Almost Home

A New Start for a New Year

2012-01-04T17:09:00.000-08:00

It was late in the evening when we got the call . . . two dogs on a chain outside an abandoned house. Could we take them? I called back and, honestly, was thinking they'd have to be evaluated first; shelter staff would have to discuss if there really was room, etc. But when I heard their story and discussed it with other shelter volunteers, there was no doubt these dogs needed to be unchained . . . immediately.

You see, these dogs, a Shepherd/Husky Mix and her Boxer mix puppy had lived at the end of their chains for 9 and 4 years, respectively.

A huge storm was brewing outside. The kind of Spring Missouri Storm that brings threat of tornado. The dogs' caretaker cautioned that, with all the rain, the dogs' area would be so muddy we'd be unable to access it for another week. Somehow, one more week for those dogs seemed too much. I picked up another volunteer and we headed to the abandoned house.

It was, undoubtedly, a dramatic rescue. In the dark, rain, thunder and lightening, we met our new dogs, freed them from their chains and loaded them in the car. By midnight, we were at our shelter . . . all four of us, dogs and people, soaked to the bone and unsure what the future would bring for these poor babies, but sure it had to be better than the lives they lived before.

Tai and Tater lived at our shelter for over a year. During that year, Tai was diagnosed with cancer. Everyone who knew Tai and Tater loved them. These two big dogs, with such a sad story, were the gentlest beings one could ever know. Their hard lives had, miraculously, not succeeded at hardening them one bit. We were faced with such a dilemma. Occasionally, someone would apply to adopt Tater and, though it was never the right match for Tater, the thought of having to break the pair up pained everyone. We couldn't imagine Tai living at the shelter without her boy. In fact, we worried she wouldn't survive the separation.

Finally, I was able to bring Tai and Tater to my house to foster. It took some rearranging of my foster animals and a little remodeling work by my handyman friend, but we constructed a place Tai and Tater could live comfortably. My thought was that it would at least give Tater a shot at a home and that Tai would do better in a home with a foster parent than at a shelter alone. We took some new photos and wrote a new bio with a plea for a home for Tai and Tater together. And waited.

Then a miracle happened. Someone wanted both Tai and Tater! Someone willing to sign up for the heartbreaking task of adopting a senior dog with a medical diagnoses and willing to work with two dogs who'd had a rough existence. After almost two years in a shelter and then a foster home, Tai and Tater were going home!

It was a special Christmas this year, as I spent my last couple days with these two beautiful creatures. It was not an easy goodbye. I was so relieved to have been spared the decision of breaking Tai and Tater apart, but my resolve that I'd probably have Tai until her time was up was hard to let go of. It's always bittersweet to say goodbye, but this one was especially hard. It was also a goodbye worth celebrating, as Tai and Tater are getting the happy ending so many of us hoped for, but didn't expect.

Perhaps it's a good sign for a wonderful, new year. For sure, it's a wonderful new year for Tai and Tater.

Be good babies, enjoy your life and know that I'll always love you!

Tater, Tai and their new, human sister, on the couch

Tater, Tai and their new, human sister, getting used to the neighborhood

Creature Comforts

2011-10-24T12:00:00.000-07:00

Recently, I've ordered some new gear for the critters at the foster house and wanted to give props to a couple great companies!

Everyone with dogs probably knows KONG toys. And, because they are just the best, they are certainly not hurting for business. So, why give them props here? Because the company is super rescue friendly and offers "seconds" (products that are slightly damaged) at a reduced price to qualified rescuers. So, if you are with a rescue group, check them out at www.kongcompany.com, contact them and ask what they can do for you. Their customer service folks are super helpful and friendly. And, if you are not a rescue, but a dog owner, buy a KONG for your doggy! Yes, they are expensive, but they last forever and provide hours of entertainment for your critter. And you can spend the money knowing that the company you purchased it from is doing their best to help rescue critters everywhere and enhance their time in shelters!

When you have multiple critters, keeping dog and cat beds clean can be a challenge. I've spent so much money on fancy beds (it's kind of an obsession; I can't pass up a good deal on a cute critter bed, even when we don't really need one!). My bed purchases always end the same. We enjoy the bed for a while, but when it gets soiled, there isn't much you can do about it. Usually you can wash the shell, but eventually, when the insides get ruined one way or another, there's nothing left to do but toss the bed in the trash. It's such a waste!

I was searching the web for something indestructible and found Mollymutts.com. Their beds are pure genius! Molly Mutts sells "dog duvets," that allow you to stuff the bed yourself. You can use old towels, blankets or clothing to stuff the bed. Then, when your bed gets soiled, all you do is pull out the stuffing and throw the whole kaboodle into the washing machine! You can even purchase stuff bags so that you can pull out the beds insides in one piece and throw it in the wash that way. I ordered two (to start, I'm sure I'll get more) and they are fabulous! The patterns are adorable and the fabric is super tough. It's 100% (pre-shrunk) cotton, almost the thickness of canvas.

Even better, they are a fantastic company to work with. I ordered my beds and, without even asking, was credited 25% of the order because I do rescue. What company sends unsolicited gifts like that?! So, again, order a Molly Mutts bed and know that you are working with a company that happily helps homeless critters.

Need a non-fabric bed? Perhaps one for the inside of a crate, the back porch or just somewhere in the house? Try Kuranda! Shelters know these things have a long shelf life for the tortures dogs can but them through, but they also sell beds for home use, in pretty colors to match your decor. They have crate beds, regular beds, cat climber beds and, the one I am most coveting right now . . . bunk beds! Kuranda is another company that is very rescue friendly. Find your favorite rescue's website and look for the Kuranda photo and link. You can donate a bed directly to the shelter of your choice. It arrives fully assembled and ready for a critter to curl up on!

White Christmas and Happy Fosters

2010-12-24T16:59:00.000-08:00

I wasn't particularly happy to see the snow this morning. Normally, I love snow, but I have procrastinated this season and had Christmas shopping to accomplish and a home-visit with a foster dog to do. I accomplished the above in record time, however, and came home to enjoy the snow . . . and my dogs playing in it. For many of them, it is their first snow. Below is Sophie, the newest addition to the Foster House. She is a five-month-old baby from a puppy mill. Watching her bloom this week and begin acting like a regular dog has been wonderful. Watching her in the snow was something entirely different. I couldn't stop giggling. She ran so fast, her back legs outran her front. She'd tumble over into a somersault and then do it all over again!

Romeo and Fawn are the best of friends and here they share a platter of snow. They went from bush to bush in the back yard, clearing each one!

Rex, like Sophie, couldn't stop running full speed, doing figure eights around the bushes. He was having sooo much fun. He was the only dog who never once took the time to shake the falling snow off his fur, so he came inside looking like a big snowmonster.

And there he is, my Aussie/Shepherd/Snowmonster Mix!

Miss Sophie again, doing her best to look like a Hallmark card!

My sweet, sweet Romeo. Romeo is a Golden/Husky mix and a natural in the snow. He seems to never get cold . . . or tired of leading the whole herd in a game of tag. Here he pauses for just a moment so I can get the perfect shot!

I will probably add more photos as I get them edited, but in the meantime:
Happy Holidays, from my critters to yours. Dog Bless Us, Every One.

Taking a Chance on Chester

2010-12-07T00:01:00.000-08:00

This adorable Weaton Terrier mix is Chester. He is one of our long-term shelter dogs, no longer listed as adoptable due to two failed adoptions. Reportedly, he is a terrible resource guarder, claiming all sorts of household items as his own and then protecting them with every ounce of his being by growling and refusing to give them up. However, in the time we have had Chester, off and on, we have never seen this behavior at our shelter.

Resource guarding is not one of those things one can train a dog not to do. It is a behavior, not a habit and much harder to put an end to. Resource guarders can be dangerous because, often, their way of protecting the items they claim is threatening to bite anyone trying to take them away. We never want a dog to face the possibility of living his entire life at a shelter. With dogs like Chester, we have to entertain the thought that perhaps it would be more kind to put them to sleep. But since we have never, ever seen Chester's issues first hand, making such a dire decision wasn't possible. We love Chester and think he deserves more than a few chances.

You see, not only is Chester totally adorable, he is also totally lovable and incredibly smart. He knows commands and will "sit," "shake," "lay down," "role over," and "give kisses" for his favorite treat. When he wants a belly rub, he roles on his back and softly whines, then grunts in contentment as you scratch his belly.

Because Chester has issues, we made some assumptions about him. We've kept him away from other dogs for the most part, because dogs who guard their belongings tend to not play well with others. Recently, we took a chance and tested him out with a big, female lab and, to our complete surprise, he did great! Suddenly things were looking up for Chester.

A couple months ago, I took Chester to my house, just for a few hours. He needed a bath and haircut. Again, Chester surpassed expectations. He loved his bath and patiently let me groom him. Because I am no groomer, my attempts to do so usually take a ridiculously long time. He was a champ throughout the whole process. He liked his little field trip to my house and I felt guilty returning him to the shelter. But, when you run a foster home, you have to be selective about the dogs you bring in. Difficult dogs can disrupt a foster house to the deficit of the other dogs.

Chester hasn't been the same since his visit to my home. I volunteer evenings at the shelter. When I'd leave the shelter, poor Chester whined, pawed at his kennel and rolled over on his back, begging me to come scoop him up and take him with me. It broke my heart every time and I usually left in tears, feeling so bad for him.

A few nights ago, Chester had enough. He did his usual whine and paw and I did my usual caving in, slipping into his pen to give him belly rubs and some extra attention. He made a break for it, running to the other side of the kennel, where he promptly plopped down, rolled over and refused to budge. Chester loves his treats and I tried to coax him with one. Nope. I tried a big, irresistible blob of peanut butter, after which he slowly army crawled to the general vicinity of his pen, but then made a break for the back door - the way out. I thought if I took him for a quick walk outside, I could trick him into his routine and get him back into his pen, but couldn't get him back into the building. He put the brakes on at my car door, stood up against it and whined.

I gave in. I opened the door and he jumped in, wagging every part of his body. I told him he could come to my house for one night; one sleepover. That's it. And then I braced myself for how difficult it was going to make the evening to keep him separate from my dogs and foster dogs while spoiling him rotten for just one night.

That was a week ago. Chester remains at my house where he is getting along fine with my dogs, is submissive to any who give him grief and hasn't guarded a single thing. While I anticipate we are in a "honeymoon" phase and I may eventually see his "issues," right now he appears issue free. He is crate and house trained and is happy to share a spot on the couch with cats and dogs alike. And he is happy to be in a home. I think the odds are good I will be able to find the right people for Chester. I think he has a chance.

A Long Journey Home

2010-07-21T23:06:00.000-07:00

A motorist approaches a rural intersection; it's on one of those roads that sees more than its share of accidents; poorly lit, no warning signs, no shoulder, a four-way-stop in a most unexpected place. It's a dangerous place for motorist and even more dangerous for animals. That's why it did not at first register what he was seeing in the middle of the road . . .

A tiny little puppy.

The motorist stopped and scooped up the little thing before the next car could come along and claim its life. Then he saw them; two dogs hiding in the treeline. Fortunately, the frightened dogs came when called, jumping right into his car. Looking at them, it was clear he'd just saved a canine family. Mommy and Daddy were both purebred Boxers and their tiny baby the most adorable Boxer in miniature. He took them home. His mother promptly called a friend she knew volunteered for Heartland Humane Society, asking if we could help find the dogs' owners and, perhaps, take the dogs into rescue.

Meanwhile . . .

Heartland volunteers spent the morning at our shelter, loading as many dogs as we could fit into two cars, then transporting them from the fringes of Lincoln County to O'Fallon PetSmart, hoping to find homes for at least a few. It is quite a sight to see; cars so loaded, from floor to ceiling, with crates and animals, there is only a small space for a driver to fit. And it is a lot of work. It takes hours to prepare for a few hours of showing dogs. The dogs must be bathed or brushed. At both ends of each leg of the trip, there are dogs to walk, crates to set up, break down and haul. At the end of the day, it is worth all the work if dogs find new homes. Nothing, however, is more disappointing than loading all the same dogs back into our cars and returning them to the shelter at the end of the day.

But that is what happened last Saturday. The day was long and hot and tiring. In the end, all the dogs remained. There were no adoptions. As the economy collapses, our adoptions slow. Our foster homes are full. Our shelter is beyond capacity and each day we have to say "no" to saving more animals, knowing dogs and cats are being euthanized at alarming rates in shelters all over the region.

Room for Three?

We faced a huge dilemma when the Boxers arrived at PetSmart. Having none of our shelter dogs find a new home was depressing and disappointing enough, but returning to our shelter with three more dogs was overwhelming - no matter how sweet and adorable they were (and they were!) A flurry of phone calls to our contacts, begging for help to house the Boxers produced nothing. Everyone was full, my home included.

At the end of the day, we were faced with the choice of recommending they be taken to a city shelter, knowing that would expose the baby to deadly viruses she likely wouldn't survive and, because all the city shelters are also full, give the Boxers only a few days before their names made the list of animals to be euthanized. The other choice was to squeeze them into our full shelter. Somehow. We weren't sure how. We did not even have room in our cars to get them there and weren't sure we even had space to house them if we found a way.

One of our volunteers agreed to transport them to our shelter. There was no question that, from the point of view of animal lovers and rescuers, we were making the right decision. But from a logistic and financial standpoint, it wasn't wise. We were short staffed for the week and had a substitute coming in. We are under pressure to get our numbers down because the donations supporting the shelter are also down. Still, we found room and got the Boxer family settled - and hoped and hoped their people would soon surface.

A Series of Coincidences . . .

The following day, one of our shelter subs called me. "Why do you have Gypsy here?" she asked. "You know the Boxers?" I replied, thinking it just wasn't possible. But, it was possible. Her other job is as a vet tech and, by happenstance only, she had been the tech on duty when Gypsy, the female Boxer, was brought in by her owner for an ultrasound when it was discovered she was expecting puppies. We had the owners of the dogs in our sights and started calling immediately.

There was no response.

It was a very confusing situation. Once we knew the area the dogs were from, we were certain they did not walk themselves to the area they were found. The only option left was that they'd been dumped there. But what dog owner dumps dogs that not only looked well cared for, but were receiving veterinary care? There was a missing piece to this puzzle.

Finally, after days of no response, I drove to the Boxers' home. I half expected to see a For Sale sign in the yard of a vacant house, for the Boxers to be yet more animal victims of the economy. Instead, a young man answered the door. I asked for the owner. He said she was out of town. I asked if he knew anything about her dogs . . .

He said they'd be stolen.

A Cautionary Tale . . .

