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.

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.

Update on Stella the Silky Terrier

Stella, the 8-year-old Silky Terrier I mentioned in my last post, has been recovering well from having her eye surgically removed. She’s looking much better and, most importantly, she’s no longer in pain. She’s even been able to go for lengths of time without her cone on and eat on her own.  She really just wants to sit on someone’s lap and get some love. 

Even though she favors one of her back legs, she doesn’t let it slow her down. She still runs around and gets up on furniture to take a nap.  As a terrier, she does bark in alert when she hears unfamiliar noises.  She can also be reactive to other dogs.  Bichon and Little Buddies Rescue is going to recommend that Stella be adopted by a family with no children and she would have to meet any other dogs in the family. 

 

Stella touched my heart the moment I met her. She was as sweet as can be – even so soon after surgery. I really hope she finds a forever home where she can spend the rest of her days being showered in love.

If you’re interested in Stella, click here.

CAPS vs. Bauck (Video)

This video tells the story of how CAPS, the Companion Animal Protection Society, brought down a large-scale puppy mill in Minnesota. While graphic at times, it tells the story of the all too common practices taking place all over the country. When looking for a pet, please consider adoption from a local animal shelter, animal rescue or Humane Society.

What an amazing day!

Today was my first day volunteering at Bichon and Little Buddies Rescue. What a great day! B&LB is the same rescue where we found Toby. Patti, the woman who runs the shelter, as well as the attached training facility, does amazing work there. These dogs come from all different backgrounds – puppy mills, owner surrenders and animal control. I could tell from the first time I met Patti that she really cared about the animals she was rescuing, and I found out today that she also knows all of the rescued dogs by name and can tell you about each of their personalities. She is focused on working with those dogs that may have behavior issues like separation anxiety or fear to get them to a point of being adoptable.

As volunteers, we take the time to socialize the dogs, teach them how to walk on a leash and generally provide them with love and affection. We also help keep their living arrangement clean. At BL&B, the dogs have lots of room to run and have easy access to the outdoors. The facility is nice and bright with special spaces for special needs animals and puppies.

I spent the first part of my visit with Patti learning how they did things and meeting her staff and the dogs. On the second part of my visit, I took three different dogs for walks around the neighborhood. Muffin, an 11-year-old male Bichon, was raring to go. He is an owner surrender and sweet as can be. He did great on his walk – he actually loved it! He was friendly, affectionate and got along with all of the other dogs. He’ll be a great companion for anyone. Merlot was next. A year-old Shetland Sheepdog/Papillon Mix (best guess) who was a stray, Merlot thoroughly enjoyed his walk. He was friendly, social and never stopped wagging his tail.  That little guy actually looked like he was smiling as we were walking along. My last walk of the day was Taco, a long-haired chihuahua mix who is somewhere around 8 years old. As stray as well, I was told he prefered women to men, and would probably do best in a female only home or one that will understand that he is going to need time to warm up to the males in the household.  He was a little shy and moved away when I tried to pet him, but he was very submissive and by the end of our walk, he was actually trotting along happily and making eye contact with me.

It was a great day! I can’t wait to go back again next week. And I’m hoping that I get to see all of these little buddies adopted into their forever homes!