In Pursuit Of Alpha

Dessy's arrival was bitter sweet. When she got off transport, she ran from black dog to black dog in search of her beloved Alpha but he was nowhere to be found. It was heartbreaking for her and it was heartbreaking to watch. She was happy - thinking she was going to be reunited with him - only to realize she was in a strange new place all alone. These lifelong companions never should have been seperated - it is not right. The thought of them living their lives without each other is more than I care to bear. I am going to do everything I can to reunite this duo. I have asked the shelter to contact his new owner and see if they are willing to adopt Dessy if I pay her adoption fees. At the very least maybe we can arrange a play date. Keep your paws crossed.

Weldon Barks Again

Weldon's previous owner kept his mouth tied shut. Weldon has a scar around his muzzle and up under his chin. His tongue is deformed from this abuse. It is all wrinkled up. Weldon arrived in July (took Gordon's old spot). When folks come and go, our other dogs greet them by barking with excitment or bid them farewell in sync.....everyone that is except Weldon. Weldon sat quietly, taking in the other dogs, listening to their barks of glee and noticing that nobody's mouth was ever tied shut nor were they scolded for communicating using dog language (barking). Finally, Weldon felt trusting enough to let out a welcome bark! Much to his delight, he went unsilenced and unpunished. Instead, he was rewarded with a large Milk Bone! Now, Weldon cuts loose whenever he pleases and our hearts leap for joy with each note he hits. Weldon is heartworm positive. If you would like to sponsor his treatment, please let us know. Weldon is being placed in foster care while he undergoes his HW treatment. He will not be available for adoption for awhile but true love is always patient. If you feel Weldon is the dog for you, please complete and return an adoption application which can be found at http://poundpals.cfsites.org/index.php Then be prepared to wait until Weldon is released from his medical hold.

Dead Beat Sponsors

Duncan had a dead beat owner and ended up at a high kill shelter in his golden years. For a senior to qualify for our seniors program, they must have a sponsor willing to send a $25 donation each month for a 12 month period. Duncan had a "committed" sponsor, so our rescue acted in good faith and pulled him. Duncan's sponsor turned out to be a deadbeat as did Babs sponsor! Babs is a senior Chow who is also in need of a monthly sponsor. We have several rescues in need of sponsors - many of them are seniors. Vet account update - as of Friday we owed $1,309 on our vet account. If you would like to make a donation to our vet account please send your check to Lake Country Animal Clinic Attn. Pound Pals Donation Account 1124 FM 564 Mineola, Texas 75773. We have been feeding our rescues and fosters a mixture of dog foods from donated sources. The donations are not enough to sustain the dogs and switching the brands so frequently causes intestional flare ups. We would like to go to a regular brand and feed only that. We did some checking and the best value we have found is 50 pound bags of Country Acres which is a Purina product. The dogs seem to like it - they eat it well and it keeps their stools nice and firm. The 50 pound bags cost $12 each and we need approximately 15 bags each week. If you can be a food sponsor, please let us know. We would like to find sixty committed food sponsors that can donate one bag ($12) per month.

