tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33153124497554981592024-03-14T09:15:34.087-07:00Big Fluffy Dog RescueBig Fluffy Dog Rescuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10764972064248471614noreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315312449755498159.post-70555242249619226292012-02-26T16:38:00.009-08:002012-02-26T17:24:02.906-08:00The shame of Hawkins County, TennesseeBig Fluffy Dog Rescue takes a lot of dogs from a lot of different places across the eastern half of the United States. Some of the shelters are obviously better than others which is directly related to the funds provided for the care of the animals. We are very sympathetic to the limitations placed on shelters by local governments strapped for cash and we do understand the hopeless task they have. That said, there are some things in this world that are absolutely unacceptable no matter what the circumstances. The shelter at Hawkins County, Tennessee, is completely and absolutely unacceptable and we are calling out the county to explain why they have allowed this situation to continue when it has been brought to their attention before.<br /><br />This is the Hawkins County, Tennessee, shelter building:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZysgOPSbntRbNK4aBgcjhyGOPWKya83focIeLb0-3h8NxKB_jWs2dzSjbRlUQ03BPKQNqF6kbiWzUQZB0XwfGEAOk2owIdbBW59dAPHuiMWptwqVcZHI7TJH_QUC1-kEwOMlm-7J4g/s1600/IMG_6749.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZysgOPSbntRbNK4aBgcjhyGOPWKya83focIeLb0-3h8NxKB_jWs2dzSjbRlUQ03BPKQNqF6kbiWzUQZB0XwfGEAOk2owIdbBW59dAPHuiMWptwqVcZHI7TJH_QUC1-kEwOMlm-7J4g/s320/IMG_6749.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713609402694027970" /></a><br /><br />It is a small shelter and on the surface, we've seen much worse. However, this building has some serious and not so obvious flaws. First, the building has no ventilation and no windows for the dogs. In a shelter environment, a well-ventilated building is exceptionally important to keep disease at bay. Th lack of appropriate ventilation is bad, but the real problem is the massive sanitation issue. Hawkins County has drains at the back of each kennel run into which the animal feces and urine are washed. This waste from the kennels is flushed down drains running along the back of each kennel into an open pit on the side of the building. Puppies, in particular, who rest and play near the drainage system, are exposed to disease from all this fecal matter. Too many animals, pups and even adult dogs are dying at this shelter due to exposure to disease from poor basic sanitation and the backup of all that filth in the drainage system into the kennels. A shelter is supposed to provide care for the animals, not expose them to disease and leaving them to die miserable deaths in a concrete pen.<br /><br />This is where all the dog excrement goes:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOk0koLkly9EDYT0rlhPekqTKq0kF2QloEYDZY31zyUd-h-gBeflqV6fcdWyy42UB0BdcqHsGKYahdZ-P7DuCayyhGZt9jO9Ctfe5hzFKOnyfekIPYEbslKeyMdxH_UIBMj-M-BO6LzA/s1600/IMG_6747.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOk0koLkly9EDYT0rlhPekqTKq0kF2QloEYDZY31zyUd-h-gBeflqV6fcdWyy42UB0BdcqHsGKYahdZ-P7DuCayyhGZt9jO9Ctfe5hzFKOnyfekIPYEbslKeyMdxH_UIBMj-M-BO6LzA/s320/IMG_6747.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713610411791115986" /></a><br /><br />This little box on the outside of the building open up to reveal a disgusting and gag-inducing stew:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3P51QVs-Jv8jIXqpSVk65PRmvC40bTKeB5ZGTt6Q6HHlkuFdmV5IozuvRJZlYMh6VFnlqoZ56W3LLiqbXQq8RU1rR4ldbKW_ieGgAz7wgw5CTW4Pt0fvmvdtH_-3DkjUBnF94_Au_Pw/s1600/IMG_6753.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3P51QVs-Jv8jIXqpSVk65PRmvC40bTKeB5ZGTt6Q6HHlkuFdmV5IozuvRJZlYMh6VFnlqoZ56W3LLiqbXQq8RU1rR4ldbKW_ieGgAz7wgw5CTW4Pt0fvmvdtH_-3DkjUBnF94_Au_Pw/s320/IMG_6753.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713610768717140530" /></a><br /><br />Unbelievably, there is a person whose job it is to use the little tray leaning against the building to slop all that waste into a trash bin. When volunteers contacted the Health Department who should know better, nothing was done to correct an obvious and serious public health threat. When this little chamber of animal excrement backs up, guess where all the feces and urine goes? Right back in to the runs where the animals are held. Unsurprisingly, the animals are dying in droves.<br /><br />All of these puppies died from disease at the Hawkins County, Tennessee, shelter:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpv0dky_sXaq8Lg6XXQA55oGfZCdrjPvTuKFD99O5u8TGpMEoJkLsTaYKhZXb7yKsrMWjZw6oCZWdpiAdJHiK0hpab7lPIUSuEE-NLTdtOLpXGMOstJaPluOYeq4Gr9XDUcWV0MrFg1Q/s1600/IMG_6427.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpv0dky_sXaq8Lg6XXQA55oGfZCdrjPvTuKFD99O5u8TGpMEoJkLsTaYKhZXb7yKsrMWjZw6oCZWdpiAdJHiK0hpab7lPIUSuEE-NLTdtOLpXGMOstJaPluOYeq4Gr9XDUcWV0MrFg1Q/s320/IMG_6427.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713611544989759730" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8n-Tg5cCH7wJt4xEMwLoSzsRNQamiOCHjJO6TV0rat9eda3nSg8UpaXO8Jzq4h-8tl6FZkN42sdcXCgEQMWeLrUPltNpvBRmkCVijfcPWmpW6kyozmtfSTLCg63V8B8et7zhPEcvRGQ/s1600/IMG_6098.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8n-Tg5cCH7wJt4xEMwLoSzsRNQamiOCHjJO6TV0rat9eda3nSg8UpaXO8Jzq4h-8tl6FZkN42sdcXCgEQMWeLrUPltNpvBRmkCVijfcPWmpW6kyozmtfSTLCg63V8B8et7zhPEcvRGQ/s320/IMG_6098.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713611541540970962" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVeCaaiUoUfqr29WkisUcgB-mttXfJGVhNHZBhk_h-WiHjY7mvXc0tlOMNyaXYJXs-eYJHrp65xR0Y13JDG_PjYWsRNXTnkA76yyyfbyK80jbLjzgRCdvFNpmF05o3473xRmBKyLraWA/s1600/Boy3.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVeCaaiUoUfqr29WkisUcgB-mttXfJGVhNHZBhk_h-WiHjY7mvXc0tlOMNyaXYJXs-eYJHrp65xR0Y13JDG_PjYWsRNXTnkA76yyyfbyK80jbLjzgRCdvFNpmF05o3473xRmBKyLraWA/s320/Boy3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713611537670140562" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7GPDIV9rGYxI1nKZMn2N77_FOg1A9mGGryLHt1MQ2obVO_ogDOpgz3HY9gCT64Btfb0jPGH0b2gWjhara69cqVwdEJBcuWOp6pE-rLrSSa5yEtfuXyLJDkLQksdz_o8mAMaddAj4aQ/s1600/Boy2a.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 233px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7GPDIV9rGYxI1nKZMn2N77_FOg1A9mGGryLHt1MQ2obVO_ogDOpgz3HY9gCT64Btfb0jPGH0b2gWjhara69cqVwdEJBcuWOp6pE-rLrSSa5yEtfuXyLJDkLQksdz_o8mAMaddAj4aQ/s320/Boy2a.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713611533349501970" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDlZi-RJSlYDhygzKvYJb1ASp-oDYsG6kM6C-V3y9xhKzyi_kpqVEPNJwNpcsIzVSQ2g560AbSG3-ddEuRbfLp7opekdez9TtIta_bQXxucZFlaDeUZIdaMN3DFb1wfMxax9K7pCFXVw/s1600/Boy2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDlZi-RJSlYDhygzKvYJb1ASp-oDYsG6kM6C-V3y9xhKzyi_kpqVEPNJwNpcsIzVSQ2g560AbSG3-ddEuRbfLp7opekdez9TtIta_bQXxucZFlaDeUZIdaMN3DFb1wfMxax9K7pCFXVw/s320/Boy2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713611529434468258" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDHxpIPNFC7QUM5-LgM5mYtnfArLV_6fD73Ql_poSftiBE1uUqTy83dBixWh24-H8EKhuOlVJUV6WneM9kU1euPPByQKOlSMQSt5GAj8IkuUNfxyMGGILYVPo3VFM96qPScAuGJyK3g/s1600/IMG_6620.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDHxpIPNFC7QUM5-LgM5mYtnfArLV_6fD73Ql_poSftiBE1uUqTy83dBixWh24-H8EKhuOlVJUV6WneM9kU1euPPByQKOlSMQSt5GAj8IkuUNfxyMGGILYVPo3VFM96qPScAuGJyK3g/s320/IMG_6620.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713611692120397906" /></a><br /><br />All of these puppies and so many others are dead because of the conditions in the shelter. This is not acceptable and it must end. Complaining endlessly and forwarding this post with shocked notes attached is not enough. We ask that everyone who sees this post contact the Mayor of Hawkins County, Tennessee, and politely tell him that this is not acceptable and that changes must be made. We would ask that the Mayor meet with local volunteers to discuss ways to improve the facility which the county relies on to care for unwanted animals. Simply closing it down is not an option as there will still be animals in need and the way we care for animals and children reflects directly on us as a society. Does the Mayor want to explain to the young children of the school where he used to be a teacher why all the puppies have died? Hawkins County, Tennessee, has been made aware of the serious problems with the lack of sanitation at this facility and has ducked the issue. The time for action is now. The Mayor of Hawkins County, Tennessee, does not have a listed email address, so faxes and phone calls and letters it must be with the following contact information provided:<br /><br />Mayor Melville Bailey<br />Hawkins Count Mayor's Office<br />150 East Washington Street, Suite 2<br />Rogersville, TN 37857<br />Phone: (423) 272-7359<br />Fax: (423) 272-1867<br /><div><br /></div><div>We are hopeful that some positive change can come from this and we hope that Hawkins County, Tennessee, will listen to its shelter volunteers and make changes to prevent future outbreaks of disease.</div>Big Fluffy Dog Rescuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10764972064248471614noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315312449755498159.post-21287192690281916162011-11-22T10:12:00.001-08:002011-11-22T12:16:41.616-08:00Rescue: an endangered species<div>This morning, we got a relatively rude email from someone who wanted to adopt a dog from us. The gist of her email was that our adoption fee was outlandish and that she knew other rescues could do it cheaper. The implication, I guess, is that we are somehow profiting from these dogs. This begs the question why is rescue expensive? The answers are complicated.<br /><br />In many urban areas, particularly in New England and the northwest, adoptable dogs are in demand. Spay/neuter laws have been so successful that the supply of dogs in shelters is very low (save for bully breeds, but that's a sad topic for another day). People want to rescue dogs which is a good thing, but there aren't any to rescue that are in the breed categories they are looking for. Rescue has evolved to fill the void.<br /><br />Many rescues take dogs from places where supply is high and demand is lower (the South and Midwest predominately) and adopt them to families in areas that want the dogs but don't have them available. This is basic supply-demand economics at work. In the South and the Midwest, vet costs are lower and you can generally take a healthy dog and vet it properly for around $300, barring things like heartworms or orthopedic issues. Transport generally runs in the $150 range and is paid by rescue to the transport to move the dogs in a safe way from where they originated to where they will ultimately be adopted by a USDA-licensed transport company. I am skipping lots of things here for the sake of brevity, but reputable rescues also quarantine those dogs for a minimum of two weeks before they transport anywhere. This means they either have to have a foster home to keep the dog in or they are paying for boarding. Boarding is expensive.