Her & Her Dogs

PLUS THE CAT - RESCUES ADVOCATING FOR RESCUES

TODAY’S SPECIALS: RANGER & FRIENDS

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The best boy in the world! 20lbs of pure gremlin fluff

I first learned of Brit Rose and her rescued pup Ranger through HeARTsSpeak, a nonprofit organization that unites art and advocacy to increase the visibility of shelter animals. Brit is a fellow artist member, a pet photographer from Virginia.

Brit had just celebrated Ranger’s ‘Gotcha Day’ and shared images from the celebratory photo session in the HeARTsSpeak Facebook group. Thank you, Brit, for sharing the full story of Ranger’s rescue with us.

Brit & Ranger

Brit is a full-time photographer at Brittany Rose Petography and volunteers for local shelters taking adoption photos of available dogs. It was during a shelter visit two years ago that Brittany first met Ranger.

The dangers of adoption photography, warns Brittany.

Ranger was terrified in his kennel, and the shelter staff told Brittany not to bother photographing him as no one could get close to him and suggested he was not yet adoptable.

We locked eyes, and it was all over! I opened the kennel door, and he immediately curled up in my lap. I told the staff to get me the adoption paperwork!

Before joining Brittany’s pack, Ranger and seven other dogs were rescued by animal control from a hoarding, puppy-mill situation in Georgia. Ranger and the other dogs were locked in a shed with no clean water or food without human interaction. A rescue group transported the dogs to two Shelters in Virginia, one being the SPCA in Richmond, where Brittany volunteers and used to work before becoming a full-time photographer.

Ranger had mange, ringworm, and was not socialized. He didn’t know how to interact with humans.

It has taken Ranger time to get used to his new surroundings, and they are still working on potty training. Explains Brit,

When he’s nervous, he pees

Otherwise, says Brittany, Ranger has blossomed! His fur has finally grown back, and he plays with his siblings and toys! Ranger has also become more trusting, approaching people other than me. Even though I am his favorite, and he’s constantly in my lap.

Pet Photography is slow since the pandemic, says Brittany. To help cover the medical costs of her rescued family members, Brit also makes and sells pet items such as collars and bows. Being creative and carrying out her daily farm chores helps reduce stress caused by the pandemic.

Yes, in addition to six dogs, Brittany lives on a farm that includes: Four horses, ducks, including a one-eyed duck Brit took in a couple of months ago as a just-hatched duckling. Chickens, three rescue pigs, and peacocks.

‘Oh,’ adds Brittany ‘and our barn kitty.’

She showed up one day, and no one claimed her, and she never left. We got her spayed and all her shots. I’m just super allergic to cats, so she can’t live in the house, but half the garage is all her stuff, from beds to cat towers to couches.

Ranger’s five siblings include:

Summer, an eight-year-old husky, malamute mix with IBD. Although she’s on a special diet and restrictive measures are in place, Summer knows how to open the fridge and freezer and when she’s in a ‘husky mood,’ she helps herself, says Brit.

She’s not supposed to eat frozen chicken

Pepper, a retriever and collie mix, suffering from anxiety. Brit discovered Pepper when working at the SPCA and felt she would be good company for summer.

Lavender, a merle, Aussie mix. Bryan had always wanted an Aussie (with a tail). Brittany had put the search criteria into Adopt-A-Pet and received an alert a short time later. Lavender was a puppy and believed to have potty training issues. Blood tests confirmed Lavender was in renal failure. The specialist predicted she would be lucky to make it to three years of age. Lavender’s will be four this August! Yay, Lavender!

Clover, a special needs golden retriever puppy, could barely walk as a puppy and would turn in circles. At six months of age, tests confirmed she has Corpus Callosum and Cerebellum Anomaly. Despite this condition, Clover enjoys her life.

Finally, Farmer, a terrier, hound-type puppy, discovered wandering in the woods, covered in ticks. Farmer, as his name suggests, is helping Brittany with farm chores.

Farmer quickly learned to give the duck some space after she bopped him on the head for getting too close to the babies.

Thank you, Brittany, for rescuing these beautiful beings,

 

 

 

 

Photos and video donated by Brittany Rose Petography

 

 

 

CARING FOR KATNISS

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A HOLIDAY FUNDRAISER

Not unlike her namesake, Katniss Everdeen, the main character in The Hunger Games, this pretty little feline and her sister were not born into a life of luxury. For the sake of this post, we’ll refer to Katniss’ sister as Primrose. Unlike the Everdeen girls, however, our feline sisters did not get along. Primrose became violent with Katniss each time our heroine approached the food, thinking she would eat all of what little food they had between them. Let The Hunger Games begin!

