I officially have a senior dog.

Dogs, especially large breeds, are considered seniors at 7. My Oreo turned 10 in October. However, the events of the past month have really pointed out that I truly do have a senior dog in my midst.

Quick catch up, Oreo is my rescued, 10 year old, 61.6# (today), Aussie mix blue speckled male. We have had him for a year as of the 8th of March, though we officially adopted him on veteran's day...fitting as his previous owners were USAF and we are USN.

About a month ago, Oreo showed some sensitivity in his hips, the vet recommended that we do a "wait and see" as he was still running, getting on the furniture, playing, and being his general self.

Last week due to food obsession correction he bit my arm. Anyone that knows rescue and dog behavior knows that a dog doesn't bite for no reason, and it isn't the dogs fault if he bit you. My doctor said I had some of the most colorful bruises he has seen in a very long time, because Oreo clenched his jaws more than once I have a series of them that have wrapped around 2/3rds of my arm, I named the one on my inner arm "Fudgie the Whale". Any New Englander will get that reference. So a vet appointment was made.

Today I took him in to see Dr Harrington, a vet that has been taking care of my families pets for years. This is the man that stayed open late so my sister could come in and have her 15 year old cat put down when it was found that cancer had nearly taken over his whole body at the Emergency Vet.

He mentioned things that I had noticed, but never having had an older dog didn't noticed as red flags. For instance, Oreo automatically sat when Dr H got near his hips and he has narrow hips and should have more muscle tone there. I had noticed that he would sit instead of receive his butt scratch he also isn't a fan of having his haunches brushed out. As he has always had the big chest/little butt I never noticed that.

So I had to leave the love bug at the vet's office. They will be sedating him, taking a full course of blood work (thyroid, cancer, glucose, etc) from him and x-raying his hips, pelvis and abdomen. The bonus is that they will also be clipping his nails which he is not a fan of either.

I get to pick him up later this afternoon and see all his scans and hear the verdict. Joy.

Cocheco Valley Humane Society Rabies Clinic March 27th Dover, NH

Rabies Clinic

March 27 - 10 AM- 2 PM

$12 for 1 year Vaccine
$15 for 3 year Vaccine
(proof of prior rabies is required in the
form of a rabies certificate)
$35 Microchip

Thank you do Dr. Benedetta Sarno from V.E.S.H.
for volunteering her time!

Please, bring dogs on leashes and cats in carriers!
At this time, we are able to vaccinate dogs and cats only,
no ferrets please!

"Rabies is a threat to our companion animals as well as ourselves. It is a disease caused by a virus found in the saliva of infected animals. The most common carriers of rabies are infected bats, raccoons, foxes, skunks, dogs and cats.

Transmitted to pets and humans by bites, or possibly by contamination of an open cut, treatment to an infected person is critical. Untreated, rabies causes a painful death.

In cooperation with local veterinary partners, CVHS conducts low-cost rabies clinics throughout the year. These clinics help raise awareness and make the cost of the vaccine affordable."

Cocheco Valley Humane Society

Strafford County Complex, 262 County Farm Road, Dover, NH 03820

(603) 749-5322 Fax: (603) 749-3484

email: cvhs@cvhsonline.org

Click here for directions

Need a little help from your friends?

NHSPCA financial assistance programs for spaying and neutering

Did you know that a kitten can have her first litter at 4 months?

The New Hampshire SPCA has three different plans if you need assistance getting your pet spayed or neutered.

"Fixing" or "Altering" your pet will not only decrease the population of pets in shelters and on the streets, it is beneficial to the health and well being of your pet.

I urge you to step up to the plate and tell the world that you have enough balls for you and your pet.

Don't feel sorry for my boy.

As more and more people come over to the house and meet our pack of dogs we of course get questions about all of them, where we got them, names, ages, sex, and what is that weird blue looking one? These are questions we are used to answering about our kids, no problem.

