Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Just Another Day at the Rescue

The morning started out like every other morning. Get up, get dogs out, feed the cats, clean litter, feed the parrots and the horse, etc etc. This last week has been a lot easier in some ways as one of our board of directors was in town and so I put her to work. Having two people for the AM rounds makes things go a lot faster. Most of the time I am on my own. I could definitely use some more good volunteers hint hint!

Mariposa, the pit bull who was attacked by a kennel mate killing her puppies and severely injuring her, is out in the cottage garden. Mariposa's full story will be ready shortly so check back soon. She has a sweet face and the wounds have healed now. I still have not introduced her to any other dogs. She is housed next to several and likes to bark at them on their way past her kennel. She has made big improvements and soon will have the chance to see if she plays well with others. Her heartworm treatment will begin shortly and I will keep everyone posted about how she does.

Buster, the name we gave to the Irish Wolfhound mix (really just a chow mix) is such a doll. He is so laid back, quiet, sweet and gentle. His fur is re growing and he is going to be a great companion for someone.

Sam, formerly Sambo the 7 yo GSD is now neutered and at our facility. His behavior rehab is underway and he seems quite happy to let go of the old job title of guard dog to begin a happy stress free life.

Lambert, the pit bull from Naples is progressing well after bouncing from place to place. His kind rescuer was so tireless in her efforts to help this boy. When the first potential home fell through, she found a rescue in S.Carolina to take him. Unfortunately their harsh training ways were not what Lamberts "Saving Lady" had in mind. We agreed to take him and work with our kind and gentle "Amichien Bonding" method. The woman drove back up to SC to get Lambert and bring him to us. He is a very sensitive boy.

LILLY GOT ADOPTED!! The beautiful White Shepherd who came from another rescue group, completely shut down and shy of people, is now full of love and play. She is now in a great home and starting her new life. Along with Lilly's adoption, Kirby and Zeke got some great homes too!

We took two beautiful Catahoula boys from Orange County Animal Control and unfortunately they had distemper. We sadly lost our brown boy after three days of rehab. The black boy Rex is pulling through and we expect to have a great story about his recovery soon.

Our biggest challenge is the momma GSD and her 6 pups. She was taken by animal control along with her pups. Each time there was a need to get her out to clean or do medical work on her, the catch pole was used. The Shepherd would fiercely bite the pole and was also biting her lip and mouth. She caused some damage to herself but that is now healing since we no do not use the pole here. Momma is incredibly scared, very protective, heartworm positive, and has kennel cough. She is being very instinctive about the rearing of her pups and in that high stress shelter environment she could just not get peace. Now we have worked hard at giving her the space to start to have peace.

Over the last week we have gradually had to bring the pups out to intervene as momma was not feeding enough. The pups started to cough as well and now needed some treatment. The pups are at 3 wks old so it was a time frame they could begin to eat on their own anyway. All the pups are improving and gaining weight. Momma is getting better and slightly less stressed. We have a long way to go with her but will give her the best shot possible. As a Dog Listener, I understand the best way to help these animals come from bad situations and blossom into happy dogs.

All the other fur-kids at the shelter are doing well and we will have some videos for you to enjoy in a short while. I am working on getting them up onto YouTube and will keep you posted. Until next time, keep your tail waggin and have a great day.... Peace & Harmony


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