Jeb Crosses The Bridge

Jeb crossed the bridge while taking a nap last Monday, May 18, 2010. He was 15 years old and was at the vet clinic awaiting his blood test results when he drifted away. Rest in peace sweet boy. We miss you.

Joe's Snow Day

When I received the email regarding this little senior cocker, I knew he was in bad shape. The shelter supplied photos of Joe and photos of the pools of blood he was urinating. I had Dr. Bradshaw look at the photos immediately. The opinion he gave me regarding the probability of this little fellow's likely health issues wasn't good. Of course, Dr. B realized I was not disheartened and that "Joe" would soon be his client. So, he said we won't know what his medical needs are until we see him and we will see him right away. We ran a late night transport from Houston to Mineola. Joe boarded at 8pm on Thursday night and arrived at Dr Bradshaw's at 8am Friday morning, March 19, 2010. He was urinating not only blood but blood clots. He was constantly scratching and in complete misery. Remarkable, his bloodwork wasn't too bad. All of his main organs were functioning properly. Joe suffered from a lot of small infections that had gone untreated for a very long time. He had two different yeast infections in his ears. Joe was put on several medications which brought quick relief. Within 24 hours, the blood in his urine was gone! I was amazed and my heart lightened. Joe had heart worms and due to his age, he was not a canidate for under going conventional heart worm treatment. His itching had lightened and he was able to get some much needed and very peaceful sleep. Joe spent what would be his last snow day peacefully napping. We went back to the vet for Joe's follow up visit a week later. I told Dr B that I thought he might be coming down with a cold. He told me that what I was seeing were the effects of the heart worms. Apparently, they were much more severe that I originally thought they were. His heart had become weak and fluid was building around his heart. He was placed on two different medications and we went home. Joe had spent that week being my constant companion. When I went on the six hour dog food run, Joe went with me. Saturday night, he was not interested in his kibble so he had roast beef and weiners. Sunday he seemed to worsen as the day went along and I called Dr. B. Joe was having trouble breathing. I laid him down just for a minute so I could get a fresh blanket to wrap him in and he started wigging out - he became distressed and seemed extremely scared. I immediately picked him back up and kissed his head and said it's okay I have got you. He nestled against me and his breathing slowed back down. I held him and talked to him and he just drifted off in my arms. When Dr. B called to let me know he was at the clinic I told him that Joe was already gone. I became very attached to Joe in the days I shared with him. He was a sweetheart and he had been neglected for a long time. I don't how someone could neglect a sweet little dog like Joe. Although I know it happens all too frequently. I began wondering why Joe had come to us for such a short period. Then I reflected to that moment that I had laid Joe down and remembered how he had reacted. It was clear, Joe made his way here so he could pass peacefully over the bridge. Joe passed away on Sunday, March 28, 2010. He had been spared shelter euthanasia - he was not muzzled, restrained or injected. He died where he felt safe and cared for. I was given the opportunity to redeem a little dignity for the human race with Joe. Although, he harbored no ill will toward people even though they had failed him miserably. He got to feel the comforts of peaceful slumber, a soft bed, relief from constant itching and was able to urinate without pain in his final days. Joe felt loved. He got to see one more snow day and he got to spend it as all old dogs should in peaceful slumber.

Rory Ready To Romp!

Handsome Rory is both dog and kid friendly. He is a very smart Heeler mix. He is an inside dog and is house trained. Rory is current on his vaccinations and neutered. He weighs 48 pounds. Rory arrived at our rescue last year heartworm positive. He has been treated for heartworms and is now heartworm free. Update: Rory never found his forever home. The sun set for Rory on September 2, 2010. He was a wonderful dog - everyone who passed him over missed out on a smart, friendly and loving fellow. It breaks my heart that we failed to find him a forever home. He now resides at the "Angel Paws" Cemetery. Rest in peace sweet handsome Rory.

Harland Battles Back

Harland's biopsy results came back last week. As suspected, he does have cancer. However, the experts cannot agree on what type cancer Harland has. Harland is still recovering but can now stand, walk for 20-30 minutes which is normal for him and then lay himself back down. The tumor looks like it is shrinking. I guess the antibiotics have cleared the infection. Please keep Harland in your prayers.

