Over The Top!

This has been a very tough week.  I think I am going to attempt to enter a few things on each post, and not try to write so much at once because it is so overwhelming.  Short posts are better than no posts!

Capone, our Pit Bull, has been a real concern.  The gal that took him was not ready for a big dog.   We  told her that he was big and powerful, but she seemed determined to take him.  He is a good dog, and he deserves someone that will invest in him.  We now have him back, and he seems nervous and thinner.  I have a feeling she tied him up outside!



She called me on Monday afternoon and told me he was too much dog for her, and she needed him out that night because she was going to her see her daughter the next day!  I was about two hours away and absolutely exhausted from the stress of the day.  I was at the point of bursting in to tears.  I was absolutely stunned that anyone would do such a thing!  She went on to say, "I'd hate to take him to the pound down here."  I almost came through the phone at this woman that made all kinds of promises, and had no regard for this dog at all.  Now she was threatening to put him in a high kill pound after  I just had  him vetted and neutered!  He was not her dog to begin with, and she wanted to toss him into a animal control down there where he would be killed immediately!  I had to get the dog back ASAP!

In total despair, I called Shane, the man that had Capone for a couple of days, but couldn't keep him.  I was very rattled and told him the whole story.  He was as upset as I was and consented to get Capone and bring him home for a couple of days, but he didn't want problems with his landlord.  I had to get him out of there real soon, and I had no one to take him.  At least I had a chance to get him back, but then what?

On top of that,  I was getting a sweet dog back that had been with a gal for a few months, and out of the blue, there was food aggression issues.  I just give up trying to figure it all out.  This is a sweet dog, and I don't get how everything went haywire over night!  So now I had to worry about Gracie!

Our animal control is full, and I knew I couldn't send Gracie back there.  Then I got a call from a couple that was going to adopt a darling puppy that they had been fostering for weeks, and now she was telling me her son was afraid of this little pup!  Her son is twelve years old for heavens sake! Her husband, on the other hand, told me he was allergic to the pup.  I had all these conflicting stories, but whatever the truth was, I had a puppy coming back with no one to take him.

I took a sweet hound mix out of animal control on Wednesday to show at the adoption, and I  had to send him back.  That really upset me as well.  They just have to get some of the dogs out of there, and I have no one to foster them.  I'm really quite tired of people telling me how wonderful our organization is, but do nothing at all to help us!  I can't sleep at night because of the stress of all of this, and yet people tell me I'm a hero. A hero? No.  I'm just  overwhelmed and stressed because so few people give a flip about millions of dogs and cats that die every year in this county because of totally irresponsible people.  Do I sound over the top today?  Well, I am!

I was on the phone half the night trying to place Capone.  My son said he would help, but he had no minutes on his phone, as usual,  so I couldn't reach him.  I went through my notebook, and the last name I found was a man that had been interested in another Pit Bull that we had.  I called him.  I explained my dilemma, and I asked if he would consider fostering this big guy.  I couldn't believe it when he said he would!  I'm holding my breath, and praying that Capone doesn't mess this up, or he may be totally out of time and luck.  I would hate to see this guy put down.  It would be devastating, but I am running out of time and options.  I was lying in bed praying for Capone last night.  I  hope God is listening to me.  He probably runs when He sees my name on his caller ID like the rest of my "friends."

I just got a call from a woman at the animal hospital whose dog had just been hit by a car and needs to have his leg amputated. "Can you help me?' she pleaded.  "I  just can't afford it," she cried.

Why do all the vets call me?  They always give people my number, but who else will have some compassion on these animals?  I have a hard enough time saving the ones we get from animal control, and I get all the calls about dogs that their owners can't afford to help. My treasurer just told me we were down 16% from last year..  Big deal!  I'm surprised we're not down 116% because we get little or no help.  When I run out of money I will shut it  all down, but until then I can't be worried about being down from last year.  I  just need to save these animals.  Anyway, I'm waiting for a call from the vet about the dog that needs his leg amputated.

My sister and her husband went to Mexico without Harry and I for the first time in seventeen years, but I couldn't get a pet sitter.  It's about impossible to get away.  I know Carol was upset with me, but no one lives my life, and believe me, they wouldn't deal with this!  Unless you're in this rescue mess, you will never get it. We are not normal people!  We are consumed, overworked, and crazy!

I'll let you know about Capone. I dread to hear the phone ring for fear of one more crisis with him.  I just got a call from St. Francis of Assisi's Rescue in regards to Capone.  They can't take him, but at least this nice overworked gal had the decency to call me back!  She offered to do a courtesy post for me.    I always liked St. Francis. I  hope to be a neighbor of his in heaven one day.  I don't think he'll care that I'm not a Catholic. Ya think?

Bow Wow for now!

Capone and friends

"It's been a full week!  Saturday was a pretty good day for us.  The adoption went well.  We adopted out a sweet Boxer/Pit mix named Boss.  He had been at animal control for a while, and it was taking a toll on him.  A young couple came by and took him home.  He was a happy boy!  Free at last!  Way to go Boss!

Trigger, a Boxer mix, was able to get out of animal control on Saturday, and at the end of the day he went  to a foster home.  He is a very high energy boy, and he is a handful.  I was very grateful to the gal that took him home, at least for a while, to give him a chance to be with a family. Who knows? Maybe the family will fall in love with him.

Binks, our Pomeranian, went to a foster to adopt home.  He bolted out the door of the last foster home, and it scared the woman to death.  We'll see how it goes this time! He is such a beautiful dog.  People have to spend time with these animals and train them.  We live in a society that looks for instant gratification. Some people feel that if they have to invest too much time and effort they bail out.  It's a shame.  This is one of the hardest things I deal with as a rescuer.  There is such a lack of commitment.

 Poor little Mavis came back again on Saturday, but she went to a foster home later in the day. I just want to see her get a wonderful home! She has been through so much!  I love hounds, but many people walk right past them.  They have a sweet spirit about them, and they can be so loving and kind.  This girl has the most beautiful eyes!  The couple that took her saw the sadness in those eyes, and it broke their hearts.
I know that she has enough of being locked up. I want the best for this sweet girl, and we will make sure that happens.


A lady called me from the Charlotte area about her Pit Bull, Capone.  She was very upset.  She said that she got a letter from her home owners association, and they told her the dog had to go. She was in tears, and she told me that she had called every rescue that she could find, and they turned her down.  I realize that we are all on overload, but I am always amazed at how so many rescues can just turn away from some of these hard cases.  When I told her that I would try to help with Capone she just sobbed.  I can't take every dog either, but I always try to talk with people and give them options and show some compassion.

She brought him to the pet adoption on Saturday, and he was pretty upset.  He was shaking in that crate, and I don't like to see a 75 pound Pit Bull upset.  That environment is stressful to all dogs, but Capone was clearly out of his element there.  It made me pretty nervous.

A man had called me the day before that was interested in another Pit Bull, so I had Capone's owner talk with them.  The man was at work, but his girlfriend said to bring Capone out there.  When I heard that they would foster Capone, I was thrilled.  If this dog had to go to the animal control in Charlotte it would be over for him immediately.  They have a terrible problem with dog fighting there, and if an owner turns in a Pit bull, they euthanize it immediately.

When  Capone's owner called and told me that the couple wanted to foster him I was thrilled.  A young woman and her dad had also seen Capone earlier in the day, and they showed up as we were leaving.  The young woman told me she really wanted him, and I told her I would call her if it didn't work out. I felt very relieved to know that we had someone else in case this first home fell through.

The next day I got a call from the couple that took him.  "We just love Capone," the man said.  "You couldn't find a better dog. "

 "That's just great news!" I said, with a great sense of relief.

"Well, we have a problem though," he went on.  "Our landlord said we can't have a Pit Bull.  My girlfriend is just sick about it.  She's been crying all day. In fact, she took off and went to her mother's house for the afternoon.  I can't make this guy change his mind.  I fell terrible for Capone.  He has already made himself at home here."

