Puppies - Puppies - Puppies

Last Friday night we had a tremendously successful puppy adoption.  THIRTEEN puppies found homes!  It was a memorable evening.  There were 9 fluffy puppies and 2 lab mixes that were adopted within the first 60 minutes!  People were waiting for me when I arrived at the Petco.  I only wish we had that amount of excitement about our more mature dogs.

At this very minute I have a 7 year old Basset hound, a 5 year old Beagle, a 5 year old pit mix, a 13 year old terrier  and a 2 year old terrier/beagle mix surrounding my computer chair.  I have a ask one of them to move before I can get up! 

The Bassett hound is Duke.  Some of you may remember him from last year.  He was a stray found by a wonderful lady who took care of all his medical expenses, including the expensive heartworm treatment.  He stayed with me during his recovery time and was then adopted.  Unfortunately new his owner's job changed and he no longer had the time to spend with Duke.  He called to ask if he could return him even though it had been almost a year.  I am so happy he called us rather than try to find Duke another home.  We will make sure Duke's new home will be the right place for him.  If we don't find a good fit, then Duke will stay here.

Jasmine will be another sanctuary dog.  She is one of 5 dogs that were abandoned in a vacant house. We were able to find homes or other rescues for all of the other dogs, but Jasmine is a special case. "Jazzy" puts on this "pit bull" bark, but doesn't bite. (She has very few teeth left!) She can be a bit intimidating, but all she wants is a treat.  I think she learned to act tough so she would get a treat.  When new people come to the house, Jasmine meets them at the door with her bark.  A treat makes her wag her tail and if you walk off without giving her another treat she barks again.  She will play this game until you run out of treats.  Once you say you don't have any more she wanders off to her bed!   You may notice the lack of hair and pink color of her hind quarters.  We don't know what caused her skin irritation, but it is much better.  We have her on a special diet and anti inflammatory meds when needed.  Because her front teeth are completely worn down (the same goes for Duke) the vet said she has suffered with allergies a long time.  The state of her teeth shows that she has been biting at her skin for years.

HUCK IS BACK!!!  This sweet little pit mix was adopted two weeks ago.  The family found a nicer home to rent, but it doesn't have a fenced yard so they had to give up the pup.  He looks great.  While he was with them he was well treated and definitely well fed!  Our sweet little puppy now weighs 18 pounds!  He is absolutely the most handsome puppy I've seen in a long time. 

If you like Chopin and Mozart, you will definitely love BEETHOVEN!!!

This guy is such a gentleman.  He is low key and just likes to hang out.  At 13 years old, he is in excellent health and just wants a new forever home.  His family had to surrender him to us because the new owners of their apartment complex terminated the pet policy and they could not afford to move.  His family was so distraught when they brought him to us.  We were their last hope.  No other family member could take him and no other rescue agency had room.  But, when I heard his story I just could not say no.  Maybe part of my love for the "seniors" is because I am a senior myself!!!  I want to be considered a valuable member of society and ( I am projecting just a bit) I think senior dogs have earned the right to have a good retirement too!!

It took a day or two for Beethoven to warm up to his new environment.  At first he just wandered around a bit.  However, when I brought in the new beds, he was excited!

Can't you just feel the excitement!!!  Doesn't he look like he just can't be still because he is so happy.....  I told you he was LOW KEY....

Now everyone is happy ! No more sharing required!!



Jasmine



We had run out of beds for the dogs.  We had a few smaller ones, but the mid size beds were just worn out.  Today I went shopping at Ross' and found a couple of beds just the right size.  I felt like Goldilocks while I was shopping the dog isle - this one is too small, this one is too big, but this one is just right...



Marie



When I got home and unloaded the beds, the dogs were so happy!!!  They immediately claimed their spots.  Our newest, "guest", Beethoven, took some time exloring his choice.  At first he just sniffed it and then would walk away.  Then Precious decided to check it out.  Because she has very limited sight, she would paw at it and bark.  Finally Beethoven decided that was the one he wanted.  It is a bit small for him, but that is the one he selected.

Mr. Beagle

Precious

Beethoven

Beethoven

 

New Homes found for 4 of our dogs!

Yahooooo....Huck, Fiona, Blaze, and Buster have new homes.  Huck, Fiona, and Blaze found homes Friday night, and Buster went for a get acquainted visit at his new home.  They will be ready for him in two weeks.

I spoke to Huck and Blaze's new families today and all is well.  The families are so happy with their new furry friends. 

Jade's new mom sent me a picture showing her latest grooming visit.  Our dear Jade now has a cute little top knot with a bow.  It is so good to know she is doing well. 

We also had a new arrival on Friday.  Beethoven is a 13 year old Yorkie/Terrier mix.  His family had to surrender him because their new landlord will not allow pets.  It was a very traumatic situation for them, but they just could not afford to move.  However, they are happy to know he will stay with us until we find the perfect fit.  He is such a low key dog.  He just enjoys following me around and laying by my chair. It is as if I have another "Jade".  I will get pictures up soon.