The Goodbyes Get Harder

Martha was on the euthanasia list at a public shelter a year and a half ago. When I first looked at that list, I liked her right away. She was actually smiling in her shelter photo. She was a happy camper at the shelter. She enjoyed being around so many other dogs and she absolutely loved the visitors that passed through. I always choose one dog to pull for on the eu list and that week it was Martha. I was sure she would find a home or a rescue so I started concentrating my efforts on the pitbull. I tagged the last two remaining dogs that week. I didn't even know which two that would be at the time. I was surprised when one of the two was Martha! In fact, I made the comment "for once I get the dog I would have chosen"! Looking back, I can just see Martha in that shelter. Rising to meet each new visitor. Offering her sweet smile.....and being passed over time and time again. Then passed over by rescue after rescue. Knowing Martha, it would not have gotten her down. She was along for the ride - she loved every minute of life, no matter where she was. Martha was a sweetheart. She had the softest fur - she was like a small teddy bear. She also had the cutest ears, they folded over on the tips. She had warm welcoming eyes and was always smiling. She was a senior, had some kidney problems and a significant heart mumur. She also had an oddity of attacking her own foot. Every time she tried to eat, that rear foot would start sneaking up to her bowl. She would give a low growl, but her foot would not heed the warning. So she would give a more demanding growl but that foot went undetered.....finally it was on and Martha was growling at her foot and attacking it. We were afraid to place Martha with other dogs - although Martha did not have an ounce of aggression - we were leary that another dog might view her foot antics as aggression and attack her. So, for awhile, Martha had a suite to herself. Then one day Weston arrived. Poor Weston. He had been beaten and mistreated his whole life. He was afraid of his own shadow. He would walk out on the porch and the dogs in the yard would jeer at him......calling him "chicken" I am sure. He would run back inside and then you would hear Martha - obviously setting the yard dogs straight. None of them ever gave her any lip. (I think they all thought she was nuts). She and Weston embarked on a beautiful friendship and were soon inseperable. She was the wind beneath his wings and he accepted her nightly brawls with her foot and everything rocked on for a year and a half. Then last Tuesday night, Martha did not rise to greet me. I knew right away she was sick. I could see it in her eyes. We called the vet in for an emergency visit. Martha had fever and fluid had built up around her heart which had allowed pnemonia to settle in suddenly. So, Martha stayed in the hospital two days and returned home Thursday night. Instead of staying in her suite with Weston, she stayed in my son's room so we could monitor her special prescription food and water intake and give her the daily medicines. I went in to refreshen her pads and give her fresh water and her pill. She raised her head and looked at me, then drank her water and took her pill. I left to finish the medication round (we had six other sick doggies). I heard my son talking to her and then he called for me. Just that quick, Martha was gone. For Martha, the sunset at 5:20pm on Saturday, March 13, 2010. I thought about her being the last dog on that shelter list what seemed like so long ago - the one who had gone unchosen, unwanted and unclaimed. What a great dog everyone had missed out on and how blessed I had been that she managed to find her way to our rescue. Martha was something else - even with her quirks - she was a happy, sweet and loving lady. I had to tell Weston the news last night. I swear, if I could choose any second language to speak and understand it would be "Canine". Weston has been looking for Martha for days and it is heartbreaking. I told him that she loved him very much and that she would miss him dearly but that she would see him again one day and that she said to keep his head up and be brave. Of course, he didn't understand all that - although, I know he knows something is terribly wrong. He is getting increasingly ancy about her return and I am going to have to think hard on what I can do to comfort him. She was his friend - long before he trusted me as a friend, he trusted Martha. That 18 months is ten and a half dog years. Over ten years of sharing their life every day. Bless their hearts.

Harland's Biopsy

Two weeks ago, Harland developed a tumor on his chest. Our vet suspects he has cancer. Harland had his biopsy today. Now we wait for the results. Please keep Harland in prayer. If you would like to make a donation toward Harland's vet care, please send donation to Lake Country Animal Clinic Attn: Pound Pals Donation Account1124 FM 564 Mineola, Texas 75773.

