Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

Whoever said "Let Sleeping Dogs Lie" didn't sleep with dogs. The first thing you discover when you bring a dog onto your bed is the striking difference in weight between an alert, awake dog and a dog at rest.

Rule Number One: The deeper the sleep the heavier the dog. Most people who sleep with dogs develop spinal deformities rather than rent the heavy equipment necessary to move their snoring canines to a more appropriate part of the bed. Cunning canines steal precious space in tiny increments until they have achieved the center position on the bed - with all covers carefully tucked under them for safekeeping. The stretch and roll method is very effective in gaining territory. Less subtle tactics are sometimes preferred. A jealous dog can worm his way between a sleeping couple and, with the proper spring action from all four legs, shove a sleeping human to the floor.

Rule Number Two: Dogs possess superhuman strength while on a bed. As you cling to the edge of the bed, wishing you had covers, your sweet pup begins to snore at a volume you would not have thought possible. Once that quiets down, the dog dreams begin. Yipping, growling, running, kicking. Your bed becomes a battlefield and playground of canine fantasy. It starts out with a bit of "sleep running", lots of eye movement and then, suddenly, a shrieking howl blasted through the night like a banshee wail. The horror of this wake-up call haunts you for years. It's particularly devastating when your pup insists on sleeping curled around your head like a demented Daniel Boon cap.

Rule Number Three: The deeper the sleep, the louder the dog. The night creeps on and you fall asleep in the 3 inches of bed not claimed by a dog. The dog dreams quiet slightly and the heap of dog flesh sleeps - breathing heavily and passing wind. Then, too soon, it's dawn and the heap stirs. Each dog has a distinctive and unpleasant method of waking the pack. One may position itself inches from a face and stare until you wake. The clever dog obtains excellent results by simply sneezing on your face, or they could romp all over your sleeping bodies - or the ever-loving insertion of a tongue in an unsuspecting ear.

Rule Number Four: When the dog wakes - you wake.So, why do we put up with this? There's no sane reason. Perhaps it's just that we're a pack and a pack heaps together at night - safe, contented, heavy and loud.

I Rescued A Human Today

I rescued a human today.

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her.

I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid. As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life.

She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.

Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes.

I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.

I rescued a human today.

http://rescuemedog.org/dog-blog/i-rescued-a-human-today-by-janine-allen/

Written by Janine Allen CPDT, Rescue Me Dog's professional dog trainer. Janine's passion is working with people and their dogs. She provides demonstrations for those who have adopted shelter dogs, lends email support to adopted dog owners that need information beyond our Training Support Pages, and aids shelter staff and volunteers in understanding dog behavior to increase their adoptability. Copyright 2008 Rescue Me Dog; www.rescuemedog.org

Gizmo The Great Web Page

Go here to visit Gizmo: http://www.dogster.com/dogs/458895

The Amazing First Year of Gizmo the Great

Wonderful video produced by Gizz' Mom, Donna

Mississippi Child Abuse and Puppy Mill Case

FROM RESCUE DOG CENTRAL

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Mississippi child abuse and puppy mill case gets worse: details released describe horrific conditions

New Albany, Mississippi

We wrote about this case yesterday. Since our original posting, more details about this case have been released in the news. The details are disturbing and horrifying for both the children and the animals. The truly evil couple who ran this horrific puppy mill and severely abused their Internationally adopted children are now facing homicide charges and multiple counts of animal cruelty.

Here is what investigators found after looking further into the heartbreaking and needless death of the two-year old little girl.

Beyond the deceptively normal yard lurks the site of indescribable child abuse and severe animal neglect, a case so horrible that many officials who deal with such cases said it's the worst situation they've ever seen.

"The people that did this should be shot, or at least when we come to spay and neuter these animals we should spay and neuter these people along with them," said Mississippi State University School of Veterinary Medicine Professor Phil Bushby.

That might not be necessary. The Barretos face homicide charges after their 2-year-old adopted daughter died Monday at Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center in Memphis. Doctors who treated the girl had notified authorities that the couple might have abused their daughter. In their follow-up investigation, law enforcement agents also discovered a mass puppy breeding operation on their property.

As a result, the Barretos also face animal abuse charges from the Tupelo-Lee Humane Society, which was granted custody of the more than 185 dogs and 25 cats found stuffed in filthy cages behind the house.

One duck also was found dead in a cage with no food or water.

Eight other Guatemalan children adopted by the couple are in protective custody. It's unclear at this point how the Barretos were able to pass mandatory home visits required by the Department of Homeland Security to adopt international children.

On Tuesday morning, the house - located about five miles south of New Albany - was sealed off by yellow police tape. But the front door remained open to allow air to circulate through what law enforcement officers had described as a stuffy and dirty environment.

Some even talked about cockroaches falling from the ceiling. A peek through the open door revealed clothes and toys strewn across the floors, piles of junk on the dining room table, and the happy faces of dark-haired children smiling from photographs hung on the wall.

A heap of children's shoes - mostly pink - lay abandoned by the front door.