My heart sank.  I knew that there was nothing that these people could do.  It is what it is.  I told him that I had a young woman that really wanted Capone, and I would call her.

She didn't answer, but she returned my call and left a message.

"I'm so sorry," her message started.  "I went home last night and called my landlord right away.  He told me no.  I just can't believe it!" she said, as her voice broke.  "Please keep him safe.  I will pray for him. I am so sorry."

I was in shock that both homes fell through.  I looked through my book and found a lady that had wanted Petey, another Pit, but he was being adopted.  I called her and told her about Capone.  She lives about a hour and a half from here near Johnson City,TN.

"He is a good boy, but very strong. If you take him he will need a no pull harness for sure," I warned.  "If you are a small woman he will take you for a ride.  You need to call the foster dad and let him tell you about the dog, and then you can make a decision."

She did what I suggested and called me back. " I'm going to meet Shane tomorrow, she said.  "He warned me about how strong he is, but I will work with him.  I live out here all alone, and I need a nice big dog hear with me.  I know it will take time, but I'm going to commit myself to training him."
I was overjoyed!

 My phone rang about 7:30 AM  the next morning.

"Hi Penny, It's Sally.  I feel terrible, but I just can't keep Capone.  He is great inside, but he pulls so hard when I take him out, and I just can't do this!"

I wanted to have a breakdown!  "Did you get the harness, or a prong collar?"I asked

"No, but I just can't keep him., I can't believe that he doesn't know any commands."

"He knows several commands," I said, feeling like everything I suggested went right out the window.

"Well, he should be able to walk on a leash! He is a year and a half!" she said rather disgusted.

"He is a rescue dog.  He is not Lassie. He needs love and training, as I said last night," I said, feeling sad and annoyed that no one listens to any instructions on these dogs.

I asked her if she could get him neutered down there, because we had a vet that could do it that morning.  I hated to cancel that appointment.  I told her I would try to find a place for him after he was neutered, and that I would make him pet of the week in our newspaper. She agreed.

I spent hours on the computer emailing every Pit rescue I could find.  I called everyone I could think of that might help this dog.  No one has replied to this day!  Not a "No, sorry.  Can't help ya! " Nothing.

Sally called me yesterday after she got back from the vet and told me that her friend had gone with her to the vet and told her that she was expecting too much out of Capone in a matter of a few hours.  Ya think?  She was feeling bad about poor Capone, and she told me that she did go to PetSmart to get the collar, and the young man there recommended bringing him to the training class.

"I think I will try that," she said.

All I can say is I was absolutely mentally drained after the whole thing.  Now, we will wait and see what will happen to this big boy.  In the meantime, he is in the paper!

 I have a news flash on Mavis, the hound, as of this afternoon. As I said earlier in the post,  she is in a loving foster home that would love to keep her,  but they are concerned that they don't have a fence.  They walk her on a regular basis, so they are really wanting to keep her, but another couple from Statesville wants to adopt her as well.  They are willing to drive over two hours to get her. So, bless her heart, things are going to change for this beautiful girl! She is going to have a family!

My beautiful Faith just got adopted this afternoon!   We did our Wednesday adoption, and the minute we got her there she was attracting much attention.  She is a different dog after being in that foster home for one week!  She was strutting around and showing off with that tail wagging.  She greeted everyone as they walked in to the mall.  A far cry form the poor little emaciated girl that was hiding in the corner of that animal control and shaking like a leaf.  I am so happy that I saw that poor frightened soul that day!  She is alive, happy, and she now has a beautiful family! Thank you , Lord!

Anita is back in town, and wouldn't you know that she and her friend visited the animal shelter while they were vacationing at the beach!  Only Anita and Deborah would do that!

"There is a beautiful deaf American Bull Mix down there. She has been there three years!  She is so sweet!" she said in that "Let's go!"voice.

"Three years!" I said, shocked that any animal would be is a cage in a shelter that long.  "They have had her in a cage for three years?"

"Yes, they let her out, but she is loved starved.  She needs a home."

"The beach is six hours away!  Why didn't you bring her back?" I exclaimed.

"We had the car packed full. I'll bet those people will drive her to Columbia.  That's only three hours," she said.

"Here we go again," I said shaking my head. "Let me know when you want to take a drive!"

" I know you can find her a home," she said cheerfully.

Yeah sure.  Whose going to take care of her in the meantime?  Guess!

And the saga continues.  For now, Capone is safe.  I'm holding my breath.  Tonight all is well. American Idol was entertaining.  I cried with some of the kids that were sent home.  I snuggled with Cookie and Pepper as I sipped a glass of Moscato.  Harry and I discussed what we had to do tomorrow to get the boutique ready to open, and I am thinking of a little deaf dog that is waiting for us in Hilton Head!  She has been waiting for three years. Heaven help me!

Bow Wow for now!

Faith, Hope, And Love

I couldn't get that terrified, blue-eyed puppy that I had met last week on my mind.   I knew that I had to get her out this week.  The workers at that animal control had promised me that they would keep her for me, but I knew I had to get her out as soon as I could.  I was very happy to receive a phone call from a couple of girls from our Humane Society telling me they were going over to that county on Tuesday, and they would be willing to pick up the pup for me.  I was thrilled.

When I went to pick her up we were all saying how beautiful she was.  You learn to look past the filth, and the starving bodies.  Her frightened light blue eyes looked up at me, and I wondered what her story was.  Those eyes were telling me a story of abuse and rejection. I thanked the girls for picking her up for me, we carefully lifted her into the SUV, and I headed to the vet.

"She's just beautiful!" my vet said, as she fed her treats and talked to her in that special puppy voice.  "If I didn't have so many females at home I would take her in a minute," she said, as she kept feeding her treats.

  We decided she was about five months old... just a baby.  She had gone through so much already, but, thank God, she had a good life waiting.  She was safe, and she would be loved.  "She'll get a great home.  Gosh, I wish I had room for her," she said, as she gave her one last treat.

Kelly and I headed for our groomer to bathe her.  She was terrified of the water, and we definitely had our hands full. We were trying to spray her, but we both got spayed in the face several times.  We laughed and continued with the ordeal.  It was obvious that she never had a bath, and finally, we lifted her out of the tub and thanked our sweet groomer for letting us barge in and use her tub and shampoo.

"I'm going to name her Faith," I said to Kelly, as I put her in the back of the Suburban." It was an act of faith to take her.  I have to believe that she will get a great home quickly.  I don't know how I can take care of another one," I said.

 I decided to let her lay in the back of my vehicle instead of putting her in a crate because she was so frightened. We got in the car, and I started to back out, and that old familiar smell began to fill our nostrils. She had pooped all over the back of the Suburban.

"Oh boy! Here we go again, " I said to Kelly as I darted out the door to run in to my groomers for paper towels and a bag.

I got her home and got her settled in.  She started to bond to me quickly.  I knew that she had never been loved, and she was starving for attention.  It didn't take long to realize that she had probably been locked in close quarters for most of her life because she peed and pooped in her crate.  Most dogs will not do that.

On Wednesday I packed her up for that adoption. The minute I put  her in the crate people gathered around her.  Everyone was fascinated with her blue eyes.  A very sweet girl offered to foster her at the end of the day if she didn't get adopted.  She said she lived in a condo.  I felt that may not be good because Faith was not housebroken, and it would be a lot of work.  I was hoping that someone with a fence would come by. This girl needs a fenced area because she is not used to a leash, and she will probably not go potty on a leash.

I went to animal control and picked up Mavis who had been returned because of issues with the foster family's dog.  I also picked up a very shy Aussie mix that we name Sadie.  She is a beautiful girl.  The man with the Chocolate Lab showed up, and the brindle puppy came back with his foster mom. The place was really dead because the weather was beautiful.  Not too many people would spend a day like this at the mall.

