TODAY IS MAX’S DAY!

18 Jul Max

* Max’s view from the Hilton, New York *

Darryl is now in the waiting room at AMCNY. As I write these words, we are eagerly awaiting the start of the procedure.

In addition to what is shown on Max’s ChipIn, C4C has received another $750 in donations as well as a $450 grant; which brings our “needed total” shown on the ChipIn page down $1,200!!!!

Max is scheduled to go into the operating room any minute now and he is expected to be out of surgery by 5:00 this evening.

Another blessing is that, if all goes well, Max will be released tonight so that Darryl and he can head back home! They will once again make the 15 hour pilgrimage, but this time back to Suwanee Animal Hospital where Max will be able to recover!

C4C can’t wait to meet the “brand new” MAX!

We have come so far! It is such a HUGE blessing to watch our community come together to save a life! All total, we have raised $1,845 so far, which is enough of a down payment to get Max admitted into surgery. However, we are standing on FAITH right now that the balance ($3,155) will come in donations before the week is done.

Look for many more MAX updates to come!

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Max’s $10 CHALLENGE

17 Jul $10

What does $10 mean to you? Well to our dear Max, it could mean the world!

THE CHALLENGE:

WHAT ITEM OF “LUXURY” CAN YOU DO WITHOUT THIS WEEK IN ORDER TO DONATE THE MONEY YOU SAVE TO MAX?

Ideas: Starbucks, fast food, manicure, movie… the possibilities are endless!

C4C would love for YOU to submit your pictures and stories telling us what items YOU gave up this week in order to donate to MAX!

Let’s light the fire… Maybe it will start something HUGE!

MAX NEEDS US NOW MORE THAN EVER!

Here’s the link for Max’s ChipIn:

Don’t forget to post your ideas and stories of MAX’S $10 CHALLENGE in the comment section below!

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Max is going to New York City !!!

15 Jul

Here are the last pictures taken of Max before his big trip!

Little did we know back on February 19, 2011 when we got Max from Floyd County Animal Control (barely walking and not peeing at all) that we had begun such a long road to recovery.

In any event, a wonderful vet, Dr. Allyson Berent of Animal Medical Center of New York has Max scheduled for the surgery that will change his life at 10:30 am Monday July 18th.

Based on EVERY procedure like his performed at his vet working, Max has a 100% chance of a full recovery!!!

I can’t stop writing exclamation marks…it is all too wonderful.

Max also has a 75% chance of his incontinence totally disappearing, how delightful is that. He could actually begin having a normal life on the anniversary of his 1 yr birthday.

I am in awe of how down to earth and helpful Dr. Berent and her entire team has been with our tiny Georgia rescue.

I am beginning to forget the recent disappointments that life tends to throw our way: Darryl losing his job, our temporary move back to Milledgeville, and my sadness in not getting the Petco grant. We all has so much hope for! Disappointment fades away with our new found celebratory spirit leading up to Maximus’ total recovery.

I also have such a grateful heart to the many here in Atlanta and Colbert who have helped with much counsel and time and energy with this dear boy; Dr.Gloria Andrews, Village Vets, and our own very special Dr. Joe Fitzgerald at Suwanee Animal Hospital. They all have given fine and devoted medical care to Maximus at little cost (or none in some cases) as an investment in his future wellness.

We have a host of “givers” who have allowed us to take this journey of hope. C4C has had much guidance and love while discovering what path to take and to finally, after months of anguish, have the exact right answer to make his story have a happy ending.

There are no words that can express how much our community and beyond has meant to me personally and to our rescue full of devoted volunteers…. Too many to mention, but you all know who you are.

I am rambling now from shear exhaustion and excitement.

We don’t have the money fully raised for his procedure. It will run right at $5000- including the human grade stent that costs $2700. The stent will be placed in his urethra and will allow him to urinate without pain!

As high as it sounds, it’s like gold to us. C4C has watched this sweet, dear boy who had been dealt a terrible “literal” blow (which caused his injury) who loves unconditionally without complaint, even when his bladder was so full that it nearly ruptured.

He has earned his future.

By no means do we take committing to this surgery lightly, but even without the funds in place (many grant requests are pending) Max will get on the road with Darryl this Sunday to make the 15 hour drive to New York and be in Manhattan bright and early Monday morning.

We have full confidence that those who hear his story will come to his aid and cover the check that we will have to write before bringing him back home on Tuesday.

