Letting Sleeping Dogs Lie as I type

Well, it's quite a rainy and cold day today and as I sit here and type, my pack is asleep and snoring away like they have just worked a double shift. (More like they just made ME work a double shift, actually!). This morning two of my permanent canine residents went to the vet for their annual check up and to get their shots updated. Two of the most rambunctious members, I might add.

Doug (left picture) and Gertie (in her babuska on the right).

Gertie was friendly with the vet techs and the vet (she's always friendly with new people and animals); but Doug -- not so much. A little disappointing since he is a sensitive and gentle soul and I really wanted him to feel happy and safe visiting the vet this time, but his reaction was not altogether surprising. When he's fearful, he tends to act out a bit, getting barky and snarly. (Part of the reason why he became a foster failure and my 4th permanent dog). So we had to put a muzzle on him, to be on the safe side. He has never been muzzled before so he was pretty upset with me for doing it.

Once Doc was done examining him, giving him his updated distemper shot and taking blood for his annual heartworm test, we took the muzzle off. When Doc gave him a dog cookie, greed overtook fear and he took it and hungrily ate it, in spite of the fact that he as still eyeing doc with that "I'm-not-so-happy-with-you" look and the slightly chattery teeth. As we got ready to leave and I was paying the bill, however, he was back to his "happy as a clam" self and ready to join Gertie in dragging me through the parking lot to the car like a couple of championship mushers headed for the finish line.

So, thankfully, he was not permanently scarred by his traumatic visit to the vet, and he got a clean bill of health (although he has gotten rather fat, and will need to go on a bit of a diet to regain his boyish figure!). And I now know I will have to work a little more with him in the socialization department so that by next year he will be happy to go see the vet....or at least not so fearful.

A really good site for people who have fearful or shy dogs is (appropriately named) "Fearful Dogs" at www.fearfuldogs.com

Check it out. There is a lot of helpful and interesting information that will help you to understand your pup and its foibles.

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Our Chance at Rescue

We have made some significant changes over the past few months. We are no longer affiliated with any one rescue, but, instead, are broadening our vision to include any legitimate rescue effort where we can.

We are hoping to be up and running as soon as possible, so feel free to stop by from time to time.

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Operation Pittie Removal Has Been Accomplished!!

I am happy to report that all 10 of the Toms River Pit Bulls have been safely removed from the horrendous situation they were in! On May 31, 2009, All rescue volunteers and the SPCA officers in charge of the Court Ordered removal arrived at the home and systematically removed the 10 dogs and brought them to a local groomer to be bathed, micro-chipped and given their first distemper shot prior to going into rescue.

The rescuers and crew from Kat and K9 Design were amazingly accommodating of the chaos involving 10 unsocialized, stinky and frightened pit bulls and we thank her for her support. She helped make this day run so much more smoothly!

http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/Kat.And.K.9.Design.732-292-1001

All ten of the dogs went into various rescues that had been previously screened.

Four of these dogs are now in a local rescue's care and will need adoptive homes. We can report that even though these dogs spent most of their time living in little plastic boxes (vari-kennels, mainly used for transport purposes because there is little air circulation in these hard plastic carriers) where they were forced to lay in their own excrement, these dogs are beginning to learn proper bathroom etiquette. They are also learning the joys of blankets to lay on, toys to play with, and endless grass under their feet to romp in. If you'd like to read more about the efforts that went into helping them, you can link to the NJ SPCA website and read about the plea that went out, then read the story in the Examiner about the actual rescue as it happened.

http://www.njspca.org/

www.examiner.com/x-1513-Philadelphia-Dog-Advocate-Examiner~y2009m6d1-Follow-up--10-pit-bulls-in-Toms-River-NJ-are-saved"

Pit Bull-palooza - June 7, 2009!!

Hear yee, hear yee!

All pit bull moms/dads and/or lovers of pit bulls!!!

Come join us for a fun time at the Pit Bull-palooza!

When: Sunday, June 7th, 2009

Time: from 11am - 3pm

Where: Nomahegan Park, Springfield Avenue, Cranford NJ

Features:

*Vendors (rescue, educational, dog-related items)
CGC testing
"Ask the Trainer"
Mini-Lecture & Q andA period on the breed
DJ playing a modern array of tunes
Plenty of informative material on Pit Bulls
Raffle
Weight pull demo

Trailside Pet Fair - May 3, 2009

Please come join several rescues at the 30th Annual Pet Fair which will be held at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside on Sunday, May 3rd from 12:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. (This is a "rain or shine" event)

Many organizations dedicated to educating the public about pets and pet products will be on hand. You may purchase various pet products from vendors while enjoying the festivities. (see below) Have fun listening to a folk singer and seeing all the beautiful pets at the 30th annual Pet Fair.

Admission to the Pet Fair, which includes free face painting and a free petting zoo, is $3 per person, with children six years old and younger admitted free of charge. For an additional fee, children can enjoy pony rides or win prizes by playing games.

Appearances include:

- The New Jersey Rescue and Recovery K9 Unit

- Kathy Murarik of the New Jersey Sled Dog Club

- A flyball demonstration

- The Union County K-9 Division and their handlers

- Canine members of Paw Pals demonstrate “lure coursing” . (your dog can try out for a small fee)

- There will also be the inaugural American Pet Idol Contest will be hosted by The National Foundation for Animal Rescue. If you think your pet has what it takes, then enter him or her in this talent contest. Entries are $1 per category and prizes will be awarded.

Make sure you stop by and say hi! We will be there with a couple of our All Star Pets, ready to greet any and all!

For further information about the Pet Fair at Trailside, please call 908-789-3670

Some Updates on Prior Posts

Just a quick THANK YOU to everyone who helped make our garage sale a success this weekend! The weather was HOT and we were exhausted by Sunday afternoon, but the volunteers came out and the buyers did, too! We were able to raise a nice amount of money for medical expenses on behalf of the All Star Pets in our care. GREAT JOB, everyone!

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In another post we talked about flea preventatives and the fact that not all are safe. Please check out this link regarding a suit which has been filed in the State of California by an environmental group. Please consider this information when making your decision on which products to use on your beloved pet!!

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/23/MN63177TIM.DTL