A teenage girl regularly puts on her rollerblades, puts leashes on her two Boxer dogs and takes them for long walks through their suburban subdivision. This is a very nice area filled with large homes and manicured lawns. It's a family neighborhood, filled with kids and pets. It's safe.

One day, a car slows next to the girl and her dogs. Two men inside comment about the dogs, noticing the female is about to have puppies. She later mentions it to her mom, but then the incident is forgotten.

A puppy is born. Seven weeks later, two men knock on the door of the home. They ask the homeowner to see the Boxer puppy. They want to know if the adult dogs are for sale. The homeowner shows them the pup, but is relieved when they leave. She has a bad feeling about the whole incident. She replays the conversation with the men, realizing they asked curious questions and that she may have unwittingly fed them information they used to convince her they were friends of a family member.

A bit later, she leaves to run errands. The dogs are out back in the fenced yard. They are contentedly basking in the sun and she doesn't want to disturb them. She instructs her daughter to let them in when they are ready. When her daughter goes to do so, they are gone.

The police are called immediately. There is no doubt the dogs have been stolen by the men. They must have still been nearby, close enough to see the police cars and know the incident had been reported. The heat is on. They remove the dogs' collars and identification, drive fifteen miles away and dump all three dogs out in the middle of a dangerous intersection.

Reunited . . .

Yesterday, the three Boxers: Gypsy, Zeus and baby Meatball, were reunited with their family. They spent a week in an animal shelter, doted on by its staff and volunteers, but unhappy just the same. They recognized their house and owners the minute they got out of my car. They rolled around in the front yard, wrestling with their owners' daughter and wagging their tails. When it was time to go inside, we let them off lead and they ran into their house. When we left, all three dogs were laying on the kitchen floor, totally content. Everyone involved was grateful.

Lessons Learned . . .

That these beautiful dogs found their owner was a complete and total fluke. They plan to spay and neuter the adults immediately, to update the dogs' microchips and to never again leave the dogs unsupervised outdoors. They went through an emotionally horrendous week, believing their dogs had been sold as "bait dogs" to a dog-fighting ring. Their dogs went a week separated from their owners. And our little rescue group learned, once again, how much more we could do for lost or homeless animals with greater resources. We came very close to saying "no" to these dogs. Had we listened to reason, as we perhaps should have, there would have been no happy ending for Zeus, Gypsy and their baby. We are so glad there was.

=========================================

Heartland would like to thank Zeus, Gypsy and Meatball's owners for their donation to cover the expense of housing and caring for their dogs. Because of their generosity, we will be able to help the next dog who needs us . . .

Baby Tails and Tales of Babies

2010-07-01T20:28:00.000-07:00

They were born a week later than anticipated. There were supposed to be 5-6 puppies. There were ten. It just goes to show you Mother Nature will do what Mother Nature does . . . no matter what the doctors say.

For two weeks, I was like a relative pacing the lobby of a hospital maternity ward, waiting for the special delivery. I read every whelping article ever uploaded to the internet, crossed off each pre-labor symptom as it was observed and stopped just short of begging Ava to just have them already. Okay, I didn't really stop short of that! Finally, just before Midnight last Saturday, new life entered the Foster House. I'd gone downstairs to check Ava one last time before heading to bed and there it was . . . a wet, wiggling little puppy being lovingly tended to by it's mother.

Ten minutes later, another little life entered the world.

And so it went, until about 4:30 in the morning.

Until there were ten puppies and one tired mama dog.

Since then, we've lost two babies. Shepherds aren't designed for such big litters and, in the breeding world, it is not an uncommon experience. But for me, who is not in the breeding world, it was a heartbreaking experience. One little guy was not well from the beginning and, after two days of bottle feeding, I rushed him to the vet. I hoped tube feeding might save him, but was instead faced with a more difficult decision. Letting him go was the kindest thing to do. And the hardest. The next day, we lost the tiniest of the litter, a little girl I had to resuscitate at birth. There is another little girl I continue to worry about, although she seems to be thriving thus far. She was born with a leg deformity the vet will address as she gets bigger. Her story will likely unfold on these pages as she matures. In the meantime, ask your furry critters to cross their paws for her. She's a fighter!

A Little Rant

2010-06-16T16:23:00.000-07:00

If you were hoping for an uplifting and inspiring post, this probably isn't the day to read my blog. But, if you love animals and are sick and tired of what people do to them, you might be glad someone else feels the same way.

It is hard not to get burnt out doing rescue work. There are times you want your naivete back. There are times you are tired of shedding tears and times you worry why the tears don't come as easily as they used to, and wonder if it is because you've just seen too much.

The reality is, one cannot just do the fun part of rescue work. Most foster people are not fortunate enough to have an animal in need delivered to them, find them the perfect home and then sit contentedly back and bask in the happy ending. The work usually sucks one in wholly and completely and then, along with the rewarding experiences, you must also suffer through the unbearable ones. You must walk into animal control facilities and know that any animal that doesn't leave with you will die, alone and scared. You most certainly will have to take an animal you love on his last trip to the vet so that you are there to comfort him as he passes on, because he is just too sick or because neglectful or abusive beginnings damaged him too much. You will have to witness animals lingering too long in their foster or shelter placements and face the resulting conflict of your heart and mind, wondering if he is, indeed, glad to have been saved or sad to still be waiting for a home. You must deal with the reality that not all endings are happy; that sometimes, what you were certain was the right home, was the wrong home, as you add that animal to the list of those you will worry about forever.

Once you begin this job, you become the person your extended circle of acquaintances call upon when an animal needs help. Daily, you listen to the voice mails and read the emails (and picture text messages - damn, you, iphone!) that plea for help for dogs and cats, each with a story that breaks your heart, knowing you cannot help them all and saying "no" more often than "yes", feeling guilty about it even though your house is full, you are exhausted and there is no longer enough of you to go around.

Sadly, those relinquishment stories aren't very varied. It is actually a rare occurrence to hear a reason for giving up an animal that compels you to sympathize with the people involved. And that is when it gets frustrating and you begin to wonder if it will ever change; if you are really making any kind of difference at all. While there isn't an answer to those questions, sometimes it helps to rant and rave a bit and then get back to what you are doing, which is the intent of this post. So on with the rant . . .

-No, your dog did not need to "just experience birth one time before getting spayed." The ten black puppies you "can no longer deal with" will not be easy to find homes for because they will grow to become big, black dogs, the most frequently euthanized dogs in shelters all across the country. Dogs have an innate desire to be part of your family, to be cared for and loved. Giving birth is not on their list of must-haves.

-You can both move and keep your pets. They are not furniture you can simply replace once you get settled, they are part of your family. It isn't easy to move with children, but you aren't "getting rid" of them because it is difficult, or because you can "just get another one later."

-You say, because you've had a baby, you can no longer give your pet "the attention it deserves, so have to find it a new home." Is it really that difficult to find time to pet the dog or cat every day? To pour a bowl of food? To let your pet sit next to you on the couch as you feed the baby or watch Sesame Street? They ask for so very little and it does not take much at all to make them happy. If you are that stressed out, you should probably make an appointment with a therapist.

-Speaking of your new little munchkin, did it not dawn on you that you would eventually have children when you committed to take home a pet that can live almost 20 years?

-Did you ask your dog if he wants to go "live on a farm where he has room to run?" Maybe he would rather stay with the people he loves and go for a walk once in a while. If you needed exercise, your family would probably not leave you at the gym and never return.

-The guy who answered the "Free to a Good Home" ad you posted online may not be providing a good home. Your dog might be sold to a lab to experiment on, be used as a breeder dog to make "bait puppies" for illegal dog fighting, might become a bait dog itself, or could be "flipped" for a profit to someone else with ill intentions.

-Same thing for the person willing to take the whole litter of "free kittens" off your hands. You should ask if they also have a large snake. Some people have no problem using kittens as snake food. Yes, really.

-By the way, this is off subject, but affectionate cats do not "suck the breath from newborns."

-Because your child/husband/great-aunt/canary sneezed, does not mean s/he "suddenly developed allergies" to your pet. And did you know you can buy allergy meds over the counter, breathe easy and keep your pet?

-Just for the record, do you really think the future is bright for the dog or cat you tossed from your car on the rural road? That fantasy you have of someone scooping him or her up and loving your pet forever is just that. A fantasy.

-When your lease says "no pets" it actually means "no pets." It does not mean "buy a $600 designer dog from the mall pet shop on a whim", then call it a bad dog when it barks, as dogs are want to do, and your landlord busts you.

-Your kitten can make babies as early as five months old. Six weeks later, she can make them again. No, the shelter does not have room for the population explosion in your house that you seem so perplexed about.

-Ditto for your puppy.

-By the way, spay or neuter your kitten or puppy before it's sixteenth week.

-Dogs and cat are animals. Animals are covered in fur. Fur covered things shed. Why does this surprise you?

-Yes, your pet probably does miss you while you are away from home because your work schedule changed. Do you really think she'll miss you less while living in a cage at a shelter, wondering why you disappeared and if you are ever returning?

-Different breeds have different needs. Why are you surprised it is difficult to accommodate a Mastiff in your studio apartment or that your Yorkie isn't happy being a "farm dog."?

-Don't fool yourself. Your senior cat or dog is not "highly adoptable." There is no waiting list for older animals with pending medical expenses. It doesn't matter how sweet or cute your critter is. Relinquished senior pets do very poorly in shelters and those very special people willing to adopt them come along infrequently.

-Puppies and kittens grow and you cannot always predict their adult size. A pet getting "bigger than we expected" does not justify "getting rid" of them.

Pets are not commodities one can throw out or recycle when one tires of them. You are the center of your pet's world; your presence is what she breathes for. He would lay down his life for you. They will stay by your side until your last breath, no matter what life has thrown your way. They deserve no less than the same in return. Please. If you don't have 18 years to give, the resources to care for, the tolerance to tough it out when times are hard and the flexibility to accommodate the unexpected, do not add a pet to your life. And, if you do have those things to give, please find your next pet at your local shelter or through a rescue group, because the world is full of animals whose human's have failed them . . . and they need you.

End rant.

Expecting . . .

2010-06-11T18:02:00.000-07:00

Her name is Ava and it took three rescue groups and several volunteers to save her. She's a little scrappy looking for a purebred German Shepherd, but with proper nutrition, medication for her ailments and a good bath, she'll soon be a beautiful girl. Ava has lived outdoors all her life. She has never been vaccinated or given flea or heartworm preventative. Of course, she's had puppies before because she hasn't been spayed. Her last litter all died because she had them outdoors, in the winter. Her owners did not want to deal with puppies again, so when she became pregnant this time, they called a rescue group. The rescue, however, was full. They called another rescue that was also full. That rescue called Heartland. Heartland, too, is full, but because I love Shepherds and because her story touched me and because she had nowhere else to go, I said "yes," when asked if I could just make room for one more.

With little notice and a dog on the way who could give birth at any time, the last 24 hours have brought a whirlwind of preparations. Nature designed its creatures to instinctively know what to do when babies arrive. More than likely, I'll need none of the things I stocked up on. I might miss the birth entirely. Then again, emergencies never happen when it is convenient and only very, very expensive veterinarians are available at 3am. So, I wanted my bases covered for the things that might go wrong that I can handle on my own, the things that will make Ava more comfortable and the things that will help her puppies if they need it.

That handled, I headed to Lowes for the materials to build a whelping box. I read many ideas on the internet and ended up sort of hodge-podging those ideas together based on the supplies I could find in the lumber, hardware and plumbing departments. It all looked simple enough until I was staring at this big pile of stuff in the middle of my living room floor. A lot of drilling, sawing and cussing ensued and, sometime around 4:00am, I had a whelping box assembled. It isn't pretty, but I think it'll do its job.

My visiting Grand-Puppy, Blue, models the finished whelping box

Just a little time in rescue can really suck the enthusiasm for cute puppies right out of a person. I look at any litter of whoops puppies now and know the odds each pup will have a wonderful life are abysmal. It is simply a reality that irresponsible breeding directly correlates with the senseless neglect and suffering rescue workers witness daily. It is times like these I sort of miss my naivete.

Today was the big day; I went to pick Ava up at the vet. The news on her condition is mixed. She is due, with 5-6 pups, any time. She also has a uterine infection we await the lab results on. Bad news means the babies wont make it and good news means the antibiotics she's taking will clear the infection and all will be well. The odds are in favor of all being well.

Ava has gone through a lot the last couple days. Three rescue groups were involved in her transport to Heartland. The life she knew disappeared and she's been surrounded by strangers. She doesn't feel well and is very frightened. Ava isn't familiar with the inside of a house. Doorways scare her and stairs terrify her. She is, however, a gentle girl, and obediently followed me into her new room, where she jumped right into her whelping box and snuggled in. I check on her often as she becomes accustomed to the sounds in her new home. She doesn't greet me with enthusiasm yet, though when I crawl into her box, she will put the very tip of her nose on my knee and let out a big sigh. It will take us a couple days, but we'll be fine. And we'll wait together for nature to take its course. Hopefully, I wont miss the big event.

A BIG Thank You to Impact for Animals and SNUGGLE, who went out of their way to find Ava a safe place to have her babies and made sure she reached her destination. And, thanks to each of the volunteers who participated in her transport. You've changed Ava's life for the better!

Back!

2010-06-06T10:49:00.000-07:00

What happens when you work at an animal shelter, foster dozens of cats and dogs, spend every moment of your free time running around doing something associated with the above and then, on top of it all, buy a home and move? You can't find the time to update your blog for two months! My apologies. I am trying to get back in gear!

Coming Out of the Animal Closet:

I've moved away from suburbia and the land of close neighbors and three pet limits. My critters now have a roomy home, three acres for leash walking and a large, fenced yard for running. I am no longer in fear of neighbors peering over the fence, counting fuzzy heads and making a call to authorities. I now can take in an emergency foster because I have the space. And, I can openly share the number of animals currently being cared for at my home . . . if I want to, which I don't, for fear of being committed. In a nutshell, me and the critters are loving life where we are. It is a blessed relief to be free of the worry that accompanies fostering where pet numbers are limited. The move was a great decision.

Happenings Since Patch and Rags' Adoption:

Several animals have come and gone since we celebrated the adoption of Patch and Rags (who are doing terrific in their new home!). Dylan, an Aussie mix who stole my heart, found a wonderful home with a couple who spoils him rotten beyond belief. Tess, my puppy-mill Shih-Tzu found a family willing to tolerate all the scars her past left and love her just the same. Wilson, who had his own warts, lucked out like Tess and found a new person who loves him with patience and compassion . . . and he even gets to come visit at my house when he needs dog-sitting so I don't have to miss him so much.

