Blind Dogs are Beautiful

We interviewed quite a few people about their experiences with our September Rescue of the Month, Blind Dog Rescue Alliance, and just had to share this woman's story. Debbie has fostered and rescued dogs that are blind, deaf, injured, and have medical conditions, but she thinks they are the most beautiful dogs in the world. Thank you, Debbie, for viewing the world from such a beautiful perspective.

Interview with Animal Wellness Magazine:

            AW: Why did you adopt blind dogs?

About three years ago, my senior Bichon had to have his second eye removed due to uncontrollable and painful glaucoma.  It was a tough adjustment for him and I did a lot of research to try to help him as best I could.  I had no idea what to do and what not to do!  The Blind Dog Rescue Alliance was very helpful and caring and I knew right away I wanted to be a volunteer.  And shortly after that, I fostered and adopted my first blind dog – and have only adopted blind dogs ever since (the blind seniors have my heart)!                                    

AW. What are the challenges for each of your dogs?

Currently, I have three adopted blind dogs, and have one forever foster.  One of the blind dogs and my foster are also deaf.  In addition to blindness, each is a senior who faces other medical issues.   I had to think about this question for a bit because my dogs have been here for a while and each knows “the lay of the land”.  But of course, they had to learn my home and yard when they first came.  As my seniors do not go for long walks, we did not experience any challenges there, although I do like the two who can hear to learn vocabulary such as “stop” and “forward”.  My blind Schnauzer had a difficult time with housebreaking (due to his history and not his blindness) and learning how to go down the stairs. Going UP is much easier!  But going down requires a dog to step off into space, and that is scary.

AW:   Do you use anything in particular to help with anxiety?

My current dogs are quite easy going.  With the Bichon I mentioned earlier, I used a Thundershirt and few different types of medication. 

AW:  Do you use any special training techniques?

I do try to teach vocabulary like “stop” for an emergency word – meaning the dog needs to stop right away as there may be a hole or another obstacle in his path.  I also try to teach “up” and “down” for steps and curbs, and “forward” for when we are walking.

AW: How do you ask people to approach your dogs?

I ask people to hold out their hand so my dogs can smell them first.  No different than meeting a sighted dog.  I also tell them they can talk to my dog if they want!  I talk to them all the time!

AW: Please provide a brief background about your dogs and their history.

Watson is a Schnauzer from the Tampa, FL shelter.  He was rescued on the day he was to be euthanized.  He was likely a backyard breeder dog and was turned into the shelter as a “stray”.  Watson is completely blind due to SARDS, is hypothyroid, has Schnauzer Comedo Syndrome, and an adrenal disorder.  He’s got a round belly, very thin hair, and his back gets pimples, but boy, he is the most handsome fellow to me.  And he is the sweetest, most affectionate and loving boy in my house! Watson goes to rescue events to spread the word about blind dogs and all they can do, and loves to meet lots of people!  I've included a picture of Watson at a rescue event.

Sae is a Yorkie mix who was rescued from the Manhattan shelter.  We also don’t know much of Sae’s history.  He is completely blind, almost completely deaf, and has a history of pancreatitis.  He also has a mass on his spleen that my vet and I are monitoring.  Sae was very timid when he first came, and was afraid to leave the exercise pen.  He did not like to be held or touched.  Sae is very careful, and moves very slowly.  He reminds me of someone’s very old grandfather, shuffling around. Sae has come a long way in the year he’s been here.  He’s such a careful and gentle boy!  In fact, I’ve brought Sae to school with me to help me introduce a book about a blind mountain climber.  We have a blind student at school who is afraid of dogs, and she loved to pet Sae during his visit.  It was a wonderful moment.  I've included a picture of Sae at school, resting in my classroom.

Tequila (Tiki) is a completely blind Chihuahua/Pomeranian mix.  He lived with an owner who was unable to keep him due to a health issue.  Tiki also has stomach issues and is on medication.  Tiki is a smaller fellow who used to love going to rescue events and meeting people.  As he’s aged, he prefers to stay home.  Tiki loves to be held and cuddled and will sit in my lap while I’m working on the computer.  He also dances for his food and will go up on his hind legs to be picked up.  He loves to be held in my arms like a baby!  Tiki is the smartest one in the house and even knows a few tricks!  