I felt so badly for poor little Mavis.  She is such a beautiful hound, and you can see the sadness in her eyes.  She was so happy to see me when I showed up at animal control.  I just have to get her in a home soon.  They just can't stay there for weeks and weeks.  It gets to them.  A sweet girl from Panera came by and said she would foster for us.  Thank God she took Mavis home.  I hope this dog can stay in a foster home until we get her adopted.  She deserves  to be loved.  She needs a happy ending.

Toward the end of the day, a lady came by and talked with us about Faith.  She had lost her older dog a few moths before, and she said her other dog seemed to be lost with him.  I told her Faith's story, and she spent some time sitting in front of her cage.  I was very honest about the fact that Faith would go potty in her crate, and she would need a lot of love and training.  The lady informed me that they had a fenced yard, and her husband worked from home  a lot of the time.  That sounded great to me.

"  I really want to take her and work with her," she said

 "You are such a blessing for this poor little girl," I said, as I handed her our foster form.   I know that if you can work with her you will never be sorry.  She has a beautiful spirit and so much love to give."

When she walked out the door with Faith I was so happy.  We never know how things will work out, so we wait to hear from the foster families.  She will be fine once she can trust again.  She is very smart, and I know she is eager to please.  I can't to see her as an adult.  She will be gorgeous!

I had to bring Sadie back to animal control at the end of the day.  She needs to be spayed anyway, so I will get her out on Saturday.  She was turned in by her owner, and we could pick up on her confusion and sadness.  I was hoping that someone would take her, but in spite of all the looks and remarks, I put her in my vehicle and headed back to animal control.  We decided not to put her in the crate because she was so scared on the way to the mall that she peed in her crate.  I am a slow learner!  I was about five minutes from the mall when I smelled trouble!  It would have been bad enough to clean up more poop, but this was stress poop!  Not a pretty sight, or smell!

I opened the windows and pulled up to animal control and  got her out.  When she saw the front door  of animal control she stopped walking and began to shake.  It absolutely killed me!  She splayed her legs and looked up at me pleading.  Gabe, our officer, came out and took her leash and began to tug her a bit.

"No!" I said, feeling overwhelmed, "Pick her up and carry her, please! She's terrified," I said. If she had already been spayed I would never have left her there after the terror I witnessed, but I knew we had to send her down to be spayed on Thursday, so my hands were tied.

Gabe picked her up and carried her back to the kennel, and I made a mad rush for paper towels.  I began to spray the carpet in the Suburban and clean up the mess. It wasn't pleasant, believe me! But, after seeing how she reacted when she saw where she was, I was more concerned for her broken heart than my task of cleaning up after her.  There are no words to explain how I feel about this terrible throw away society! I have worked with throw away children for many years, and I could tell you horror stories, but that is another book that needs to be written.  It only makes sense that if people can throw their children away, they certainly will have no mercy on a dog or a cat!  Don't worry, Sadie, I'm coming back for you!

Hope was somewhat restored today, at least for now, for old Roy.  The meds are clearing up an infection, and he has stopped peeing blood!  I don't want to get too excited because he is so old, but maybe, just maybe, we can buy him some time.  What a precious dog he is!  I am so thankful that Debbie has worked so hard trying to save him.  It has been a huge commitment and such an act of love.

I am also hoping that we can find Nicky a home.  He is being fostered, but he needs a family of his own.  I just can't imagine what this poor soul has been through.  His family is dead, he was starved in the cold, he is blind, and now he gets shots every day for his diabetes.  He has been complaining a bit about that, but there is no choice.  When the news story broke there was a lot of compassion and interest in Nicky, but now that all of that has died down we hear little out of the public.  I just hope someone decides to make him a part of their family.  He gets around fine, in spite of his blindness, he is very loving, and he has a few years left to give a lot of love.

 I was thrilled that Harry had put the kennel up at Christy's house yesterday, so we could finally get Anastasia out of animal control!  Miracle of miracles!  Anastasia went home with Christy about 1 o'clock, and I breathed a huge sigh of relief.  She was so aggressive to strangers while at the pound in that cage, but when she got out of that cage she was fine.  She's happy now, and we can get her up on the website. Thank God!   I'm certain that someone will have mercy on this poor little girl who has lost her leg and her trust.

Max, our precious grand-dog died last night.  Kelly called me this morning sobbing.  He passed away at home. I was so worried about Kelly going through this terrible time with Max.  It was killing her, but she refused to put him down.  She wanted him to be in his home when he took his leave.  It will be very hard to go to that house and not see Max.  He has been a part of our lives for almost sixteen years.  Last time I saw him I  knew it would be our last time together.  I told him to go on to all the friends he had known and loved that had gone before him.  He loved all the dogs out here at the dog farm, and he had spent much time in the presence of so many that have passed on before him.

Nothing can separate us from the love of God, and God's love beams through these precious animals. They, like our Heavenly Father, love us unconditionally.  Good-bye for now, sweet Max.  I'll see you at the gate.

Bow Wow for now.

Sad times and happy tails

Saturday was a great day in many ways.  Kelly and Debbie packed up 28 puppies and 2 adult dogs in our Suburban and headed to Virginia to meet up with a rescue out of New York.  The dogs were from our animal control and our Humane Society.  The Northern states are looking for dogs to adopt out, and we are begging for homes.  It would be great to find more rescues to take these dogs.  I want so much to help some of the other animal control facilities. Many of them have no one, and they are slaughter houses.  Hopefully we will find a network of rescues to help us and the dogs and cats.

Kelly and Debbie arrived at the Humane society at 7AM, and the girls there helped pack crates in the SUV.  I was very concerned about having room for so many, but they made it work, so the doggies could travel in comfort.  It was about a six hour drive; stopping only to check on the dogs.  The group showed up just outside of DC, and the dogs were let out to exercise and go potty, and then they were off to NY.  There were homes waiting for many of them, and foster homes for the others. It was a lot of driving, and such an act of love for the gals to make this trip with no compensation asked for. There are good people in the world!

We were happy to hear that all the dogs arrived safe and sound in NY later that night.  "That's thirty dogs that are out of here and safe," I told Harry that night.  I breathed a sigh of relief.

I was at the pet adoption all day. I was happy to see three college girls show up to help.  I was concerned that there would be little help.  I had Gabe from animal control bring two dogs.  One is Mavis, an adorable hound, and the other dog is, Trigger, a boxer mix who is as sweet as he can be.  When Gabe brought  Trigger in I thought I heard him cough.  We see kennel cough all the time, and it is very contagious, so we can't have the dogs out there until they are treated, or we have a major problem.  Sure enough, he was coming down with a cough, so I had to send him back to get on meds.  I felt so bad for him because he was so happy to be out of there.  "We'll get you out. I promise" I said, as Gabe walked him back to the truck.

Just then a guy walked in with a Pomeranian that he had adopted from us months before.

"I can't keep Binks anymore.  Too many dogs," he said.  He got out today, and we chased him all over the place, and I decided that was it, " he continued.

I was very upset that anyone would bring a dog to us totally unannounced.  We have room for four crates.  That's it. The mall makes the rules, and we do everything we can to comply.  They have been so good to us, and the last thing we need is to lose that spot.

"I have several dogs here, but I'll see what I can do," I said, knowing that my annoyance was showing.
"Are you planning on staying here with him to hold him if need be?" I asked.

The answer was no to that one. I wanted to keep the dog there because I wanted to get him a home.  Another gal had found a sweet little dog on the side of the road a few days before.  She had taken the dog to the vet, and she had called me and asked if we could help her place the dog.  I was happy to help her.  She has fostered for us in the past and has been a huge help to us.  She came in with her dog, Then, about the same time, Alex arrived.

Alex was sporting his new look, after being at the groomer, and you could tell that he was happy and proud. To think that this little guy was so close to the gas chamber just days before made my skin crawl.  Then I thought of the millions that never escape and die such terrible deaths..  I had to shake that thought and be thankful for those we can save.  "You'll get a home today, you handsome dog!" I said, giving him a pat on the head.

