Thursday, July 26, 2007
"Keoshi" Tissue Alert
This story is about a little Shitzu named "Keoshi" he is approximately 1-3 years of age.
I was at the pound last Friday, checking on what I could take or could alert other rescues, as to what was there waiting, to hopefully get out, when I came upon the little matted black and white dog.
Scared to death, sitting in a corner shaking, sharing a run with other dogs.
I took a look at his paperwork and saw that he was surrendered and was heartworm positive.
My heart sank.. It made me so sad, for with our kennel expansion and all the new special needs dogs here, I just couldn't financially see how I could get treatment for him. Treatment for heartworm can be 4 to 8 hundred dollars.
Many times I have to leave dogs behind, because of the dollars involved for their treatment.
The questions usually are, do I save one special needs or 10 to 15 dogs that can be more easily treated?
It is such a hard thing for me emotionally.
I try to help all, but have to balance the numbers and be realistic about how much we can financially handle.
As I asked more about why this dog was surrendered and not treated, I learned his owner is homeless.
"Keoshi's" face haunted me all weekend.
The thought of how being homeless could happen to anyone.
Many of us are only a few paychecks away from being homeless.
The thought of how hard it must have been for his owner to give him up, to be put to sleep, so he wouldn't suffer the end result of having heartworms made me cry.
I called the vets in the area and found out he was indeed tested for heartworm and could not afford the treatment.
The dog was fixed, so you know the man is responsible for his pet.
Wednesday came and thoughts of the dog were with me as I entered the pound.
He would have been put to sleep this day.
As I went thru, there he was... I couldn't believe it..
I took it as a sign and decided to take him to the vet to see what we could do.
He tried to bite me, several times, scared out of his mind. After I had him for about an hour he was much better.
We did a heartworm test, it is positive, got him groomed, x-rays and blood work. His outlook is good.
I just have to raise the money to treat him. He can't be treated till I get back from Arizona, for he has an infection that we have to clear up first.
Then after treatment, he has to be confined to a crate for 6 weeks, the only activity he will be able to do is to go potty on leash and back to his crate. If his heart rate is elevated due to activity, it can kill him.
I know the owners name and with a little luck I'll be able to find him and tell him, that when he gets back on his feet he can have the dog back. Seems only the right thing to do. It would kill me if this would have happened to me...
This dog misses him terribly..
I often try to walk in others shoes. Life is such a journey.. We often take for granted the daily gifts, the love that surrounds us and the simple pleasures. I hope after reading this post, many will take a look at the day, say a prayer I can reunite this dog with his owner and hug your pets, they are lucky to have you.
Please also have your pets on heartworm preventative.. It is so important..
When I get back from Arizona I will be working on the remainder of the art auction.
With Chris here now, I hopefully will have some time to catch up..
The upcoming posts I want to introduce you to some fabulous rescuers who are my friends.
They are such amazing women, I want to honor them by telling others about their rescues.
Leaving to transport up north tomorrow..
Nitey nite..:: posted @ 9:50 PM by Bernie Berlin:: 26 comments :: permalink
This story is about a little Shitzu named "Keoshi" he is approximately 1-3 years of age.
I was at the pound last Friday, checking on what I could take or could alert other rescues, as to what was there waiting, to hopefully get out, when I came upon the little matted black and white dog.
Scared to death, sitting in a corner shaking, sharing a run with other dogs.
I took a look at his paperwork and saw that he was surrendered and was heartworm positive.
My heart sank.. It made me so sad, for with our kennel expansion and all the new special needs dogs here, I just couldn't financially see how I could get treatment for him. Treatment for heartworm can be 4 to 8 hundred dollars.
Many times I have to leave dogs behind, because of the dollars involved for their treatment.
The questions usually are, do I save one special needs or 10 to 15 dogs that can be more easily treated?
It is such a hard thing for me emotionally.
I try to help all, but have to balance the numbers and be realistic about how much we can financially handle.
As I asked more about why this dog was surrendered and not treated, I learned his owner is homeless.
"Keoshi's" face haunted me all weekend.
The thought of how being homeless could happen to anyone.
Many of us are only a few paychecks away from being homeless.
The thought of how hard it must have been for his owner to give him up, to be put to sleep, so he wouldn't suffer the end result of having heartworms made me cry.
I called the vets in the area and found out he was indeed tested for heartworm and could not afford the treatment.
The dog was fixed, so you know the man is responsible for his pet.
Wednesday came and thoughts of the dog were with me as I entered the pound.