Unfortunately, people often believe that blind dogs can’t do anything (I’ve even had someone ask me if my dog could walk because he was blind) and don’t understand what a wonderful quality of life blind dogs can and do have, so I thought I’d share some of the things that blind dogs can do!    

In addition to what I mentioned above, Watson loves squeaky toys and is almost never without one.  His favorite thing to do is flip them all over the place and pounce on them, and while he may take a few seconds to find them, he always does!  He also chases the cats and runs in the yard. 

Sae enjoys coming to school with me, and is gentle and kind with all of the students he meets.  The best moment was the one I’ve already mentioned above (when the blind student who is afraid of dogs reached out to pet him).  We also have a volunteer whose blind dog goes to the library to listen to students read, and another volunteer whose blind dog is a certified therapy dog.

Leo, my blind and deaf forever foster, will be 18 in January and will be here one year on 9/17.  He is unstoppable!  He loves boxes and books and leaves and twigs and weeds and tearing my bills and pulling magnets off the fridge and knocking over the garbage ….  And I have to watch him like a hawk!  He can find the only crumb on the floor, and if I put a box down for 30 seconds, he’ll find it.  I’ve even had to empty the bottom shelves in the bookcases!  He even has his own Facebook page and with almost 500 fans! 

Animal Wellness Magazine is donating 40% of subscription sales to Blind Dog Rescue Alliance when you subscribe using promo code AWA149. For a great magazine and to donate Subscribe Here.

Blind and abused, but still going strong!

Many rescue dogs come with special needs, and more so when they are blind. One of the reasons we chose Blind Dog Rescue Alliance (BDRA) as our Animal Wellness Rescue of the Month for September was due to the heartbreaking thought of dogs who are not only blind, but have also been abused, neglected, or abandoned. Can you imagine being both blind and abused?

BDRA networks to find foster and forever homes for blind and visually impaired dogs throughout the United States and Canada. BDRA also has a sanctuary for dogs that do not find homes. Karen Belfi, one of the founders and president of BDRA, adopted her first blind dog back in 1999. He was up for adoption for 2 years, and no one was interested. He was gorgeous, and so sweet. She thought, how could people not want him, just because he couldn't see? He was born blind. Karen has since fostered 20 dogs through BDRA.

Eye problems can be an issue in many dogs, especially ones reaching old age. We often receive questions from readers about remedies for eye problems, and tips for helping their dogs cope with visual impairment. Some BDRA rescuers generously weighed in and have offered some great advice from their experiences of fostering and rescuing blind or visually impaired dogs.

The biggest challenge is training, since in addition to regular training, dogs also have to be taught how to find their way around. One tip is to teach the dog a “watch” command. They know to slow down and feel for an obstacle. "Step" is for stairs, a curb, etc. Other good verbal commands are “stop,” “forward,” and “wait.”

In houses with multiple dogs, putting noisy tags on all the dogs, so the blind ones can find the others is very helpful. A light tap on the nose to signal 'No' as well as citronella collars can help for training purposes, too. Sometimes people put scented dots on the floor that can lead to doors, etc., but these are not very effective with dogs that do not have keen noses. Stairs are not challenging for going up, but going down requires a dog to step off into space, and that is scary.

BDRA has many helpful tips on their website. If you’d like to donate to BDRA, they receive donations through their site. As well, Animal Wellness Magazine is donating 40% of subscription sales whenever anyone subscribes using promo code AWA149. Subscribe here to help BDRA and get a great magazine!

There was a constant thread in the emails we received from BDRA rescuers: blind and visually impaired dogs are more like other dogs than people think. They can be friendly with strangers, playful, calm, sweet, and al around terrific companions. Despite the challenges with training, blind dogs are, for the most part, the same as any other dog!

We partnered with some great companies who donated to our Rescue of the Month. Thank you to these companies for donating to BDRA with us! 

Be Pawsitive - A monthly box of organic dog treats that give back!

Wondercide Organics - Natural and organic solutions for pets, plants, and people!

Canine Omega3 (Ascenta Health) - Omega3 supplements!

