I know I haven't posted in quite a while, but I have been out of commission for awhile (car accident).
I am hoping to start including posts soon and keep everyone updated.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
More Pups
On the 26th, Lady (another foster with SSMPR) had 8 chocolate pups. She was a terrible mom and the first two pups died because she did not remove the sac. Once discovered in the morning, Lady was taken to the vet and they removed 6 pups by c-section ($1400). She refuses to take care of the surviving 4 and they need to be bottle fed every two hours. A wonderful volunteer is making it happen and we are praying they all survive.
Today, Norma (another foster with SSMPR) gave birth to 8 pups, 1 red male, 1 red female, 1 black and tan female, 2 black and tan males, 2 chocolate females, 1 chocolate male. They are all doing well! She started at 9:30 am and gave birth to her last one at 4pm. They all seem pretty healthly and she is taking good care of them. She will also need your prayers that they all survive.
Only one more pregnant puppy mill dog needs to give birth, I go on vacation tomorrow and will update you when I get back from our much needed Alaskan cruise.
Today, Norma (another foster with SSMPR) gave birth to 8 pups, 1 red male, 1 red female, 1 black and tan female, 2 black and tan males, 2 chocolate females, 1 chocolate male. They are all doing well! She started at 9:30 am and gave birth to her last one at 4pm. They all seem pretty healthly and she is taking good care of them. She will also need your prayers that they all survive.
Only one more pregnant puppy mill dog needs to give birth, I go on vacation tomorrow and will update you when I get back from our much needed Alaskan cruise.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Update on Pups
I am sorry to say that little Ollie and Sophie did not make it.... The other three pups are now 20 days old and are starting to walk. Here are some really cute pictures of the little boys. Hershey, Archie and Phil. Archie is the Black and Rust little guy on the left, Hershey is the Chocolate little boy upper left and Phil is the little guy on the right.
Archie did have a little accident a couple of days ago. Another puppy mill female dog we are fostering. Grabbed him, moved him and bite him enough to draw blood and leave three small puncture wounds on his left shoulder. Archie and Phil are identical.... now we call tell them apart! Anyone interested in adopting one of these little guys.... You can fill out an application at www.ssmpr.org and the location is Minnesota. They will not be ready to go until they are at least 10-12 weeks of age. They will be neutered and updated on shots when adoptable. Norma (another foster's dog) is ready to give birth anyday. Marcie may be pregnant and only have one baby and is ready to give birth anyday. Lady is definitely pregnant and is due at the end of the month. Wow! So many baby's.... You usually do not see puppys coming through rescues. The mom's will be available after 12 weeks and will be spayed and UTD on shots. Any Takers????
Monday, April 27, 2009
Puppies
We took some dogs into rescue on 4/12/09, 14 dogs came in when we were told there would only be four. I ended up taking 5 fosters... Way too many, but they needed a temporary home. I am now down to 3 fosters, but one was pregnant.
Today, we had five babies....
The first was born at 10am - a little girl we named Sophie 3.8oz
Next @ 10:14 am - a little boy arrived named Phil 4.6 oz
10:53am another little boy (our only chocolate one) named Hershey weighing in at 5.8 oz
Then there was 1 1/2 break and we thought we were done!
At 12.35 pm came another boy named Archie weighing 4.4 oz
Last one was a difficult birth for Izzy, at 1:18 pm she delivered a little boy named Oliver weighing only 3.4 oz. He was having difficulty breathing and Jessica stepped in and she rubbed him and swung him upside down to get him breathing. He continued to struggle to breathe, but finally was able to breathe. He is not nursing, so Mandi stopped by the store and picked up an eyedropper and some supplement milk.
It is now 7pm and he is still not nursing, but has taken some milk with an eyedropper. I am hoping this little guy makes it and we will continue to feed him every few hours. Hopefully, soon he will start to nurse.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Missouri Dog Auction
I know I haven't posted in awhile, but did not really have much going on. I am now volunteering with another min pin rescue group called Southern Star minpin rescue. There was a group of girls from the local vet tech school that went to an auction on 4/11/09 and they let us know there would be 27 min pins. They wanted to know if the group could take any and we (as a group) decided that there was room for 4-5 more fosters. They made the 9 hour trek to Missouri with directions of no more than 5 and they would be bringing back more for other rescues.
