"Fenced-in-Yard Required" - An ongoing battle...

As a rescuer of abandoned, abused, scared, untrained dogs - it is my job to ensure the safety of that dog in his or her new life. The process for ensuring safety has many components including evaluating prospective adopter through a rigorous application process that has many pieces (application form, reference checks, home inspection, evaluation of the dog's needs/behavior vs what the adopter's are looking for in a family member, etc).

One piece of the puzzle for placing a dog that causes a lot of discussion, conflict and angry emails with prospective adopters is the fenced-in-yard requirement.

Many rescues will require a fenced yard for every adoptable dog in their care. Others - a fence never even comes into the equation (the second category also tends to have many lost dogs and failed adoptions).

I fall somewhere in between. I try to evaluate each dog's personality and then make a decision as to whether it needs a fence for safety purposes or not.

Unfortunately - many of the dogs that come through this particular rescue end up needing a fence to keep them safe. This is not a random decision or standard requirement - it is just that many of our dogs come from living outside on a chain or from neglectful/abusive situations - which leads to a scared/shy dog with a tendency to run and/or a dog that is a skilled escape artist.

It is amazing to me how many people without a fence will inquire about a dog that has a fence requirement listed in its profile information - and then try to talk me into the adoption with statements such as:

"We have 100 acres for the dog to run on and do not live near a road."

To a rescuer that translates into:

"We have a 100 acres for a dog to get lost in - we have no intention of keeping him on leash eventhough he is a stated flight risk - we will never be able to find him before the bears or the hunters do."

Another favorite argument is

"We would never leave our dog outside unattended"

Rescuer hears:

"We will be standing right there when the dog takes off into the road and gets hit by a car."

Adoptive families often think we are being overprotective and unreasonable - but the bottom line is - rescuers spend A LOT of time trying to catch scared, lost dogs that escape when someone accidentally leaves the front door open or decides it would be a good idea to let their new dog off leash to see if he will come when called.

We also see A LOT of applications that include historical stories of family dogs that accidentally got loose, were hit by a car or never seen again.

So these fears and resulting adoption requirements are based on experience not complete insanity.


Just recently I spent 5 days in the woods trying to catch a scared Pekingese. Not a dog from our rescue - but she became ours once caught. Animal Control would not even send an officer out (that is a future blog entry for another day) - and we ended up having to use a live trap to catch the dog (which still took another 3 days - because the dog became more timid the longer she was outside).

Another lost dog incident touched me a few months back when I let a family without a fence adopt a dog that probably needed a fence. The applicants had such a terrific history of caring for rescued dogs and were very persuasive during discussions about recall training, obedience classes. They assured me that the dog would not be off leash until he had his recall 100% down. I believed them and moved forward with the adoption.

Less than 24 hours after the adoption, I received a call from a stranger which said "I have your dog." Yup - already lost - fortunately he still was wearing his rescue ID tag and he was only right down the road from his new home. That will teach me to second guess my instincts...

But in follow up - the adoptive couple proves again that they are as wonderful as they appeared to be in the application process - they consult with a trainer - who tells them that they are going to need to keep their newly adoptive dog on leash for many months before he will be ready to attempt an off-leash adventure. I was so relieved - as I now knew with the expert advice, the off leash adventure would be put on hold until after much training and bonding time.

A week later I receive an email from the adoptive family stating that they had almost lost their new pup AGAIN! They let him off leash in the yard and all of the sudden he took off and became suddenly ignorant of his name. If his new mom had not almost killed herself by doing a flying tackle - he would have been lost again.

I felt like banging my head into a wall - Both myself and the foster mom spent a great deal of time discussing the flight risk probability and proper training and assessment techniques to determine if and when the dog would be able to run off leash. I was up for many nights after that - sleeping with my phone - waiting for a "I have your dog" or "your dog was hit by a car" call.

Again - I went over the need for recall training with the adoptive mom - who then asked "How are we supposed to exercise him if he cannot be off leash?"

That question actually shocked me. I have 6 dogs of my own - none of which are ever off leash outside of a fenced in area - and all receive a ton of exercise. We walk them on leash. We take them hiking, snow shoeing, running and biking - all on leash. Never had a complaint from them or a lost dog - thankfully.

Fortunately - it has been many months since the last incident - and no escapes that I know of. I think the last episode made the family realize finally - that this dog was nowhere near ready to run free. I did offer to take the dog back into rescue if the off-leash requirement was a deal breaker - but fortunately - they are in love with their dog - running gene and all:) I think it is a happy ending.

Anyway - sorry for going on a rambling rampage - but please - if a rescue is requiring a fence for a dog- believe them - they know what they are talking about. They are just looking out for the safety of a dog who has probably been to hell and back - and trying to make sure that his life with his new family is successful and long lasting. If you are really in love with the dog that requires a fence - put up a fence. It is not that big of a project - and can be inexpensively accomplished with some welded wire and stakes.

To see pets that have recently lost their owners in Maine, please visit:
http://maine.craigslist.org/laf/

http://www.petfinder.com/classifieds/searchclassified.cgi?type=L&user_state=user

DDB Valentine's Day Campaign - a List of Purebred Dogs Fighting to Survive Maine's Winter

Every Valentine's week, Dogs Deserve Better holds its "Have a Heart for Chained Dogs" campaign. For this outreach effort, concerned citizens and Dogs Deserve Better Area reps and volunteers submit addresses of chained and penned dogs accross the United States and beyond to DDB headquarters.

Groups of school children, scout troops, and other volunteers create personal handmade valentines to be sent to each chained/penned dog reported, in the hopes of getting a response from and opportunity to educate the "caretakers" of these forgotten pups.