Saving Mexico's Stray Dogs

There are times in Mexico city when there are more dogs than people. The overpopulation of stray dogs is a universal problem, but in Mexico it is especially catastrophic. Thousands of dogs are rounded up monthly and are exterminated by electrocution. The dogs endure brutal lives in the streets only to meet an equally brutal end.

One of the causes for the high numbers of stray dogs is a lack of spay and neuter programs. There is also a lack of veterinary services, funding for shelters, and education. While the problem may seem insurmountable, there are people and rescue organizations working hard to improve the situation.

Fiona Animal Refuge (FAR) is one such organization. In 2011, three retired, rock climbing women- Ann, Michelle, and Dottie- found a dog chained to a tree. The three women rescued and cared for her and named her Fiona. Unfortunately, Fiona didn't make it, but she inspired the women to start the Fiona Animal Refuge so that they could help other dogs avoid the same fate.

Baby Lupita- found in oil pit

In addition to rescue and adoption, FAR provides free spay and neuter services, flea and tick medication, food, shelter, and education for the community. A lot of the dogs rescued by FAR come from extreme conditions. One little pup was even found in an oil pit.

FAR tries to find homes for the rescued dogs within the Mexican community, but often times adoption comes from the United States. This was the case with one of their toughest rescues, Chuy. A mile from the town of Hidalgo, Nuevo Leon, Chuy was either dumped or wandered up the mountain in search of help. Red mange covered his starving little body- he was four months old. A kind Mexican working at the LaPasada Rock Climbers Campground took him in.

"Chuy"

FAR was working out of a truck at the time, so Chuy hung out with all the climbers hoping for a permanent home. Enter Leigh and Paul from Oregon and the love affair began. They were committed to giving  Chuy a better life with them from the moment they saw him.

The U.S. border is easy to cross with a dog in a car, but not to fly. You need a health certificate, human plane ticket, cage, and transport. All doable, but expensive, plus Chuy was not 100% recovered. He still looked pretty rough. But Leigh and Paul were determined, they wanted only Chuy.

So, "Saving Chuy" began. FAR drove him to San Antonio, got his health certificate (a miracle in itself) a cage and a VERY pricey plane ticket. Chuy arrived in Oregon for Christmas 2011 and his new life with two devoted people began. 

Chuy and Leigh 2013

One year latter Paul and Leigh had a "Saving Chuy"  anniversary party and raised almost $1000 for FAR. Dottie Cross, one of the founders of FAR, had a visit in Wyoming from Leigh and Chuy in July 2013. He looked like a different dog. Who says miracles don't happen? 

Fiona Animal Refuge is an Animal Wellness Ambassador. 40% of subscription sales from Animal Wellness Magazine is donated to FAR when using the promo code AWA121 

Subscribe here: https://animalwellnessmagazine.com/sub2013/subscribe.php

Or donate directly to FAR: http://www.potreropups.org/

Interested in becoming an Ambassador? Visit our website: http://www.animalwellnessmagazine.com/

Rocky Ridge Refuge- Taking in the Toughest Cases

Animal rescue shelters are almost always overwhelmed by the amount of animals that get dropped off at their doors. They are filled to the brim and are usually strapped for funds. This means that the toughest cases- the animals who have severe medical conditions- are often euthanized. Adoption comes with a whole host of challenges with dogs that are healthy, let alone with dogs that also have medical conditions, and it is understandable that the dogs who need the most love are the ones who do not get adopted. 

It is important to understand that rescuing animals is a community effort. Shelters need to rely on fosters, volunteers who transport animals, people in the community to behave as responsible owners, and animal sanctuaries to take in the cases that no one else wants.

There certainly are many wonderful animal sanctuaries that are committed to saving the most unfortunate animals, but one that stands out is Rocky Ridge Refuge (RRR). Run by Janice Wolf, with the help of people who offer to transport animals for rescue and adoption, RRR takes in animals when it seems like all hope has been lost. 

One of the recent additions to RRR is young Pitbull that was abandoned in a house for two weeks and then once let out was attacked and chewed up by another dog. Wolf named this young sweetheart "Reuben James" and he is now up for adoption. 

Wolf also takes in many cases of dogs who have mange. She has a great track record for helping these dogs heal. With the support of volunteers and RRR Facebook fans spreading the word, these dogs are adopted into loving homes. 