As we anxiously sat around and waited for the phone call.... The call came after 5 pm. They had more than 5 min pins, at this point they were still waiting in line to pay and just wanted to forewarn us. Some were going for $1 each and they knew if they didn't bid they would be put down. They would call back later and let us know how many as they had purchased about 50 dogs. As we all went into a panic..... Heather did a great job making phone calls and trying to line up additional foster families and/or future adopters. Several hours passed and we finally received the call around 7pm... They had purchased 14 min pins!!! I decided to take 4 - two puppies and two older dogs. Everyone else stepped up and we were able to accept them all, the alternative was they were going to take them to the Humane society!! What! We could not let that happen.
Well, they drove all night and we had to get up at 3:30 am to leave at 4 for the hour drive down to Owatonna to meet in the Walmart parking lot at 5 am. Heather and Mandi met at my house, Bob drove and we all piled in the van with a bunch of kennels. Now remember, these dogs were at the auction all day on Saturday, drove overnight and had not had any food, water, or bathroom break.....They called when we were on our way and were having a hard time breathing in the van, they had over 50 dogs and many had been sitting in soiled kennels.
We arrived and started pulling out dogs, Heather is very organized and was labeling kennels, attaching names to keep everything organized. We were removing them from their kennels and as we put them in ours the smell was becoming pretty overwhelming. One puppy (mine) was in some distress and was hyperventilating. We wrapped him in a warm blanket and I held him on the drive home. We decided being in the cold van with the windows open was much better than the feces smell of 14 min pins for the hour drive.
When we got home, Heather and Mandi went on their way with all but my 4. My group all got food and water, then taken for a walk in the backyard. Now, everyone got collars, names, two baths (some are still a little stinky), weight, etc.
Here is a breakdown of my crew:
Emma 2 year old (possibly pregnant) red min pin. Very friendly and cute.
Isabel (yes Gayle..named after your puppy) 4 yrs old (very possibly pregnant) black and rust min pin. Very friendly and cute.
Rocket 4 month old black and rust min pin. Puppy playful
Ike 4 1/2 month old black and rust min pin. Puppy playful.
If you know anyone who is interested in adopting one of these little dogs. Please let me know or fill out an application on line at http://www.miniaturepinscherrescue.org/
Now, the puppies are laying in my lap sleeping. Full, happy and clean.
As we anxiously sat around and waited for the phone call.... The call came after 5 pm. They had more than 5 min pins, at this point they were still waiting in line to pay and just wanted to forewarn us. Some were going for $1 each and they knew if they didn't bid they would be put down. They would call back later and let us know how many as they had purchased about 50 dogs. As we all went into a panic..... Heather did a great job making phone calls and trying to line up additional foster families and/or future adopters. Several hours passed and we finally received the call around 7pm... They had purchased 14 min pins!!! I decided to take 4 - two puppies and two older dogs. Everyone else stepped up and we were able to accept them all, the alternative was they were going to take them to the Humane society!! What! We could not let that happen.
Well, they drove all night and we had to get up at 3:30 am to leave at 4 for the hour drive down to Owatonna to meet in the Walmart parking lot at 5 am. Heather and Mandi met at my house, Bob drove and we all piled in the van with a bunch of kennels. Now remember, these dogs were at the auction all day on Saturday, drove overnight and had not had any food, water, or bathroom break.....They called when we were on our way and were having a hard time breathing in the van, they had over 50 dogs and many had been sitting in soiled kennels.
We arrived and started pulling out dogs, Heather is very organized and was labeling kennels, attaching names to keep everything organized. We were removing them from their kennels and as we put them in ours the smell was becoming pretty overwhelming. One puppy (mine) was in some distress and was hyperventilating. We wrapped him in a warm blanket and I held him on the drive home. We decided being in the cold van with the windows open was much better than the feces smell of 14 min pins for the hour drive.
When we got home, Heather and Mandi went on their way with all but my 4. My group all got food and water, then taken for a walk in the backyard. Now, everyone got collars, names, two baths (some are still a little stinky), weight, etc.
Here is a breakdown of my crew:
Emma 2 year old (possibly pregnant) red min pin. Very friendly and cute.
Isabel (yes Gayle..named after your puppy) 4 yrs old (very possibly pregnant) black and rust min pin. Very friendly and cute.
Rocket 4 month old black and rust min pin. Puppy playful
Ike 4 1/2 month old black and rust min pin. Puppy playful.