Holiday Portrait Fundraiser

The girls were surrendered to Finley Cat Rescue (link unavailable at this time). Primrose was adopted into a loving home and is doing very well. Let’s not feel bad for Katniss, though. During her time alone, Katniss has blossomed into a happy, loving, playful, and more confident cat (yay). I guess we all benefit from some alone time.   

Everything seemed to be going as well as any rescue can hope, and then, Katniss’s carer discovered a lump near one of the cat’s nipples. Because of Katniss’s newfound confidence, comfortably displaying her belly, her carer could easily monitor the mass. The lump disappeared only to return two months after her spay surgery.   

Initially, the vet suspected mammary cancer due to the location of the lump

Upon removing some fluid from the mass, the vet and rescue volunteer were shocked to find it contained milk. Even though Katniss hadn’t been pregnant and is spayed, her hormones caused her to lactate.

Photo provided by Finley Cat Rescue

Due to the unique situation, the vet reached out to a specialist vet at the OVC Health Sciences Centre. The specialist confirmed hormones were triggered before the spay and lactation occurred at the end of a pseudopregnancy.

To say the rescue was relieved Katniss did not have cancer is an understatement:

I had prepared myself for the worst-case scenario. If necessary, Katniss would stay with me in palliative care for as long as she wanted

Katniss was self nursing, encouraging her body to produce more milk, as though nursing kittens. It became a vicious cycle. The rescue organization reached out to other groups to find kittens in need of a nursing mother. There weren’t any.

Katniss was fitted with an e-collar to prevent her from nursing, but because the milk did not dry up, and she continued to lactate, the vet prescribed medication for her.

 

Katniss has learned to ‘sit’ for treats (see video).

The vet(s) and rescue organization expect that Katniss will make a full recovery and be ready for adoption in approximately one month. We will keep you posted on her journey.

I am not pretty. I am not beautiful. I am as radiant as the sun

― Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games

In the meantime, to assist with medical costs, I am creating holiday-themed e-cards. These are digital files that I will make as close to your likeness(es) as possible. Of course, upon receipt, you can print a hard-copy of your portrait if you choose to.

I am donating 50% of proceeds from each portrait to Katniss’s medical expenses. Additional profits to cover cost of program and other digital requirements.

Prices start at $20 Cdn for (up to) two people and (up to) two pets.

Please email me for details and to request an application form at sadiemae.co@gmail.com

Family Portrait

 

Thank you for your support,

 

 

 

COVETED CANINES RESCUE

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FROM DISCARDED TO DESIRED

 

Coveted Canines, based in Toronto, Ontario, is a not for profit rescue organization that focuses on dogs that are at high risk of being euthanized, and those that are vulnerable to abuse.

The organization, run entirely by volunteers, believes there is a home for all the dogs they bring into rescue, and they pride themselves on matching their dogs with the right people.

Instead of placing dogs in a shelter, they are fostered in homes where they are made to feel safe, begin to trust people and learn critical socialization skills. Once comfortable in a home environment, the dogs flourish, and their personalities and quirks observed and shared with potential forever families.

COVETED CANINES FIND THE PERFECT, FOREVER HOME FOR EACH DOG IN THEIR CARE

How do they ensure the perfect match?

Spending quality time with the dogs, in their foster homes, allows foster parents to get to know the dogs, and that experience helps them create honest, and detailed profiles about each dog.

Carly Werle, one of the organizations three founders, states:

Full disclosure MUST be given to potential adopters

No one benefits unless there is complete transparency. The volunteers are busy, and the dogs have been through enough negative experiences, without being set up for another failure.

Cooper is an example of an adoptable dog, who, without an honest profile, may find himself right back in the shelter system through no fault of his own.

Photo taken from profile

COOPER

Italian Greyhound & Chi Mix | 4 years approximate age (likely younger)

Male | 7 lbs
#emptyontarioshelters
Temperament: Happy, playful, fun!
Activity: High – moderate.

As well as pointing out all of his wonderful, positive attributes, Cooper’s profile outlines points that may be of concern to potential adopters: He is good with other, small dogs, and, although he walks well on a leash, he can be reactive while on leash.  He has a high prey drive, so, likely not good with cats.

That said, Cooper is very good with the sanctuary cockatoos that freely walk around. He is vocal – condo or apartment living is not appropriate for Cooper.

COOPER’S BIO MAY CHANGE AS WE GET TO KNOW HIM BETTER.

Another little sassy/napoleon syndrome/spoiled rotten Chi mix in need of rescue! For all of you small dog lovers out there he is what you call DELICIOUS. Itsy bitsy, longgggg legs, compact little bod….are you Chi lovers swooning yet? Or at least drooling?