Colbert still has his quirks. He doesn't come, or even sit, on command. He barks like an alarm whenever someone new is in the house...for several minutes as if to make sure we know they are there. He sings. His face has gone prematurely white at the age of 3. When we explain about his history of being feral and abused it understandably makes people sad, it still makes me sad. I may call him my Autistic Darling, but please don't feel sorry for our little Corgi.

When we took him on as our first foster in 2007, we did not have a fence and he was a flight risk. He wore a harness 24/7 because it made him easier to get a hold of him. He spent nearly all of his time in a corner of the living room where he could see everything and still get away quickly if need be. Day or night he would also spend this time under a dog bed with just his nose poking out. And this was after he spent a month by himself in his own room with a dogloo to hide in. Keeping him in one room of the house made it easier to spend alone time with him and to catch him for potty breaks or vet visits.

The benefits of having 3 'normal' dogs is that this little Corgi eventually popped out of shell, provided we stayed still and quiet, to play with our other dogs. Buela still being a puppy and wanting to perpetually play and Max being a fetch fiend helped greatly. Even Corona got in on the play action and still does.

Colbert really has come a long way from his beginnings at the shelter; not even wanting to be looked at never mind held fed or loved.

From the Contra Costa Times...makes you think twice.

This article WILL put you off your lunch.

Definitely something to think about the next time you are in the market for a new family member, and will make you want to be a conscientious organic vegetarian.

Remember, don't shop or buy, while homeless pets die.

click here for full story

Firm gives remains of euthanized pets another use
Michael J. Sorba, Staff Writer
Posted: 02/08/2010 03:36:37 PM PST
Updated: 02/08/2010 03:43:29 PM PST

Tens of thousands of animals are euthanized each year in animal shelters throughout San Bernardino County, but few people realize what becomes of the remains of dogs, cats and other critters.

Animals that aren't adopted after several days are euthanized with injections of sodium pentobarbital, then picked up by D&D Disposal, a firm out of Vernon, near Los Angeles.

Once there, the remains are boiled, ground and processed into animal by-products that are then resold for use in lubricants, polish, soap, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, gelatin and fertilizers, according to a 2004 report by Los Angeles County.

That came as a surprise to some officials at the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley, which also contracts with D&D and plans to review the way its remains are handled to ensure the process is consistent with the wishes of people who drop off animals.

"As a Humane Society, we would never consent to allowing the bodies of these precious animals (to be) used in research or any medical uses and research, or certainly not to be re-used in a form of food for any purpose," said Carin Orange, a development coordinator with the local Humane Society who said she was under the impression the remains were cremated.

Many families that turn animals over for humane euthanasia think of the pets as family members and could be upset to discover how the remains are handled, she said.

"Anyone who has loved a pet feels that little body
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is forever a part of their heart, their love, their memories, and it's very disturbing to think they would not be resting in peace in the manner of which they agreed to," Orange said.

County animal control officials said they weren't surprised.

"I've heard of those potential uses for the animals' remains," said Brian Cronin, division chief for San Bernardino County's Animal Care and Control Division. "The reality is that those responsible pet owners who would elect to dispose of their animals through other means can choose to do so."

Owners of euthanized animals can opt to have them cremated or buried at their own expense, Cronin said.

"Unfortunately, for government agencies, this is the most cost-effective option that's available and it's my understanding that's why every other agency uses this service," he said. "In our priorities, we prefer to invest in those animals that are alive and in the shelter and in the community."

Bill Gorman, president of D&D Disposal, said the firm doesn't conduct media interviews and declined to discuss what his company does with animal remains.

But the April 2004 report by Los Angeles County Animal Shelters detailed how euthanized animals are recycled in a process known as "rendering."

"The remains are placed in large vats and heated to a high temperature in excess of 265 degrees Fahrenheit, at which point they become sterile and free of pathogens," the report states. "Then a series of mechanical (processes) occur that separate the fat, liquid and proteins into separate collection systems."