Another little brindle puppy arrived with his foster dad.  He was one of six puppies, and he hadn't found a family yet.  He is so darn cute,and I just can't figure out why he is still looking for a home, but I know the perfect home will come along.  One of the college girls scooped him up and started to show him off.

My friend, Anita, that has been fostering Jasmine came out with her.  Jazzy is a beautiful white American Bulldog mix.  She isn't real fond of other dogs, which is typical for that breed.  Jazzy laid in the middle of the mall floor for a while getting all kinds of pets and hugs.  I felt certain that someone would want her.  She is absolutely beautiful!  We are very cautious about who takes our bull dogs.  They can draw the wrong people.  I wanted to be sure that Jazzy had a fenced yard because people think they a Pit bulls, and they shoot them around here.

Molly, a sweet brown dog, came in a bit later with her foster mom.  She is a sweet dog... nothing real special to draw anyone to her.   Just minutes after she arrived, a man and his son walked in and took her out of her crate.  After spending a while with her, he came to me and said,"We're going to adopt her.  She will be given a lot of love."

I was thrilled!  Of all the dogs out there, she was our plain Jane.  He filled out the papers as his little son beamed.  "You're a lucky dog," I said, as I stooped down to hug her.  She came close to being euthanized because of a dog fight the occurred when she was in heat.  She wound up at animal control, and Anita took pity on her.  Now she had a second chance at life, and she was going home.  God is good!

Several people were looking at Alex.  They all disappeared into the mall, and I was hoping that someone would come back and tell us they wanted him.  Finally, a lady came back and said,"I want to foster to adopt this beautiful little man."  We were so happy.  He was so excited when he walked out that door!  Alex was going home!

 Right after they left, the other couple came by that had been looking at him.  They were very disappointed that he was gone, but we try to tell people that if they are interested in a dog they need to act on it.  They are always surprised when the dog they want is gone.  I took their name and phone number just in case Alex comes back, but I hope that he has found his family.

Another woman from  our Belks store came by and fell in love with Binks.  She said she would take him home and see how he did with her other dog.  I know that Binks has been home alone a lot, and has not been totally housebroken, so I am hoping that this works out.  Time will tell.  He is three years old, and I always worry about a dog that age that is not house broken.  It takes a very special person.

A few people offered to foster the puppy, but one of the college girls made up her mind that she wanted to foster him if no one took him.  I knew she loved that little guy, and I felt that he would be in good hands with her if no one took him. That's what happened at the end of the day.  We were all shocked that he didn't get a home, but at least he was safe.

A very nice lady came by and spent a lot of time with Mavis.  I was very worried about this beautiful girl.  She is getting very depressed at animal control.  I asked the lady if there was any way she could foster her.

"Will she be put down?" she asked.

"No, I believe Mavis is safe, but we need the cage for other dogs. She is getting very depressed over there, and she needs to get out," I said hoping that she would have pity on this gentle girl.

"I'll call my husband," she said, and she disappeared in to the mall. There seems to be a black hole in that mall! People tell us that they will be coming back  and they walk in to the mall, and we never see them again.

About an hour later she was back.

"My husband just drove up," she said.

They were a great couple, you could see that right away.  He took Mavis out of her cage, and they took her for a walk.  He was concerned about their other dog, who is also a hound. I could tell that he was pretty apprehensive about all of this, but, after some time, they finally decided to take her home to foster her.  I breathed a sigh of relief.  At least, she was safe for now.  I was so happy that she didn't have to go back to animal control.

My friend's little dog that was found on the road didn't get a home either.  I was surprised.  I felt pretty certain that she would go. She would be a great dog for a retired couple, or a widow. Yogi packed her up and brought her home, but I feel certain that she will get a family soon. "The right person will come along," I told Yogi.  She did a good thing when she picked this little dog up to keep her out of danger. Many people just keep driving.

Jasmine was getting sick of it all by the end of the day, and she began to show it.  She growled and snapped a few times, and that really upset me.  We just can't have that at the adoptions.  She had been perfect all day, but she was done with it all.  I knew exactly how she felt!  When Anita left with her I was so concerned.  I think she may need to find a family off our website because the adoption thing really ticked her off.

I got a message this morning from the lady that took Mavis.

" We are fostering Mavis, and we just love her," the message began.  She is the most loving gentle dog, BUT our dog is having a hard time adjusting. In fact, he went after her a couple of times.  She is such a sweet little dog, and she has such a gentle spirit, but since he is acting like this I wondered if there were any options for her other than animal control...."

My heart sank. When will people learn that this takes time!  I tried to call her back, but I didn't get an answer, and I can only hope that they will give this more time.  Its not easy for children to adjust to a new sibling either, but you don't send the baby back!  When our little Jonah was born a couple of months ago,  our two year old grandson, Xander, watched me closely as I picked the baby up from his bassinet.   After a few minutes he said, "Put him down, Mimi.  His bed is over there."  I'm sure that is exactly how these dog feel!

On the down side, My daughter's dog, Max is fifteen years old, and he is giving out.  He is in kidney failure, and now he has stopped eating.  We have loved this sweet little Westie for so long, and I can't imagine life without him.  Kelly's son, Caleb, had his birthday yesterday, and we were all trying to have a great time and not put a damper on his special day.  My son-in-law, Rob, came in and held Max in his arms the whole time.  We all shed many tears knowing good and well that we will probaly never see Max again this side of heaven.  My heart broke for Kelly because there is no easy way out of this.  You can't stop death.  It comes, and we have to somehow accept it. She is determined that Max needs to die at home. I hope it can happen that way.  She cancelled any plans for Valentine's Day, so she could be with him.  My prayers have been going up all day for Max, Kelly and her family.

Roy is hanging on by a thread.  Debbie is at the vet right now picking up medicine, but I am not optimistic. I really don't think there is any medicine that will cure Roy.  He is old and worn out.  He has been rejected and heartbroken.  I think he has given up.  He is shutting down quickly.  We have two going down at the same time, and everyone has been in tears over these sweet dogs. No one said life was easy.  This is a hard time for all of us involved with these precious dogs. That doesn't stop the phone from ringing with constant problems and many times petty complaints.  People have no idea when they call what we are dealing with.

We rejoice in the good things, and we pray through the bad.  The sad times make us more determined to love more deeply, and the happy tails keep us going.

Bow Wow for now!

Chocolate Therapy, And Kitty Love

Feb 9th, 2011

I am always hoping for a quiet, peaceful day.  It rarely happens, but we can only hope. After a few hours sleep, I got up and greeted the new day.  We need to remember that life is a gift.  Every day is precious.  I hope to be a blessing to those around me rather than a hinderance.  Many things get in the way, but we press forward!

I received a call bright and early from the couple that took Alex.  Their little dog didn't do well with him, so he was coming back.  That was a huge disappointment to me.  He was going to the groomer that morning as planned, but I had to find a foster home for him. I know that he is such a darling dog, and he will find a home very soon, but I had to deal with today.  I hope by Saturday he is safe in his new home.

After the day we had yesterday, I know we are looking for a break. Anita told me that she was still totally stressed , after she got home, and she plopped down and spotted the brownie cake I had brought to her house for Super bowl Sunday.

"We hadn't finished it because we had so much stuff to eat, Anita said.  " I grabbed the 9x9 pan off my counter and ripped a fork out of the drawer.  My husband and my daughter watched as I planted myself and in the family room and started eating that cake right out of the pan.  I cleaned off the whole thing!  Can you believe it, Penny?  I'm freakin crazy!," she exclaimed.

"Just when I think I can't deal with you anymore, and I think you have totally lost it,  and have gone off the deep end forever, you totally redeem yourself, Anita!  Now that is my kind of stress treatment!  Forget the massage, the facials,  the soft music,  and the long walk in the woods!  Forget the shrinks that know we're crazy anyway!  Chocolate!!  Yes!  Chocolate!  A whole pan of chocolate! That's what I call therapy!