Although Cooper is not great with guys initially, has leash reactivity and is not great with all large dogs…it turns out he’s a little socialite with most humans and small dogs (and even some large dogs). With guys, he needs some adjustment time but after he feels safe really does prefer men (and loves woman too!). He enjoys cuddles and scratches like all day long if you have the time to adorn him with that much time and affection. While he can sometimes be an angry little man to some new people, he is MP (Mister Perfection) with everyone else. He will definitely need an EO (Experienced Owner) and an older child home.

He is potty trained, walks well on a leash (minus the leash reactivity), is crate trained, very food motivated and is loving his time at the sanctuary where he gets to socialize with doggies 24/7. You won’t find a more loving or cuddly dog anywhere!

If this little man with big man syndrome is what you are looking for, please click here to fill out an application online.

All too often, the relevant information is left out of profiles, and adopters find themselves paying additional veterinary expenses, or dealing with undisclosed behavioral issues. The profile must also be respected by potential adopters. Some rescues will charge a rescue fee of $700 for a dog, and the adopters later discover surgery or medications will be required.

In addition to providing a thorough, and honest profile, applications are reviewed thoroughly, references contacted, and vet checks and home visits completed. Depending on the location, the organization may reach out to another, trusted rescue for assistance with home visits. Carly feels that home visits are the most crucial part of the process; they reveal so much more than what is written on the application. If a profile states ‘Prefers a home without children, ‘ it’s probably not the best idea for doting grandparents, or potential parents to apply to adopt the dog.

During one home visit, we determined a couple who had applied for one such dog, were, in fact, hoping to start a family

Coveted Canines do adopt out of the GTA; however, potential adopters must drive to the dog’s foster home to meet them, and then again to pick them up once they are approved. It’s a great way to screen people to see their level of commitment. The Coveted Canines team is equally devoted to the process and have crossed the border to do a home visit in the U.S.

Carly believes rescue organizations need to create a village.

We need to build a community of like-minded individuals and educate each other by sharing our experiences and resources

Carly is referring to a community that includes: rescue organizers, foster parents, adoptive families, potential adopters, fellow educators; including, veterinarians, and not excluding members of the public that share a passion for dogs, and want to learn and help find loving homes for the dogs. A rescue organization should provide support to adoptive families, during and after the adoption process.  This community may also include potential surrenders:

Educating people about the welfare of animals, and providing support through what is often a difficult decision, may mean the difference between people choosing to surrender to rescues, versus having them euthanized, posting them on Kijiji, or selling them to testing facilities, and fight rings.

Coveted Canines is a team of more than one-hundred volunteers, including thirteen managers: vet manager, adoption manager, etc. Most members are in Toronto; however, some are located in Brock Township, home of Coveted Canines ‘sister’ organization, Coveted Kennels, and Sanctuary.

The Sanctuary is home to forever fosters, and, for some, a retirement home.  Rescued farm animals also reside here. Past and present residents include chickens, roosters, parrots, peacocks, a donkey, horses, a pig, several goats, other small domestics, and a feral cat.

We found a job for some dogs as ‘livestock protectors,’ and, adopted ducks, goats, and a bunny, to a vegetarian farming couple

The Sanctuary is also a holiday home for boarders.  The money from boarding services not only helps to pay for vetting of rescue dogs but also helps to pay to rescue and vet additional animals and pay for their care.

Offered at the Sanctuary:

  • All day play and hiking
  • Cuddles in a loving, home-based environment
  • Cage free boarding/daycare experience on 30 acres (crating available upon request by owner)
  • Approximately one hour outside of Toronto GTA
  • Open year round
  • Drop off/pick up locations in Toronto and safe shuttle service to and from the sanctuary
  • Experienced staff
  • Giving back. Our clients support a business that saves abused, neglected and displaced animals.

Photo by Tara McGrath

If permitted by owners, boarding guest dogs are permitted on the furniture and are welcome to sleep on the bed with Carly. Known as the fairy dog-mother, Carly says,

I’m a marshmallow! I once had twelve dogs in bed with me!

The sanctuary is also a place to care for dogs with behavioral issues or those that prove more of a challenge to adopt. For example; Cooper, the Chihuahua mentioned above mix, who is leash reactive and barks. He would not do well in a condo or townhome.

Photo by Tara McGrath

Coveted Canines and sister organization – Sanctuary, are looking for rural fosters to help rehabilitate and provide the space necessary for large, and high-energy dogs. Please contact the organization if you are interested in giving space for these dogs.

 

Thank you, Carly and the Coveted Team for all the wonderful work you do for the animals!