Still Missing Ozzie

Something seemed amiss all day today. As I walked past Ozzie's yard which now sits empty, it hit me. As I reminisced about my big brindle friend, I realized that he has been gone for exactly two months now. Ozzie was always the first dog I fed. Very seldon did Ozzie go in his house. He would stretch out under the starts at night and he loved to nap in the bright sunlight. It had to be pouring down rain or extremely cold before Ozzy would retire indoors. I was chattering away one afernoon checking water bowls when I noticed Ozzy was missing. I called and called for him but he did not come. He always met me at the gate but not that day. I glanced at his vacant house and scoured his yard looking for any breeched area. Nothing was disturbed. Billy was walking the backside of Ozzy's yard when he noticed a big brindle head peeking out. Ozzy caught Billy's movement out of the corner of his eye and knew the jig was up. He had been crouching in the back of his house probably laughing at me the entire time. I said, "you are so busted, you might as well come on out here." So, he sheepishly met me at the gate for a quick pet and a fresh bowl of kibble. I still laugh when I think of the look on his face. I haven't forgotten you my big brindle buddy.

Remembering Lois

I often get asked why we "bother with those old seniors when there are so many young dogs in shelters". Many people feel like the old dogs have lived their lives - never mind that it is often a lifetime of neglect. Lois had lived a hard life. One of the things I noiced right away was that her elbows were severely calloused. It was apparent that she had spent her entire life laying on concrete. This photo is from Lois' first night in our care. This little lady had a nice bath and nail trim. Then she tried out the Kuranda bed in her suite,filled her tummy and retired to a nice comfy blanket. Lois' favorite joy in life became blankets. She absolutely loved blankets. She would frolick and play in a pile of blankets to her hearts content. Lois passed away in November 2009. It takes so little to make senior shelter dogs happy. Lois is just one of the reasons we are senior friendly!

Snow Dog

Texans don't see snow very often but when we do, we feel the need to play in it. Building a snowman just didn't seem to fit. So, my husband cleaverly built a snow dog!

Remembering Ozzie

I first met Ozzie on December 6, 2008. He was sitting on death row at an area shelter and his shelter walker asked us to consider him because he was such a "good boy". Ozzie was a good boy. He spent the last year of his life living with us. Ozzie had a few oddities. He would dig huge craters and stand over them and bark down into them for hours. He had a fetish for digging up tree roots and he would stand over his food bowl and bark at it. He never tried to escape his large fenced yard which was nestled around a series of tall pine trees. Ozzie loved to chase squirrels. Seldom did he retire to his dog house. In the summer he loved to stretch out under the trees and stars. As I was making the rounds a few weeks ago I noticed Ozzie was missing. Nothing in his yard seemed amiss so I searched the grounds for him - calling his name repeatedly to no avail. In the meanwhile, Billy searched the perimeter of Ozzie yard to find the breeched spot. Then Billy caught Ozzie's large brindle head slowly poke out of his house and watch me....at this point, there is no doubt in his mind that I am looking for him! He just watches me....knowing I am searching for him! He finally catches Billy's movement and pops his head back in his house like a turtle and crouches in the back of it! So I walked to his gate and said you are so busted you might as well come on out. So, he strolls on out like okay but it sure was funny watching you look for me! A few days before Christmas Ozzie was barking with delight and chasing a tree squirrel. Of course, the squirrel was in the trees and Ozzie was running along the ground but he was having a high ole' time. Christmas eve was cold and rainy and Ozzie retired to his hay packed dog house and slumbered the night away waiting on Santa. Christmas night, he barely touched his dinner and again he retired to his dog house. The next day, he came out of his house and stretched out on a pile of fresh hay to sun himself. As he napped, he drifted away. Ozzie just never woke up. I guess if you have to go, that is the best way to way. I wish he could have stayed awhile longer though. I miss you, my big brindle buddy. Enjoy your craters, roots and squirrel chases until we meet again.

Barney's Broken Heart

Barney was hospitalized on Sept. 23. His paws were so swollen, he was unable to stand. We had to gurney Barney out. On the way to the clinic, he slept in the back seat with the wind gently blowing in his face. He seemed peaceful. Dr Bradshaw did the usual series of tests. I know when a senior goes down, the news is never good. I expected to hear that his kidneys were not working properly - but his kidney values were fine. I was relieved and expected Barney to come home soon. Barney's testing didn't turn up anything out of the ordinary, he was eating well and drinking well. He was able to stand on his paws once he was helped to his feet. I felt pretty good at this point. Dr. Bradshaw told me that he was going to keep Barney over the weekend because he needed to find out what was going on and he had some ideas. When he callled me Monday afternoon I was all happy, thinking it's time to pick Barney up and bring him home. He was calling to tell me that Barney was already home. I wasn't expecting to hear that.....he explained to me that Barney had a heart murmur. Apparently Barney's big old heart had gotten too weak to pull the fluid off his paws. It breaks my heart to think of Barney struggling to his feet that last day he was with me to greet me. Bless his heart. He suffered a sudden heart attack. I went to Barney's run - I had put fresh blankets in his igloo. I had a refrigerated entree ready to greet him. His bowls sat in their place waiting on his return. I went and picked Barney up. He was all wrapped up in a white blanket with his collar on top. Barney was one of those dogs that I knew would be with me until the end. He loved me and I loved him. I miss his raspy bark. Until we meet again, my big pawed friend - play in Heaven on paws that no longer hurt. I love you my big orange baby.

