We were on TV!!!

Wow, I missed the 6 pm news, but our followers didn't.  They let me know that our story was aired tonight.  I want to thank Dr. Farrell for his continued support and for contacting WAFB about our need.  We really could not operate without the support of our veterinary clinics.  Hickory Small Animal Hospital in Ponchatoula is close to me so all of my foster babies go there.  The other dogs are in homes in the Walker - Denham area so they go to Denham Springs Animal Hospital.  DSAH also does all our spay and neuters for us.  Dodge City Veterinary Clinic does all of our orthopedic work and well as my personal farm animals!  We are so blessed to have three great clinics to help us!    The star of the interview was Cookie!  She had her exam while the camera was rolling! 

These are some of the little dogs we will be getting tomorrow.  They are matted and dirty, but they are happy babies!

 

Jerry Lee is a happy boy!

 

 

What a week!!!!

I am getting way too old for many weeks like this!  We had 5 home visits, 6 vet visits, and one cruelty call.  Since I live way out in the sticks, it takes an hour to get anywhere.  Thank goodness the gas prices are reasonable these days.  I don't like being away from home to begin with and with all the runs this week adjustments had to be made to the work schedule.  Notice the headlamp!!!  Well, with the long days, the outside kennel runs and the farm animals sometimes had to be tended to after dark.  I bought a couple of these for my hurricane supplies a few years ago and have fallen in love with them.  Both of my hands can be free and since I don't see well at night it provides the necessary safety I need for maneuvering about in the dark.

 

Our little goat is still pregnant.  We decided to wait and let nature take over.  We are unsure of her due date because she was pasture bred when we weren't paying attention. 

 

Poor baby can barely walk. 

 

Fortunately all 8 of the poodles from the backyard breeder have found either rescues or foster homes.  We are so blessed to have a great working relationship with other rescues in our area.  A huge thank you goes to APAWS' Kelly Parrish for taking 4 of these poor dogs.  We also have two going to a breed specific rescue in Florida and two will remain in our adoption program and will be foster by one our great foster moms, Diania!  For all of those folks who offered to help just because we don't have a poodle left, doesn't mean we don't need you!  We have other dogs that need a foster home.

 

 

Just a reminder!!!  The Krewe of Tickfaw's Mardi Gras ball is on 2/7.  Get your tickets now!  We have some great silent auction items.  Tin Lizzy's is a great venue.  Please join us.

 

I'm Back to Blogging

Wow, we had a busy 2014 and my goal for 2015 is to get back to blogging.  While I love the instant nature of Facebook, it does not always allow me to fully express what is going on.  Please continue to follow our facebook page because it has the most up to date information.  But I hope to use this forum to educate and inform.

We had a successful year.  We found homes for 75 dogs.  We put 12 young dogs on transports to out of state adoptions and we managed to help countless residents with various dog "issues". 

Our financial status is always an issue. We are always broke and my retirement fund has bailed us out more than once.  Our vet bills were slightly over $37,000.  Adoptions and donations covered all but $14,000.

Our focus has changed somewhat.  As I get older and cannot manhandle the big boys, we have transitioned to a small breed special needs rescue.  Of course we accept young dogs, but we won't turn away an older dog because it may be viewed as less adoptable.  Our protocol is that all dogs come here to my foster home before going to other foster homes.  This gives me time to totally vet the dog and understand it's personality before we place it in any home. 

Our sanctuary dogs are truly remarkable.  We have 5 blind dogs and 1 that is blind and deaf.  They all manage to get along and for the most part they just sleep, eat, wander around a little bit and start the process all over again.  At this time, all of our sanctuary spots are full.

Two of our little Chihuahuas are seeing the orthopedic surgeon tomorrow.  Both of the little ones have bad knees!

Next week we are going to be busy with the Krewe of Tickfaw Mardi Gras Ball!  Swampy Paws has been selected as their charity of choice to receive the donations from this year's event.  The ball is on 2/7 and the boat parade is 2/14.  More to come in the days ahead........

Get your daily updates from Facebook

Please visit our facebook page for daily updates.  I am unable to keep up with both a blog, facebook, and all the dogs!

Please get your daily updates via facebook

PLEASE VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE -

Swampy Paws Canine Rescue - Daily updates are posted!


I am unable to keep up with the blog and facebook, so we are only using facebook at this time.

Dodge City Feed Adoption Event

We had a great time Saturday.  We found homes for two kittens, but our big dogs were not so lucky.  However, Bleau and Snow White aren't the least bit bothered by the news!  Life is good......

These wonderful dogs are looking for a family to love them.  They are crate trained, semi house trained, and good with other dogs and kids. Unfortunately they don't like cats!  Both Snow White and Bleau tested as a weak positive for heartworms, but they have been on doxicycline and preventative so they may test negative soon! Bleau is a two year old Catahoula/Pit Mix and Snow White is a Bull Terrier mix and is also around 2 years of age. 

 

Swampy Paws' Volunteers are the BEST!!!  Many thanks to Melissa, Merry, Barbara, Judy, and Daniel for their dedication to the cause!