Debbie, Roy's foster mom, called today, and the news was disturbing.

"Poor old Roy is having a hard time.  He is having trouble getting up with those old stiff joints, and I have to carry him outside pretty much.  He had a blow out last night, and I had to bathe him today.  He made quite a mess.  I gave him that wormer, and I think that did it.  He is so weak, and I just keep hoping if we can get some weight on him he will gain some strength back.  I'm cooking for him, and he did eat some chicken.  I'm just going to keep cooking for him and give him a chance," she said.

I was so concerned for Roy and for Debbie.  This poor old guy has to be fifteen years old.  We have to know when to let go.  Anita and I were very concerned that he was too far gone, but he needed to be loved, if only for a few hours, or a few days.

"Don't burn out with this, Debbie, " I warned.  "I have done this over and over.  I have carried big dogs that can't walk out side to potty many times, and my lower back reminds me of that daily.   I have made slings to lift them up, I have nursed them through their final days in kidney failure,  I have dealt with the pain of cancer in some of my most beloved dogs, and I have cried a million tears as I have said that last goodbye.  You're new in this, and I'm telling you , it sucks the life out of you.  Are you sure you don't want us to put him down?"

"Not yet.  I just can't give up on him yet.   I know he may not have much time, but I'm going to try to keep him going.  Who knows, once he gets some weight on, he may rally."

We need more people like this to help us. I have people call me after having perfectly healthy, happy dogs in their homes for just five or ten minutes, and they don't want to take the time to get them settled in, yet alone, be willing to lift a big collie up in their arms and carry him outside and try to hold him up while he goes potty.  This lady is cooking this poor old dogs meals. Oh Lord, send me more volunteers like Debbie!

I knew that I only had hours to get Alex a foster home.  I had no idea where I would put him.  I was covered up here at home... tripping over dogs!  I knew that if there was no other place to put him, he would come home with me. He can't go to animal control because I made a commitment to save him.   After all, with the state of mind Anita is in, who knows what she would stuff in her mouth next!  We might be scooping her up off the floor with a sugar overload!  If we lose her, we're history!

I called Kelly, and she reminded me about a girl that offered to foster yesterday, so I called her immediately.

"I really need your help, Amanda," I pleaded.  I have that darling shaggy dog coming back, and I have no where to put him.  Can you please help me?  He's at the groomers right now.  He is such a sweet dog. If you remember, he is the dog that we saved just before he was to be euthanized."

"No problem, I'll be happy to go get him," she said.

"I can't thank you enough!" I said with a huge sigh of relief.  One less thing to worry about.

I needed to get poor old Lucky out before I ran off to do all my errands.  She is getting around pretty well considering all she has been through.   I feel so sorry for her because her life has been turned upside down.  Her family wants us to find her a new home, and I just can't bear to see all this happening to her at fifteen!  I think her bladder infection is beginning to clear up, but I look at all those scars from the attack, and I wonder how this old gal lived through it.  It's more work now for Harry and I to take care of her, but her owner is back in Winston having surgery, and then on to radiation, so we will do what we can to help everyone involved.

As I said in one of my earlier posts, my daughter and I are opening a boutique.  I went to an antique store to meet Lisa because she had spotted some items that would be good display pieces for the shop.  The phone never stopped ringing while I was in that store. I could tell that Lisa was getting annoyed because I never get away from this.  I guess I need to learn to turn that phone off when I have other things to do. One called was from a lady that was heartbroken over a stray cat that showed up at her door.

"My husband wanted me to take him to animal control, and I 'm so upset," she said tearfully.  "Can you please take him? I will pay for his neuter and his shots. I just don't want him put down. I really wanted to keep him."

 I couldn't even imagine my husband telling me to take any animal to animal control!  That would be the day!  My heart went out to this lady.  I knew that she was very upset, but my options were so limited.  Charlotte, my cat coordinator, is retiring, and she is not pulling much at all from animal control. We have been very concerned about what will happen with all these cats once Charlotte is gone.  I told the lady that I would check on the cat, and I would do all I could to get the cat to our adoptions.  She also told me that her husband had spoken with the Humane Society.  I assured her that one of our organizations would take the cat.

I went to see Anita the next day, and I went in the cat room, which I prefer  not to do.  I am overwhelmed with the dogs. " He is just beautiful," I said to Anita.  He's a beautiful long haired boy, and I have no doubt he would be an easy adopt.  As we were talking, the lady that turned him in walked through the door.  She was going to take the cat back, or board him if need be.  The poor girl was so upset.   Anita called our Humane Society and reminded the gal over there about the cat.  They were having a cat adoption that afternoon , and they were willing to take the cat.  We were all very happy about that!

"You need to keep that cat," I said, as she took him out of his cage.  "I can see that You love him already."

"I'm working on my husband," she answered, as she petted and kissed the big boy.

  "I'd work on him, all right," I thought, but I bit my tongue.

 The gal walked out the door with the big kitty,  headed for the Humane Society, and Anita and I looked at each other with that look that needs no explanation.  One more problem solved, but a bucket full were just around the corner. Her phone started ringing, and I made my escape.

I'm way behind in posting this, so I'm quitting, and I'm going to get ready to talk about the week-end.  It's so hard to get the time to do this, but I know that many of you are reading and sharing this blog.   I need to get this out to you, so you, and others, can understand what the rescue people go through.

 You have animals in your community that need your help.  If you are from our community, we need you!   Your animal  control needs your help.  I will tell you that many of these people are very skeptical of volunteers coming into their facilities.  They can be very aloof, if not rude.  Many, particularly in the South, put down almost everything that walks in the door.  You have to let them know that you are there to help them and the animals.  Your attitude is everything.  If you go in there with a 'holier that thou' attitude, they will shut you out.  You will see things that send you over the edge.  You sometimes want to throw up at the sight of it all, but you must treat these folks with kindness, and remember that you are there to serve, not to threaten.  You can make a difference!  I will be happy to speak to any group in your community that may be interested in getting started. The animals are waiting for you!

Miracles Happen

"I promised myself that I would get some sleep tonight, but here I sit with little Tazzy on my lap prompting me to write about the doggies. My little three pound friend has become quite a treasure in just a few days.  Tonight I hit the couch to relax after a very long day.  She was lying on my chest and snuggled up to me as we watched American Idol.  She looked intently into my eyes with such love.  I said, "I love you, my little Tazzy.  You are safe and loved forever."  With that she rolled over and put her tiny head under my chin.  Then she reached up and touched my face with that miniature paw.  All the stress of the day melted in that moment.

Our day always starts very early because the dogs make it very clear that they want their breakfast served on time. After feeding the gang, Harry set off to pick up Lucky.  For those of you that have missed some of my posts, you will find her story in the last few entries. I was still a bit apprehensive about my commitment to take care of this fifteen year old injured dog with all I have going on, but I knew that we were all these people had to step in and help them.  I heard Harry drive up as I was getting cleaned up.  A few minutes later I smelled a nasty odor creeping up the stairs.  I was no stranger to foul smells, and I immediately knew that just minutes after they walked in the door there was already a problem.

I went down stairs to find Lucky tracking poop all over my tile floor.  It was too early for this!  I grabbed a roll of paper towels and started cleaning up the floor a bit before the mob and bucket took over.  Harry walked in the door looking disgusted and a bit nauseous.

"I hate to ask, but what happened? I said .

"She pooped all over my seat, and she walked in it," he said grabbing the odor killer.  I  knew that he had a blanket on the seat, but the poor guy was out in the cold trying to clean up the mess. "She can't wear a collar or a harness because of all the injuries, so I don't know how we're supposed to take her out.  She is peeing every few minutes because she has a bladder infection.  She has never lived in the house, so I doubt she is housebroken, and she is here for 10 days. We definitely have a problem here," he said walking back out in the cold.

