I Died Today: A Grim Reminder That Mindful Adoption is Our Responsiblity

Dear Readers,

If you've been following my posts on a regular basis you would know that I love writing about successful adoption stories but I rarely talk about the tragedies that occur due to pets landing in a home where owners do not take the responsibility to ask for help if their dog isn't behaving as they expect him to be and then, frustrated, the owners drop their dog off at the shelter to wait for a patient, knowledgeable soul to take him home but, tragically, many are euthanized because they became unhealthy, or they were overlooked because of its size, breed, age, or behavior.

I will let you in on a little secret: I've been interviewed for the position as an animal adoption counselor three times but have ended the interview as soon as I was told that they have a policy of euthanizing dogs who do not meet the adoptable status by a certain time frame. My response to their policy is that I believe that all dogs are trainable and should not be put in a one-size-fits-all category because no two dogs are alike in temperament or in the degree of trauma they went through prior to being dropped off by their owner who should've taken the responsibility to reach out for help as soon as their frustration level reached the tipping point. It saddens me to think that some owners neglect to seek help because they do not know what resources are out there that aren't cost prohibitive. For example, there are plenty of books and videos at the library and there are plenty of pet sitters, dog trainers, veterinarians, vet technicians, and even neighbors, friends, and relatives who would be more than happy to give a few pointers to get them on the road to a stable and happy relationship with their confused but lovable dog.

Please take a moment to read this poem that I was fortunate enough to find on Facebook and please pass this along to anyone who could use a reminder that dogs are our responsibility and are not a cast-off when things are going as smoothly as we'd like them to be.

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I died today. You got tired of me and took me to the shelter. They were overcrowded and I drew an unlucky number. I am in a black plastic bag in a landfill now. Some other puppy will get the barely used leash you left. My collar was dirty and too small, but the lady took it off before she sent me to the Rainbow Bridge . Would I still be at home if I hadn’t chewed your shoe? I didn’t know what it was, but it was leather, and it was on the floor. I was just playing. You forgot to get puppy toys. Would I still be at home if I had been housebroken? Rubbing my nose in what I did only made me ashamed that I had to go at all. There are books and obedience teachers that would have taught you how to teach me to go to the door. Would I still be at home if I hadn’t brought fleas into the house? Without anti-flea medicine, I couldn’t get them off of me after you left me in the yard for days. Would I still be at home if I hadn’t barked? I was only saying, “I’m scared, I’m lonely, I’m here, I’m here! I want to be your best friend.” Would I still be at home if I had made you happy? Hitting me didn’t make me learn how. Would I still be at home if you had taken the time to care for me and to teach manners to me? You didn’t pay attention to me after the first week or so, but I spent all my time waiting for you to love me. I died today.
Love, 
Your Puppy

There Is Hope for All Rescue Dogs Including My New Friend, Zorro!

Months ago my compassionate client, Maureen,  fostered Zorro, a timid pup who suffered through such unknown and horrific conditions that he, of course,  needed someone to help him feel confident, secure, and loved. 

Within days so fostering Zorro Maureen began to blog about him and that was when I told her, "I have a funny feeling that you're going to adopt him", and sure enough, my prophecy became true. 

Soon after his adoption took place Maureen personalized his crate with this sweet chalkboard sign and just above it is a hand painted picture of herself sitting between Zorro and her first pup, Tulah. Isn't that adorable?

One of the things Maureen did was to coax him to walk to the backyard to relieve himself; at first he would only stay out there for a few seconds but as time went on he was out there for a few minutes! 

The second victory was that his comfort level changed from eating from her hand to eating from his bowl within months since he was adopted. Tears of joy flowed from Maureen's eyes because she was even more sure that Zorro trusted her more than anyone he ever met.

I was updated quite a bit on Zorro's progress, of course, because I needed to know as many details as possible prior to visiting him so as to not alarm him. 

I was tentative about staying overnight and "babysitting" him for a few hours while Maureen was on vacation but as luck would have it he allowed me to pet him and give him treats. Another amazing thing that happened on my weekend overnight stay was that he went to his backyard with his sister, Tulah, for more than a few seconds!

Sadly, many who rescue dogs do not realize that it takes a great deal of time and effort to get them feeling comfortable in their new surroundings and should not be surrendered once again because the upheaval will be too confusing and harrowing for them. It may take weeks, months, or even years to rehabilitate these scared pups but it can be done!