According to the report, every public animal shelter in Southern California pays D&D - also known as West Coast Rendering - to pick up and dispose of euthanized animals.

The firm also handles larger animals like deceased horses and livestock. In some cases, the remains of appropriate animals are processed into feed for livestock, pets or even shrimp.

San Bernardino County pays D&D $13,800 a year to dispose of animals, county officials said. Last year, 16,416 animals visited the county's Devore shelter and 10,350 were euthanized.

At the San Bernardino City Animal Shelter 18,251 animals visited last year and 13,396 were euthanized, said city spokeswoman Heather Gray. San Bernardino spends about $20,000 a year for D&D's services.

State law requires animals brought to a shelter be held at least 72 hours, before being euthanized.

San Bernardino County mandates animals be held at its shelter for at least 96 hours, Cronin said. Dogs and cats that shelter officials feel are highly adoptable are held longer.

Orange, of the local humane society, said the recycling of remains should serve as additional incentive for communities to reduce pet populations in the most humane ways.

"It's a fact that many cats and dogs end up in the shelters and will never be adopted and find a loving home," she said. "That is preventable if people would spay and neuter their pets."

2 years ago today...

We officially adopted Colbert to stay with us in his forever home. He still has his quirks, but the nightly yodeling sessions and occasion 'meows' make it all worth it.

3 years ago we brought home Buela as well...so yes, 2 years in a row I got puppies for Valentines. Last year I got a washing machine.

Home in NH.

I love him too.

We have been in NH for nearly two months now. Everyone has settled in and has lost weight from hopping through snow banks. D is 55% of the way through sub school in CT which will make the dogs happier because he will be home during the week instead of 48 hour stints. (D will be happier to be home as well ;])

So what has happened in the last 3 months you ask?

We officially adopted our 10 year old foster, Oreo, on veterans day, fitting since he used to be an USAF dog and is now a USN dog. We have taken to calling him Grandpa, he grumbles like a grandpa, snores like one, and occasionally smells like one, especially when you play "pull my paw" with him. His foreleg has finally healed from the constant anxiety licking, we are just waiting for fur to grow back, and yes, where his fur is black, so is his skin.


This is my couch; damn kids.

Our drive from SC to NH was 'fun' to say the least. Previous snow storms and the upcoming holiday (we started out Dec 22nd) bogged up traffic. We hit lunch traffic in Philly trying to stop and see one of our esteemed rescue contacts Liz Hathaway.


Colbert and Buela in Lizzie's backyard.

In NJ there was an accident so bad that staties made traffic exit in the middle of nowhere causing us to take Rt 1 across...making what was usually a 2 hour drive into 4. Rush hour on the Geo. Washington Bridge in NYC caused me to add facebook to my phone. We finally made it into town around 1 am, and of course I was going by memory and not looking at signs, which was a bad idea seeing as they had flipped the exit around a few weeks before we showed up, a U-Turn with a stretched F150 hauling a trailer is not fun, nor easy. Needless to say the dogs do not look forward to car rides lately ;).

Digging in snow banks and sniffing under the porch are favorite pass times of Buela. Corona likes to blend in with and tromp around through the thickets. Max likes to catch snow balls. Oreo is in sniffer heaven, and since there isn't a fence he as learned the command "Too Far" I am sure the neighbors have too. Poor little Colbert doesn't want to leave the porch at night because of his light phobia.


Buela after digging to China in the snow.


Max catching sight of something small and prey worthy, I love the color of his coat in the sunset.


Mr Handsome, Jr after his bath at K9 Kaos in Dover, NH.

Everyone who comes over tells us how great and well behaved they all are. Everyone wants to steal Corona and or Max. They also want to see Colbert and win him over, I tell them that Colbert doesn't even come to me someday's but they persist. It is good for him.