He would have been put to sleep this day.
As I went thru, there he was... I couldn't believe it..
I took it as a sign and decided to take him to the vet to see what we could do.
He tried to bite me, several times, scared out of his mind. After I had him for about an hour he was much better.
We did a heartworm test, it is positive, got him groomed, x-rays and blood work. His outlook is good.
I just have to raise the money to treat him. He can't be treated till I get back from Arizona, for he has an infection that we have to clear up first.
Then after treatment, he has to be confined to a crate for 6 weeks, the only activity he will be able to do is to go potty on leash and back to his crate. If his heart rate is elevated due to activity, it can kill him.
I know the owners name and with a little luck I'll be able to find him and tell him, that when he gets back on his feet he can have the dog back. Seems only the right thing to do. It would kill me if this would have happened to me...
This dog misses him terribly..
I often try to walk in others shoes. Life is such a journey.. We often take for granted the daily gifts, the love that surrounds us and the simple pleasures. I hope after reading this post, many will take a look at the day, say a prayer I can reunite this dog with his owner and hug your pets, they are lucky to have you.
Please also have your pets on heartworm preventative.. It is so important..
When I get back from Arizona I will be working on the remainder of the art auction.
With Chris here now, I hopefully will have some time to catch up..
The upcoming posts I want to introduce you to some fabulous rescuers who are my friends.
They are such amazing women, I want to honor them by telling others about their rescues.
Leaving to transport up north tomorrow..
Nitey nite..:: posted @ 9:50 PM by Bernie Berlin:: 26 comments :: permalink
Monday, July 23, 2007
Sunday, I thought was a day of rest..
Isn't it Sunday is suppose to be a day of rest?? Well not around here:)
I spent Sunday running around all day, picking up more kenneling, dog houses and supplies.
Then we spent the entire day putting them up, tarping them, cleaning and feeding.
We went from 900 square feet of kennels to 2700. (((Eeeek!!)))
I had been saving for some time to buy a pool, looks like it will be another year before I get one:)
Somethings are just more important!!! Think the puppies will share theirs?? (((giggles)))
These are just a few of the new faces here..
"Glitz" is a female, 1-3 year old Golden/Lab mix. She has tons of energy but is a loving sweet girl. Good with other dogs.
"Rugo" is a male Jack Russell Mix, approximately 2-3 years of age.
Tall and leggy he has the cutest undershot jaw, it looks like he is smiling all the time.
Good with other dogs, pretty mello and just a very good boy.
"Moxie" is a female Jack Russell Terrier. Approximately 1-3 years of age, this girl is just the best!!! Active, but knows when to slow down and hang with you. Good with other dogs.
"Diva" is a female Rottweiler, approximately 1-2 years of age. She may be a mix for she is on the smaller side. Super fun dog, loves everyone & good with other dogs. She is also water crazy. Loves to play with the water from the hose and swims.
"Starr" is a female Pekingese/Jack Russell mix. Approximately 1-3 years of age. Housebroken & crate trained. She loves to follow you around. Does not like to be left alone in the yard, a true escape artist, she will need to be with you or in the house.
"Wilma" is a female Jack Russell, probably a mix with natural tails. She is approximately 10-12 weeks of age. She also has a sister named "Winnie" who looks just like her. Busy and dominant natured pups. Sweet and take corrections well. Obedience classes are highly recommended with these two.
"Neuron" is a male Terrier/Min Pin mix. Approximately 1-2 years of age. Non stop energy, he is a total lover. I get tired from watching him bounce:)
Good with other dogs.
"Cleo" is a female Beagle/Jack Mix. Approximately 1-2 years of age. Very loving and co-dependent. Busy, busy, busy!!!
"Hannah & Grayson" are two very sweet Border Collies, possibly a mix. Both approximately 2-4 years of age, probably closer to 2.
They were left at the pound, supposedly untrainable as herding dogs. Very, very, sweet!! Timid at first but they warm up quickly. They will be going to Border Collie Rescue.
"Evaly" is a female Catahoula, probably a mix. Approximately 12-14 weeks of age. Super sweet!!!
She has an eye infection and problems walking on her left leg. She will be going to the vet this morning.
"Rusty" is a male Lhasa Apso. Approximately 5-7 years of age. Horribly matted, our animal control officer paid to have him shaved. He has some skin infections and open wounds, but will be fine. Nice, sweet guy looking for someone to look beyond his crew cut and imagine him down the road with his fabulous long blond hair.