Gordon A Gentle Giant

Gordon was a Boxer/Lab mix who was beginning to gray in his face. He was young at heart. I'll never forget the day he entered our life. I had a load of clean linens in the van and when Gordon boarded, he made himself comfortable. He arranged and rearranged the blankets. He would lay down for a minute and then something outside the window would catch his attention momentarily and then he would arrange and rearrange the blankets again and repeat the entire process. At one point I heard a strange riping noise and I thought, there is nothing back there that would make that sound - just then I caught a glimpse of Gordon pulling out a white insulated material in the rear view mirror - then it hit me. Gordon was shredding up Billy's new work jacket. It must have hit Billy at the same time, lol. We got Gordon home and settled in. He never kept a blanket in his house - it was always drug around his yard. His neighbor and best friend was AJ a six month old catahoula. I use to watch Gordon and AJ run up and down the fence line and Gordon would match AJ turn for turn. Gordon was always a friendly fellow with both dogs and people. One day Gordon started throwing up water. I called our vet and he told me to bring him in the next morning. I kissed Gordon on his head and told him I loved him. I didn't realized that would be the last time I would see him alive. His blood test revealed he was suffering from kidney failure but his values were not nearly as high as Mo's had been. They were around 80 and Dr. Bradshaw got them down to 40 and had him stabilized. On the morning he was to be released, he suffered a stroke. He could still see and hear and we were hopeful he would recover. On July 8th 2009, Gordon suffered a second stroke and passed away. We lost him the same day we lost Grace - what a rotten day that was. Dr. Bradshaw called me that morning to tell me the news and to check on Grace. He said, "I'm sorry, I have bad news about Gordon, he passed away last night." I said, "he must be in good company because Grace crossed the bridge last night too." I knew Grace was going to die that morning, her breathing had changed and she had that far away look in her eyes, I knew there was nothing else to be done for her. I was holding her paw and I decided she might as well cross the bridge here with me as opposed to dying in the clinic. Grace passed with me at her side while Gordon crossed alone. Gordon had never seen Dr Bradshaw before his illness and I often wonder if he felt like I had abandonned him at a shelter. I hope he didn't fight for his life for 13 days and then give up on me - thinking I wasn't coming back for him. Gordon loved life and he lived every day to it's fullest. I can picture him sometimes - ripping up St Peter's robe making himself comfortable at the rainbow bridge. Until we meet again - my sweet gentle eyed giant.

A New Name - A New Life

Our shaking yellow lab has been named Hank. He is still at Waggin Tails and they have done a wonderful job working with him. After being treated for worms, Hank seems to be perfectly healthy. I am happy to report that as of yesterday, they were able to walk him on a slip lead. Hank ventures up and down the halls and watches the other dogs play. You would not believe this was the same dog who one week ago was shaking so much that he lost control of his bowels. Hank has made remarkable improvement and finally feels comfortable enough to spawl out on the Kuranda dog bed provided in his suite. If you would like to donate a Kuranda bed for Hank, please visit our pet bed donation page at http://poundals.cfsites.org/index.php - Kuranda gives a generous 40% discount to those purchasing a bed for our residents. Vanessa has generously donated an extra week of boarding for Hank.

Checking On Papa

Papa was a very small sheltie/chow mix. We enjoyed the pleasure of her company from December 31, 2008 - May 26, 2009. When Papa arrived I didn't expect her to live two weeks. She was 14 years old, her back legs didn't work right, she had trouble breathing (I was sure she was heartworm infested), could barely hear and didn't see well. Both of her eyes were fogged over and her long ungroomed coat was tangled in places. This ole' gal had had a hard life. She had been returned by another rescue because she nipped when they tried to pet her. I thought Papa was nippy because it was painful to her to be pet. Papa did test HW positive but she was only lightly positive and at 14 years old - we weren't about to put her through conventional treatment. Papa didn't have many teeth so she enjoyed a specially prepared bowl of wet kibble every night. Dexter loved having Papa as a neighbor because he always got the last scoop of the wet food. Papa slept most of the day everyday. I figured about 22 hours everyday was devoted to peaceful slumber and on many occassions I thought she was dead. Papa loved her life with us. She really loved clean fresh linens. She had a bladder control problem and would wet herself as she slept so we would change out her pad and blankie every time she ventured out of her house. Papa was always front row center at chow time. The ole' gal didn't pay attention to anything in the yard until it was dinner time. Papa was no problem at all and we enjoyed everyday that we had the pleasure of sharing with her. Papa was always my last check of the night. Every night when we made our final round, we would find Papa fast asleep in her little house with a full belly and clean linens. I can always tell how a dog has been cared for when they come stay with us. The ones that have had it hard settle right in. Some have never had fresh water, daily food and sturdy shelter. Papa was one of those. She settled right in and got a pep in her step.I know in my heart that she absolutely loved her stay with us. On May 24th, Papa stumbled and let out a yelp. I knew something was wrong right away, Papa never made a sound (except for her heavy snoring). Of course, it was a Sunday so I called our vet in. I relayed everything to Dr. Bradshaw - told him how she had stumbled, yelp and couldn't get up. I told Billy to say goodbye to her - that I thought she would pass on soon. He simply said, "if she does, that is one little dog I am going to miss." I don't know what got into Papa at the vet's office that day but she came out of the carrier exploring the office - she moved faster than I had ever seen her move and I was delighted thinking she was going to make a liar out of me. Papa didn't have any fever but Dr. Bradshaw had her stay over for testing. The only thing the test picked up was anemia. Dr. Bradshaw ordered blood for Papa but Memorial Day delayed the deliver by a day. Papa was staying at the clinic when she passed away peacefully at 5:30pm. Dr. Bradshaw said she just drifted off in her sleep.....I guess she drifted off to younger days - hopefully a better time. We brought Papa home and buried her in the cemetery. Billy picked fresh flowers for her grave - the first time I had seen him do that.....although a ceramic bunny mysteriously appeared on Mo's grave one day. He said, "I didn't want her to have nothing on her grave". It has been three months since Papa (who was really Mama) drifted across the rainbow bridge and she is still missed. I stopped by her yard last night and paused for a few minutes. I envisioned my little black Papa Bear fast asleep in her little house with a full belly and laying on a clean fresh blankie. Just as tears started to fill my eyes, I noticed my faithful yellow lab, Duke, waiting for me at the gate with his tail in full swing so I whispered "goodnight Papa" and headed back to the gate.