Behind the house, sealed from view by a homemade fence covered in opaque plastic, were more horrors: Hundreds of animals in tiny, raised cages made from chicken wire. They were made to breed time and time again, their babies snatched and sold for profit at flea markets.

They included cocker spaniels, poodles, Lhasa apsos, rat terriers, English bulldogs, Chihuahuas, schnauzers and other popular breeds - many that would fetch between $300 and $800 apiece, according to Debbie Hood, TLHS director.

"If you buy at the flea market, this is where your puppy was raised," said DeAnn Massengill, a volunteer and animal expert, who spent the day caring for the animals there.

There were nearly 70 cages in all, most containing five or six pets who shared a few feet of space and a bucket of brown water. Urine and feces had fallen through the wires and accumulated in vast piles beneath the cages. Some of the excrement had become matted in fur and stuck to the wire inside the cage, where it formed large piles the animals had to maneuver around.

In one cage Tuesday morning, a small dog birthed two pups atop a mound of feces. In another cage, the furry waste became so heavy it ripped the floor, causing a hole the animals took care not to fall through.

Flies buzzed incessantly throughout the enclosure, feeding mostly on the feces, but also the pus running from some of the animals' eyes.

In a larger enclosure, a cocker spaniel's fur became so matted that the clumps prevented it from walking normally. Most of the animals there also had matted fur - in some cases, the problem was so bad even the veterinarians couldn't identify the breeds.

We cannot emphasize this enough. If you are aware of or have knowledge of ANY form of cruelty, please tell someone immediately. Alert the authorities. Call the police! There are tip lines and crime lines dedicated to allowing people to make anonymous reports of cruelty and abuse so that the individuals will not have to fear retaliation from the abusers.

Despite the fact that far too many people believe that worrying about the treatment of animals is a waste of time, animal cruelty is a SERIOUS crime that has not only been taken far too lightly by the bulk of society for far too long, but it often an indicator of accompanying abuse towards weaker human beings. The link between animal cruelty and human abuse, as is demonstrated in this Mississippi case, is very real and has extremely serious and painful implications for the victimized people and animals. Ignoring the link only results in the continued infliction of cruelty and abuse towards the vulnerable humans and defenseless animals that so desperately need others to make the cruelty stop.

As this investigation continues, it is possible that authorities will find out that other people were aware of the abuse inflicted on the children and the cruelty inflicted on the animals, yet did nothing to intervene on their behalf. Such a devastating discovery would be followed with a myriad of excuses as to why reports of cruelty weren’t made or, if there were reports of cruelty made, why those reports were never followed-up on. Excuses are worthless now, as any lack of reporting by individuals who knew something was wrong and any lack of follow-up by appropriate entities will have contributed to the death of a two-year old child. Excuses won’t bring this poor little girl back. Excuses won’t undo the harm done to the eight other adopted children who were abused and forced to live in such filthy and horrific conditions. And, excuses won’t undo the physical and behavioral damage done to the defenseless animals that these people unscrupulously over bred and abused to make money.

On behalf of the defenseless among us, both human and animal, we need to learn from this case and understand that we have a moral obligation to do something to stop the cruelty that we know exists. We cannot sit on our knowledge and do nothing with it, in hopes that some one else will do something to make the cruelty stop. It will be a devastating and horrible shame if it is learned that there were people, in this Mississippi case, who knew about the abuse to the children and/or the animals and did nothing, in hopes that some one else would do something, given that the extreme abuse in this case resulted in the excruciatingly painful death of a little two-year old girl.

Please learn from this case. If you are aware of cruelty, do something to make it stop! Don’t wait until it is too late.In the meantime, the Tupelo-Lee Humane Society needs help, and homes, for the dogs. Please, help if you can!

Posted by Rescue Dog Central at 9:37 AM 0 comments
Labels: Human Abuse, Mississippi, Puppy Mills

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Child's death in Mississippi shows link between animal and human abuse; immediate help needed at Tupelo-Lee Humane Society

Location: New Albany, Mississippi

Yes, there is a direct link between animal cruelty and human neglect and violence. Common sense should make this easy to understand. If a human has the capability to abuse and neglect an animal, a weaker being of lesser “status” that is completely dependent on that human being for it’s existence, then it is, sadly, easy for that cruel and abusive capability to extend towards other dependent and weaker human beings, especially children, the elderly, and vulnerable adults.

An example of this link can be found outside of New Albany, Mississippi, where a case of a two-year child dying of extreme child neglect led to the discovery of a puppy mill being run by the same child abusers.

A case of extreme child neglect here Sunday night led to one death, two felony counts and the discovery of a mass puppy breeding operation that has animal officials stunned.Union County Sheriff's deputies raided the home of Janet and Ramone Barreto, 824 County Road 87 near New Albany, after receiving a tip from doctors that the couple might have abused their adopted daughter.