And, since the move, I've brought home and said goodbye to some terrific dogs. Gizmo, a Japanese Chen, was one of my favorite doggy guests ever; a fun little dog with a great personality, would have been easy to keep and was hard to part with, but his new family updates me and he's come to PetSmart to visit during adoption events. Coal, a three-legged Pomeranian, who slept on my pillow every night, went home with his new Mom yesterday. And Murphy, a black lab mix pup who took a long time to find a home, left Petsmart yesterday with his very own boy at his side.

The most recent adoptions couldn't have come soon enough because the house is FULL. Wednesday, I took a drive to pick up a Husky and Husky mix whose future was destined to be the city pound, where their age may have brought upon an unhappy ending for them. Beautiful dogs, they are slowly adjusting to their world turning upside down and, probably, grateful to have each other.

Beautiful Sterling

Adorable PJ

It seems I always have a puppy mill dog to work with and, for now, it is Gretchen. Gretchen appears to be a Shih-Tzu/Cocker mix. She is cute, sweet and complete with some of the usual puppy mill personality glitches, but is slowly learning how to be a house dog. She LOVES toys, which is something we usually don't get to see with breeder dogs from puppy mills, but she is always carrying a toy around in her mouth. It's adorable. Gretchen has been to the vet and is ready for adoption.

And then there is my dear, sweet Olivia. Whoever adds Olivia to their family will be getting such a wonderful, loving dog. I love her to pieces. Totally housetrained, all she wants to do is be with her people, doing whatever they are doing. Livvie is truly happy just to be loved; you just look at her and her tail wags while her eyes light up. She too sleeps in my bed every night. I don't know why I torture myself so. Inviting a foster into your bed makes it all the more difficult to say goodbye when the time comes, but the reality is that she deserves it. Before coming to foster care, Olivia was an outside only dog. Seeing her settled on her dog bed, chewing on a bone, makes that really hard to believe!

And, as soon as I can get him to hold still for a photo, I will introduce you to Grover, a scrappy Boston Terrier who joined the menagerie here a week or so ago. Grover is quite the character and has found a way to make me laugh daily.

More soon . . . promise!

A Home for Patch and Rags!

2010-03-21T09:10:00.000-07:00

When Patch came to me, he had little hair. His head and tummy were essentially bald and covered with sores from secondary infections. He'd been brought into a city shelter to be put down. Another Heartland volunteer saved him and he came to me.

A week later, a call from the same shelter came. They had a puppy they thought was Patch's sibling, in even worse shape than Patch. In addition to mange taking hair from all the same places and secondary infections, Rags had a terrible case of kennel cough. A week later, he nearly died from pneumonia. I took him from his temporary foster home and he came to me.

I now had two very sick, tiny puppies on my hands. Rags needed medicine for his pneumonia so dangerous to humans, they cannot touch it with bare hands. Both dogs needed antibiotics twice daily, ointment applied to their whole bodies three times a day and medicated baths every other day. For months.

There were multiple vet appointments. It was a bad case of mange, and not quick to clear, but we were keeping it under control. Patch and Rags were growing beautiful, shiny, coats. As the hair filled in on their heads and faces, two beautiful dogs emerged. Every six weeks, we'd return to the vet for skin tests . . . and every six weeks, we'd go home to continue their treatment. Meanwhile, the tiny puppies grew. And grew. Soon it was no longer possible to bathe them together without flooding the bathroom, so we started separate baths.

Finally, when they were about seven months old, they passed a skin test! No more mange! We had to continue treatment until a second test confirmed they were free and clear. It was time to start looking for a forever home for these boys I'd watch grow up and cared for so many months.

At almost a year old, Patch and Rags still hadn't found a home, maybe because of their breed or because people were afraid of the disease that struck them as youngsters, or perhaps they became victims of big, black, dog syndrome. At any rate, other foster dogs came and went, while Patch and Rags stayed with me. It was difficult not to consider them my dogs. I loved them every bit as much as my dogs . . . and they'd been with me longer than some of the dogs I adopted. I would have been fine with them staying forever, but the reality is, I wanted better for them. I wanted to see each of them in homes where they would be the center of attention because these dogs are special. Both are the most affectionate, loving animals; some of the sweetest dogs I have ever cared for. They deserved to have all the attention they craved. While I loved them and cuddled them and played with them, with all the other dogs I cared for, it just never felt like it was enough for them.

Friday night, I filled the car with crates and supplies, bathed dogs and organized their medical records and other paperwork. Saturday, I loaded four dogs into the car, in hopes they'd find their forever homes at Saturday's adoption event. I rarely bring Patch and Rags to adoptions together. The odds they'd find homes on the same day are astronomical. While I always dreamed they'd find a home together, I just didn't see it happening. So, yesterday was Rags' turn to go to adoptions.

I didn't know it, but a couple had been looking at Patch and Rags on the website. They were also considering one of our shelter dogs, their application for which was already pre-approved. With no children to care for, and a big empty spot left in their home from a beloved pet they'd recently lost to illness, they were the perfect placement. A home in the city, a fenced backyard, and two devoted parents to smother a dog with attention. They spent some time with Rags. I answered questions. I nearly fainted when they said that if they adopted Rags, they couldn't imagine not taking his brother with him.

I always encourage potential adopters to take a step away from PetSmart and the pleading eyes of homeless animals to discuss the decision to bring a new dog into their lives. While my job is to find homes for my animals, I want those placements to last forever. An impulsive decision to adopt often leads to an animal getting returned once the adopter realizes the huge amount of responsibility that accompanies pet ownership.

Though they intended to go out to lunch and discuss the adoption, once this couple made it to the car, they realized they were both on the same page and were both serious about taking my boys home. They came back and asked me to go get Patch. While I was thrilled for my boys, I burst into tears on the spot. After a whole year with my beautiful boys, imagining my home without them was overwhelming.

Two wiggling, active puppies in great big bodies did not deter them. Patch and Rags left, together, with their new parents, a pair of matching crates, bowls, leashes, collars and doggy beds. I said goodbye, sitting on the floor of PetSmart, with both my boys trying to fit into my lap at the same time. I hugged their big heads and kissed their puppy faces and watched them walk away into forever with their new family.

I am so happy for them. It is a dream come true that I didn't have to place them in separate homes, that they will always have each other. I came home to an email update and a photo of my boys in their new home.

Loving Patch and Rags has been a blessing I will always be grateful for. In time, it wont hurt so much to miss them as I do today. There are other dogs who need me that I will now have space for . . . and that is the whole point of going through the heartache of this goodbye.

Have a blessed life, my sweet boys, I will always love you!

Kermit's Village

2010-03-14T11:21:00.001-07:00

Perhaps nothing illustrates the saying "It takes a Village" more than Kermit's story. Almost three years ago, a neonate rescue group saved him. A distemper survivor, others would have put him down because neurological injuries resulted in a minor disability; a funny gait and coordination problem. But Kermit's Snuggle foster mom knew he was a smart, happy dog who deserved a chance. She got him through early puppyhood and then called Heartland. One of Heartland's foster moms also saw Kermit's potential and agreed he deserved a chance at a happy life, so she agreed to take him in.

Kermit grew. And grew. And grew. Soon he was a very big, black dog with a shiny coat and happy disposition. Since the beginning, Kermit has been a favorite of shelter staff and volunteers. Volunteers have always gone out of their way to give him extra attention. It was difficult to find a foster home for Kermit because foster homes are, of course, filled with dogs and Kermit was a bit selective about who he'd hang with. We did not imagine this wonderful dog would become a long term resident of Heartland's shelter. But, he did. Potential adopters passed him by for many reasons: they feared his disability would make their life difficult. Being a big, black dog was a knock against him. Being a rescue dog was a knock against him. Being a big, black, disabled rescue dog made it very difficult to find a home for Kermit.

And then a lovely, young couple perused Heartland's website and came upon Kermit's photo and story. They filled out an application. We read it, full of hope, because they sounded wonderful.

This morning, myself and Lori, another Heartland volunteer, loaded Kermit into my car and headed towards what we hoped would be his new home. There was one more test to pass; a home visit to assure Kermit, with his wobbly disposition, could navigate the household. When the front door opened, Kermit let himself right in and happily pranced around the whole house, exploring every nook and cranny. He helped himself to the cats' water. He stood at the back door, waiting for someone to open it so he could explore the huge back deck. He stood on the back deck, surveying the view, all alert and excited, then returned to the house for more exploring, stopping occasionally for attention from one of his new parents. Kermit looked happy and content, like he belonged to this house, to this family.

When the papers were signed and it was time for goodbyes, Kermit escorted us to the door. I got a big, sloppy, wet Kermit kiss. We whispered to him to have a wonderful life. We told him we loved him. And then, we said goodbye.

In the three years of Kermit's life, so many people have loved him. His first foster mom who originally saved him. Each and every volunteer who came to our shelter to walk him, spend time petting him, give him a bath or play in the yard with him. Each volunteer who gave up a Saturday to transport Kermit to adoption events. Shelter staff who always made sure Kermit had the best spot in the place and that it was clean and Kermit was comfortable on the cot where he napped. The morning staff who always added canned food to Kermit's breakfast and brought him rawhide bones. The shelter manager who got him to his vet appointments whenever they were needed. Our webmaster who throughout the years updated his bio and photos, made sure he got coverage on other sites and made him our featured pet in hopes of finding him a home. And, there were so many Heartland supporters who followed Kermit's story. We know everyone who loves Kermit is celebrating with us today.

It does take a village. And, because of it, Kermit is home at last!

Latest Arrivals

2010-03-10T13:06:00.001-08:00

Some of the newest arrivals to Heartland's shelter:

ROCKY: Rocky is a young, large
black lab; truly a gentle giant of
a dog with nothing but love to share.

REMINGTON: It is hard to believe this sweet, sweet
boy is living in a shelter. He is a terrific dog! He is
sweet, gentle, housetrained and loves other dogs!

ZOEY: Zoey is a petite border collie mix. She is super
friendly, loves people and other dogs and wants
nothing butto be by your side.

RALLY: Since I am partial to shepherds, Rally
is one of my favorites! The beauty of a German
Shepherd at about half the size. Rally is a young,
sweet boy who will make the perfect companion!

ZIGGY: Ziggy is Rally's brother and is a favorite with
shelter staff. He is just so adorable and loving he
makes you smile!

LEIA: This little hound mix has the sweetest
face you've ever seen, and the personality to match!

BEAU: Our resident Puggle! Just look at that face!

PANDORA: Quiet, attentive, patient and loving, Pandora
is impossible not to fall in love with!

SIMON: Our friendly Bassett Hound. Simon is a love
bug with people and absolutely loves other dogs!

Apply to adopt HERE !

Scenes from the Dog Park

2010-03-07T16:54:00.000-08:00

A last minute cancellation of a Heartland meeting today left the afternoon open. We decided to do something we don't normally do . . . take a trip to the dog park! Picking which dogs to take was difficult. We have mostly young dogs here who need to burn energy. But, we also have dogs who need socialization. Finally, I decide to take one of my dogs, Tasha, and one of my fosters, Chooch.

If you read here often, you probably just read both those names and are now scratching your head. You might be saying to yourself, "I thought Chooch got adopted and that Tasha was a foster dog." Chooch did get adopted. And then he was returned. Though he found a wonderful family, the placement just wasn't right for him and he was unhappy there. The adoption helped us discover some of Chooch's needs, as he did very poorly in a home with an adult male. He is terrified of men. We aren't exactly sure why.

And, Tasha? I knew the first time I saw her, skinny and scared at the pound, there was something special about her. I did try to find her a home, really I did. But, in the end, I couldn't bring myself to part with her. She is the best dog ever. She is bossy like a Husky and protective like a German Shepherd, but she is also tolerant of the foster dogs and, best of all, absolutely loves and protects the kitties in my house. I officially adopted her just a couple weeks ago!

So, today was Tasha and Chooch's day at the park. I am hoping to make this a regular event with all the dogs because it is a great way to gauge how they do with other dogs, with kids and adults.

They had an absolute blast. Chooch liked meeting all the other dogs and did his best to avoid any man he saw. They all seemed to be wearing baseball hats, which scares him the most, so all things considered he did very, very well, only barking if one of those baseball hat wearing ogres tried to pet him! Tasha loved having room to run as fast as she could. And, she surprised me by being super friendly with dogs of all sizes!

A day at the dog park: definitely priceless.

2010-01-17T23:55:00.001-08:00

Coming Soon . . .

2010-01-09T15:08:00.000-08:00

Heartland was fortunate at Christmas time. Several of our longterm foster dogs finally found their forever homes! Unfortunately, as quickly as there is extra space in our foster homes and animal shelter, there are homeless dogs to fill that space. Following are just a few of our newest arrivals.

Holly Berry: Holly came to us just before Christmas; rescued from a rural, outdoor animal shelter. Holly is everything wonderful about the breed.

Billy: Billy's owners surrendered him to Heartland. He's a young Bassett Hound. How could anyone resist that face?!

Trigger: Trigger was a stray brought into a vet's office after being hit by a car, suffering a devastating injury to his leg. Heartland felt this beautiful boy was worth saving and paid for the surgery to remove his leg. Trigger is still healing but is doing great and getting around just fine!

If you are interested in adopting one of these beauties or have it in your heart to contribute towards veterinary care, please visit Heartland's site!

Critters and Christmas

2009-12-09T09:55:00.000-08:00

Please come see us this Saturday at
Wentzville and O'Fallon PetSmart stores.
Help our Heartland animals find a
Home for the Holidays!

Available Heartland Dogs!

2009-11-22T12:51:00.000-08:00

Castaways

2009-11-14T21:18:00.000-08:00

There are many ways to tell a story, but Bob's way might be my favorite. Here is his latest labor of love, featuring three of my fosters -Patch, Rags and Chooch - and honoring the foster experience. It inspires me to continue doing what I am doing on the days it is difficult and emotionally trying. I hope it inspires you too.

Puzzles & Happy Endings

2009-10-16T20:57:00.000-07:00

So many rescue dogs are puzzles -- a composite of traits and behaviors that, sometimes, eventually, form a complete picture and, other times, well . . . not so much.

Some foster parents prefer a quick turn-around with their foster dogs. They like to get them vetted, listed and find them a home as soon as possible. There is no "right" way, but I prefer my fosters to stay a while. Several times I have had a dog who, for the first month, was the perfect houseguest. Then they got comfortable, and showed me tricks like chasing cats they previously ignored, digging holes in carpets or breaking through crates.

The last few days have found me consumed with worry. Chooch, who was only here for three weeks, appears to be one of those foster dogs who did a terrific job at hiding his true colors. More accurately, I just think the dynamics of people and animals in my house worked for Chooch. There was nothing here that "triggered" him and tons of distraction. I knew he was fearful of men, though not why. But exposure therapy here, with teenagers coming and going, seemed to settle that down some. And, he clearly liked his new Daddy when he came to visit.

