SAVE THE DATE - SATURDAY - MARCH 31ST

Calling all volunteers!!!  We will be participating in the Tangi Pet Expo in Ponchatoula on Saturday, March 31st.  This is an all day event so we could use some extra hands!  The Expo will be held at the Ponchatoula Recreational Park, 19030 N. Hoover Rd., Ponchatoula from 10 to 4 pm.  We have to be there around 8 because all participants must be completely set up by 9:30.  We are taking two canopies, a large pool umbrella, tables, chairs, coolers, and as many dogs as possible.

If you can help with set up or for a hour or two during the day, please let me know. 

We will be taking our latest puppy arrivals!  We have three rat terrier mixes that are so very cute!  In addition, we will have several of our large breeds.  We really need to find homes for some of these dogs as they have been with me for almost a year!  Ofcourse, their time is never up with us, it is just that we need to make room for other dogs that need help.  Jupiter, Willow, Cybil, Boudreaux, and Zero are just waiting for someone to love!

Ginger

Also, I'd like to introduce to everyone, Ginger.  She is a another blind Pomeranian.  Ginger was in a shelter in St. Martin Parish.  When I was told of her issues, I knew she would do well here.  Precious also has very limited sight, so I am familiar with what a blind dog needs.   Ginger is 6 years old, heartworm negative, and walks well on a leash.  You just have to let her take the lead and follow her.  She is up for adoption, but she will require a special environment.  Ginger needs a home with no small children, and one where someone is home most of the day.  She is loving and as long as she can hear you coming, she does well.  Blind dogs need to know you are there before you try to pet them.  All it takes is a lot of talking!!!! She loves her crate and enjoys walks outside.

Precious

Precious is not up for adoption.  She will remain a sanctuary dog.

In Memory of Jobe

This story of a great human / canine bond came to me through a friend. It is not a story with a fairytale ending, but one where a rescued bully breed had the best possible chance of a good life.  My friend told me about her friend's struggle to save a dog's life.  The dog was rescued from a shelter then months later underwent heroic efforts to correct a medical emergency.  Here is Jobe's story as told by Melissa Perkins.

Jobe was approximately 2-3 years old and an American Bulldog. He was rescued  back in June of 2011. He was underweight and in bad shape. Very friendly with all other dogs and children and just an all around great dog. His foster mom Twyla fell in love with him.   They only had a few months together but it was true unconditional love. She fought for him until the end when he died in her arms. He underwent emergency surgery just a few days before to remove an obstruction in his stomach. Sadly, it wasn't enough to save this gentle giant. He is greatly missed and will always be a part of his mom.

A contribution to Swampy Paws Canine Rescue was made in memory of Jobe by Melissa, Twyla's dear friend.  Our thoughts and prayers go with Twyla and her family as they mourn the passing of their canine companion, Jobe.

Soloman - Gunshot SURVIVOR!!!

I write this post with bittersweet emotions.  I am so very thankful that Soloman is doing great and will be able to leave the hospital later today (weather permitting!).  Yet, I am so very disappointed that our vets at Dodge City Animal Hospital had to receive EVEN ONE NEGATIVE email or phone call.  Rather than put them through any more grief, I will not ask for any donations through facebook.  We will also no longer post anything other than the dogs up for adoption via facebook.  I don't know that makes people think they can just unload negative comments WITHOUT any information. They don't know the countless times Dr. Smith and his staff have helped me without charge!!!  They don't know the countless times they have discounted their services.  Come on people - they have a business to run, bills to pay, staff to pay, medicine and supplies to buy.....  and the list goes on.  I am so very happy to be associated with them and our other vets that we depend upon to give our rescued babies the best of care.  Please forgive my rant, but I am just stunned by the lack of civility on social media sites.  I will not tolerate it.  I'll let a scared dog snap and growl at me because it has an excuse.  But, I will not let people attack my friends and supporters when they know NOTHING.