Once at the home, law-enforcement agents also found more than 180 dogs, 25 cats and several ducks in various conditions. The animals' numbers are expected to increase, because some of them continue to give birth.Sheriff Tommy Wilhite said the Barreto's 2-year-old daughter was brought from a local hospital to Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center in Memphis for an unspecified reason. Doctors there suspected child neglect and tipped off Wilhite on Sunday night, when he obtained a warrant and raided the property.

The 2-year-old died Monday morning, but a cause of death was not yet available.

All but one of the couple's nine children now are in protective custody, Wilhite said, although he did not give the whereabouts of the remaining child. The animals are being taken care of by the Tupelo-Lee Humane Society, which was called by the sheriff's department Sunday night. The couple has been charged with two felony counts of child neglect and could face more charges as the investigation continues, Wilhite said. Tupelo-Lee Humane Society officials say they might press charges, too, for animal neglect.In the meantime, the humane society has filed a warrant for order of protection on the property to allow staff to enter the property and take care of the animals. It also filed a seizure warrant to take the animals from the property, said shelter director Debbie Hood.

Both have been granted. All of us should be taking the link between animal cruelty and human abuse seriously. In far too many cases, where there is a discovery of animal neglect, there is the discovery of harm to humans, and vice versa. Because of this link, social services and animal rescue organizations should develop and wholeheartedly utilize a policy of communication, whereby the discovery of one form of abuse is reported to the other. Direct and constant communication will not only prevent further abuse of the victims involved, both the human victims and the defenseless animals, but the communication will also prevent the abuse and neglect of future victims.

Understanding the link between the abuse of animals and the abuse of other defenseless human beings is not difficult; it is common sense. Those who are fully capable of abusing and neglecting one weaker living being will abuse and neglect other weaker living beings, be they human or animal. And, the abusers will not stop their cruel and harmful behavior on their own. To stop the abuse, other people who suspect or become aware of the abuse must not ignore the information, but must report the abuse to appropriate individuals that can do something to intervene on behalf of the victims.

To learn more about the connection between animal cruelty and human violence, go here.

We cannot repeat this often enough. If you are aware of a cruelty situation, do something! Tell someone! Do what you can to prevent other children, like this little girl, from enduring such tremendous pain and neglect. Where there is animal abuse, there is likely some form of human abuse as well, as this heartbreaking Mississippi story shows. Animals and children cannot defend themselves and cannot save themselves from the horrible and painful abuse of cruel human beings. Therefore, the responsibility to prevent and stop the abuse belongs to others to do so. Take your responsibility to ensure that all living beings are treated humanely and are not abused seriously. When you discover abuse, do something to make it stop!

In the meantime, the Tupelo-Lee Humane Society is in need of help to care for the animals confiscated from these child abusing puppy millers. Debbie Hood, the Tupelo-Lee Humane Society Director, is asking for much needed assistance.

If you can help in any way, please do! Go here for more information on how you can help the puppy mill animals.

Posted by Rescue Dog Central at 9:56 AM 0 comments
Labels: Animal Cruelty, Human Abuse, Mississippi

SOURCE: Rescue Dog Central and Rescue Dog Central

Quote from Jana Kohl, Baby's Mom

"I've done a lot of things in my life that I felt were important, including working for the Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies, but adopting a puppy mill survivor has been the most important and meaningful experience I've ever had. To give a loving home to an animal who was abused is a life-altering, soul-fulfilling experience. I believe our mission in life is to ease the suffering of others, and the animals in our midst who are so cruelly abused have the fewest advocates. I'll never be able to rest so long as a single one is being mistreated."

Source: Website of Humane Society of the United States

Senior Love

One by One, they pass by my cage,
They say, "Too worn, too broken, too old of age.
Way past his time, he can't run and play.
"Then they shake their heads and go on their way.

A little old man, arthritic and sore,
It seems I am not wanted anymore.
I once had a home, I once had a bed,
A place that was warm, and where I was fed.

Now my muzzle is grey, and my eyes slowly fail.
Who wants a dog so old and so frail?
My family decided I didn't belong,
I got in their way, my attitude was wrong.

Whatever excuse they made in their head,
Can't justify how they left me for dead.
Now I sit in this cage, where day after day,
The younger dogs get adopted away.

When I had almost come to the end of my rope,
You saw my face, and I finally had hope.
You saw through the grey, and the legs bent with age,
And felt I still had life beyond this cage.

You took me home, gave me food and a bed,
And shared your own pillow with my poor tired head.
We snuggle and play, and you talk to me low,
You love me so dearly, you want me to know.

I may have lived most of my life with another,
But you outshine them with a love so much stronger.
And I promise to return all the love I can give,
To you, my dear person, as long as I live.

I may be with you for a week, or for years.
We will share many smiles, you will no doubt shed tears.
And when the time comes that I must leave,
I know you will cry and your heart, it will grieve.

And when I arrive at the Bridge, all brand new,
My thoughts and my heart will still be with you.
And I will brag to all who will hear,
Of the person who made my last days so dear.

by Leslie Whalen

A Rare Breed of Love

COMPASSION

The quality of understanding the suffering of others

and wanting to do something about it.