It is an exciting program - In 2009 over 12,000 chained and penned dogs received valentines. This year our goal is to reach 15,000 "outside" dogs. Hopefully some of them will be brought inside the home as a result of our efforts.

As I am putting together my list of chained/penned dog addresses to submit to DDB - I notice a pattern. EVERY dog on my list is a purebred. I am not sure what that means - if anything...but it surprises me just the same.

My Valentine's list of chained/penned dogs in Maine includes

-- 1 Newfoundland - chained

-- 1 Golden Retriever - chained

-- 3 German Shepherds - 1 chained, 2 penned

-- 1 Beagle - chained

-- 1 Rottweiller - penned

I am also working on a case that involves a male Boxer that was until a week ago living outside in a fenced area 24/7 - but I cannot submit him for a valentine - as he is no longer an "outside" dog - but is now living inside an unheated garage with two other Boxers...very sad and frustrating. I am not sure which way of life makes me more upset.

The woman who owns the Boxer dogs is a breeder - who on her very cheery website advertises home raised pups in a family setting.

As she is making money off these dogs - there is very little chance of her releasing/re-homing her Boxers, or persuading her to allow her dogs to actually live as part of her family. GRRR. This type of case is the worst.

The only reason I can think of for so many of the dogs on my list being purebred is that perhaps it links back to the "sale" process of breeders.

Although reputable breeders screen the families interested in purchasing their puppies as thoroughly as reputable rescue groups do - requiring an application, vet/personal references, home visit and an adoption contract outlining the expectations moving forward (vet care, living inside the home, obedience training, humane treatment) - many breeders do not spend much time or effort screening prospective homes.

This lack of screening leads to families who are uneducated regarding the commitment that raising a puppy or even an adult dog requires, being allowed to bring a dog home. Once the puppy starts chewing on furniture or peeing in the house or the children lose interest - he/she lands outside on a chain for life because it is too much work for the family to care for the puppy.

I was actually contacted by a Mastiff breeder over the summer - who was requesting that I take in an adult Mastiff that was living on a chain. The dog had become aggressive towards the children in the family due to lack of training, socialization and inclusion.

The Mastiff had come from the breeder as a puppy - but she apparently did a poor job of screening the family prior to purchase and did not follow up with the family after purchase to ensure that the puppy was being taken care of properly.

She eventually received a call from the family demanding that she take this now aggressive, adult dog back or they would euthanize the dog. As the breeder had children of her own - she was unwilling to bring the dog back into her household. Thus she reached out to rescue.

This was a horrible situation that could have easily been avoided by a little screening and follow-up. I was saddened that I was not in a position to help this dog - I can only hope that this particular breeder has now implemented a more thorough evaluation process for her prospective buyers.

Do not get me wrong - there are MANY mixed breed dogs sitting out in the cold in Maine right now - they just do not happen to be on my current radar - they have not been reported to me yet. Some of these dogs come from shelters and rescue groups that also made mistakes with the screening and follow-up process - others come from accidental litters, were purchased out of Uncle Henry's or from "free-to-good-home" advertisements. Poor screening, follow-up and lack of humane education is to blame in most cases where a dog end up on a chain in someone's yard.

It is all bad - I just hope that this year's Valentine's Day campaign can bring a few of these unfortunate dogs a better life.

There is still time to send a chained or penned dog a valentine - if you know of one that needs help, please submit it to Dogs Deserve Better by visiting

http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/Valentines2010.html

You can stay anonymous - and who knows - you might save a dog in the process:)

Getting Back in Gear

I have been neglecting this blog for quite sometime - without any good reason accept that I really have not been motivated to write.

A few months ago I promised myself that I would get back to maintaining this site. This promise was made after I received an adoption inquiry from a woman in Hong Kong who was interested in a little Doxie that we had in rescue at the time.

Of course I would never consider sending a little dog across the world when a great adoptive home was waiting somewhere close by - but the inquiry made me curious. Why was this seemingly qualified adopter searching for a dog all the way in Maine? Are there no dogs or dog rescue organizations in Hong Kong?

These thoughts led to a quick Internet investigation.

As it turns out Hong Kong has a terrible overpopulation problem due to a large number of pet stores and puppy mills. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) is in charge of strays - which are numerous - as residents tend not to voluntarily spay and neuter - and many, many dogs are just discarded on the streets when people tire of them. The AFCD does not allow private adoptions from its kennel - and most of the dogs are simply held for a reclaim period and then euthanized.

Only a licensed/approved rescue organization is allowed to pull dogs from AFCD of which there are few.

My search then led to Hong Kong Dog Rescue - an incredible rescue organization run by a woman named Sally Andersen. She created this rescue specifically to help save dogs from AFDC.

While browsing through the HKDR website I was overwhelmed by the number of purebred dogs available as well as the number of adorable mutts. It is clear that this rescue is in over its head with numbers of dogs that need help - but have created a strong support system for themselves in the community.

I referred the Hong Kong resident who inquired about our Doxie to HKDR. I was amazed that when she replied that she did not know this rescue existed, as it is obvious that Sally, the founder, spends every a great deal of time trying to make the public aware of her kennel and the plight of the Hong Kong strays. Hopefully my referral helped one dog find a home - as the adopter seemed genuine and thoughtful.

As part of my investigation into the life of dogs in Hong Kong, I started to read Sally's Blog (http://hkdr.wordpress.com/) - all about her daily stuggles and victories working to save these dogs. I am now addicted to her Blog, which somehow she manages to maintain daily. All I can figure after reading all of her blog entries is that Sally must never sleep!

Anyway - this long story ends with my realization that I need to make more of an effort to maintain my own blog and to share the victories and heartbreaks that occur in my own daily efforts to save dogs.

