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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

Happy Tails!

We have many happy endings to report this season. Receiving positive updates from adoptive homes is the reward the rescuers receive. It makes all of the sad stories, hard work and long hours worthwhile. We love to share these success stories with you, our supporters, as without your donations of time, foster homes, supplies, money and emotional support, we would not be able to save as many dogs as we do.

We hope you enjoy the updates on Honey, Snow and Grover posted below.

Honey Finds the Perfect Pack

Honey was the "Featured Pup" in our last newsletter. This girl came to a kill shelter in upstate Maine as a stray. She was timid, underweight, had recently given birth and her collar was starting to grow into her neck.

We believe that she might be a former sled dog. Several sled dog owners have told us that these dogs make terrible pets and cannot live inside of a home. Honey blows that theory right out of the water.

Honey is now living the good life, with three canine sisters, and several kitties. She enjoys romping the 1-acre fenced in yard with doggie door access to the home, and walks through the blueberry fields.

Here is the latest from Honey's new family:

Honey/Lena is doing great! She goes in and out the dog door on her own (when we are here.) She only rarely goes in her crate. We think she's telling us she doesn't want to be left in it when we leave, so today we closed the dog door and left her loose in the house with the other dogs. We just got back, and she bounded up to us, tail wagging like crazy.

We're having leash lessons with a Halti. She desparately wants to run with the other dogs, but I don't even dare let her off leash. I think she must have been in harness and pulled a sled. She's very savvy about getting untangled from the leash. I think she is very smart and that in no time, she will be confident and less spooked by everything.

We love her a lot, and she's been great with the cats too! Thanks again so much for bringing her into our lives and for all you do! Doris

Thank you John and Doris for giving Honey (now Lena) the loving home that she always deserved.

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Two-Year Update on Snow!

Snow came to us several years ago from a kill shelter in Marion, Arkansas. He was a young, wild pup who hated to be left alone. He was full of love, but needed a caretaker who would spend time training Snow to be a good canine citizen. He went home with a wonderful woman named Maggie, who has given Snow everything he could have ever wanted, including two cainine sisters to play with! Below is an update from Maggie received a few weeks ago.

You may not remember me - my name is Maggie. Almost two years ago, I adopted my handsome Sampson a.k.a "Snow" from Dogs Deserve Better. I am writing to give you an update on the handsome boy.

He continues to have boundless energy and absolutately loves the water. He loves swimming and catching the Frisbee in the water, of course fetch the tennis ball continues to be an all time favorite.

His first year here was a bit rocky as he had a few bouts of colitis. That all seems to have been sorted out and there has been no further problems in almost a year now.


In this last year, he has acquired two older "sisters". (I adopted a couple's two Newfoundland dogs after they passed away a year ago - they were friends of mine). Sam loves his sisters both to tease and to hang out with. They are great friends and company for each other. The cat continues to be an issue for all the dogs, we have just worked out an arrangement that seems to be working for all.

Sam is quite at home now and is a continual joy for me, his issues with insecurity are lessening and having two big sisters to help him, has matured him quite a bit. I am sending on a few of my favorite pics of the girls and Sam. Hope that many more of your dogs find homes and as much joy as he has given me. Thank you for the work you do and thank you for Sam. Sincerely Maggie

Thank YOU Maggie! Please give Sam a hug for us!

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Goofball Grover Driving Miss Heidi

Grover is a goofy Sheepdog mix that came to us from the same rural shelter in Northern Maine as Honey. This boy was too big for the little cage he was in -- and more than happy to jump right into our rescue van! It took us a while to find the perfect home for Grover as he is a young bull in a china shop. Fortunately, George and Betsy contacted us - who also had a young, goofy Sheepdog that needed a playmate.

Today, Grover and his Sister, Heidi have become a bonded pair. They spend their days at work with George or running around at doggie daycare. They also seem to really enjoy riding in the car -Sometimes Grover likes to drive - LOL!

Below is one of the many updates we have received from Grover's new family:

Just reporting in that all is going well with Grover. He and Heidi get along just fine and they attend doggie day care 2 days a week-currently Tuesdays and Thursdays. They actually play in two different groups at day care and so far, neither use the pool. They don't go in our pool either.

The other days they are usually with us. He's been great with the I-fence too-he really knows his boundaries, even when squirrels, chipmunks and birds abound.

Everybody thinks he's just the coolest dog and all ask what breed he is. I mean on the street, at doggie day care or when we're all in one of the cars. Some guess, 'they're sheepdogs. right?' but that's when we're in the car and they can generally only see their heads. When asked, we tell them what we know-an Old English Sheepdog/Airedale Mix. But of course, we get all sorts of other ideas from people. I think the tail throws everybody off? Universally, it's either, "big goofball or Giant Bengi.'