SOURCE: A Rare Breed of Love - Official Website

By hurting these defenseless creatures, we are hurting ourselves just as much -- damaging not just our soul, spirit, psyche, or whatever you choose to call it, but our society as a whole, which becomes contaminated by this kind of legalized cruelty. If it's acceptable for a business to abuse animals, it makes it easier for us as a society to abuse the environment, the poor, women, minorities, children, or any voiceless and vulnerable group. I had come to understand that the abuse of animals wasn't an isolated event that can be shrugged off as a necessary evil, or an unavoidable by-product of big business. It's something that sends shockwaves through everyone and everything, from the factory farmer or the puppy miller to the consumer and even the investor who buys stock in an animal-abusing company. It promotes a culture of abuse and destruction that impacts the quality of our lives on every level.

SOURCE: A RARE BREED OF LOVE BY JANA KOHL

My Heart

"It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are."

(anonymous)

How Could You?

Copyright Jim Willis 2001, all rights reserved

When I was a puppy I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend. Whenever I was "bad," you'd shake your finger at me and ask "How could you?" - but then you'd relent and roll me over for a bellyrub.

My housetraining took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed, listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect. We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because "ice cream is bad for dogs," you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day.

Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love.

She, now your wife, is not a "dog person" - still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy. Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a "prisoner of love."

As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them and their touch - because your touch was now so infrequent - and I would have defended them with my life if need be.

I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams. Together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway. There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few years, you just answered "yes" and changed the subject. I had gone from being "your dog" to "just a dog," and you resented every expenditure on my behalf.

Now you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You've made the right decision for your "family," but there was a time when I was your only family.

I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the paperwork and said "I know you will find a good home for her." They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog or cat, even one with "papers." You had to pry your son's fingers loose from my collar as he screamed "No, Daddy! Please don't let them take my dog!" And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life. You gave me a goodbye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet and now I have one, too.

After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked "How could you?"

They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago. At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you - that you had changed your mind - that this was all a bad dream...or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me. When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited.

I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room. She placed me on the table, rubbed my ears and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days. As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood.

She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago. She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured "How could you?"

Perhaps because she understood my dogspeak, she said "I'm so sorry." She hugged me and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself - a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place. With my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my "How could you?" was not meant for her. It was you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of. I will think of you and wait for you forever.

May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty.

The End.

"The Animals' Savior"

Copyright Jim Willis 1999

I looked at all the caged animals in the

shelter...the cast-offs of human society.

I saw in their eyes love and hope, fear and

dread, sadness and betrayal.

And I was angry.

"God," I said, "this is terrible! Why don't

you do something?"

God was silent for a moment and then He

spoke softly.

"I have done something," He replied.

"I created You."

http://jimwillis0.tripod.com/

Wedding of Buddy & Muffy

Wedding of Buddy & Muffy

Michael

FOR THE UPDATES ON MICHAEL'S STORY GO TO
NORTHCENTRAL MALTESE RESCUE WEBSITE (click link)
Michael is doing great and has been adopted. Read all about it.

My name is Michael, I am named after the angel Michael. I want to tell you my story and hope that you can help me be all that I was meant to be. I am about 1 1/2 yrs. old. No one really knows my birthday but that is what I hear them saying.

I can't tell you who it was, but someone threw me out on the streets in a small town in Kentucky. I was really hungry and scared. I did not know anyone and it has been really hard for me to run or walk because you see my back legs where not right when I was born. My knees where turned around backwards. I could not walk on my feet like my sisters and brothers could. My knee joints did not stay together either, so I had to learn to move, as best I could. People laughed at me because I was all humped over.

Because my legs where so bad I could not push myself up like other dogs do so that I could walk proud like a real dog does. I got so hungry, and fleas and ticks started to bite me really bad. Then one day someone picked me up and took me to a place that was not so nice. I heard them say I have three days before they would "put me to sleep" if no one came to get me. But gee they did not even answer the phone when people called, it would just ring and ring. What if it was someone for me? But, I don't think so, no one wanted me.

On the second day a very nice lady stopped in to see if she could help any little dogs in the pens. She took one look at me and I had to wag my tail it was so nice someone spoke softly to me. I was sad when she left. What I did not know is she went home to find out if someone could or would help me. She was calling all over the United States too.. She is so smart, she called the nice people at Northcentral Maltese Rescue, Inc. way far away in Wisconsin. And you know what? She came back the very next day and took me out of that place. I was so happy all I could do was give her kisses and wag my tail. The rescue asked her to take me straight to a veterinarian. I have never been to one of those you know. I was so happy, just happy, happy, happy. They took blood from me and checked me all over.

Then I started to feel not so good. I heard them on the phone to the rescue lady in Wisconsin. They told her I had a disease called Parvo and that I was very sick. I was so afraid when I heard the veterinarian tell the lady that he thought they should just put me to sleep because I was so sick. Because my legs where so bad, because I was so thin and in such bad condition. He did not think I would survive. Then he hung up. The next thing I heard was "the rescue wants us to try for 4 days to save this little guy". Well I showed them, I got better in three days after getting all the meds they could get into me. The nice people from the rescue called everyday to see how I was. Then after a few days they did an operation on me, a neuter.. I don't care, I am alive and feeling pretty good.