If you would like to volunteer, donate, or foster through Zorro's rescue agency, Paws New England, click here. You'll be glad you did!

 

What Is a Good Excuse for Abandoning a Family Pet?

When I saw this meme on Facebook I immediately thought of the many dogs who are not treated as well as they should even though they were considered part of the family when they first arrived in their new home. 

I also thought about the sadness on the faces of the dogs who were brought to the kennel because their owners suddenly realized their schedule didn't allow for them to spend quality time with their pets, etc. 

I also thought about what must be going through the minds of these dogs as they are uprooted and sent off somewhere with people they aren't familiar with. 


As a professional pet sitter I can attest to the fact that animals do get depressed, lonely, and anxious when their owners are away for the day, the week, and longer so can you imagine the distress and confusion a pet goes through once they realize their owners are never coming back to claim them? 

And what about the dogs who aren't taken to the shelter but are left to fend for themselves? How could anyone with a conscience cast their pets aside in such a thoughtless manner? 

In my opinion, pets are family members for a lifetime but if a pet must live somewhere else there should be a very good reason (such as an elderly person having to move into a nursing home) for it. What are your thoughts?

Lady the Labrador Retriever Recovers After Being Shot 80-100 Times

A one-year-old black Labrador named Lady was found wandering behind a home in Waldoboro, Maine, two weeks ago and then taken to Lincoln County Animal Shelter. 

There, vets discovered 80-100 BB's lodged in the dog’s face, back, and legs. Miraculously, she escaped any eye or organ damage and has since been adopted by a new owner, Peter Blanton, who stated: 
  
“She’s a lucky dog. I mean, she doesn’t have any eye damage as the vet said and she doesn’t seem to have any organ damage, so I think she’s going to have a wonderful life. She’s very lucky. I think I’m very lucky.”

Blanton adopted Lady last week, after his dog of 10 years passed away.

“In just one day, she follows me like a shadow. She just wants love, and we love her.”

It didn't take long for police to find the man who shot her, Aaron Armstrong, 32, of Waldoboro, Maine, who was charged with aggravated animal cruelty, a class C felony. He is being held on $25,000 cash bail and is sure to be prosecuted to the fullest extent.

Daisy And Her Friends Support the Dogs Against Romney Campaign!

 I am not a politics kind of dog. I am a playing and romping and barking and blogging about fun stuff kind of dog but when my mom told me a story this week about a man named Mitt Romney who is running for president of the United States I got barking mad. 

 My mom told me Mr. Romney made his Irish Setter, Seamus, ride in a crate on top of the family car on a twelve hour trip to Canada. To make things clear to his family that he didn't like the car ride, Seamus made the windows very unclear, if you know what I mean, but Seamus still keep on riding on top of the car, scared to death. 

What kind of man makes his dog ride OUTSIDE of the family car, anyway? And what kind of voter would think twice about voting for a man who can't make room for his dog INSIDE the family car? If you ask me, if Mitt can't make a simple decision about where he should put his dog when he goes on family trips then how do you think he will do as the top decision maker for the United States? 

For me, he lost my vote (and I can't even vote) because I believe dogs are meant to ride INSIDE the car and here are some of my friends who agree that Mitt was just plain mean to Seamus:

First up is Fred the Wheaten Terrier, and then

Joey the Italian Greyhound, and then

Jesse the Foxhound Mix, and then

Sophie the Basset/Beagle Mix, and

Duke the Schnauzer Mix, and finally,

Fenway the Pug! 

I could go on and on showing you a lot more of my friends who ride INSIDE of their family's cars but I think you get the point. 

Mitt is mean. I know all of my dog friends can't vote but you can get your humans to do it for you! Just visit the Dogs Against Romney website and the Dogs Against Romney Facebook page and get right to work!

 

And, don't FURget that my feline friends voice their opinion by joining the  Cats In Solidarity With Dogs Against Mitt Romney Facebook page! 

That's right, my friends, my twelve year old kitty brother, Henry, rides inside too! Yup, my mom thinks dogs AND cats should ride IN the car with her instead of inside a crate on top of the car. She's cool like that, you know. 

So, my question is.....are you going to tell the world that you are proud to ride inside the car? Are you going to bark the news about Dogs Against Romney and about Cats In Solidarity With Dogs Against Mitt Romney? I hope you do! 