 

 

 

Unless otherwise stated, photos are courtesy of Coveted Canines

 

 

MEET JEM

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TIMING IS EVERYTHING

As a volunteer for a local shelter, Leanne’s effort included: dog walking, volunteer training and orientation, and workshops for the public regarding animal behavior and recognizing body language.

During a routine visit to the shelter, Leanne entered the ‘stray’ room and came face to face with Jem, a wolfhound mix, looking dog. “I have always wanted a Wolfhound mix,” notes Leanne. And although smitten, Leanne talked herself out of making an impulsive decision to take this beautiful dog home.

Jem was abandoned in a park in a nearby town, and animal control was called. It is guessed that her owners were surrendering her. Hopefully, a day will come when people make an effort to take animals to a shelter and not just leave them to take their chances, in a park.

We already had a ‘scruffy’ dog – one that looked very much like Jem albeit much smaller.

Even now, looking through photographs, Leanne has a hard time differentiating between the two as they both have that same, unkempt look. DNA results have determined Jem to be a mix of Black Russian Terrier and Great Dane.

The couple also had a greyhound, a retired racing dog from Iowa – W.J.S. Max Moppet (his track name). Leanne briefly recalls how interesting the experience was to watch Max transform from a working race dog to a companion dog.

“Two was kind of my limit,” says Leanne. “I’m a terrible rescuer” she adds with a laugh.  “Three adds a whole other dynamic that I wasn’t prepared to deal with.  Two is the perfect number.”

Leanne and her husband had Lucky, the scruffy dog, for seven years and he was more than seven years of age when they rescued him. He was getting older. His previous life was spent tied up in a backyard with another dog until the OSPCA seized them.

Only a short time after meeting Jem, while still at the shelter, Leanne received a phone call from her husband, Jeff. Lucky was unwell and unable to hold his head up.  Later that evening Leanne and Jeff took Lucky to the vet, and after a consultation it was determined that Lucky was suffering from a collapsed trachea. This is the reason he was unable to lift his head and was having difficulty breathing.  At this time, they also discovered that Lucky had lymphoma. The success rate for trachea surgery was not very high, and at fifteen or sixteen years, the couple decided not to put Lucky through the process. Sadly, the difficult decision was made to let Lucky go. It was the kindest thing to do, says Leanne.

It had been less than twenty-four hours since her visit to the shelter. Heartbroken, and feeling as though she had been swept up in a whirlwind, Leanne’s mind kept returning to the dog in the shelter.  Jem’s ‘stray hold’ had been removed and Leanne had managed to walk with her on a few occasions.  During this time, Jem remained calm and did not react to anything.

She was a real suck and would lean on me during my time with her

Leanne spoke with her husband and asked the shelter manager, if Leanne’s husband agreed and if Jem got along with Max, could they foster to adopt, Jem.

It was agreed and the introduction with both dogs (at the shelter), went well. Jem went home with Leanne in August and was adopted just before Canadian Thanksgiving (October).

It is not uncommon for personalities and traits to change after a period of adjustment. This was the case with Jem.  A couple of months after she had been in her new home, Jem started reacting to other dogs, on-leash. Leanne believes Jem is ‘dog selective’ taking particular offense to small dogs. Although she gave no indication of this while at the shelter, it is likely, during that initial period, Jem was shut down. The realization occurred during an introduction to their neighbour’s Goldendoodle.  That did not go well, says Leanne.

Further evidence came to light during a visit to Leanne’s parents. Every time their Jack Russell would move, Jem would zone in on him. Although uncomfortable with her reaction, Leanne accepted a further invitation to visit her parents for Thanksgiving. While outside in the garden with the three dogs; Max, Jem, and the Jack Russel, Leanne became aware of a change in Jem’s physiology. Thankfully, Leanne managed to grab hold of Jem before any damage was done.  Unfortunately, Jem is no longer welcome at Leanne’s parent’s house.

Had she known that Jem was reactive, she may not have adopted her. It certainly is a challenge, even for Leanne who has taken close to thirty courses and workshops on the topic of ‘positive reinforcement’ dog training.  Seven years later, Leanne is doubtful she will be able to eliminate this behaviour. With her training and experience, however, Leanne recognizes and responds to situations in which the behavior is triggered.  Avoiding certain settings, and familiarizing herself with her territory and local dogs is also important.

I’m hyper-alert when walking my dogs; I’m conditioned to be that way, now

Perhaps another family would have adopted Jem and upon discovering these traits, returned her to the shelter. Sadly that happens all too often. People claim ‘the shelter didn’t tell me this, or that (about a dog).’ As I pointed out previously, such traits and characteristics are not always apparent until much later, after the animal has adjusted to a new normal.