The next thing I know I am in a car and headed to Wisconsin. I am going to my new life!! I am scared, but I think I am in a safe place. And then I am in the arms of a rescue person who is telling me it will be all right that my life is starting now. She took me home and gave me a bath, I was not too crazy about that, don't think I ever had one before. She took all the ticks and fleas off of me too. Then we went to see another Veterinarian. They have been so nice to me here. I have been here for about ten days now. They gave me an operation on one of my legs. The nice people who work here carry me around all day, what a treat!

Today I get the other leg operated on. They say I will be fine and running like other dogs soon. The problem is now the rescue has this big bill to pay. They say if allot of people send in just a little bit of money it will help to pay for all of this. My bill is about $3,000!! I know it is allot, but I am so sweet, I am worth every penny I promise.

I have come so far, on the street, in a high kill shelter, parvo, and now these surgeries, please will you be part of the team that made this possible? Please send in a donation, no matter how large or small. Thank you from the bottom of my tail wagging heart. Michael
Donations can be made on our website, http://malteserescue.homestead.com/ or you can send a check to:

Northcentral Maltese Rescue, Inc.
% of Trudy Peischl
110 Scenic Lane
Ellensburg, Wa 98926

Dog Rules

1. The dog is not allowed in the house!

2. Okay, the dog is allowed in the house, but only in certain rooms.

3. The dog is allowed in all rooms, but has to stay off the furniture.

4. The dog can get on the old furniture only.

5. Fine, the dog is allowed on all the furniture, but is not allowed to sleep on the bed.

6. Okay, the dog is allowed on the bed, but only by invitation.

7. The dog can sleep on the bed whenever he wants, but not under the covers.

8. The dog can sleep under the covers, but only by invitation.

9. The dog can sleep under the covers every night.

10. People must ask permission to sleep under the covers with the dog!

Eddie's Wheels on Today Show

Oprah Show About Puppy Mills

If you haven't seen the Oprah show about puppy mills, you can download it here. They need very special homes with people who will protect and love them. For information on adopting them, please go to Hearts United for Animals For more information about puppy mills go to Prisonersofgreed.org

Chimp Haven

Whether born in Africa or born in a cage, each of the chimps at Chimp Haven, located near Shreveport, Louisiana, has spent decades in medical labs. Each has contributed to the understanding of polio, Hepatitis and HIV. They've done their job. Now they are free and they are home.

Read about this wonderful and interesting facility, located near Shreveport, Louisiana, on their website at: http://www.chimphaven.org/. Also, read the article by Angela Hill, WWL TV in New Orleans about her visit to this facility. Her article and a video are here: http://www.wwltv.com/local/stories/wwl042808mlchimp.acb61205.html

Molly

This is Molly - a sweet little lady who probably has gone through much in all her years. A couple of years ago, she came to Maltese Rescue when her forever mom had a stroke. The relatives dropped her off at a shelter with no information about her, not even her name or age. I became her foster mom, and this is what I wrote about her then:

• Molly is a very sweet little girl with a great disposition. She's a gentle creature, likes to play and run with me and gets along well Poppy, Tashee, Juniper and Pal. Her mom had a stroke and went into a nursing home. The family turned Molly over to the local shelter who contacted Northcentral Maltese Rescue. She had some health issues which were corrected (thanks to Maltese Rescue). She obeys the commands of sit and stay and enjoys walks on a lease. Initially, she seemed like a little old lady, but the years began to fall away. Now she skips through the house like a young girl. She is more joyful every day, but she is waiting - waiting for her forever mom. It's as if she knows her present situation is temporary, and she wants her very own lap. She's saving her kisses for her mom.

Then she was adopted, but unfortunately her new dad died and her mom was not able to keep her because of finances and because of her health problems. So Molly has been back with me the last few weeks to join our other five Malts again.

At first Molly wasn't too happy here this second time, and I wasn't too happy either because she would bite me. Things have settled down now. No more bites. I've learned that she may be a little hard of hearing so must be approached gently. I've also learned that she decides where she will sleep at night and that's that. I don't try to move her as she does not want to be bothered. I guess being a senior gives one certain privileges.

My vet was kind enough to give her an annual, shots, and blood test at no charge. Molly received a glowing report on her blood tests except her thyroid is a little low so she's on medicine for that. She also has tumors on her tummy. She weighs about 10 pounds and loves to eat often but small amounts.

Although she hobbles along like the little old lady that she is, she also is becoming more and more frisky and on occasion runs through the house with all the others and with me. I see history repeating itself as she becomes more joyful.