Thank you Sally for waking me up!

Shop local for your Holiday Gifts!

Art for Dog Sake - A Gathering of Artists

Sunday, November 22nd 2009

10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Sprague Hall, off Route 77 in Cape Elizabeth

A diverse group of artists gathering with a mission: to help rescue dogs in need. A two dollar donation at the door will be donated to Maine based rescue: Dogs Deserve Better.

It is our hope to raise money and awareness for this cause. We would appreciate your support so come & bring a friend or two!

Dogs Deserve Better is a nonprofit organization dedicated to freeing chained dogs and bringing them into the home and family.

Dogs Deserve Better was the 2003 First Place Winner of the ASPCA/Chase Pet Protector Award. In 2008, our Maine chapter placed over 196 forgotten dogs from Maine & beyond in loving homes.

Directions:

From Portland cross the Casco Bay Bridge and head South on Route 77. You will pass the IGA Shopping Center on your Right and then come to Cape Elizabeth High School(also on your Right) Just after the Cape High you will see FOWLER ROAD turn Right here. Continue to the end. Directly across the intersection is Sprague Hall.Local

Artists supporting a local cause:

Alison Bramhall Festive Fish: Yarmouth, ME http://www.festivefish.net/

Jim Williams Mainely Labs Studio: Portland, ME http://www.mainelylabs.com/

Claudia Diller Art Calendars: Portland, ME http://www.claudiadiller.com/

Kaitlyn Duggan Pottery: Little Cranberry Island, ME http://www.kaitlynduggan.com/

Sihaya Hopkins Blossom Studio: Brooklin, ME http://www.blossomstudiobeads.com/

Nina Houghton Sea Charms: Portland, ME http://www.seacharms.com/

Sue Worthing Jubilee Beads: Portland, ME http://www.jubileebeads.com/

Mary Sue Mainella & Theresa Cady Libby The Formulaah: Portland, ME http://www.theformulaah.com/

Beth Weber Shelby Woo Accessories: Portland, ME Fashionable accessories for women

Lydia Webber Wild Lupine Farm Studio: Cape Elizabeth, ME Hand painted glassware

Lois Jordan Studio: Brunswick, ME Dog Portraits

Jeff Peterson Peterson Woodworking: Harrison, ME Wooden ware for the table & kitchen.

Kathy Chadwick Island Granite Works: Wiscasset, Maine http://www.islandgraniteworks.com/

Tracy Glessner The Belted Cow: Yarmouth, ME http://www.thebeltedcow.com/

Dean and Kristin Bingham Deans Sweets: Portland, ME http://www.deanssweets.com/

Tric Gardner Stellaroos: Cumberland, ME Fun dog toys and other good stuff your dog will love!

Show benefactor: Dogs Deserve Better http://www.dogsdeservebettermaine.petfinder.com/

SPONSOR A BAG - FEED A DOG!
EXCITING OFFER FROM TIMBERWOLF ORGANICS!


We received incredible news today! Timberwolf Organics has generously offered to donate one to two PALLETS of its wonderful top grade dog food to the Maine branch of Dogs Deserve Better.

One pallet of food contains 60, 33-LB bags of dog food - enough to feed our dogs for approximately 6 months. Two pallets would be enough to keep our dogs healthy and happy for ONE YEAR!

There is one catch - which is why we need your help...In order to collect on this generous offer, we must pay for the shipping from the Timberwolf Organics warehouse in Kansas to Maine.

Estimated shipping costs for one pallet of dog food is $700 - which sounds expensive, but actually works out to cost a little more than $10.00 per bag. Considering a single bag of this dog food costs $65.00 retail...this is an incredible opportunity for our rescue.

We would LOVE to take Timberwolf Organics up on its offer of TWO pallets, but we are not sure we can raise enough funds to cover the shipping...Estimated shipping for two pallets is $1000.

Please consider sponsoring the shipping on one bag of dog food ($10.00).
http://ddbmaine.chipin.com/timberwolf-organics-sponsor-a-bag-fundraiser


If we can find 70 people to sponsor one bag of food - that will cover the shipping costs for one pallet of dog food! If 100 people sponsor a bag...We can feed our rescue dogs for ONE YEAR!

In this economy - we really need your help. It is becoming harder every day for us to continue, and the numbers of dogs that need our help are increasing for the same reasons.

Our pups thank you for caring!

KAIDAN'S BIRTHDAY PARTY



Kaidan just celebrated his third birthday. Why is that an exciting event for us? Because we were told by vet after to vet to euthanize Kaidan. "It is cruel to keep him alive." "He won't live more than a few months." "He cannot possibly have any kind quality life." were just a few of the comments.

Kaidan came to Dogs Deserve Better Headquarters in PA almost three years ago as a puppy. He was rescued from a pen where he lived outside 24/7. The problem with Kaidan is that he appeared to have been born without hip sockets - or suffered from Ricketts or some sort of degenerative disease which eroded his hip sockets - nobody really knew which.

We went back and forth on what to do with this pup - he did not appear to be in any pain - but maybe he could not lead a good life... in the process of our decision making, we fell in love.

Kaidan just has the sweetest personality and love of life. It became impossible to consider not giving him a chance.

Along came Ann Hay - who refuses to listen to vets and is a big believer in the power of nutrition and love. She adopted sweet Kaidan - and later went on to adopt several more special needs dogs! Kaidan is living on a farm and enjoying his life to the maximum. He goes everywhere with his family. He has exceded all of our expectations.

Every year on Kaidan's birthday we receive an email from Ann with pictures and an update. Below you can see this year's celebration email and pictures:

Here are some pictures of Kaidan at his 3rd birthday party. He got a new wagon, which he needed since he chewed the wooden sides off his previous one. His birthday cake was banana with peanut butter carob frosting, which he really seemed to like!