<br /><br />In response to the inquiry, I broke out the basic costs of vetting a typical, 80-pound male dog:<br /><br /><blockquote>Neuter - low cost clinic - $80<br />Shots (distemper/parvo, rabies, bordetella, canine influenza, leptospirosis and corona) $ 90<br />Microchip with lifetime registration - $52<br />Heartworm/lyme/ehrlychia testing - $40<br />Fecal exam - $18<br />Drontal Plus (if needed) $30<br />Health certificate and exam $50<br />Transport of dog to rescue $150</blockquote><br /><br />This is a rough approximation of what we spend across all the areas we work in for the things we do for a male dog. The chipping is expensive because we register the dog to us for life. If that dog ever ends up in a shelter, we will know about it because we paid for a lifetime registry. Lots of shelters chip now, but very few pay for the lifetime registration because it is very expensive to do. We lump all our medication costs at $30, which includes Drontal Plus, metronidazole, doxycycline and Albon, because we almost always have to treat shelters dog for intestinal parasites or kennel cough and drugs are not free. Some of them like Albon and Drontal, are pricey. I went on to tell her:<br /><br /><blockquote>I am sure you can do the math. Our expenditures are not secret and last year, we spent $130,000 on vet bills. This year, we're over $200,000. An 8 year old dog costs just as much as a 2 year old dog to vet. If we simply gave the dogs away, we'd close our doors within 2 weeks because we have to pay the vets we use for their services and the transport for their services. As it is, we have to fundraise to make up the difference between our vet bills and our adoption fees every year because we lose so much money. God help us if the dog needs anything extra, like Walter did, who had to have teeth extractions done at an additional $400 which was a bargain price. We had to fundraise to be able to afford his special surgery. Of course, we're not even factoring in the cost of frontline and heartgard and food which is not insignificant. The free things we used to get from companies have dried up as the economy continues to decline. Now we have to make it up ourselves. </blockquote><br /><br />One would think that would explain the reality. Apparently not, because we received this in response:<br /><br /><blockquote>My dog actually had all the previous mentioned vet care as well prior to adoption. I rescued her from an organization that works closely with a vet who runs his own small practice. If he can provide a service free of charge for them, he does, out of his love for animals. Also they have many volunteers, fund-raisers and multitudes of people who make monetary donations, food, bedding, toys, etc. It just saddens me because the average person would take that $450 and put it towards a new young pup. P.S. I have done my research, so please don't insult my intelligence. "Jimmy" a (Husky/Shepard) from a Rescue like yours is only $250. That includes a ride to your home, Neutering, all shots and a microchip and every else you stated.</blockquote><blockquote></blockquote><br /><br />It's pretty hard to have an informed discussion with someone who is bargain shopping for a dog. We aren't willing to lower our standards and we are not subsidized by either the government or a compassionate vet who wants to donate all his time and supplies. If only such a fairy tale could be true, we'd be in the proverbial high cotton.<br /><br />Recently, some of the New England states have moved to curb what they believe to be abusive rescue practices and have started passing laws, or in some cases, pretending they have laws, that govern how rescues have to operate. There's nothing wrong with rules, but like so many governmental initiatives, good intentions have given way to stupid regulations which do nothing to promote the public health or the health of the dogs and instead, simply add cost to the process. A cynical rescuer would suspect that the pet stores and breeders are tired of having their business undercut by rescues which provide a fully-vetted dog at a fraction of the cost of a puppy, but I am more inclined to think that we have a classic governmental knee-jerk reaction to a limited problem that needed a scalpel and got a sledgehammer. Regardless of the origin, the cost to comply with the rules has grown exponentially and the cost to simply vet a rescue a dog is also growing, but the adoption fees have not risen proportionately with the costs. This creates a squeeze on rescues. The number of dogs in need is increasing, the cost of providing a healthy, vetted dog is increasing, the number of adopters who can afford the increased cost is shrinking and the number of functional rescues is decreasing as the need to fundraise to make up for the inevitable shortfall between vet expenses and adoption fees exceeds the public's ability to assist. Rescue in general is in danger and the number of dogs who will die is likely to increase.<br /><br />For years, we thought of rescue as largely recession-proof. However, the lower adoption numbers from the past seven months has undercut that theory as would-be adopters are postponing adoptions due to the cost and their job-security fears. Big Fluffy Dog Rescue is not immune from the overall economic slide. As of November 15, 2011, we essentially closed our doors to new intakes because we don't have the operating reserves at the moment to pay for their vet care until our inventory of existing adoptable dogs is depleted. We have essentially $50,000 worth of vet costs we have already fronted for dogs that are not yet adopted, and with the decline in adoptions, we are turning away dogs for the first time ever this year. The economic fallout combined with weather disasters and the imposition of new regulations is slowly killing rescue. Add to this the cut in funding to shelters in the South and the Midwest that were already overloaded and underfunded, and the likelihood of mass euthanasia is increasing. If it comes down to the local Board voting between cutting two teacher positions or shutting down the animal control facility, you know who will lose.<br /><br />So for those of you reading who want to know how to help rescue, there are lots of things you can do. Cash is always helpful, but we know it's in short supply. Supplies are always needed, from dog food, to leashes and collars, to blankets and things like Frontline. Offer to foster a dog in need. Of course, adopting a dog is a big way to help. Go call your shelter and offer to walk dogs for them. All of those things help. In the long run, having the general population know what rescue faces right now and how close to extinction we are is half the battle. We don't want to go away, but we can't do it alone. </div>Big Fluffy Dog Rescuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10764972064248471614noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315312449755498159.post-16997549997246746022011-10-20T07:48:00.001-07:002011-10-20T07:59:08.391-07:00BFDR eaten out of house and home - looking for food help<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisE_3_f3XLyCmM5rAEvF4Qn_rvVDFlR8wofMaRJpLc5kHYQKDHnPpEi03NxOl01-pJwfcdM34ypm-tL6-kYE_wJ4zuP5pIoUIu_vSDEaVBQ_gU7IJYvTo8qKSLzn_50kTWJEi739RYzw/s1600/puppies+3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 273px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisE_3_f3XLyCmM5rAEvF4Qn_rvVDFlR8wofMaRJpLc5kHYQKDHnPpEi03NxOl01-pJwfcdM34ypm-tL6-kYE_wJ4zuP5pIoUIu_vSDEaVBQ_gU7IJYvTo8qKSLzn_50kTWJEi739RYzw/s320/puppies+3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665587468417173842" /></a><br /><br />BFDR fans, we have had a big influx of dogs over the past two weeks (including those 27 puppies, a few of which are pictured above) and we need some help with food. We are spending $800 a week to feed all these dogs which is about double our normal budget. This is about 1000 pounds of food a week. (Don't even ask us about the clean up).<br /><br />If you would like to donate a bag of food, each bag costs us $27 and we can definitely use the help as we are going through thirty bags per week. If you would like to donate to the fund to keep puppies well fed, you can donate here (Paypal or credit card): <span style="font-weight:bold;">http://bigfluffydogs.com/pay-online.php</span>. You can also help here:<br /><br /><object width="250" height="250"><param name="movie" value="http://widget.chipin.com/widget/id/bdb0f4cc09f26a91"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><param name="event_title" value="Help%20feed%20the%20puppies"></param><param name="event_desc" value="BFDR%20buys%201000%20pounds%20of%20food%20a%20week.%20Help%20us%20keep%20these%20puppies%20well%20fed%20and%20happy%20and%20healthy."></param><param name="color_scheme" value="red"></param><embed src="http://widget.chipin.com/widget/id/bdb0f4cc09f26a91" flashVars="event_title=Help%20feed%20the%20puppies&event_desc=BFDR%20buys%201000%20pounds%20of%20food%20a%20week.%20Help%20us%20keep%20these%20puppies%20well%20fed%20and%20happy%20and%20healthy.&color_scheme=red" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowScriptAccess="always" wmode="transparent" width="250" height="250"></embed></object><br /><br />Thanks as always from the big fluffies of the world for your support.Big Fluffy Dog Rescuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10764972064248471614noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315312449755498159.post-68882499873949271382011-08-23T20:16:00.000-07:002011-08-23T20:23:34.784-07:00Hurricanes and dogsHurricane Irene is looking more and more like this is going to be a New England hit. Depending on which track this takes, it could hit DE/NJ, Long Island or CT/RI as a strong Cat 1 hurricane. Given the size of the storm, this will affect a very large area. Having loads of recent experience in mass disasters, we are at least better prepared to address what might be coming.
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<br />Here is what you all need to be doing if you are in the projected path:
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<br />1. Take stock of what you have at your house. Do you need dog food, dog meds, etc? If you have a storm phobic dog in your midst, call the vet tomorrow and get meds. Do not wait until the power is out, the winds are shrieking and your dog is flipping out.
<br />2. Think about how much water you will need. If your city gets knocked out with no power, the water treatment plants will not work. I suggest the big office water coolers with refills that you can get through Home Depot. Buy triple what you think you need. You can buy water purification pills at camping stores and places like Outdoor World to use in a pinch.
<br />3. Keep your car filled with gas. Gas stations do not work without power. You will wish you could find gas later.
<br />4. Get cash. Credit cards won't work either.
<br />5. If you have a gas grill with propane, make sure the propane tank is full. You may be using it to cook everything.
<br />6. Buy coolers and fill them with ice. You will wish you had them later.
<br />7. Clean your bathtub carefully and fill it with water. You will not be able to flush toilets, etc, without this.
<br />8. Stock up on canned food and can openers.
<br />9. If you have a generator, get it ready with whatever you need to keep it running.
<br />10. If you have trees with big branches over your house, consider trimming them back. Even if nothing materializes, come ice storm season, you'll be glad you did.
<br />11. Load up on supplies like bandaids, antibiotic creams, and the like. Cuts to dog paws after storms are common.
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<br />Tomorrow is the very last golden day you will have to get what you need without panicked crowds. Take advantage of it. If this hurricane holds course, by Thursday there will be pandemonium and you won't be able to find batteries, weather radios, water, plywood, gasoline, ice, etc.
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<br />If you are a foster for Big Fluffy Dog Rescue, please email elizabeth@bigfluffydogs.com and check in. Let us know whether you will ride it out or evacuate and if you need us to take your foster dog. Make sure to give her your back up contact information in case your power and cell service is out for a lengthy period. This will give us a place to check in and be sure you don't need help. If you can offer to foster dogs and are not in the direct path of the storm, please email lizb@bigfluffydogs.com and let her know you are willing to help foster.
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<br />The golden rule is you have to assume no power for days on end and spotty to no cell service and no services available. Do not wait to the last minute and make sure you are in a safe place. Batten down the hatches and be safe.
<br />Big Fluffy Dog Rescuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10764972064248471614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315312449755498159.post-24489498571900879882011-08-07T17:35:00.001-07:002011-08-11T12:11:00.742-07:00Big Fluffy Dog Rescue needs helpUpdate on BFDR 8/11/11
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<br />We would like to thank everyone who has stepped up to help us, including one very generous person named Robin (you know who you are) who has stepped up to help Big Fluffy Dog Rescue. We have raised enough to cover Rosalind's vet bill and part of Toby's expenses. All told, we have raised just shy of $2500. We have about $4500 to raise to help get us on more stable footing. We have stopped taking anyone else in until we can clear what we owe, but we hope we are able to resume normal intakes in a couple of weeks. We will continue to fund raise and we appreciate all the donations we have already received - you all are the best. We also appreciate what everyone does for us - fostering and volunteering and of course, adopting our fluffies. Thanks again from all of us.
