The Little Shelters That Could

There are several large, well-funded animal welfare, shelter and rescue organizations across the United States. They do amazing work and are very successful in the adoption of pets, spay/neuter initiatives, public education, and advocacy in general. They bring much needed attention to the plight of animals in need and it’s through their efforts that many millions of animals find forever homes every year. They are masters at generating awareness for a cause and their work benefits everyone.

However, this post is dedicated to all of the small, privately funded rescues and shelters across the country that do their very best every day of every year to save and protect animals from neglect and abuse. They work hard to place these animals with the right owners so that they can live the rest of their lives in loving homes. They implement successful foster programs, training initiatives and adoption programs with little to no funds and a slew of volunteers. They use their own paychecks or organize grass-roots efforts to raise the money to provide much needed medical care, supplies and facility maintenance. They are intensely passionate, committed and know each of their animals by name. They open their doors to animals other shelters don’t want. They push their capacity limitations so that every animal can be given a chance at a better life. They cry when they’ve made a perfect match and their hearts hurt when an abused or neglected animal is turned over to them. They are every day people who have used their own money and means to make a difference.

So, here’s to all the little shelters who have shown us that when the passion is strong enough the impossible is possible.

Hachi!

Okay, I know I’m a couple of years behind, but I just saw Hachi: A Dog’s Tale. Wow! What a great movie. Based on a true story, it is a real testament to the loyalty and love that can be shared between dogs and their people. If you haven’t already seen it, take a look at the trailer below.

If you currently have or have ever had a dog that you loved dearly, I highly recommend this movie. Oh, and a big box of tissues!

You’re formally invited

Bichon and Little Buddies Rescue in Mukwonago, Wisconsin is requesting the public’s presence at the joining of paws for two very special rescue dogs. Stevie, a special West Highland White Terrier/Poodle mix will wed his mystery bride on Saturday, February 19^th at 6:00 p.m. at For Pet’s Sake Dog Training at 828 Perkins Drive in Mukwonago.  

Families and their canine friends are invited to witness the exchange of the dogs’ wedding vows and tags. An Elvis impersonator will serenade the couple and a dog and a human wedding cake will be served. An open Muttini bar will be available for all canine attendees and a secured dance floor will be provided for those four-legged friends who want to kick up their paws. A silent auction, interactive games, raffles, pet portraits, food, drinks and music, as well as animal communicator, Tresa Laferty ($25 for a 20-minute session), will be provided for everyone’s entertainment.

Bichon and Little Buddies Rescue is requesting a $10 donation at the door and/or a selection from the couple’s gift registry at End of the Leash in Mukwonago. They are registered for items such as Diamond dry puppy food, canned Pedigree® puppy or adult food, Kuranda dog beds and Martingale Collars in petite, small, or medium sizes. An RSVP is appreciated, but not necessary, to 414-750-0152.

Bichon and Little Buddies Rescue is committed to the rescue, care and adoption of Bichon Frises, Shelties and other small breeds and mixes. Primarily serving Southeastern Wisconsin and Northeastern Illinois, Bichon and Little Buddies Rescue takes in dogs surrendered by their owners, dogs found as strays and those rescued from puppy mills.

Our New Favorite Toy

Toby loves a challenge, so I thought I would look into different toys that would not only provide that challenge, but reward him for his efforts. After some searching, we found the Busy Buddy Twist ‘n Treat. It’s a 2-piece adjustable rubber treat dispensing toy that lets you adjust the rate at which the treats are dispersed. 

When we first gave the toy to Toby, we made the space between the two sides a little wider so the treats would come out easily and he would get the point of the toy. After he had success with it, we screwed the opening a little tighter so it took him longer to get the treats out. He was fully engaged until he got every last treat out of the toy. Then he brought the empty toy over to me so that I could fill it again! The toy’s adjustable opening allows it to be filled with different types of treats. We use Zuke’s Mini Naturals, but you can use any hard, soft or smear-able treat.  It comes in three sizes for small, medium and large dogs and is made of natural rubber, so it’s not really recommended for strong chewers. Toby can destroy a rubber toy if given the chance, so we take it away after he’s done getting the treats out.

It’s a lot of fun for Toby and it’s a lot of fun for us to watch him try to figure out how to get to his treats. I’m so impressed watching his little mind working to manipulate the toy. First he pushes it with his nose, then he knocks it around with his paws. Each time, a treat falls out for him to gobble up.

I love finding new toys for Toby!

A Plumper Pooch

I’ve noticed that my dog, Toby, is starting to get thick around the middle. He, like myself, has hunkered down over this miserable winter of eight foot snowdrifts and below zero temperatures. He likes the snow, but as soon as his paws get cold, he heads for the door. Sometimes, if the snow is blowing and the air is frigid, it’s almost impossible to get him outside or keep him outside to do his business.

So, with the lack of exercise, we, my dog (and myself), have put on a little around the middle.

This week, local meteorologists have predicted a thaw with temperatures reaching 40 degrees or more. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that they are correct so that we can get back into our walking routine. As soon as the snow melts, we’re headed back to the dog park. I can’t wait and neither can Toby!

