That is my first gift on this beautiful day.  The feeling of joy that comes with sharing our life with a dog like him.  Knowing that he is here with us, and that he will be helped by a string of people intent on finding him the family that will give him this for the rest of his life.

I know there will be presents to open in the day ahead.  But gifts really don’t get any better than the joy I receive from having Christmas with Camelot.

*******************

Written by Inglath Cooper

www.inglathcooper.com

Time and People: Shelters are always wanting and needing volunteers. After your general orientation you will be able to volunteer 4 to any number of hours a week depending on how their volunteer program is set up.  Depending on the shelter you might walk dogs, help with basic training, clean cages, or help people who are trying to adopt a pet.  You will get to work with dogs, cats, and many other small animals.

Money: Typically at this time of year shelters will have donations set up but at any time of the year you can donate money to the shelter. Contact your local shelter for their donation policy and help them buy food and toys for the animals. As well as bay their bills!

Space: Can you help give the shelter more space? Can you foster dogs or even adopt one? Simply by fostering a dog you free up space for one more dogs in the shelter. Typically while fostering the shelter will provide the vet care for the animal and sometimes even food.  Your job is to socialize the animal and to show it possible adopters. Adopting an animal from a shelter, again, gives the shelter more room for another animal that may end up on the street. You will gain a family member that will be forever grateful for a loving family.

So how can you clean out your toy chest?  Check with your local shelter for a list of needed items. A lot of toys can be washed, cleaned and donated to a shelter.  They often need towels, blankets, toys, food, bowls, leashes and more! That is just for the pets, what about office supplies and needs for sick animals!  Do you have extra toys, pens, paper, sheets, or heating pads lying around your house that you can donate? Remember to give clean gently used items in good condition.  Here is a list from the The Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter for some examples of things needed or wanted from a shelter.

 http://baltimoreanimalshelter.org/donating/wish-list/

Contact your local shelter to see what they need and are wishing for and give how you can! Your house will be less cluttered with stuff that you don’t use anymore and it will clear out some room in your dogs toy bin for all the great christmas gifts you will be giving to her!

When we met Billy via the VA, he had just been released from medical treatment at the VA hospital, and had learned that everything he owned had been stolen.  Unfortunately, Billy is homeless (a fact that he is neither proud of nor happy about); he stored his belongings behind a nearby business while he was receiving medical care, and what little he had was picked through and stolen. No clothes, no sleeping bag for the cold cement, nothing to keep him warm as the Arizona nighttime temperatures dip to well below 40 degrees now, and in the months to come.

We’d recently helped Billy with his 5-year-old dog, Copper, a very sweet Sharpe/Akita mix, by boarding her at the Arizona Pet Resort during his treatment; now that he was released, was excited to get back to her. Copper is all the family he has, and Billy loves her more than you would believe. Billy will go without before he’ll let Copper do so, and she does a pretty good job at taking care of him, too. In fact, everyone who meets Copper tells Billy what a wonderful dog she is, sweet, loving and full of care.  Through our relationships with several local veterinarians, Vets and Their Pets was happy to help Copper get spayed, and receive the shots and check-up she needed. However, it didn’t end there. Billy said  ”Because I’m a vet, you did it out of the charity of your heart”, referring to Vets and Their Pets Executive Director, Michael West’s willingness to drive Billy to visit Copper several times while she was recovering from being spayed, and Michael’s ensuring Billy had a warm, safe place to stay for the Thanksgiving holiday week-end, putting him in a local motel that accepted dogs – all on his own dime. “He’s a 200% guy”, said Billy, “everybody he helps, their heart should go out to him.”  Michael also made sure Billy got a warm meal on Thanksgiving, and some new clothes via the generosity of MANA House.  Vets and Their Pets is lucky to have someone as kind-hearted as Michael volunteering and running the show.

An Arizona native, Billy was a homeowner for over 35 years before his house went into foreclosure last Christmas. With no family, and nowhere to go, he was forced onto the street. Willing to work despite physical ailments, Billy’s attitude is inspiring: ”A good day’s work makes you feel viable”, said Billy, an experienced auto mechanic and former Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station employee. Several accidents and a poor economy left Billy unemployed, while he took in family members and generously let others stay at his home who were in need prior to last year. Now Vets and Their Pets is hoping to return the favor of Billy’s generosity to others, and to our Country, and help Billy find a place to stay that accepts dogs, and to once again ‘feel viable’.