Barney's final expenses are $211. If you would like to help cover them, please visit http://www.fundable.com/groupactions/groupaction.2009-09-22.2516438209

Barney Hospitalized

Barney remains hospitalized. This is the third day. Test results are not yet in. His appetite continues to be good and he continues to drink well. He is still unable to get up. Please help us get Barney back on his feet by donating to his fundraiser at
http://www.fundable.com/groupactions/groupaction.2009-09-22.2516438209

Harland Arrives

Harland is 12-14 years old. Bless his heart. His backend is weak and he walks in circles. I felt so bad for him. The first night, he would not go inside his dogloo to sleep. He paced back and forth and drank a ton of water. The second night it was sprinkling and then came a light rain. I was worried about him and decided I better crate him if he wasn't going to take refuge in his dog house. When I went back to check on him, he was inside his house all snuggled up snoozing the night away. He seemed to be in the exact same position the next morning - he must have been exhausted from pacing most of the night before. My personal dog, Duke, relishes in making visitors jealous. He came over and put one paw on my leg and looked over at Harland....no response from Harland, so he put both paws in my lap and looked over his shoulder at Harland....still no response. Duke then repositioned himself, placed his paws on my chest and nuzzled his head on me....and cut his eyes at Harland....to his dismay still no response. What Duke failed to realized is that Harland probably doesn't see too far away nor did he care about Duke's shenanigan. Duke was completely let down by Harland's lack of interest.

Hudson

Hudson is a new arrival. He is a senior chow who was rescued just before euthanasia. He is a sweet boy who gets along well with other dogs and pays no attention to cats. Hudson has some medical needs including a broken tooth that has become infected and needs to be removed. We are having a fundraiser to help offset his medical cost. Hudson is in the market for a new home. This sweet fellow still has many good years to share. If you would like to adopt or foster Hudson, please complete and return the appropriate application which an be found at http://poundpals.cfsites.org/index.php If you can donate just $10 toward Hudson's medical needs please visit his fundraising link http://www.fundable.com/groupactions/groupaction.2009-09-19.6600368198

Sam Settles In

Sam is a senior lab who was rescued just before being euthanized. He is guessed to be 11 years old. He is friendly and laid back. His foster mom says he is the perfect house guest. Although Sam is still on his medical clearance hold, he has already generated a lot of interest.

Update: Babs

Many of you may remember Babs. She is a senior shelter chow who we rescued on the day she was to be euthanized. She arrived frail, underweight and seriously ill. She had an infection in her uterus which generated a heavy discharge and attracted flies. The flies got imbedded under her thick undercoat and went to work - almost killing poor Babs. She was hospitalized for 12 days. After several months of care, three rounds of antibiotics and gaining 8 pounds - Babs has finally been cleared for surgery. The tumor you see attached to her rear end is the size of a softball. You can help Babs by making a donation to her fundraiser http://www.fundable.com/groupactions/groupaction.2009-09-19.5077608315

Dexter Digs!

Dexter was believed to be a "wild" or "feral" dog. We were told that he had been living near a loading dock and the workers would throw him their leftovers. Dexter loves his life here. He doesn't have to fight for his food. He gets food everyday and has fresh water. He has his own dog house complete with a comfy blanket. He enjoys treats and enjoys watching the other dogs. Dexter watches intently. He studies them. When he first came, he would make a panther sound instead of barking. Now, he has a strong bark and isn't afraid to voice his opinion. Both Adam and Teresa love being sprayed with the water hose - they drink out of it in mid-spray. Dexter watched them for months. You could tell he was learning. Finally, he was given his chance. He made sure his footing was just right. He always approached the hose left to right and I must say - over the course of the summer his skills have greatly improved. He seems to look out for the senior dogs. I think Dexter's biggest accomplishment has been learning to dig a hole - a nice cool hole to lay in - and he has seen some of the best hole diggers around. He has spent a good part of his summer studing their craft. Finally, he got the paw action down and make a few swipes. Dexter lacks self-confidence. He has the skill down, he just doesn't realize it. He will make a few swipes and then lose confidence. It's as if he doesn't want the other dogs to know that he never learned to dig a hole. I think he is embarrassed! There is no shame in Dexter's game though - he is no quitter. After an entire summer of "digging", Dexter has a nice indention to lay in.

