Nancy Freedman-Smith, dog trainer and owner of Gooddogz Training, provides a place for dog owners to find positive training tips, canine-activities and places to visit along with the latest information on keeping your dog healthy and active. Nancy lives with her three young kids, Charlee and Finney the dogs, Yellow the parakeet and Tater-Tot the Hamster. Staying current, keeping fresh, and always learning new things is a must for Nancy and her profession because one thing that animals surely teach you is "the more you know, the more you know you don't know."
Featured adoptable dog-Princess from NEBCR
Meet Princess-a 12 year old Border Collie available for adoption from New England Border Collie Rescue. After yesterday's yummy give back day at Maples I thought it fitting that I feature one of the dogs that the wonderful fundraiser will help.
You may not have known that Border Collies come in sable color. BC's come in every color and you can see great examples of coat color on Carole Presberg's on line Border Collie Museum. Carole is the former president NEBCR and a friend of mine and I can tell you, Carole knows Border Collies! Check her museum out, it is a great click.
To see more pictures of Princess, fill out an adoption application , become a volunteer, see more dogs from NEBCR, or to become a much needed foster home, click here.
Princess's Bio
Ok, so she's 12 years old, but this big, bawdy, beautiful gal acts like a big, old goofy puppy. It's almost impossible to believe that she's 12 - she does not look or act 12 like she is 12 years old!
She is a purebred Border Collie, from Canadian farm stock, and is reminiscent of the traditional farm collies in her appearance and size. She's bigger boned than many of the Border Collies we see these days, and weighs in at a little over 50 pounds. She is very fit physically, has a beautiful soft sable coat, which is fairly short in length, and the most adorable ears you'll ever see!
Princess was owned by one family her entire life, and lived as an outdoor dog. She was raised with kids, and is extremely social and loving with people. Sadly, a move to a condo with no yard necessitated them giving up their much loved family pet.
Despite being tied out most of her life, She is extremely social, and loves people and attention - leaning or just sitting right on you. She really has no issues other than being very puppy-like in her behavior.
She is very bouncy and a bit mouthy in play, although extremely gentle about it. That along with her size, will not make her suitable for a home with young children, whom she will knock down in her exuberance.
At her age, we would really like to see Princess in a home where she has a safe place to run and play without needing to be leashed or tethered. Since she does not really have a reliable recall, a fenced yard is preferred.
Princess hasn't had much formal training until now, but you really CAN teach an old dog new tricks! She now comes to her name much of the time, will sit or lie down and stay with you, and walks beautifully on a regular harness! Her foster mom has started some clicker training with her and she learns very quickly and, in fact, enjoys it very much - she loves any interaction with her person.
Because of her past as an outdoor, and only dog, she will require some time and patience of her new family - which is actually typical of MOST rescue dogs. She would probably be best as an only dog or with a truly submissive dog. Princess definitely wants to be Queen when it comes to other dogs. We think this is because she has been used to fending for herself all her life.
She is overly interested in cats, but would likely be fine in a home with dog savvy cats that have somewhere they can escape to where Princess can't follow.
Princess is spayed and microchipped, and is up-to-date on her vaccines. This beautiful gal has a LOT of life and love left to give, and is looking for someone to love her. She is a total sweetheart and really, really needs a person of her own. She doesn't require a lot of exercise, but can still be plenty active to keep up on regular walks and play time. She currently walks two miles a day with no problem and that is at a brisk pace!
Princess loves to ride in the car and is a very content and quiet passenger. If you're looking for a happy, playful, loving companion, who's just looking for some attention and a comfy home for her retirement years, please consider Princess. Every bit of love you give her will be returned tenfold!
Princess is being fostered in northern New Jersey and is available under our Seniors for Seniors program.
You must have an approved application on file to be considered for any adoptable dog.
Disclaimer:This blog is happy to feature adoptable dogs for local rescues and shelters. I prefer to feature dogs that are having a hard time finding their forever families and are located in Maine, but his is not a hard fast rule.
Dogs are featured as a courtesy, and listings are written by the recues.
Maples Give back day today!
Mid afternoon today I have a date with Maple's Organics blueberry gelato. OMG is it good! 100 % of today's profits will go to New England Border Collie Rescue in Maple's very first of many "give back days."
Maple is the owner's name sake Border Collie and it is fitting that a rescue near and dear to my heart be the recipient of Maple's very first give back day. I got Charlee from NEBCR nearly 8 years ago , and I have stayed on as a volunteer ever since.