One of the toughest cases that came to RRR was a Dachshund who was thought to have a severe lip injury and they had no funds for this care. The dog had been sitting at a vet clinic nearby due to no space at the shelter. it was discovered that EVERY tooth in his head was rotten and had to be removed, and severe osteomyelitis had eaten away much of the jaw. The vet clinic, a dental specialty service, said it is the WORST mouth they had ever seen! Thanks to RRR, and extensive surgery, the Dachshund has been recovering. 

RRR also provides sanctuary for exotic animals, who are usually turned away at shelters due to unsuitable facilities for exotic species. At RRR, there is Cheesecake the capybara, Crouton the tortoise, Squatch the wallaby, and a whole host of other interesting critters! The beautiful thing about these animals is that they all get along harmoniously despite their different breeds. 

Each month, Animal Wellness Magazine chooses a "Rescue of the Month" based on comments and nominations on the Animal Wellness Facebook page. RRR is our August Rescue of the Month! We are donating 40% of subscription sales to RRR when people subscribe using the promo code AWA089: https://animalwellnessmagazine.com/sub2013/subscribe.php

Rocky Ridge Refuge has puppies that need adoption! Apply here: http://rockyridgerefuge.com/adoption-form/

The Animal Wellness Rescue of the Month program is supported by some fantastic companies who donate products and funds to our rescues. SPECIAL THANK YOU to these companies for donating to Rocky Ridge Refuge (Click on links below the logos for info):

http://www.smoochypoochy.com/

http://www.thehonestkitchen.com/

http://savvybeasttreats.com/

http://ambertech.com/

Rescuing the Little White Dogs

There is an image of the common rescue dog: starving, skinny, full of mange, injured, destitute. While this description is true for many dogs that arrive at shelters, there is another common type of rescue dog: the purebred dog that an owner spent hundreds of dollars on, only to discover the breed wasn't the one they really wanted.

This type of rescue dog is so prevalent that a number of rescue organizations exist to mitigate the high numbers of abandoned purebreds. A nice idea to keep in mind the next time you're thinking of buying a purebred dog is to adopt one from an organization that specializes in rescuing the breed you're looking for. These organizations are experts in the breeds they work with, and can offer great advice and tips on how to care for the dogs.

There's also a need to help surrenders: people who have to give up their dog due to any number of circumstances, such as a new baby, moving, and divorce. The thought of giving a beloved dog to a shelter can be heartbreaking, and purebred rescues serve a very real need by placing these dogs with foster homes.

When we were at the Toronto Woofstock in June, we ran into one of our Ambassadors that is a purebred rescue organization. We were delighted to see Animal Wellness Ambassadors "Westies in Need" (WiN), and even more delighted that they were selling chocolates as a fundraiser. (Have you ever been to one of these trade shows? Dog cookies and treats everywhere, but few for humans! We'd been craving something sweet all day!)

Westies in Need is the largest Westie rescue organization in Canada and a registered Not for Profit. They are a volunteer rescue group, providing care for Westies that have been surrendered, taken from puppy mills or are in danger of losing their lives in local Animal Control facilities. 

WiN does not have a shelter or physical location. Instead, they operate through a tight-knit network of rescue coordinators and foster homes, trying to rescue as many Westies as possible. 

Their mission: "Rescue Westies, get immediate medical attention to those in need, foster Westies in a safe, attentive environment, find them loving and forever homes and to also educate the general public to the need for spaying and neutering dogs and the perils of puppy mills."

At Animal Wellness Magazine, we love all breeds of dogs. As for Westies, how can you not fall in love with them? They look like little puffs of white clouds. And have you seen one in a bow tie? It's like a dapper little old man. Too cute!
  

The success stories on the WiN website  are full of Westie cuteness and heartwarming tales. There are stories like Faith's, who was found wandering, alone and scared in Taipai, Taiwan. A Facebook fan from Taiwan contacted WiN, who got her placed into a shelter. Faith is scheduled to fly to Canada on July 18th to her new home!

Faith's story is just one of many. WiN's volunteers are constantly working and fundraising so they can give forever homes to all their Westies. WiN has a Toronto Westie Walk and Fun Day on September 8th, 2013 and an  Ottawa Westie Walk and Fun Day on September 15th, 2013. Love Westies? Consider participating!