It is a different story in Chooch's new home. His new parents are really struggling with him. He is damaged - by having been hit by a car; by being caged too much and too long during the months of recovery. I am suspicious there may have been abuse as well. These wonderful people took so much time choosing the right dog and, really, just had to jump on board a fast moving train for a trip they weren't prepared to take. They are doing a beautiful job with him; really going the extra mile, but I feel badly for them. Suddenly their whole lives have changed and this animal who they anticipated would bring joy into their lives also brought major challenges and worry. I know I chose the right people for Chooch because they are approaching these unanticipated difficulties with compassion. They clearly love him. I hope they are able to keep him, but this is one of those time will tell kind of things. If they are unable to keep him, the fault will clearly land on the human beings who, in so many ways, betrayed Chooch in his early life.

Meanwhile, another "puzzle" has joined the foster house here. I was finally able to bring Tasha home. Oh how I wish these critters could just tell us what they are thinking and how they are feeling. If they could, Tasha might explain to me why she refuses to eat anything but boiled chicken. I spend much of my time trying to get calories into this beautiful but frighteningly thin dog.

For the first few days I had Tasha, I couldn't get her to leave her crate. I figured out why one day when I coaxed her to follow me into the kitchen. She stopped right at the entry way and absolutely wouldn't take one more step. Then it hit me. I am certain this girl, wherever she used to live, was not allowed on carpet, furniture or in the kitchen. She is only comfortable in her crate, where she knows she wont get in trouble. If I lock her out of the crate, she looks tortured and it takes lots of coaxing and reassuring to get her to lay down on the carpet for a belly rub.

I bought her a great big dog bed for the living room so she can technically be "off" the carpet, but still be out of her crate. That seems to work, though she rushes from the crate to her bed like her feet are on fire. Our biggest breakthrough so far happened just last night. Tasha slept on my bed all night. She insists on sleeping with her rear at the top of her bed and her head pointed toward the door, in case she has to make a quick run for it. What happened to this girl that makes her so consumed with worry and always looking for an escape route?

I am hoping Tasha remains with me long enough that I can solve her puzzle. In the meantime, I am content with seeing her content as she lays on her big, new dog bed. She's just as sweet as she is beautiful. I so want her to have a worry-free life. I want to see her freely roam the house and yard without any fear of repercussion in her eyes. I want her to look at me and know, from the bottom of her heart, that I would never hurt or scare her. I don't think that is something she's ever known from another human -- and that makes me sad.

When I am consumed with worry about my critters, nothing is more uplifting than an update from someone who adopted a former foster. Just at the depth of my worries this week with recent placements and trying to figure out Tasha, I received an update from the family who adopted Bosley, a sweet little Bichon I fostered several months ago. Bosley was surrendered by an older couple who just didn't have enough energy for the little guy. They were heartbroken letting him go and requested that I try to find him a home where he would have a little boy or girl to play with.

As it happened, a sweet little boy and his mom were looking for the perfect dog. This little boy was really in need of a best friend - and he fell in love with Bosley at an adoption event. I will never forget how excited he was when he tugged on my shirt and told me Bosley was his dog.

All these months later, Bosley is still his dog. His mom reports that Bosley is constantly by his side, even waiting patiently next to the bathtub when his boy is taking a bath. Every few months, I receive a photo update that just makes my week. These photos are now up on my desk as a reminder of the happy endings I hope for for every one of my fosters . . .

The Not-So-Empty Nest

2009-10-14T15:48:00.000-07:00

How can a house full of animals that keep me busy all day, every day, seem empty when two go home?

I don't have the answer to that question and after doing a head-count of my four-legged creatures here, I am starting to question my sanity. I should be THRILLED to have two less critters to care for, but am still adjusting to their absence.

Riley and Chooch found absolutely wonderful homes within days of one another. Poor Riley. This is his fourth placement. I almost didn't have the heart to go through with the adoption, not because of how much I would miss him, but because I worry how so many placements will effect him. He is in a fabulous home and his new mommy and I are in regular contact. I just pray this one sticks; I think it will.

Whereas Riley has been with me off and on since ten-weeks-old, Chooch has only been here a few weeks. Heartland was sponsoring Chooch for a rural vet's office, where he was recovering from a crushed pelvis and broken leg after being hit by a car. He wasn't supposed to be my foster, but after driving out to the country to pick him up and getting acquainted with him, I couldn't bear sending him to his next stop. So, here he stayed. Chooch was the perfect house guest and fast became my little buddy.

Because he has noticeable effects from his accident, I thought he might end up being a long-term foster. He walks a bit funny, although he is not in pain. But knowing his injuries could lead to arthritis in his golden years might, I thought, dissuade adopters. That wasn't the case. The nicest family came to meet him on Sunday and came back to take him home yesterday. I couldn't have asked for better for him!

So, this very full house feels a bit empty. That's okay though because I know two of my babies are finally exactly where they are supposed to be: Home.

Happy Anniversary . . .

2009-09-04T13:04:00.000-07:00

I have been with Heartland Humane Society one year, all the while taking photographs of the animals who have crossed my path. It was always my intention to put together an anniversary video to commemorate one year in rescue, but I ran into a problem when the time came . . .

With a home full of foster animals, volunteer hours at a shelter, vet runs, adoption events, rescue missions and the myriad of daily responsibilities that crop up when one is fostering, I couldn't find the time to create the video.

Fortunately, my partner in life and all things furry and fostered does have the time. He also has the equipment, skill, talent and understanding of what fostering is all about to create a quality piece of work capturing exactly how I feel about the animals I am blessed to work with.

I am very fortunate having a partner who supports my passion. He makes many sacrifices so that I can be available for the critters and works hard so that they can live in luxury for the short time they are with me. And, I'm sure you'll agree, he can produce a darn good video.

In commemoration of my first full year of fostering, we bring you Almost Home:

The New Love of My Life!

2009-08-09T21:03:00.000-07:00

As my foster friend and I drove into the parking lot of a rural pound, I saw her from a distance in an outdoor pen. From far away, she almost looked like a wolf -- a very, very skinny wolf.

I climbed into the pen with her. She had tags with a phone number and had been recently groomed. She was sweet as could be and even knew a few tricks. Clearly, she belonged to someone, which did not explain why she was so emaciated. We scanned her for a microchip, then called the numbers on her tag, leaving a detailed message about where her owners could find her.

They never called. They never came looking. Five days later, she was bailed out and is currently waiting with another fosterer until I have room here to bring her home. I visit and spoil her a couple times a week and leaving her makes me cry. I cannot explain why she is one of the "special ones," who captured my heart. It just boggles my mind when such a wonderful creature, so full of love and eager to please, is unwanted. It makes me want them all the more.

Be patient, sweet Tasha, I'm bringing you home soon . . .

Funniest. Commerical. Ever.

2009-07-27T00:21:00.001-07:00

I needed cheering up Sunday night, and a visit to YouTube did the trick. This never loses it's funny, no matter how many times you watch it.

I bring you Cat Herders . . .

Angel . . .

2009-07-25T17:00:00.000-07:00

If you are a regular "Almost Home" reader, you know by now I am a total wimp; that as dedicated as I am to animal rescue and as much as I love my fosters, their adoption days are never really a celebration for me. Although I know it is good in the grand scheme of things, on the day of adoption, I miss my dog. I am sad. I drive home without him or her, sit in my driveway for a while before I have to face the empty crate or dogbed inside, and curse fostering. I need twenty-four hours to be inconsolable. It's just the way it is with me.

Tonight, I am missing Angel, who today found a home. The first night is always the worst. Is she missing me? What if there is a storm tonight and she is scared? Will her new people know how to comfort her? Will they love her as much as I do and laugh at her silliness? Will they tolerate her quirks and accept her stubbornness?

Angel and I had this thing we'd do; I'd turn on the radio and she'd jump up on me, with her paws on my hips and we'd dance around the living room together. I swear, she'd smile all the while.

Tonight, I am missing my Angel. I hope she has a wonderful life and gets to dance again.

Fostering Life

2009-07-14T08:24:00.000-07:00

A year ago, I was sort of a Heartland "groupie." I'd adopted three kitties from Heartland and, despite intentions to the contrary, when I was out and about Saturdays my car would somehow steer itself into the PetSmart parking lot because I knew the dogs would be there. There were lots of calls home about this or that dog, but because my other-half is as big a sucker as me, he was smart enough to stay clear. We sponsored a German Shepherd Dog via Heartland for a while (he was taken off the adoptable list due to terminal cancer), and that sort of satiated the need to become more involved. For a while.

I was like many of the customers I now talk with on Saturdays. I said I could never be a foster parent because I couldn't handle fostering a dog or cat and then watching him or her leave. I just knew I'd keep them all or quit because the heartbreak of losing them would be too much.

My first foster dogs were totally accidental and, I swore, only temporary. And my heart did break letting them go, just as I knew it would. But the minute they were gone, all I could see were the endless amount of homeless animals without a foster home and all I could imagine were the dogs and cats at the local pounds who would be euthanized without a rescue group having space to save them. So, I took in more dogs and began fostering cats and kittens as well.

For me, it doesn't get easier. My heart breaks regularly. The goodbyes suck and I cry a lot. But I went in knowing that and accepted it was the price one must pay for creatures who have already paid a horrendous price just for existing -- and for being brought into this world mostly by people who don't cry for them.

And there is a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment knowing that in almost a year I have placed somewhere around forty animals in forever homes. I am not saying that to toot my own horn, please understand that I could care less if anyone but my foster animals is aware of what I do. But, I am saying that in the hopes of appealing to someone out there who is saying "I couldn't handle being a foster, I'm too soft."

The animals need that softness; need someone to cry for them. And if you are, like I once was, wanting to help but afraid being "in the trenches" of animal rescue might just be too emotionally difficult, rethink what those feelings mean. Perhaps, it is simply the finger of fate pointing at you and choosing you for the job.

(Me, saying goodbye to my foster kitty, Ace)

The Virtues Litter at PetSmart Today!

2009-06-20T00:57:00.000-07:00

Valor - Adopted!

Honor Adopted!

Faith Adopted!

Justice Adopted!

Victor Adopted!

Patch & Rags

2009-06-08T00:26:00.001-07:00

About a week after taking in Patch, my little shepherd mix who was so sick with demodex mange, another puppy arrived at the same animal control facility. He looked remarkably similar to Patch, but the giveaway that they are littermates was that his hair was missing in all the same places. Waiting the required days until he could be released was agony. We knew he was miserable and getting more and more sick each day without treatment.

We finally got to bail Rags out of the pound and he spent the next ten days in quaratine at another foster-house. Our vet put him on the same care regimen as his brother: oral ivermectin, medicated shampoos, benadryl, antibiotics and soothing spray.

Finally, Patch and Rags were reunited. I am thrilled to have them both together, despite all the extra work nursing them through mange requires. There is something so satisfying about watching a sick animal return to health and knowing you had a little something to do with it. Really though, I think the best medicine for both of them is being together again!

Here are their current "Before & After" photos. They are halfway through treatment and, hopefully, will be ready for adoption in about six weeks. Rags is on the top and Patch is on the bottom. They are looking better every day . . .

These two sweethearts could really use sponsors. Treating mange is expensive and their continued care will far exceed their adoption fees. We knew going in this would be the case, but sometimes you just cannot walk away from those sad eyes staring at you from behind the bars at Animal Control. Both Patch and Rags were scheduled to be euthanized and we weren't about to let that happen. If you would like to help, you can donate through paypal by clicking the "donate" button below. Or, you can mail a donation to:

Heartland Humane Society
P.O. Box 113
O'Fallon, MO 63366.

The Weekend in Pictures . . .

2009-06-03T00:50:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we joined several other rescue groups for an adoption event at Petropolis in Chesterfield. Part of the hoopla included "Howling Muttrimony," where a Guinness Record was set for most dogs married at once. Following are some of the day's snapshots . . .

Coming Soon . . .

2009-05-14T00:07:00.000-07:00

. . . to PetSmart, this weekend! Kismet and MoJo, the first babies born to one of our cats from the house with too many, are ready for adoption at 9-weeks-old.

MoJo is a little boy, a beautiful orange tabby with blue eyes. His sister Kismet is a darker orange tabby. Their mom is a petite little thing so it's likely her babies will follow suit when they are full grown.

If you are interested in these two, please visit Heartland's site and fill out an
adoption application!

Introducing Patch

2009-05-11T11:21:00.000-07:00

Oftentimes, we take in animals we know from the get-go will cost much more to care for than their adoption fee will cover. Patch is one of those animals. Just eight-weeks-old, patch was at a city pound, suffering a very bad case of demodex (non-contagious) mange. It is likely that, without rescue stepping in, he would have been euthanized. Fortunately, our volunteers weren't going to let that happen.

Patch is now living with me. He is a shepherd mix and just as sweet as they come. He is also miserably itchy, needs medications and special baths and is just generally not feeling well. His prognosis is good. Puppy mange usually clears up and doesn't cause problems later in life, but he will need lots of TLC in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, I am falling in love with the little guy and really looking forward to being able to post his "after" photo when we get him all healthy!

The Blueberry Patch Litter

2009-04-29T20:02:00.000-07:00

These gorgeous babies will be ready for new homes in about three weeks! There are four boys (Spartan, Chandler, Duke & Elliot) and two girls (Brigitta & Jersey).

Introducing . . .

2009-04-23T19:15:00.000-07:00

. . . the newest addition to the foster house! Renny is a Great Pyrenees / Golden Retriever mix, certain to break my heart when his adoption day arrives. He is a great dog. Renny is mellow, loving and totally housetrained. He has no problems with other dogs or cats and loves people of all sizes. And, he's quickly become my big shadow. He follows me everywhere and I always have a big head to pet when sitting at my desk. Renny loves to snuggle and will "jump" up on you for hugs, but despite his size, he does it so gently, you just can't help but hug him right back. I suspect it will not take long for Renny to find his forever home . . .

Whoo Hooo !!!

2009-04-22T22:03:00.001-07:00

GINGER FOUND A HOME!!!!

Last weekend, during our weekly adoption event at PetSmart, I was looking at poor Ginger in her PetSmart cage and feeling sorry for her -- and myself.

Ginger is one of my very first fosters. And, so far, she is the foster animal I've had the longest. She's a beautiful kitty, but not easy to find a placement for. She is older. She has lots of what we call "Torti-tude." She hisses and nips and smacks with her paw. She HATES other cats and thinks dogs are beneath her -- humans too, for that matter. She is a true Diva.

She also loves attention, purrs like crazy and will lay on your lap, rub up against you and soak up affection as long as you are willing to give it.