Sometimes, the universe decides these things for us. The stars aligned when Jem arrived to ease the pain of losing Lucky and Leanne was able to use her experience to manage Jem’s reactivity and provide a loving, forever home for this beautiful girl in need of rescue.

Thank you, Leanne & Jem for sharing your story,

 

 

 

 

 

SHELTER SHOTS

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SPENDING TIME WITH RESCUES

First of all, I would like to thank you for your supportive comments on my previous post. Your kind words were inspirational and helped to remind me why I need to continue on this journey I began, many years ago.  Where does the time go?

As a volunteer photographer, I have snapped pics of many shelter animals in the hope of making a love connection between humoms, dogpas, and their (future) furbabies. Obviously, there is much room for improvement. I enjoy practicing and hope one of my amateur shots versus a quick cell phone pic will mean all the difference in finding a rescue animal a forever home.

Here are some of the companions I’ve had the privilege of photographing:

This trip down memory lane was incredibly therapeutic for me – just the ‘shake off’ I needed to focus on what matters most.

Check back soon for new posts about rescue efforts and how I intend to help eliminate the stereotype about rescues!

 

Thanks again xoxo

 

 

THIS POST MIGHT BE THE LAST ONE I WRITE

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WHAT’S THE POINT?

I am genuinely grateful for my followers and people who share their happy tales with me. However, lately, I feel that my efforts at making this world a better place for rescue animals are a mere drop in the ocean. In some cases, I wonder if I’m wasting my time.

A friend messaged me to say her beloved dog Lacey had not been well. They took her to the vet and determined that Lacey had a massive tumor and it would only be a matter of time before she passed. My heart broke for Laura and Dan. All dog owners and anyone who has lost a beloved companion can’t help but empathize with other pet parents at times like this. Their usual vet was out of town, and they didn’t feel they were given much information, or direction, from the young vet they consulted. Of course not knowing what to do makes these situations worse.

The Perfect Guest

I live miles away and did not want to overwhelm Laura with messages. I would touch base at regular intervals and spoke on the phone with her one particularly difficult evening. I had no advice for this situation and felt useless.

A few weeks later came the news that Laura and Dan had helped Lacey pass. Their vet came to the house, and  Lacey was able to leave this world while her little body rested in her bed.

The couple had experienced grief before. This time, however, the house no longer resonated with the tapping of tiny paws on the tile flooring.

At least, when we said goodbye to Dakota, we still had Lacey. Now there is such emptiness, a huge hole in our hearts

Although I tried to be strong on the other end of the phone, I cried for their loss, too.

On previous occasions, Lacey had come to visit with her people, and she was a perfect guest. The pretty little Lhasa Apso had been with her people since puppyhood and although she had lived a wonderful life, fourteen years was still too soon.

The day after I posted a sympathy note, I learned that Laura’s mother had also passed. I knew this further bereavement, so soon after the first would be completely overwhelming for Laura. Dan would likely struggle to manage his grief as well as provide support to his wife during this additional loss.

I picked out another card and sent it, assuming I would arrive before it did. I planned to make the five-hour drive down to visit, the following weekend. Laura and Dave would be coming to visit us in a few weeks, but I didn’t want to wait to hug her (in person).

I didn’t deliver that hug.

I received another message from Laura, and she seemed happier and more positive than she had seemed in a month (or as much as can be concluded from a text message). She asked me to keep an eye out for a pup or adult Lhasa or Maltese. At the end of the message, she added that they would consider a rescue – followed by a question mark.

Rescue is all I do!

Don’t get me wrong; People are entitled to choose to go through a breeder (hopefully reputable). People may also have a breed, gender, or size preference.

What matters is that they are all loved and cared for.

Rescue Stereotype – photo by Gilly Face Photos

I volunteer for different organizations, I foster, and I fundraise. I’m also a matchmaker.  Some people reach out to me about pets needing to be rehomed and others looking to adopt a pet will ask for my help finding a good fit for them. Therefore, it did not seem strange to me that one of my best friends would ask for my help.  I told her I would love to help her find someone to honour Lacey’s legacy.

My happy bubble quickly burst as I read the next message:

Talking Dan into a rescue might be hard. He knew someone that had a rescue Lhasa, and they regretted it as it bit people

My anxiety kicked in, and I could barely catch my breath. I reread the words to be sure I hadn’t misinterpreted them. Each time, I felt as though my friend had delivered a punch to my gut.

WHEN WILL PEOPLE STOP BELIEVING THE STEREOTYPES ABOUT RESCUE ANIMALS?

As I looked down at my four rescues, all scattered comfortably around the living room; I burst into tears. My pack consists of puppy mill rescues and an abused cat. I worked hard with each of them and would not trade them for the world. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing an unwanted, neglected, or fearful animal learn to trust people and enjoy life.   And they do enjoy life. Very much!