XOXO,

Daisy

Seamus The Dog Gets His Revenge Once And Fur All

With the Republican primaries well underway and the 2012 election looming on the horizon, it’s not the economy or immigration or war that’s captured the attention of some voters. Instead, the spotlight has been on the questionable treatment of Mitt Romney's Irish Setter, Seamus, who was strapped to the roof of his family's car in a kennel during a 12 hour trip to Canada in 1983.

The unfortunate incident was summed up best in an article posted at http://www.businessinsider.com/ this way:


“Back in 1983, Romney put his Irish Setter, Seamus, in a crate and then strapped the crate to the roof of his car for a 12-hour trip from Boston to Romney’s vacation home in Ontario, Canada. Then, as the Boston Globe described when they broke the story in 2007, Romney’s son noticed a brown liquid dripping down the back window. Romney hosed the dog off and stuffed the hound back into the crate. The dog allegedly ran away when the Romney family finally reached its vacation destination.”

The story made the news during Romney’s 2007 bid for the presidency, and it had reared its doggie head again this time around. In fact, a dog named Rusty, who hosts the website www.DogsAgainstRomney.com, has been keeping the story alive for years. In fact, Rusty has more than 33,000 fans on his Facebook page!

As expected, Mitt Romney's wife, Ann, rose to her husband's defense in this statement:


“Surprise, surprise, the media didn't get the dog story right. Our dog Seamus rode in an ENCLOSED kennel, not in the open air. And he loved it. Every time he saw it, he jumped up on the tailgate, walked in, and lay down. It was just like the kennel he curled up in at home.” - Ann Romney


Nice try, Ann, but I have a feeling Seamus curled up in the kennel while the car was parked, not while the car was en route to Canada for 12 hours!


Body language told the "tail", however, when Seamus bolted from his crate when he reached his destination. Not surprisingly, Seamus never looked back at his "beloved" kennel or family again. According to Mrs. Romney, Seamus "lived to a ripe old age, basking in the affection of a large family.”


In the end, it may not be Romney’s religion or politics that take a bite out of his bid for the presidency. I believe Seamus is going to his revenge once and FUR all! Don't you agree?

Patrick The Pit Bull Receives Outpouring Of Love After Owner Tossed Him Down Trash Chute

Have you heard about Patrick the Pit bull who was thrown into a trash bag and then tossed down the trash chute? Well, if you haven't then I will catch you up on his amazing fight to live right here.  

I apologize in advance for not having the time to write this post on my own and I credit this post to www.nj.com and www.newjerseynewsroom.com. for bringing Patrick's story to the forefront.

"On the day before St. Patrick's Day, a 1 year old red pit bull mix was found in a trash bag at the bottom of a Newark apartment building garbage shoot. Mark A. Ortman, the employee at the Garden Spires apartment complex who found Patrick in the trash compactor, had seen the dog earlier on the building's 19th floor, tethered to a stairwell. He later learned the owner of the dog was Kisha "Red" Curtis.

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Patrick, as he was later named by the Humane Society, was brought to the Garden State Veterinary Specialists in Tinton Falls where he received immediate care.

Patrick was treated by specialists that determined he was severely anemic and malnourished. This was an extreme case of cruelty and people all over the world have been contacting the hospital to make donations and ask about his status which has been posted on Patrick's very own Facebook page. Doctors say that if Patrick continues to improve and recovers completely, the Humane Society will arrange for his adoption."

If you want to follow Patrick's story, send him some stuffed toys, or send money to support his cause please click on the Facebook link above and/or the Garden State Veterinary Specialists link.

What a remarkable outpouring of love this little guy is getting! Isn't he the sweetest dog considering what he's gone through?  

Rescue Updates About Ed, The Basset Hound

Do you remember Ed, the Basset Hound, who followed me and my 4 doggy clients from his feces covered yard to my car on December 21, 2010? If  not, please click on Ed's name in the sentence above for an update but as a quick reminder, Ed was found to be in severely bad shape; for example, he was underweight at a mere 33 pounds, he was peeing blood, his inner ears were infected, and his nails were overgrown. 

Once Ed arrived at the vet's office it was discovered that the reason why Ed was peeing blood was because of painful bladder stones and he underwent bladder surgery immediately. 

In less than one month, the staff at Northside Animal Hospital saw Ed change from a gloomy basset to a basset who was the life of the party, especially when newcomers walked into the waiting room!

