Tag: dog rescue
Mac-aroni’s Going Home Day
You don’t have to look at the garden to know that winter is giving way to spring. You can sense it.
You don’t have to envision the flowers and trees in bloom. You can smell them.
You don’t have to behold the sun to know that it is shining. You can experience its warmth.
You don’t have to observe the birds to know their delight in fresh worms and tiny buds. You can hear them.
And 10-year-old blind Mac-aroni does not need to see the love of his new mom on their going home day.
He can feel it.
Congratulations and happy life, sweet boy!
Wordless Wednesday: Arthur
Nature Finds A Way
Given that our Memorial Garden was under water just a week ago, I was surprised and amazed to find it beginning to bud and bloom.
It seems impossible that the bulbs, plants and trees survived submersion for so long and still pushed forward to beckon spring.
Mother Nature is nothing if not persistent. She has her limits, mind you, but a plant’s purpose is to go forth and produce the leaves from which it feeds and seeds it sows to ensure its future.
“The greatest oak was once a little nut who held its ground.” ~ Author Unknown
Nature finds a way.
It’s an important reminder. When obstacles block our path and threaten what we believe to be right, fair, and true to our purpose – like nature – we need to adapt until we find our way beyond the barrier.
It means taking collective and personal responsibility, even when the going is tough.
It means standing up for what is right.
Life is full of impediments and hurdles – persistence and personal responsibility are the tools required to clear them.
“You cannot change the circumstances, the seasons, or the wind, but you can change yourself.” ~ Jim Rohn
We can find a way.
And Toto Too
We prune to encourage new growth in the spring. It’s an art and a science. And while roses are pretty resilient, you still take great care because, sometimes, you can go too far.
In December, odd couple Cody and Rusty arrived. We nicknamed Rusty, Toto, for his resemblance to Dorothy’s little friend.
Rusty is 7; Cody 10.
Cody portrait graciously loaned by Rob Kessel
Surrendered when the wife developed allergies, they were inseparable. It was easy to know. On the rare occasion that they were briefly apart, Rusty let out blood-curdling screams that sent all of us running to investigate.
We work very hard to keep bonded pairs together. Like our mud-covered friends, Toby and Noel who went home together this weekend.
Still, the odds of finding one home for this mismatched pair were slim – to none? When a family fell in love with little Rusty, we reluctantly gave our OK, knowing that it would dramatically improve Cody’s odds. As it did. He was adopted very shortly after.
But then Rusty came back. He was miserable without his buddy and screeching for him incessantly. When a call was placed to Cody’s new family to inquire – might they, would they, could they be interested in adopting Rusty, too? – the response was “actually, we’re not sure Cody is such a great fit, either. Maybe they should be together.”
Cody was returned Saturday morning – rejoined with his beloved Rusty to squeals of joy. We had pruned too far.
Nature knows what is needed. You just have to use care and have faith. Which is why, not a half hour after Cody was returned, a wonderful couple arrived in search of a pair; a Golden, and a lap dog. What are the odds? They said ‘yes’ to Cody…and Toto, too!
While their new family grew larger, our roses grew smaller.
Six gardeners with clippers and one relentless man with a wheelbarrow managed to prune over 100 roses in the Memorial Garden.
And just in the nick of time. The Daffodils, Hyacinth, Narcissus and Rosemary signal: spring is near.
But Cody and Rusty could have told you that. Their new season has already arrived. Happy lives, you two!
Wordless Wednesday: Playing in the Puddles
A Rescue Tale
This story has been embargoed for what seems like forever. I could not wait to report the full happily ever after.
It began in mid-December, when someone who has long been connected to our rescue saw something out of the corner of his eye as he drove down the road. Instead of continuing on, he stopped. He found two dogs, a German Shepherd and a German Pointer, tied to each other in the mud. The weather had been alternating between rain and freezing. Their only shelter was a dilapidated fruit crate. With only three feet of chain between them – only one dog could raise itself above the muck.
Our rescuer spoke to the owners. They claimed the dogs had been dumped, separately, in the surrounding country and they took them “in.” The story took twists and turns as they spoke, but the bottom line was that they would give them up. That was all he needed to know.
He and his wife set about contacting rescues. Relying on foster care, their inns were full so close to Christmas. They worried about bringing the dogs to a shelter given the Shepherd’s age. Given their breeds, they didn’t automatically think of Homeward Bound, but when our president got wind of it, she said “we’ll take them.” They were quickly transported to safety.
The Shepherd, Sadie, had a microchip; the owner on record did not return our call.
Gage had no identification. Our vet put Sadie at 13, and Gage at 6. We had been told that Gage had been joined with Sadie about a year ago.