"Crap!" I muttered, grabbing the orange scented room spray. "I give up!"

After getting the dog and the nasty mess cleaned up, it was time to check in with Kelly.  She had been answering the Friends for Life phone since I had been out of town, and I was sure there would be morning news.

"They guy with one of the puppies called early and said the puppy had blood in her poop," she said as the list began.  "I told him to take the pup to the vet, and they would check her out.  The pup is eating and drinking fine though," she said.

"Probably worms," I said reaching for my toaster waffle.

"The older woman that took the puppy as a foster to adopt on Saturday said that she's not up to taking care of a puppy, so she's bringing the pup back today, and the other young man called and said he doesn't have time to care for a puppy either, so he's bringing that one back as well.  Debbie will be bringing the pup she has been fostering, and she will stop by animal control if you need help  .Oh yeah, Mack is coming out as well, but she will foster him if he doesn't get adopted."

"Any other great news?" I asked, wishing I could walk upstairs and shut myself in my room.

"No, I think that's it," she said.

"Great!  Let's hope we get those puppies somewhere.  I can't send them back to animal control as full as  they are."

I hung up the phone, and it rang again. It was WATA radio. I almost forgot about the radio show I do on Wednesday mornings.  "Ready to go on the air?"  the DJ asked.

"Absolutely,"I said, looking at the cold waffle smirking at me next to my cold cup of extra bold coffee.

Harry and I got all the dogs in the right places and rushed out the door for the pet adoption. "We're going to be late to get the dogs at animal control," I said, already exhausted and irritated.

We grabbed some crates out of our storage truck and headed for animal control.  Anita was blow drying Alex, the  adorable shaggy dog we rescued in the nick of time yesterday.  I had left him there last night hoping that we could groom him a bit before the adoption. I appreciated Anita's help with him with all the mess she had there. She looked like her day was going about the same as mine. She was blowing the hair out of her face and wiping sweat off her forehead.

"We've got to get some of these dogs out of here, or we're in trouble.  What about that transport? Can we get these puppies moved up north this week-end?  I am going on vacation and Gabe is new here, and I can't leave him with a full kennel. And that poor old Collie can't even get up, and he's pooping on himself, and I just don't know if we did that old dog any favor by taking him.  He is going to be groomed this morning, but I don't know Penny...."

I went back into the kennels and looked at poor Roy.  He looked so bad. I appreciated that Anita kept him there for me until this morning.  He was struggling to stand up, and his poor dim eyes couldn't even see me as I called to him.  "Oh, Roy," was all I could say. Harry came in to see him, and I said, "You know, he may have to be put down, but there was no way I was going to let this poor old dog die in that gas chamber.  If he can't make it, we'll put him down surrounded by love," I said, as I walked away feeling defeated and so sad that his life would end like this.

"Well, what do you think?" Anita said as I walked back out front.  "I think he's blind, Penny," she added.

"He followed my hand when I moved it in front of him.  I think he sees shadows at least.  Let's get him cleaned up, and we'll go form there.  I took him out to save him from dying at animal control.  I'll figure it out," I said, wondering if he could even stand up long enough to be groomed.

"What am I going to do with all these old animals?" I asked Harry as we headed back to get the dogs out of the kennels.  I have Roy, Nikie, and Lucky.  All of them are about fifteen years old.  It's not as if I have people beating down my door begging to adopt dogs ready to move on to dog heaven any minute.

We took Sally, the Chocolate Lab, out of her pen.  She was exuberant to be out.,  We took wild  little Lexus out of her cage as we held our breath.  This poor little dog had spent months at the vet kennel and then at the pound, and she was going crazy being locked up for so long.  I knew if we didn't get her out of there it would be curtains for her soon. I hated to take her to the adoptions because she would bark relentlessly and drive all of us bonkers, not to mention the effect all that carrying on had on the other dogs.

"I think I would like to drug her," I said to Anita as Lexus pulled Harry out the door.

"A little rescue remedy might help, Anita said, laughing at the sight of this wild girl dragging my husband through the place.

"What do you mean Rescue Remedy for her?  What about us?  Buy a case of that stuff, so we can drink it! "I laughed to myself.  Just looking at what a mess we already were so early in the day was somewhat amusing.  If you don't laugh, you cry! cry! cry!!!!!

"A bottle of Prozac wouldn't touch her!" I exclaimed, wondering how I would handle this dog for six hours at the mall.

We walked in to the mall with the dogs, and the puppies started showing up at the same time.  Its always pandaemonium when we get there. A woman spotted Sally and began to ask me questions.  "I have a Lab at home," she said.  "This girl is just beautiful."

"You can foster Sally if you like and see how the dogs get along.  Sally is very sweet, and she would be fine with any dog," I said, wondering why no one had called looking for this wonderful girl.

"I will go home and get my other car.  I'll  bring her home and see how it works," she said.

"Great!"  I said.  "Give it time!" I warned.  I asked my normal questions and handed her our foster form.  "We'll hold her for you," I said, feeling happy for this great dog.

Someone else came in to pay for their puppy, and a crowd gathered around the dogs.  Lexus started barking like a wild woman, and that got Mack and Alex going. The choir had begun their rehearsal!  That is not a good thing because it can carry inside that mall, and that could cause us trouble.  My friend,  Joe, the mall maintenance  man,  had already warned me that one of the shop owners hated us and was looking for trouble.  I was trying to hush all the dogs, and I was getting totally stressed out at all the commotion. I shot Harry a look and said, "Please help me quite these dogs down!"

A young woman came by and fell in love with Mack.  This dog had my heart from day one.  He is the dog that loved that couple so much,  and they brought him back within minutes of bringing him home because they said he didn't like their dog.  He had been in another foster home since that huge disappointment with two other dogs and a cat, and he did great.  He needed a break.  We took Mack out of his crate, and he rolled over at the girl's feet and slapped her leg with his big paw. He was really working on her, and it was working.

"I'm taking him to foster him, and I'll probably adopt him," she said with a huge smile.

"I hope he can stay with you forever," I said.  "He has been heartbroken since his family turned him in to animal control. "

I was thrilled to see that big boy walk away with her.  She is a true dog lover, but you never know what could go wrong.  This time maybe he will have a forever friend.  He deserves all the love anyone can give.  To me, he's the perfect dog.

The puppies were getting lots of attention, and another one was fostered to adopt.  Then a couple came by and really fell for Alex. I told them that we saved him just in time yesterday.  They took our card and left.  A few minutes later they were back.

"He's so thin!" the lady said, as she rubbed her hand down his side.

"He was a stray, and who knows how long he was out there alone," I said.

"If we take him to foster him can we get him vet checked right away?" she asked.

"I'll call our vet right now and try to get an appointment," I said, reaching for my cell phone.

"Ok," she said.  "I've never had a male dog. I'm a little nervous.  We also have a very spoiled dog at home."

"He's very smart and very well behaved ," I said.  "I think you will love him."

"We have a meeting, but we'll come back and get him," she said as she put him back in his crate.

When they walked out the door I hoped and prayed that they would be back.  I took this guy out of that animal control, and I was responsible for him.  I was hoping he would find a foster home because Harry and I were so overloaded.

My phone rang, and it was the lady that took Sally.

"I think I will have to bring her back," she said.  "I hate it because she is so sweet, but my dog is driving her crazy, and I'm not sure she is house broken."

"You just got her home.  They need time to get to know each other,"  I said, remembering the episode with Mack last Saturday.  I just couldn't believe it!  Meanwhile, Lexus was still barking so much she was actually loosing her bark! "Thank God!"

"Well, I don't know...  I think I need to bring her back," she said.

"Ok, we're here,"  I said.  I hung up discouraged again.

My friend, Debbie, had been helping us with the adoption, and she was talking with someone when the phone rang again.  This time it was Jackie.