The Nose Knows

When I come home from the dog shelter, the first thing I try to do is strip down in the laundry room. Why? Because I’m covered with the scent of multiple dogs and I don’t want to get my own dog jealous. He’s never gotten protective or aggressive, but he does look at me with those big brown eyes as if to say ‘Where were you?” and “Who do these smells belong to? Cuz I know they’re not mine!” I immediately feel guilty. That’s right. Guilty. Like I’ve cheated on my pet.

So, I strip down and toss my shelter clothes in the laundry right away. Still, he smells the other dogs on me somehow. He sniffs and sniffs. Then, with a dejected look over his shoulder, he goes back to his place on the couch. It takes him a lttle while before and he comes by me. I think he’s deciding if I deserve the attention or not.

I know I’m not supposed to project human characteristics on to my canine friend, but it’s difficult. Especially when he looks up at me that way. And the only this I can do when that happens is to give him double the attention until he’s feeling good again. I know I’m forgiven when he curls up next to me on the couch, rests his head on my leg and lets out a contented sigh. All is well and he’s my one and only dog again.

What’s in a name?

One of the things I really like about the shelter where I volunteer is how the owner names the dogs that come in. Those being surrendered keep their given names, but dogs coming from puppy mills or the streets need to be given an identity. She names the dogs after current events, holidays, celebrities, etc., so that she can remember when the dogs came in or things about their personalities. For instance, Tinsel, a senior Dachshund, came in around Christmas time. Bucky the Yorkie and T.C. and R.B. the Bichons came in during the Rose Bowl so they were named accordingly – Bucky Badger, Texas Christian and Rose Bowl. Curly Lambeau, the Standard Schnauzer/Lhasa Apso mix, came in after the Green Bay Packers won the National Championship. Streaker, the speedy terrier mix. When I first started, there were even some small Chihuahuas named after the Beatles.

While this is a clever technique, I’m more impressed that she takes the time to carefully and thoughtfully name them. She gives them an identity after they’ve come from a place where they were just one of hundreds or lost and alone on the streets.

What’s in a name? Sometimes it’s the difference between a lifetime of abuse and neglect or a lifetime of unconditional love and affection.

Uh oh! My dog ate….

Dogs can cause mischief and, when not supervised, can get themselves into serious trouble. Even the most diligent canine caretakers can find themselves calling their vet because their pet got into something they shouldn’t have.

The ASPCA just announced its list of the Ten Most Common Pet Toxins of 2010. Last year, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) in Urbana, IL, answered more than 167,000 phone calls about pets exposed to possibly poisonous substances. Twenty five percent of those calls were in regards to human medications that were accidentally ingested. The most common of which were over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen, antidepressants and ADHD medications. Also on the list were:

• insecticides – which made up about 20 percent of the calls
• rodenticides
• toxic human foods like Xylitol, grapes, raisins, onions and garlic
• veterinary medications
• chocolate
• household toxins like cleaning detergents
• plants
• herbicides
• outdoor toxins like antifreeze and ice melt

To read the complete article, click here.

For owners that believe their pet has ingested something toxic, it’s important to immediately contact a veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center’s 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435. Keep that phone number handy in case of an emergency.

Doggy proofing is important as well. Keep medications, both human and canine, out of Fido’s reach. Don’t feed your dog table scraps without making sure that the treat you are providing is safe for your dog to consume. Put indoor and outdoor toxins, like the ones mentioned above, on high shelves in a garage or storage shed. If you are a plant lover, do your homework and keep poisonous plants out of the house or plant them away from areas in your yard where your dog plays.

While we can do everything in our power to keep our pets away from trouble, accidents do happen. Best to be prepared – make sure you have a good vet, know how to reach Poison Control and try to keep an eye of Fido when you can.

There’s an APP for everything!

Nowadays, it’s almost inconceivable to think of going about your day without your phone close by. As modern-day pet owners, the world of mobile applications has expanded to accommodate our needs whether we are at home or out and about. Below are just a few of the apps available for pet owners:

The PetMD FINDER app lets you search for emergency clinics, dog parks, even pet sitters. Use your ZIP code or your phone’s GPS. You get even get first aid advice wherever you go.

The iPET Alert app allows owners of missing dogs send out an alert in your area, as well as to local veterinarians. The app even lets you create flyers with your missing pet’s information.

The ALL PETS RADIO PLAYER lets you connect to streaming radio that broadcasts news, tips and information for pet owners 24/7.

Finally, for those of us that like to take photos of our pets from out phone, check out the BOW CAM. It has a ‘bark button’ that you can press when you want to get your dog’s attention. When your dog hears the bark, they’ll look right at you and you can capture its sweet expression!

Snowed in!

Well, the 2011 Blizzard hit the Midwest and we are up to our eyeballs, not literally, but pretty close, in snow. Wind gusts have been tracked at more than 50 miles per hour in some places. We have huge snow drifts and blowing snow that stings like the dickens when it hits your face.

Here’s the problem, with snow so deep, it makes it very hard for Toby to do his business outside. We’ve shoveled out an area for him, only to have it covered within minutes. When he does go outside, he makes a mad dash for the snow, dives in, does part of his business and bolts back to the house. Within a half an hour he’s sitting at the door, wanting to go out and finish what he started.

I’m not a big fan of snow, and I’m finding out, neither is my dog. Oh well, that just means he and I will have to spend these winter months cuddled up on the couch where it’s nice and toasty warm.