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<br />BFDR
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<br />It has been a very expensive two weeks for Big Fluffy Dog Rescue. We lost a puppy we tried so hard to save and racked up $1200 for her hospitalization. Then there was Toby the Saint Bernard who suffered from heat stroke and cost $2000 to save. Then we took in the 11 abandoned pyr mixes who required immediate vet attention for another $1500. The latest in a long string is Rosalind, who is in the hospital with severe pneumonia, cause unknown. After less than 30 hours in the hospital, she has a bill in excess of $2200. We have spent just under $7000 in 11 days and we need help.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizkGmeCAAhSHlPxHWLdK_rxv4VtnaujyUJkhly9iarVweHHG8DUgZbAFG4yUPsf9gT4IcfuKSx4N4HCaPZ9D3oNohspgpdo30z9lgsReKCI4u3tcVrpDHQN5OM-9Pw1UL_uHD6gtCMTg/s1600/rosalind+5.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 319px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizkGmeCAAhSHlPxHWLdK_rxv4VtnaujyUJkhly9iarVweHHG8DUgZbAFG4yUPsf9gT4IcfuKSx4N4HCaPZ9D3oNohspgpdo30z9lgsReKCI4u3tcVrpDHQN5OM-9Pw1UL_uHD6gtCMTg/s320/rosalind+5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638282821209858674" /></a>
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<br />We have raised just over $900 and we have a huge and unexpected deficit to the point where we are going to have to close our doors for several weeks just to get ourselves back in the black. We hope we do not have to do this.
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<br />Many of our fans have donated to help us and we thank you as always. We have more than 11,000 fans on Facebook and more than 6000 adopters. $1 from each would allow us to continue our mission. If you would like to help, you can donate by clicking <a href="http://bigfluffydogs.com/pay-online.php">here</a>. Thanks as always from the big fluffies of the world.Big Fluffy Dog Rescuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10764972064248471614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315312449755498159.post-87462518432741547082011-07-25T18:32:00.000-07:002011-07-25T18:49:04.834-07:00Gretchen needs our helpMeet Gretchen, a 4 year old Great Pyrenees. Gretchen came to us with severe luxating patellas and a blown out ACL. She is going to require extensive surgery and she is in pain. This <a href="http://youtu.be/EhuqpOXYre0">video clip</a> shows what Gretchen looks like walking. <br /><br />As you can see, Gretchen's walk is a mess and she needs our help. We have an orthopedic surgeon who will do both knees and the ACL tear for $3500 which is quite a gift as expensive as it is. We are fundraising to be able to help her. If you would like to donate, you can do so here with a <a href="http://bigfluffydogs.com/pay-online.php">credit card</a> or with paypal <a href="http://bigfluffydogs.com/pay-online.php">here</a> (scroll down to the bottom for Paypal). As always, we appreciate our fans and we thank you from the big fluffy dogs of the world.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMCockWxGrp7XW9S3OtPd7iyKva5XwfRtV0VnXh_24RHllK1x6aFaGyKhj4229L3qVjxYvHdjZ3hJ8AuZItmmvC1szoiZ2owUFZ1gTfA56wFz8i35Bt6l2uUtr618Q6WYP-2BHNJqp1Q/s1600/gretchen.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 314px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMCockWxGrp7XW9S3OtPd7iyKva5XwfRtV0VnXh_24RHllK1x6aFaGyKhj4229L3qVjxYvHdjZ3hJ8AuZItmmvC1szoiZ2owUFZ1gTfA56wFz8i35Bt6l2uUtr618Q6WYP-2BHNJqp1Q/s320/gretchen.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633469601630266066"></a>Big Fluffy Dog Rescuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10764972064248471614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315312449755498159.post-14752536976572661952011-07-12T18:37:00.000-07:002011-07-12T19:27:07.023-07:00In Memoriam: Amelia, the service dogIn April, one of our vets called us to ask us to take in 14 year old Amelia. Amelia had served her entire life as a service dog bearing weight for her family. When she grew very old and could no longer do her job, she was turned in to the agency she originally came from by her family. That agency then took Amelia to the vet to be euthanized. Many of you were outraged, as we were. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZjAq2_dGaASRPLyirlz3n2F_L-bGx8oeuo-KWBXFQcW9YduvXHPUoF6EatRVkCKAOSGhWTOGQSLQF1aYdTKn4n21n4spoCcjOma3ZO9KYQwQmCLne0_c_KkJMWfAfgXPDdZb8_gCHHw/s1600/amelia+2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 296px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZjAq2_dGaASRPLyirlz3n2F_L-bGx8oeuo-KWBXFQcW9YduvXHPUoF6EatRVkCKAOSGhWTOGQSLQF1aYdTKn4n21n4spoCcjOma3ZO9KYQwQmCLne0_c_KkJMWfAfgXPDdZb8_gCHHw/s320/amelia+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628645452335814450" /></a><br /><br />Even though we are not a lab rescue and even though we are not a senior rescue, we are a <span style="font-style:italic;">dog</span> rescue and Amelia was a dog in need. And so it was that Amelia came to Big Fluffy Dog Rescue as an honorary fluffy. Sara and Eli opened their home to her as part of their "Crone Dog Army" and she became one of several older female dogs in their home. Amelia loved her family and she loved her new home and they loved her.<br /><br />As the summer passed, Amelia began to fade. First, her back legs failed her and Sara and Eli began to carry her out to the porch with them where she loved to put her nose in the wind and watch the world go by. Sharp as a tack, nothing got past Amelia's notice and she was clearly still on the job even as her body failed her.<br /><br />With the passing of the days, Amelia grew weaker until it became apparent that her front legs were now failing her and her time with us was growing short. With one last great day under her belt, Amelia let us know she was ready to go. Amelia went quietly to the Rainbow Bridge and she leaves us sadder at her passing, but glad for the time we had with her. We thank Eli and Sara for making her a part of their family and we thank Amelia for the grace she showed us despite those that failed her before. <br /><br />We'll see you on the other side, Amelia.<br /><br />Amelia has inspired us to try to reach out to more senior dogs who need hospice care. These dogs typically come with medical needs attached, but they have good quality of life even though they are not what we would deem adoptable dogs. We have started a fund in Amelia's honor to specifically help senior dogs in need. <br /><br /><a name='b_976ad7102b66012eb9be000d60d4c902'></a><object type='application/x-shockwave-flash' data='https://giving.paypallabs.com/flash/badge.swf' width='205' height='350' id='badge976ad7102b66012eb9be000d60d4c902' align='middle'><br /><param name='allowScriptAccess' value='always' /><br /><param name='allowNetworking' value='all' /><br /><param name='movie' value='https://giving.paypallabs.com/flash/badge.swf' /><br /><param name='quality' value='high' /><br /><param name='bgcolor' value='#FFFFFF' /><br /><param name='wmode' value='transparent' /><br /><param name='FlashVars' value='Id=976ad7102b66012eb9be000d60d4c902'/><br /><embed src='https://giving.paypallabs.com/flash/badge.swf' FlashVars='Id=976ad7102b66012eb9be000d60d4c902' quality='high' bgcolor='#FFFFFF' wmode='transparent' width='205' height='350' Id='badge976ad7102b66012eb9be000d60d4c902' align='middle' allowScriptAccess='always' allowNetworking='all' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' pluginspage='http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer'></embed><br /></object>Big Fluffy Dog Rescuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10764972064248471614noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315312449755498159.post-40057485209507866372011-06-06T20:58:00.000-07:002011-06-06T21:14:18.584-07:00Drowning in puppies - Big Fluffy Dog Rescue needs some help<div><font size="4">In the past few weeks, Big Fluffy Dog Rescue has taken in more than 75 puppies,40 of which came as the direct result of the devastating tornadoes. Some of the puppies:<br /></font><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLHrUHunA-vF-YKZRkKDYOdp3DXwSNkzgha6jl3q-E-edafexKuCtuYgLVfCMsFMmDAhhqU0dbn-PDUSubyi_-rhVCUU35_UmDQ5mniiJwlyKXsBFIRqfIGQXxB-gvQ_ff0tz0jv_2g/s1600/pups+at+dogtopia.jpg"><img style="width: 320px; height: 240px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615323070500776418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLHrUHunA-vF-YKZRkKDYOdp3DXwSNkzgha6jl3q-E-edafexKuCtuYgLVfCMsFMmDAhhqU0dbn-PDUSubyi_-rhVCUU35_UmDQ5mniiJwlyKXsBFIRqfIGQXxB-gvQ_ff0tz0jv_2g/s320/pups+at+dogtopia.jpg" /></a><br /><br />We love puppies, but they are very expensive and very time-consuming. Each puppy must be quarantined separately, must have a minimum of two sets of shots, be altered, chipped and screened for parasites. Puppies in the long run are far more expensive for a rescue to manage than an adult dog because they just have to have more vet care.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-DyMStGlkVXBH4ZmJ3xHP3qLCPjqNN5K6ZbvGjQbqCejyjzuQulssjFD3hNn1QpudI5hiCYMhA1PDUIUr2mT5AYztAsNadx8NQpMzvfHUEDrTX2WcfFgWSWgqk86crRnixNuQZbdKA/s1600/pups1.jpg"><img style="width: 320px; height: 174px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615323749384223106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-DyMStGlkVXBH4ZmJ3xHP3qLCPjqNN5K6ZbvGjQbqCejyjzuQulssjFD3hNn1QpudI5hiCYMhA1PDUIUr2mT5AYztAsNadx8NQpMzvfHUEDrTX2WcfFgWSWgqk86crRnixNuQZbdKA/s320/pups1.jpg" /></a><br /><br />In the spring of this year, we lost 30 puppies in quick succession to various illnesses, including parvo and an odd strain of coronavirus. This cost rescue more than $14,000. Whatever reserves we had evaporated. With the influx of puppies, we've had to front a tremendous amount of cash to provide vet care for them which has stripped us of our ability to help other dogs in need. We are now in need.<br /><br />If you would like to donate, you can do so at this link (click on donate): <a href="http://www.bigfluffydogs.com/pay-online.php"><font style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" size="5">http://www.bigfluffydogs.com/pay-online.php</font></a>. There is a regular credit card link and a paypal link there. If you would like to donate directly to the vet, they can be reached at 615-553-4156. Just tell them it's for Big Fluffy Dog Rescue's puppy fund and they will let us know.<br /><br />As always, we appreciate the help and the big fluffy dogs of the world send their thanks.<br /><br /></div>Big Fluffy Dog Rescuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10764972064248471614noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315312449755498159.post-18744950845100130782011-05-21T18:20:00.000-07:002011-05-21T18:42:17.307-07:00Tornado survivors - emaciated Mom and pups need foster homesBig Fluffy Dog Rescue took in 32 puppies and dogs yesterday that survived the tornadoes last month. Included in that total is an absolutely emaciated Mom and nine of her 5 1/2 week old puppies. We need foster homes for these puppies immediately.