The girls went to the vets the other day for boosters and general physicals. All their tests came back perfectly normal, despite Roni needing to shed a few pounds and having a faint heart murmur. The Dr said that she has probably had it her entire life, just no one had caught it.


Her favorite place to be, snuggled in bed on my pillow.

D is on his way home for his weekend leave and will be here at 3:30pm EST. Everyone will be so excited, even me. ;)

"I Want To Quit" - In Memory of Joan Fremo.

I have borrowed this from another rescuer, it rings true for all of us, be forewarned, you may need a tissue. - W

"I post this in memory of Joan, a tireless rescuer, and in honor of every rescue group and member out there who get up tired and go to bed tired. This also is in honor of every foster home, every adopter, every trainer and evaluator, every person who goes into horrible conditions of many shelters to find and pull dogs, every transporter, every person who makes a product for a rescue group to sell, every helper in any way to keep rescue groups and members going, day after day.

Every rescuer has felt exactly this way, our rescue has felt this way, but "And Then". So for all of you who keep us going, who give us hope, who help us, who send a word of appreciation, who stand with us and cry with us, who post for us, who buy things from us to put needed funds in our treasury, we thank you all.
Janet


This was written by the woman who founded PyrAngels, the Great Pyrenees rescue network, who died at home over the weekend. She was a huge resource, a source of inspiration for many, and a very tough act to follow. She will be sorely missed. Her fight goes on----and on------and on, in every rescuer's heart."

"I Want to Quit"




I Want to Quit (This Is What Animal Rescue Is Like) By Joan C. Fremo

I want to quit! My health is bad. There are days I feel so terrible that I can barely move. My phone bills are outrageous, and I could have replaced my van with the funds I have spent these last 3 years---on animals that were not my own.

I want to quit! I spend hours and hours emailing about dogs. There may be 500 messages when I start---and at 4 AM, when I finally shut down the computer, there are still 500 emails to be read.

I want to quit! Gosh, I haven't the time left to email my friends. I can't remember the last book I read, and I gave up my subscription to my local newspaper--- I used to enjoy reading it, cover to cover, but now it often ends up in the bottom of the squirrel's cage---unread.

I want to quit! I've spent days emailing what seems like everyone---trying to find a foster home, help for a dog languishing in a shelter---but his time has run out, and the shelter has had to euthanize to make room for the next sad soul.

I want to quit! I swear, I walk away from my computer to stretch my legs---let the dogs out---and come back to find another dog in desperate need. There are times I really dread checking my email. How will I find the funds, the help, to save yet another dog?

I want to quit! I save one dog, and two more take its place. Now an owner who doesn't want his dog---it won't stay in his unfenced yard. An intact male wanders... This bitch got pregnant by a stray... This 3-month-old pup killed baby chicks.. The dog got too big... This person's moving and needs to give up his pet. I ask you, friends---what town, what city, what state doesn't allow you to own a pet?

I want to quit! I just received another picture, another sad soul with tormented eyes that peer out of a malnourished body. I hear whimpering in my sleep, have nightmares for days...

I want to quit! Many of the "Breed People" don't seem to want to hear about these dogs. Breeders either don't realize, or just don't care, how many dogs of their breed are dying in shelters.

I want to quit! I just got off the phone. "Are you Pyr Rescue? We want to adopt a male to breed to our female." How many times do I have to explain? I have tried to explain about genetics, about health and pedigrees. I explain that rescues NEUTER! I usually end up sobbing, as I explain about the vast numbers of animals dying in shelters across the country, as I describe the condition many of these animals are found in. I wonder if they really heard me...

I want to quit! It is not like I don't have enough rescues of my own to worry about---but others have placed dogs improperly and aren't there to advise the new owners.

I want to quit! There ARE some unscrupulous rescues out there---hoarders, collectors, and folks who will short change the care of the animals to make a dollar. They save them all, regardless of temperament, putting fellow rescuer's and adopters at risk by not being truthful.