WiN also has an active Facebook Page. Drop by and give them a visit! You can also visit their website:
http://www.westiesinneed.com/index.html

Want to get involved in our Ambassador Program? Click HERE for info: http://www.animalwellnessmagazine.com/aw-ambassadors/

Animal Best Friends at Rocky Ridge Refuge

There's an important life lesson that's been reinforced throughout the years at Animal Wellness Magazine: animals have a lot to teach us.

With all the war that exists and all the fear of other people because maybe they are "different" from what you know, it is always heartwarming to see that even in the animal world differences can be overcome. 

Of course, the cutest instances of this are interspecies best friends. Sure, some of you must have a dog and a cat that get along, but what about a puppy and a capybara? Or a dog and a goat?

At Rocky Ridge Rescue, animal friendships abound! This refuge was the inspiration of one woman, Janice Wolf, who currently runs the rescue all by herself. The real beauty of her refuge is that she takes in sick, injured, and exotic animals that wouldn't be accepted at other rescue centers. Maybe the animals realize the second chance they've been given, because they are all so keen on supporting one another!

While all of the animals at Rocky Ridge are special, a few stand out for their extra special personalities. For example, there is Cheesecake the capybara who loves to adopt puppies. Capybaras are the largest rodents in the world, and have very sweet and nurturing personalities. How fortunate that the orphaned puppies that come to Rocky Ridge are welcomed by a new mother? Sure, she may not be of the same species, but when it comes to being a good parent, it's love that is the key ingredient anyway.

Another angel at Rocky Ridge is Butterbean, a bull terrier who likes animals with hooves. She's got a baby goat that's a best pal. They love to snuggle and play! And when Janice discovered that Bazinga the miniature horse had dwarfism, Butterbean was there to offer nurture and support.

There are so many things we can learn from Rocky Ridge Refuge. For one, that the power of a single person is greater than we realize. For two, that we should never let differences stand in the way of friendship and love.

If you'd like to donate to Rocky Ridge Refuge, please visit their website: www.rockyridgerefuge.com

Want to become an Ambassador or learn more about the Ambassador Program? Visit http://www.animalwellnessmagazine.com/aw-ambassadors/

The Effect of Rescuing Just One Dog

Animal Wellness Magazine recently welcomed a new rescue organization to our Ambassador Program. Based in Northern Illinois, Animal House Shelter began with the rescue of a single dog and has since grown into an organization that has helped find homes for thousands of dogs and cats. 

AW Magazine: Can you tell us a bit about your organization?

Animal House Shelter: 

Animal House Shelter began with a dog named Kiley. Lesley Irwin, founder and president of Animal House Shelter rescued a dog that had been dodging cars on a busy road in Northern Illinois.  The experience of rescuing Kiley and rehabilitating her to become a beautiful, loving member of her family inspired Lesley to devote her life to animal rescue.  Since June of 2002, when she opened the doors of Animal House Shelter, more than 25,000 dogs and cats have been given the same second chance that she gave to Kiley.  

                Animal House Shelter rescues 98% of our dogs and cats from pounds and animal control facilities with high rates of euthanasia.  These places do not have the space to accommodate the number of animals coming in and euthanize at astounding rates.  Animal House Shelter takes in these pets (many of which are on “death row”) regardless of age, breed or known health problems and rehabilitates them mentally and physically.  We then personalize the adoption process to assure that each one of our animals is going into the best possible home for their particular needs.  Dogs are walked a minimum of five times daily to give them the maximum amount of socialization with each other and with people.  Our cats are housed in a large free-roam cat habitat where they are constantly socializing with each other, staff, volunteers, and potential adopters. 

                Animal House Shelter is open 7 days a week and 365 days a year.  We never close, even on holidays, and strive to go above and beyond all standards of excellence when caring for the mental and physical needs of our animals.  We understand the importance of getting to know each of our animals as individuals in order to place them in the best possible home for their particular needs.  Each and every animal is treated with the love and respect they deserve as though they were our own pets.

AW Magazine: Can you tell us about an animal that was recently adopted? 