"Hamster" is a female, lab mix??? Approximately 12-14 weeks.
Was not socialized when she came in and was afraid of her own shadow.
Chris & Jeff have been working with her and she is doing great.
Last but not least our happy go lucky guy "Goldoone" he is a male Golden/mix. Approximately4-5 months of age.
Loves to play hard, runs all day long and will talk your ear off. Not for someone that wants a quiet dog. He does settle down by your side when you give him the attention he needs.
I am running out of names for the animals, so if you are one of my artist friends and notice a name that looks familiar, know you are appreciated!!
Gotta run to the vet this morning and start packing for my upcoming trips..
Have a GREAT & Blessed Day...:: posted @ 12:33 AM by Bernie Berlin:: 4 comments :: permalink
Isn't it Sunday is suppose to be a day of rest?? Well not around here:)
I spent Sunday running around all day, picking up more kenneling, dog houses and supplies.
Then we spent the entire day putting them up, tarping them, cleaning and feeding.
We went from 900 square feet of kennels to 2700. (((Eeeek!!)))
I had been saving for some time to buy a pool, looks like it will be another year before I get one:)
Somethings are just more important!!! Think the puppies will share theirs?? (((giggles)))
These are just a few of the new faces here..
"Glitz" is a female, 1-3 year old Golden/Lab mix. She has tons of energy but is a loving sweet girl. Good with other dogs.
"Rugo" is a male Jack Russell Mix, approximately 2-3 years of age.
Tall and leggy he has the cutest undershot jaw, it looks like he is smiling all the time.
Good with other dogs, pretty mello and just a very good boy.
"Moxie" is a female Jack Russell Terrier. Approximately 1-3 years of age, this girl is just the best!!! Active, but knows when to slow down and hang with you. Good with other dogs.
"Diva" is a female Rottweiler, approximately 1-2 years of age. She may be a mix for she is on the smaller side. Super fun dog, loves everyone & good with other dogs. She is also water crazy. Loves to play with the water from the hose and swims.
"Starr" is a female Pekingese/Jack Russell mix. Approximately 1-3 years of age. Housebroken & crate trained. She loves to follow you around. Does not like to be left alone in the yard, a true escape artist, she will need to be with you or in the house.
"Wilma" is a female Jack Russell, probably a mix with natural tails. She is approximately 10-12 weeks of age. She also has a sister named "Winnie" who looks just like her. Busy and dominant natured pups. Sweet and take corrections well. Obedience classes are highly recommended with these two.
"Neuron" is a male Terrier/Min Pin mix. Approximately 1-2 years of age. Non stop energy, he is a total lover. I get tired from watching him bounce:)
Good with other dogs.
"Cleo" is a female Beagle/Jack Mix. Approximately 1-2 years of age. Very loving and co-dependent. Busy, busy, busy!!!
"Hannah & Grayson" are two very sweet Border Collies, possibly a mix. Both approximately 2-4 years of age, probably closer to 2.
They were left at the pound, supposedly untrainable as herding dogs. Very, very, sweet!! Timid at first but they warm up quickly. They will be going to Border Collie Rescue.
"Evaly" is a female Catahoula, probably a mix. Approximately 12-14 weeks of age. Super sweet!!!
She has an eye infection and problems walking on her left leg. She will be going to the vet this morning.
"Rusty" is a male Lhasa Apso. Approximately 5-7 years of age. Horribly matted, our animal control officer paid to have him shaved. He has some skin infections and open wounds, but will be fine. Nice, sweet guy looking for someone to look beyond his crew cut and imagine him down the road with his fabulous long blond hair.
"Hamster" is a female, lab mix??? Approximately 12-14 weeks.
Was not socialized when she came in and was afraid of her own shadow.
Chris & Jeff have been working with her and she is doing great.
Last but not least our happy go lucky guy "Goldoone" he is a male Golden/mix. Approximately4-5 months of age.
Loves to play hard, runs all day long and will talk your ear off. Not for someone that wants a quiet dog. He does settle down by your side when you give him the attention he needs.
I am running out of names for the animals, so if you are one of my artist friends and notice a name that looks familiar, know you are appreciated!!
Gotta run to the vet this morning and start packing for my upcoming trips..
Have a GREAT & Blessed Day...:: posted @ 12:33 AM by Bernie Berlin:: 4 comments :: permalink
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Our Very Special Dogs with Special Needs..
Sorry so long between posts..
The days just melt into each other..
We have had to expand our rescue this past month, the numbers in need keep growing..