An extra special thank you to Maples for rescheduling NEBCR's day. Feb. 7th's snow storm was a very unlikely day for gelato seekers.
This blog gives Maple's Organics
151 Middle Street, Portland
the highest of all possible ratings.
Four paws off the ground!
About the photo-that's Maple!
UPDATE
Thank you Maple's! While there we finally got to meet owner Kristie. Here she is with Maple's 6 week old puppy Uno. Dont worry, pup's Mom was in the car.
Meet Buddy-Featured adoptable dog from ACES
Meet Buddy, a tall, three year old, purebred 65 pound English Setter. This strong energetic boy is looking for a perfect match to bring out all his potential. Buddy came into rescue after his owner died. Clearly he was loved but he's still learning basic manners so continued positive reinforcement training will be a requirement for his adoption.
We think that Buddy would do best in a home where:
-He is the only dog. Buddy currently doesn’t interact well with all dogs. His foster parents are working on obedience and improving Buddy’s social skills.
-Buddy needs a secure fenced area. Buddy runs like the wind, searching for birds, squirrels and other critters and he is just magnificent to watch. He needs to burn off the Setter energy that we all know and love. Buddy happily amuses himself when he is outside alone, but also checks in with his foster dad or mom if we’re sitting outside. Buddy can jump high, but has never tried to scale our 5-foot wire fence.
-Someone is home during the day, or part of the day. Buddy isn’t destructive when left alone, but he may bark from missing you. This behavior has improved dramatically as Buddy has settled into his foster home and learned our routine and schedule.
-Unlike some rescue dogs who are wary of men, Buddy LOVES men. He would love to have a new Dad. Buddy has been friendly toward any strangers he has met. He greets us at the door with a stuffie toy or kong in his mouth, wagging his tail and wiggling his butt with excitement. Buddy seems to love everyone, but we will not place him with children due to his enthusiastic zest for life.
We believe that with time and attention, Buddy will make a wonderful companion. Won’t you please give this handsome boy a second look!
Disclaimer:This blog is happy to feature adoptable dogs for local rescues and shelters. I prefer to feature dogs that are having a hard time finding their forever families and are located in Maine, but his is not a hard fast rule.
Dogs are featured as a courtesy, and listings are written by the recues.
Please contact the ACES directly for more information on Buddy.
McCain a pug? U gotta be kiddin'
Victory dog, Jonny Justice
Mutts blog is continuing it's coverage on the candidates as pure bred dogs. I nearly jumped off my chair when I read that John McCain was a pug.
A pug! Mr Woestendiek you can't be serious.
The first thing that came to my mind is he sure looks like a pug, and the AKC would most likely ILP him as a pug if you sent them pictures and paid your ten dollars. But act like a pug he does not. For those that do not already know, an ILP stands for Indefinite listing privilege, and this is a hot topic for me and one that I will be visiting very soon. How many times have I been at AKC sanctioned events to see dogs who were in no way the pure bred dog breed that were supposed to representing.
I digress -more on this later in the week.
Now I ask you, does this quote from the Pug Rescue of Sacramento, sound like Mr McCain in any way? We are talking about a man who spent 5 long years as a POW?
"Pugs have been called the clowns of the dog world and were bred for one purpose, to be companion animals to humans. A Pug loves a good meal, a soft lap, and a soft pillow".
I knew immediately that there is only one dog that McCain could be and everyone I spoke to agreed.
McCain is a Pitbull.
You only have to look as far as Michael Vick, Victory Dogs, to see that. They are America's new media darlings.
What other breed could endure torture, and horrors and and come out stronger on the other side, with their mental capacities still in tact?
Have you all had a chance to see Wallace the pit who who spent the first year of his life in a shelter?
Wallace won the Purina Incredible Dog Challenge.
From Bad Rap.org web site:
"The animal that was once courageous enough to do battle with a bull or another APBT in the pit, now utilizes that same bravado to stay alive and sane in conditions where other 'softer' breeds might go insane".
Just because a dog looks a certain breed, it just doesn't make it so. You need to factor in breed traits to paint a full picture.
Still there is no denying that Senator John McCain is ILP-able as a pug.
Happy Happy Vick dogs!
Happy Happy Vick dogs!