The dogs had bonded through adversity despite the difference in their ages. Still, their needs were very different. Once freed, Sadie worked hard at keeping up with Gage who ran like the wind. At 13, a leisurely walk was more her speed.
Whenever we can, we keep bonded pairs together. But in this case, we felt that potential adopters would be looking for two very different kinds of dogs and that could significantly reduce their chances. On Christmas Eve, Sadie went home with former adopters who had been searching for a special, older dog to pair with their senior Golden. They fell instantly in love with her.
Gage was temporarily lost without her. I had taken him for a walk while Sadie was being adopted. To watch him search for her when we returned was heartbreaking. But he got extra loving and lots of play time from our volunteers who discovered that – after expending his energy – this adorable boy wanted nothing more than to climb in your lap and cuddle. Gage’s rescuers visiting with him:
We also learned that Gage didn’t have a single hunting instinct in him, which is probably why he was dumped. He walked right by bunnies and kitties, and the sound of gunfire from nearby hunters sent him running for safety.
Over New Year’s, one of our volunteers brought her neighbors out to meet Gage. This special family was already involved with Pointer rescue, and were the adoptive parents of two beautiful (human) girls. They had recently lost one of their Pointers. While they weren’t sure if they were ready, they found Gage’s story compelling.
Hiding in the adjacent yard so he wouldn’t see me, I watched and listened, hopeful, as Gage chased the girls around the Park. The family had a vacation planned and could not take him immediately. We crossed our paws, and they returned last week with their dog, Toby, for an introduction. Toby is a big Pointer mix without a care in the world. His boundless energy put Gage a little on guard. We sent them home for a trial week to make sure all would be well. And after a few days of figuring each other out – it was.
Gage was officially adopted this week. He and Toby are now playmates, and sleeping mates – in the bed, of course!
What a life Sadie and Gage will have now – because someone stopped and asked instead of driving by. It’s a small thing that can turn anyone into a rescuer and give a gift that makes a world of difference in the life of a dog – and quite possibly, yours, too.
A Forever Friend
“A sister can be seen as someone who is both ourselves and very much not ourselves — a special kind of double.” ~ Toni Morrison
Our recently adopted Yogi and his sister Lotta (formerly Lottie who I wrote about here) were reunited last week for a play date. They had not seen each other since September. If there was any doubt that they would remember each other, it was quashed in an instant. As soon as they saw each other from beyond the fence, the happy crying began.
Let off leash in the yard – fast hello’s gave way to chase.
Yogi’s new brother, Jackson, was along for the ride and fit right in.
Doesn’t this look like the dog version of Twister?
Born of the same litter and raised separately, they were returned to the breeder within a few months of each other. Neither had received any real training. At about 15 months and 80 lbs. wild, they were much more together than the woman could handle. And we instantly saw why!
“Siblings are the people we practice on, the people who teach us about fairness and cooperation and kindness and caring — quite often the hard way.” ~ Pamela Dugdale
We wondered about the scratches and scabs on Yogi when he first came to us. Let me tell you – Lotta can give as good as she gets!
But it is all in good fun.
Lotta lives in Tahoe now with new siblings Beau and Milo. Her new mom takes Lotta for frequent hikes and swims at the lake to wear her energy down – if that is possible!
They send each other pictures via email – and we hope to visit Lotta in the not too distant future when the snow falls. Imagine the fun they will have!
Sibling love. From snarls and tackles –
to kisses and hugs.
A sister is a forever friend. ~ Author Unknown
See you soon, Lotta! XXOO, Yogi.
Foxy’s New Reality
“How do we know that the sky is not green and we are all colour-blind?” ~ Author Unknown
Reality can be deceiving – and when it comes to dogs – changing, especially in response to the environment they are in. When she arrived last February, Foxy’s reality was that of a talker. A persistent, incessant, completely annoying and very loud talker. Correction. Barker. TALK. TALK. TALK. BARK. BARK. BARK!
Foxy had things to say and she was going to make darn sure that you heard them. Between her terrible leash skills and her rattling on, she turned away potential adopters faster than you can yell “quiet!”
Time went on. We worked with her on leash skills. She got better.
We wanted her to relate better to people. Not a problem.
But when it came to matchmaking, our perception of her barking reality probably led us to put others before her. Everyone except Lisa.
As is so often the case, the people who are both feeders and walkers notice things that other do not. They spend the most time with the dogs, and see their reactions in different settings and situations. Lisa noticed the change in Foxy. While other dogs came and went, Foxy had turned into a well-behaved, proper-walking pooch with a much more controlled mouth.
The challenge was to prove it to others. With a house already overflowing with dogs, foster was out of the question. The plan: field trips.