I think she needs more individual attention than I'm able to give with five others in the household along with my being gone four days a week to work. My husband is retired and so tries to spend time with her. She likes hanging out with him. I thinks she needs a strong bond with at least one constant and consistent person in her life. She has been bounced around too much. Keep her in your prayers.
____________________________________

Molly had surgery later in 2008 to remove mammary tumors. After than she continued to decline, becoming more and more feeble. She tried her best to follow my husband around like always, but it became more and more difficult. I picked her up one night to comfort her, and in a little while, she died in my arms. We were so sad for her. I pray that she is with Poppy and Teddy, running like the wind, free and healthy.

Talking Dogs

If I Didn't Have Dogs

Author Unknown

I could walk around the yard in safety.
My house could be carpeted instead of tiled or
laminated.
All flat surfaces, clothing, furniture, and car would be free of hair.
When the doorbell rings, it wouldn't sound like a kennel.
When the doorbell rings, I could get to the door without wading through fuzzy bodies that beat me there.
I could sit on the couch and my bed the way I wanted, without taking into consideration how much space several fur bodies would need to get comfortable.
I would have money...and no guilt to go on a vacation.
I would not be on a first name basis with the veterinarian, as I put his yet unborn grand kids through college.
The most used words in my vocabulary would not be: out, sit, down, come, stay, and leave it.
My house would not be cordoned off into zones with baby gates or barriers.
My house would not look like a day care center with toys everywhere.
My pockets would not contain things like poop bags, treats and an extra leash.
I would no longer have to spell the words:
B-A-L-L,
F-R-I-S-B-E-E,
W-A-L-K,
T-R-E-A-T,
R-I-D-E.
I would not have as many leaves inside my house as outside.
I'd look forward to Spring and the rainy season instead of dreading the mud season.
I would not have to answer the question: 'Why do you have so many animals?' from people who will never have the joy in their lives of knowing they are loved unconditionally by someone as close to an angel as they will ever get.
How empty my life would be!

Prayer for Animals

Hear our humble prayer, O God, for our friends the animals, especially for animals who are suffering; for animals that are overworked, underfed and cruelly treated; for all wistful creatures in captivity that beat their wings against bars; for any that are hunted or lost or deserted or frightened or hungry; for all that must be put death. We entreat for them all Thy mercy and pity, and for those who deal with them we ask a heart of compassion and gentle hands and kindly words. Make us, ourselves, to be true friends to animals, and so to share the blessings of the merciful. (Albert Schweitzer)

Do You Remember Love?

(Click image to enlarge.)

Do You Remember Love?

Do You Remember Love?

Watch this beautiful video, filled with wisdom,
from a Franciscan dog, no doubt.

Animals are God's Creatures

"Animals are God's creatures.
He surrounds them with his providential care.
By their mere existence they bless him and give him glory.
Thus men owe them kindness.
We should recall the gentleness with which saints
like St. Francis of Assisi or St. Philip Neri treated animals. "

* * * * *

"It is contrary to human dignity
to cause animals to suffer or die needlessly."

Source: Seventh Commandment, Catechism of the Catholic Church

Missy, the Party Girl

Hi there! My name is Missy. I was rescued from a shelter in Vicksburg, Mississippi. I'm not sure why I was not wanted by my people. They just dumped me off one day - it really hurt. I could not understand because I'm a lady and lots of fun. No one knew my name or anything about me. They said I was extremely neglected by my people. This is what I looked like. I'm so embarrassed.

Anyway, I was lucky 'cause this nice lady drive over 200 miles to pick me up and took me her home with her. She was my foster mom with Northcentral Maltese Rescue. She called me Maggie. (I've had so many names but I answer to anything as long as I am called with love.) After grooming, my foster mom found out how beautiful I am. Of course, I knew I was beautiful all along.

I received lots of medical care through Northcentral Maltese Rescue. I had some skin problems as well as coccidiosis from being in the shelter. After these problems cleared up, I was spayed and had dental work. I had very bad teeth because of neglect. All my shots were brought up to date. I'm grateful that I tested heartworm negative. Ughhhhh!

Actually, I'm more than lucky. I'm blessed because soon I went home to my forever mom and dad. They are sooo good to me. I have lots of energy, love to party and take walks. Life is wonderful, and I'm very happy.

Don't I have beautiful eyes? I'll melt your heart.

Gypsy & Pal

I bent over.
They walked towards me.
So slowly. So sick.
I reached out, touched them.
They licked my fingers.

I picked them up.
They were trembling.
Their eyes were full of questions
but not without hope.

I gave them all the love I had.
They trembled more at this new thing.
So unsure. So afraid. So sick.

In time - they no longer trembled.
In time - love made them whole.
They gratefully surrendered to my touch
and forgave the human race.

God does the same for us.
He bends over,
picks us up, gives us love
and makes us whole.

But it is he who does the forgiving
and we who do the surrendering.

Gypsy top, Pal bottom,
two months after rescue.
In these pictures, Gypsy is well.
Pal is still very sick.

I'm a foster mom for Northcentral Maltese Rescue. This is a short story about Pal and Gypsy, my first rescues. It is a story of rebirth, for them and for me.