Thanks to Leslie the editor over at Dogtime.com for writing and letting all of us know about Dogtimes front page story featuring happy happy Vick dogs in foster care.
Go check out their exclusive videos and story here.
When ever I have Pitties for clients, owners always get the same speech from me about how they need to train their dogs to a very high level. Pitties owned by responsible Pit lovers, need to be what is commonly referred to as "Ambssadogs" of the breed. The wonderful Pits I know work daily on changing public perception.
Be sure to watch Jonny Justice strutting his stuff around town and you will see just what I am taking about.
Good boy Jonny!
Photo credit-Dogtime.com
The 12 dogs of Sugar Bush Farm's Christmas '07
On the off chance that you just can't get enough dogs and the holidays, you have to check out Christmas present time at Sugar Bush Farm's agility barn. Kathy is a good friend and treasurer of New England Border Collie Rescue, where I have volunteered for the last 8 years or so.
After viewing the movie, you will understand why we dedicated this years rescue calendar to Kathy and her husband Craig.
For a direct link, click here.
Buxton puppy mill dogs cleared for placement
Great update on the Animal Refuge League's web site.
The dogs from the Buxton puppy mill will be going to forever homes!
The Animal Refuge League and Animal Welfare Society begin the next chapter of the Buxton puppy mill saga. On November 15th the court awarded custody of the seized animals to the State of Maine Animal Welfare Program and in the next several weeks the lead agencies in this seizure will be working to get some 300 dogs and pups spayed, neutered and microchipped by Home Again in preparation for eventual adoption. It should be noted that this action is separate from the criminal proceedings and from any other known legal proceedings currently in place, such as the $900 million law suit which has been reported. All animals who are coming up for adoption through ARL and AWS will be posted on the websites and interested parties should keep checking in. Adoptions will be done methodically, giving potential adopters plenty of information about what to expect when adopting a puppy mill survivor.
Read the rest of the update and find out how to help here.
This is an enormous financial undertaking and monetary donations are greatly needed!
Art for Dog Sake to Benefit Dogs Deserve Better Sat. 11/17 10am-4pm
Art for Dog Sake
A gathering of artists
Saturday Nov. 17th 10AM-4Pm
Sprague Hall
Rt 77 Cape Elizabeth
A diverse group of artists gathering with a mission to help rescue dogs in need.
$2.00 donation at the door will go to Dogs Deserve Better, a non profit organization dedicated to freeing chained dogs and bringing them into the home and family
For more info and a list of artists- Click here.
See you there!
Chase vs the Dishwasher
This past summer I fostered Chase, a pure bred Border Collie from New England Border Collie Rescue. 8 year old Chase was a washed up Goose patrol dog from a golf course in New York. He had lived for a quite a few years in a small outdoor pen before being relinquished to rescue after his original care giver moved on to another job, and he was just the sweetest thing!
True to his breed, Chase had a few quirks. Chase loved to catch water from the hose, and he herded the washer, dryer and dishwasher.
Here he is in my kitchen "helping" me with the dishes.
You must click here to check him out in action.
Chase is thriving in his forever home in New Hampshire.
Pet peeve of the week-make that the year
![DSC01618[1].JPG](http://www.mainetoday.com/pets/dogslife/DSC01618[1].JPG)
While walking through a Portland neighborhood with a client, who just happens to be a huge muscular Pitbull/Mastiff rescue with a prior history of aggression and abuse, we came upon this dog fence running on an electric fence.
This dog is in FRONT of her fenced in yard. Apparently this family just lets the dog out the front door and the she runs the invisible fence line most of the day.
This is a recipe for disaster. Not only is the dog practicing unwanted OCD behaviors all day, but one of these days I can guarantee she will charge the wrong dog. Dogs out walking do not understand that the other dogs have invisible boundaries. If the dog on the electric fence gets zapped, over time she will make bad associations with approaching dogs and people, and it will lead to aggression. Notice I didn't say can, but in this case, I met a time bomb. Legally I am pretty sure that the dog is on city property and technically breaking the leash law.
To make matters worse, she lives on a corner lot!
Had we approached from the other angle and had that dog come running around the corner at us at full speed, as she always does, there may have been a serious dog fight-and no doubt public sentiment would have been against my client, the Pitty, who was just minding his own business. My client reacted better(or should I say DIDN"T react), than either one of my dogs would have under those circumstances. Thankfully she didn't stick around to meet and greet us and continued on her frenzied way.
