Thursday, December 31, 2015

2015 is over

I know I haven't written much this year and I took a few years off but as anyone who has been reading this blog since the beginning I had a lot of issues with my neighbor harassing me.  He then started to use this blog against me.... well he tried, it back fired horribly.

The case was "over" early in 2014... the 5 years of harassment were finally over.  In late 2014 the man had some health issues and has since been in a nursing home.  His wife, a very nice lady is now living alone and I worry about her.  She has sent a few cards.... the first in March 2015 for my son's birthday and I have invited her to a few parties we have had at the farm.  I feel bad for her because I know it was all her husband being mean and I most certainly am not going to hold it against her.
I have helped her with a few things and will continue to keep an eye to make sure she is ok.  I have often thought her husband was probably not so nice to her either...

Monday, December 21, 2015

Neurological Puppy

Rescue most definitely is not for everyone.  We had a litter of puppies born and to make a very long story short one of the puppies we discovered was blind.  Ok, so no big deal.  Well as the weeks went on the puppy was developmentally slower in progressing then her litter mates.  Ok, no big deal, she is blind.  WRONG!

The puppy was moved to a new foster home away from mom where she could receive some one on one attention.  After 4 hours of having the puppy the foster home called me and said "something isn't right."   At 13 weeks she was evaluated by a very well known vet office with excellent vets specializing in all sorts of things.  We use this vet office a lot!  The prognoses was not good and the vet recommend immediately taking her down from the adoption website.  This was not a health dog and she had zero chance of a happy life.  The puppy has neurological issues, she was pace non stop until she got so tired she just collapsed from exhaustion.  She was blind, which we knew.  She has sensory disorder meaning sometimes you touched her and she didn't mind other times you touched her and she would growl and snap.  She was only 13 weeks at this point but she was going to be a 60 pound dog soon enough and that is a scary though.... a blind dog growling and biting!   To add to that the older she got and the more she grew she was going to eventually be unable to walk at all.  She was already high stepping (sign of neurological issues), she was walking in circles, unable to balance so always had to lean against something and her back end would just give out from time to time.  She had started flying biting the air which is a type of seizure and with time would get worse.  She did not have the ability to understand she had to potty so would never be house trained.  AND she had no sense of smell.. you could put a treat the smelliest treat you can find under her nose and if she wasn't hungry she wouldn't eat it.  She also never wagged her tail and didn't respond to voices,  maybe for a second but then would turn away and this was all the time only randomly.
Basically she was a heartbeat in a puppy outfit.  She only did what she needed to survive... eat and drink.
So at 13 weeks old I had to make the decision to put a puppy to sleep.  That was not on my top one million things I want to do list.

Of course when this decision was made I had people contacting me saying they were take her, they could handle all of this.  To those people I want to say YOU ARE SELFISH! And that would be the most inhumane thing that could ever be done.  To be honest I am pissed that she went through a spay surgery and was microchipped and given 2 rounds of shots.  There was no reason to put this poor dog through any of that.    And this is why rescue isn't for everyone.  YOUR HEAD NEEDS TO MAKE DECISIONS NOT YOUR HEART.  Would it be easier to keep her alive... easier emotionally, yes.  Physically no but emotionally yes.  But the truth is you are doing it for YOU not for the dog.   And that really makes me mad.

Am I sad yes, am I devastated no.  I feel like if a dog is suffering putting it down is the right thing to do. Am devastated over the dog that was perfectly healthy that someone was mean to and I have to put to sleep because they are no sick from the abuse, I am devastated over the puppy that gets parvo and dies because some a-hole didn't vaccinate their dog.  Those thing devastate me. Putting to sleep a sick dog that was no fault of anyone's doesn't devastate me.

Friday, December 18, 2015

I Found Him, Mom (Heaven Sent)