For several months, I've secretly wished a sweet older lady would fall in love with Ginger and take her home to be her couch companion.

And, today, that is exactly what happened!

Tonight, Ginger has a whole house to roam and a new "Mom" who intends to spoil her rotten for the rest of her life. Who knows, with such a great new life ahead of her, she may even lose some of that torti-tude!

Bosley Finds a Home ; Strange Houseguests

2009-04-20T07:46:00.000-07:00

I miss the little guy terribly, but he found a GREAT home with people who fell in love with him at first sight. They were kind enough to call with an update the first night, and Bosley had come out of his shell and was having great fun running around the house with his new little boy. I love hearing an update the first night. Without it, I have a hard time sleeping wondering how my foster dog or cat is doing in his/her new environment while I get used to them not being here with me. Here's to a great life, Bosley!

I had some interesting house guests this week; a litter of fuzzy little newborns, but not the kind I am used to. While I am used to people bringing me critters, these were a first for me: a litter of possum babies! I'll be honest here and tell you that possums really creep me out. I have rehabbed rabbit babies, squirrels, turtles, birds and even raccoons, so I could have done this too, but the thought of them getting big? Ack! With several litters of kittens currently here, I had a good excuse not to take on the possums. Still, at their little size, they were sort of cute in a helpless sort of way. And I felt badly for them. Their mother had been hit by a car and they were saved when someone saw them crawling from her pouch. So, I inspected them, made a makeshift pouch out of an old knitted cap and placed them in a cat crate on a heated disk to keep them warm. And then we headed to The Wildlife Center of Missouri, where experienced and licensed wildlife rehabbers will care for them until they can be released.

With Bosley in a new home, I do have room for another foster dog. So, last night, Bella joined our pack here. She's an adorable little thing - a beagle mix. My best guess is that she is mixed with husky -- she inherited a darling curly tail. She'd been here a whole 12 hours, when I got a call from the volunteer who brought her to Heartland telling me she already has a meeting with potential adopters! So, it's quite possible Bella will be my quickest turn-around ever!

I'll keep you posted!

Postscript: Bella did find a new home tonight, with wonderful people who will spoil her rotten. I am happy for Bella, but a little disappointed her time with me was so incredibly short!

Finally, An Update . . .

2009-04-17T08:01:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, I've been neglecting my blog. It's not for lack of rescue news. It is because of rescue! I told a foster friend recently that rescue has a way of sucking your entire life into its vortex. That really isn't much of an exaggeration; it's quite true. Oh, how I wish all I was doing was playing with and caring for cute little critters, but there is so much more involved.

I love every minute of it though. I just wish I had more time for writing.

So, to catch everyone up to speed on the happenings here, a recap of the last couple weeks:

POGO

My sweet, funny pocket-sized affenpinscher mix was returned. His new mommy faced some unexpected medical issues and knew she was dealing with too much to take on a new puppy. Bringing Pogo back was the last thing she wanted to do, so it was a very sad experience for both of us -- and Pogo too, I imagine.

Pogo came right back into the fold of our routine here though, happy to see his old friends. I have discovered my biggest weakness seems to be returns. I get more attached when they come back and it becomes easy to imagine them staying forever. Pogo found a new home in no time at all and it was tough saying goodbye a second time.

MARLEY

Marley found himself a terrific home. His new Mommy works in a retirement home and Marley will be going to school to learn how to be a therapy dog!

MORE FOO-FOO!

I've taken in another Bichon Frise. Bosley is a little doll, all full of mischief. Although I've sworn I wasn't a "little dog" person, I do love the personality of this breed. They just exude happiness. I swear they smile at you, and their whole bodies wiggle when they see you. Bosley was a gift to an elderly couple and, as often happens when animals are gifted to people not necessarily expecting them, he was too much to handle. It took Bosley a couple days to brave all the dogs here and join our routine. The poor guy was so scared and confused, my heart just broke for him.

Finally though, he had his big breakthrough and joined everyone in a romp through the house. Since all the dogs here right now are young, we endure lots of puppy activity on a daily basis. This includes what I call "thundering." That means five dogs, all wrestling each other while moving about the house. They sort of look like one blurry dog in a swirl of hair and tails and paws, bouncing off walls and furniture. It's total chaos while it happens, but it makes me belly laugh! I guess it is sort of like a hazing ritual to them because, once Bosley decided to join the fun, the other dogs decided he belongs here and now they are all buddies.

AHHH-CHOOO!

Riley, my darling lab/border collie puppy, has been on hiatus from adoption events. He had a case of the sniffles and needed a course of antibiotics. Of course, I haven't minded spending more time with him; he is darling and growing into such a good dog. He is growing fast though and I so want him to find a home before he becomes a hard-to-place Big Black Dog.

CATS, CATS and MORE CATS

Actually, it's kittens, kittens and more kittens!

Nala's babies are much bigger and have just entered the playful stage. They can now escape their little nursing area and run about the room, wrestling with each other and generally driving Nala crazy as they get into mischief. Kismet (a little boy) and Mojo (a little girl) got their names because I am not sure they would have survived had Heartland not stepped in before they were born.

And, Zira finally had her babies, which became a very traumatic experience for all involved, especially her. She showed no pre-labor signs at all. When I went in to randomly check on her one morning, she was curled up with Nala and her babies. As I lifted one of Nala's babies out, I found a tiny kitten underneath, who did not survive the birthing process. A frantic check of the area produced two live kittens, just born and still wet.

No matter what I did, Zira showed no interest in mothering her new babies. In fact, she would intentionally lay on her stomach to prevent them from nursing. Eventually, she left the nest entirely. Fortunately, Nala stepped in as nursemaid right away. I checked and re-checked Zira to make sure she wasn't still laboring and saw no signs of distress -- until the next morning.

I found her straining in the litterbox and knew right away there'd just been a long lapse between kittens and she was now in trouble. We were at the vet's before they opened. X-Rays confirmed she had a baby stuck in the birth canal and another baby still to come. A C-section saved one of those babies. So, we have three brand new babies in what has now become a maternity room of sorts. It took Zira a few days to recover from the shock and pain of the surgery, but when she did, she went straight to her babies and began caring for them -- much to Nala's relief!

AND the CUTEST KITTENS AWARD GOES TO . . .

Days old and in freezing temperatures, they were found in a dumpster behind a Wal-Mart store. Fortunately, the woman who found them knew exactly how to care for neonates and managed to nurse the surviving kittens through the first night. For six weeks, she cared for them, and then they got to come to my house. And, I am so happy about that! They are the most darling things I've ever seen -- and sweet beyond compare. My favorite part of the day is going downstairs late in the evening for some quality kitten time and letting these three little fluffballs crawl all over me.

More Soon!

Eyes Wide Open

2009-03-12T19:18:00.000-07:00

The big news here at the foster house is the kittens' eyes have opened. They are now scooting around a whole lot more, so Nala moved them to a safer place: the back of a deep closet. Fortunately, I'd anticipated the move and gave the closet a deep cleaning, then covered the floor with soft blankets before Nala even gave birth.

Zira, my expectant Mommy cat, was thrilled with the move. She is very attached to Nala (they are definitely related) and was none too happy about being booted out of the cat nest when Nala's babies arrived. Zira earns her keep, helping Nala care for her babies. She cleans them regularly and snuggles up with them when Nala needs to stretch her legs. I suspect Zira will give birth in the same closet when the time comes. That should be interesting with other kittens running around!

At least I know ahead of time Zira will be a good little mommy. She is so young, maybe six or seven months, it is worrisome. Another one of the pregnant kitties, from the same over-populated house we pulled these guys from, miscarried her babies. Her foster mom is, understandably, sad. I would be too. I have looked in on Zira many times today with that in mind.

The babies aren't all that is new around here. I have some new fosters to brag about too!

Marley has been here for about a week. Unfortunately, he was very sick with kennel cough. We see a lot of that from dogs coming out of animal control shelters, but this particular strain is a nasty one. Marley refused to eat or drink -- or even come out of his crate. After a few days of antibiotics, he is feeling much, much better. I have kept him separate from my other dogs, to spare them getting sick too, but am really looking forward to Marley's full recovery, when he can join the rest of the pack!

And, finally, Taboo, a long-haired beauty, has made her way to the foster house. She is a total sweetheart of a kitten already available for adoption. I have a weakness for long-haired cats, so I have fallen in love with her and it's going to be hard to let her go!

Cuteness Overload

2009-03-06T19:08:00.000-08:00

I am just so enjoying the experience of having Nala and her babies. It is a really wondrous thing; these precious cats in miniature. And Nala is so proud! I swear you can see her smiling, saying "look what I did!"

I could watch them for hours . . .

Special Delivery

2009-03-03T09:27:00.000-08:00

The new pregnant kitties are now named Nala and Zira. For those of you not conversant with Disney trivia, they are characters from the movie The Lion King; both mommy kitties. Nala is so round and uncomfortable, I knew she would go into labor first. She showed her first signs last night, insisting on nesting inside a cabinet in her room, where she licked her belly and purred all night. I checked on her every hour and a half throughout the night.

At 9:10 am, Nala gave birth to her first kitten. She is just a kitten herself and was a little overwhelmed, so I had to help a bit. Her first kitten was BIG and healthy looking!

I snapped a quick photo of her first baby after we weighed it:

This is not a quick process. Nala's second baby didn't make an appearance for four more hours. She delivered the second baby all on her own:

Baby number two latched on right away:

It's now been five hours since the birth of the second baby, so I will update this as things progress. At least she got lots of rest in between babies!

I was surprised she just had two babies, as big as she was, but no more came. They are little bruisers though for newborns, so she has her paws full!

Weekend Adventures

2009-02-27T21:13:00.000-08:00

Friday evening began with a trip out to the country; a rescue mission.

I am sure it began with the best of intentions. She'd saved a cat or three and, before she knew it, had a whole houseful to contend with, without the means to support such an endeavor. She asked Heartland for help and we agreed to find homes for some and work with her for the next few months getting the rest spayed/neutered and placed in adoptive homes. We spent a couple hours at her house, rounding up kitties as respectfully and delicately as we could. These were not abused kitties. She truly loved and provided for them, but was simply in too deep before she knew it and was smart enough to call for a lifeboat.

I was anxious before this trip. My own familial history makes me ultra sensitive to authoritarian situations where a person or persons feels they can (and should) determine what is best for someone else. I can imagine how this situation would have played out on an episode of Animal Cops. There were no "good guys" or "bad guys" involved in Friday night's rescue. We all just wanted to help the animals.

I cannot imagine having strangers enter my house and watching them scoop up my beloved pets to take them away, but this woman was very gracious throughout the whole experience. We filled nine crates with ten cats. Three are definitely pregnant. Hopefully, with Heartland’s help, her house will soon be sterile so she can simply enjoy her many cats without the worry of them reproducing themselves into an unmanageable population explosion.

I cried with her as she said goodbye to her babies. Yes, she had too many cats, but she didn’t love them any less than I love my own pets and I knew saying goodbye wasn’t easy. At the end of the night, after all the tears were shed, she did agree that having all these kitties spayed or neutered would be much, much better than going through the such heartbreak again.

I brought home two pregnant kitties. They are scared from the sudden change and it will take them a while to adjust to their new surroundings. They have a room to themselves with several birthing beds to choose from, so I am sure they'll soon make themselves comfortable. And I am sure there will be many kitten photos forthcoming on this blog!

Just to emphasize the importance of spaying and neutering, Saturday also brought a lesson. After just completing an adoption at PetSmart I was celebrating having an evening with no foster puppies. I spoke too soon. A customer informed us someone had staked a “FREE PUPPIES” sign next to our Adoption signs in the parking lot. A few of us ran out to gauge the situation. The problem with free puppies, aside from not knowing where they will end up or how they will be treated, is that they are rarely altered, so the potential of one free puppy adding to the homeless pet problem is great. There was one free pup left – a darling, long-haired, border collie/lab mix who is now my newest foster!

So ended an adventurous weekend.

The Ewoks!

2009-02-21T21:21:00.000-08:00

I have affectionately called them "The Ewoks" since the day they came to live with me, as they look very much like furry little Star Wars creatures. As I packed them up for PetSmart this morning, it was impossible not to reflect on how far these little boys have come since the day I brought them home, terrified of people and very sick with upper repiratory infections, a product of their puppy-mill beginnings.

In just over a month, they've blossomed into healthy, well-adjusted little guys who love kids and adults alike. They did fabulous at PetSmart today, lavishing in all the attention from everyone until they were just so tired they curled up together in their little dog bed for a nap.

But it was an unusually slow day at PetSmart; not a lot of traffic and very few people seriously looking for a dog or cat to adopt. Just as I was ready to begin packing up all our supplies to head home, however, the applications started coming in on my little Ewoks! We quickly went from no serious interest to competing applicants! That all worked out on its own and I'd soon chosen homes for both Pogo and Pounce!

It was very strange coming home without them! Their crate is still up in the kitchen and their exersize pen still in the back yard. By tomorrow, I will be ready to face putting their things away. I am just not up to it tonight as I am still sort of surprised when it's time to take the dogs out here and I am two short of what I am used to!

I am, however, very happy for them. They got wonderful homes and I've already received photos and an update from Pogo's new mom, who reports he's settling in nicely and is a great fit for their family!

Some Happy Endings

2009-02-19T13:29:00.001-08:00

I knew Patrick would leave a big, empty spot once he found his new home, not just because of his size, but because of what a wonderful companion he's been during his short time living with me. He slept in my bed every night and followed me around the house. Patrick loved a car ride, so I rarely left the house without taking him with me. Even sitting at this computer, writing this post, is a reminder he isn't here, as I am used to his big ol' head plopped into my lap as I write!

But, Patrick got his happy ending and I am very happy for him. His new mommy just loves him to pieces and I have no doubt he's going to have a beautiful life. She intends to take him to work every day at the horse farm where she is employed. We went to the farm for a visit earlier this week and Patrick looked so content watching the horses, goats and peacocks roaming the farm! He will have tons of attention from all the folks there and many, many animal friends. Since Patrick loves every one and every critter, this is a very good thing!

Josie also found a happy ending this week: a new home with another kitten her age and a family with two teenaged girls. I am quite sure her feet still haven't touched the ground and that she'll be loved endlessly. Since Josie was adopted on Valentines Day, her new name is Valentine!

I will miss both Patrick and Josie -- especially the cuteness of seeing the two of them together as friends -- but know they are both beginning new and beautiful lives. Hooray for happy endings!

Josie

2009-02-13T11:06:00.000-08:00

Josie was the only kitten from my Tombstone litter not adopted last weekend. Of course, I don't mind spending extra time with her, but coming home Saturday and returning her to an empty cat room was sort of depressing. She didn't like it one bit either, showing her distaste of the situation by standing at the door, letting out the most mournful cries I've ever heard. I ended up spending the night on the sofa in the cat room with her so she wouldn't feel so alone.