I will never understand the need for people to have their electric fences run down to the street. If you feel the need to use electric fences, and no I don't like them, why on earth would anyone allow their unsupervised dog access to the sidewalk and near a road?
When we were walking back home, we were just about to cross the street to avoid the lab's property when she came snarling and growling at us from inside the wooden fence. That did set my client's dog off, but he was easily redirected. That Lab spends all day in a high state of arousal and she is time bomb.
If my client's dog had bit her nose through the fence, whose fault would it have been?
A local vet I know wired the front of his house like half a figure eight. If case the dogs get out the front door, they have a small space in which they can get in to the back yard. That makes quite a bit more sense to me than this!!!
A few years back I had a foster dog here over night. My son was walking her on my street when my neighbors let their 2 dogs out who are both on electric fences. The two dogs barreled around the house and came charging at my foster dog full tilt and a dog fight ensued. I love my neighbors, and their dogs and I still feel really bad about the fight, but technically my dog was on leash minding her own business and she was attacked. The foster dog nearly killed one of the neighbor's dogs with a bite near an artery, and to this day he walks with a limp. The rescue paid the other dog's vet bill, but we could not place the dog due to the fight, and she was returned to the family. I agonized over putting that dog to sleep due to the severe damage she inflicted to my neighbor's dog. Families relinquishing dogs do not always tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth, and we wil never know if she had a prior history of dog fighting, but in the end, we felt she deserved another chance due to the electric fence circumstances.
Let today's blog serve as a reminder that dogs do not understand that OTHER dogs are behind an invisible barrier and you need to supervise your dogs!
In many ways dogs are like toddlers-left to their own devices, they make bad choices.
Featured rescue dog in need - Corduroy
Usually I only feature local dogs, but when my friend Amy of our local Miniature Pinscher Rescue sent me a plea for help for this little guy Corduroy, I offered to list him here on my blog where lots of you can see him and possibly send money to All Miniature Pincher Service to help foot his medical bill.
Poor little guy was hit by a car.
When I originally offered to write about him, I didn't notice that he lived in Ohio. I nearly wrote back to say "sorry no".... but come on...look at that face!
Don't you want to help him?
Before I met Amy and saw her fantastic Min Pins in action, I wasn't a big Min Pin fan. I didn't see them as the high drive dogs they surely are. Amy is successful in all canine venues with her "Pin Heads" as she calls them. Her dogs are fantastic and I like to go early to agility class so I can see her dogs fly around the course before the start of mine.
As with any breed, do your research to see if a Min Pin is the right choice for you. Click here to read a breed description. And for the record, a Min Pin was the only dog who ever bit me in a group class and I still have the scar between my thumb and pointer finger to prove it. To be fair to that dog it should be noted that the bite was many many years ago, and long before I made the switch to only positive dog training methods.
As for Corduroy, click here to read more about him and how you can help.
Small gifts have a way of adding up to large sums.
Freestyle-Back in the USSR
McKenzie of Scarborough picked flowers for all the dogs at yesterday's Rotti Stroll for Rescue. Jesse, a 12 year Border Collie basks in her kindness.
Both Jenny Yasi and I were glad that we had the chance to strut our stuff in the arena at the Rotti Rescue Stroll on Saturday. The weather people had called for 100 % chance of rain, which unfortunately scared a lot of would be attendees away. North East Rotti Rescue put on a wonderful rescue event and it is too bad that more people weren't there to see it. Next year people!
We found ourselves without a boom box and at the last minute rigged Jenny's daughter's IPod through the PA and we both chose new music. Even though I had played the Locomotion at least 100 times in my car and choreographed an entire routine in my head, we didn't do any of it! Instead I chose Back in the USSR from the Ipod. We winged the entire routine, without treats, and that is a lot in and of itself. My dog had tons of drive yesterday and she LOVES Freestyle.
We were far from technically accurate, but we did what we set out to do-had fun. I actually cut her two best big air moves due to what I hope is a mending muscle injury. When I attended a 2 day Carolyn Scott Freestyle seminar, she often repeated the two things a freestyle dog needs is attitude and attention. Happy to say, while we are still a bit of a wild freak show, we do have those two important aspects going for us.