I want to quit! I have trusted the wrong people--- had faith and heart broken...

I want to quit! AND THEN... My dog, Magnus, lays his head in my lap, he comforts me with his gentle presence---and the thought of his cousins suffering stirs my heart.

I want to quit! AND THEN... One of those 500 emails is from an adopter. They are thanking me for the most wonderful dog on earth---they cannot imagine life without their friend---their life is changed, and they are so grateful.

I want to quit! AND THEN... One of my adopted Rescues has visited a nursing home. A patient that has spent the last few years unable to communicate, not connecting-- -Lifts his hand to pat the huge head in his lap, softly speaks his first words in ages--- to this gentle furchild.

I want to quit! AND THEN... A Good Samaritan has found and vetted a lost baby, "I can't keep him, but I'll take care of him until you find his forever home."

I want to quit! AND THEN... "Jamie took his first steps holding on to our Pyr." "Joan, you should see this dog nursing this hurt kitten!" "I was so sick, Joan, and he never left my side..."

I want to quit! AND THEN... I get an email from a fellow rescuer, "Haven't heard from you in a while---you OK? You know I think of you..."

I want to quit! AND THEN... A dozen rescuers step up to help, to transport, to pull, and to offer encouragement. I have friends I have never seen, but we share tears, joys, and everything in between. I am not alone I am blessed with family of the heart, my fellow Rescuers. Just days ago it was a friend who shared her wit and wisdom, whose late night email lifted my heart. Sometimes it is friends who only have time to forward you a smile.

Often, it is my friends who forward me the notices of dogs in need. There are Rescuers who see a flailing transport and do everything they can do find folks to pull it together for you. Rescuers who'll overnight or foster your Dog while you seek transport. There are Rescuers not used to or comfortable with your breed, but who put aside their discomfort to help.

There are Rescuers whose words play the music of our hearts. Foster homes that love your Rescue, and help to make them whole again---body and spirit.

Foster homes that fit your baby in, though it may not be their breed. Rescuers whose talents and determination give us tools to help us. Rescuers we call on for help in a thousand ways, who answer us, who hear our pleas. Rescuers who are our family, our strength, our comrades in battle.

I know I cannot save every Pyr in need. I know my efforts are a mere drop in a sea. I know that if I take on just one more---those I have will suffer.

I want to quit! But I won't. When I feel overwhelmed, I'll stroke my Magnus's head while reading my fellow Rescuers emails. I'll cry with them, I'll laugh with them---and they will help me find the strength to go on.

I want to quit! But not today. There's another email, another dog needing Rescue.

This piece is dedicated, with love and gratitude, to all my fellow Rescuers.

Joan

We Salute YOU!

Today the one of the pets at Pet Helpers (where we fostered and adopted Colbert from) that was adopted out was Truthiness.

Good luck to Truthiness and all the other pets that were adopted today in their new homes.

Happy Day!

Mr Oreo and the Low Country Pet Expo.

What?


Soon as I got out his new collar and bandana and had them on him he was bouncing around the house with bonafide zoomies. He is a very funny dog when it comes to getting to go outside all dressed up...maybe he will pose in a party collar with no problem.

Mr. Handsome made some friends at the expo, it was in a super little room and very crowded, not really conducive to that many big and tiny dogs with questionable training.

Anyone who recognized the Aussie in him was right up on me telling me bout the ACD or Shep they used to have, what great dogs they are, and how smart they are.

The old biddies loved his super soft bunny fur and his cow spots. He was super excited, so he was pulling more than usual, there were a few barks on his side. But over all it went really well.

I did however have one person ask me what I did to my Dalmation. haha.

Didn't get to hand out any fliers, no one was really that interested beyond figuring out what kind of dog he was. They usually disappeared after I mentioned he was for adoption through CACDR&R . And I didn't even tell anyone how old he was.

He had fun though, that is the most important part. And thanks go to Crystal and Jet for meeting me there and hanging out with us.