Percy!

Percy's looking for a home. He's 3 1/2 months old, born to a feral momma who left him when she moved her other kittens. He was only 5 1/2 weeks old at the time and became tame overnight. I eventually captured his siblings but only after Percy'd been alone for a short while.

He's rough and fiesty but playful, purrs a lot! The other 3 are very gentle and calm but not Percy-he pounces, bounces and strikes ;)

He's definitely a cutie pie but not for just anyone. If you like a very active and self-assured kitty, Percy's your cat.

Sampson

Sampson is a 6 yr old husky mix looking for a home. He's lived outside for 6 years and as if that wasn't bad enough he had to have his left eye removed due to infection. He's a happy and spirited boy who desperately needs someone to love him. Could that be you?

I'm back ;)

Wow, its been a looooong time since I've been here but its symbolic of my life, I wasn't there either. I can't fully explain it but I felt hopeless and lost my direction. There have been many changes; loss, confusion and pain that I had to work through to come back but I think the biggest factor has been learning to live one day at a time. I've rarely been in the "here and now", didn't know how to do that. I took on so much emotionally that I just lost control, and was forced to stop thinking about yesterdays regrets and tomorrows fears and it taught me that I couldn't handle anything but the present.

Its been a tough lesson but I feel stronger now and hope I can continue to remember it even when things are going well.

Bullet

Poor Bullet. We got him from a woman at the beginning of May who couldn't take care of him any more. (Her husband left, she's never home, etc.)

Bullet has had bloody diarrhea since at least last November after the woman's husband left. The vet says its colitis but we don't know what's causing it. We've had him dewormed and on several different medications, grain free food, etc; he had to have surgery to sew his rectum in because it wouldn't go back in on its own (from the constant straining). The vet says it'll take time but I have my doubts 'cause it just goes on and on...

He's a wonderful dog, great with other dogs, adults and kids. He's happy and active and so lovable, but the damn bloody diarrhea won't stop. We've spent way too much of our funds already and he needs so much more--maybe a specialist and I don't know how we're going to afford it. He needs a guardian angel!

No one would adopt him like this so we have to figure it out. We just have to.

Backyard breeders, grrr...

Sac was purchased from a backyard breeder as a puppy. Now he's 8 months old and too much to handle for his senior owner. To a backyard breeder, all it takes is money. No references checked. No questions about experience or what would happen to the dog in the event of the owner's "incapacity" (or worse). Just: HERE'S your dog, that'll be $600 please.

I live in a small area where it takes awhile to find good homes for big dogs, especially German Shepherds, even purebreds. You can find them in a shelter for $150 and I've known many people to just give them away. They're usually mistrustful of strangers, tend to run rather than stick around off leash, and need plenty of exercise. They're heavy shedders, tend to have health problems, and can be an insurance liability. And they're really strong. (I once transported a White GSD who had to be walked by 2 people and we could barely handle him together). These dogs are not for the inexperienced.

Sac's owner had no idea what he was getting in to. His last dog had died at 13 yrs old, he didn't realize the demands of raising a puppy or the brute strength of a teenage GSD. The breeder should have known but was more concerned about making money than getting this dog a good home.

I'll spend many hours getting the dog neutered and doing reference checks and home visits so Sac will go to the right home. At a fraction of the amount originally paid for him. There's little profit in rescue, its all about making sure the dog gets a good home.

So in the best case scenario, this dog would have had a good, prepared, permanent home to begin with. In this scenario, at least the owner found a rescuer instead of just chaining him to a doghouse or dumping him on another unprepared person. It could have been worse.

UPDATE: I'm happy to say Sac went home with his new family yesterday. He has a GSD friend, a big fenced in yard to play with her in, 3 older kids who love dogs, and a mom and dad who are experienced with shepherds. He'll live indoors, get plenty of love, attention and exercise. Best of all, he'll get to be a puppy again! YAY!

Peaches

Another unwanted cutie. Cast away after she had puppies, she went from the owner to 3 other homes until she came to us. She is just what every adopter wants in a dog. Cute, personable, plays when you want to, cuddles, and looks up at you like your the most awesome person she's ever met.

Again, I'm left wondering how anyone could give up this precious babe. Its rarely about the dog but often says so much about the person.

Gasport Dog

I'd gotten many emails from people begging me for advice, with the subject title "Gasport dog".

Sara lived in an outside kennel for most of her 2 1/2 years. She had a companion but he disappeared awhile ago and so she'd lived alone with a lonely doghouse as her only comfort. Poor thing, she's afraid of all new things, won't get in the car, sometimes won't go inside after a walk and sometimes won't go outside. She crouches down and lets her entire 60 lbs become dead weight. She doesn't fight me but she doesn't help either. I guess this is how she chooses to deal with her scary new world-by not consenting to participate.

The good news is that she's coming around. She's wagging her tail and giving kisses. She loves and trusts Julie and she's great with other dogs. She is gentle and sensitive. She will be an ideal family companion. I curse the woman who forced her into solitude, but its so common for people to be so aware of their own needs and so oblivious to others.