Our next endeavor is to video tape a routine for the next upcoming video competition and I am going to try to title Charlee in Freestyle. I know a lot of you think that Canine Freestyle is a silly sport, but who among us dog lovers does't want to have fun with our dogs and make them happy? I have a dog with a lot of drive, brains, talent and tons of natural rhythm to boot. If you told me when I was in my 20's that one day I would be doing interruptive dance with my dog I would have laughed in your face.
As we exited the ring today, Louise Poppema, animal communicator and friend stopped to tell me that Charlee says:
"finally I have found something to do that is fun and that she loves".
Need I say more? Charlee has spoken.
Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos
If that doesn't load, then Click here to watch the video.
Good Dog Charlee!
Farley-featured adoptable dog
Meet Farley
This Tree Walkeer Coon Hound has been waiting a long time to find his forever family.
Farley is currently in a foster home with two other dogs, toddlers and cats. Farley is not a good match for a home with kitties so this sweet boy will need a foster or permanent home that is cat-free.
Here is what Dogs Deserve Better has to say about Farley:
Farley is a wonderful 5-year old Treeing Walker Coonhound. For those of you who love this breed, Farley is a true find!
Farley came to our rescue after a death his family. His whole life has been turned upside down. He misses his former owner terribly and really needs a forever home to call his own.
Adjectives to describe Farley are Goofy, fun and good natured.
Click here for more Pictures of Farley
Farley loves to go for long walks in the woods and to romp with his human or canine companions.
At five years old, Farley is at the perfect age... not a wild puppy, but plenty of life and love left to give.
Farley loves people - he is good with other dogs and is wonderful with children of all ages, including toddlers.
As is the case with most hounds - Farley will do anything for a treat...
He enjoys romping in the yard with his foster "brother" and is gentle with the young children in the home.
Here is the latest from Farley's foster mom:
Since Farley has come to our home, he's really come out of his shell and is a real sweetheart.
He is a perfect gentleman whether its getting a bath or just dealing with the everyday life with two toddlers and a 10 month old bullmastiff pup.
He takes everything from the kids trailing him, to rattling his crate door, to having a 100 lb pup constantly trying to get him to play by tackling him and running around him barking, with the same laid back ease he does everything.
Farley enjoys his attention from his human and canine friends, but also enjoys being outside in the yard.
His favorite thing to do is sunbathe. I often have a hard time getting him to come in if its sunny out, he'll often move around the yard as the sun shifts, but come dinner time or bed time he'll be the first one there.
He crates very well and enjoys his rides in the car.
He's really started playing around and acting like the young dog he is. He's been a real joy.
As is typical of his breed, Farley is led by his nose, which sometimes makes him difficult to walk on leash (especially if he sees a squirrel or chipmunk). He responds well to a haltee or no-pull harness.
Farley is a wonderful family dog. If you take him home, he will be your best friend and will promise to keep you laughing.
Farley is neutered and up-to-date on vaccinations
Due to this breed's capacity to roam - a fenced in yard (stockade or chain link) is required as one of the application criteria.
If you can provide Farley with the love and attention that he deserves, please contact DDBMaine@yahoo.com
Featured adoptable dogs- Lupine and Lilac at the Animal Refuge League
Lupine
Lilac
Many of you will recall seeing the deplorable TV footage of 19 Beagles along with a mixed breed dog, taken from a hoarders home in Limington last month. The good news is that the dogs are thriving and ready for new homes. Currently the Animal Refuge League in Westbrook has two lovely girls on their adoption floor waiting patiently for their new families. Meet Lilac and Lupine, who have been described to me by Susan Britt, Director of Operations , as "amazingly sweet." "When the girls underwent their temperament tests, they were happiest sitting in the evaluator's lap".
Families considering these dogs should expect some degree of separation anxiety as the dogs have never been alone and are very bonded to people and other dogs. All 20 dogs taken from the hoarders home have dental issues that will need to be addressed as well.
For more info visit the Refuge Leagues web site at:
www.arlgp.org
Helping these dogs has taxed the shelter's already limited resources and donations are always much appreciated.
Quiz! What the heck kind of dog is Riley?
Meet Riley, a group Manners class member.
Riley is 8 months old and he came from a shelter in Pennsylvania. He stands only about 15 inches at the withers, and weighs under 30 pounds.
Riley is quite clever and quick. He can be a bit unsure of new things, but is quick to warm up. I just love that little guy!