Want to help?
Billy is a uniquely honest and wonderful person; but his story isn’t uncommon.
Vets and Their Pets needs your help, as we help homeless and in-need Veterans with pets get the medical care and transitional housing they need, and return to a life where they can ‘feel viable’. We are in desperate need of pet fosters to take care of Veteran’s pets while they receive the services they need, and sponsors interested in helping to support Veterans as they get back onto their feet.  Please help us help our nation’s heroes, by keeping Veterans together with their valuable pets, who so often serve as therapeutic aids and emotional support, as well as man’s best friend.

Please contact us with any way you’re willing to help, including volunteering with Vets and Their Pets! Vetsandtheirpets@Valleydogs.org I 480-898-3647.

Max, a Black Lab mix we fostered in November 2011

It’s been a good weekend for adoptions. Carrie helped at PetSmart with adoptions until they closed on Friday night. Yesterday morning I took Max to PetSmart, then to church for our annual Bazaar where Carrie was helping out. After lunch at the bazaar and purchasing several items it, was back to PetSmart where I helped with adoptions until closing.

Max has improved quite a bit during the two weeks we’ve had him. He kennels without a fuss but still cries for a few minutes after being crated, has learned “sit”, has nearly completely overcome his food aggression, and is pretty well housetrained since he hasn’t had an accident in over a week. His new owners are excited to be getting him and he’s going to be a great dog for them.

Last Friday, we began fostering a miniature dachshund named “Missy” for the local animal shelter. Missy is morbidly obese at 23 pounds (the proper weight for this breed is no more than 12). Her owner, who had to surrender her before going into a nursing home, had fed the dog bacon and eggs every day. We’re continuing the low-fat diet the shelter had her on, as well as making sure she gets plenty of exercise. The goal is to bring her weight down so she’ll be more readily adoptable.

I found myself, to my shame, surprised when this fat little dog showed how smart she was and how quickly she could learn where the door was to go out or adapt to our routine. I told Susan that I realized she was fat, but not stupid. Did the two go together in my mind?

I had to admit there was some lingering prejudice I had based on the way the dog looks, and also, on the way people look. Whatever my claim to the contrary or how loudly I preach against such an attitude, I still do judge by looks and externals.

Maybe it was because my niece Page just got two new tattoos and a new nose piercing that I began to think about how negatively I react to body art, even if I don’t say anything. I better get over that, because not only Page but my brother-in-law Warren and some other relatives (as well as church members and friends) enjoy such self expression. Tattoos may not be for me, but someone’s decoration is no cause to call into question his or her character, talent, faith nor any other quality. The same must be said for any other aspect of appearance. (The opposite is also true, I think. Just because somebody is neat, well-dressed, slim, and/or articulate does not mean he or she is moral, trustworthy or gifted.)

Missy has only been with us a week, but already caring for her has taught me a valuable lesson and made me come to terms with a part of myself and my upbringing I thought I had dealt with and moved beyond.  Who knows what she will teach in the coming days?

© 2011 Tom Cheatham

If you’re interested in Missy, please contact the Oktibbeha County Humane Society at 662.338.9093 or go to http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/21064898.

“No matter how little money and how few possessions you own, having a dog makes you rich.”  – Louis Sabin

Have you ever considered fostering a dog? There are so many loving, friendly animals out there that just need a little extra time to find their forever home. Just like I did earlier this year! Take a look at foster family page at Fuzzy Pawz Rescue, and see if it would be a match for you. Do you have a little extra space and love in your home?

I so cute. Just matter of time.

A family that met Blackie at last week’s adoption event decided that he was too cute to resist.  Blackie had a lot of close calls with potential adopters that didn’t work out.  He has some quirks resulting from abuse that make him a special needs placement.  This family really seemed to understand that he is going to require lots of time, patience and training to uncover his true potential.  I’m thrilled that Blackie (now Bailey) has such wonderful forever home!

My last snuggle with Bailey

Example 1

Poor little tree

Example 2

Poor branches

Example 3

Poor big tree

Example 4

It's a twofer. One big tree fell and took out most of another.

Example 5

Yeah. That's not a tree and that's not a park, but this building fell just a couple blocks from me.

Gratuitous Dog Picture

Note: Neither dog fell in the composition of this post.