If you know anyone who is interested in adopting one of these little dogs. Please let me know or fill out an application on line at http://www.miniaturepinscherrescue.org/
Now, the puppies are laying in my lap sleeping. Full, happy and clean.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Dog Auctions
Whoever has not heard me speak of the horrors of puppy mills has not spoken with me lately.
About 2 1/2 hours from our home in Minnesota is Clark County, Wisconsin. This county has a very large Amish and Mennonite community and due to the very lax laws within the state of Wisconsin, the communities breed puppies as a way to make money. This in and of itself is not bad, however the dogs are not treated humanely as the Millers think of them as livestock (not pets). The dogs are placed in kennels (wire cages), stacked within cold barns, no bedding, flooring, etc. Some puppy mills will do there own vetting, including spaying, neutering, c-sections, etc...with no anesthesia. If the dog/puppy dies... oh well, there body gets thrown in a pile and another takes their place. The breeding dogs are not socialized, have deformed feet (due to the wire floors), are matted, dirty, and diseased. These are the purebreed puppies which are sold to pet shops and the public which is not aware of these conditions supports the millers.
Well, in Thorp Wisconsin (Clark County) Horst Auctions holds a dog auction every six months. The most current auction on March 11, and I decided I needed to attend to actually see this event. I was hoping I would not be arrested, nor come home with a bunch of dogs.
Originally, we had 5 of us from the rescues going but as it got closer we were now down to three. We made the 2 1/2 hour trek and arrived about 30 minutes before the auction was to begin. Outside there were the protestors holding signs. At the door there was a sign that would not allow cameras, cell phones or recording devices. Heather, Kim and I walked through the kennel area and looked at the dogs. There were appr. 240 dogs. Most were clipped, but a few were matted and some of the older dogs had deformed feet. Even though there were no min pins, I decided to get a bidding number. Just in Case!!!!
We sat up in the bleachers and overlooked the floor, where most of the bidding took place. You could usually tell the rescue groups based on the number of women in the party and how they reacted. As we looked around the room, you saw groups of Mennonites, Amish, rescues, breeders, families with kids and couples looking for pets. Even a couple of police officers to maintain the peace.
As the bidding started, the dogs were brought up to the platform, the auctions would state their DOB, type of dog, male/female and would let you know if there were any conditions such as a hernia, pregnant and when due, in heat, proven, bred, etc.
When the first few dogs, were brought up I was overcome with emotions, realizing that the fate of these dogs rested in the hands of the bidders. As the rescue groups were bidding against each other, the prices were getting higher. Some dogs went as high as $800. There were Yorkies, Chihuahua puppies, Westies, Poodles, Papillions, English Bulldogs, Bichons, Chows, mixed breed dogs, puppies and adults and many other small breed dogs. One rescue group bid on alot of the dogs and had to have spent between $5000-7000 total. An adorable 8 week old Chihuahua went to an Amish man for $210 and as the puppy was placed back in the kennel, you could only imagine its fate. The pregnant females were held up on two legs so you could see their bellies, two female dogs had hernias but were sold to a breeder. A female with this type of hernia should not get pregnant. Some dogs, such as the Cairn Terriers went for $25 - $50 each. Even though I did not keep track, I would have to say the average price was between $150-$250 per dog. After 2 1/2 hours, the auction ended. We left quickly and drove away, all of us not wanting to spend money at the Auction house concessionaire stand. We would rather give our money to another establishment.
After much thought, I am not sure the rescues are doing any good. Based on the high $$ they were paying for the old, sick and healthy dogs, are they encouraging the millers to continue to breed and sell their dogs instead of giving them to the rescues. Are the rescues helping the dogs, and encouraging the millers to breed more. Beacause if they can't sell them, they know the rescuers will pay big $$ at auction. Are they getting more money at the auctions, then from the pet stores?
Even though we went and saw the auction first hand, I don't think I can even began to decide what is the right answer to my questions. The only thing that can stop this cycle would be to ban dog auctions. I do not live in the state of Wisconsin, but in every state there are laws which can protect the animals against being treated inhumanely. I would encourage everyone to check to internet and contact your local legislation to ensure this type of auction is stopped and there are laws to protect the animals.