The next day, I had to do something I usually avoid doing with my foster kitties. I let Josie join my pride of house cats. That is always a tricky situation -- it can stress the house cats and disrupt their pecking order, causing problems.

Sometimes I underestimate my brood here. Pixel, not yet full grown and my biggest love-bug cat, immediately became Josie's foster mommy. I watched her shuttle Josie off to the litter box by the scruff of her neck and sit in it with her until she was finished. She made sure Josie knew where the food and water was and then insisted Josie join her for a nap in the kitty condo, curling herself entirely around Josie and giving her a bath!

Not to be outdone by the cats, the dogs thought they'd get in on the action too! Patrick, my Saint Bernard mix foster dog, loves kitties. But, Josie is so small, one lick from Patrick's big tongue lifts her right off the ground! Thank goodness Josie isn't afraid of dogs, because Patrick spends most of his time in my bedroom, on my bed. Fortunately, he is willing to share his spot with a tiny kitten and she doesn't mind curling up with a big ol' dog!

Of course, this all changes my adoption requirements for Josie. With all the attention she's received here from the other animals, I just cannot imagine sending her to a home where she would be an only pet. She'd just be too darn lonely. So, I'll continue hoping the perfect family with friendly cats and dogs comes along and decides Josie is a perfect match for them!

A Week of Adoptions

2009-02-08T17:35:00.000-08:00

I haven't done so before, but today I counted to see how many animals I've fostered have found homes. The number pales in comparison to those who have fostered for years and can count thousands of animals, but still, I was surprised. In the few short months I have been fostering, I have placed sixteen animals in adoptive homes, with the help of everyone at Heartland.

Even more surprising is that six of those placements happened this week! If you know me at all, you know that is just a few too many goodbyes too close together for someone who cries watching hallmark commercials. Still, at the end of the day, it is a good feeling to have had a small role in making a difference for a few of the Universe's creatures.

The week began with Relay's adoption. Relay now belongs to two darling boys and a Labrador Retriever. Her new Mom is sending regular updates and she's doing wonderfully!

Angel and Virgil were adopted together and get to keep their names! Sometimes you just know, with every fiber of your being, you are sending a foster to the perfect home, and that was the case with Angel and Virgil. I am certain they are off to a wonderful new beginning, as are Doc, Morgan and Wyatt, who also found their forever families.

However, the week wasn't all about goodbyes. I had a hello too; a very BIG hello. Patrick, a Saint Bernard I fell in love with as soon as he was taken in by Heartland, is my newest foster and future heart-breaker. If one could custom design the perfect dog, Patrick would be the result. He is the definition of "Gentle Giant". He loves all the dogs here, is endlessly patient with the puppies who use him as their personal jungle gym, and has even made friends with my remaining kitten who, at only 2 pounds, is about the size of one of Patrick's paws!

This dog just emanates kindness. He greets every visitor to the house with a paw and a nudge and, within seconds, each person who has seen him for the first time ends up wrapping their arms around his big ol' neck, hugging him. The best part about hugging Patrick is he hugs back!

I suspect Patrick will be adopted as quickly as he becomes available, but I sure wouldn't mind if it took a lot longer. He is pure joy to share living space with. I hate to imagine how big an empty spot he'll be leaving when it's time for his new life to begin . . .

Karma . . .

2009-01-31T18:41:00.000-08:00

I reached my hand into the cat carrier and pulled out a very tiny, very dirty kitten. She was covered in fleas, full of ear mites, sick and unhealthy. She was also the most loving little thing I'd ever seen, purring like crazy and kneading her little paws at the air as I gave her medicines and treated her for fleas. I named her Karma.

Two months later, she looks as you see her here (in a gorgeous photo taken by Angie). She's healthy. Her eyes are bright. Her ears are clean. And, she is still the most loving little kitten with the biggest purr you've ever heard.

Karma found her forever home today. It wasn't an easy goodbye for me. I've spent so much time nursing her back to health and so many nights cuddling her just to hear that enormous purr, it was impossible to not fall in love with her.

I am not sure this gets easier with time. No matter how hard I fight against it, when an adoption happens, I cry. I always feel silly about it. It always makes the adopters feel bad. I'm not immediately giving high-fives for happy endings; it takes me a while to recover. That doesn't mean I'm not happy for Karma and her new family, as I know they will love her as much as I do and that she, in turn, will love them.

And that is my wish for Karma: a life full of love for a beautiful little kitten who gives love freely, despite her difficult beginnings. I'll miss you, wee-one, have a beautiful life!

In Anticipation of Goodbye

2009-01-27T00:22:00.000-08:00

A lot of work goes into getting an animal ready for adoption; especially if the animal is a baby. For puppies and kittens there is a quarantine period, trips to the vet for tests and vaccines and a surgery day for spays or neuters. If the animal isn't healthy in the beginning, there are other appointments and medical treatments. Then there's the potty training for puppies - the x-pens, the crates, the stacks of newspapers and endless clean-up.

And, of course, there is the really important stuff: socializing the animals, something that can only be done by spending time with them; getting attached to them. We play with them, include them in our routine and, while they are with us, treat them as if they are staying forever.

After six weeks or so, we are suddenly faced with reality: our job is complete and our foster animals are ready to find their permanent homes. Their photo and bio goes up on the website and petfinder.com, the applications begin coming in and we take them to adoption days.

I love doing all the stuff up until that point. It's the goodbyes I dread, even though I truly want for them to find a home. Baby animals are just impossible to not get attached to. Right now, all my babies are suddenly ready for adoption. I have seven kittens of various ages and my beautiful puppy, Relay, just waiting for the right application to come in. This weekend, I will be taking Karma, a kitten, Angel, another kitten and Relay to PetSmart adoptions. I'm sure I will be leaving there without some, or all, of them. If there is a secret to fostering without the heartbreak of saying goodbye to an animal one has grown to love, I am not yet in possession of it.

And then there's the hangers-on, who we worry will never find a home. For me, that is a beautiful torti cat named Ginger. Poor Ginger has a couple knocks against her. She isn't a fan of other cats and she hates going to PetSmart, so shows her displeasure by growling, hissing and being otherwise cranky. I am not sure which one of us gets most stressed by adoption days so for the most part I've stopped the practice, hoping someone falls in love with her photo instead. She is a wonderful cat -- super affectionate, totally beautiful and very easy to please, wanting nothing more than a lap to sit on and someone to give her love. When her adoption day comes, it will truly be a celebration. She has waited a very long time.

A New Beginning

2009-01-25T23:14:00.000-08:00

Most often, Heartland's animals come from the pound, are owner-surrendered or from someone who saved an abandoned or injured cat or dog. But last Friday I was allowed to be part of a different kind of rescue.

Heartland was asked to take in several puppy mill dogs. Missouri is well known for its puppy mills, where dogs most of us would treat as family members are treated, instead, as livestock. Perhaps not all mills are what we see on television exposes, but it is hard to imagine anyone being able to handle the sheer number of animals a puppy mill harbors -- or that the animals don't suffer the consequences.

Unfortunately, the dogs Heartland was able to take Friday did suffer the consequences of life in a puppy mill. Six adult dogs went to other Heartland Volunteers who now face the task of restoring their health and teaching them how to be pets. Being witness to these very frightened dogs getting loaded into a Heartland volunteer's car was truly amazing. Despite their fear, they wagged their tails as if they knew their life was changing for the better.

I got the easy job really. I took home two six-week-old puppies, the result of an accidental breeding. Though they arrived here simply terrified of everything, they have quickly learned to become just regular puppies; jumping, barking, wagging their tails and making sure they've shredded all the newspaper in their quarantine pen.

These little guys are affenpinscher/beagle mixes and having them is a new challenge for me. I'll be honest. I'm a "big dog" person. I have never quite understood the appeal of toy breeds. To me, they look like ewoks (thus, I named them Wicket and Warrick -- real ewok names, for those impressed by Star Wars trivia). Warrick will probably be beagle sized and Wicket will likely remain under ten pounds. And, they really are sweet boys who, now that they've discovered what it's like to have a human of their very own, just want to be petted and loved.

Ace Finds His Home

2009-01-19T12:04:00.000-08:00

Today, a sixteen-year-old girl fell in love with my Acey-Boy and she and her Dad decided to bring him home! I have had Ace since I began fostering. Adult cats generally take longer to find homes for than dogs or kittens, so I've had Ace a few months. Ace is joining a house full of dogs; the perfect match for him because I've always said he thinks he is a dog. I am thrilled for Acey and a little sad for myself. It is going to take a while to get used to not having him run to the door to greet me and I'm going to miss his purrs and loving head-butts during cuddle time. But, I am SO glad he found a fantastic home -- and also a little relieved to be able to say I've completed my first cat adoption because I've had many come in and none go out until today!

Have a wonderful life, Loverboy. You deserve it!

Fundraiser for Kenya

2009-01-14T12:13:00.001-08:00

Foster Life

2009-01-12T23:48:00.000-08:00

Fostering is a whole lot more than keeping some critters in one's house. The last few days have been hectic and tiring, yet very satisfying. Saturday at PetSmart was as busy as we get. We had ten dog adoptions, including the last three puppies from the lab/border collie litter! I felt grateful for the distraction; it kept my mind off Tia.

Of course, the new puppy, Relay, is a great distraction too -- although I'm likely to fall just as in love with her. In just a few days, her ears have learned to stand at attention. The right one is all the way up and the left one is just a step or so behind. The hair around her scar is growing in, making it less noticeable. I massage the scar as I hold her and, although there's no medical basis to back up my theory, I swear it makes a difference.

Since she's still in quarantine (new puppies have to be separated from other dogs for ten days), I'm spending a lot of time in the basement where her x-pen and crate are. She's such a sweet girl; so happy to see me when I come in. I open her pen and she jumps straight into my lap. She'll run around and play with her toys, but she must lay against me once she chooses a chew toy to gnaw on. She's just not content unless some part of her is touching me. I can't wait until the quarantine is over and she can join me upstairs.

A fostering friend brought home eight six-week-old puppies Saturday evening. So, Sunday, I went to her house and helped her deworm and flea treat the litter. We packed the group up and took them to another volunteer's house for vaccinations. I've been paying attention during vaccinations, thinking how nice it would be to learn to do it on my own because it would save many vet trips and, thus, give me more time at home with the animals. Sunday I was allowed to vaccinate all eight pups. I was nervous at first; the puppies are so incredibly small and I didn't want to hurt them. Fortunately, they hardly noticed and most slept through the whole ordeal. My next step will be wiggly, protesting kittens -- a whole different experience, I'm sure!

And finally, on Monday I drove quite a distance to pick up my newest foster kitten. Angel is six months old and absolutely gorgeous. I pre-arranged a vet appointment for her FIV/FeLV tests on the way home because I'm out of quarantine space. Thankfully, she tested negative and was able to join the kittens in the big cat room. She's a little stressed by the sudden change, so is staying glued in the cat house on the big climber, but she purrs and kneads when she sees me, therefor I know she'll come down and join the crowd of kitties once she feels safe.

It's already Tuesday (although I haven't been to bed yet!) and today I am hoping to have no reason to leave the house. After the last few days, I'm thinking a day in jammies and lots of time to play with critters is in order. Wish me luck!

Goodbyes and Hellos

2009-01-09T13:56:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow, I will wake up knowing Tia is beginning the rest of her life in the best home she could have ever found, with a new big brother she already loves and doting new parents who make their dogs the center of their world. She's allowed on the couch and beds, has a big fenced yard to run in and a beautiful, friendly big brother to play with. I couldn't have found a better placement for her. And, Tia's new parents were very tolerant of my difficulty saying goodbye. I even came home to pictures of my girl waiting in my email. My eyes are red and swollen and the tears are still coming, but I have a job to do; a whole house full of critters to care for and . . .

. . . a new, 12-week-old foster puppy. My fostering friend, Laurie, and I pulled her from a local shelter yesterday. A rescue group had taken the rest of her litter, but left her behind because she was injured. The huge gash on her little head is still healing and the scarring makes one eye look a little funky. She's a little funky altogether, with her ears half-up and half-down, and her little puppy bowed legs, but I think she's a keeper. Besides, once I saw her there was no walking away. After studying her picture and doing breed research on the internet, I'm calling her a shepherd/boxer mix.

She's at that gnawing, chewing stage with those little needly puppy teeth, but she makes up for that by being a total lap dog with the softest puppy fur I've ever felt. Now, to find her the perfect name . . .

If You Have a Moment . . .

2009-01-09T07:43:00.000-08:00

Please stop by Krazy Cat Lady's blog and read Kenya's story.

"They were debating if they had the foster resources to take care of her or if they should put her down. It's an honest question, a painful costly surgery on a stray with no history is a risk. They asked if I wanted to see her (of course I did) and immediately I knew what my answer was . . ."

Heartland's answer to Kenya was "yes," and she's beginning a new life, albeit on one less leg. That doesn't make her any less beautiful though! She's a very lucky girl too, with a doting foster mommy who visits her in the hospital and will soon be bringing her home!

Stopping on the Way to Forever . . .

2009-01-06T16:52:00.000-08:00

Fostering isn't all roses and rainbows. There are some days it just sucks. Don't misunderstand, I love what I am doing. It makes me proud. It fills me with purpose. But, there are some aspects of fostering I find torturous. In those torturous moments, I always wonder if I really have what it takes to do adoptions over and over again.

I love all the critters who pass through my house, but some I just bond with more than others. Tia and I are connected. We've been a team since the day she arrived. German Shepherds are my favorite breed and Tia is one special shepherd. I quite suspect that, if Tia wasn't so fond of my cats (not in a good way), she wouldn't be going anywhere. But she is; so she must.

I have found what appears to be the perfect placement for Tia. On Friday, she and I will go visit what will likely be her new home so that she can be properly introduced to the resident dog, who was adopted from Heartland seven years ago. Tia's paperwork is in order and I've gathered up all her favorite toys and treats to bring along -- just in case.

I should be thrilled I so easily found the perfect people for her, but I'm not. I am miserable. I look at Tia today and just cry, but not for me -- for her. She doesn't yet know. She doesn't know she isn't staying with me forever. She's given me her all since she's been here, with no idea I am just a stop along the way to forever.

Here's the intolerable part; the part I hate thinking about: If she is adopted Friday, what will she think when I walk out the door without her? How can I do that to a dog who has been so mistreated in the past by others?