<br /><br />This is Mom:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrX7t-BLhu2RiFJ7o7swBcTJb18U4HfrfrwoXtMH3smin4SlOXmQ5U9DkElY42Xcs22QWQX-1pJC-AH4NEaoAy6m02Lq2yo4iIGy3F2yZqxn2jK_I8yELARUknaWvZvV5aAJEMrp7_A/s1600/mom.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrX7t-BLhu2RiFJ7o7swBcTJb18U4HfrfrwoXtMH3smin4SlOXmQ5U9DkElY42Xcs22QWQX-1pJC-AH4NEaoAy6m02Lq2yo4iIGy3F2yZqxn2jK_I8yELARUknaWvZvV5aAJEMrp7_A/s320/mom.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609345459563142930" /></a><br /><br />She is a young Mom and she has done her very best for her puppies, but she is nearly spent and we have to wean these puppies to save her life. Mom is quite small and we think she is a beagle mix. Her condition is tragic, but her puppies are in dire need of food, love and attention.<br /><br />This little puppy is nearly starved:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_BAUvLzVtFtumv07LlpmH4QX-_Maom831PI_W4WQQlFRgdR3bIrsmotgXoUdqbQoePKeaCN9iXUUszWuthoWxmMnQQGZHgWObioDXN5JDTbGUYzK6d-vf7y4lN_LPrgAlVSQtddUsJg/s1600/puppy+a.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 241px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_BAUvLzVtFtumv07LlpmH4QX-_Maom831PI_W4WQQlFRgdR3bIrsmotgXoUdqbQoePKeaCN9iXUUszWuthoWxmMnQQGZHgWObioDXN5JDTbGUYzK6d-vf7y4lN_LPrgAlVSQtddUsJg/s320/puppy+a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609346253735692514" /></a><br /><br />They are all desperate for water and food:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4yiSUueA1HK5wJc_n3ui_LaEoK-K37460b7NZRjGB_iyMXzqM2DehKooWT3NXIzpXCCCklq6u1VLUtPlPa5LeZtNFsp3xnA-j3szbLEWIOv9_5vikmY-zUNm4FTaPHd2sIJXUCzt5JA/s1600/puppies+2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4yiSUueA1HK5wJc_n3ui_LaEoK-K37460b7NZRjGB_iyMXzqM2DehKooWT3NXIzpXCCCklq6u1VLUtPlPa5LeZtNFsp3xnA-j3szbLEWIOv9_5vikmY-zUNm4FTaPHd2sIJXUCzt5JA/s320/puppies+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609346119985687106" /></a><br /><br />These puppies are likely aussie beagle mixes as we see faint red merle patterns in their fur. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFc1DiJDMcyhdU6C59tt5m1wYXdbO4rsgqbxRYyDoR8oIC-NFgdclu8zDegBnLSr0rGUwA4hI7HAmfv5zkiilfUCbe2W9Dm7ndfBa7e7N6KotvT5C-KGx5koxYDg19w7TcaYCjcWJPQ/s1600/puppies.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFc1DiJDMcyhdU6C59tt5m1wYXdbO4rsgqbxRYyDoR8oIC-NFgdclu8zDegBnLSr0rGUwA4hI7HAmfv5zkiilfUCbe2W9Dm7ndfBa7e7N6KotvT5C-KGx5koxYDg19w7TcaYCjcWJPQ/s320/puppies.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609346021676550546" /></a><br /><br />This little guy is weak and could barely eat, but he gave it a try:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH5zGK6TXqGNY2K60WpiamqizQmkB3XU4lOyKLluAezkkeOVSnUzza0aEeDnDGq7OVZGhmd5aDx39bqX76ph8xqgBEluKj2z89B721YbBwqj7Ph9lg6Nopi0S2NrKMDwBx3T5-5Fnmiw/s1600/puppy.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH5zGK6TXqGNY2K60WpiamqizQmkB3XU4lOyKLluAezkkeOVSnUzza0aEeDnDGq7OVZGhmd5aDx39bqX76ph8xqgBEluKj2z89B721YbBwqj7Ph9lg6Nopi0S2NrKMDwBx3T5-5Fnmiw/s320/puppy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609345940655756578" /></a><br /><br />One of the puppies we named Daffodiil had to be hospitalized this morning due to starvation and dehydration:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6jM8sTZktgtBe_sul72QVuLfslUG6ywx8c5sQmU96W7HwxLG68iPpbN30pbhwFpags0df-6Wk4Q9IriKaLnlNVsPk4cqDsTGnrr3OrN18o2MXtYihDNzt1uIpp6ADpSnf0wYlLUeAcg/s1600/daffodil.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 220px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6jM8sTZktgtBe_sul72QVuLfslUG6ywx8c5sQmU96W7HwxLG68iPpbN30pbhwFpags0df-6Wk4Q9IriKaLnlNVsPk4cqDsTGnrr3OrN18o2MXtYihDNzt1uIpp6ADpSnf0wYlLUeAcg/s320/daffodil.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609347250276036658" /></a><br /><br />These puppies need to be separated and cared for. They are safe for now, but they need a lot of one on one attention. They are all very food aggressive at the moment which is a direct result of their starvation. This will go away on its own with time and food and love. It is sad that they ever got to this point. <br /><br />If you can help foster one of the puppies or the Mom, please email jean@bigfluffydogs.com or call Tina at 931-209-8189. These puppies are in middle Tennessee.Big Fluffy Dog Rescuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10764972064248471614noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315312449755498159.post-16702772001055908382011-04-02T18:58:00.000-07:002011-04-02T19:13:34.803-07:00Charlie's new life<span style="font-size:130%;">Charlie came to us two weeks ago as a terrible neglect case. A Good Samaritan had called us to ask us to intervene for a dog with a huge tumor that was left in a field without any care. This is what we saw on arrival:</span> <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZDxUB4ihlltkHfI1puTRhSHQ2SrVHvVsV8Q_UQpHEhZn6by3txfuYMwEKu1NlA58ugNUjPbiGfBUDbJFQpfb7KmZ0cF79sakD-sEZGwjsQW6l8Q0Q62ztiZ8R-xxoOn0qKpNFiMR_w/s1600/charlie+2.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 198px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591171577102918770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZDxUB4ihlltkHfI1puTRhSHQ2SrVHvVsV8Q_UQpHEhZn6by3txfuYMwEKu1NlA58ugNUjPbiGfBUDbJFQpfb7KmZ0cF79sakD-sEZGwjsQW6l8Q0Q62ztiZ8R-xxoOn0qKpNFiMR_w/s320/charlie+2.JPG" /></a> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">The tumor this poor boy was dragging behind his left front shoulder was enormous and was so huge and heavy that it tore his skin and it was bleeding and infected: </span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmfWMBnjHwF7vr2TOzaToXECm3CZuphpdHs2Owdx_EVQFhxHhAX7hxV06CoaNylUEfw0KAvRwYJ4aFjmfhJF8_ACTNWNy3LTnJKvgoXTGe6bLGeEy1yJ9h69Gkt5Q0ZUtnT54rIhAjw/s1600/tumor.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 258px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591171903923875186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmfWMBnjHwF7vr2TOzaToXECm3CZuphpdHs2Owdx_EVQFhxHhAX7hxV06CoaNylUEfw0KAvRwYJ4aFjmfhJF8_ACTNWNy3LTnJKvgoXTGe6bLGeEy1yJ9h69Gkt5Q0ZUtnT54rIhAjw/s320/tumor.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">We also took two five month old Pyrenees puppies that were nailed shut inside an old metal ice cream cart because the farmer "couldn't keep them in the fence": </span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_uB1HV9iaBd5SD0MULwAO7rUZr4tcjXbNFsjR7flxDG7KSspISLobZ69EykjwSL41NnKQg8m6gY1hFuEGPmZPWSRw8Yk731QBCO3jMbQbfbkp7XTuacaj5QlQDBaEdxO-CX8-acrCQ/s1600/farmer+2.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591172197090076354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_uB1HV9iaBd5SD0MULwAO7rUZr4tcjXbNFsjR7flxDG7KSspISLobZ69EykjwSL41NnKQg8m6gY1hFuEGPmZPWSRw8Yk731QBCO3jMbQbfbkp7XTuacaj5QlQDBaEdxO-CX8-acrCQ/s320/farmer+2.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">In rescue, the two girls Nora and Nadia are now much happier and on the road to recovery: </span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKti0b8hDsZe5aQhDSYF2_FWlpVn1YaEW0ewjfALPYKlj8LWxK-G4cYIGiu-x4M5SA30QuXgD_6IeyDRMhlDcGnvxjXQm_pMhRxIbnli_b3IFpp7b5KkHgyQFTWesio2ns9rY20CGgA/s1600/Nora+and+Nadia.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 192px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591172438539019090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKti0b8hDsZe5aQhDSYF2_FWlpVn1YaEW0ewjfALPYKlj8LWxK-G4cYIGiu-x4M5SA30QuXgD_6IeyDRMhlDcGnvxjXQm_pMhRxIbnli_b3IFpp7b5KkHgyQFTWesio2ns9rY20CGgA/s320/Nora+and+Nadia.JPG" /></a> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Now we have turned our attention to Charlie. Charlie had surgery this week to remove the tumor. It turned out he had multiple tumors behind the major tumor. We got the path reports back and the great news is that he does not have cancer and the tumors are benign. The bad news is that the surgery took an enormous amount of tissue and was very expensive. </span><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">We have started a chip in fund to help defray the costs of his surgery. If you would like to donate, you can do so by clicking </span><a href="http://bigfluffydogs.chipin.com/charlies-new-life"><span style="font-size:130%;">here</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">, or by going directly to <strong><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color:#990000;">http://bigfluffydogs.chipin.com/charlies-new-life</span>.</span></strong> Thanks as always for your kindness toward the big fluffy dogs of the world. </span>Big Fluffy Dog Rescuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10764972064248471614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315312449755498159.post-79375196106952890522011-03-11T19:07:00.000-08:002011-03-11T19:19:02.791-08:00Puppy roundupPeople often ask what it's like getting puppies ready for new homes. Here's a photo essay of today.<br /><br />Get up at crack of dawn and drive to clinic to pick up 14 puppies who were spayed and neutered yesterday.<br /><br />On arrival, puppies are rambunctious and need to potty and run before the drive back.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAiKu_mPkPEhnrqHpVDC5FrCSM_XnMBMWQV9iOMgz9you-IVGbAb8T0anoIUOOkq_WOW7-2QTpYqb9FQROhQhXzX52nypjQVWISfk7vf5Bl0VsgzNmudbkRSFvNRCECoPk28Z7RT4MZw/s1600/puppies+3.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAiKu_mPkPEhnrqHpVDC5FrCSM_XnMBMWQV9iOMgz9you-IVGbAb8T0anoIUOOkq_WOW7-2QTpYqb9FQROhQhXzX52nypjQVWISfk7vf5Bl0VsgzNmudbkRSFvNRCECoPk28Z7RT4MZw/s320/puppies+3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583025221503825314" /></a><br /><br />14 puppies will not easily fit in a car, but it can be done:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJxPllm-lmIlbaXsXvQP1wHr3yRw3M5iAqOAopI_hD72TfWJf6RTMnVfRPnT4hWPm0k7_eTqQcLWvk2RMOOb3Wh6YN4f2hqjo8dO4XOkGC8_0xIZzLMXYBL7BuUsCfS9Yc0IPDBf1LQ/s1600/puppies+2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 143px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJxPllm-lmIlbaXsXvQP1wHr3yRw3M5iAqOAopI_hD72TfWJf6RTMnVfRPnT4hWPm0k7_eTqQcLWvk2RMOOb3Wh6YN4f2hqjo8dO4XOkGC8_0xIZzLMXYBL7BuUsCfS9Yc0IPDBf1LQ/s320/puppies+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583026790457855410" /></a><br /><br />On arrival, the puppies are eager to see out the window. Some puppy heads are bigger than others:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikvXm3WZXNMYIw-ZO7NczWGFNABMBPyv8l9o_tZpEMVrpQ5pUotKKDaKMNcBWqu6Lw5QgqEON6qOPHHMXWI2T3V3dhXwkRseW08bkuBqNmQHFY5lgO4r8r-LX07R8EPjfqV6Oeq-g6UQ/s1600/Gabby+and+friends.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 249px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikvXm3WZXNMYIw-ZO7NczWGFNABMBPyv8l9o_tZpEMVrpQ5pUotKKDaKMNcBWqu6Lw5QgqEON6qOPHHMXWI2T3V3dhXwkRseW08bkuBqNmQHFY5lgO4r8r-LX07R8EPjfqV6Oeq-g6UQ/s320/Gabby+and+friends.