This is one lucky and loved “Georgia Dawg”.

Caring 4 Creatures is also well-loved to have your support and partnership in this dear soul’s future, free from pain and discomfort.

Thank you from the bottom of this exhausted rescuer’s heart.

Loving you for loving him…

 

Karen

Please don’t forget to view Max’s ChipIn. You can do so by clicking on the link below.

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AMAZING FEATS BY DOGS!

11 Jul

* This dog has learned to cope with 4 prosthetic legs *

* This dog has learned to aid an owner with Narcolepsy *

* This dog has learned to free his friends *

C4C learned about these amazing dogs from our friends over at “Animals Don’t Think…”

They have an outstanding blog detailing tons of truly unbelievable tasks that various animals have conquered.

It’s worth the click, “Animals Don’t Think…” just may become another one of your favorite sites!

http://animalsdontthink.com

TELL THEM C4C SENT YOU!

Have any other stories of animals performing incredible acts of intelligence?

We would love to hear them, make sure you comment below!

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Is there a light at the end of the tunnel for MAX?

10 Jul

UPDATE: ANOTHER “CHIP IN” HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED FOR MAX

Total Chip In necessary: $3000- For surgery to remove stricture in Max‘s bladder.

  • If we can raise $800 we can try the balloon procedure. It It most likely won’t work with only one procedure and will require multiples.
  •  If we can get $2500 we can implant a stint that likely will take care of problem but over time will create another stricture because of the scar tissue that will most definitely build up.
  • With $3000 we can do an actual dissection surgery which will involve cutting away the stricture and being the more permanent solution without future problems. Of course, this procedure has it’s downsides too, but overall will be the most long term solution.

 

Whatever we get, C4C must proceed with surgery for Max.

We have spent almost $800 again last week on more diagnostic tests at UGA and are currently at Nesbit Ferry animal hospital spending more and more $$$.

Max is the sweetest boy and SO very worth every penny. Please won’t you help?

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The BIG Answer

30 Jun

“But there is suffering in life, and there are defeats. No one can avoid them. But it’s better to lose some of the battles in the struggles for your dreams than to be defeated without ever knowing what you’re fighting for.”

~ Paulo Coelho

* The temporary place of operation for C4C *

Yesterday left me with a feeling of devastation.

Not only did we get the “regrets” letter from Petco, Darryl lost his job.

I still know in my heart that we will get a property, of that I am sure.

But only God knows who will say yes to helping us achieve its delivery.

So, I’ll be in limbo a little longer than I wanted and quite frankly it is going to force me to cut back and reorganize.

We have been doing this long enough to know what we need to regroup and restructure.

We are already on full course- with our eyes set on the goal. Even though it is not coming about the way we wanted it to, it is in God’s hands and He has the very best interest of HIS creatures in mind.

In that I can have peace and rest.

The secular saying comes to mind, “What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger”.

Well folks, WE’RE NOT DEAD!!!

As volunteers, we are talking more to one another about solutions and resources.

My board members are actively pursuing how and what they can take part in to produce results that will lead to realizing the “vision”.

Reliable and stable people are stepping up every day offering to help.

I am focused on building a stronger foster base and fundraising.

All in all, it is good that we’re simply not moving on, but waiting a bit while the solid foundation has time to dry.

I am thankful for all of your good thoughts and prayers leading up to this point on this journey.

We will never arrive fully, but I covet your continued prayers in the meantime. One day we will put a shovel into the ground at the new site. A place that will be the Caring4Creatures facility and will house “All God’s Creatures” without judgment as to who we can accept.

As a rescue we stand on the tenant that responding with “sorry, but we’re full” is not an option to reply to hurting people and hurting pets.

We will continue to fight the good fight, and with God’s help to stay in HIS WILL with every step we take. The vision will be realized at the appropriate time, and we will all celebrate His Goodness together.

This is in fact the house (or facility) that the Lord is building. As workers we don’t work in vain, but with real purpose and resolve.

Thanks again for your continued interest and support.

Fondly yours,

Karen

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Pet Pill Problem: in the news

28 Jun

FYI to all those who may have come into contact with this issue. Please be aware of this story and always monitor your pet’s reaction to all medications.