Buying additional kennel runs, feeding pans, dog houses and everything needed to care properly for these animals sure adds up.
I also have had to hire help, I just can't do it all myself anymore.
In order to keep our rescue running financially, I need to travel and teach. Hence needing someone I trust and that is dependable.
My new helper's name is Chris and he has been great!!!
As you can see he is great with the animals and can fix anything!!
He is mostly doing it for the love of the critters for I truly can't afford to pay him very much.
So Thank You Chris you are very much appreciated!!!
I'll be leaving in the next couple of weeks to teach in Phoenix at Art Unraveled and days before the retreat I will be doing a guest appearance on a new t.v. show called Paint, Paper & Crafts Show on PBS.
I'm pretty nervous but think it will be a fun opportunity!!!
Enough of what I'm up to I'm sure you want to see our new and very special dogs that are here..
"Pretty" Is a female Pekingese approximately 7-9 years of age. Her eye is missing and was terrible flea infested, skin infections, rotten teeth and matted to the skin when she came in. Amazing what a visit to the vets office and a good groomer will do!! She is very sweet, loving and a very heavy breather:)
"Brutus" is a male Pug. Approximately 1-2 years in age. His eye will have to be removed due to trauma.
Unfortunately these buggy eyed breeds are quite prone to having eye problems. When picked up by animal control he had severe skin infections and open wounds probably caused by a dog fight.
Doing well he is having fun with Miss Pretty.
He is super active, loves other dogs and likes to go for car rides.
Very stubborn, does not like to take his pills or eye medication.
I can't say I blame him:)
"Neo" This guy just broke my heart. I have a very soft spot for Doberman Pinschers. He is a about a year old, all goofy puppy, full of energy & lots of love.
Scared to death when he first came in, he is blind in one eye and almost blind in the other.
There is a possibility that surgery may correct this, but we have to finish up with the three weeks of eye medications he is taking then he goes in for testing to see if he is a candidate. Initially his first office visit was $188.00, then when we go in for testing we are looking at about $577.00 and if he is a candidate for Cataract surgery the cost will be about $1,500.00 and four month of recovery with round the clock medication every couple of hours.
If you look closely at this pic you can see the opaque silver in the middle of his eye.
He also has these very weird growths on his face which almost make me wonder if he was exposed to something of a chemical nature.
Neo loves ear & tummy rubs, plays and loves other dogs and is doing really well learning how to get around. I've already taught him how to go up and down the stairs with voice commands.
I'll be going to Chicago and Wisconsin next week to transport, but hopefully will check in before then.
Have a great weekend!!!:: posted @ 11:08 PM by Bernie Berlin:: 11 comments :: permalink
Sorry so long between posts..
The days just melt into each other..
We have had to expand our rescue this past month, the numbers in need keep growing..
Buying additional kennel runs, feeding pans, dog houses and everything needed to care properly for these animals sure adds up.
I also have had to hire help, I just can't do it all myself anymore.
In order to keep our rescue running financially, I need to travel and teach. Hence needing someone I trust and that is dependable.
My new helper's name is Chris and he has been great!!!
As you can see he is great with the animals and can fix anything!!
He is mostly doing it for the love of the critters for I truly can't afford to pay him very much.
So Thank You Chris you are very much appreciated!!!
I'll be leaving in the next couple of weeks to teach in Phoenix at Art Unraveled and days before the retreat I will be doing a guest appearance on a new t.v. show called Paint, Paper & Crafts Show on PBS.
I'm pretty nervous but think it will be a fun opportunity!!!
Enough of what I'm up to I'm sure you want to see our new and very special dogs that are here..
"Pretty" Is a female Pekingese approximately 7-9 years of age. Her eye is missing and was terrible flea infested, skin infections, rotten teeth and matted to the skin when she came in. Amazing what a visit to the vets office and a good groomer will do!! She is very sweet, loving and a very heavy breather:)
"Brutus" is a male Pug. Approximately 1-2 years in age. His eye will have to be removed due to trauma.
Unfortunately these buggy eyed breeds are quite prone to having eye problems. When picked up by animal control he had severe skin infections and open wounds probably caused by a dog fight.
Doing well he is having fun with Miss Pretty.
He is super active, loves other dogs and likes to go for car rides.
Very stubborn, does not like to take his pills or eye medication.
I can't say I blame him:)
"Neo" This guy just broke my heart. I have a very soft spot for Doberman Pinschers. He is a about a year old, all goofy puppy, full of energy & lots of love.