Holden's Nature Club Donation

Wow, I had the best time this afternoon meeting the members of the Holden Nature Club - Grades 2 - 4.  These energetic students held a food drive for our "guests" at Swampy Paws and the results are amazing!  In just a little over a week they raised over 300 pounds of food and treats.  All of our fur babies are so thankful to have such a caring group.

Every dollar we save by not having to purchase food allows us to rescue more abused, abandoned or injured animals of Livingston Parish.

Thank you Ms. Dawn, Holden School, and everyone involved in this food drive.  I can't wait to go back in a month or so and visit with the club and give them an update.

Sick Bay at Swampy Paws

December and January have been a bit overwhelming.  We have little Merry with a broken leg, Keely with a double knee cap surgery, Inca (the cat) recovering from a dog attack, and Daisey with fluid on her lungs and a heavy heartworm load. It is only by the grace of God that we can handle it! 

Blogger has changed its format so I am unable to get photos to load!  This is so frustrating.  I haven't blogged in a while because of their changes.  I may have to change to wordpress. 

Many thanks to those who are donating to help with the cost of Keely's surgery.  I just can't believe she lived for 7 years in pain and remained such a sweet dog.  I have arthritis in my knees and the days when I am in pain, I am not very sweet!  If I were a dog, I am sure I would have bitten someone by now.  But Keely is always glad to see people and only wants to be loved.

Please keep up with us via our facebook page.  It is much easier for me to get information out quickly.

Blessings,
Vickie

Around the farm.....

Everyone is relaxing today.  We have had such a busy few months that all of us need a break from time to time.  Mr. Beagle loves HIS sofa!  I have to push him out of the way in order to sit down.  Ofcourse when you have a farm and lots of animals you never really get a break, but today I tried to just do only what was necessary.  Errands took most of the day!

Nikki has decided that all of those little dogs running around the house are just too much for her.  She has taken over my chair - Now, let's see.... Beagle has the sofa and Nikki has my favorite chair.  I guess I have officially become the crazy dog lady. 

Yoda and Cobalt decided my dust cloth is the perfect tug of war toy!  They are really growing and will be going to their new homes soon.  They have gained 3 pounds in just two weeks and their skin is healing.

The donkey paddock, stall and new hay storage area are almost finished.  We have to get the fence back up and do a bit more work on the stall, but all should be ready in a week or two. 

Ginger before grooming

Ginger after grooming





We have a busy adoption schedule this week, so please follow us on facebook.  It is easier for me to post a quick up date on fb than blogger.  Check out the location and times!

Hurricane Issac Update

Well, we took a big hit from the storm.  Most of  you have probably seen our facebook page and know what we have been dealing with for the past week.  But if you have missed it, I'll give you a brief update.

We had a lot of water, a downed tree that took out fencing and gates, and flooded kennels.  But, thankfully everyone is safe, the water is down, and we have started the repair/replace/rebuild process.

We were fortunate to have a national rescue group, American Rescue Corp, take 8 of our large dogs!!  This was such a blessings.  We have lost our large exercise area and we have no place for the dogs to run and play.  The yard around the kennels is still muddy and the daily rains are not helping!

 

During the storm and for a few days afterwards we had 40 dogs/puppies in the house or porch!  It was quite an adventure.  We were unable to get out of the area because all the roads going north, south, east or west, were under water.  It was three days before we could get to town and get some of the dogs moved into foster homes or other rescues. 

It was such a wonderful experience working with Animal Rescue Corp.  They drive across country to help in disaster situations or other large scale animal rescues.  Please visit their facebook page and tell them how much we appreciate their help.  If possible, make a  donation. 

I probably sound a little disjointed tonight, but the past week has been extremely stressful and physically demanding.  I have been running nonstop and "eating out of the window" (aka drive through fast food) way too much!  I hope to be able to slow down just a little tomorrow. 

I can't believe it is JULY already!!!

Wow, July is here.  Where has the time gone?  Why am I always behind in posting news?  Our Facebook page is updated almost daily, but I just don't seem to have time for blogging.  I have also been frustrated with blogspots new format.  Just when I was getting somewhat proficient, they go and change things.  This is not good.

The economy is taking a toll on the animals.  As people move to downsize, the pets are often the casualities.  In recent weeks, both Tangihumane and the Louisiana Humane Society have seen a rising number of abandoned pets.  Combine that with the owners who want to surrender their loved dog or cat and you have the perfect prescription for an overwhelming situation.  We are at capacity and can only take new dogs when we get adoptions.  We have many 2 to 5 year old dogs that are sweet and good within the pack but they just aren't getting a family to consider them.   I cannot create a situation where they are at risk.  Our quarantine kennels are full so until we can move a few dogs into homes, we are at a standstill.  This breaks my heart.

I stopped to feed two dogs along the side of a rural road today. They looked as if they have not been out there long. They were skiddish and wouldn't come very close but they were hungry.  So, I fed them and I'll return tomorrow with more food.  I'll keep feeding them until I have space.  Fortunately the road is not a dangerous highway, but any road can be fatal for a dog.  I'll just have to do the best I can and pray they stay safe.
 