My son, Brandon Austin, loved all animals. There was a special place in his heart for dogs, and he wanted to save every stray with which he came in contact. We dubbed him "The Dog Whisperer" because he had a way with even the most unapproachable dogs. He said, “You just have to love them enough, and they will love you right back”. Had I given in to him, we would have had more animals than people in our home!
His dad had a golden retriever m...ix that lived until he was sixteen. We had gotten divorced when Brandon was seven, and "Puppy" went out of state to live with his dad. From that moment on, Brandon began with his endless pleas to find another one "just like Puppy". We started our search, but until we had a stable home in which to live (rather than an apartment), I kept saying, "Soon, Brandon, soon."
Due to a tragic accident, I lost Brandon last year. I was, and still am devastated, as he was my heart. To honor his memory, I have spent hours helping whatever animal rescue groups I can. I am very active online, with Facebook being one of my key ways to find out about various agencies. It has brought me comfort, and hope, to carry on my son's legacy in this way.
One day, while scrolling through my news feed, I came upon the Multiple Breed Rescue (MBR) Facebook page. I was shocked to see ‘Brandon Austin likes this page’. Was this a sign? The picture, of course...a golden retriever/Chow mix!! Nothing like that had happened before in all of my months of online searches. What were the chances that I would happen across this rescue? MBR is based in Ohio, and I am from Rhode Island, so I wasn't sure how that was going to work. But I could not ignore what was happening. It was like my son was showing me what he wanted me to do.
I filled out an application online, and held my breath. I remember thinking, ‘well, if it is meant to be, it will all work out’. I got an email reply within 24 hours. Within the next few days, references were checked, and I became the "mommy" to Little Austin. I was ecstatic! I flew to Ohio, met his wonderful foster mom, and then drove home to RI with my new, very nervous, fur-baby! One of the requirements of Multiple Breed Rescue is that you have to register the microchip within a certain time frame. When I called to do this, the man on the phone told me Little Austin’s birthdate, as he had been registered before: Little Austin has the same birthday as my son, Brandon! It's as if Brandon was reaching out to me. He knew I needed saving and someone to whom I could give my love! From heaven, Brandon said, "I found him, Mom!" And I believe with all my heart, he did!


**** This was written by an adopter of the rescue I run.  She submitted to PetCo to help us win a grant.  WE DID!  And I wanted to share the story*** 

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Rescue isn't as easy as you think it is

A lot of people think "I love animals"  I can rescue animals.... it's easy, right?

WRONG

There is a lot more to being a responsible rescue person and running a rescue operation then loving animals.  You have make decision with YOUR HEAD not your heart.  You have to know when to say no, you have to balance life.... your paying job, your family, your friends, every day life chores like laundry, cooking dinner - heck just eating, etc.   There are some that can and some that can't and you have to go into rescue knowing what you can and can't handle. If you aren't an organized person, if you can't separate your head from  your heart then this isn't for you.... I mean volunteer by all means but please don't do it on  your own  it seems to always end in disaster  FOR THE ANIMALS!

I just shake my head in disbelief when I hear of yet another rescue with too many dogs, dogs being in shelters / boarding / foster homes for YEARS, dogs not getting all the vet care they need, the dirty cages, the aggressive dogs they are spending thousands of dollars on because all dogs deserve a home.   It just never seems to end.  They put on such a good front, you think they are doing good stuff, they attend events, fundraisers, etc.   Then you get close to them and learn the truth.

If you are going to run a rescue, take a business class.  Learn what it is to run a business, then maybe you will be able to run a successful rescue.... maybe.  The second part is using  your head instead of your heart to make decision.  I have many many times had to put an animal to sleep that I loved so much but the truth is the dog wasn't safe, wasn't healthy, wasn't happy and me keeping it alive was making ONLY ME feel ok not the animal and in some case most certainly not the person that dog could potential hurt because of it's aggression.

Rescue isn't for everyone that is for sure

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Application processing

You might think that rescuing a dog that is abused, neglected, starved, beaten, missing hair, broken bones, list goes on is the hard part. But I will be honest with you it isn't. The hard part is applications........ deciding what family would be the perfect or close to perfect match for dog X. I basically have to predict the future. UGH it sucks. And then like with the puppies I had 20 applications........ 12 that were approved 100% but there were only 4 puppies. Going over every scenario, reading what the references had said over and over again........... my head hurts. We selected 4 homes but what about the other 8 people?? They are so great, I want them to have a puppy too. Then I worry about them being angry, taking it personally. It seriously keeps me up at night when I have to make these decisions.

Monday, June 15, 2015

The ups and the downs

This year has been a great year so far with the rescue and really in my life.  I mean there are ups and downs but you just take the hits and keep on pushing through.  The good for sure outweighs the bad.

I found out that the person who had in the past, which is why the blog went off line for about 2 years has moved.  I feel bad for this person's spouse. They have reached out to me several times, you can tell the spouse feels bad for the way they were acting.  Just nice knowing I don't have to "look over my shoulder" on my own property any more.

2 weeks ago we had some pretty bad situations with 4 dogs.... 4 dogs all had to be rushed to emergency vets because of reactions to being fixed.  Makes me so mad, if they were just fixed in the first place then they wouldn't have gone through what they did.  All but 1 recovered.  We unfortunately lost one.  That was a long night.  Up till 2:30am with the Emergency vet, coordinating the pick up / taking to the emergency vet and then having to get up at the butt crack of dawn to drive to my works headquarters for a meeting.  It ended up taking me 3 hours to get to work, find a parking place and get into work. Because I was 10 minutes late for the meeting there weren't any seats so I ended up standing for 2 hours!!!!!!!!  I really thought I was going to collapse in exhaustion.  Took me the rest of the week and weekend to recover.