Alpha & Dessy Reunited

It has been raining here constantly for the last week. We had delayed reuniting these two in hopes of nice weather so we could get a descent video or a few good photos of the reunion. Between Dessy's continous howling and Alpha's repeated escape attemps - we decided it was time to get them back together and hope they would finally begin to settle in. Alpha & Dessy were reunited on Thursday, September 17, 2009. Dessy was so excited to see Alpha. She is definately dependent on him. She has stopped howling completely since being reunited with Alpha. Intially, Alpha was more interested in exploring his new surroundings. Alpha had been contantly trying to escape and refused to go inside his dog house - he would stand out in the rain night and day. However, once he was back by Dessy - he immediately stopped trying to get out. In fact, he settled into his dog house and enjoyed the first good night's sleep he has had in long while.

The Call That Went Unanswered (Almost)

I normally don't say no to seniors especially when a shelter manager asks me to take one. I know there is something special about the dog when a manager request comes in. This big gal is known as "T Girl". That is shortened for Tumor Girl. She is believed to be 10 years old. She came into the shelter with a big tumor on her neck. The shelter had it removed but they were told that it would grow back. T Girl was diagnosed with terminal cancer. The shelter manager was just looking for a place to let her live out her days. I told Lisa if she couldn't find another rescue we would answer the call and offer her a place to live out her days. Several weeks later Lisa called again with the same request. I kept thinking surely another rescue - a bigger rescue - with more sponsors, donors and resources will step up. They could promote her (which often goes by the way side here because we are too busy with intakes, transports, dirty lines, etc). A few weeks later, I received a third call from Lisa. She thanked me for considering T Girl and said they had decided to put her down because she was becoming depressed. I told Lisa, "if we are the best she is going to get, then so be it. I'll send a transport for her tomorrow." I said a prayer that we would be supplied with the means to keep her comfortable and meet any medical needs that she would have. The next day, T Girl boarded transport and every shelter worker in the place came outside to see her off. She was whisk away for a night's stay at Waggin Tails. Once T Girl arrived I could see right away why the plea had been brought to me three times - T Girl wasn't especially pretty, she was old, she was big and she was terminally ill - but the reason the plea had been repeated was because T Girl is all things good in a dog. A beautiful spirit. She serves as our meet and greet. Not a dog who has come through has ever disliked T Girl. She can settle the most jittery of canine nerves. T Girl's tumor has not grown back. When I talk to Lisa about other intakes I ask her "where is that terminally ill girl you were sending me?" or "are you sure the vet said she is sick?". Our vet has confirmed T Girl's test results but you know what - so far so good. T Girl has been here since early 2009, her energy is good, she is in no pain and she enjoys everyday of her life. She has out lived many of our seniors - Papa, Grace, Gordon and Opal. Every day that T Girl graces me with her kind and loving spirit is a gift.

Rema's Road To Rescue

REMA'S ROAD TO RESCUE When Rema's lifetime owner of 12 years fell in her home, Rema refused to leave her side. For three days Rema never left her fallen owner's side, going without food or fresh water until help finally arrived. Rema's owner was then whisk away in an ambulance and poor Rema waited at the door for her owner to return. For weeks Rema waited vigilantly at the door while an uncle came daily to offer her food and water. Rema's owner will never return home. Instead she will wait faithfully at the rainbow bridge to be reunited with Rema one day. The family considered putting Rema down but a neighbor stepped in and convinced them to allow her to try to find a home for Rema. Although Margret tied her best to find a loving family for Rema, nobody was willing to take in a senior lady with medical needs. When Pound Pals heard of Rema's plea, they welcomed her with open arms. Rema is on thyroid medication and had hip surgery a few back so she walks with an occassional limp. Rema needs a medical sponsor and a monthly sponsor.