Thank you Ann for being Kaidan's rescue angel. You give us hope that there is home for every dog! Kaidan - you are an inspiration - and a very lucky boy!

LOTS OF HAPPY TAILS!

We have lots of happy endings to report. Rescue can be a heartbreaking effort, but seeing our pups land in loving homes makes the endless work worthwhile. Hope you all enjoy the below updates:



Oscie and his new family

OSCIE - A young, shy Doxie that came to us from the backyard breeding facility in upstate Maine has gone to a wonderful home with the Pelser family. Here is the latest report from Oscie's new Dad:

He is still timid although he is wagging his tail much more especially in the morning and when I come home from work. He prefers to snuggle with Zoey our hound on the couch and we bought him a little bed for the living room he likes to go in from time to time. He still loves to snuggle with Wenda my wife and when she comes home from work (she works 3 nights a week as she is a nurse) he motions to her to come into the living room so he can snuggle with her. He loves the back yard and chases Zoey to play. They are starting to play together more and more. He will come over to her and nibble at her leg or ear to get her attention to engage her to play. We are looking to do some training probably not until the summer as our schedule with all our kids is pretty full. He is a great dog.



Maggie Mae & Ralph

MAGGIE MAE - A Senior Hound mix who came to us with her "brother" Woobie (below) after her human mom passed away unexpectedly is now living the life of her dreams in Mount Desert Island with her new "brother" Ralph. She has a fenced in yard with a view of the water and a new mom who is retired. What more could a dog ask for?

Just a little update on Maggie; all is going very well. She's really settling in and seems to be very happy. My neighbor and I witnessed the latest burst of energy while we were walking and it was a riot.

Another "milestone" for Maggie is her meeting with my neighbor's and their dogs. She was a perfect lady and became fast friends with Candy's Springer, Grypon. I think it was love at first sight for both of them. We all went for a walk and Maggie was actually trotting along for a bit. She was great with all the dogs and charmed the humans. She's an amazing, gentle girl and we love having her here.

She gets so excited when she sees the other dogs and hops like a baby lamb. ( neighbor's description!) Then she trots so fast, it's hard to keep up with her.

She also watches Ralph for signs of excitement and then she joins in. She knows when we're going for a walk and bounces around the kitchen when I get the leashes out. It's so funny to watch her.

Ralph is now her best buddy and they are doing great. She's just a very sweet, well-behaved girl and we're enjoying her so much. My neighbors love her too.Here' s one of the latest pics for your viewing pleasure. lolBarb



Woobie & Suki

WOOBIE - Maggie Mae's "brother" (see above) Woobie has found a home with Chuck, Tori and Suki, another Husky mix who came from our rescue. He is living the life every arctic dog should with a big fenced in yard and a Dad who likes to do things like walk around in the woods and go ice fishing - and a mom who loves to spoil dogs:)

He's starting to adapt really well. When Tori's home he's right at her side all the time. Chuck



Cocoa Pup (now Tomai)

COCOA PUP is another rescue from the breeding facility case - He now has a new name, Tomai and lives with 3 other little dogs in Vermont. Tomai has a big fenced in yard and a mom who works from home. From the picture above, looks like he is feeling right at home in his new life!

I just thought I would check in again to tell you that the little guy is still doing wonderfully well. He is totally accepted as one of the gang by canines and felines - they all just like him alot. He and Max and even older Belle, play like mad fiends most days. Then flop over in happy exhaustion. I have enclosed a picture of Tomai in just that kind of pose. Enjoy and thanks again for steering me toward him, Sherrill


Bay & Lena (Formerly Honey)

BAY - Many of you will remember Bay, a special needs Lab with a birth defect that causes urinary leaking challenges. Bay really lucked out when she was adopted by Doris and John! She is now living in Hollis, ME with Lena (Husky mix) also adopted from our rescue and two other pups. She has a giant fenced in yard, a stream to swim in and goes on daily hikes in the woods and fields behind her new home with her new family.

She's doing grrreat! All you have to say to her is, "Do you have to go outside and pee?" and she goes out the dog door and pees. Sadie has been playing with her on walks. Lena, who pretends she isn't interested in playing, has made some bounding motions toward Sadie and Bay when they play. Hannah is coming around. How is it possible to love someone so much so quickly? She is such a love! We are so happy we have her! Thanks so much for what you do!

Snowball is an 11 year old Pomeranian that came to Dogs Deserve Better - Maine with seven other dogs from a backyard breeding facility/kennel in upstate Maine.

Snowball has spent her whole life producing puppies. She lived outside in a pen 15-16 hours a day and then would sleep in a tiny wire cage at night.

Despite it all - she is the sweetest girl in the world. Quiet and cuddly. She is a true lap dog! She gets along great with the other dogs in her foster and does not cause any trouble at all.

Snowball was coughing and wheezing on the transport down to her foster home. We initially thought it was an upper respiratory infection.

Once at her foster home, a Mammary Tumor was discovered - a little bigger than a golfball on her groin area which was leaking fluid. The vet suggested that we do chest x-rays as this kind of tumor speads to the lungs when it advances.

We did the chest x-rays and bloodwork ($292.74) which thankfully showed no tumors in the lungs - That is the good news...The bad news is that the x-rays revealed an enlarged heart that possibly has fluid around it.

Snowball is having difficulty breathing because of her heart issue. We have her on heart medications that are helping greatly. Her foster mom sees improvement every day. Snowball has just started to run and play!

The next step is to do an ultrasound of Snowball's heart ($275). When it is possible for to undergo anesthesia (which might not be possible in the immediate future depending on what the results of the ultrasound show) - she will need two surgeries to address her Mammory gland tumor (estimated cost: $864.04).