I know there is a logical answer to those questions. I know she will bond just as deeply to her new people as she has to me. I know if she isn't adopted, there are hundreds of animals who will be unable to pass through my house on their way to forever. I know her space in my house will be filled with a new foster dog, who needs me just as much, within 24 hours of Tia's adoption. And I know that, in the grand scheme of the Universe, my job is not to keep Tia, but to do just exactly what I am doing.

But during moments like these, logic doesn't go too far. During moments like these, fostering just sucks.

I think I'll go hug a shepherd.

A New Sheriff in Town

2008-12-30T23:54:00.000-08:00

Look who showed up at my house last weekend! Aren't they just the cutest posse you've ever seen?!

These wee ones are only five weeks old, so it will be some time before they are available for adoption. They are the result of someone dumping an unwanted, pregnant cat at a farm. Fortunately, the people who lived there took pity on her and let her come in their house to have her babies.

Now, I get to love those babies up for a few weeks. They are such fun to have here!

So Many . . .

2008-12-30T11:02:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to learn a lot more about what Heartland Humane Society does for abandoned and unwanted animals. Laurie and I visited other foster homes, where I met many Heartland Dogs I'd not seen before and even a darling litter of puppies not yet ready for adoption.

We then visited a local dog pound. Heartland tries to take as many of their adoptable dogs as possible, but it is just heartbreaking to walk away from those cages, knowing you cannot save them all.

The whole day strengthened my commitment to fostering, It also helped me accept that my beautiful foster dog, Tia, really does need to find the perfect home because there are so very many dogs just waiting to be saved.

Here are just a few of the animals I met yesterday . . .

. . . and to All a Good Night!

2008-12-26T21:46:00.000-08:00

I had the most wonderful, contented Christmas, in my own unconventional way. My teenagers went home to Washington State to spend the holiday with family and my daughter's friend, who I have been unofficially "fostering" for several months, went to spend some time with her family too. Do not feel bad for me because I spent the holiday "alone." It was my first break from single-parenting in two years and I enjoyed every, single moment.

And I was hardly alone. Since Santa fulfilled my Christmas wish for a Shepherd to foster, I had Tia the gorgeous German Shepherd, my new puppy, Jazz, my beloved resident cats, two grown foster kitties and one itty-bitty foster kitten to spend the day with. The house was definitely not empty.

And it wasn't like I didn't have plans. I had a breakfast date at 10 a.m. at the PetSmart luv-a-pet center where Heartland keeps some of its foster kitties. It was fun to have the cats there all to myself, without customers peering in. I spent about two hours loving up kitties and cleaning cages. When I reflect on Christmas' past, I can honestly say the cats were better company than some of the relatives I've had to spend Christmas mornings with.

Tia has now been here for a week and she's doing terrific. My favorite part of fostering might be those first few days of adjustment after I bring a new animal home. While it's hard work getting to know one another, getting all the animals introduced and coming up with a workable new routine, seeing the trepidation of an animal melt away as their trust grows is an amazing experience.

The first few days, Tia was afraid to go outside or get in a car. Either exercise resulted in her hugging the ground as tightly as she could, taking the first opportunity to bolt back indoors. She'd clearly had enough of outdoor living. Somewhere around day four, she gave up her beloved dog bed for a spot on the couch. Just yesterday, she discovered my bed. She's getting used to this pampered pooch thing!

But most importantly, Tia trusts again. I think she knows that her days of fending for herself are over. All I can do is my best to assure her trust is never again broken. It's my job -- and she deserves it.

Finding Tia

2008-12-23T18:20:00.000-08:00

When she walked into PetSmart I was certain she was someone's prized and beloved pet; a stunning cream sable shepherd. But, a few minutes later, I was watching her being temperament tested in the training ring by one of our skilled Heartland volunteers and realized she was actually a potential new intake.

And then I heard her story. Tia's original owner wasn't much interested in her, so let her roam. She hung out at a gas station in a rural area, where she sometimes received attention from the attendants and patrons and was sometimes mistreated. A regular customer of the store finally tired of witnessing her struggles, put her in her car and left her contact information for Tia's owner. He never called. Tia was taken to the vet, vaccinated, spayed and micro-chipped. It is likely Tia's rescuer saved her life!

True to the nature of German Shepherds, Tia didn't make a good farm dog as she waited for a rescue to have room for her. She wanted to be indoors with her new pack of people, not outdoors in an enclosure. While I'm sure she was grateful to receive medical care, positive attention and know where her next meal was coming from, she also became a skilled escape artist, doing just about anything to get back to the front porch of her new house. She had a pond to swim in and barn cats to play with, but really just wanted a couch to curl up on. She'd arrived at PetSmart just in time. The forecast called for a -11 degree windchill that night and the woman who rescued her was desperate to get her placement in a foster home before nightfall.

I tapped on the plexi-glass of the training ring and gave the indication she was coming home with me. I don't think I was very subtle about it and might have offered to sell my soul for the chance to foster her! We brought in a litter-mate of my lab mix, Jazz, to see how she'd do -- and she did great. Then, we brought in a very brave kitty named Bugsy. When Tia licked Bugsy's nose, I knew she'd do fine here.

I love having her here; it's the perfect Christmas present. Getting her to leave the house the first few days was a battle of wills, but she's learned she gets to come right back in. She now rings the jingle bells on the doorknob to let me know when she needs a walk -- then DRAGS me back to the house when we're finished! She's claimed the dog bed in the living room as her own and gently piles up her favorite toys around it before she lays down. Today, she discovered the couch and, I suspect, it's going to be her new favorite perch!

She fits right in here, making it impossible not to fall desperately in love with her. Like my first foster puppies, letting her go is going to take a long time to recover from and my heart aches every time I allow myself to imagine it. But, Tia is proof-positive of both the need for foster homes and for individuals to spay/neuter their pets. She is not an unusual case. 25% of the animals in shelters across America are purebred. That means every year approximately 1.75 million dogs like Tia are abandoned. If they are lucky, someone like Tia's rescuer comes along and saves them. But they aren't all lucky and people like Tia's rescuer are, unfortunately, rare.

Fortunately, Tia doesn't know what might have happened to her. Ultimately, she will have a good life in a wonderful home. For now, she is simply content to be right where she is -- on her bed, surrounded by her favorite toys in a home with people who love her.

Classic Kitten

2008-12-22T13:44:00.001-08:00

To all my friends, old and new . . . Happy Holidays from my critters to yours!

Christmas Miracles

2008-12-20T22:36:00.000-08:00

Six dogs and eight cats found their forever homes yesterday! Among them was Jingles, who chose an 11 year old boy, his parents and a Maine Coon kitty to be her forever family. I am thrilled with her choice. Her new people thought long and hard about the decision to bring her home. In fact, I was even surprised when they returned from their family meeting to fill out the paperwork because they'd been gone so long, but all the more certain they were the right fit because they took the time to weigh all their concerns against the charms of a beautiful and affectionate puppy. Because her new family originates from Chicago, she left PetSmart with a new name: Wrigley. I will sure miss her snuggles and kisses but am so happy she is home for the holidays. Have a beautiful life, Wrigley!

That leaves three of nine puppies from the lab/border collie litter available for adoption: Jinx, Joker and Jersey, all beautiful boys. Please visit Heartland's site if you are interested and looking for a smart and affectionate addition to your family. I have fostered four puppies from this litter and adopted one myself. They all have wonderful temperaments and make great family dogs.

I fully intended to bring Jinx home as my next foster dog, but my plans were derailed when a new potential intake arrived for temperament testing. When I saw this stunning German Shepherd enter the adoption area, I assumed she belonged to a potential adopter, there to try her out with one of our fosters to see if they were a good fit. Then I heard her story and it was all over for me. My biggest weakness is shepherds. Throw in a very sad story and I am done for! So, last night Tia spent her first night indoors in several months, thanks to the kind and compassionate woman who brought her to us. I will share her story and give further introductions in a future post. Suffice it to say, I already know this girl is going to break my heart when she finds the perfect home, even as I celebrate her happy ending. She is simply wonderful.

T'was the Week Before Christmas . . .

2008-12-17T08:12:00.000-08:00

. . . and my house is full of fosters, hoping Saturday is the day their forever families will find them at PetSmart and bring them home for the holidays!

Jingles is the last female of the lab/border collie litter. She'll be on the small side of the anticipated 50-70 pound range we expect these guys to grow to. Most impressive about Jingles is that she is trying very hard to live up to her foster-name! She has learned to ring the jingle-bells on the front door of my house when she needs to go outside! Whoever adopts Jingles will have her fully house trained in no time at all.

She is just the sweetest girl ever. If you bring her home for Christmas, getting a photo of her beneath the tree will be a challenge because she wants nothing more than to crawl into your lap and rest her head on your chest instead! Jingles does fine with kids, dogs and even cats. She is shy at first, but warms up quickly and, most importantly, she is highly motivated to please which makes training easy, leaving you nothing but time to enjoy her.

Ace's nicknames are "My Buddy" and "Loverboy" because they fit his personality well. He absolutely loves every person and animal that crosses his path, so would be happy to find a home filled with both! Ace was brought to Heartland by a good Samaritan who watched neighbors move away and leave their cats behind, outdoors. Evidently, while Ace was spending his days and nights outside, he hung out with a few dogs -- and it shows! When I come home, Ace greets me like a happy puppy, running to the door and then following me about wherever I go, chatting away! When he isn't trailing my heels, he is snuggled into my lap, purring and rolling over for belly rubs. Ace is one of those fosters it will be very difficult to say goodbye to, but I will celebrate for him if he finds his forever home before Christmas.

Isn't Ginger just beautiful with those intense green eyes peering out from that long tortoiseshell fur? Ginger was brought to Heartland with Ace, though we aren't sure if they share a story; they just knew the right house hang out at so that they could find a home of their own!

This petite little girl is approximately three years old. It's hard to imagine she ever endured an outdoor life because she really is a pampered princess! Her favorite pastime is finding the most comfortable spot to perch upon and watch the world go by. She tries to pretend to be shy and demure, but cannot help herself once she realizes people equal petting!

Ginger isn't a big cat fan but with the proper introduction will do fine with gentle dogs. She prefers a quiet environment, wanting nothing more than to be a companion to someone with a comfy lap to offer. Will you be Ginger's forever lap?

There is just one more adoption event at O'Fallon/Hwy K PetSmart before Christmas: this Saturday from 11-4pm. Jingles and Ace would love to meet you and Ginger will even agree to tolerate the noise and crowds if she is expecting you! They will be joined by many of Heartland's foster animals - dogs, puppies, kittens and cats alike. The one thing they ALL have in common is the desire to find their own family to love and care for them forever.

To see all of Heartland's fosters, please visit their site. If one (or more!) of them pull at your heartstrings, you can apply to adopt online.

Happy Holidays from all the fosters at my house to all the critters at yours!

All I Want for Christmas

2008-12-16T07:09:00.000-08:00

My friends, Charlie and Martha, had a fabulous idea for Christmas presents for animal friendly folks this year. You can read the wonderful article he wrote about it at his blog: Professor B. Worm, where he also shares a bit about his newest rescue dog, Irish, who is currently hogging Charlie's bed, "lulling him awake" with his melodic snoring. Like many of Heartland's rescues, Irish was pulled from a kill-shelter a day before his time was up.

This blog is brand new and I've spoken little about the group I work with. So, let me tell you about Heartland Humane Society. I became involved with them a few years ago when we sponsored one of their animals for a few months. Later, I adopted a mother and son pair of cats who were hard to place. A few months later, I adopted Pixel; the cutest kitten in the world. Heartland has impressed me from the beginning and when I attended their foster-parent orientation and learned just how committed, dedicated and responsible they are, I knew they were the rescue I wanted to volunteer with. Their mission-statement sums it up:

Heartland Humane Society of Missouri is a 501(c)3 non-profit group of dedicated foster homes that gives abandoned, abused, and unwanted animals another chance for loving, permanent homes through our adoption program. We reduce pet overpopulation in our community through collaboration with veterinarians, animal welfare organizations, and supportive individuals and organizations by providing affordable spay/neuter procedures and humane education. Heartland Humane Society of Missouri is funded by adoption fees, donations, fundraising events, grants and tributes.

In 2007, Heartland found homes for 662 cats and dogs. That is a lot of veterinary care and supplies, not to mention the tireless hours our volunteers spend to assure Heartland's ability to care for the animals continues.

Heartland is currently in the running to win a $10,000. prize from Care2.com's "America's Favorite Animal Shelter" contest. That kind of prize will help a lot of animals with veterinary bills, food and supplies. So, what do I want for Christmas? Something simple, free and relatively easy: your vote for Heartland! Several hundred furry critters will thank you!

Introducing Jingles!

2008-12-15T17:44:00.000-08:00

Jingles is my fourth puppy from the lab/border collie litter,
so she arrived at my house feeling very familiar! Like her brothers and sister before her, she entered shy and unsure because family life is new to her. I am happy to report, she's getting quite accustomed to being a typical house dog.

If you've read previous posts about her brothers and sister, there is little to add about Jingles. Like the rest of her littermates she has a gentle, loving temperament, wanting nothing more than to please her people. These guys are smart and very easy to train, greatly improving their chances for a successful future in their adoptive homes.

Full grown, Jingles will be on the small size of her litter, probably between 50-60 pounds. If you're interested in meeting her, she'll be at PetSmart (O'Fallon/Hwy K) on Saturday between 11 and 4pm. You can even fill out an application to adopt online and show up pre-approved! I know all she wants for Christmas is to find her forever home . . .

Room for One More?

2008-12-14T17:32:00.001-08:00

I got a call yesterday. My son's girlfriend asked, "Do you have room for one more?" She told me a co-worker received "an early Christmas present she doesn't want," a seven-week-old kitten. After getting permission to intake her and wrangling up the necessary medicines, we made arrangements to pick the little one up this afternoon.

She was handed to me in a cat carrier. I put my hand in and pulled out a tiny little kitten, covered in urine and feces, fleas, ear mites and a swollen belly full of worms. There was kitten kibble scattered in the cage amongst the poop, but no water.

We have to torture the new intakes before bringing them home. We give them pill and liquid de-wormer and flea meds. It all tastes and smells awful to the kitten, but this poor little girl purred and kneaded the air as I held her by the scruff to get her medicated.

Once home, she got a bath, some food and water and made herself comfortable in the kitten playpen she'll need to be in for several days before getting the all clear from the vet. She took right to the polar fleece hammock I hung inside. After what she's been through, her little condo must feel like kitten heaven!

At the end of that kind of intake, you are just glad, as a fosterer, that the person had the sense to say caring for an animal was too much and made the appropriate calls to get the animal in a good environment. You keep your thoughts to yourself and try to leave a decent enough impression so that, if it happens again, they wont hesitate to call on you, rather than dispose of the animal in some awful way.