I believe that some people should not rescue. I also believe that some people should not be pet owners. Last-mentioned are people who do not do their research or consult rescue organizations or breeders about temperament, energy level etc.  These are the people that ‘regret it’ and aren’t willing to do the extra work that may be required. I say ‘may’ because not all rescues require rehabilitation.  To be clear, ALL dogs require some amount of work.

I do NOT believe that rescue animals should be considered broken, less deserving, or less lovable than puppies and purebreds.

Regrettably, I lost my cool. A count of ten and as many long breaths in and out did not do the trick.

I messaged back asking if Dakota had been a rescue. I knew full well he wasn’t and I also knew that he had bitten Laura’s housekeeper in the face, taking a piece of her cheek in the process.

Her response: No. None of our dogs were. We paid big bucks for them all.

We exchanged a few more messages before I suggested we change the subject.

I’m not sure which breaks my heart more, the fact that I fell out with a dear friend at one of the most difficult times in her life, or the fact that one of my best friends would make such a stereotypical comment and actually believe it. Especially, as we discussed rescue animals in great length, only last year.

If I can’t change the way those closest to me see the world or rescue, I might as well retire this blog.

Don’t worry; I will never stop advocating for the animals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ST. JOSEPH BAY HUMANE SOCIETY

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SERVING GULF COUNTY, FLORIDA

Metal Artwork at Entrance

Metal Artwork at Entrance

During my recent vacation in Gulf County, I had the pleasure of meeting several local community members. During one such meeting, I learned about an upcoming fundraising event for the local Humane Society. I walked up the steps to local eatery Triple Tails, to inquire about dogs being permitted on the patio. Cheryl, a volunteer, and advocate for the centre, was just finishing her conversation with staff member Cindy.

I returned to the truck to collect my pack and as my husband and I made our way to the patio, three dogs in tow, Cindy and Cheryl came over to ‘meet the furkins.’ After learning that I was as much a ‘pet person’ as herself, Cheryl invited us to attend their eleventh annual BOW WOW BASH – a masquerade themed party to raise funds for rescue. Sadly, the event took place the weekend after we returned home. I mentioned that I would like to visit the shelter and introduce myself and would most definitely stop by the upcoming ‘Adoption Event’ being held at the local Piggly Wiggly.

Mr. Pig & Barb Van Treese with adoptable puppy.

Mr. Pig & Barb Van Treese with adoptable puppy

During the adoption event, I had the pleasure of witnessing an adoption!!!
Kailey picked Rosie. I asked her why she chose the name Rosie for her new best friend. Kailey told me that the vines on the roses outside of her families home, turn ‘Rosie’ black.

Kailey & Rosie

Kailey & Rosie

Nancy, Barb, Cheryl, Mel and Lynda with Oscar, Rosie, Harmony, and Indie

Nancy, Barb, Cheryl, Mel and Lynda with Oscar, Rosie, Harmony, and Indie

Upon arriving at the shelter, Adoption Coordinator Caisey extended a warm welcome and invited me on a tour of the entire facility. During our rounds, Caisey explained some processes and procedures the team has in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the animals in their care.

Clarice, Genie, Dutch, and Hunter formed a welcoming committee

Clarice, Genie, Dutch, and Hunter formed a welcoming committee

The first thing I noticed was how clean, bright, and welcoming the shelter is. I truly believe art is a form of therapy. Even if the cats and dogs don’t see colours the same way humans do, the fact that the people caring for them are uplifted by the scenery is sure to have a beneficial impact on all via positive energy.

The St. Joseph Bay Humane Society has found a way to create a ‘Happy Place’ for the animals while they wait for loving, forever homes

artwork

Although the dogs are assigned playmates, based on temperament and other considerations, each dog is individually escorted to the designated runs/play areas for fresh air and sunshine in the yard. There are several yards, all separated by chain-link fencing. This allows for more dogs to be outside and supervised at the same time. An example of measures in place to ensure the protection of all.

Rambo and Diva enjoying yard time

Rambo and Diva enjoying yard time

On the opposite side of the building, and at the end of my tour, I was guided to the ‘cattio’ and ‘kittio.’

These little outdoor shelters looked like the screened in porch of a holiday vacation home

Ariel (bottom), Clover, Shiva, and Harmony

Ariel (bottom), Clover, Shiva, and Harmony

Tungee (yellow stalker cat), and Tootie Fruity

Tungee (yellow stalker cat), and Tootie Fruity

SJBHS has thought of everything.  Including, the importance of a ‘meet and greet’ area.  Potential adopters and family members (including other dogs) can spend time in this beautiful outdoor area to see if they are a perfect match.