Lisa sprang Foxy for trips to the lake, play dates with other dogs, and even the drive-through where Foxy dined on In-And-Out burgers (extra cheese please!). Lisa shared all of Foxy’s adventures until people started to see a new reality that we had been blind to.
A new story was written; a video produced; social media was launched.
Her post was shared widely and her YouTube video was viewed nearly 1,000 times. But most importantly, our perception of Foxy changed. Getting her home became everyone’s mission. Thus, when one of our placement team members was interviewing a prospective adopter, our transformed Foxy was top of mind. She shared the video and an immediate and heartfelt connection was made.
Lisa arranged to meet the woman and her two eight-year-old Labs at the lake. They hit it off. Foxy started playing with a toy, chewing on a stick, and mimicking the Labs. “I was amazed. It was like she was remembering how to be a carefree dog again,” Lisa told us.
Last weekend, Foxy’s long wait came to a storybook end.
Her new mom takes the dogs to the lake weekly. In the summer, they travel with her to Tahoe for long hikes and swims in cooler waters. And best of all, Foxy’s new home is just a stone’s throw from Lisa’s.
“Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.” ~ Albert Einstein
Welcome to your new reality, Foxy. Happy life, sweet girl.
Wordless Wednesday: Meeting a New Best Friend
Here Comes Santa Claus
Santa paid his annual visit to the rescue this weekend to hear the wishes of our waiting pups, and to celebrate those who have gone home. It always leads to happy reunions.
Some have grown (other have shrunk!) – but the thing that is most noticeable is the change in their faces. You can see the contentment.
Faith and Sophie (formerly Hope) – our Megaesophagus/CNM pups were there. Look how they have grown!
Max and Felix: orphaned brothers now together forever. Their people could not love them more.
Annie – who was Billie – one of this summer’s twelve Giants litter puppies getting all grown up.
Roger – now Buddy – one of dogs rescued from the Korean meat market now living a charmed life.
and Bilos: blind, beloved, and so full of confidence now. His mom has done an amazing job with him.
Most are easily recognizable, but not this one.
When Mary arrived in July of 2015, she was so obese that she could not walk more than a short distance before stopping.
Those little legs just could not support her giant body.
Lucky for Mary, she was spotted by our gardener, Peggy. I wrote about it here. Peggy had a well-earned reputation for turning butterballs into lean machines.
And she has worked her magic again on Mary who – through a combination of diet and exercise – has dropped more pounds than Santa drops presents!
Maintaining a proper weight can be life-extending for any dog. Just look at her canine sibling Ginger – at an unbelievable 14!
I don’t know what they put in the water in Peggy’s house – but pass the pitcher, please!
Thanks to Santa, our photographer Eric Schuman, and all of the happy elves for squeezing our waiting and adopted furry friends in a busy holiday schedule!
Della is Home
I hinted at a special story buried in my long list of adoption photos last week. We’re feeling optimistic that our very special “going home” girl will stay home – so I will tell you her story if you promise to say a little prayer that our Della has truly found her forever people.
Della came to us two years ago. She must have belonged to someone, as she was previously spayed. But she was found stray, and no one claimed her from a Valley shelter. Fearful of humans, her chances were not good. Our team pulled her and she was transported to our care.
From the start, Della was distrustful, standoffish, and skittish when approached. We’ll never know if she became fearful as a stray – or became a stray because she had something to fear.
With tail tucked and head bowed, she was submissive but stubborn.
Still, she never struck out. She would just pull away, or lock up her legs and refuse to move until a treat was produced. That girl is no dummy.
She reigned over her coveted Yard 3 which she decided was her safe place. On warm days, her preference was to be there – alone – for as many hours as we would allow. When she thought no one was looking, you could catch glimpses of a different dog in there.
More typically, though, sadness was written all over her face. More than one volunteer made her their special project – including Rob of Rob & Dog, whose pictures are shared here.
She was even adopted. But she was soon returned because she just would not connect.
We don’t give up easily, but we were all becoming resigned to the thought that Della would be with us forever. Until last week.
A couple had come to meet another of our long term residents, wanting to help a dog that was truly in need. That pup turned out to be not a good match. As they waited in the yard for another candidate, Della – returning from her walk, pressed her nose against the fence, and sought their petting. What?! Joining them in the yard, she went to them. Della?? Who was this girl?
In her “going home” photo she did something we very rarely saw: she smiled.
For all of our time, patience, and efforts, it appears that Della was just waiting for her right people. She picked them out herself, and that won their hearts.
Tonight, Della is home. She has a safe corner and crate to seek safety when she wants it,
and the report is that she is adapting – if slowly. So say a little prayer that she continues to keep opening up her heart to the people who opened theirs to her. Because “Della is home” just makes our hearts happy.
Sepcial thanks to Rob Kessel for sharing his photos of Della.
Gardens For Goldens 