All in the name of rescue I guess.

The weekend turned out great with about 6 dogs getting adopted and then another one going home this week.  So the good for sure out weighed the bad...   Let's hope things stay positive..

Sunday, April 26, 2015

I am not Willy Wonka

I am a busy person, I don't do "fluffy" very well.  If you ask me a question that is a Yes or No type of question then you are going to get a reply of Yes or No.  I am not being mean, I am not mad at you, you asked a questions I answered.  Sorry I didn't thank you for emailing me and ask you how you are doing... to be honest I am rushing around like a chicken with my head cut off and I just don't have time.

I was always taught not to lie so if you ask me "do you think I am a bad pet owner..." and my answer is YES don't tell me I am mean, horrible and curse at me.  I am not the one with 3 emaciated dogs living in my house, a dead mom chihuahua and before I stepped in 3 dead puppies but now 5 dead puppies because you took too long to ask for help.  NOT MY FAULT!

I have had it up to my eyeballs in stupid people today.

A lady didn't want 2 of her dogs because they were "old" and she had 2 new puppies.  Oh and NONE of them are fixed and all have been purchased from a back yard breeder or a pet store.  Got mad when she asked about one of the dogs.  I didn't know her name, honest I didn't care and she asked a question on FB so I answered.  My answer was "Walter went to another rescue who specializes in Doxie's.  He has to under go 3 - 4 months of treatment for heartwork.  I spent SO much money on Buddee (500) and Bob the cat (1,000) I didn't have the funds for him.

Apparently that makes me a bad person???!!  Um who gave up their dogs? Who gave up their OLDER dogs and kept the younger ones??  Who was offered to have both of the younger dogs fixed for $25 each but has yet to take me up on the offer??  OH RIGHT YOU DID!  It is not my fault that you feel guilty for being a shitty pet owner.

Guilt is a bitch.

I am not going to apologize because you realize you aren't a good pet owner and that you treated your dog(s) badly.  I am not going to apologize for not making you feel like you are a wonderful person for owner surrendering your dogs.  I am here to take the dog(s) you threw away like trash and make them feel loved, wanted and happy.  I am not here FOR YOU.  You are part of the problem not part of the solution.
I understand people get into bad situations and need help and I am happy to help them but 3 people I had to deal with today are not one of those people.  They are selfish, irresponsible and have never had to take owner ship for their bad actions.  I don't go out of my way to point it out but I don't go out of my way to make them feel ok either.
All I hope is karma is real and some day they fall victim.

Saturday, April 25, 2015

This was posted on Craig's list and wroth sharing!

Craigslist Pet Policy Please Read

Craigslist clearly states animal selling or breeding is prohibited.

Pet Posting Guidelines

Some of your posts are painful to read. Do us all a favor and memorize this list. 
*Unless he ate a loaf of bread, your dog is NOT a PUREBREAD, he is a PUREBRED 
*Horses are thoroughbred; dogs are not. 
*AKC is NOT proof of breed quality. Two horribly bred dogs can have AKC puppies 
*Rehoming to ENSURE good home, not INSURE good home 

*It is spelled: 
Neuter not Nueter or Newter 
Chihuahua not Chiguagua, or Chiuauauaua, or Ciuauaua or Cheewawa 
Rottweiler not Rottwhiler 
Shih Tzu not Shitzoo 
Cocker Spaniel not Cockerspaniol (and they do NOT come in 'miniture') 
Jack Russell Terrier not Jack Rustle Terryor 
There is no such thing as a Golden Lab 
German Shepherd not Shepard 
Puppy not Puppie 
Very not Verry 
Adoption not adaption 
You had your dog dewormed, not wormed. No one gives dogs worms on purpose 