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583027102872086434" /></a><br /><br />Alas, only so many heads can fit out the back window, but there are actually 14 puppies here:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgV11Gr_G67lrd7xi8mGnx78bTcEY67uIKUQb6jE9xTi66PSp-E2XnM2gNf1tYGXRsasWFC_J_QnbPBhlEu3wDh9ra5LW6LWvF2v0ZLjW0r9LCc8gD-f-WO8ifnUcPpDleeQ7cMBiYPw/s1600/puppies.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 158px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgV11Gr_G67lrd7xi8mGnx78bTcEY67uIKUQb6jE9xTi66PSp-E2XnM2gNf1tYGXRsasWFC_J_QnbPBhlEu3wDh9ra5LW6LWvF2v0ZLjW0r9LCc8gD-f-WO8ifnUcPpDleeQ7cMBiYPw/s320/puppies.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583027344533231250" /></a><br /><br />Notice that we aren't showing pictures of the car after the fact. Some things are just better left unspoken.Big Fluffy Dog Rescuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10764972064248471614noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315312449755498159.post-67899910373332390342011-03-07T20:41:00.001-08:002011-03-07T21:02:17.133-08:00Titus needs help<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEnLFyhkHc8hbEzOzUyknrVLud6zg5uUi3DekezJ8deQLqipdJIvfN9LEmf5N-B0g4_RR5L1XXHpJ9JdbZCalHRQ_wl-cFgMUzN4k2oecJxEOtPUEhMWWgBOLu8v4gxrlwblZwpuRZJw/s1600/titus+3.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 306px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEnLFyhkHc8hbEzOzUyknrVLud6zg5uUi3DekezJ8deQLqipdJIvfN9LEmf5N-B0g4_RR5L1XXHpJ9JdbZCalHRQ_wl-cFgMUzN4k2oecJxEOtPUEhMWWgBOLu8v4gxrlwblZwpuRZJw/s320/titus+3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581564742662065202" /></a>\\<br /><br />Meet Titus. Titus is a 16 month old male Great Pyrenees. Titus was an absolutely average, normal dog until this morning. Suddenly and without warning, Titus began to vomit incredible amounts of blood. He was rushed to the vet and he continued to lose blood internally. Xrays were normal, blood work was normal (except for the hematocrit levels) and even the ultrasounds we had done revealed nothing. With his life on the line, we told the vet to do transfusions to get his blood volume level up to keep him from dying as he had lost nearly half his blood volume.<br /><br />Titus appears to have a severe bleeding ulcer which has apparently perforated the stomach. Once stabilized, he will need additional surgical intervention to repair the damage. This young dog is in danger of losing his life and he may well be the most expensive dog to grace our rescue. <br /><br />We have set up a chip in fund to help raise fund to save his life. His vet costs will exceed $5000. <br /><br /><object width="250" height="250"><param name="movie" value="http://widget.chipin.com/widget/id/f8ec24b3ea4b68ef"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://widget.chipin.com/widget/id/f8ec24b3ea4b68ef" flashVars="" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowScriptAccess="always" wmode="transparent" width="250" height="250"></embed></object><br /><br />Thank you as always from the big fluffy dogs of the world.Big Fluffy Dog Rescuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10764972064248471614noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315312449755498159.post-22660506843672806862011-03-05T21:46:00.000-08:002011-03-05T21:54:51.734-08:00Baxter gets a haircutPeople often ask me are these dogs really that fluffy? Do they really shed? Sometimes, pictures are really better than words.<br /><br><br />Before:<br /><br><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPuBghgDtkQYGaTFBFeTXnnWE_xl3cOsppV2esu65aS689z16khYqN4Hqxv5aC01-uL1Zqpa4rbT9I2VoTphQoLo2hsU4A1PI_z8j6uug4mlXRy5HeaJ9GK-tIvd6bM4UMHKXuDra5mw/s1600/baxter+small.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 282px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPuBghgDtkQYGaTFBFeTXnnWE_xl3cOsppV2esu65aS689z16khYqN4Hqxv5aC01-uL1Zqpa4rbT9I2VoTphQoLo2hsU4A1PI_z8j6uug4mlXRy5HeaJ9GK-tIvd6bM4UMHKXuDra5mw/s320/baxter+small.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580839529588008530" /></a><br /><br><br />After, looking very naked:<br /><br><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJiN6sfJEFbLI-RQtgadXaEcH8HWOjddgmuabcH0wTIc-nSFHM3rJUi0TKJaU2KqCc6uTW0t0VEikHyGjNcN9cg93ZK-_RU3C4Tot3wGuGjSFurPoZwhBFhGjVcs2OYPjI2NCD4CxrkA/s1600/baxter+2a.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 255px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJiN6sfJEFbLI-RQtgadXaEcH8HWOjddgmuabcH0wTIc-nSFHM3rJUi0TKJaU2KqCc6uTW0t0VEikHyGjNcN9cg93ZK-_RU3C4Tot3wGuGjSFurPoZwhBFhGjVcs2OYPjI2NCD4CxrkA/s320/baxter+2a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580839810159813394" /></a><br /><br><br />The aftermath:<br /><br><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJod-TqNJ8Lp3FRC7khBgfFJZh7TG3RtxdnfKiQBuq43pZ4rXKPcKnlsRprE-n11091nmorhzg5DpBNdS9hfMxAt9U1GQRsgVuPo6-HYQhG4deSiHDd00g-5E8QIE_Yr4sb4DaUp0HHQ/s1600/baxter.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 189px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJod-TqNJ8Lp3FRC7khBgfFJZh7TG3RtxdnfKiQBuq43pZ4rXKPcKnlsRprE-n11091nmorhzg5DpBNdS9hfMxAt9U1GQRsgVuPo6-HYQhG4deSiHDd00g-5E8QIE_Yr4sb4DaUp0HHQ/s320/baxter.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580839982577085938" /></a><br /><br />Great Pyrenees as a general rule do not do well shaved. They will burn in the sun and anyone who shaves a Great Pyrenees must be vigilant about ensuring the dog does not get a sunburn. Great Pyrenees and the other mountain breeds suffer in the heat, so with spring around the corner, please remember to pay attention to your dog's comfort.Big Fluffy Dog Rescuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10764972064248471614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315312449755498159.post-4229162506309887022011-02-19T21:53:00.000-08:002011-02-19T22:05:20.188-08:00Big Fluffy Dog Rescue is expandingBig Fluffy Dog Rescue has long had a base of operations in Tennessee/Kentucky and in the New England area. As time has passed, we have been asked repeatedly to open branches in other areas. Until recently, that was not practical. With recent changes to Petfinder and better transport options, we are now ready to talk about expanding our mission to save dogs in other areas.<br /><br />To start, we are planning to expand into the NY/NJ/PA area. We are working to identify additional volunteers who are willing to help us serve those areas. We have made our first tentative foray into the New York City/Long Island/northern NJ area and plan to expand to a wider area down the road. We are looking for volunteers to help us foster dogs, transport dogs and perform home visits in these areas. We are also looking to rescue dogs in these areas and will be looking for volunteers to keep an eye on local shelters that have big fluffies in need.<br /><br />We are also looking to expand into the Chicago/Milwaukee area and are actively working to start this branch now. We will need more volunteers to foster dogs, evaluate potential adopters and help with all the administrative work that comes with rescue.<br /><br />We are excited about this potential opportunity to help more big fluffies. We hope you all will want to be a part of our rescue efforts as they expand into new areas. If you are interested in volunteering in any of these areas, please email jean@bigfluffydogs.com. Thanks as always from the big fluffies of the world. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZy49J3youb4RugOTGOsaZ5XQq6c-Y9k57pPIQwRMovumnvIOFrRYcmDQ8YjKnzYkn7pXkusXkL52WgAGxJB9wb6e4KzIw33SMBXPRDVh0Odt7YM6YRxEPoifGOg4dduZ2VQedNY5m4g/s1600/fabian+2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 315px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZy49J3youb4RugOTGOsaZ5XQq6c-Y9k57pPIQwRMovumnvIOFrRYcmDQ8YjKnzYkn7pXkusXkL52WgAGxJB9wb6e4KzIw33SMBXPRDVh0Odt7YM6YRxEPoifGOg4dduZ2VQedNY5m4g/s320/fabian+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575648150122099218" /></a>Big Fluffy Dog Rescuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10764972064248471614noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315312449755498159.post-90247962679025441422011-02-16T16:46:00.000-08:002011-02-16T17:07:40.494-08:00125 dogs, 6 weeks.Just a few weeks ago, we were all congratulating ourselves on a job well done for rescuing 599 dogs in 2010. 6 weeks later, we've already rescued more than 125 dogs, of which 85 are puppies. This is not a good sign.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-pVivI2J5Z6O03fFVQFPsiJeEDCJQaUwHWDaaSBJZQmKAVPPq4iXPtK29DkNw6WIMRJ6Cy-h3wWZegrxIK8mOcfUrdwN8TohyoeHkozjVIks5_VpzauIJhthNLmdsFTzbUkOGjVprQ/s1600/pups1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 174px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-pVivI2J5Z6O03fFVQFPsiJeEDCJQaUwHWDaaSBJZQmKAVPPq4iXPtK29DkNw6WIMRJ6Cy-h3wWZegrxIK8mOcfUrdwN8TohyoeHkozjVIks5_VpzauIJhthNLmdsFTzbUkOGjVprQ/s320/pups1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574454054447451378" /></a><br /><br />Puppy season traditionally hits us in early spring and we are off to a terribly early and record-setting start. This is bad for rescue because it siphons so many resources. Puppies are more time consuming, they are more expensive to care for and they are more fragile. Every litter of puppies we take in means at least two fosters homes are not available and we can't help the adults in need. Not being able to help them means death to the older dogs.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8QXXK12yWdm757_xsghvNGONXYkXF2vq_k5cdvFphzzhXj9OQ3f6MJUn_VJkPe1kgeNLbKWywRzjH8Ji_lUs8jExQ-ovfjyk-pCFO1h6ZouBgpRbnNE6uDCIVhLrLSZ9-RJfjXw9ifA/s1600/linus.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 221px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8QXXK12yWdm757_xsghvNGONXYkXF2vq_k5cdvFphzzhXj9OQ3f6MJUn_VJkPe1kgeNLbKWywRzjH8Ji_lUs8jExQ-ovfjyk-pCFO1h6ZouBgpRbnNE6uDCIVhLrLSZ9-RJfjXw9ifA/s320/linus.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574454802086566274" /></a><br /><br />Rescue works by placing dogs in adoptive homes to open up foster homes for new dogs. In order to place dogs, you have to be able to vet the dogs. Having to vet 10 puppies at a time is obviously 10 times more expensive, requiring a huge up front investment. When you have 85 puppies in rescue, that's a lot of up front expense. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKPcbmEaZtmWz_gjKS91dRPBtYJlmmIg5CHMLh0DksYlGOO57na0gGrKNfY7wPWrciqxDMpuTMYODNugkDHOHnU89oZQyxPLlJxPXp6fuuQsXLgCXHO1DQyggvu7glAQw7jQMRnBS6fg/s1600/puppies.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKPcbmEaZtmWz_gjKS91dRPBtYJlmmIg5CHMLh0DksYlGOO57na0gGrKNfY7wPWrciqxDMpuTMYODNugkDHOHnU89oZQyxPLlJxPXp6fuuQsXLgCXHO1DQyggvu7glAQw7jQMRnBS6fg/s320/puppies.