Buster

URGENT: Buster was dumped at the shelter by his people after 5 years of loyalty and faithful service. Their reason was simply, "expecting a baby". Buster has been in foster care for several months. His foster mom was recently diagnoised with a serious illness and can no longer foster. Buster is neutered and current on his vaccinations. He loves children and playing with other dogs. He also loves chasing cats - he needs to go to a no cat home. Buster is very loving and loyal to his foster family. If you can foster Buster please complete and return a foster agreement.

No Longer Shaking

Things have begun to "turned around" for Ole Yeller. He is starting to come out of his shell and was up to a photo shoot today. He is no longer shaking. He has stopped hiding his face in the corner. What a difference one day makes in the life of a shelter dog!

Dessy & Alpha

Dessy was part of a duo that ended up at the Arlington shelter. Dessy and Alpha were lifelong companions. Alpha adopted out of the shelter - leaving Dessy all alone to be euthanized. If you can foster Dessy or help sponsor a kennel for her please let us know. We have one pledge of $50 toward her kennel - we need another $150. Our transporter visited Dessy today. She reported that Dessy was depressed and faced the wall the entire time. Up until now Dessy has not let the shelter environment dampen her spirit. Dessy will be euthanized if not picked up from the shelter before 5:30pm Monday Aug. 24th. If you can foster Dessy please complete and return a foster agreement which can be found at http://poundpals.cfsites.org/index.php

Mikey Needs A Home or Foster

COME OUT TO WAGGIN TAILS IN PLANO AND MEET MIKEY! Mikey is a three year old Huskey mix who is in urgent need of a forever home or foster home. Mikey's time runs out Thursday August 27th at 6pm. He can be met at Waggin Tails in Plano during normal business hours. His adoption fee is just $10 and he is neutered and current on his vaccinations. Adoption Agreement is required. You must receive final approval before you will be allowed to remove Mikey from the boarding facility. If you would like to donate a night of boarding to extend Mikey's time please contact Waggin Tails at 972-398-6008, the cost is $10 per night. If we do not find an adopter, foster or boarding sonsor before 6pm Thursday, Mikey will be returned to his previous rescue and may be euthanized. Mikey is a nice dog who enjoys the company of adults. Although Mikey's previous owner turned him into the shelter (reason given, "moving") along with two small chihuahuas, we do not recommend him for a household with children or other dogs. Adoption and foster applications are available at http://poundpals.cfsites.org/index.php