Your mission, is to take your best guess at what breed he is and while you are at it, how about naming his breed? I am sure Donna will have a few creative ideas to get you all started. A few people, myself included thought he looked a bit like Carolina dog, but the color is wrong, and oh those ears! There seems to be quite a few dogs in there. My best guess is that he is a Cattle Dog mix, but his head is a bit Sheperd looking and there is no doubt he looks like a wild Dingo!
Your "what the heck kind of dog breed is Riley" comments are most welcome!
What do you think about...
-dingocatilina dog
or a...
-shepolina heeler
Have you ever thought about fostering a dog?
"Foster dogs frequently come with baggage: fear of certain things or certain types of people, a lack of experience with grooming, discomfort with being on a leash or in a car. Baggage requires me to work to overcome it, to turn the suitcase from a 26-incher into a small carry-on, if I can".
I just loved the above quote taken from a very sweet article written by pet columnist and foster dog parent
Maryanne Dell who writes about her new foster dog and about how hard she is trying not to fall in love with her. In the wonderful world of rescue, "failed foster" is the term we jokingly apply to dogs who are adopted by their foster families. This is meant as a term of endearment as the majority of foster homes are incredible dog people and wonderful homes for any lucky dog.
But failed fosters often mean the end of their fostering career. It may be to much on the resident dogs to add yet another dog into the home, and more likely the town has a number restriction of how many dogs a resident is allowed to have.
While not largely publicized, some rescue organizations encourage people that are not quite ready for a new dog to foster and "try on" a few dogs for size. Rescues and shelters are always in desperate need for foster homes, and any little bit helps, BUT, do not take this huge responsibility on if you don't think you have what it takes to keep the dog until it is adopted. That will only make more headaches for already overworked rescuers.
If you have been thinking of fostering, what are you waiting for? You can start by contacting a breed rescue of choice, your local shelter or any of a multitude of local rescues. Here is a sample list of local organizations to get you started.
We will be fostering for New England Border Rescue in the not too distant future.
About the photo-
Dina and young Charlee shortly after adoption. Charlee had been in an NEBCR foster home for just over 2 weeks.
Featured adoptable dog- Festus - from Almost Home Rescue
Don't you love Almost Home's new logo!
While I don't believe in giving dogs as gifts, especially during the holiday season, rescue dogs still need rescuing all year round. This blog is happy to feature dogs that may need a little extra exposure in order to find their person.
Meet Festus, a senoir Collie mix
Senior dogs like Festus, break the heart of any animal lover. Start the adoption process now and you can have Festus home in time for Festivus! Please accept apologies for bad joke. Couldn't help it!
Read more about Festus on the Almost Home Pet finder page here.
Top Ten Reasons to Adopt an Older Dog*
from the Senoir Dogs Project
Housetrained
1. Older dogs are housetrained. You won't have to go through the difficult stage(s) of teaching a puppy house manners and mopping/cleaning up after accidents.
Won't chew inappropriate items
2. Older dogs are not teething puppies, and won't chew your shoes and furniture while growing up.
Focus to learn
3. Older dogs can focus well because they've mellowed. Therefore, they learn quickly.
Knows what no means
4. Older dogs have learned what "no" means. If they hadn't learned it, they wouldn't have gotten to be "older" dogs.
Settle in with the "pack"
5. Older dogs settle in easily, because they've learned what it takes to get along with others and become part of a pack.
Good at giving love
6. Older dogs are good at giving love, once they get into their new, loving home. They are grateful for the second chance they've been given.
WYSIWYG
7. What You See Is What You Get: Unlike puppies, older dogs have grown into their shape and personality. Puppies can grow up to be quite different from what they seemed at first.
Instant companions
8. Older dogs are instant companions -- ready for hiking, car trips, and other things you like to do.
Time for yourself
9. Older dogs leave you time for yourself, because they don't make the kinds of demands on your time and attention that puppies and young dogs do.
A good night's sleep
10. Older dogs let you get a good night's sleep because they're accustomed to human schedules and don't generally need nighttime feedings, comforting, or bathroom breaks.
Waiting to hear from Erin! Chain off 2006!
Brady and Kelsey
I am anxiously waiting to hear from Erin of Lewiston who spent 24 hours chained to a tree Sunday night to raise awareness and funds for Dogs Deserve Better and their Chain Off 2006 campaign. I met both Erin and her rescue dog Kelsey, who she adopted in Oct. 2005 from Dogs Deserve Better, when they attended my tricks clinic last month.