Scared to death when he first came in, he is blind in one eye and almost blind in the other.
There is a possibility that surgery may correct this, but we have to finish up with the three weeks of eye medications he is taking then he goes in for testing to see if he is a candidate. Initially his first office visit was $188.00, then when we go in for testing we are looking at about $577.00 and if he is a candidate for Cataract surgery the cost will be about $1,500.00 and four month of recovery with round the clock medication every couple of hours.
If you look closely at this pic you can see the opaque silver in the middle of his eye.
He also has these very weird growths on his face which almost make me wonder if he was exposed to something of a chemical nature.
Neo loves ear & tummy rubs, plays and loves other dogs and is doing really well learning how to get around. I've already taught him how to go up and down the stairs with voice commands.
I'll be going to Chicago and Wisconsin next week to transport, but hopefully will check in before then.
Have a great weekend!!!:: posted @ 11:08 PM by Bernie Berlin:: 11 comments :: permalink
Thursday, July 12, 2007
New Faces...
Time always seems to get away from me..
Wish it would slow down, so I could catch up:)
I can't believe a month has already passed.
Since my last post, I have been to Boston and back, in the hospital briefly & took a transport up this last Tuesday & came back on Wednesday.
My outdoor runs were empty for a whole day..
It has been so unbelievable, our animal controls this time of year are loaded to capacity with numbers that would make you cry.
Too many animals and not enough homes...
Here are pics of some of our current cuties:
This is Tom & Louise and below is Eddie they are 3 of the 5 large breed pups dumped in front of my house while I was in Boston. it makes me sad that people do such things. Whomever left them, ripped open a bag a food so that the dogs would stick around till we found them. I wish they would have just brought them to the front door...
Not sure what they are all mixed with, but Eddie looks like a Golden Retriever, Tom looks somewhat Chow and Louise, maybe Lab/Retriever/Border Collie??? Your guess is as good as mine. All I know is they are sweet dogs.
This is Miss Sassy. She is a Corgi/mix of some sort. Super sweet and loving. About a year old.
This sweet girl is "Bunny" a 6 month old Bulldog/mix, she has two other sisters "Roxy" who is pictured below and Trixie.
They came in pretty much hairless two months ago with mange and horrible skin infections. As you can tell they are happy, healthy and too cute for words!!
This cutie is "Miss Chif" She is a terrier mix about 8 weeks of age. Her and her brother have survived Parvo and will be up for adoption in 3 weeks. Super busy little pups who want all your attention.
I'll post more tomorrow, it's been a busy day today, we have been in vets offices all day in different locations.
We currently have 2 special needs dogs that just came in and a possible one to come in tomorrow.
Nitey nite..:: posted @ 10:46 PM by Bernie Berlin:: 8 comments :: permalink
Wish it would slow down, so I could catch up:)
I can't believe a month has already passed.
Since my last post, I have been to Boston and back, in the hospital briefly & took a transport up this last Tuesday & came back on Wednesday.
My outdoor runs were empty for a whole day..
It has been so unbelievable, our animal controls this time of year are loaded to capacity with numbers that would make you cry.
Too many animals and not enough homes...
Here are pics of some of our current cuties:
This is Tom & Louise and below is Eddie they are 3 of the 5 large breed pups dumped in front of my house while I was in Boston. it makes me sad that people do such things. Whomever left them, ripped open a bag a food so that the dogs would stick around till we found them. I wish they would have just brought them to the front door...
Not sure what they are all mixed with, but Eddie looks like a Golden Retriever, Tom looks somewhat Chow and Louise, maybe Lab/Retriever/Border Collie??? Your guess is as good as mine. All I know is they are sweet dogs.
This is Miss Sassy. She is a Corgi/mix of some sort. Super sweet and loving. About a year old.
This sweet girl is "Bunny" a 6 month old Bulldog/mix, she has two other sisters "Roxy" who is pictured below and Trixie.
They came in pretty much hairless two months ago with mange and horrible skin infections. As you can tell they are happy, healthy and too cute for words!!
This cutie is "Miss Chif" She is a terrier mix about 8 weeks of age. Her and her brother have survived Parvo and will be up for adoption in 3 weeks. Super busy little pups who want all your attention.
I'll post more tomorrow, it's been a busy day today, we have been in vets offices all day in different locations.
We currently have 2 special needs dogs that just came in and a possible one to come in tomorrow.
Nitey nite..:: posted @ 10:46 PM by Bernie Berlin:: 8 comments :: permalink