Update: Shaking Yellow Lab

Although interest in our shaking yellow lab was slow initially, responses are now trickling in. We would like to thank Susan for her generous pledge of $150 toward a kennel in memory of her sister's beloved dog, Hank, who crossed the Rainbow Bridge after battling cancer. Another $50 is needed toward his kennel. If you would like to donate toward a kennel, please send your donation to Pound Pals P.O. Box 591 Mineola, Texas 75773. He is being boarded at Waggin Tails in Plano. The cost for boarding is $10 per night and he will be there for 7 days awaiting transport. Anyone who would like to see him is welcome to go by Waggin Tails in Plano during their normal business hours. If you would like to donate a night or two of boarding please contact Waggin Tails at 972-398-6008 and make a donation on Pound Pals account. He will need full vetting once he arrives. To donate toward his vet care, you can send a donation of any amount to Lake Country Animal Clinic Attn. Pound Pals Donation Account 1124 FM 564 Mineola, Texas 75773. We have not named him yet. Vanessa is going to Waggin Tails to check on him this afternoon and is going to try to get a photo of his other end so we can name him. We will post an update late this evening and hopefully have another photo.

Boomer's dad is being deployed and handsome Boomer is looking for a new home. He is good with kids, cats and other dogs - even very small dogs. Boomer is reportedly house trained. He is very friendly and loves to play in the water. There is nothing better than the water sprayer in Boomer's world. Boomer is current on his vaccinations and neutered. Adoption agreement can be found at http://poundpals.cfsites.org/index.php

Update On Ginger

We received this email from Ginger's foster mom, Carrie, "Ginger is doing really good!! She is much stronger now, and is walking around the house without falling. I have included some pic of her so you can see how well she looks. I groom her everyday to keep her fur from getting matted and tangled. She has put on about 10 pounds or so but it looks healthy. Ginger still barks at stuff that we cant see and still can't hear very well but she always has a smile on her face and she is very sweet to other dogs that we meet on our short walks. She likes to hang out with us and if we aren't in the living room she follows us and hangs out there."

Remembering Goldie

Goldie was reported to be a 12 year old pregant shepherd. She was on the euthanasia list at an area shelter. I contacted the shelter and tagged her. I made the comment that I doubted she was pregnant, most likely she had a tumor. The next morning before we transported Goldie, a shelter volunteer took her to a vet and it was confirmed - Goldie had a large tumor attached to her spine.

The shelter asked if we still wanted her and we said yes. Our vet advised us that there were no treatment options so it was just a matter of letting her live out her days. Goldie had 12 of them to live out. Her foster Mom picked her up August 5, 2009 and Goldie enjoyed almost two weeks of special dinners, lots of pets and a comfy place to sleep - which was one of her favorite things to do. Katie called me this afternoon very upset. She was crying so hard I could barely make out what was being said. She told me that she went to work this morning and came back for lunch to find that Goldie had crossed the Rainbow Bridge. She said it had just caught her off guard and she wish she had known today's was Goldie's last one so she could have stayed home with her. Goldie received several wonderful gifts from Katie - the gifts of love, comfort and dignity. For almost two weeks, Goldie was showered with love and she relished in it. Goldie was surrounded with a comfortable and caring environment where she felt safe. Goldie was given the dignity to pass on her own in her favorite spot. For an old shelter dog - that's like winning the lottery. Our hearts go out today to Goldie and to Katie who loved her. Please keep these two wonderful ladies in prayer.

Coby - A Good Family Dog

Coby is a 2 year old shepherd/pit mix. He was surrendered to the shelter by his owners of two years because their home was in foreclosure. Coby was not offered for adoption through the shelter because they labeled him a shepherd/pit mix and the shelter has a policy of not adopting bully breeds to the general public. Lucky for Coby, he was picked up by rescue and is currently available for adoption. Coby's previous owners reported that he gets along well with other dogs, loves children and is house trained. We have learned that Coby should not be housed with cats. Coby was selected as our first featured pet because he is noticably sad and depressed not to have a family to look after. He misses his family and he misses having kiddos to play with. Coby enjoys interacting closely with his people. He does not like being kenneled, he will try to climb over or dig under! He doesn't want to leave, he simply wants to be with his people. If you are interested in fostering or adopting Coby, please complete and return the appropriate application available at http://poundpals.cfsites.org/index.php