She has promised before, during, and after photo's-so check back soon!
Here is her original email where she explains her motivation in her own words.
As some of you may know, our wonderful dog Kelsey came from an organization called Dogs Deserve Better. This is an organization that has touched my heart. This 4th of July weekend is their annual Chain Off Campaigned designed to raise awareness of dogs that spend their entire lives on chains. Although I can’t be part of the national campaign, I decided to do my own Chain Off.
I will stay chained to a tree in my yard for 24 hours – I will only go in the house to go to the bathroom! I will do this from 12pm on Sunday to 12p on Monday. I also heard it was going to rain during this time…I want the whole experience
I will not be allowed books, TV, radio, or even visitors; I will be stripped of all the comforts we take so much for granted on a daily basis. In their place, I will receive only a chain, a collar, water, food, sleeping bag, and shade.
I will record my feelings 3 times during the 24 hr period, in a journal, helping to light a path for the dogs to travel toward freedom. I will experience the pain and suffering chained dogs endure, day in, day out—often for life. This knowledge may make it virtually impossible to look at a chained dog without a burning desire to make a difference in that dog's life.
I’m doing this for my own personal experience but if this is something you also believe in and would like to sponsor me, please let me know. Whatever I raise in donations will be sent to our Maine Rep Susanna Richer.
For more info you can also go to www.dogsdeservebetter.comThanks
Erin
Featured adoptable dog--- Meet Dante
**SPECIAL NEEDS**
Meet Dante-from New England Border Collie Rescue.
He is a very sweet, loving, very outgoing, and playful 10 month old registered BC who has been diagnosed with Idiopathic Epilepsy. Brain tumors, encephalitis & other diseases have been ruled out through extensive testing (including MRI). Dante is now stablized on 2 pills of phenobarbital a day, but he will most likely continue to have cluster seizures periodically throughout his life. A cluster seizure can be life-threatening unless a human intervenes with medication.
Dante's 'forever home' will be with someone who can be with him at all times and who is structured enough to NEVER forget to give him his pill every 12 hours. Even being 2 hours late is enough to throw him into a seizure. Nebcr will teach you how to deal with seizures, including giving him Diazapan rectally. Dante's 'forever home' will be calm & able to cope during a crisis and able to deal with his seizures in a loving, gentle but capable way.
The good part is that Dante is well worth the side-effects of epilepsy. He is young, playful, lovable, athletic, smart, and willing to please, and knows all his basic commands quite well. He gets along great with other dogs and
Dante loves children
as well as other dogs. He would be delighted to share a home with older kids, but small children might be frightened during a seizure and he doesn't want to scare anyone. It is also important for everyone's safety, that any children in the home be taught to stay clear of Dante during and immediately after a seizure, until he has had a chance to settle down and return to normal.
Dante is a very very special dog who is looking for just the right home.
Yes, he does have a little medical problem, but it doesn't cause him any pain and he doesn't remember the seizures -- he just needs a calm, consistent, and very responsible person to help him through them.
Dante's new parent(s) will be trained on how to handle his seizures, like always having his Diazapan & Phenobarb on hand, even a travel kit for hikes & playgrounds. He's a little like having a child who's allergic to bee stings --- have to keep that kit nearby 'just in case'!
If you are willing to have Dante in your life 24/7 and have the right personality to deal with an epileptic dog, he will reward you with sloppy kisses, lots of laughter, and years of being your very best friend.
For more info on Dante, click here. You must fill out an applcaiton to be consdiered for this or any NEBCR dog.
For more information on canine epilepsy, click this link
Canine Epilepsy Guardian Angels.
A special thank you goes out to Pet Quarters in Windhamand At your Barkin' Call in Gray for selling donation bones for Dante and helping to raise money for his Vet care which has totaled approximately $3500.
From time to time A Dog's Life features adoptable dogs from Maine rescues and shelters. I prefer to feature dogs that are difficult to place and need a bit of extra help finding their special person.
If your Maine rescue group or shelter would like to feature a dog on this blog email gooddogz1@aol.com. Please put featured dog for blog in the heading.
Welcome to Maine Fontana!
Welcome to Maine Fontana!
Fontana, a stray hound mix, adopted his owner Julie, from Raymond Maine while she was hiking on the Appalachian trail. The dog first ventured near her campsite on the Fontana Dam in North Carolina. A storm was brewing off in the distance and he was skittish at first, but soon warmed up to Julie and her friend.