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574455300456629714" /></a><br /><br />Every dog in this post is currently in rescue. There are 80 more that need foster homes. In addition, there are more than 50 adult dogs waiting to go into foster homes, both in the South and in New England. You can help us by fostering a dog. Every dog that has a foster home opens up a foster home in the South to save a life. Right now, we have nine dogs in danger of being put to sleep because we have no place to put them. It is devastating to say no to a perfectly adoptable dog just because of space. Every one of you that has adopted from us has a dog that was at one time nearly put to sleep. The world would be a little less colorful without each and every dog we have saved in it. We want to do more, but we need your help.<br /><br />Here are just two in danger of euthanasia this week:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEip0oi1GS3mu1nU_wDDY7txh9BKQKoQhf9L4didnI_xu7J-TkMYXczvWw5hY3sSOpHIV2pSsABZxohyphenhyphenE32sP6PQsgNU7IrXA_SXyywiylad7C5YIXRIfJ-yMYqyAK3F43EtePdV7Rzw/s1600/mya+5.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 198px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEip0oi1GS3mu1nU_wDDY7txh9BKQKoQhf9L4didnI_xu7J-TkMYXczvWw5hY3sSOpHIV2pSsABZxohyphenhyphenE32sP6PQsgNU7IrXA_SXyywiylad7C5YIXRIfJ-yMYqyAK3F43EtePdV7Rzw/s320/mya+5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574456941225031442" /></a><br /><br />and<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwloOYhc9iytgdrRc6DAFTJ8pT5-6cuRP0_XfGqhSMBgSsxnccqmShY0g7bvI0qSqt0KQpjxjYCQDDmj3VJnV-Dj2Rqc0aXvlf3PqiOqca0v7FGCYkKEjZdSV12j4QfAoGgemafenB2Q/s1600/maggie+2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwloOYhc9iytgdrRc6DAFTJ8pT5-6cuRP0_XfGqhSMBgSsxnccqmShY0g7bvI0qSqt0KQpjxjYCQDDmj3VJnV-Dj2Rqc0aXvlf3PqiOqca0v7FGCYkKEjZdSV12j4QfAoGgemafenB2Q/s320/maggie+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574457427866963186" /></a><br /><br /><br />If you are in Tennessee or surrounding states and would like to foster a dog, please email Tina at tina@bigfluffydogs.com or Sabrina at sabrina@bigfluffydogs.com and tell them you want to foster a dog.<br /><br />If you are in New England and would like to foster a dog, email Liz at liz@bigfluffydogs.com<br /><br />If you are anywhere in the PA/NY/NJ area and would like to foster, email Jean at jean@bigfluffydogs.com<br /><br />For those that cannot foster but want to help, we can always use donations. Vet care, collars, flea preventative, etc, is expensive and we are always grateful for supplies like blankets and towels, leashes, etc. <strong>Go to our website and click on this link: http://www.bigfluffydogs.com/pay-online.php. </strong>. Make sure to let us know that this is a donation to help the puppies. <br /><br />Thank you as always from the big fluffy dogs of the world.Big Fluffy Dog Rescuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10764972064248471614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315312449755498159.post-60613566201362289402011-02-12T19:52:00.000-08:002011-02-13T09:20:48.922-08:00Why Dogs Get Shot in the SouthAt least three to four times a year, we get a dog in to rescue that has been shot. Sometimes, the dog is lucky and only has a souvenir to remind him of his adventure in the form of buckshot in the backside. Sometimes, though, you get dogs in rescue like Elijah. Elijah was shot point blank more than ten times. He lost part of his jaw, his teeth and his front leg. He is a very, very lucky dog because he was found days after he had been shot. This is what that looks like, and I warn you, it's graphic:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcHuL8mtFO7SI5s04KvwILtHOkT7obO3aZPITNznQRdpFvWMKz0EkYpWjidLzhcuiRS4GgXHGsWAeSY1lLT9nvcCRRat0Dj1XNBBkE7q9ae1kuVXMItkydTY_EJmPvJ6CJf5jke1EAJg/s1600/elijah+3.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 318px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcHuL8mtFO7SI5s04KvwILtHOkT7obO3aZPITNznQRdpFvWMKz0EkYpWjidLzhcuiRS4GgXHGsWAeSY1lLT9nvcCRRat0Dj1XNBBkE7q9ae1kuVXMItkydTY_EJmPvJ6CJf5jke1EAJg/s320/elijah+3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573017933615937106" /></a><br /><br />Elijah was exceptionally lucky to have survived and he is now a very famous ambassador for the Great Pyrenees breed and rescue in general. (He is also living the high life now in Massachusetts, so rest easy). Elijah arrived right before Christmas in 2008 and his condition made me question the state of humanity. Aside from the obvious, the question is how could this happen? The reality is not easy, nor is there a simple solution.<br /><br />In many places across the South, there are no animal shelters. In extremely rural, poor areas, dogs are abandoned in the country because there's simply no place to house an unwanted dog and people like the fantasy that dogs will survive on their own and enjoy living free. Of course, spay and neuter in the long run is the solution, but the larger question is what do we do with dogs that are simply unwanted? <br /><br />Elijah came from Macon County, Tennessee. Elijah is one of many counties in Tennessee that have no animal control services at all. If a dog shows up on someone's property, the property owner has four choices: 1) look for a rescue or shelter somewhere else that will take the dog, 2) find the dog a home on their own, 3) ignore the dog and hope it goes away or 4) kill the dog with a gunshot. In rural areas, option 4 is considered perfectly acceptable and it is also legal to do this under the "livestock harassment" statutes. A starving, abandoned dog is going to search for food as best it can, and a chicken can be awfully tempting to a starving Mama with puppies to feed. <br /><br />So whose fault is this? In the South, taxes are low, but services are non-existent. To residents of New England, this state of affairs is almost inconceivable. However, when you consider that some rural areas have privatized even their most basic services like fire protection, you end up with cases where those who fail to pay are forced to watch their homes burn because there's no one to help since they didn't opt in for fire protection. Care for people is inadequate, let alone animals, and rescuers are shouting to be heard in a place where there are much higher budget priorities than animal shelters. <br /><br />There is no easy answer to the animal population issues in the South. Much of it is cultural as dogs are frequently viewed in the same light as livestock. Religion also plays a role and the tenet that God gave man dominion over all animals has also diminished the value of dogs in some people's eyes. Spay and neuter laws that are actually enforced is the key to resolving this issue, but we are sadly a very long way from seeing the end of the Elijahs of the world.Big Fluffy Dog Rescuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10764972064248471614noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315312449755498159.post-55990679620660187922011-01-30T13:18:00.001-08:002011-01-30T13:34:33.142-08:00Great Pyrenees puppies at playThese are three of our parvo survivors at play. We calculate that by the time we pay off all their expenses, they will cost us $240 a pound. We think they're probably worth it.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/iZefH2X3XAo?hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/iZefH2X3XAo?hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />If you would like to help us continue our mission to rescue dogs, you can donate here:<br /><br /><object width="250" height="250"><param name="movie" value="http://widget.chipin.com/widget/id/1c8f04a0c8a05986"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><param name="event_title" value="Help%20us%20keep%20Big%20Fluffy%20Dog%20Rescue%20going"></param><param name="event_desc" value="Big%20Fluffy%20Dog%20Rescue%20incurred%20an%20%2418%2C000%20vet%20bill%20for%2018%20critically%20ill%20puppies.%20Our%20ability%20to%20help%20other%20dogs%20is%20in%20jeapordy%20as%20our%20cash%20reserves%20and%20operating%20cash%20are%20gone.%20Please%20help%20us%20continue%20our%20mission.%20Thanks%20as%20always%20from%20the%20big%20fluffy%20dogs%20of%20the%20world."></param><param name="color_scheme" value="red"></param><embed src="http://widget.chipin.com/widget/id/1c8f04a0c8a05986" flashVars="event_title=Help%20us%20keep%20Big%20Fluffy%20Dog%20Rescue%20going&event_desc=Big%20Fluffy%20Dog%20Rescue%20incurred%20an%20%2418%2C000%20vet%20bill%20for%2018%20critically%20ill%20puppies.%20Our%20ability%20to%20help%20other%20dogs%20is%20in%20jeapordy%20as%20our%20cash%20reserves%20and%20operating%20cash%20are%20gone.%20Please%20help%20us%20continue%20our%20mission.%20Thanks%20as%20always%20from%20the%20big%20fluffy%20dogs%20of%20the%20world.&color_scheme=red" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowScriptAccess="always" wmode="transparent" width="250" height="250"></embed></object>Big Fluffy Dog Rescuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10764972064248471614noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315312449755498159.post-15767649149450012132011-01-29T21:31:00.000-08:002011-01-30T13:06:32.340-08:00Elijah, the gunshot dogMeet Elijah. Elijah is a 10 month old Great Pyrenees puppy who came in to rescue with us on Friday. Elijah had been shot in the face and had a .22 slug removed from his left cheek where it lodged after being shot through his chin. Another slug was discovered in his shoulder and surgery is set for Monday. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBCi0BG7lnX-O6oyV2_9hVhe_oLli_92Yo1wZzq6DXNJgoSdGezCD6mlcpwBblrvNgihwYMWtAW3H3YaLmVQg-fLTt-8SLMF0g9v2CPu8EZM7Boh4bcUkpbFKZO4vECA256cna9y8ZEQ/s1600/bullet.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBCi0BG7lnX-O6oyV2_9hVhe_oLli_92Yo1wZzq6DXNJgoSdGezCD6mlcpwBblrvNgihwYMWtAW3H3YaLmVQg-fLTt-8SLMF0g9v2CPu8EZM7Boh4bcUkpbFKZO4vECA256cna9y8ZEQ/s320/bullet.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567848177294461650" /></a><br /><br />Elijah was the <strong>third</strong> dog we took in on Friday that suffered a gunshot wound. I do not know what compels anyone to shoot a dog, but to have three gunshot victims in one day is unbearable. Sadly, one did not survive and we mourn his loss. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4fX0csKJQ7YFo092VgKnmJRtDP99udS3VTLmLpY0Vsh3BjvgYojXbVsY0Z4mLNP6Y4PPRZEGTeRmb7Ce2NAShyphenhyphen2rpY4rNPKCjvr3-E6mznByVB7hIYsniFGYpxyAArdwB_rarz6H-Q/s1600/bullet+2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4fX0csKJQ7YFo092VgKnmJRtDP99udS3VTLmLpY0Vsh3BjvgYojXbVsY0Z4mLNP6Y4PPRZEGTeRmb7Ce2NAShyphenhyphen2rpY4rNPKCjvr3-E6mznByVB7hIYsniFGYpxyAArdwB_rarz6H-Q/s320/bullet+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567851534573702450" /></a><br /><br />Elijah will make a full recovery and we expect him to make it without permanent damage, beyond a scar to his lip. We are expecting a $2000 bill for his care, so if you would like to donate, you can do so here: <br /><br><br /><object width="250" height="250"><param name="movie" value="http://widget.chipin.com/widget/id/04117414aa742859"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><param name="event_title" value="Elijah%20the%20gunshot%20dog"></param><param name="event_desc" value="Elijah%20suffered%20multiple%20gunshot%20wounds%20and%20is%20preparing%20for%20another%20surgery.