I'm grateful to have her here and am sure she's glad to be here! Now, to think of the perfect name for such a beautiful little baby . . .

Home for the Holidays!

2008-12-13T16:49:00.001-08:00

My last vision of Jethro was of him walking behind his new Mom as they left PetSmart with a cart FULL of doggy goodies, including a super-sized crate and sheepskin padded bed.

Although I miss that big lug tonight, that vision stays with me, so I am just thrilled for him as he begins his new life elsewhere. Jethro is home for the holidays. Life is good.

It's now five down and four to go on the lab/border collie mix litter. So, of course, I came home with Jethro's sister, Jingles, hoping next Saturday's adoption event at PetSmart is just as fortunate for her. Stay tuned for photos of Jingles!

Sleep well on your new sheepskin bed tonight, Jethro. You'll be missed!

Big Dogs, Little Dogs . . .

2008-12-11T22:42:00.000-08:00

. . . all kinds of dogs!

When Laurie, a fellow fosterer, invited me over to shoot photos, my intentions weren't entirely altruistic. She stores a lot of Heartland's donated supplies at her house and, right about now, I'd sell my soul for anything having to do with potty training!

Plus, Laurie is currently fostering Tulsa, a wonderful Australian Cattle Dog I wanted to adopt a year or so ago after losing our Cattle Dog, Scout, to cancer. The day I inquired about Tulsa was the day she went home to another family. Unfortunately, Tulsa was returned to Heartland due to an unfortunate set of circumstances, none of which had to do with the fact she is deaf.

My desire to continue fostering dogs prevents me from bringing her home this time, despite how wonderful she is and how tempted I am! She is so sweet, loving and smart. And, she is so very lucky to be with Laurie who has taken the time to learn to communicate with her through sign language. How cool is that?!

Tulsa isn't Laurie's only deaf foster-dog. She also has Noelle, a sweet, loving, mellow six-month-old terrier mix. Laurie is even taking Noelle to obedience classes so that she, like Tulsa, can learn sign language. Have I mentioned what an awesome and dedicated foster mommy Laurie is? She is my new hero!

As if she wasn't busy enough with Tulsa and Noelle, Laurie has also taken on Duncan, a three-month-old chocolate lab mix, who is just a wriggling, affectionate bundle of puppy love. Duncan was not easy to get a photo of because he thought my lap looked much more comfortable than posing in front of the camera. I wasn't complaining though, he snuggles up close and puts his soft, little head right on your shoulder, making your heart just melt. I've no doubt Duncan will find a home before Christmas.

Finally, in the midst of all the puppies at Laurie's house is one very brave cat named Bugsy, who strolls through the crowd of canines without care or concern. Bugsy is nearly ready for adoption and whoever takes him home will be very lucky to have been chosen by him. Not only is he handsome and brave, but he's also very sweet!

Laurie keeps a fabulous blog about her fostering experience. It is full of information, stories and photos. Surfing through her archives has better prepared me for fostering. If you are interested in adopting any of her foster-critters or are considering fostering yourself, please check it out!

Introducing Jethro

2008-12-09T10:28:00.000-08:00

I didn't name him; he's one of a litter of 9 five-month-old puppies who all have "J" names. I think it's a cute name though, although everyone in the house is practicing their Beverly Hillbillies impressions, calling out a twangy "Jeeeth-RO!" when he's romping around the living room.

I am so hoping that Jethro, like his brother, Jake, who found a home last weekend, is home for the holidays. He's going to be a great pet. He is definitely a dog whose size doesn't match his temperament. He has NO idea he will grow to somewhere around 70 pounds! All he wants is a lap to lay in. To prove it, he'll curl up into the tightest possible ball to fit in mine.

Jethro is my third foster from this litter. I liked the first so much she's staying with me! They are very smart, trainable pups with gentle, loving temperaments. Because they are no longer tiny pups, they just need some patience in the beginning to get used to their new surroundings and prove how wonderful they are.

Jethro has four siblings still waiting to find their homes too, so please visit Heartland's Site if you are interested!

What a Week!

2008-12-07T10:41:00.000-08:00

A Boy and His Dog

In my first post, I wrote about letting go of my first fosters, Kimber and Colt, and how picturing Kimber growing up with a little boy won me over to the idea of allowing her to go home with her new family. I admit it, I am a sap. Hallmark commercials make me cry, I've been known to watch Lifetime movies on cable and, so far, every successful adoption of one of my fosters brings tears to my eyes. Despite my hyper-sensitivity, I really am a pessimist at heart.

So, when I begin envoking visions of a little boy playing in the yard with his puppy, throwing balls and running through piles of Autumn leaves, I tend to think I'm simply suffering a momentary burst of idealism designed to spare me from my sappy and pessimistic self. But, Kimber's people sent me an update this week, complete with attached photos. I love getting updates on how my former fosters are doing, but this one really made my heart sing. Kimber definitely found the right home!

Ouch!

Meanwhile, the foster kitties were vetted on Tuesday. Thankfully, they both tested negative for the diseases we worry about when taking in a new rescue. For cats older than a few months, the first vet appointment gets them tested, up to date on shots, microchipped, spayed and neutered. Ace, who is just the coolest kitten ever, handled it all with ease and is back to his happy self. Ginger, however, was pretty beat up by the whole process. A veterinarian cannot always tell if a cat has been previously spayed. In those cases, the only way to check is to open them up and look. No longer a routine spay, digging around for a looksee is a bit harder to recover from and causes a larger incision.

I assure you, the addage that "animals do not feel pain" is a myth. Poor Ginger is still uncomfortable and we've had some worrisome nights this week trying to comfort her. I share this as a reminder that indoor-only cats do not end up lost outside having to undergo unnecessary surgeries in effort to find them a new home!

In Gratitude

Or, perhaps I should say "catitude." When I began fostering, I had few tools to make it run smoothly. Mostly, I needed dog and cat crates for crate training puppies and showing the foster pets at adoption days at PetSmart on Saturdays. I posted an add on Craigslist with the specifics and received many responses. A wonderful lady who is a foster mom for a St. Louis based Ferret Rescue group immediately responded, selling me the most durable, collapsable dog crate at a much lower price than she could have received elsewhere. She's a cool lady and we bonded over our love of furry critters. She emailed me this week offering two cat crates, which I was just desperate for. When I arrived at her home to gather them, I discovered they were not just ordinary crates, but the great, big playpens on rollers with ramps and shelves and the works. I had cat playpens on mental wish-list, knowing I couldn't swing them financially and now two sit in my rec room, ready for occupants. I KNOW she could have sold them for much more than she did and am deeply indebted to her for her generosity! And, just to really make it feel like Christmas around here, a few days ago, a fellow fosterer, Laurie, arrived with boxes of dog goodies donated from local girlscouts. You know you've been potty training too long when you hug someone for handing you a jug of Nature's Miracle. Hooray! Thanks to the Girl Scouts and Laurie!

The Best for Last

Jake is home for the holidays! When we arrived at PetSmart, he didn't even make it into his kennel before a family had him on a leash, walking him around, introducing him to their dog.

The two were a match; the perfect combination. Jake's new dad wanted a frisby/fetch dog and, since Jake is almost never without a toy in his mouth, he was very pleased! Jake's new mom wanted a loverboy lapdog and Jake will be happy to oblige, since he has NO idea he is a big dog who doesn't fit in a lap and loves to be squeezed and hugged and loved. It appeared that their dog was also perfectly pleased to pal around with gentle dog who gladly let her lead the way. I am thrilled with the placement and so happy for Jake.

And, I hardly miss Jake at all because I drove home with his brother, Jethro, sitting next to me. I will be fostering him until he too finds his happy ending. He's every bit as awesome as Jake. Since I am adopting their littermate sister, Jethro seemed right at home the minute they reunited. In fact, I am not sure she even realizes there was a switch. She's just happy to still have a big brother to romp around with! And, in case you can't tell the difference between the two, the above photo is of Jethro, making himself at home. As happy as I am to have him, I sure hope that, like Jake, he is home for the holidays . . .

Big, Black Dogs

2008-12-02T10:48:00.000-08:00

Puppies don’t come with built-in clocks, so I was up at 3:00 a.m. cleaning a crate, taking them out for walks (one at a time; these are big pups and too much to handle two at a time on a leash), then letting them race and wrestle around the house to wear off some puppy energy.

Worried I'd sleep through my morning alarm and the foster cats' vet appointment first thing in the morning, 4:00a.m. found me fueling up with coffee and surfing YouTube in a sleep-deprived daze. Then I found a video reminding me why the lack of sleep is worth it; why I am walking, playing with and cleaning up after black puppies at the crack of dawn:

Jake and Jasmine are from a litter of 9 puppies, all mostly black. Seven remain un-adopted after weeks and weeks in foster-care (although it looks like Jasmine is going to stay with me!). They are all beautiful with the sweetest temperaments. And, they are SMART (they should be; they are a mix of very intelligent breeds – Border Collie and Labrador)! Jasmine accompanied me to the Veteran’s Hospital where she did some unofficial therapy dogging a couple weeks ago and she acted like a professional – with no experience at all!

And Jake? He’s just a big lover who has no idea he is a moose of a dog at only five months old, wanting nothing more than to sit with his head in a human lap or curl up at the feet of someone who pledges to keep him forever. He is super gentle, wants only to please and is constantly reminding me why dogs are called man’s best friend.

Jake and Jasmine’s litter are not the only black puppies waiting for a home via Heartland. From three litters, over a dozen remain; growing bigger, getting older and hoping they are next to be chosen.

I am barely a kindergartner to fostering. It’s all brand new. Every day brings a reminder I still have much to learn from the sage fosterers mentoring me. One thing I am learning though is that the hard lessons seem to come first.

Of course, all the volunteers who spend their Saturdays at PetSmart, hoping this Saturday will be the day their foster dog(s) find a family, celebrate each adoption, no matter the color of the dog who finds a home. But, those days the black puppies all get loaded back into cars to return to foster care because they were overlooked can feel discouraging . . .

. . . because we know and love them and have witnessed just how hard they work to prove they are every bit as wonderful as any other dog.

*****

(that gorgeous big, black puppy in the photo above is "Jake." Jake is a five month old lab/border collie mix who will grow to be approximately 70 pounds. If you are interested in bringing him home before Christmas, please visit Heartland's Site!)

The. Cutest. Photo. Ever.

2008-11-29T21:41:00.000-08:00

I just don't have my creative juices flowing tonight. I attempted taking some photos of the fosters for the Heartland site. I thought a Christmas theme might be appropriate, since the cats will be ready for adoption soon. The photoshoot was a total bust; not a keeper in the batch.

I did, however, learn how to really, really irritate a foster kitty!

How to Irritate a Foster (or any) Kitty:
1. Strap a kitty-sized set of reindeer antlers on him
2. Coax him out from beneath the couch
3. Adjust said reindeer antlers
4. Coax him out from beneath the climber
5. Remove the reindeer antlers with one hand while holding jingle bells in the other
6. Coax him out from beneath the couch
7. Strap a Velcro jinglebell collar around his neck and pose him for a photo:

If Hallmark had a "Merry Friggin' Christmas, Jerk!" section, I'd be rich.

While I was busy deleting photos, I ran across some unedited shots of Kimber and Colt and found the cutest photo ever of Kimber's first bath. I so miss that puppy!

The. Cutest. Photo. Ever.

The Dogs Who Rescued Me

2008-11-28T10:42:00.000-08:00

It was inevitable, I think, though I’d dismissed the thought a thousand times.

“My heart will break, over and again. I don’t think I can handle that. I really don’t.”

“Me foster? Too many goodbyes!”

“There’s not enough space; not enough time; not enough money.”

“. . . not enough strength to say ‘no’ when I want to say yes or ‘yes’ when I want to say no.”

So, I tried to satiate the craving to foster by adopting two very hard to place cats from Heartland Humane Society. Smitten and Splash – mother and son – were so painfully shy they could not tolerate the chaos of PetsMart or find the courage to show their true nature to visiting potential families. So they sat (in a wonderful foster home) for fourteen months, until I brought them home.
Almost a year later, and with much patience and love, they are loving pets I am so glad joined the family.

And then the craving returned.

I ignored it until my son’s girlfriend arrived on the doorstep bearing two of the cutest, scared, most dehydrated little beagle mix puppies that someone thought so little of they dumped on the side of a busy road in the dark of night.

After nursing them through the first few hours, I rushed to PetsMart on a Saturday (my first mistake!) and asked my favorite rescue group for help. Before I knew it, the former foster mom of Smitten and Splash was vouching for me as a foster parent and I was filling out an application to become a foster home.

I really didn’t think I had it in me. After six weeks, crate training, potty training, vaccinations and a neuter and spay, Colt and Kimber were ready for adoption. My heart was already breaking. They were, undoubtedly, my dogs. They slept in bed with me, went everywhere with me and, for almost two months, were the center of the household. Tons of people applied to adopt them. I interviewed families in my home, watching their interactions carefully, listening to my gut instinct and lamenting over whether or not I was doing the right thing.

But when Colt’s new people walked in the door, the conflict eased and my grip on him lessened a bit. Even the adult children showed up to meet Colt. They were grieving the recent loss of their dog. I could feel their reluctance to willingly open themselves up to more heartbreak pressing against their desire for the love and joy a pet brings. It was easy to picture Colt sitting at the feet of his new human as he worked from home all day, wrestling with the kids when they came to visit and walking the neighborhood with his new person daily.

I did it. I let him go. Colt’s sister, Kimber, nursed me through the grieving.

And then, her people walked through the door. This time, I was certain I couldn’t find the strength; that my fostering days were over. I told myself this young family wasn’t ready for the responsibilities of a pet. I pretended I didn’t care that their daughter cried with joy at the mere thought of taking her home. I didn’t want to like Mom and Dad, although it was so easy to do I couldn’t duck the read. And then their two year old little boy wrapped his arms gently around Kimber as he gave her a treat and . . .

I saw the two of them growing up together: A boy and his dog. He would never remember not having her and she would have him her entire life. She would always be his first dog and he would always be her boy.

Because of that, I could let her go too. I did, and then grieved all over again, this time in a house that, despite five cats, felt entirely hollow in the absence of Colt and Kimber.
The next morning, I returned from PetsMart adoptions with Jasmine,our next foster puppy. Ginger and Ace, a cat and kitten left behind when their family moved away, joined us the next week. This week, Jasmine’s littermate, Jake, took up residence here.

The house is busy and crazy. The work is endless. The cold, wet noses are awesome. I love every minute of it. Colt and Kimber brought to me my life’s passion. They rescued me.

And, because of Colt and Kimber, Jasmine, Jake, Ginger, Ace and the many who will come after them, are Almost Home.