One of our dogs, Amber, has severe hip dysplasia and will need surgery soon.  We are going to need to raise $500.00 for her vet bill.  If anyone would like to help Amber, please call Dodge City Animal Hospital, 225-664-6441 to donate towards her account.

We also want to give a big thank you to Tractor Supply.  They donated a large dog house, tons of canned food, and other supplies.  Please support the Hammond store and tell them how much you appreciate what they are doing to help us.

Cruelty cases are keeping me busy.  My most recent call involved 18 dogs in a dungeon like situation.  I really wanted to just take all the dogs away from him, but I didn't have a place to put them.  Instead I had to work the with man and get him to take the adult dogs to his hunting camp and the 4 month old puppies had to have better living conditions immediately.  I went back the next day and he had complied with everything I told him.  I just wonder what people are thinking when they daily go feed dogs who are living in filth.

We are making a difference because concerned citizens are speaking up, an advocate is showing up, and law enforcement is writing them up!!! 

Many thanks to the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Deputies who are willing to give animal abusers a summons. 

A REMINDER -

THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF LA

LIVINGSTON CHAPTER

MONTHLY MEETING

TUESDAY, JAN. 31

6:30 PM

Bass Pro Meeting Room

Denham Springs, LA

There will be a brief business meeting followed by a Pet First Aide presentation.



SOOKIE - A SPECIAL LITTLE CAT

About two weeks ago I received a call from the Livingston Parish Detention Center.  A sweet little cat showed up with a badly mangled hind leg. They had called several agencies and no one would help them so they turned to the Humane Society of Louisiana - Livingston Chapter.  I was not able to get to the cat and the vet before closing, so I asked if of one of them would take the cat to the vet for me.  Ofcourse, this was a Friday afternoon at 4 pm!  A wonderful lady deputy took the cat to Dodge City Animal Hospital for us.  The news wasn't good.  The leg was in such bad shape that it needed to be removed. Dr. Einck wanted to stabilize her over the weekend, start antibiotics and perform the surgery the following Monday.  I didn't hesistate to help this injured animal, but it did wipe out the money we had raised in 2011.  Sookie's initial exam and surgery was $438.00.  So, we are back to a zero balance!!!!  But, just hearing her purr and seeing her able to walk pain free was worth it.  We will just have to work harder and have more fund raisers.

 It will be two weeks tomorrow since the surgery and "Sookie" is doing great thanks to her foster mom, Joi.

Because she is now a "tripod" she will need a special environment without dogs and a home that will keep her inside and safe.  She isn't having any difficulty with jumping and normal activities, but we want to cautious.

Sookie is a young kitty, probably less than a year.  She is still recovering, so her spay date is 3 months away.  However, she can go to her new home at any time.

From Abused to Awesome !!!!

Just 3 months ago today poor Buster was a walking skelton.  He had such a sad face.

BUT LOOK AT HIM NOW!

Buster is ready for his new home.  He is an outside dog, but sleeps inside in a crate at night.  He craves attention and does well with our female dogs and laid back older males.  Because we do not know his history and he is such a powerful breed, we have not given him free roam with our other large young male dogs.  If you would like a great companion and can give Buster love, attention, and training, then please contact me. You must have a fenced yard to adopt Buster.



YOU CAN'T FIX S T U P I D!!!!!!

There are days when I just want to shake some sense into people.  Yesterday was one of those days.  I received a call about a puppy on a chain - in the rain - no shelter -

It was one of those neighborhoods that has a bad reputation for drugs, theft, etc.....  We had seized 5 dogs from a house in the same neighborhood just a month or so ago, so I knew that complaint was probably valid.  As always, I had the sheriff's department send a deputy to meet me at the location.  When I arrived it was raining.  This is what I saw.

This poor little puppy was all curled up in the leaves.  He was soaking wet and shivering.  He was chained to a tree.  There was no collar, just a chain around his neck with a double ended clasp. 

Once the deputy arrived, he agreed the puppy needed help.  He knocked on the residence and after a 5 minutes or so, a man came to the door.  He said the dog wasn't his and that he was just keeping it for someone who didn't have a place for it.  The man said his landlord would not allow pets inside the trailer so he had to chain it to a tree.  When told that he had to provide a dog house, the man said he wasn't the owner and he could not provide a house. The deputy instructed the man to call the "owner' and have him come get the dog or release it to the Humane Society.  A teeneager showed up, but after a bit of questioning, the deputy finally got them to admit the truth.  The puppy was the homeowner's.  The man released the dog to us in order to avoid going to court. 

This is when an alert neighbor saved the life of an animal. The neighbor had given the man several days to make accommodations for the dog before he reported the neglect.  Fortunately the owner was feeding the dog, but I have no doubt that this puppy would have met a disasterous fate if it was left in the care of this heartless man.