Meet N' Greet Area

Meet N’ Greet Area

St. Joseph Bay Humane Society takes in more than nine hundred animals each year and works closely with breed-specific rescue organizations. The organization is committed to educating their community about the prevention of suffering related to pet overpopulation; the shelter provides a free spay/neuter program and low cost rabies clinic.

The organization is also proud to announce its DAWGS in Prison Program, a joint effort with Gulf Correctional Institute. Check back for future post about this program.

Their Mission: to relieve animal suffering, prevent animal cruelty, promote human education and enhance the animal and human bond.

Thanks to the generosity of our community we have been able to add Kurunda beds in each run and add fencing and other amenities to make the animals more comfortable while they are in our care

In addition to monetary donations and supplies from their wish list, St. Joseph Bay Humane Society is grateful for support from purchases and donations made at Faith’s Thrift Hut.  Open since 2006; the thrift store has provided a steady income to help support the animals at the shelter.

Donations pay for memorial stones to be included in this beautiful pathway

Donations pay for memorial stones to be included in this beautiful pathway

As a pet parent to formerly neglected and abused companions, I recognize the appreciation expressed daily by these animals for their second chances. Many of you reading this have recently celebrated American Thanksgiving. I hope you will consider the difference this and similar organizations are making, and show them your support.

With gratitude,
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A DOG’S PURPOSE

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A Dog's Purpose
Who says only cats have nine lives?

In this beautiful story ‘A Dog’s Purpose,’ written by W. Bruce Cameron, we learn of one dog’s many lives; some lives are brief, and others end tragically.  Each glimpse of a lifetime, however, is heart-warming and provides insight touching on everyday, real-life situations lived by dogs we all know or at least know of.

The story is told from the dog’s perspective.  Perhaps that is why it is so emotionally powerful.  Although there are several laugh-out-loud moments, be warned, this emotional story is a real tear-jerker.

You will want to put this book down several times while ready the story. ONLY to hug your dogs and hold them close

So far, ‘A Dog’s Purpose’ is my absolute favourite book – of any genre.  This book is not ‘a loaner,’ you will want to read this book more than once (and I RARELY read a book a second time).

The Purpose of a dog (no spoilers), is to love and to be loved.

Thank you, Mr. Cameron for writing and sharing this book – such a beautiful gift to the world.

TAKE THAT TO THE BANK!

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Use of this beautiful photo is kindly granted by Andreas Holm. Thank you.

Use of this beautiful photo is kindly granted by Andreas Holm. Thank you.

Last night, my husband was watching television as I sat at my computer uploading photos to cat profiles. I glanced over at the television momentarily – one of those moments that I can only imagine I will refer to later as ‘defining.’
What I saw was an advertisement, in which a father and son go into a pet store and buy pet supplies, along with…………………………………………………………………A PUPPY!!!

Animal welfare organizations fight every day to bring awareness to the concerns surrounding the sale of pets in pet stores. There are numerous campaigns running to have such sales banned. I could not believe what I was watching, and as a viewer, I felt compelled to contact the organization responsible for the offensive advertisement and make a stand for the cause.

Frantically I typed my message; disbelief, outrage, frustration, and ultimately sadness formed words that rallied together into sentences, and formed an army of paragraphs on the screen before me. Then I stepped back, took a deep breath, repeated the idiom ‘you catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar’ over and over in my head before erasing the entire message and starting over. I don’t know why I think of that saying – I’m not a fan of flies!

http://youtu.be/ns6p3zvGkUI

This was the version I sent;

To whom it concerns,

I just watched your television commercial where a man and his children go into a pet store and buy a puppy. I’m sure you will find, after doing some research that the majority of puppies purchased from pet stores come from puppy mills. Your commercial that was meant to make people smile makes me extremely sad. Animal welfare advocates like myself, have been working very hard to educate people and fight tirelessly to ban the sale of pets in pet stores, and have all puppy mills shut down. Your commercial is a step backward.

If you want to win thousands of customers, my humble opinion, is that you should acknowledge this huge faux-paw, and admit your ignorance. Here is an opportunity to educate even more people and do some good for the cause. Northwest Savings Bank would be thought highly of, if you were to donate money, by way of apology, to rescue efforts – the organizations that provide medical care and rehabilitation to the parents of the cute little puppies, shipped, like livestock, to the pet stores that still, in fact, sell dogs.

I have been thinking of how it may be possible to introduce the cause into mainstream media – perhaps you have opened the door. I truly hope you will consider this request and help me make a difference. I’ve also included some educational resources for your review – they are not easy to watch, but this is the reason my peers and I fight.