About 2 1/2 hours from our home in Minnesota is Clark County, Wisconsin. This county has a very large Amish and Mennonite community and due to the very lax laws within the state of Wisconsin, the communities breed puppies as a way to make money. This in and of itself is not bad, however the dogs are not treated humanely as the Millers think of them as livestock (not pets). The dogs are placed in kennels (wire cages), stacked within cold barns, no bedding, flooring, etc. Some puppy mills will do there own vetting, including spaying, neutering, c-sections, etc...with no anesthesia. If the dog/puppy dies... oh well, there body gets thrown in a pile and another takes their place. The breeding dogs are not socialized, have deformed feet (due to the wire floors), are matted, dirty, and diseased. These are the purebreed puppies which are sold to pet shops and the public which is not aware of these conditions supports the millers.
Well, in Thorp Wisconsin (Clark County) Horst Auctions holds a dog auction every six months. The most current auction on March 11, and I decided I needed to attend to actually see this event. I was hoping I would not be arrested, nor come home with a bunch of dogs.
Originally, we had 5 of us from the rescues going but as it got closer we were now down to three. We made the 2 1/2 hour trek and arrived about 30 minutes before the auction was to begin. Outside there were the protestors holding signs. At the door there was a sign that would not allow cameras, cell phones or recording devices. Heather, Kim and I walked through the kennel area and looked at the dogs. There were appr. 240 dogs. Most were clipped, but a few were matted and some of the older dogs had deformed feet. Even though there were no min pins, I decided to get a bidding number. Just in Case!!!!
We sat up in the bleachers and overlooked the floor, where most of the bidding took place. You could usually tell the rescue groups based on the number of women in the party and how they reacted. As we looked around the room, you saw groups of Mennonites, Amish, rescues, breeders, families with kids and couples looking for pets. Even a couple of police officers to maintain the peace.
As the bidding started, the dogs were brought up to the platform, the auctions would state their DOB, type of dog, male/female and would let you know if there were any conditions such as a hernia, pregnant and when due, in heat, proven, bred, etc.
When the first few dogs, were brought up I was overcome with emotions, realizing that the fate of these dogs rested in the hands of the bidders. As the rescue groups were bidding against each other, the prices were getting higher. Some dogs went as high as $800. There were Yorkies, Chihuahua puppies, Westies, Poodles, Papillions, English Bulldogs, Bichons, Chows, mixed breed dogs, puppies and adults and many other small breed dogs. One rescue group bid on alot of the dogs and had to have spent between $5000-7000 total. An adorable 8 week old Chihuahua went to an Amish man for $210 and as the puppy was placed back in the kennel, you could only imagine its fate. The pregnant females were held up on two legs so you could see their bellies, two female dogs had hernias but were sold to a breeder. A female with this type of hernia should not get pregnant. Some dogs, such as the Cairn Terriers went for $25 - $50 each. Even though I did not keep track, I would have to say the average price was between $150-$250 per dog. After 2 1/2 hours, the auction ended. We left quickly and drove away, all of us not wanting to spend money at the Auction house concessionaire stand. We would rather give our money to another establishment.
After much thought, I am not sure the rescues are doing any good. Based on the high $$ they were paying for the old, sick and healthy dogs, are they encouraging the millers to continue to breed and sell their dogs instead of giving them to the rescues. Are the rescues helping the dogs, and encouraging the millers to breed more. Beacause if they can't sell them, they know the rescuers will pay big $$ at auction. Are they getting more money at the auctions, then from the pet stores?
Even though we went and saw the auction first hand, I don't think I can even began to decide what is the right answer to my questions. The only thing that can stop this cycle would be to ban dog auctions. I do not live in the state of Wisconsin, but in every state there are laws which can protect the animals against being treated inhumanely. I would encourage everyone to check to internet and contact your local legislation to ensure this type of auction is stopped and there are laws to protect the animals.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Pet Food Survey
Jessica is doing a pet food survey to become a nutritional advocate and as a class project. I would greatly appreciate any and all help. She would prefer only 2 pets per person, one cat and one dog
would be ideal, but two dogs would be fine.
She needs to know species, age, what brand of food is fed, its form (dry, canned, both), Where it is purchased from (grocery store, pet store, vet, etc.), and why you buy that particular brand (vet recommended, price, commercial ads, pet likes the taste, on special/coupons, variety, other).
Please send your responses to debhenrich@yahoo.com
Thanks again for your help.
would be ideal, but two dogs would be fine.
She needs to know species, age, what brand of food is fed, its form (dry, canned, both), Where it is purchased from (grocery store, pet store, vet, etc.), and why you buy that particular brand (vet recommended, price, commercial ads, pet likes the taste, on special/coupons, variety, other).
Please send your responses to debhenrich@yahoo.com
Thanks again for your help.
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