The Three Old Gals

This is a somber weekend around here. August 14th marked one year since we made the trip to pick up the three old gals. One year later and all three have come, left their paw prints on our hearts and crossed the rainbow bridge. There will never be another trio like them and I will never forget them and the joy they brought us. I received an email from a lady who had found a senior yellow lab and turned her in to a shelter thinking her owner would be looking for her. I was sure the owner would not come for her so I contacted the shelter and tagged the ole' gal. The shelter was quick to ask me if I would take two overweight senior Beagles whose owner had passed away and the family turned them in. I said sure. I felt like if I was making the trip to haul one, I might as well fill the van and it was full by the time we got those three big gals loaded. Grace the yellow lab appeared to be in the worst shape. She was overweight, old, arthritic and needed to urinate a lot. She also was very loving and I could see her sweet gentle soul through her eyes. MoJo the smaller Beagle was the life of the party. Boy, she was something else. Full of life. I swear she was always smiling. There she stood covered in her own waste, smelling to high heaven with a gleam in her eye and looking forward to her next adventure and then there was sweet dear Opal. Opal was the perfect house guest. Never intrusive - never one to put anyone out - and this was apparent from day one.

We had to ride with the air conditioner on high and the windows down and still our eyes were burning from the amonia. The Beagles inspected every inch of the van while Grace settled in for a nice long nap.

We got everyone home and settled into their run. Their houses were equipped with egg shell mats to provide cushion and a nice clean sheets. They enjoyed their first dinner which was homemade gravy over kibble and clean fresh water. Grace chose her house and settled in while the Beagles inspected everything. Mo moved much faster than Opal - she would run ahead and then circle back to check on her sister - kissing her on the cheek each time. Mo took a shine to Lilly who would be their new neighbor and she and Lilly ran up and down the fence playing in sheer delight. Then Mo led Opal into the second house and got her all settled in before engaging in another game with Lilly. The Beagles always stayed in their house - never entering Grace's. Grace was always served dinner in her house and the Beagles shared one bowl in their house - no fights, no arguments, no squabbles. Grace didn't hear well and she slept hard as a result, Mo was constantly checking on her and sometimes Opal would check too. This routine went on everyday for two and a half months. Until one day Mo failed to meet us at the gate and I knew something was terribly wrong.

On October 27th, 2008, our vet took Mo to the back and drew blood. He reviewed the test results and came back to the exam room without Mo. He told me that Mo was a very sick girl. I asked if she was going to die and he said yes. I asked if there were any treatment options and he said that her kidney values were so high he did not want to give me false hope. I told him that I had to do everything I could for Mo and that she had a sister waiting at home who wouldn't understand if I didn't take Mo back to her. Mo was hospitalized and treatment began. Every day that Mo was in the hospital, Opal spent at the gate awaiting her return. She would bay loudly for her sister's return.... she would call out and cry. It was heartbreaking. Opal waited faithfully at that gate. I would find her every morning laying at the gate. She barely ate and I could see the worry in her gentle eyes.

Friday, October 31st my heart was heavy all day. I knew the new blood test was to be run today. At 8:30pm, the call finally came and I felt my heartbreak. I had been praying for a miracle - that Mo would be healthy again. I didn't get the news I had hoped for. I cried my eyes out that night. I sat up all night researching kidney failure, canine kidney transplants, specialized vets......Billy found me draped over the keyboard exhausted and balling. I picked Mo up Saturday and took her home to see Opal.

Monday, I was determined. I started contacting vets - one in Canada and one in France - hoping they had treatment options that were not available to us in the US. What Mo needed was a kidney transplant. Her levels were well over 200 a normal level is about 40. By all accounts Mo should have been dead but she was a trooper - a trooper with a strong will to live. Time was running out and hope was fading.