Our little Coco is recovering from double knee cap surgery.  She was born with both knees out of place so she learned to walk on her front legs to avoid pain.  Dr. Scott Smith did a fantastic job of realigning her knees!  It will take time for her to understand she can walk normally.  Coco will begin swimming as part of her physical therapy.    Once she has completed therapy she will be up for adoption.  However, she will need a very special home with no children and no large pets.  I will keep you posted on her progress.

Copyright Protection

Please be advised that all material on this blog is copyrighted.  A recent misuse of our photos was brought to my attention.  NO MATERIAL, either photos or texts may be used without written permission from the author.

It is a sad day in the world of rescue when these measures are necessary.

Homes are urgently needed!!!

I've had a wake up call this past week.  Separating dogs that weight over 40 pounds is just too much for me at this point in life!  I've been dragged across the yard, broke a finger, and chased a dog around the pasture as it was going after my goats.  I am wayyyyyy too old for this.  I am alone with the dogs most of the time so when the dogs have to be picked up or forced to do something, I am the one who has to do it.  I just cannot continue the physical part of large dog rescue.  I hate to admit it, but at 60 I just cannot afford to break bones and I am not as strong as I was in my forties.   I need to place our big babies as soon as possible.  I have needed to do this for quite a while, but having a neighbor politely complain about the Walker hounds barking so much, solidified my decision. So I need everyone's help.  We have some fabulous big dogs who just need a family to love them. I am afraid if I don't reduce the number and size of dogs, I may have to quit all together.  I don't want that to happen so I will change my focus to smaller dogs and special needs dogs.  I currently have 2 vision impaired Poms, two crippled poodles, a 13 year old poodle, and a mystery mix with severe hip issues!  

I'd like to find homes for 6 of our large dogs by the end of May.  I know we can do this if I get everyone acting as our salesmen!!!  Come of folks, talk to everyone you know and tell them about our dogs.  We will reduce our adoption fee to just $50.00 for these dogs. However, our requirements do not change.  Fenced yards are a must!!!

We are at capacity so we cannot take another dog!  We need to move some out so we can help others.  Until we get 6 or more out, we are not able to take another dog.

Thank you all for your help.

Lots of adoptions, but many great dogs still need homes!

We have had quite a few adoptions of young dogs and puppies.  But, we have some awesome adult dogs that need a family to love.  Every dog in our rescue has a story. 

Crystal was found at a construction site almost a year ago.  She had numerous scrapes and scratches and a wound to her back leg.  Her knee cap was damaged and she needed surgery to remove bone fragments from the joint.  Today she is all healed and has no problems with her leg.  She is energetic, a bit of an alpha female, but just loves attention.  During her recovery she was in a foster home with children.  She is crate trained and will easily transition to housetraining again.  She has been mostly an outside dog only sleeping in a crate indoors at night.  She is a curious dog and will search a handbag to find all sorts of stuff!!  While she never chewed up my things, she will take every item out of a purse just to see what is there!

Willow is a young dog with great potential.  She is a playful dog and likes being in charge of everyone.  She is also an alpha female who plays well with submissive females and all male dogs.  Willow was found with four puppies about a year ago.  She may have been house trained at one point in her life because she will not mess up a kennel run.  Currently she is allowed to play in the yard most of the day and then sleep in a crate on the porch with the rest of her pack.  She would make a great inside/outside dog for someone who wants a dog to alert them to possible trespassers!

Our sweet Marie just hasn't had a family of her own in months!  She had 5 beautiful puppies and all but one of them have a family.  Now she needs a family.  She is housebroken and crate trained.  Sometimes she will fuss a little about being in the crate, but it doesn't take her long to settle down.  Most of the time, a soft bed and a treat is enough to make her a happy camper in the crate!  Marie gets along with all the dogs, but she doesn't like cats! 

How about a Walker Hound?  Our funny man, Zero, needs an aspiring young hunter to train him.  He would make a great companion dog who can and wants to hunt squirrels.  He is quite a character.  One of his favorite activities is to dump his water bucket and throw it in the air like a ball.  He has a very expressive face and quite a walker hound voice.  He is a tall walker hound, all white, with tan spots on his ears.  He needs someone who can give him a great place to run and be a hound!

Puppies - Puppies - Puppies

Wow, we have three separate litters of puppies ready for new homes.  Our beautiful golden/lab mixes are 6 weeks old and need families to love.  These babies are Snow's litter.  Snow was shot in the leg and had a broken jaw when she came to our rescue.  We didn't know she was pregnant!   There are SEVEN yellow puppies.  Why not get a yellow pup instead of a yellow duck for Easter! 

The three Bassett mixes are ready to go as well.  They are absolutely the cutest little long eared babies.  Gus, Abbie, and Ellie want a family.  They are between 6 and 8 weeks of age.

Scooter and Bianca are terrier mixes that will stay small.  They are doing great in their crates and love to play chase through the living room.  We have estimated their age at 10 weeks.  If you want a playful small breed, then these two are just what you need.

Come meet all of these puppies on Friday, April 6th at the Denham Springs Petco.  We will be there from 5 to 7 pm. 

On Saturday we will be at Stines in Walker from 10 to 2!

Call your friends and family and let them know we need to find great homes for these special babies.

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.