Credits:

Publication: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette; Date: Jun 21, 2011; Section: Business; Page Number: 23

Pet-pill problem known, suit says

BY: MICHAEL LIPKIN ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE

Dr. Holt Pittman, a Helena-West Helena veterinarian, was stumped. At least 100 dogs a year, all taking Heartgard Plus, were still contracting heartworms, a parasite that causes lung disease in dogs, and possibly death.

While some cases stemmed from owners’ skipping doses, many were coming from Pittman’s most diligent clients, he said.

A lawsuit by a former employee of Duluth, Ga.-based Merial, maker of Heartgard, may answer Pittman’s concerns.

Dr. Kari Blaho-Owens, Merial’s former head of “global pharmacovigilance,” alleges that Heartgard has been losing its effectiveness for years, and that Merial executives knew about it. She claims she was fired in July after refusing to destroy documents relating to Heartgard’s effectiveness.

According to the lawsuit, filed last month in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, “Merial has been aware of a serious lack of efficacy” since 2002, even as it continued to market Heartgard as “100 percent” effective. Merial stopped calling Heartgard “100 percent” effective in 2006 after four years of FDA requests, according to the suit. The company did not explicitly state that contracting heartworms was possible while the pet, whether dog or cat, was under properly administered Heartgard, the suit says. It just changed the packaging to say “effective.”

Blaho-Owens also claims the efficacy data Merial submitted for FDA approval of Heartgard weren’t consistent with post-approval reports Merial submitted to the FDA.

Blaho-Owens found that about 20 percent of dogs treated with Heartgard regularly contracted heartworms. “There was no other explanation possible other than product failure,” the lawsuit said.

Pittman said Merial blamed the problem for years on owners who forgot to give their dogs the beef-flavored medicine once a month.

“We’ve known there’s been a huge problem for years, but what makes me mad is that Merial knew there was a problem, they had a researcher who knew there was a problem, and they were trying to cover it up,” said Pittman, who stopped recommending Heartgard Plus for his patients early this year. “If this was a human product, it’d be on the national news.”

Some dog owners whose pets got heartworms while on Heartgard had their treatments paid for by Merial over the past eight years, Pittman said. Two dogs owned by Erin Collins of Helena-West Helena contracted heartworms within six months of each other last fall. The treatment was too dangerous for her 11-year-old Labrador, but Merial paid the $300 bill for her 3-year-old golden retriever-poodle mix. “Merial stood by their [promise by paying for the treatment], but I wouldn’t use it again. I’ve lost confidence,” Collins, 50, said. She has since switched to ProHeart 6, a twice-yearly injection by Pfizer.

Merial denied in a news release that there were any problems with Heartgard. “As a matter of company policy, we do not comment on the details of pending litigation or on employee-related issues. However, Merial believes we have acted appropriately and responsibly in all matters related to the allegations,” the statement said. “Merial stands by the effectiveness of our products.” The company calls Heartgard the No. 1 “veterinarian-recommended heartworm preventative” on its website.

The Mississippi Delta in particular has seen an increase in heartworm infections in dogs taking preventives such as Heartgard, American Heartworm Society President Dr. Wallace Graham said. Heartworm larvae are carried by mosquitoes, which are plentiful in the Delta.

“In the Delta, with the amount of mosquitoes we have, you have to hit them hard and keep hitting them. You’re just going to have so many larvae in these dogs,” said Dr. Andrea Allbritton, a veterinarian in Lake Village.

But it’s not just the number of heartworm larvae that concern Delta veterinarians. There are a growing number of anecdotal reports suggesting heartworms in South-Central states are resistant to medication, said R. Kelly Schwalbe, a spokesman for the Companion Animal Parasite Council.

Merial knew about this resistance too, Blaho-Owens’ lawsuit claims, and was working to add more drugs to Heartgard to make it more effective.

 

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The BIG Question

27 Jun

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UPDATE ON OUR PETCO GRANT APPLICATION:

I’m really new at this whole asking for large donations thing… waiting for months to hear, anticipating a yes and even scheduling a board meeting with all of my new members to make the big announcement.

It could have either been a meeting of celebration or to regroup. But no, nothing. Nothing announced. I have been checking the web to see if maybe I missed something, although it seems far too big to miss. Did I get the date wrong? Did I dream this whole dream? No, couldn’t be. I told too many people. Forwarded too many emails.

Then, got up and got to the work at hand. Unpacking in a place I don’t plan to stay. Time will only show where from here.