* * *

Pal and Gypsy were rescued from an abuse and neglect situation on September 11, 2003, by Northcentral Maltese Rescue, Inc. They were very frightened and very sick. Gypsy had been used for breeding purposes for years, and both had been made to live outside. They did not know what it meant to be loved and to be touched and held with kindness.

Their medical conditions were serious. Both had eye and skin infections and were covered with fleas, parasites and open, bleeding sores. Their hair was shaved to the skin to remove the filth and matted hair. Neither had ever had any medical or dental attention nor any flea or heart worm prevention. Pal was diagnosed with heart worms. (He was sick for months, had treatments and recovered.) Their teeth were in horrible condition, and the smell was worse. Gypsy especially was very thin and frail. When she was spayed, her uterus was found to be infected. There is no doubt that both would have died within the year if they had not been rescued.

In spite of their conditions on September 11, 2003, that sweet Maltese spirit remained. When I first greeted them as their foster mom, they came to me and licked my fingers. I shall not forget driving them to the animal hospital that day. I cried all the way. They climbed into my lap and went to sleep, occasionally looking up as if to ask, "Are we safe now? Are we going to be o.k.? Who are you? We are so tired."

They stayed several days in the hospital and then came home. The work began. Both were on medications for a long time and had frequent baths with antiseptic shampoo to assist in the healing of sores on the body. I scheduled follow-up visits to the doctor, and they went back to the hospital for a few days. Gypsy had her dental work and was spayed. Pal began his treatments for heartworms. The treatments continued for months and are very hard on a dog. Some do not survive. All their medical expenses were paid by Northcentral Maltese Rescue.

Along with their medical problems, they both were emotional wrecks. Gypsy had no socialization and would attack the other dogs in the household. I could tell that someone had loved Pal at one time, but he was deeply wounded. I spent hours sitting with them, talking to them and holding them, which was difficult with Gypsy. She did not know how to be held and stiffened like a board.

I saw emotional improvement every day in both of them. It was so gratifying. Finally after two months in rescue, Gypsy wanted to be in my lap all the time and would fall asleep in my arms. Their personalities began to emerge. Both were more and more affectionate. I found that Gypsy was a real party girl and loved attention. She had a flair about herself. She was a live wire with an upbeat spirit. Pal liked to play fetch and was the sweetest little guy. Gypsy was well and full of energy, but Pal rested and slept lots because of the heartworm treatments which often made him sick. He still had a ways to go.

Then a miracle occurred. On November 22, 2003, Gypsy was adopted and picked up by her forever mom. Her new mom had seen Gypsy's photo on the rescue's website, made application for her and was approved. She lived in Illinois but previously had planned to be in my area on the Mississippi coast in November. It was a story-book ending, although it was tough on Gypsy for a few days and a long time for me. Gypsy is now a beautiful, spoiled princess, loved and adored by her mom and grandparents.

Gypsy, April 2004

(Gypsy went to Rainbow Bridge on 11-22-10)

And Pal? Today Pal is a happy, energetic, and healthy boy. He is a very good boy. He is affectionate, smart and devoted. He loves to play fetch. In fact, he could play fetch for hours. He likes sleeping next to me at night, snuggling close, and playing with his friends and his dad. He's an easy-going fellow and a survivor as well. He's my Pal. My husband and I adopted him in the spring of 2004. Have you ever seen a sweeter face?

The website of Northcentral Maltese Rescue, Inc.: http://malteserescue.homestead.com/. Please visit their site. They would greatly appreciate donations (which are tax deductible). All funds go to the care of the dogs and their medical expenses. Board members are all volunteer. Adoption is made by application and careful screening for the perfect home for each dog. Those ready for adoption are posted on the website. There is a great need for foster parents to care for these little ones until they are adopted. An application for fostering is also on the website.

SOURCE: Our Lady's Little Scribe at http://littlescribe.blogspot.com/

The Faces of Northcentral Maltese Rescue

Things You Can Learn From A Franciscan Dog

Pause at the open door, embrace the day, and then go forth with zest and supreme happiness.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Stop often to contemplate Sister Bug and to inhale the smells of God's earth.
Greet Brother Squirrel and falling leaves with gusto.
Allow the experience of fresh air, Brother Sun, and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Take naps and stretch before rising.

Run, romp and play daily.

Eat with zeal and enthusiasm.

Be loyal.

Lift up your face to the heavens and make joyful noises.

Never pretend to be something you're not.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree.

No matter how often you're scolded, run right back and make friends.
Be liberal in bestowing kisses and affection; let people touch you.

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Source: Our Lady's Little Scribe

My Poppy

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body. Yes, that’s what my husband Tom and I learned the day Poppy came into our lives and hearts. It was Tom’s birthday, December 18, 1996 , one week before Christmas. I suppose our actions that day might be explained by the season and the birthday. My husband says that it was the hand of God.

We were in a festive mood as we decided to go to the Edgewater Mall for lunch and Christmas shopping. As always, upon entering the mall, we stopped at the pet store to look at the puppies. It was not that we wanted one - we simply liked to look at them because they were so cute.