When the deputy had completed taking photos, I released the dog from the chain, dried him off and placed him in a dog bed I had in the car.  The poor little fellow immediately fell fast asleep.  He didn't move for two hours!  His vet check came back great!  He is about 8 to 10 weeks in age and is up for adoption!  He needs a name!  Any suggestions???

A New Year and New "Guests"

Well, we have placed some of our friends in great homes over the past few weeks!  Play found a home and Blaze is in a foster home.  Three puppies are now with families so we are about as happy as can be!!!  We still have two of the little ones that need homes, but I am sure that will happen quickly.

The mama dog, a beagle/jack russell mix, and 5 puppies were abandoned along the side of a rural highway.  We received the call and just couldn't believe these sweet dogs were dumped! 

Just this week, an injured young female cat was found by the Livingston Parish Detention staff.  They took the kitten to Dodge City for us and on Monday the poor little thing had to have a hind leg amputated.  I am happy to report she is in her new foster home now and is doing quite well.  She will be put up for adption in a few months after she has had a chance to heal.  She is scheduled for spaying in 4 months.  We will have pictures soon.  This is the sweetest cat ever!!!

On a sad note, we found an abandoned Walker hound that was unable to stand.  After a series of xrays, our vet determined the dog had some type of bone cancer in her hips.  The very hard decision was made to end her pain.  Lady, our Walker hound here at the farm has bone cancer, so I was hopeful we could manage this dog's pain and help her live out her life in a safe environment.  Unfortunately that was not the case.  The vet recommended a humane end to her suffering.

The life of a rescuer is full of happiness and sadness.  We do the best we can, but sometimes it is not enough.  Our little Ebony, the German Shepherd puppy, had a genetic problem that just could not allow her to grow properly.  She was a dwarf and it caused her front legs to grow in a very painful way.  She also had the beginnings of hip dysplasia.  We spent 4 months trying to find an answer.  Our vet recommended an specialist in Mandeville.  His diagnosis was not good. There was no surgery or therapy that would fix her.  He recommended we end her life of pain in a humane way.  So we have posted a picture in loving memory of a sweet little dog who never complained about swimming therapy or having pills pushed down her throat.

Ebony

Many of my friends ask how I can keep going when I deal with such sadness.  My answer is always the same - God has blessed me with the ability to help these poor animals.  If I let man's inhumane actions, disease, or accidents keep me from helping then I will miss out on the blessing of giving a family their new best canine friend!  When I see a child's face light up with joy or an adult's loneliness cured by a canine companion, then I am happy and content!

Busy Busy Busy

Okay, I know I promised to do a better job of updating the blog.  I failed.... what can I say..... We are absolutely overwhelmed with dogs!!!  All of my time is devoted to taking care of my canine friends and answering cruelty calls.

The Decermber 3rd Christmas Open House at Sport N Center in Denham Springs was a huge success!!!!  Many many thanks to them.  Two of our dogs found homes, the donations of towels, sheets, food, are greatly appreciated, and they raised $175.  We can neuter three dogs with this money!!!  The store had a huge sale, the children had a free  picture taken with Santa (a donation to the Humane Society was required!), and the kids had a chance to throw snowballs!!  The weather was glorious and everyone had a great time.  The dogs enjoyed all the attention.  Rocky and Bambi found forever homes!

 A week ago we seized 5 dogs and 2 cats from an abandoned home in a very blighted area of Denham Springs. We had been called to this residence before because of a dog on a chain.  Each time the dog was thin, but had housing, food, and water.  We did not know about the dogs inside.  The owner was either living at the residence or at least coming by and giving the outside dog some food.  The laws do not allow us the seize a dog that is just a bit thin.  Unfortunately, the dog has to look neglected (i.e. lots of bones showing) before we can ask for a seizure order.  A neighbor report the abandonment and knew where the owner was now living.  Fortunately we were able to contact her and get some information about the animals.  She met us at the scene and signed over the animals.  She will have to go to court!!!

 Tangihumane took the two large boxers and we took the cats, 1 medium sized dog and 2 small dogs.  The cats have won my heart.  They are declawed and so very sweet.  One of the little dogs had a burn on its back that is healing and the medium little Pit mix has flea allergies and is a mess!!  She has scratched so much she has sores and the vet said the worn down teeth are due to biting the fleas.  She has only canine teeth in the front.  Her top and bottom teeth are worn down to the gums.  Poor Jasmine has had a difficult life.  She is a bit shy, but just loves her new home.  She is on antibiotics and a special allergy diet.

This is one of the little dogs found in the home.  Her name is Blaze - not because of the injury, but because of her markings!!!  She will be spayed in the next few weeks, but is up for adoption now. 

We desparately need foster home or forever homes for the dogs.  Winter is here and my living room looks like "crate" haven.  All but four of the dogs must be inside at night when the temperatures drop below 40 degrees.  The larger double coated dogs can stay outside in their hay filled dog houses, but all of the thin coated dogs must be kept warm.  Some of the dogs can be on the screened porch that has been wrapped in plastic sheeting, but 12 of them must be inside!!!  So talk to your friends and family and encourage them to adopt!!!