Once she is healthy again - Snowball will also need a dental with multiple extractions...

These expenses are currently out of our reach and we urgently need your help.

http://ddbmaine.chipin.com/snowball

Our goal with this Chipin.com fundraiser is to cover the Ultrasound and Mammary Gland surgery exenses ($1140).

This little girl has been through so much in her life, and come through with a sunny disposition. We feel that she deserves a chance to spend her remaining years happy, healthy and warm. Please help us to help her!

http://ddbmaine.chipin.com/snowball


Not comfortable with Paypal?

Direct Donations for Snowball can be made to the Brackett Street Veterinary Clinic under Dogs Deserve Better - Maine

or via USPS: Dogs Deserve Better - Maine, PO Box 6103, Falmouth, ME 04105.

Want to see some of the other pups rescued with Snowball?

Visit www.petfinder.com/shelters/ME52.html

Thank you for caring about Snowball.

HADDIE FINDS HER FOREVER HOME

Haddie is an American Bulldog that came to our rescue from a neglectful home where she spent much of her time living outside on a chain. Fortunately for Haddie, she was only with her previous "family" for 3-4 months before she came to us. During that time she lost almost 30 lbs. Haddie was a product of improper re-homing. She originated from a family that loved her and took great care of her - their only mistake was re-homing her without the help of a rescue group.
After several months in foster care - Haddie has regained her weight and is living the life of a spoiled princess:) The best news is that Haddie has been adopted by her foster family - who refer to her as Haddie-Licious. Below are the before and after pictures of Haddie - What a difference it makes to a dog to be a part of the right family! Thank you Tess and family for loving Haddie!

UPDATE ON ANI

Ani is a Dalmatian/Pit Bull mix who came to our rescue after living alone in an abandoned house in Northern Maine. She was underweight and fearful when she arrived. She eventually found her way to the perfect home, with Jeff and One (her Rat Terrier sister). It was not an easy adoption. Ani and One struggled for quite sometime to work out their boundaries. But Jeff never gave up and now, as you can see, One and Ani are truly sisters. Thank you Jeff for giving Ani such a wonderful home! Check out Ani the Snow Bunny!

Sweet Samantha

Sam is a Chocolate Lab who came to our rescue when our vet called and asked for help. Sam's caretakers wanted to euthanize Sam because she had ongoing skin issues and was having accidents in the home.

As Sam was only 4-5 Years old, and just the nicest dog in the world, our vet felt that she deserved better - and we agreed.

After running extensive tests on Sam, we discovered that there was nothing physically wrong with her other than food allergies. To keep her coat in good condition - Sam requires a grain free diet. The accidents in the home were the result of a steriod shot that her previous caretakers had given her in an effort to relieve her skin issues. Steroids are hard on a dog's liver and kidneys and a large dose makes a dog drink excessive amounts of water - which in turn makes them need to relieve themselves frequently.

Once in foster care and on a high grade diet - Sam stopped having accidents and showed no signs of her previous skin issues.

We were surprised at how many prospective adoptive families for Sam fought us on the condition that she be fed a grain free diet. Many felt that the cost of the food was prohibitive to adoption. As we feed all of our rescue dogs high grade food, we know that spending a little more on food, greatly decreases vet expenses - as lower grade foods can cause countless health problems such as allergies, hot spots, ear infections, urinary tract infections and even cancer.

After a month of screening applicants for Sam, we found the perfect family for her! Not only are they giving Sam the food that she needs to stay healthy - but have switched their other dogs to the same diet. Sam is now living in Edgecomb, Maine with two other Labs, cats and a family who loves her. She spends hours chasing balls and swimming. Here is the latest update from Sam's new family:

We really could not be happier with our trio of dogs. they do so well together and are such a joy to have in our family. Sammy completes the canine aspect perfectly! Sammy has decided that she likes to sleep with emmy (our older dog) on the couch downstairs at night. emmy really seems happy to have the company.

Everyone is GREAT! Sammy is SOOOO sweet and we are very happy to have her! Sammy and Emmy enjoy naps together and she and Lilly are ball-chasing buddies. I've tried to take some good photos, but whereas the dogs are always pretty busy, they come out as yellow and brown blurs and when they are sleeping (as you can see) Sammy appears as a brown lump!!!

Anyway, here are some pictures and a short clip of a "fetchfest" with the spunkier 2 of the girls.

More Happy Tails! Shadow & Skipper

Shadow


Shadow came into our rescue early this past summer. He appeared to be a perfect pup (outgoing, good with other dogs, children, house trained) - but for some reason, we had a hard time finding him the perfect home. Finally - the perfect home appeared in September. A nice couple had recently lost their canine companion to old age related challenges. Their remaining pup, Sadie, was lost without her brother. Boy we were surprised when we met Sadie! She was Shadow's twin sister! Sadie did not welcome Shadow with open arms, but after a little time together, they have bonded and have become a dynamic duo! It goes to show you - good things come to those who wait! Here is the latest update from Shadow's new Dad:

Hi There,Things are going GREAT with Shadow! He and Sadie play well together now. He has settled in nicely. He is a wonderful boy. We have had no issues with him at all. We all love him dearly. Greg

Skipper

Sweet Skipper belonged to one of our family members who passed away. Skipper was lost without his mom. He became depressed and refused to eat. From there Skipper went to a rural shelter in Northern California. We could not possibly leave Skipper's fate in the hands of strangers - so with help from Dogs Deserve Better Rep, Pam Fanning in California, Skipper was pulled from the shelter and transported to Maine.