I cried and vowed today that I would not be in a position again like I found myself in May. I had encountered Richard, a dear soul who had been injured, no tortured, almost beyond recognition. He implored for life in the only way he knew how. Demanding and angry. Begging fiercely to be set free. I had to make the decision based on too little space and felt that I had to let him go.

I WILL NEVER MAKE THAT CHOICE AGAIN. Richard deserved a chance to overcome his viciousness and to experience kindness. He deserved a cool room with a warm bed. He deserved a soft hand to feed him; one that wouldn’t dare hit him.

And humanity deserved; no, cries out… .FOR LOVE!

I hate that money is the necessary tool to solve some of these issues. I don’t care about money nor do I desire to have an abundance anymore. But for these precious souls, it’s a necessary tool.

Here I sit with mixed feelings: disappointment for not hearing about the Petco grant and elation over what I do have.

I do not yet have the property that we so desire to have, but I do have an air conditioned house for which I am greatful. However, it is very small to encamp the two humans and thirteen creatures currently here. My back is sore from unpacking- but it IS working still after all.

Contentment is not the fulfillment of what we want, but rather the realization of how much we already have.

I had the great privilege to babysit Chalupa while his momma went on vacation and remembered how grateful I was to get a scrawny little chihuahua out of Dekalb last Fall that I didn’t have an inch of room to take in at the time. He didn’t take up much room since he was emaciated and hid in a corner. But JOY, he slept with me and did his little Groucho Marx dance as only he can do before leaving me yesterday to go home.

  • I have Prescotte, the last remaining boy of the 5 dogs removed from that terrible property. Even though he lost his foster and doesn’t have a prospect of a forever home yet, he loved riding back with Darryl tonight in his broken down pick up truck, snuggling near when he was scared of the rain. Then he came in and got to drink fresh water to his heart’s content, licked the mayo off of a spoon, had a great big bite of sausage and smiled.
  • I have Baby G, a not so frightened after a whole year of having her here with me, little girl who only lets 4 people to date touch her, but oh what a joy it is when she licks my ears in the morning and wakes me up!
  • I can’t leave out Savannah . Sweet Savannah who acts out so bad at adoptions that no one can see how truly amazing she is. She’s really perfect in every way. Her aloof disposition and high energy melt away when she gets into a secure environment and she is truly a perfect pet companion in every way. Never any trouble at all. Somehow, some day, someone will see what I see in her and love her for the rest of her life. Until then, I will put her beautiful cheeks inside my hands and say “My Savannah, ohhh my Savannah ”. When I do that she looks back at me with the most thankful eyes that let me know that she understands and is grateful.
  • Sweet Isabelle who can’t seem to decide if she likes men or not, is growing into the most outrageously wonderful dog. She can be pushy, but in the most demure way. She makes me laugh at least 10 times a day. She got into my cedar logs today that I put in my drawers for freshening… I plan to clean the mess up tomorrow since it’s just too late now and my back won’t bend over :)
  • Then there’s Little Miss. My one eyed overweight senior girl who looks like a train wreck but is the most beautiful creature on the inside. She can flat out win you over if you just spend one minute with her. But no one calls because she’s not winning any beauty contests. She obviously was out in a hurricane in Orlando where she was rescued from at Christmas time. She exhibits an intense fear of storms like no other dog I’ve seen. But if I crate her and put a heavy blanket over and play really loud music, she settles in… somehow understanding that’s the worst part of her life now. Much better than before. And if she ends up with me for another year, we’re OK with that. But I do hope for so much more for her- please understand that she’s cramped in 1200 square feet, sharing me with 12 others right now. She deserves so much more.
  • At this very moment I’m listening to the last intake, Foxy. The one that I got out of boarding Friday. Told my husband, my volunteers, my family that I wouldn’t take another in while I’m in transition and working on where to go from here. But I couldn’t say no to the apt manager who called me about a 30lb package of fear that someone moved and left behind in Lilburn. I knew that she was adoptable if we could just love her. She didn’t have a chance at animal control and quite frankly most rescue groups aren’t running to pull biters. Sooooo… here she is in my tiny living room with Isabelle. They adore each other. And to my surprise she is coming around quickly. I am grateful for what I already have.