Thank you for reading this message. I welcome the opportunity to discuss this further.

Sincerely,
Sadie

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ki2jeHquJa4&feature=g-vrec

http://www.aspca.org/fight-cruelty/puppy-mills

 

The response received from Northwest Savings Bank;

Dear Sadie,

Thank you for reaching out to us.
We produced five different television commercials to help support our new MyNorthwest checking campaign. In each spot, we depict a mix of family members, in real-life scenarios, using various Northwest convenience channels, such as online banking and bill pay, mobile banking, depository ATMs and/or our VISA check card, to convey how Northwest can provide customers with better access to their accounts and how our financial products and services can potentially streamline or simplify a customer’s life. For example, in the specific commercial you referenced, we highlight mobile banking and the ability to transfer funds in real-time between various Northwest accounts.
Our company takes great pride in our employees, customers, shareholders and communities we serve. The content of our advertising is never intended to offend any person or group. We recognize that everyone is entitled to their opinions and views and appreciate your feedback.

Sincerely,
(Name withheld)

 

The last word (to date), from me;

Good morning (Name withheld),

While I’m disappointed, you don’t see the negativity your advertisement is likely to cause, I would like to thank you for your prompt reply.

To be honest, I would not have known what the advertisement was promoting – I was too shocked by the content. I did remember the name of your organization, though not in a positive way.

As a member of various animal-welfare groups, I feel obliged to share with others your stance on this matter.

Sadie

There is such irony in the Northwest Savings Bank slogan ‘Where people make the difference,’ don’t you agree? The term Corporate Social Responsibility refers to a company’s sense of responsibility towards the community and environment (both ecological and social) in which it operates. The reason companies spend billions of dollars on advertising each year, is because it works! We, the consumers are influenced by media. In my opinion, Northwest Savings Bank should have used some of that money and further researched the impact of this message.

One day, in the not too distant future, people will commit time and careful consideration into making the decision to adopt a pet. The convenience of banking methods in a pet store won’t be their priority. You can take that to the bank!


Check back with this site later for details about why this fight is so important as well as information on what it means for puppy-mill and shelter animals.

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2014/06/05/oshawa_poised_to_ban_puppy_and_kitten_sales_in_pet_stores.html

https://www.change.org/en-CA/petitions/help-ban-pet-store-retail-outlet-sales-of-puppy-mill-animals-across-Ontario

http://www.chicagonow.com/raining-cats-dogs/2014/03/chicago-bans-puppy-mill-sales-in-pet-stores/

http://andreasholm.com/shelter-dogs/

Toby Project

http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/corporate-social-responsibility.html

YOU HAD ME AT WOOF

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'Woof'

The Starbucks in my neck of the woods, is a dangerous place; it creates a ‘relax, unwind, take your time’ sort of mentality. Not the mindset I should adapt when perusing the vast selection of books on display, in what I consider an earthly form of heaven, next door at Chapters. Perhaps I should compare it more to the garden, of Eden; I love reading (when I can find the time) and purchase on impulse, sometimes several delights per visit. As is the case with most of my wonderful assortment of books, they end up shelved, to be glanced at briefly, each week as I ‘swiffer’ over their spines. I make a promise to come back and rescue one from remaining of no more significance than the ornament or framed photo with which it shares the space.

True to my word, I did go back and pick ‘YOU HAD ME AT WOOF’, written by author Julie Klam. I am delighted to share with you my review of this wonderful, incredibly well-written, book.

Reading Julie’s story is like listening to a girlfriend share, first-hand, her hilarious and at times, heart-wrenching experiences with dogs – specifically, Boston Terriers. I could definitely share a bottle of wine and several laughs, or tears, I’m sure, with this witty and kind-hearted person.

We first meet Julie, as a single girl living in New York City.  Her story and life-changing experiences, are shared over a period of more than four years – yet, as I read through the pages, it seemed no time passed before I reached the back cover. This incredibly honest, heart-felt account of Klam’s trials and tribulations, gives much insight about what is involved in working with rescue organizations; a multitude of issues, and inevitabilities associated with animal welfare, rescue, shelters, fostering, and dog-ownership, in general. Anyone who has, or previously had an animal companion will relate – those involved with animal welfare, concernedly so.   When it comes to animal welfare, it’s so often hard not to be judgemental, and react adversely to people.  Julie is relatable to readers; with her her down-to-earth personality and non-filtered sharing of personal opinions, she lends humour and/or empathy to each situation.

In this book ‘You had me at woof’, Julie Klam shares with us, what is in my opinion, one of life’s most valuable lessons; ‘How Dogs Taught Me the Secrets of Happiness’.

 

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