Of course we had to find the perfect family for Skipper. He was used to having his caretaker around 24/7 and was a very spoiled dog! Well, the perfect family came along...Skipper is now living with a wonderful retired couple in Saco, Maine. He appetite is returning. He accompanies his new family on walks to the beach, trips to the dog park and to their camp on the lake! Skipper is even learning to enjoy boating!

Thank you Arnie and Felice for giving Skipper more love and joy than he could ever ask for! You have no idea how much it means to us to know that he has found you.

Adoption Update - Sophia (Formerly Face)


Sophia (formerly Face) came to our rescue three years ago from an overcrowded shelter in Kentucky. Sophia is fearful of strangers - but has found herself a member of a wonderful family that has gone the extra mile to help her overcome her anxieties. Here is the latest update from Sophia's adoptive mom:

Sophie is doing well. She still goes to daycare twice a week for socialization. She enjoys playing with the other dogs. I recently took her to a dog trainer for advice. Whenever company comes, she paces - she is fearful of strangers. The trainer suggested putting the leash around her neck and keeping right at my side when company comes for security, and not to allow anyone to touch her. This gives her time to observe without a stranger coming into her "bubble". Also to give treats and put the leash around her when someone comes to the door, because that is when she paces and barks. I've tried that a few times and that does help with the treats, but she still has a long way to go on that conditioning. She is great with my husband and myself. Spoiled. I just got done washing the couch cover because she sneaks downstairs at night and that is where she sleeps if she isn't in the bedroom. She leads a good life. Tries to catch the frogs in the lake in front of our house, watches for the chipmunk who lives in the rock wall, and plays well with the dogs at daycare. Here are a couple of pictures. Hope all is well with you. Maddy

Thank you Maddy for giving Sophia the love and life she deserves. Rescued dogs are not always perfect dogs. It is heartwarming to see a family dedicated to working through the challenges - one that sees the inner beauty of their canine companion and does not give up.

Happy Tail - Diamond

We LOVE to receive updates on our adoptive dogs! Diamond was adopted from us approximately two years ago. She came to our rescue from a kennel in upstate Maine where she was living outside in a pen with her "brother" Demon. We were thrilled to receive the below update from Diamond's forever family:

Cleaning out my email and happened upon this one from last year! Here are a couple of recent pics of Diamond. She continues to do well. She has found her voice this year and knows how to ‘speak’ – mostly only when asked! She still comes to the office with me and hates it when I leave her home for any reason at all. She continues to be the precious gem that her name implies. She doesn’t like the water much – I think she’s confused and doesn’t realize she’s a lab. So we just have fun doing other stuff besides swimming! Hope you are still finding good homes for dogs who need them. Best Always, Ellie

I Want To Quit

The below was sent to me by a fellow rescuer today. I thought it was great because it explains what each person that devotes their life to rescue goes through mentally, physically and financially on a daily basis.


"I Want To Quit!" by Joan Fremo, May, 2001

This week's contribution is late, and I want to apologize to my readers. It has been such a busy week with Rescue, and sometimes Rescuers just run out of time. Sometimes, Rescue can be very difficult... I'd like to share with you my feelings. The following is based on a recent post I made to my friends on one of my Rescue Email lists. I was not the only one experiencing "one of those weeks".

I want to quit! My health is bad. There are days I feel so terrible that I can barely move. My phone bills are outrageous, and I could have replaced my van with the funds I have spent these last 3 years---on animals that were not my own.

I want to quit! I spend hours and hours emailing about dogs. There may be 500 messages when I start---and at 4 AM, when I finally shut down the computer, there are still 500 emails to be read.

I want to quit! Gosh, I haven't the time left to email my friends. I can't remember the last book I read, and I gave up my subscription to my local newspaper---I used to enjoy reading it, cover to cover, but now it often ends up in the bottom of the squirrel's cage---unread.

I want to quit!I've spent days emailing what seems like everyone---trying to find a foster home, help for a dog languishing in a shelter---but his time has run out, and the shelter has had to euthanize to make room for the next sad soul.

I want to quit!I swear, I walk away from my computer to stretch my legs---let the dogs out---and come back to find another dog in desperate need. There are times I really dread checking my email. How will I find the funds, the help, to save yet another dog?

I want to quit!I save one dog, and two more take its place. Now an owner who doesn't want his dog---it won't stay in his unfenced yard. An intact male wanders... This bitch got pregnant by a stray... This 3-month-old pup killed baby chicks... The dog got too big... This person's moving and needs to give up his pet. I ask you, friends---what town, what city, what state doesn't allow you to own a pet?

I want to quit!I just received another picture, another sad soul with tormented eyes that peer out of a malnourished body. I hear whimpering in my sleep, have nightmares for days...

Many of the "Breed People" don't seem to want to hear about these dogs. Breeders either don't realize, or just don't care, how many dogs of their breed are dying in shelters.

I want to quit!I just got off the phone. "Are you Pyr Rescue? We want to adopt a male to breed to our female." How many times do I have to explain? I have tried to explain about genetics, about health and pedigrees. I explain that rescue NEUTERS! I usually end up sobbing, as I explain about the vast numbers of animals dying in shelters across the country, as I describe the condition many of these animals are found in. I wonder if they really heard me...

I want to quit!It is not like I don't have enough rescues of my own to worry about---but others have placed dogs improperly and aren't there to advise the new owners.

I want to quit!There ARE some unscrupulous rescues out there---hoarders, collectors, and folks who will short change the care of the animals to make a dollar. They save them all, regardless of temperament, putting fellow rescuer's and adopters at risk by not being truthful.

I want to quit!I have trusted the wrong people--- had faith and heart broken...

I want to quit!AND THEN...My dog, lays his head in my lap, he comforts me with his gentle presence---and the thought of his cousins suffering stirs my heart.