Lots of fuzzy love! My dear 4 personal “littles” and my three cats who are so willing to let these rescues come in and take up their space and put up with all of the constant change. Especially because we pull them into our rescue “messy” and adopt them out “clean”. God has truly blessed me with Ccino (7 yr old pap/chi), Breeze (17.5 yr old doxy), Lucy and Reigna (4 yr old terrors, I mean terrier girls; Clancy, Abraham and T.C. (my sweet 3 cats, one of them fiv positive/ bet you can’t guess which one!)

And thank God for Darryl, my husband of 30 + years (I’ve stopped counting) who acts like he doesn’t want this for his life most of the time but still gets up every morning and provides for us the best way he knows how and sticks with C4C and me.

And my sweet and precious daughter who actually makes sure this stuff gets out to the universe on the web.

I’m so grateful for my wonderful, faithful team of volunteers who do it for the animals but love me too.

And now I have the most precious group of board members- folks that will journey with C4C this year and advise us how to make a difference.

Can’t forget about the terrific fosters. Such terrific fosters… one that made two home visits for me tonight traveling to Athens and with storms brewing, since I’m away from Atlanta while waiting for a miracle… who could ask for more?

Maybe, just maybe, that the grant will still come in so that we could actually live out the vision placed in our hearts and minds.

But….. in the meantime I am content.

My heart is overflowing with gratefulness for the privilege of doing God’s work.

Can’t dwell on what we don’t have. We’re getting Stella and Harley back next week and have to find a spot, *make* a spot for them….

I am thankful for YOU, for caring enough to read my thoughts. I humbly ask for your prayers.

Fondly yours,

Karen

Adoptable animals mentioned in this post:

Prescotte, Baby G, Savannah, Isabelle, Little Miss & Foxy.

View these dogs on Petfinder by clicking on their name above or on the photo below.

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Taking care of your pet in the summer heat

21 Jun

Last week, C4C was involved in a heat stroke scare that really put the danger of these warm summer months into perspective. A friend called in and frantically asked what to do in this particular situation and they were fortunate that they acted quickly and everything turned out just fine for their dog. However, this indecent did make us aware how great of a threat the heat is to ourselves as well as our animals. Remember: our pets don’t have a voice, so keep a close eye on their behavior.

Please use caution when you’re out with your animals this summer. If you do notice a change in your pet’s behavior during or after time spent outside; don’t hesitate to give your vet a precautionary phone call.

LET’S KEEP OUR PETS SAFE THIS SUMMER!

C4C would like to pass along an article that we believe can be extremely beneficial in cases having to do with the prevention and treatment of heat related illness.

The content below is brought to you courtesy of:

Be a Cool Owner: Don’t Let Your Dog Overheat

Written By: PetPlace Veterinarians

Working up a good sweat in the hot summer months may be good for you, but it can lead to heat stroke in your dog and kill him in a matter of minutes. Heat stroke is a dangerous condition that takes the lives of many animals every year. Your dog’s normal body temperature is 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. If it rises to 105 or 106 degrees, the dog is at risk for developing heat exhaustion. If the body temperature rises to 107 degrees, your dog has entered the dangerous zone of heat stroke. With heat stroke, irreversible damage and death can occur.

Here are some summer facts:

The temperature in a parked car can reach 160 degrees in a matter of minutes, even with partially opened windows. And any dog exercising on a hot, humid day, even with plenty of water, can become overheated. Overheating often leads to heat stroke. As a pet owner, you should know the dangers of overheating and what to do to prevent it.

You should also know the signs of heat stroke and what to do if your dog exhibits those signs.

When humans overheat we are able to sweat in order to cool down. However, your dog cannot sweat as easily; he must rely on panting to cool down. Dogs breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth, directing the air over the mucous membranes of the tongue, throat and trachea to facilitate cooling by evaporation of fluid. Your dog also dissipates heat by dilation of the blood vessels in the surface of the skin in the face, ears and feet. When these mechanisms are overwhelmed, hyperthermia and heat stroke usually develop.

Dogs who have a thick coat, heart and lung problems or a short muzzle are at greater risk for heat stroke. Others at risk include:

  • Puppies up to 6 months of age
  • Large dogs over 7 years of age and small dogs over 14 years
  • Overweight dogs
  • Dogs who are overexerted
  • Ill dogs or those on medication
  • Brachycephalic dogs (short, wide heads) like pugs, English bulldogs and Boston terriers
  • Dogs with cardiovascular disease and/or poor circulation

What To Watch For:

If your dog is overheating, he will appear sluggish and unresponsive. He may appear disorientated. The gums, tongue and conjunctiva of the eyes may be bright red and he will probably be panting hard. He may even start vomiting. Eventually he will collapse, seizure and may go into a coma.