*It is 'a lot' not 'alot'. 
*Multiple dogs 'are'; one dog 'is' 
*YOU didn't provide a loving forever home and you can't GUARANTE that someone else will either oh and it's GUARANTEE 
*Your dog is 'housebroken' not 'housebroked' 
*Your dog was 'spayed' not 'spade' 
*Your dog was born, not borned. 
*Commas and periods are your friends. USE THEM. 
*YOU DON'T HAVE TO CAPITALIZE YOUR ENTIRE POST, TRUST ME, WE CAN READ IT. 
*Just say 50.00 adoption fee. Rehoming fee does apply is stupid, evasive, wordy and unnecessary. 
*Every sentence! Does not need! An exclamation! Point! 
*It is not "please only call if your interested", it is "please call if YOU'RE interested". You're is 'you are'. Your is possessive (your hat is nice). 
*There are a few exceptions, but to keep things simple, follow this general rule: 'a' comes before a consonant, 'an' comes before a vowel. 'A cat', 'An apple'. 
*You don't need to clarify that you will only give your dog to a 'good loving home'. It is assumed that decent people are not going to give their dog to a random scumbag. If you are concerned about the quality of the adopter, do a HOME CHECK (you should anyway). 
*Stop threatening to take the dog to the pound if someone doesn't 'save it'. YOUR lack of responsibility is not other people's problem. Also, before threatening us with the pound, take a few minutes to view this video: http://www.hbo.com/docs/programs/dealingdogs/ so that you know what exactly your'e doing to your pet. 
*You interview a PERSON; you do a HOME CHECK. You do NOT interview a house 
'Rehoming fees' are NOT $400.00, nice try, but NO. 
*PLEASE stop saying you have to 'get rid of' your dog. You 'get rid of' an STD; you hopefully find your dog a better home than you choose to provide. It is heartbreaking to see you care so little for a dog who probably loves you more than life. 
*Some of you play the cute little game of saying "No rehoming fee, Adoption fees apply" HUH?! CUT THE ****,JUST TELL US HOW MUCH MONEY YOU WANT FOR YOUR BELOVED. You are starting to sound like a used car salesman. 
*STOP blaming your landlord. It is YOUR responsibility, as an adult, to find out what the pet restrictions are BEFORE you bring a dog home. 
*Stop blaming flaggers for interfering with your dog finding a home. Your refusal to honestly post the rehoming fee is the reason the dog isn't finding a new home. 
*Please Please Please stop giving your pets away for free. People who collect pets for medical research or dog fight bait aren't going to tell you that is why they want your animal. They will seem sincere when they tell you they desperately want to add a new member to their family. A $50.00 adoption fee will protect your pet from many untold horrors. 
*One last thing. If you have an 'accidental litter', and you are asking $250 obo, YOU ARE A BYB. Don't pretend to be a victim of circumstance, or innocent. If it were your teen daughter who got pregnant, we would all understand; you can't spay your human child (although that might not be a bad idea in some cases). You CAN be responsible for your pets though, so it is not an accident if they get pregnant.

Sunday, March 29, 2015

Applications

People sure do act like total children when they don't get their way!

I really want to say "you filled out an application not an order form!"  

In 1 week we have had:
An application that was great but the foster home's 2 year old was in LOVE with the dog.  We let the 68 year old man know that the foster home was going to keep the dog and that in turn made him scream at us, hang up and then send a nasty gram.   I think the 2 year old would have been less childish if the dog was going to be adopted by someone else.

An application from a women who has an unspayed 1 year old Great Dane.  When I asked why the GD was not spayed she said because they were thinking of breeding her.  SERIOUSLY!  Let me add that prior to this conversation she had asked the adoption fee because money was tight but clearly not tight enough to breed a dog.  Dear lord!  When I told her that we were unable to approve her application because we do not condone breeding she replied back with "this is why people no longer go to shelters, she hears people complain all the time about being denied because they don't have a fence"  My reply was "yes some rescues require a fence for all adopters.  We do not require a fence for all of our adoptions but do for dogs who must have a fence.  And comparing needing a fence to breeding a dog is like comparing an elephant to a mouse"
For the love of Jesus people STOP BREEDING!  I know you think your dog is special but that is because IT IS YOUR DOG.

An application from a women who said she would return a dog that soiled in her house.  I told her I can't promise that the 8 month old puppy would be housetrained and I wouldn't promise or guarantee any of our dogs will be even if they are in the foster home so I wouldn't be able to approve her application.  Of course she sent me a nasty gram.  I didn't reply.  I am sorry I have to do everything I can to make sure the dogs are adopted to FOREVER homes and GOOD homes.  When the dog gets older are you going to call me to bring the dog back b/c he is peeing in the house.... sorry not taking that chance.


Sunday, February 8, 2015

Sorry for the 2 year lapse

Not sure how much I am going to write but just wanted to say hello.

A lot has changed in the last 2 years.  My baby boy was born early March, the rescue has exploded and is bigger then I ever thought it would be.  In 2013 and 2014 we spent around $40K each year just at the vet!!!  We rescued just under 200 dogs each year.  Things are going amazingly well.  I have an amazing job, amazing rescue, amazing child, amazing husband.  Life is great.

Rescue is still stressful but I think with age I have learned to not let it get to me so much.  Saying NO has helped a lot :-)  I have a great group of volunteers who back me with the NO's!!  2013 towards the end was a bit rough but got through it and 2014 Rocked!  2015 is rocking too.

I will pop in from time to time but between a busy job, a busy family, the farm and FB not sure how much I will post but I am still here.