%20We%20are%20raising%20funds%20to%20help%20cover%20the%20cost."></param><param name="color_scheme" value="red"></param><embed src="http://widget.chipin.com/widget/id/04117414aa742859" flashVars="event_title=Elijah%20the%20gunshot%20dog&event_desc=Elijah%20suffered%20multiple%20gunshot%20wounds%20and%20is%20preparing%20for%20another%20surgery.%20We%20are%20raising%20funds%20to%20help%20cover%20the%20cost.&color_scheme=red" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowScriptAccess="always" wmode="transparent" width="250" height="250"></embed></object><br />Thank you as always from the big fluffy dogs of the world.Big Fluffy Dog Rescuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10764972064248471614noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315312449755498159.post-16675741183971916752010-12-12T20:17:00.000-08:002010-12-13T17:03:04.943-08:00These dogs need rescue help ASAP in middle TN - UpdatedWe are helping with a hoarding case in middle Tennessee. There were more than 130 dogs of every conceivable breed and mix - 60 - 70 are still on property. Some are in better shape than others, but all are in serious danger. We have a deadline of Wednesday, December 15, 2010, to get these dogs safely to rescue. This is a small selection of what is in need, but these are the only dogs we have pictures of at the moment. If you are interested in rescuing any of these dogs, please contact <strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Holly</span></strong> at <a href="mailto:cloverforrover@yahoo.com"><span style="font-size:130%;">cloverforrover@yahoo.com</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">.</span> Please spread the word. Help is needed. <br /><div></div><br /><div>If you would like to donate to help defray the costs Big Fluffy Dog Rescue has incurred, you can <strong><span style="font-size:130%;">donate </span></strong><a href="http://bigfluffydogs.chipin.com/hoarding-dogs"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">here</span></strong></a>. </div><br /><div></div> <br /><div>These pictures were taken over the past two days, before the snow hit. There are more than 60 dogs still on the property in appalling conditions and without heat in these frigid temperatures. 60+ dogs have been removed. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>1. Sharpei mix. This poor boy is friendly and adorable and desperate for affection. He is in poor condition and has lost significant fur. He weighs around 65 pounds. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihnnZjNG-FFQcBMABixes7Mmfc_R74dCYaEZ4hcIBjrSUe413mDkZNhKJDJ6sdBRrp0iRmiLf_IpXvya-SvAKxeN86D6L1_gqtEGpf9b35lf09nVa_WFCpO-_TH5CWTIjmCi7joP40Wg/s1600/ken+4.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 165px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550022171363473826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihnnZjNG-FFQcBMABixes7Mmfc_R74dCYaEZ4hcIBjrSUe413mDkZNhKJDJ6sdBRrp0iRmiLf_IpXvya-SvAKxeN86D6L1_gqtEGpf9b35lf09nVa_WFCpO-_TH5CWTIjmCi7joP40Wg/s320/ken+4.jpg" /></a><br />2. Red pit. This dog is so sweet, but in very very poor condition. He is missing most of the fur on his body, he is covered with sores from head to toe from being attacked by other dogs, and he is seriously underweight. I think he will need to be an only dog in light of what I saw, but there's no way to know.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwzWxsDa0aM-o26xOc5vRWxcLWwnY7I-uNf7TNatLP0JFGzYZuqSmIjjGsu8NYxrGi117JVxZfVv7qlZ2oEaGpsRxkmS8Pgbj9A5MNrsDcGBbAOcsofKtaRZup39z_zc5H-scAmSPEA/s1600/red+pit+2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 287px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwzWxsDa0aM-o26xOc5vRWxcLWwnY7I-uNf7TNatLP0JFGzYZuqSmIjjGsu8NYxrGi117JVxZfVv7qlZ2oEaGpsRxkmS8Pgbj9A5MNrsDcGBbAOcsofKtaRZup39z_zc5H-scAmSPEA/s320/red+pit+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550022716270008658" /></a><br />and<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn4WUsLlCmwq4Av3jbuVdGjoquTDDAVykVXDilxakuFNtVpGyvu1S2LwaK1u2_2_8k6Uv_wqHXUEJgTjoPYfukcpQAO8giUPhPrgUqXG_opIxhcMNfqBsHgkgWlBhaEVLLw8awmGCB0g/s1600/red+pit+3.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 257px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn4WUsLlCmwq4Av3jbuVdGjoquTDDAVykVXDilxakuFNtVpGyvu1S2LwaK1u2_2_8k6Uv_wqHXUEJgTjoPYfukcpQAO8giUPhPrgUqXG_opIxhcMNfqBsHgkgWlBhaEVLLw8awmGCB0g/s320/red+pit+3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_.ID_5550022638715848914" /></a><br /><br />3. Collie/shep mix "Brady". This is a young dog and was in good condition. Very friendly.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOUfhaSgBFIBfpCjyZbyiiJLzt7iPn0hTVGj6oY9585qFTkXxDt4fmsZ_wdttZvrPYFl4OQYLNRpS1Rs7KoPOh-oLUOs7_fTP14647VczxSKxiaPU1csT-z2yFqTFlfIJfimJEnFw1WA/s1600/brady+2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 287px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOUfhaSgBFIBfpCjyZbyiiJLzt7iPn0hTVGj6oY9585qFTkXxDt4fmsZ_wdttZvrPYFl4OQYLNRpS1Rs7KoPOh-oLUOs7_fTP14647VczxSKxiaPU1csT-z2yFqTFlfIJfimJEnFw1WA/s320/brady+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550023033116326850" /></a><br /><br />4. Boxer mix puppy. This puppy was probably 16 weeks old. Very friendly. Active. In good condition.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYpNHOhqJ2UyHYFMYHQD-AWdynFdVo3DMFeQ4HKxr6_v20VCI-tjsby5s12PzcOrkB0nrXuU-vPkOzuOFS8297BLde2Z7JEMShYRlumVSkKG9gXO-Ef8hwFBaKFVfzB9itje21eFkLA/s1600/boxer+mix+puppy+2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 274px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYpNHOhqJ2UyHYFMYHQD-AWdynFdVo3DMFeQ4HKxr6_v20VCI-tjsby5s12PzcOrkB0nrXuU-vPkOzuOFS8297BLde2Z7JEMShYRlumVSkKG9gXO-Ef8hwFBaKFVfzB9itje21eFkLA/s320/boxer+mix+puppy+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550023348799684946" /></a><br /><br />5. Another red pit, male, unaltered. Friendly with people. Unknown on other dogs. Moderate condition, patches of mange and an eye infection. Needs care. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-kNerFr0bXOtu0gMrJaoOl-JJksRXMgKluNLnbq_ulWpyfJluBW1EEolw6LSstwS-oE4KtbUTuIqGGPRyS6GNXWWdsD_K_umkzQoDJ8BVqpwPt0tripDDHLNQ7j9mf14f1RfszUvkA/s1600/axel+3.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 319px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-kNerFr0bXOtu0gMrJaoOl-JJksRXMgKluNLnbq_ulWpyfJluBW1EEolw6LSstwS-oE4KtbUTuIqGGPRyS6GNXWWdsD_K_umkzQoDJ8BVqpwPt0tripDDHLNQ7j9mf14f1RfszUvkA/s320/axel+3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550023831186347794" /></a><br /><br />6. Deaf English setter mix. Female I think. Very friendly and good with other dogs. Seemed in good condition.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBMzwHNGIwqOl06ODwuHEly87cNHOJmfNOnctDsBj6RTVpzRYWJKM4yOY5X_l3MOClHjkepAz0opz9wHsi_IcSGhuqlw37OGwZcx1hl85gfotLD-hE2kROSsJU0HOKQVKS7PIHg-CmQ/s1600/deaf+pointer.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBMzwHNGIwqOl06ODwuHEly87cNHOJmfNOnctDsBj6RTVpzRYWJKM4yOY5X_l3MOClHjkepAz0opz9wHsi_IcSGhuqlw37OGwZcx1hl85gfotLD-hE2kROSsJU0HOKQVKS7PIHg-CmQ/s320/deaf+pointer.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550024116186513154" /></a><br /><br />7. Bernese Mountain dog mix. He probably actually is a swissie or berner mix. Young - less than a year at a guess. 80 pounds or so. Moderately bossy but fine with other dogs. <br /><br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1IWabQlVquEWD1p9t3QaNsG74pXpAbdSfgx2P9sh53beePOoSaXYAoDRdnlPkLKpokNEbZqoXTdEnoy0jSdlonWe7VguP6TjwBpgnPnzlbpePPKj-m7RyjAQXOXdTL0Q0p2DxhvRi4w/s1600/berner%252C+deaf+pointer%252C+pit.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 290px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1IWabQlVquEWD1p9t3QaNsG74pXpAbdSfgx2P9sh53beePOoSaXYAoDRdnlPkLKpokNEbZqoXTdEnoy0jSdlonWe7VguP6TjwBpgnPnzlbpePPKj-m7RyjAQXOXdTL0Q0p2DxhvRi4w/s320/berner%252C+deaf+pointer%252C+pit.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550024660634667026" /></a><br /><br />8. Another pit - in kennel with catahoula, deaf pointer and berner. Very sweet. Small. Bad mange. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinGIJVL3_jf-DGuI9O-5FY2Nb3qTWk56X34sxwbSC3cbgOPQ2Yo9FENqmVd6MchaYpL-JtBT57ex94vymKSYfSbg2xL6YNmnXXVesQi2s4qUbeYnzgZK9YcaSYA6XoD5RD9veoSgzUZg/s1600/catahoula%252C+pit%252C+berner%252C+deaf+pointer.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 274px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinGIJVL3_jf-DGuI9O-5FY2Nb3qTWk56X34sxwbSC3cbgOPQ2Yo9FENqmVd6MchaYpL-JtBT57ex94vymKSYfSbg2xL6YNmnXXVesQi2s4qUbeYnzgZK9YcaSYA6XoD5RD9veoSgzUZg/s320/catahoula%252C+pit%252C+berner%252C+deaf+pointer.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550024969200325842" /></a><br /><br />9. Catahoula. Very young, very pretty. Red merle. Nice dog in good condition. In with the deaf pointer, berner and small pit bull.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Lod-VHyXHIjgeV2MVTMJkZvR892ZTPOfWL3BRbIbVx8joS87VhTXz-hDMmvkrZPvTosCRtGQo7ZWzmkjz1S7EiuLCHcu9Dcchv_VlCgfnzCmfAQDm-GSGnzmxOipKgZRO0q4WtYL5Q/s1600/catahoula.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 215px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Lod-VHyXHIjgeV2MVTMJkZvR892ZTPOfWL3BRbIbVx8joS87VhTXz-hDMmvkrZPvTosCRtGQo7ZWzmkjz1S7EiuLCHcu9Dcchv_VlCgfnzCmfAQDm-GSGnzmxOipKgZRO0q4WtYL5Q/s320/catahoula.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550025224511224578" /></a><br /><br />10. Husky. This one is a confirmed cat eater, but other than that, very sweet. He was in good condition. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6EbwDWfsnNXubbLSgUJO9aGgm9FbcmFryihNJy2fqvTyR1Yypv8w12z6MY2XUolbpFPUZmRUM40i7a8oGDnoGQeeSajPXxA8v-BxA0yf1ClKGyxvWH0ULgKr3lU63Qz7wRzqIa7nlw/s1600/london.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6EbwDWfsnNXubbLSgUJO9aGgm9FbcmFryihNJy2fqvTyR1Yypv8w12z6MY2XUolbpFPUZmRUM40i7a8oGDnoGQeeSajPXxA8v-BxA0yf1ClKGyxvWH0ULgKr3lU63Qz7wRzqIa7nlw/s320/london.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550025458196925858" /></a><br /><br />11. Another pit bull - this one is male (I think) with brindle patches on a white body. very friendly.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnNcg2imFvqekMHHGGEjcCakMjO0kddRlXsXA1CSqkHRYa3GLrr4JEAHM1YN_ce_-QCJ9m78b2tr9ytL05BB5KSEoOkRH1YPFIzAOEE3evMXXPcTPnN-6S2AsVP3cp6btg_Pc_Kk4k3A/s1600/brindle+pit+mix+-+only.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnNcg2imFvqekMHHGGEjcCakMjO0kddRlXsXA1CSqkHRYa3GLrr4JEAHM1YN_ce_-QCJ9m78b2tr9ytL05BB5KSEoOkRH1YPFIzAOEE3evMXXPcTPnN-6S2AsVP3cp6btg_Pc_Kk4k3A/s320/brindle+pit+mix+-+only.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550025608662287010" /></a><br /><br />12. An American eskimo and a black lab. I was not allowed to touch these nor was anything said, but I have learned these dogs are unsocialized. They appeared to be wary but approachable. These will need a rescue with patience.