I want to quit!AND THEN...One of those 500 emails is from an adopter. They are thanking me for the most wonderful dog on earth---they cannot imagine life with out their friend---their life is changed, and they are so grateful.

I want to quit!AND THEN...One of my adopted Rescues has visited a nursing home. A patient that has spent the last few years unable to communicate, not connecting---Lifts his hand to pat the huge head in his lap, softly speaks his first words in ages--- to this gentle furchild.

I want to quit!AND THEN...A Good Samaritan has found and vetted a lost baby, "I can't keep him, but I'll take care of him until you find his forever home."

I want to quit!AND THEN..."Jamie took his first steps holding on to our Pyr." "Joan, you should see this dog nursing this hurt kitten!" "I was so sick, Joan, and he never left my side..."

I want to quit!AND THEN...I get an email from a fellow rescuer, "Haven't heard from you in a while---you OK? You know I think of you..."

AND THEN...A dozen rescuers step up to help, to transport, to pull, and to offer encouragement. I have friends I have never seen, but we share tears, joys, and everything in between. I am not alone. I am blest with family of the heart, my fellow Rescuers.

Just days ago it was a friend who shared her wit and wisdom, whose late night email lifted my heart. Sometimes it is friends who only have time to forward you a smile. Often, it is my friends who forward me the notices of dogs in need.

There are Rescuers who see a flailing transport and do everything they can do find folks to pull it together for you. Rescuers who'll overnight or foster your Dog while you seek transport. There are Rescuers not used to or comfortable with your breed, but who put aside their discomfort to help. There are Rescuers whose words play the music of our hearts. Foster homes that love your Rescue, and help to make them whole again---body and spirit. Foster homes that fit your baby in, though it may not be their breed. Rescuers whose talents and determination give us tools to help us. Rescuers we call on for help in a thousand ways, who answer us, who hear our pleas. Rescuers who are our family, our strength, our comrades in battle.

I know I cannot save every dog in need. I know my efforts are a mere drop in a sea. I know that if I take on just one more---those I have will suffer.

I want to quit! But I won't. When I feel overwhelmed, I'll stroke my dogs head while reading my fellow Rescuers emails. I'll cry with them, I'll laugh with them---and they will help me find the strength to go on.

I want to quit! But not today. There's another email, another dog needing Rescue. This piece is dedicated, with love and gratitude, to all my fellow Rescuers.

Happy Tails - November 2007

We have three more Happy Tails to share this month! Enjoy!

Sasha the Sox Fan

Frank and Heidi Rubino recently lost their beloved Rottwieller, Nikki, to old age related disease. They were heartbroken by her loss and missed their companion terribly, but their home felt empty without the pitter patter of dog paws.

They contacted us to see if Sasha might be a good match for their family. When the home visit was conducted, it was obvious that this family was a perfect match for any rescue dog. Their walls and fridge were filled with pictures of Nikki. They shared video and stories of both the good and bad times with Nikki - but even when revealing Nikki's imperfections, Frank's and Heidi's voices were full of love and compassion.

Sasha arrived at their home she was nervous and uncertain - but within hours, Sasha began to relax and to realize that she was in doggie heaven on earth.

Frank and Heidi's family are huge Red Sox and Patriots fans. As you can tell from these pictures, now so is Sasha!

Sasha now enjoys a beautiful fenced in yard, the premium dog food and treats, and more toys than any dog could want. Her new family taught her how to swim in the pool (with the help of a floatation device). She goes for daily walks with Frank and has learned her basic commands.

Sasha is doing great and is getting bigger. She sprouted up three inches! She's doing well with her commands and goes down stairs by her self now. She was afraid of the stairs for the longest time. She did not like the thunderstorms today either. She tried to hide under the covers, hahaha. She's a smart little cookie. I hear Heidi laugh a lot more now that Sasha is in the house. She's my little shadow, always has to go with Daddy. I cannot wait till she sees her first snow fall. - Frank

Frank and Heidi's family are huge Red Sox and Patriots fans. As you can tell from these pictures, now so is Sasha!

Thank you Rubino Family for giving Sasha the love and life that she deserves.

Ranger & Kali



Merrie and David contacted us looking for a playmate for their other rescued dog, Kali and thought that Ranger may be the "man" for the job. Kali is a dominant female Belgian Shepherd mix who had very specific requirements for her canine companion. Kali is rough on smaller breed dogs, and being a girl who likes to be in charge - she was looking for a submissive male dog of equal size. Interestingly, Kali, like Ranger, came from Tennessee, from another rescuer that we know quite well! After two meetings and an overnight with Kali, Ranger proved to be the perfect match!

Merrie and David are avid Dog Whisperer fans, and have done wonderful job training Kali in basic obedience and agility. We know with their guidance, that Ranger will go on to be a well-behaved member of the canine community (although we are not sure how agile he is!)

Things are going great! Ranger seems very happy to be here and is basking in lots of attention from the whole family -- and Kali seems satisfied that he understands her "boss lady" status ;-) . The two of them are enjoying walking and running together, and they've started initiating their own play sessions. They especially love playing keep-away and tug with "ducky"... See attached pix! Thanks again. - Merrie

Patches - The Big Eared Pup



Patches came to our rescue from a kill shelter where he had run out of time. He is a very high energy pup with the biggest ears ever! To find the perfect homes for Patches, we needed to find someone who would take him for long walks and runs to tire him out. Someone who was a firm, but gentle leader. Tony and Sara contacted us and had everything that Patches needed in a home! They had done their research prior to adoption and were prepared for crate training, obedience training, and socialization -- not to mention lots of exercise.

Patches is now living on Mount Desert Island, where he gets to go hiking and running.