If your dog exhibits any of these signs, treat it as an emergency and call your veterinarian immediately. On the way to your veterinary hospital, you can cool your pet with wet towels, spray with cool water from a hose or by providing ice chips for your dog to chew (providing he is conscious).

Veterinary Care:

Heat related illness is typically diagnosed based on physical exam findings and a recent history that could result in overheating. Your veterinarian may perform various blood tests to assess the extent of vital organ dysfunction caused by overheating.

Intensity of treatment depends upon the cause and severity of the heat illness

Mildly increased temperature (less than 105°F) may only require rest, a fan to increase air circulation, fresh water to drink and careful observation.

Markedly increased temperature (greater than 106°F) must be treated more aggressively. Cooling can be promoted externally by immersion in cool water or internally by administering a cool water enema.

Underlying aggravating conditions, such as upper airway obstructive diseases, heart disease, lung disease and dehydration may be treated with appropriate medications, supplemental oxygen or fluid therapy.

Home Care:

Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency. Check your dog’s temperature rectally if you suspect heat stroke. If it is over 105 degrees F, remove your dog from the heat source immediately and call your veterinarian.

Meanwhile, place a cool, wet towel over your dog or place him in a cool bath. Do not use ice because it may cause skin injury. Spraying with water from a garden hose also works well.

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URGENT NEED! WILL YOU BE THE ONE TO STEP UP?

14 Jun

Dear friends and family, as many of you may know, our director Karen Ragusa will be re-locating this Thursday.

We are in a desperate state of need to either adopt out or find foster families for the 9 wonderful dogs in her care. She will not be able to take all of these guys on the road with her so she is reaching out to YOU!

All of these pups are wonderful and quirky in their own special way. We invite you to view them here, as well as on Petfinder, Flickr, Twitter and Facebook. Read their stories and pass this along to anyone you might know.

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Pets highlighted in above slideshow in order are: Savannah, Hollywood, T-Bone, Prescotte, Stella, Manchester, Dallas, Baby G, and Isabelle

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Let’s come together and SPREAD THE WORD!!!

One more thought- C4C will find out on the 24th of this month about the Petco Grant that we applied for. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers- we are sure hoping that the vision property (mentioned on out “Welcome” page) is the next step for her and many more animals in need. Please pray for her during this time of transition!

THANK YOU FOR OPENING YOUR HEART!

“I am an animal rescuer”

13 Jun

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MAX: Will you be his new family?

11 Jun

* Please click the above picture to view Maximus on Petfinder *

MAX: SEE HIM SHINE!!

Max now has a foster parent and she writes the following about how wonderful he is doing living with her family and how lucky “YOU” would be to adopt Max.

“Max is the sweetest and most gentle soul you will ever meet. He is very bright and SO eager to please. This boy just wants to give his whole heart to someone who will cherish him for who he is always. Max loves all people (especially kids!), other dogs and is great with cats. He is currently living in a foster home with children, another dog and 3 cats.

Max loves the company and would like to have at least one other doggie sibling that he can romp and play with in his new home. Max is enjoying a delayed puppy-hood and needs someone to release that energy with. He would love nothing more than to chase a ball and run in circles with a friend.

When it is time to settle down, he calms down immediately and will sit by your side, in your lap or as close as he can get to you for as long as you are still. When you get up, he will follow you wherever you go. He will never be far from your side.

Whoever is fortunate enough to have this sweet boy in their life forever will have hit the doggie jackpot! Max truly is a special soul that deserves nothing but the best and he will give it all back to you tenfold.”

* Please click the above picture to view Maximus on Petfinder *

IF YOU WOULD LIKE C4C TO

CONSIDER YOU FOR MAX’S NEW HOME,

PLEASE FILL OUT OUR

Caring 4 Creatures, Inc Adoption Application

AND SEND TO: karen@caring4creatures.com

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Adopting a Fearful Dog, A guest post by Roxanne Hawn

10 Jun

Adopting a fearful dog can be an amazing and frustrating experience. Yet, looking back on the last 7 years with my fearful border collie Lilly, I see how far we’ve come. I’m proof that living with a fearful dog makes you a better person. To assist in your journey, I offer these insights.