Animal House Shelter:

Beetle was just recently adopted from Animal House Shelter after being a resident with us for almost 2 full years.  He had originally been rescued from a dog fighting situation where, as a young and defenseless puppy, he was being used as a bait dog.  Because of this he had become very afraid of other dogs and could not be adopted into a home with other pets.  He finally found his forever family, however, and is loving having kids to play with and a home of his very own!

AW Magazine: Can you tell us about an animal that is waiting to be adopted? 

Animal House Shelter:

Hermie came to our shelter from an animal control facility in southern IL where he had been found on the side of the road with a broken leg.  Most other shelters are reluctant to take on dogs that are going to require extensive medical care but we took sweet little Hermie in without question.  He recovered in the comfort of a foster home and is now 100% mended and is waiting for adoption at Animal House Shelter!

5. What has your experience as an Ambassador been like?

We have only been an ambassador for a short time but we are enjoying the magazine and being a part of it.  The articles are wonderful and we are very excited to promote it to our supporters!

AW Magazine: Do you have any fundraising programs, or events happening? Tell us about them! 

Animal House Shelter:

We have our annual 5 K run, the Dash for the Dogs, coming up on June 1st .
Dash for the Dogs 2013 is Animal House Shelter’s 3rd annual 5K run and family fun walk  held to raise much needed funds for the medical bills and other needs of the animals here at our shelter.

  

We are also excited about our upcoming annual reunion event PAWfest 2013 on July 20th!

Visit the Animal House Shelter website for details: www.animalhouseshelter.com

Rescuing Animals in the Great White North!

Our Animal Wellness Ambassadors span the globe, reaching as far north as the SPCA in the Canadian Northwest Territories:

"We are a non-profit organization that has been around since the mid 80's.  A few years ago we seriously started looking for land and a way to have an animal shelter. Up to that point we did not have a shelter but helped out the local vet which is also the city pound.  The SPCA started a foster program 2 1/2 years ago but quickly realized we needed a home of our own. There were and still are way too many dogs in the north to help.  We opened our doors last October 2012. We did not have enough money to build all of the kennels (30), but settled on 15 plus 10 condos in the cat room.  As an Ambassador we hope to get the word out to the country about the problems in the North and hopefully find the means to mitigate the problems. The first step is to get veterinary care into isolated communities where there is a dog over-population and diseases. Shooting dogs is the only way to control this in the northern communities. This vet service mobile program will go hand in hand with education. We are starting to make some progress in this regard but we have a long way to go."

A pup named Skye was recently adopted by a family in Washington.  Quite the adventure for the little girl. She was sent to NWT SPCA from Kugluktuk Nunavut last month.

There are plenty more animals waiting to be adopted. There is a fantastic, lovable girl named Sheba, who came from a northern community, who was about to be shot. She is a few years old and has had several litters. She must have been a former sled dog or have mushing dog in her blood because she can run like the wind. She would be incredible for recreational ski-jorring or kick sledding.

The NWT SPCA is also trying to re-home a blind dog named Chopin. He is 6 years old and lost his sight about 2 years ago. The children in his family are little and are  too much for the dog to handle. The owners are afraid he will become agressive due to his disability adn nervousness. He is a lovely boy that needs a quiet home with the proper owner.

Rescue organizations frequently hold events in order to raise funds. The next NWT SPCA event will be the Peterson and Auger Golf Tournament in June. Last year was the first one and the company decided they would do the event every year. Last year they raised about $7000. As well, on June 21 there is the Annual NWT Riders -Midnight Sun Motorcycle Run. In July is the Shelter Grand Opening which should be a big open house event. 

Things get quite busy at the shelter! There are always dogs coming in and flying out. Programs include dog walking and volunteers dropping in to help. Trevor is the only paid employee and he is there monday to friday from 7-2 pm. All other hours are covered by us board members and volunteers. There is also a special needs community program called School to Work Transition happening twice a week that allows 4 young people the chance to get into the community doing jobs. There is food being donated, crate pick ups from the airport that have arrived back from Edmonton after a shipment of dogs. There is something going on every day. It can get over whelming and frustrating when there is so much to do and not enough people to do it.

The NWT SPCA says they were very excited to be a part of the ANimals Wellness Article this spring. "It was a huge deal for all of us at the NWT SPCA. We are looking forward to continuing the role in the future".

https://www.facebook.com/nwtspca?ref=hl

 

http://nwtspca.com/