They all hiked together for 70 miles with Fontana's nose glued to Julie's thigh much of the time.
Julie and her friend shared their food with the dog and Fontana hiked and feasted on lots of turkey jerky.
When she reached her ultimate destination the dog was turned over to animal control where he was vetted and cared for. Julie knew all along that she wanted to keep the dog, but first she had to wait three days to see if any one claimed him. She had no way to fly him him back and as soon as she got home, she and her husband turned right back around and drove 16 hours straight back through to adopt him in Newport, TN.
It took them another 19 hours of driving north to get Fontana home to Maine.
Fontana will be coming to class on Saturday and I will post more on him soon.
Fontana relaxing in the car on the trip up to his new home in Maine.
Thanks to Julie for the pictures.
I am looking forward to meeting you both!!!
Heidi
This is a story with a happy ending, and who doesn't love a story with a happy ending? It is the story of Heidi, a deaf Cattle dog mix who was lost 3,0000 miles away from the people she loved.
It is also the story of how one dog touched thousands of people over the Internet. What began as a simple plea on Craig's list and the Deaf Dog Yahoo site, became an orchestrated exchange of information, passed on at lightning speeds. Dog people are notoriously wonderful at forwarding information,and within hours of the dog being lost, pleas for Heidi's return were popping up in email boxes everywhere.
This is the story of how powerful a tool the Internet can be when people use it to reach out and try to help each other.
I am proud to say that I am part of her story, all because I blogged it on Maine Today.com. By detailing her plight, A Dog's Life became the place for people to check for updates and to find out what they could do to help find Heidi. Many people of Portland printed and posted flyers, sent email alerts, made great suggestions to the family, notified nearby work places, left Heidi food, and physically went out and looked for her, while people in California and around the Internet hung their hopes on every word. Dogs lists everywhere pointed people to my blog where many were checking in several times a day awaiting any news of sightings and to learn more about how they could help. It was a place of support and hope.
Basically the story goes like this:
July 7th, Heidi was shipped to Maine in anticipation of her families move from the bay area, to the East coast.
Unfortunately she panicked when she was being picked up, and she slipped her collar and bolted. She was struck by a car, and according to the driver, rolled three times and then got up and fled. Many people tried to find her (including me!) , and she was spotted only a couple of times in nearly two weeks. Her owner Paul, who by all accounts has a tremendous bond with the dog came east to find her, but was unsuccessful and had to return to the bay area and finish up his personal business on the west coast before moving. During this week, Heidi sightings were few.
Back in California, Heidi's family was distraught not only for loosing the dog they loved, but because they felt that the dog must have felt they had abandoned her. For the people who loved her, this was nearly too much to bear. Her owners told me that her deafness had never really been an issue until this happened. It wasn't an issue when they adopted her, or when they trained her. Her deafness was just the way things were. But for the first time in the four years they had her, they wished more than anything that she could hear, so she could hear their calls.
There were no reported sightings of the dog from Wednesday the 13th, until Sunday the 17th. On Sunday the 17th Paul returned to Portland and on that day she was spotted back at the Portland Jetport. I remember when I got that update from Linden in California, I got goose bumps and thought to myself, how can this be? Heidi returning to the Airport, to me was the most incredible part of the story. The dog had been hiding in the woods for nearly two weeks and came back to the airport on the day that Paul flew back. That night Paul camped in the woods at a location where Heidi had been sighted in hopes that Heidi would find him, but the family was gravely discouraged when she was not seen.
But for the first time in nearly two weeks, I was hopeful.
When we take children places we tell them "if we get separated stay where you are and I will come and find you", but how can we communicate this to our dogs? It makes you think that this dog, this special dog had a connection that is inexplicable. She just knew.
Monday night the 18th, Paul was back camping at the Jetport, the last place Heidi had been spotted. Early Tuesday she came to him, after being gone nearly two weeks.
Heidi smelled rancid, she was covered in ticks and she had lost 3 pounds, but other than that, she was in great shape.
Many people have written to me wanting to know more about how Paul and Heidi are doing now, and I will tell you all after this weekend when I meet them in person. Can't wait.
A Dog's Life Heidi blogs
Lost Dog Alert
Update for Heidi the Lost Dog
Desperatley Seeking Heidi
Heidi has been found!
Be sure to click the picture link in the comment section of Paul and Heidi. Great shot!
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