Okay, I'm done ranting - I am taking a deep breath and will now move on....

Earlier in the week, I received a call about three dogs abandoned when the owner's moved out.  Fortunately a neighbor fed and watered them until help would be found to take them.  We now have three new "guests" -  Snow White, Miley, and Star are all mixes that will need a home soon.  Miley is in the worst shape of the three.  She has demodec mange, a staph infection, and an eye infection.  But that doesn't damper her spirits.  Her playmate, is a solid white pit/bull terrier mix with a sweet disposition.  She only has a few health issues at this time so I expect she will be ready for a new home as soon as we can get her spayed.  There is also a 10 to12 week old mix terrier puppy, Star, that just needs a few weeks of good food and no fleas.  I will have pictures of Star later.  She is so active that she will not sit still long enough for a photo. 

Storms are all around so I may lose power soon.  I just wanted to rant about a few things and let everyone see our new arrivals.

Blessings to all...

Two of the Busiest weeks EVER!!!

 

It started with our Dexter escaping from his new home.  This little Blue Heeler was so bonded to me that I was afraid he might have a hard time.  Well.... he managed to escape on Wednesday, the 22nd, on a huge farm (40 + acres).  The new owner called me in a panic.  He had been trying to catch him for over two hours.  By the time I got there, Dexter had disappeared.  I called and called for over two hours - I drove up and down the road looking for him.  I finally decided to go home, make some flyers, and try to get as many people in the area looking for him as possible. 

Once the flyers were completed, I headed back to the ranch to start giving them out.  When I pulled up the drive, there was Dexter sitting by the gate.  I was so relieved that tears started flowing.  That little bugger had stolen my heart and I was so afraid he was gone forever.  He just didn't realize that his new home was the perfect place for him.  The new owner and I spent an hours just sitting on the porch visiting.  Fortunately, he wasn't upset with Dexter and just the dog to be realize that the ranch was now home.  I led Dexter back to the kennel where a big bowl of food was waiting. 

I have received a couple of pictures of Dex and texts from the owner letting me know all is well!!!

After all of that drama, I hurried back home to get things in order before church.  I got everyone fed, kennels cleaned, and a bit of something to eat then left for church.  When I returned home, just over an hour later, Snow had a present for me!!!  A beautiful newborn puppy was in the crate -  I quickly relocated her to my spare bathroom where I had prepared a place for her to have babies.  By midnight we had 7 beautiful puppies.  Mama Snow was a recent rescue from a cruelty case.  Someone had shot her in the leg and broken her jaw. 

That very same day, I received a call about four horses in a field and two of them were down.  I met Tangihumane and a deputy from the Sheriff's office at the scene.  I wasn't prepared for what I saw.  The two downed horses were still alive, but were just living skeletons.  Those poor horses were starving.  I called Dr. Scott Smith and he rushed to the location.  Dr. Smith recommended that the two downed horses be put down.  He administered the shot and the horses died peacefully, no longer starving to death.

The owner has been charged with two felony counts of aggrevated cruelty to animals and two counts of simple cruelty to animals.  These are serious charges and it is unlikely the owner will ever see his horses again.  We picked up the two remaining horses the next day.  They are now happy to food and clean water every day!

A few days later I get a call about two little dogs that had been left in a home for two weeks when the owners were arrested for drugs.  A family member had been going over them to feed them, but once the power was turned off, she could no longer care for the dogs.  Stella and Frank are two tiny little love bugs!!!  They are between 5 and 7 years of age and get along with everyone.  They need permanent homes so please spread the word.   They are crate trained and at one time were housebroken.  However, after two weeks with no one in the home, they have regressed a bit.  It won't take long for them to remember that inside it NOT the place to go potty! 

To add to all of this, it is time to get the garden ready for planting.  We have been working on our square food garden and raised beds getting them ready for spring planting.  I have included a picture of last year's garden to keep me inspired!