Thank you George, Betsy and Heidi for making Grover a part of your family! He is one lucky boy.

Maine's Proposed Animal Import Regulations - Our 2 Cents...

On May 21, 2007 the Maine Department of Agriculture released a statement announcing its intention to enact an emergency rule change that would tighten the animal import regulations for the State.

Amongst other changes, the new regulations would require Maine rescue groups to quarantine dogs arriving in Maine from out of state for 5-days in a "Commissioner approved" isolation facility. The purpose of this proposed rule change regulation is to control the spread of diseases prevelent in dogs and cats from southern states.

The intent behind the proposed regulation changes is good -- however, as written, the new import laws will not resolve the spread of contagious disease from the rescued animals and will make it impossible for many legitimate rescues (including ours) to continue to operate, resulting in the needless deaths of thousands of wonderful, loving dogs.

The new rules will negatively impact reputable rescues and not impact the individuals that are responsible for bringing the sick animals into the state.

What's the Problem?

Our rescue, like most, does not have the physical or financial ability to place our dogs in a Commissioner approved quarantine facility for 5 days. After rescuing 200 - 300 dogs from other states without a single incident of Parvo or Distemper - we do not believe this quarantine measure is necessary. Nor do we want to place our dogs back into a cage after they have barely escaped death and have spent 2-3 days in a crate while being transported to safety. We want our dogs to go to foster homes, where they can relax and realize how wonderful life in a good home can be.

A similar requirement was implemented in Massachusetts last year. Because of the new requirement, rescues based in Massachusetts that are continuing to rescue Southern dogs, have been forced to raise their adoption fees to amounts unattainable by average families. The result -- MA Residents are going to backyard breeders, and looking out of state for their new canine family members, either by adopting from out-of-state rescues or by adopting directly from Southern shelters without having the safety net of a rescue to qualify the adoptive home or ensure each dog is properly vetted.

As a result, the changes in regulations have not solved the problem of disease in the state, and may have even made the problem worse. Massachusetts has experienced at least 3 outbreaks in the last few months of Parvo, Distemper and an unidentified upper respiratory disease. Why? There are several possible reasons:

1) The dogs in question are not being adopted by or transported by reputable rescues. The "rescues" in question are ignoring standard health and safety protocols. The dogs are arriving unvaccinated and without being quarantined prior to transport.

2) The dogs in question are being adopted by private citizens directly from out-of-state shelters, without having the middle man of an experienced rescue facilitating the adoption process.

3) Contageous diseases such as Distemper and Parvo have a longer incubation period than the mandatory quarantine requirement.

Transporting dogs from rural shelters with high euthanasia levels and poor vaccination practices is dangerous. If proper vaccination, quarantine and transportation protocols are ignored or overlooked, the rescuer and/or adoptive family may end up with a sick dog and a large vet bill.

Reputable rescues that save dogs from high-kill, southern shelters will follow, and often exceed the existing legal health protocols.

What Are Our Health & Safety Protocols?

Dogs Deserve Better, as with most legitimate Maine-based rescues, quarantines all out-of-state rescues for at least two weeks prior to transport. All of our dogs are fully-vaccinated (Rabies, Distemper, Parvo, Adenovirus, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza), tested for Heartworm/Lyme, De-wormed, given Heartguard, Frontline and travel with a vet-issued Interstate Health Certificate. All of our dogs are spayed/neutered prior to transport.

We also use a USDA licensed transporter to bring our dogs to New England, which costs $125.00 per dog - but is worth every penny to ensure the safety and health of each pup.

To the disappointment of many adopters, Dogs Deserve Better - Maine does not rescue puppies - we generally focus our efforts on dogs that are 6 months of age or older, as these dogs have a lower chance of getting out the kill shelters and because puppies are at a higher risk for contracting diseases such as Parvo and Distemper.

We abide by these self-imposed rules, to ensure the safety and good health of our rescued dogs.

What Will Happen if the Proposed Regulations Pass?

Reputable rescues are not the individuals that are bringing diseased animals into the State. Norma Worley, Director of Maine's Animal Welfare Program confirmed this herself. In an article published by the Bangor Daily News, Worley states: "according to state law, all dogs and cats imported from out of state for retail must have health certificates and be properly quarantined to ensure they are in good health before they are adopted or sold. However, when the dogs are brought in privately, the rules don’t apply." The rules don't apply when the dogs are brought in privately...exactly.

The new rules won't apply either... to private individuals who are not savvy enough to make sure that their new puppy will arrive with a full series of 2-3 vaccinations and an Interstate Health Certificate.