"Can you get this transport together for Saturday?  We have to get those puppies up there.  There will be all kinds of dogs put down if we don't get them out.  You need to see what you can get worked out," she said in a panic.

 I had to take a deep breath because I knew that no one had any idea of the pressure I live with everyday, and I just couldn't figure out why I am the one to work it all out every time.  After all, I was offering our SUV, and I only have about 23 dogs now at my place to care for. I'm standing at the mall praying that I can save Lexus before she's history.   I have all these old dogs to worry about, and now I have to get the transport worked out while I'm in the middle of the adoption!

"It was worked out for last Saturday, but they cancelled," I said, feeling frustrated.

"The weather was bad," she said.

" I know that, but I don't know who can drive this week-end. I have the pet adoption, and I need the SUV to pick up."

I looked at Debbie and said,  " I don't suppose you could drive the dogs to Virginia this week-end to meet the New York rescue, can you?'  I think Kelly will ride with you."

"Yes, I can do that," she said.

"You will?" I said, shocked out of my mind.

"Yes, I can go," she said.

"I have a driver," I told Jackie.

"Screams of delight came through the phone."

You owe me dinner, you wild woman," I said as I hung up.  It's a good thing we are all friends or we would kill each other.  We may anyway!

The phone rang again.

 "Hi Penny.  I called earlier about bringing Sally back. I'm going to hold on to her.  They're doing better. I can bring her back Saturday if I have to," She said. "I really love this dog,"

"Great news!" I said.  "I hope it works out."

I looked up and saw the couple that wanted to foster Alex. I was so glad they were back.  They took him and headed for the vet.  I was a bit concerned about this foster.  I knew she was nervous, but at least he was safe for now.  It was a good day.   Several dogs were safe for now.  Hopefully they will be adopted. We had Lexus and two little puppies left, and Debbie said that she was willing to foster the pups and pick poor Roy up at the groomer and take him home.  What a blessing that was!

The phone rang again. It was Anita.

"Anna went nuts over here when a child came in to the kennel.  I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but we can't have this," she said.

  I was about to loose it by then.  We had spent a fortune on this dog.  She had her leg amputated, and we spayed her and gave her the shots she needed..   I know she is going nuts over there, but I have been taking dogs out of there like crazy. She has mange, and I can't take her home yet.  I have been working myself to death trying to get the dogs out of animal control, and now I felt that I was hearing that this dog needed to be put down after all we had done to save her. That pretty much sent me off the deep end.  I felt like everyone was pulling at me to make all the miracles happen, and I had had it.

"We have to get her well, and I'll see if I can get financial help to send her down for training if she needs it." I said, as my face was turning red.  "I don't know where I can take her. I'm just a bit overloaded here," I said wanting to just kiss it all good-bye at that point.  I had been stressed with all the barking and carrying on all day. I was worried about all the old timers, and whether I could get Alex placed.  I had a sick old dog at home that was probably pooping everywhere.  I knew that Lexus would not be safe if I sent her back, and now this.  TILT!!!!!!

Anita and I are good friends, and I knew she was very stressed today as well, but I knew that if anything happened to Anna I just couldn't take it..  I can't see Anna die because she has mange and can't get out of there.  Its not like I can board her anywhere!  I'm sure Anita heard the frustration in my voice.    We all have a breaking point, and I was more than there.  She said she would move Anna to the back if need be, and that was the end of that conversation. As I said, you have to form solid friendships to help hold each other up.  We all  get pushed to the limit.  Many people bail out. I totally understand.

A young woman came by and looked at Lexus about an hour before.  I had asked her if she could foster Lexus, and I told her the sad story. I told her that she was very hyper because she had been locked up for too long, and it would take time for her to settle down.  She said she would make a couple of phone calls, and maybe she could help. I wasn't holding my breath believing that she would come back.

I looked up, after hanging up the phone, and there she was.  "I came back to adopt Lexus," she said.  My family has a big fenced area off the mountain, and we love our dogs.  We can give her a good home."

"Seriously?" I said stunned.

"Yup! I have the money.  I'm so excited!" she said. We were all in shock, and the rejoicing began.  Poor little Lexus had been chosen at last!  I pulled out one of our new bright colored bandanas that read, "Love rescued me." " She needs this," I said, fighting tears.

Words cannot express what I was feeling when she walked out the door with that little dog."Thank you, Jesus!" I said, still stunned. "Please let this work."

The phone rang. It was Anita.

" I think I may have someone to foster Anna " she said.  "She's going to ask her husband, but Anna did great with her, and I just hope she comes back tomorrow! She doesn't have any dogs, so maybe it will work!"

"That would be the topping on the cake if we can get her in a safe place," I said with a renewed hope for this poor dog.''

"Just pray she comes back," she said.

Pray I will. Prayer has kept me somewhat sane!  I have set a record tonight. It is 1:50 AM, and Tazzy is looking at me wondering why we are not snuggled up together under the covers. Cookie is totally ticked because she wants to be snuggled up at the bottom of the bed.  So, I think I need to put my computer to sleep, and call it a day.  I hope I have very little to write about the rest of the week, but I won't count on it.

Miracles happen!  I saw several today. Pray for Anna.  She needs a miracle.

Bow Wow for now!

I'm Home!

After being away for about a week, it's hard to get back into the routine. I was in Florida taking care of my adorable grandaughters for a few days, and then my daughter and I had to go to Atlanta to the market for a couple of days. After keeping on our toes with the two little ones, buying for our new boutique for countless hours at the Atlanta Mart, not to mention all the traveling, we both came home exhausted.

Before I left, we all worked out a transport for 20 plus puppies to go to New York. That was such a blessing for these puppies, and for all of us. I was heartsick to receive a call telling me that due to more bad weather the transport was cancelled.   My friend, Kelly, stepped up to the plate and sat with eight puppies and a couple of other doggies at the mall on Saturday.  I was overjoyed to hear that all the pups and the adult dogs had been placed in foster homes, or had been adopted,  We needed that!  "Good work, Kelly!" I said, when she called to tell me about the adoption.  It was a blessing to know that all those dogs were safe.

I was also happy to hear that Niki , our poor emaciated  Husky went to a good foster home.  I was thrilled with the news that he was out of the hospital.  I was also informed that our parvo puppy that I've been calling Hope also went home with a good friend and fabulous animal lover.  On the down side, Kelly reluctantly broke the news to me that  Hope's other siblings all came down with parvo and had to be euthanized.  That news broke my heart.  Parvo is a terrible disease.  Many times the poor little pups at the shelters come in to those places weak and malnourished. Their immune systems are compromised, and they break with this horrible disease.  We have seen this over and over, and it never gets any easier to see those precious babies die so young.  We have saved many of them, but we have lost many as well.

Just after I got home, Kelly called me and told me that a man a called Friends For Life needing homes for three puppies.  He said that he was driving down a busy road, and he thought he saw something moving on the side of the road.  He turned around and went back to find three tiny puppies .  Their poor mama was lying dead next to them.  He said he thought that she had starved to death.  He looked all around the grassy area for more puppies, but he didn't see any more, so he took the pitiful threesome home.   "I want to find good homes for them after all they've been through," he told Kelly.  "I'm home alright!' I thought, as the news kept coming.  The minute I get  home from any time away I almost dread to hear the phone ring because I know that this never ends!  "Call him back and tell him we will help him place the puppies,"I told Kelly.  He lives in a neighboring town, and we  have enough to handle here, but how do you say no to that?  I can't.

"The man that found that Chocolate Lab that called you before you left town called back , " Kelly said.  "He wondered when we can take that  dog."

"Oh, boy.  I hope he can hold on to the dog for a little while," I said, starting to feel that old familiar stress creeping up my neck.  "Anita is about full at animal control.  We have to get some of those dogs out of there first," I said, knowing  good and well that if the dog he found went to the animal control in Tennessee where he lived it would be the end of that dog .