On this particular day, a little white one caught my eye. “Look, Tom,” I said to my husband, “there’s your dog!” For weeks I had had a picture of a little white dog on our refrigerator. I had been referring to him as “Tom’s dog.” One of the employees overheard my remark. “Would you like to see him?” she asked. The puppy was beckoning to us, standing on two feet and waving his front paws. “Oh, yes,” I said, eager to hold this sweet little furry ball. So the young woman gathered him up and led us into a little room, appropriately called the “Love Room.” We didn’t know it at that moment, but our fate was sealed.

We sat on a small bench in this small room with this small Maltese puppy. I held him in my arms while he licked and wiggled. Love grew. It filled the room in the presence of his energy and excitement. My husband and I laughed. We were transformed, charmed and fascinated by this little one who obviously adored us. How could we resist?

I put him on the floor for a better view. He continued his earlier dance, standing on two feet and waving his front paws, all as if to say, “Take me, take me.” Tom and I began to cry. “I’m in love,” my husband moaned. “I’m not leaving without him,” I sobbed. At that point the puppy, overcome with emotion himself, deposited a lump on the floor, but that did not break the spell. “Oh!” we said and laughed. “Look at what you did.”

Suddenly, reality hit. “Tom, we have to stop a minute and think about this.” I knew we were being carried away by our feelings, not by a decision made beforehand. Did we really want the responsibility? Did we really want this dog?

We left to go to lunch, begging the pet store manager to hold the puppy for us until we came back. I do not recall much discussion during lunch about the pros and cons of purchasing a dog. I only remember our laughter and a joy that filled our hearts. I also remember the ride home that night, a puppy in a box and a car full of puppy food, bowls, cage, bed and other so-called necessities.

Poppy was not named immediately, but the name became obvious as he continued to dance and hop around on his hind legs. The hopping and the white hair reminded us of popcorn popping so he became Poppy.

Within about 15 months, Poppy had a brother named Juniper. Juniper was a planned baby, and we visited him and his mother soon after he was born. He was a little fellow, smaller than my hand, named after one of Saint Francis’ friars, Brother Juniper, who was said to be a lovable clown.

Then one day we received a call from the owners of Juniper’s mother. Would we like to have her, they asked? The answer, of course, was yes, and soon we had a daughter, Tashee. Later, along came Pal. He was our foster, but we adopted him. Recently, Rosie, another foster, came to live with us. She is a senior lady who is almost blind. She probably will remain as a permanent foster. So now we have five Maltese dogs in our home.

The Maltese is a very affectionate breed, and they are perpetual puppies in many ways. Ours always want to be with us and a part of any gathering. They are our children, and I sleep entwined with Tashee and Pal and sometimes all of them. Yes, I know. The book says do not sleep with your dogs, but sometimes it is best to ignore the advice of books.

ADDENDUM: In 1996, when we bought Poppy from a pet store, we knew nothing about the fact that one should not buy dogs from pet stores, as they are supplied by puppy mills. We knew nothing puppy mills nor all the evil and horrors that exist in these places. Our story about buying Poppy is the perfect example of how folks are suckered into buying dogs from pet stores. (They wrote a song about it: "How much is that doggie in the window? (arf! arf!)? The one with the waggley tail? How much is that doggie in the window? (arf! arf!) I do hope that doggie's for sale.")

Poppy is from a puppymill in Missouri. Of all of our dogs, including fosters we have had, Poppy is the most unhealthy. His legs are deformed and he has weird blood test results which point to serious diseases but yet the diseases aren't developed - just funny symptoms. He has problems with dry eyes and now he has glaucomo. His little paws are always dry and crusty. He is the most friendly of all of our dogs and very sweet. I worry about him more than all the others, especially his sight.

My husband and I love Poppy more than I could ever say and would never take back our decision that day when we bought him but in no way do we advocate buying from a pet store or puppy mill. Go to a reputable breeder. Or better still, adopt a rescue. As I write, there are 437 Maltese available for adoption on Pet Finder. http://www.petfinder.com/ Give one of these sweet, innocent dogs a forever home!!

Poppy's Mom

I am a Catholic and a member of the Secular Franciscan Order. It is from this perspective that I will write here about our beloved Maltese dogs and other related subjects.

As a Secular Franciscan, I have promised "to live all the days of my life the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Secular Franciscan Order by observing its rule of life." Article 18 of our Rule states:

• "Moreover they should respect all creatures, animate and inanimate, which bear the imprint of the Most High, and they should strive to move from the temptation of exploiting creation to the Franciscan concept of universal kinship."

Everyone is familiar with the little man standing behind the bird bath - that fellow known as St. Francis. There is more to St. Francis in his relationship with animals and all of creation than this nice garden decoration. This point will be developed through other posts from time to time.

To bond with a dog is to know joy, laughter, affection unlimited, touch, love, the end of loneliness and always forgiveness. Always forgiveness. To share life on this level with one of God's creatures is, for some, the beginning of understanding of God himself. For all these things and more, I give thanks for Poppy and the day he came to live with us.