The new rules will apply to seasoned rescues that save hundreds to thousands of lives annually without incident - making it impossible for safe animal importation to continue and opening the door to increased disease when private adopters head out onto Petfinder.com and rescue a litter of puppies themselves without the safety net of an experienced rescue group behind them.

What is the Solution?

We do not know what the solution is. The issue of sickness in rescue dogs is one that comes along with being crazy enough to be involved in rescue. Rescue dogs, whether from Maine or from "away" generally have not received the vaccinations and health care that they require - which is why we rescue them. There is always the chance that a rescue dog or even a dog bought from a breeder will fall ill after itgoes to its new home, but a good rescue will do everything in its power to ensure a dog is healthy prior to being adopted. Without rescues - that safety net will disappear.

Some alternatives to the proposed regulations to consider include:

1) Exploring laws that will require local dog owners to maintain annual vaccination protocols above the mandatory 3-year Rabies vaccine. This will keep local dogs safe from contagious disease that they may be exposed to either from another dog or from a wild animal.

2) Requiring that all puppies that enter the State either through a rescue or through an individual citizen have at least 2 if not 3 rounds of puppy vaccinations. Puppies are the carriers for the majority of contagious diseases. Improving the protocols surrounding puppies, would go a long way to resolving these disease challenges.

3) Educating the public regarding how to select a rescue dog. Many of these health issues could be adverted if the public knew what questions to ask when adopting a rescued dog.

4) Imposing quarantine regulations and other restrictions on rescues that have a history of adopting out sick dogs.

What Can You Do to Help?

We would love for our adopters that have added a healthy canine companion to their family to let the Department of Agriculture know.

• Attend the Hearing: Public hearing on the quarantine regulation will be held on July 16, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at Florian Hall, 45 Commerce Street, (Department of Public Safety Building), Augusta, Maine.
  


• Write a Letter: The public is invited to submit comments at this time or may elect to submit comments via email to shelley.doak@maine.gov or Donald.E.Hoenig@maine.gov or by letter to the address below:
  
  Contact: Shelley Doak, Director, or Donald E. Hoenig, State Veterinarian, Division of Animal Health & Industry, 28 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0028
  

Additional Reading:

Man Bites Dog -
http://thephoenix.com/article_ektid42179.aspx

Dog Rescuer, State at Odds over Rules -
http://www.bangornews.com/news/t/news.aspx?articleid=151376&zoneid=500

Maine Advocates Fear that Proposed Quarantine Laws will Shut Down Maine Rescues
http://network.bestfriends.org/maine/news/16245.html

Illegal Pet Importation a Major Statewide Problem -
http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Agriculture+News&id=37957&v=Article

Buffy & Jody Reunited (and it feels so good!)

Some of you may remember Jody - a sweet, shy, teenage German Shepherd/Collie mix pup that we rescued from a kill shelter in Tennessee last year. Jody was very fortunate to become a member of the Cyr family - where he is living the life of a very spoiled dog! He is no longer a shy, uncertain pup - but has grown into an outgoing, well-balanced adult.

What most of you do not know is that Jody has a sister, Buffy, who was abandoned at the same shelter. Both dogs had been adopted from the shelter as pups, and then returned at 7 months when their owners moved. We were originally going to take both Buffy and Jody into rescue - but at the last minute, Buffy was adopted locally by a wonderful, single woman.

6 months later - we received an email from our shelter contact, Karen. Karen told us that Buffy's caretaker had been in a terrible car accident, leaving Buffy alone at home. One of her neighbors returned poor Buffy to the shelter. Could we possibly bring Buffy North and find a loving home for her?

Karen reported that Buffy was quite shy, but very sweet and loving. We figured - what a perfect opportunity to reunite brother and sister. We contacted the Cyr family to see if they would consider fostering Buffy until we could find a forever home for her...Of course, we were secretly hoping that they would keep her and that we could later include a very happy ending in our newsletter:)

Our hopes and dreams came true. Buffy arrived in Maine several months ago. Upon arrival, she was extremely scared and looking for an escape route. When she first saw her brother, Jody -- she did not seem to recognize him, nor did she return the joyful greeting that Jody gave. However - it was obvious that these two were sibbling. It did not take long for Buffy and Jody to rekindle their birth bond or Buffy to relax and enjoy her new found family.

Here is an update from Buffy and Jody's Dad, Pat:

The dogs are doing great together. It is amazing how much they play and run with each other They move, play, and sleep together. Buffy has adapted well to the house and surroundings. She treats the cats with playful curiosity. She is eating well and really enjoys her walks in the woods with her brother. Today a golden retriever friend came over and Karen said they had a ball rolling with each other in the field.

Thank you very much to Pat and Karen Cyr for opening up their home to not one, but two of our rescued dogs! We could not have wished for a happier ending.