Here is the latest update from Patches' new family.

I have been taking him for walks around other people and dogs, he is very gentle with the strangers who run up and start petting. He got mobbed by 5 little boys last night, he just sat and took it. Such a good dog!

He loves chewing bones. We gave up with the manufactured ones, they only last about a day. I went to the local butcher and got him a 14 inch dog bone... he is currently on day two and still chewing it like it mad. Kennel training is going well... almost will go in on command, still needs a little coaxing.

The Vet loves him... Patches has gotten his exam and first of two Lyme disease shots. I am taking him back in for the last Lyme disease and the heartguard in 3 weeks.

Patches has decided he is our personal guardian... those ears spike up and he starts scanning with the smallest of noises, it's quite cute the way he will contort his neck and examine things sometimes... pigeons confuse him. We love him so much, thank you for saving him! - Tony & Sara

In Memory of Morgan



Recently, one of our favorite DDB supporters, Patty, lost her longtime companion, Morgan, to old age related disease. To honor Morgan's life, a few of Patty's dog-lovin' friends from TPRC contacted us and made a donation to Dogs Deserve Better in Morgan's name.

Although I never met Morgan, I feel that I know her through the years of funny and heartwarming stories that Patty has shared with me.

To know Patty is to know a woman who lives for her dogs and for rescue dogs everywhere. As a result, we would like to share a little piece of Morgan's life with you and take time to reflect on how a deeply rescue dog can touch a soul.

Below is a short piece that Patty sent us about her wonderful pup.

Morgan blossomed into the sweetest and most lovable old girl I have ever met! From the time she was a pup, just rescued from the pound, she was always timid and shy. No matter how much coaxing and praise we used with her, it seemed as if that was to be her nature forever until gradually, she just blossomed!

One day, she decided she was no longer afraid of children, other animals, or people. She suddenly decided she loved the entire world!

We got spoiled with such a well mannered and obedient pup. A leash was never needed(though used whenever rules/law required it) and for a dog who never saw a day of obedience, we were in awe and ever so proud of our Morgan!

Any vet who ever saw her got kissed for walking into the room. The mailman's knees were kissed in the Summertime. And our faces were exfoliated frequently!

The only time I can recall Morgan being disobedient was at the ocean. There was nothing she loved more than to go splashing in and stay there! She may have shivered in the cold northeast Atlantic in October but she didn't want to get out. She would go temporarily deaf for the first call or two of her name. When we would become insistent, her head would go down and she would walk as slowly as possible toward the shore, giving us every opportunity to say, "Oh, OK. Five more minutes!" and toss a rock in for her to retrieve.

As she got older and arthritis was more of an issue, we'd coax her out to sit in the sun to warm her joints and rest them. She'd sense when we weren't looking and casually wander back to the shoreline and let the waves tease her paws, then her elbows, then her belly, and then her face would transform into the 9 month old puppy we had rescued from the pound 13 years earlier and she'd run and bounce through the water without hesitation.

On November 6, 2007, Morgan went to Rainbow Bridge to be with our other angel pups, Kasey and Gabby, and to play in the ocean with them until we get there. I know Morgan will be on the Bridge, waiting to kiss me when I get there and welcome me. And I will be there with sneakers on, ready to chase her down to the water's edge and answer her playful barks to throw more rocks!

Thank you Patty for giving Morgan the love and life that she deserved.

Please Join Us! Art For Dog's Sake - 11/17/2007

Art for Dog Sake - A Gathering of Artists

Saturday November 17th, 2007

10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Sprague Hall, Route 77

Cape Elizabeth

A diverse group of artists gathering with a mission: to help rescue dogs in need. A $2 donation at the door will go to Maine based rescue, Dogs Deserve Better, a nonprofit organization dedicated to freeing chained dogs & bringing them into the home & family

Participating artists include:

• Alison Bramhall/Festive Fish: Bold Vibrant Coastal Charts to brighten up any home or cottage & whimsical hand painted baby items.



• Tric Gardner/Stellaroos: Fun Dog Toys and other good stuff your dog will love!



• Ellen Maher/Chebeague Island Santa: Paper clay Santa's and Snowmen, so unique and one of a kind you've just gotta have one or two!



• Claudia Diller/Artist: Original Art Calendars and prints that will add a splash of color to any room!



• Nina Houghton/Sea Charms: One of a kind Sea Glass Jewelry tumbled only by the ocean's waves.



• Willa Wirth/Silversmith Extraordinare! Custom hand made Sterling Silver creations.



• Colleen Brazell/Colleen's Creations: Fun and splashy handmade glass beaded jewelry.



• Jim Williams/Mainely Lab Studio: Original works of art and cards featuring our favorite Black Lab!



• Marcy VanDale/MOF Creations: Fabulous fuzzy felted creations in an amazing array of colors. Hand bags and accessories.



• Carol Tanner & Dennis Proctor/Mother's Mountain:Dozens of unique, delicious products from our family recipes with continued emphasis on such attributes as all-natural, gluten free, salt free and fat free.



• Sue Worthing/Jubilee Beads



• Jeff Peterson



• Kathy Beeson



• Pat Graham



• Mary Sue Mainella



• Theresa Cady Libby

We would appreciate your support so come & bring a friend or two!

Directions: From Portland cross the Casco Bay Bridge and head South on Route 77. You will pass the IGA Shopping Center & Cape Elizabeth High School both on the Right. Just after Cape High turn Right on FOWLER ROAD, follow to the end. Directly across the intersection is Sprague Hall.

For more information on the event, contact: Alison Bramhall, FestiveFish@aol.com

For more information on the cause: http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/, www.petfinder.com/shelters/ME52.html