 

3 Reasons Your Adopted Dog Might be Fearful

When adopting a shy dog or fearful dog of any age from an animal shelter, humane society, or rescue group, it’s easy to blame skittishness on past abuse. More than likely, however, abuse isn’t the “cause” at all.

1. Genetics. Animal behavior experts estimate that of all dogs born 10% possess a more cautious nature.

2. Socialization. Dog experts call controlled, carefully orchestrated exposure of puppies, in particular, to a variety of people, animals, places, sounds, and activities “socialization.” While socialization is great for dogs of any age, once the critical windows of puppyhood close (around 3 months), they are lost forever. Puppies who received poor socialization will be more fearful. (This is particularly true of puppy mill puppies.)

3. Illness. Puppies who suffer serious illness at critical points in their development often experience scary medical procedures and require medical isolation, which ramp up fear and rule out proper socialization.

Mix these three possible “causes” of fearful dogs together, and you’ll get a dog like mine every single time. Think of it as the bad-luck trifecta for fearful dogs.

5 Most Common Canine Fears

Fearful dogs can shy away from or sometimes act “aggressive” toward just about anything, but here are a few common fear triggers:

1. Children: Children, especially younger ones, move unpredictably, make unexpected noises, and tend to show “love” in ways that scare fearful dogs (chasing, hugging, kissing).

2. Men: Adopters often assume the dog’s “abuser” was a man, but the truth is that it’s MUCH more common for a fearful dog to be skittish around men in general.

3. Other Dogs: Poor socialization at critical puppy development stages often leads to dogs who are not big fans of other dogs.

4. Noises: Thunder and fireworks are the most common noise phobias in dogs, but truly sound-sensitive dogs can fear any noise.

5. Being Alone: True separation anxiety is a very specific diagnosis. I cannot even begin to do it justice here … other than to say some dogs really fear being left alone.

3 Things Every Fearful Dog Needs

1. A fearful dog needs a family that understands you CANNOT and SHOULD NOT “dominate,” force, or punish a fearful dog into not being fearful.

2. A fearful dog needs a complete veterinary exam to find or rule out medical causes of the fearful behavior, including previously undetected pain / illness or low thyroid levels.

3. A fearful dog needs a partnership with a really good dog trainer / dog behaviorist who can explore the dog’s unique situation, then develop a customized behavior plan that systematically teaches the dog how to:

    • Be calm and relaxed
    • Look to trustworthy people and other dogs for help in scary situations
    • Make better decisions in the face of fear triggers

Everything we did with Lilly, for example, takes root in something called the Relaxation Protocol. You can download Relaxation Protocol MP3 audio files from Champion of My Heart for free.

Additional Fearful Dog Resources

Above all, please know that you cannot change how a dog behaves until you change how the dog feels.

I’ve tried various products and strategies with Lilly, up to and including anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medicines. Some things worked for us. Others didn’t.

Here are a few recommendations I can make without hesitation:

About the author:

Roxanne Hawn is freelance writer and award-winning blogger. Her blog Champion of My Heart is a real-time memoir of life with fearful border collie.

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Look at us now!!!

7 Jun

Here is yet another update on those 5 AMAZING dogs removed from their previous life!

Can you believe how far they have all come?

THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU WONDERFUL SOULS WHO HAVE DONATED YOUR TIME, MONEY, COMPASSION, AND LOVE TO THESE BABIES!

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WILL YOU GET TO BE THEIR NEW FAMILY???

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MAX UPDATE: Letter From The Vet

6 Jun Maximus

UPDATE: LETTER FROM THE VET

To Whom It May Concern,

Max has been struggling with complications from an injury where his pelvis was severely fractured. Though he is getting around well he is having difficulty completely voiding his bladder. His urine stream is also very weak and requires a lot of effort. He has had some imaging procedures done, and it has been determined that he has a stricture (narrowing) of the portion of his urethra that is located deep within his pelvis. It is unclear if this stricture is due to scarring down of the urethra or if it is due to scar tissue surrounding the urethra squeezing down on it.

Max needs a surgery where the surgeon goes deep into the pelvis and either releases scar tissue or cuts a small portion of the urethra out and sutures the urethra back together again. There is a good chance that this procedure will allow Max to pee normally again with comfort.

Sincerely,

Dr. Joe Fitzgerald

Suwanee Animal Hospital

770-271-8716

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