"I know," Kelly said. Maybe you can call him. "Also the couple that you helped out with Lucky, the dog that was so horribly attacked, needs to leave on Wednesday for Winston for the man's chemo treatments.  They need you to call to make arrangements to pick up Lucky.  They said you would be caring for Lucky while they were away."

"I'll call them tonight as well, " I told her.

I was so heartbroken for this couple and all they have been going through.  I felt I had to help with Lucky.  "Where will I put the poor girl, and how will I care for one more dog?" I thought to myself, but I knew that I would manage it because I had to help these people.  I would hope that someone would do the same for me if I was put in a similar situation.  So, Lucky comes in the morning.  My vet called  tonight and informed me that when he checked her out today he saw that she has a bladder infection on top of everything else.  "Make sure you put her on antibiotics," he said.  Just one more problem for poor old Lucky who is definitely more than lucky to be alive after all she has been through.

I was also called to pick up a tiny Chihuahua yesterday.  I can't tell you much about her story at this time, but it is a very sad one.  She  had to be placed in a home ASAP, so tonight while I type this, Tazzy is on my lap on her beautiful fur blanket that I bought for her yesterday.  She had spent months alone on cold  concrete, so I went all out when I bought her this beautiful blanket.  She is only three pounds, and she has been through her own horror story.  I am so blessed to feel her warm little body on my lap tonight, and I know that she knows that she is finally safe.  She isn't housebroken, and I pretty much have to hand feed her. My other little Chihuahuas go to their pee pee pads, so I can only hope that she will follow their lead.  Now I have more work with Tazzy on top of all the rest, but she deserves to be treated like a princess, and that's what she's getting with me. I will never let this tiny little dog be hurt again. Her story would make you sob.  One day I will tell her story.  But thank God,  now she has a happy ending.

Today Anita went with me to another animal control facility in a neighboring county.  We went to pick up a shaggy dog that was going to be put down today.   I guess there were several that were on the euthanasia list for this morning over there.  I told her that Friends for Life would take the dog out and get him a home.  It was hard to make that decision because we have so many here at our animal control, and they come first.  Anita told me about this poor boy, and I decided that we needed to save him.

I dreaded going over to that place because I know that they put so many animals down. They were still wearing their heavy black gloves when they unlocked the door to let us in, and I knew that they had been euthanizing.  It made my stomach turn.  Cages that had been full were now empty. Beautiful lives would now become part of the landfill. This is the stark reality of the overwhelming problem of homeless and throw away animals in the USA.  We should have spay/neuter laws, but we basically have none.  Something has to change!

   They have very little help at that animal control, and they have no rescue group to help them get the animals out of there on a regular basis.  If these animal control people have no rescues to help them, they wind up having to kill about 90 to 95% of everything that comes in the door.  It is criminal, but it is the way it is.  The officers were very cordial, and I knew they were grateful to Anita and I for helping them. They all shared how much they needed help to save the animals that keep coming to a dead end at that facility.  We told them we may be able to help get some of their dogs on our transports up north, and I could tell they were very happy to think that might happen.  If any of you are reading this from the northern states, please know that all of us in the South need your help! My email address is in my profile. Please contact us!

We were getting ready to leave, and one of the officers looked at me and said,"Have you seen old Roy?"

"I don't think so," I said, dreading to hear what  was coming.

"Come on back, and I'll show him to you," he said as he opened the door to the kennels.

I walked back there to see a pitiful old Collie about 13 years old lying in that cage looking so forlorn.  He had been a beautiful dog in his day.  He was still beautiful to me, but he was so thin, and his coat was dull and in poor condition.  His eyes were cloudy, and his continence told his story of rejection and pain..

"How did he get here?" I asked feeling my heart break again.

"Can you believe that his owner turned him in at this age?" the officer said shaking his head.

"No, I can't understand such a thing!" I said, fighting tears.  "How can anyone justify this?"

"Can you take him?" the officer asked .

"Can you hold on to him for a couple of days?" I asked trying to figure out what on earth I was going to do with all these dogs!

" I really need to move him out of here," he said.

"This is no way for him to finish his life!" I said, still trying to figure out how I could save this poor pathetic old guy.

"No, it's not," the officer replied.  "That's why I wanted you to see him."

Anita looked at me with that look, and I heard myself saying,"Get him out of here.  I'll take him."

"Oh, thanks so much!"  they all said.  The officers were all smiling, and I was thinking that Harry would probably have me committed somewhere by this afternoon! Anita quickly put a leash on the poor old guy and got him out to my SUV as fast as she could hoping I wouldn't come to my senses before we drove away.

We were saying our goodbyes, but the door was still open to the kennels, and I couldn't get my eyes off of the poor dog in the first cage.  I saw her when I walked in, but it was so sad that I just couldn't stop and look at the dogs. After all, we were there to get one dog.  I didn't have the heart to look at any of the rest; that's why I never noticed Old Roy.  She looked just like a dog you would see on one of the SPCA commercials.  She was cowering in the back of her cage shaking like a leaf.  She was white with stunning blue eyes. It's like she knew she was going to die, I  reluctantly started toward her kennel.

"She is so terrified," I said.

"Yes, she is," the officer replied as he opened her cage for me to go in. "We had to get her on a catch pole. There was a dog fight, and she ran and hid under a porch.  We had to get her out."

"She's just a puppy," I said as I reached out to her.  Her eyes were fixed on my every movement. There was a dependency in those beautiful blue eyes that was haunting to me. "She must be about 6 or 7 months old," I said, as I held my hand out to her.

"Yeah, she's young, and she's a pretty thing," he said. "I don't think she'll bite you, but she is really scared.

"Hey, baby, It's OK.  I'm not going to hurt you," I said trying to reassure her.  She just looked at me, and her whole body trembled.  I wanted to grab her and head for the door, but I knew that I had no where for the dogs I had, not to mention that I had Tazzy at home and Lucky on her way.

"Will you hold on to her for me?"I pleaded.  "I'll come back for her as soon as I can get some of the dogs out of our animal control."

"I think we can hold on to her for a while," He said.

 "I'll figure out something for her," I said, not having any idea who would help me.  I have called people until I am blue in the face, and its very easy for them to say they can't and won't help.  I don't get it! I just don't know how people can turn their backs on these poor souls, but they do. They just won't put themselves out even for a few days. I guess if you don't see it every day it's easy to turn a deaf ear and close your eyes to the horror of it all.  One day we will see it all played back to us.

My heart went out to that poor frightened girl as she watched me walk away.  I just wanted to break down and cry as I said good-bye to her.  I have to go back for her.  Somehow I have to find her a foster home.  I'll call the guys tomorrow and remind them that I am working on a place for her, so they don't put her down.  I'll pray, as always, that God will make a way when there seems to be no way. He is my source.

"How am I going to break this to Harry?' I  thought as I said goodbye to the guys.   Anita and I headed back to Boone with two lucky dogs that had just been saved. Now all we had to do is find a home for them!  I still have Anna to get out of animal control. She has mange, and I can't put her with other dogs, but the longer she sits in that cage the harder it's going to be to get her adopted. I had a girl that promised to foster her, but she has never showed up, so the pressure is on me to get her out of there.  So, what else is new? Everyone keeps asking why I haven't gotten Anna out, but I guess they just don't realize that my magic wand is malfunctioning!  Then there is the Lab, the Terrier mix, the hyper little Pit mix named Lexus,, the hound, the other two Pit mixes, and on and on and on it goes.

This afternoon Kelly called and told me that a mother dog had been hit by a car, and she died.  She left eleven tiny puppies. What do we do with eleven little motherless puppies that need to be bottle fed every few hours?  I don't know because I'm brain dead at 1:30AM.  Maybe tomorrow some miracle will happen with all of this. I know we will be heading to the Boone Mall with homeless animals, and we will be praying for good people to show up and take them home.  A lot of people are reading this blog, so maybe someone will get involved with the plight of the throwaways. I pray so.

I'm home!   Stay tuned.