I found one vet I thought might be able to help. I checked Mo in and left her for the night. I went back the next day to check on her and went back into the kennel area. She was laying in a bottom kennel with an IV. So, I climbed in the kennel with her and pet her and talked to her. Then I looked up and I saw what she saw - kennels and I flashed back to the shelter. At least she had her sister then. I decided right then and there that we were going home and she was going to be with her sister when she passed. I asked the vet if he was doing anything I couldn't do at home and he said no. They sent Mo home with her IV and meds. I got Mo home and situated on the sofa. She looked up at me and wagged her tail and I knew I had made the right decision for Mo and for myself. Hospice care began and Mo and Opal enjoyed each others company. Mo stayed on the sofa and Opal on a pallet on the floor just beneath her. Two nights before Mo's passing, she managed to climb down off the sofa. I found her fast asleep by Opal side - as they had slept every night for the last 10 years.

Monday, Novemeber 13th - my prayers had changed over the passed two weeks. Where I once asked for a miracle I now asked for grace and mercy for Mo - for an easy passing and for strength for myself. Somehow I knew this would be Mo's last day. Her eyes had a tiredness that I had never seen before. Opal knew it too. When Opal went outside that Morning to potty - she wanted to go with Grace instead of going back with me. Mo passed away that evening just after 9pm. She just kind of flittered away with me at her side. My "back up" prayer was answered....a peaceful passing. Opal must have known. She never bayed or waited at the gate anymore.

Burying Mo was another heartwrenching challenge. I guess my prayer for strength was granted because somehow we got her buried. Opal was lonely. She tried to share her bowl with Grace but Grace would have none of that. Opal missed Mo every day for the rest of her life. At one oint I asked Dr. Bradshaw if I should bring in another senior Beagle - he suggested a puppy. About this time Spring arrived and the temperature was warmer. We relocated Opal and Grace to the shop area. They enjoyed cushioned beds of hay covered with blankies and cooler air. Billy was in and out of the shop all day every day and Opal's spirit improved. She and Grace always rose to meet us and have their head pet before returning to their spot- we were always warmly greeted - whether we entered the shop ten or twenty times. The shop was the coolest place on the lot at that time and the gals seemed to really enjoy their new spot.

June 2, 2008 Billy came in during the morning check round and asked me if I was busy. I knew something was wrong and I blurted out "who died". He said "you are not going to like this" and I said "Opal?" My dear sweet Opal had passed away during the night - laying in her favorite spot.

Dr. Bradshaw thinks Opal died of a sudden heart attack. There was no miss in Opal's step the day before her passing was like every other day. She never let on she felt bad - she rose and greeted us - had her head pet and returned to her spot. She was served dinner as usual.......it didn't make any sense and I felt guilty for not being there by her side. Looking back, it makes sense now. Mo came for her and they knew what a fuss I had made over Mo's illness and how I had struggled. Opal being the perfect house guest would not have wanted all that fuss over her - so she departed the same way she had arrived - with a well mannered quietness and my heart was broken once again. I had promised Mo that I would look after Opal. I guess I fulfilled that promise the day we laid Opal to rest - once again by her sister's side.

Grace was now left alone. I always thought that Grace simply tolerated the Beagles - I was about to discover their relationship was one of true friendship. Grace started sleeping in Opal's spot and eating from Opal's bowl. She started going down hill and by the end of June Grace was hospitalized and diagnoised with Addisons. Grace came home for a few days before crossing the rainbow bridge (with me by her side) at 5:30am on July 8th to meet up with her beagle buddies. Naturally, Grace's body took the spot next to Opal's in the cemetery and the trio was once again reunited.

I often reflect on those three ole' gals...everyday in fact. They may have come into my life as shelter dogs but they didn't die that way. I loved each and every one of them. I miss that trio dearly. I often smile thinking about Mo running up and down that fence line keeping pace with Lilly. I remember the soft eyes and quietness of Opal and Grace's loyalty. Even on her last day - she struggled to her feet to greet me. What an honor, a privledge and a joy it was to have been able to share the final chapters of their lives.