Ed stayed at the veterinary hospital for several months until the staff felt he was strong enough to take a ride to New England Basset Hound Rescue, Inc., where he will live with foster parents until he is placed in his forever home. From what I've heard, the founder of NEBHR has already fallen head over paw in love with Ed and will most likely adopt him! Yeah for Ed!

And just when I wondered why Ed's owner hadn't been officially charged for criminal neglect, a subpoena arrived at my home on Tuesday and I will be going to court on March 30th! 

I've never been to court before so I hope to make Ed proud when I take the stand! Tracy Frankenberger still thinks he was not to blame for Ed's poor health but there will be plenty of witnesses to refute his claims. Let's hope justice will be served, for Ed's sake!

Neglected Pit Bull, Tonka, Needs More Help and Prayers

I honestly thought Ed the basset hound's medical condition was the worst case of neglect until I read about Tonka's condition in the New Hampshire Union Leader yesterday. Believe me, Ed looked scarily skinny when I met him on December 21st but if I saw Tonka's exposed bones on December 27th I would have been more horrified than ever.

Who could look at this dog and not think to feed him? And who could look into Tonka's eyes and not realize he needs medical attention? Apparently Tonka's owner did not look too closely at his/her family pet but thankfully Tonka's neighbors did what the owner should have done long ago; they called for help. When Manchester Animal Control Officer Neal Vogler arrived at the scene he stated that this was the worst case of animal neglect that he had ever seen.

When the officer brought Tonka into the Veterinary Emergency Center of Manchester, Tonka had wounds to his tail that required amputation due to loss of blood flow, decubital ulcers which are like bedsores for humans, and frostbite on his feet. In addition, Tonka only weighed 29 pounds which is half of what he should weigh to be considered healthy.

This is what Tonka looked like this morning! What a difference 13 days make!

Tonka has reportedly gained 7 pounds and is enjoying a routine of diet and exercise at the emergency center. However, the long term effects of neglect will require that Tonka receive multiple surgeries which The Friends of Manchester Animal Shelter is covering but there is also an established "Tonka Medical Fund" to help cover Tonka's medical bills, which are nearing $2,000. She said any money donated to the fund either online or by mail will go toward Tonka's medical expenses.

Donations to Tonka's medical fund can be sent here:

FMAS

P.O. Box 393

Manchester, NH 03105

Or:

Manchester Animal Shelter 490 Dunbarton Rd. Manchester, NH 03102

Or: manchesteranimalshelter.org

Ed, the Basset Hound, Makes The News!

 

When Ed and I had our chance meeting on December 21, 2010, I never imagined that we would both be featured in the New Hampshire Union Leader 17 days later but it really did happen and I couldn't be more thrilled because that means Ed is one step closer to justice, a new home, and a happier life!

I believe Ed is a survivor and I believe he would not be surprised that he was the subject of so much concern and controversy. I also believe his will to live led him to stand by an abandoned trailer until someone found him and I think he had an enormous will to live, even in his emaciated state.

   

I have a feeling that Ed would be howling with joy to know that so many people were concerned about him and I think he would love to know that his fight to live touched so many lives.

Even though Ed was more interested in cavorting with Northside Animal Hospital's visitors, I was happy to see Ed in much better health! He gained 5 pounds in approximately 3 weeks!

I also believe Ed was grateful for the veterinarians at Northside Animal Hospital of Manchester, NH, for performing his much-needed bladder stone surgery. I also believe Ed was smart enough to realize that his former owner was not providing the nourishment he needed to survive and I am sure Ed appreciates Northside Animal Hospital for feeding him regularly! 

Cherish your animals. Love them unconditionally. Walk them daily. Feed them everyday. Animals depend on us to live.

What Is a Good Excuse To Surrender Your Dog(s) to a Shelter?

When I saw the above quote I immediately thought of the many dogs who are given away when they no longer fit into their family's lifestyle after having been the focal point of their lives when they were young and impressionable.

I also thought about the confusion, anger, and frustration that is sure to grip the minds and hearts of dogs who are given up for adoption after forming a strong bond with their family members. I also think of the dog's who sit day by day hoping those familiar footsteps will walk up to their kennel and take them home but it never happens and then they are left with no choice but to wait for someone else to love them.

My heart is broken when I read about dogs who are left to fend for themselves in the streets or in the wild because many get sick, injured, or worse because they aren't accustomed to that lifestyle.

From what I've learned from my own pets, Daisy and Buster, they love me unconditionally no matter what my mood, financial situation, or schedule may be so I cannot comprehend how someone could betray that love by abandoning them.

In my opinion, pets are family members forever but if owners think it is necessary that they can no longer live with them there had better be a very good reason for it! What reason(s) can you think of for giving a furry family member away?

To Muzzle Or Not To Muzzle, That Is The Question

The first day of the new year started out with a visit to Ellie's house and it is always a delight to see her lovable face looking up expectantly at me while I search for her leash. However, this morning's visit was not one of my favorites because Ellie worked herself into a frenzy while trying to take off her mesh muzzle. The result of taking off the muzzle was horrifying; drops of Ellie's blood were spattered throughout the kitchen floor, some of Ellie's paws were blood stained, and sections of the radiator were bloodied and scattered all around her.

In my opinion, Ellie has a severe case of separation anxiety and although I suggested Ellie be given alternative chewing "toys" such as bones, squeaky toys, Kongs filled with peanut butter, etc, my advice didn't seem to fall on listening ears. I even suggested crating her but apparently Ellie does not approve of crates but personally I would rather have her in a confined crate where I feel she would be less susceptible to injuries.

From what I've read about muzzling dogs, I learned that muzzles are only to be worn while supervised and they should not to be worn for long periods of time. 

In Ellie's case, she wore her mesh muzzle (as seen above) throughout New Year's Eve and into the morning and I shudder to think of the frustration that she went through for so long!

 I am not a renowned pet sitter or dog trainer but I feel it is cruel to punish a dog for their destructive behavior with the use of a muzzle. In my opinion, muzzling only works as a band aid and does not help calm a dog who has anxiety issues. 

Because I have been dealing with the results of Ellie's behavior training and because her situation has stayed the same and apparently won't change I gave my notice this morning. Hopefully, my absence will produce positive results for Ellie's sake.

I appreciate that you took the time to read this post because this situation has weighed heavily on my mind for months. I am anxious to know what your thoughts are about muzzling. Do you think there's a time and a place for it? If you have positive or negative or indifferent thoughts I'd love to read your comments. ANY advice is welcome!

Ed the Basset Hound's Rescue Update

 

Ever since Ed got in the backseat of Officer Johanson's cruiser on Tuesday I have been keeping tabs on him and so far I know that Ed is recuperating at an undisclosed veterinary office and will remain there until he is strong enough to be placed at a local SPCA. Because this is a criminal case, the officer cannot disclose Ed's location and it breaks my heart because I don't want him to think I've abandoned him but I am sure he knows I'm thinking about him constantly!

According to the officer, Ed has been enjoying his time at the veterinarian's office and he is in good spirits! Isn't that wonderful? He has been eating, drinking, and sleeping in a warm and loving environment and I couldn't be happier about that but .... 

I was not happy to hear that Ed must have bladder surgery before he can be placed in a new home! To be honest, it didn't surprise me that Ed had a bladder issue because he was peeing blood when I met him but I did not expect to hear that Ed will be put to sleep if the cost of the surgery (approximately $2,000) cannot be funded.

In my opinion, Tracy, Ed's former owner, should foot the bill for the surgery but if he is unable to do so then I would imagine that Ed's current vet or the SPCA will be accepting donations. However, I think all of Blogville could raise the money a lot sooner than anyone else could, don't you? If you are interested, I'd like to set up an "Ed Fund" and as soon as I find out how soon Ed needs the surgery I will get his funding started so please stay tuned!

A Walk To Remember: Ed's Rescue Tale

I think everyone knows I have a soft spot for long eared dogs or else I wouldn't have a coon hound in my life so of course I was completely delighted to see Ed in all his long eared glory today! However, my delight turned to shock and horror as I walked towards him because 

he was all skin and bones

and his toenails were dirty and overgrown 

and his glorious ears weren't so glorious looking 

and to make matters worse, Ed's yard was covered in feces and

his living arrangements did not include a bowl of food or water and he certainly did not have a secure tie-out or collar so 

I gave Ed a big hug and promised to get him the help he deserved.

As soon as Officer Johanson saw Ed's emaciated body

she took him for the best ride of his life! A check up at the veterinarian's office and a chance to live with a caring owner (hopefully with me) was just what he deserved!