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60ttTYB6p7ma0MjInkZUeUzH-UP9WQ8kYyrw47ninsJNYpk85yJMkEDj8gu6-vRj-xabeMxum9sD6cHL4gCUJdY_2MkODjCeSA77hKXxh_5Rhfg3_cGiJogU8H_kNAYizl_oalEOjVw/s1600/eskie+and+black+lab+-+feral.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60ttTYB6p7ma0MjInkZUeUzH-UP9WQ8kYyrw47ninsJNYpk85yJMkEDj8gu6-vRj-xabeMxum9sD6cHL4gCUJdY_2MkODjCeSA77hKXxh_5Rhfg3_cGiJogU8H_kNAYizl_oalEOjVw/s320/eskie+and+black+lab+-+feral.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550025861648547250" /></a><br /><br />13. White pit bull with one blue eye. This dog stole my heart. Very sweet, very friendly. On the small side and in good condition. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEievzEAXf3sguklKT4w4uHBMZ6G49y6X29rcNoqeo9fivUsbPmw_KD3eVww7ezHw82orD0AhgXZ2VW42RP2r5-XFgnEMl-lsO-l-Ob0yMx7aNx5_nIputT69GOb50ta5hUA13mCroxN0g/s1600/pit+blue+eyed.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 297px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEievzEAXf3sguklKT4w4uHBMZ6G49y6X29rcNoqeo9fivUsbPmw_KD3eVww7ezHw82orD0AhgXZ2VW42RP2r5-XFgnEMl-lsO-l-Ob0yMx7aNx5_nIputT69GOb50ta5hUA13mCroxN0g/s320/pit+blue+eyed.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550026229615092962" /></a><br /><br />14. One pit bull, two boxer mixes. These dogs were friendly and seemed to be good with each other. There is one red pit bull, one elderly female boxer in poor condition and one boxer mix of unknown sex in good condition. The female boxer needs immediate intervention. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-j4BJvVgvrZ6szBgaGpWZDnCkZ6-uO86ZqW-czcvYDhUZJeJaiaosKImAGeYvpCQbAXmpdQh-sbc63h5Abekgu8_MHK7fzi_65sZeiO0wbEg5pCA-tfeC6pmCBbKvCie3Dvm2246qw/s1600/pit+boxer+mixes+2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-j4BJvVgvrZ6szBgaGpWZDnCkZ6-uO86ZqW-czcvYDhUZJeJaiaosKImAGeYvpCQbAXmpdQh-sbc63h5Abekgu8_MHK7fzi_65sZeiO0wbEg5pCA-tfeC6pmCBbKvCie3Dvm2246qw/s320/pit+boxer+mixes+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550026566557648194" /></a><br /><br />15. Six puppies. Four are black lab mixes and they are in terrible condition with mange and open sores on their body. There is a boxer puppy in there who wants to play with a plastic ring and a beautiful husky mix female puppy. The four puppies are in danger as they are in very poor body condition.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQraTv9JbGswDtlA9Il3vDoAr0ZUngrLKH-Zzihl-lXBiuhHkI4EenUWsEben6l1X6dTQTfONeu3rvjAH8zNEDPyxA1cD6dMJJhyPStQiDKwCh5behB4LTZ0P78ZYwbLbs7GnodbACw/s1600/puppies.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 207px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQraTv9JbGswDtlA9Il3vDoAr0ZUngrLKH-Zzihl-lXBiuhHkI4EenUWsEben6l1X6dTQTfONeu3rvjAH8zNEDPyxA1cD6dMJJhyPStQiDKwCh5behB4LTZ0P78ZYwbLbs7GnodbACw/s320/puppies.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550027215552771602" /></a><br />and<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCqcePi60-wF8cMIQvCLR4u5uvTOQxnJO6k6-Vv8oKJi3RSTZHhzpYHX47oIFSiJht08t8coYVbO16jb8IG8MQySWXU0Tevdyfx4VdDrqxG1fBhjjhQz0J-Z_0kc2ZgOVQ8nWQ-zDxxw/s1600/puppies+3.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCqcePi60-wF8cMIQvCLR4u5uvTOQxnJO6k6-Vv8oKJi3RSTZHhzpYHX47oIFSiJht08t8coYVbO16jb8IG8MQySWXU0Tevdyfx4VdDrqxG1fBhjjhQz0J-Z_0kc2ZgOVQ8nWQ-zDxxw/s320/puppies+3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550027143607841378" /></a><br />and<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWQkW_ft3hFHhA3Sp04IObIHrHAsJcZSSr0DPV27h60HShfHZJo8mEXKOXcrmpG0RfXJLNvBEynTUS20iTgBjzp_tpsI6zczNAGo_vCFsfKPxWg8L5A0lrvFqh5iUC-OVCRz-CKTOWw/s1600/puppies+4.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 317px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWQkW_ft3hFHhA3Sp04IObIHrHAsJcZSSr0DPV27h60HShfHZJo8mEXKOXcrmpG0RfXJLNvBEynTUS20iTgBjzp_tpsI6zczNAGo_vCFsfKPxWg8L5A0lrvFqh5iUC-OVCRz-CKTOWw/s320/puppies+4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550027064290570402" /></a><br />and<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBrHQMmWVyfVbedea4GMjrbZOfaYjUzezWy4B5drY7NCzBN2saNcC2CMbVjJM7yCGeHHvzGnXymr6cIDjf4I4PuJUWcITMq8c8vzUdD_lONZGY2wzGVv-elQs-qYba31kSKnlRoOmOlg/s1600/puppies+2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 257px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBrHQMmWVyfVbedea4GMjrbZOfaYjUzezWy4B5drY7NCzBN2saNcC2CMbVjJM7yCGeHHvzGnXymr6cIDjf4I4PuJUWcITMq8c8vzUdD_lONZGY2wzGVv-elQs-qYba31kSKnlRoOmOlg/s320/puppies+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550027009557434978" /></a><br /><br />16. Wilma, the blue pit. This dog is a project. She is in very poor condition and is poorly socialized. Not good with other dogs and she needs a very experienced handler.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxABrcsGqz4thpzcCpAatAKps4NwOlpwUayGb85jKn8VdbpzwEevjdGwONgTnyx4k58XI63-wrKQG_SrQrecHwRZtFFqB3vPLuk0Yfs_2W9jC2wYZZ1hR4_AMVSZXcqTwo49lvCewt_g/s1600/wilma.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxABrcsGqz4thpzcCpAatAKps4NwOlpwUayGb85jKn8VdbpzwEevjdGwONgTnyx4k58XI63-wrKQG_SrQrecHwRZtFFqB3vPLuk0Yfs_2W9jC2wYZZ1hR4_AMVSZXcqTwo49lvCewt_g/s320/wilma.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550027898759174658" /></a><br />and<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1M1GQMAfIt5EYj1CyeoWbQac43c6ulM4uvDL8U7SJKXOp_YNdIAlj_-mayGlG_vN9odcqPyB6l3zfMYoS1F-IrHQU_4Pb0brnEv1qWMw_VvK_2in8-bsoSrW0gijGZ10Qt6WTgHdUg/s1600/wilma+3.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 294px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1M1GQMAfIt5EYj1CyeoWbQac43c6ulM4uvDL8U7SJKXOp_YNdIAlj_-mayGlG_vN9odcqPyB6l3zfMYoS1F-IrHQU_4Pb0brnEv1qWMw_VvK_2in8-bsoSrW0gijGZ10Qt6WTgHdUg/s320/wilma+3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550027699003849090" /></a><br /><br />17. Last but not least, Samson. This dog was in good condition, but on a tie out. He is wary of new people, but friendly. Small. Spaniel mix.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghM-lceD_c2939v-viyk1c_wo5L-FC4ixQUJz_OZVwk40Y-hLo3Q70bjP2m_P2qsv_gA1kkiCM5ci_BHQMtG4clAupICf57K1Kp-FHN7QkO6WnxhguWLK34aR2WiYAwi7X1RMq3LpLSQ/s1600/samson.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 286px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghM-lceD_c2939v-viyk1c_wo5L-FC4ixQUJz_OZVwk40Y-hLo3Q70bjP2m_P2qsv_gA1kkiCM5ci_BHQMtG4clAupICf57K1Kp-FHN7QkO6WnxhguWLK34aR2WiYAwi7X1RMq3LpLSQ/s320/samson.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550028078756873618" /></a><br /><br />There are many more dogs than pictures still in need. Please spread the word.Big Fluffy Dog Rescuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10764972064248471614noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315312449755498159.post-73548458120662807452010-11-23T17:54:00.001-08:002010-11-23T20:26:46.906-08:00An Open Letter to RescuesThe word "rescue" is a simple word with a whole range of meanings. In the animal rescue world, "rescue" generally means an organization of any size that saves animals in need. Big Fluffy Dog Rescue fits within this definition, as do many others. However, rescue should mean a lot more if the organization is adopting the animal its saves to the public.<br /><br />Recently, I received a call from an adopter of a Great Pyrenees puppy that had been adopted from another rescue (not Big Fluffy Dog Rescue). The puppy was sick and the adopter needed advice. This is hardly unusual as every rescue gets random calls like this. Sometimes, an adopter does not really understand that the rescue the puppy was adopted from is run by volunteers who have job commitments elsewhere and they want an instant response. Lack of an instant response is not a sin for any rescue and adopters need to be patient. What surprised me about this call were the facts laid out for me by the adopter.<br /><br />The puppy in question was adopted at eight weeks of age straight off transport. This puppy came from Missouri and was listed for adoption on a New England website. The Petfinder listing for the posting showed a dog that was clearly no more than five weeks old but claimed to be seven weeks old and stated that the dog was ready for immediate adoption and transport. USDA regulations mandate that the puppy be a minimum of eight weeks of age before transport. Big Fluffy Dog Rescue will not place a puppy under ten weeks of age, and typically, puppies we place are older than twelve weeks at the time of adoption. (We consider it risky to place puppies without two sets of shots, and there are rescues that mandate three sets.) The paperwork received from the rescue showed one handwritten sheet with a single distemper parvo shot label affixed to the paper. All this puppy had received was a single shot which according to the paperwork, had been administered four days prior to transport. The price for this puppy? $350 to the "rescue" plus the cost of transport. My friends, this is not rescue. This is selling dogs and it must stop.<br /><br />The ethical approach to rescue requires that the rescue not add to the problem or create a new one. In the midwest and the South, there are legions of unaltered dogs adding more and more unwanted puppies to the population. New England has largely managed to stop this and the problem with unwanted dogs there is largely (although not totally) limited to specific breeds and not dogs in general. Rescues bringing in dogs that aren't vetted properly or altered risk everything rescue stands for. The puppy is at risk for disease and can be a carrier of disease. The puppy may also grow up to breed unwanted puppies in an area where this was not a problem. Under any scenario, it is never OK to place dogs into homes that are not properly vetted. Shipping unvetted, unaltered dogs to an adopter under the label of "rescue" is no better than if the dog had come from a puppy mill. This is a loophole that any disreputable puppy mill could use to sell its puppies under the guise of rescue, thus whitewashing the true origins of the puppy. Do I think this is a common occurence? No. Do I think it could happen? Absolutely.<br /><br />There is absolutely no ethical reason that any rescue should send a dog to an adopter or place the dog in a home for a fee when the dog has not had basic vetting. At a minimum, a reputable rescue should ensure the dog has had suitable and age-appropriate distemper/parvo, bordetella and rabies shots, the dog should be spayed or neutered, and the dog should have been tested for heartworms if the dog is old enough for this to be a concern. Big Fluffy Dog Rescue does a great deal more than this for its dogs and is adding canine influenza shots as soon as our vets begin to carry the vaccine in the new year. However, at a minimum, most rescues would agree this is a minimal amount of care that should be provided before adopting a dog to a public. So why are some rescues sending out unvetted, unaltered dogs into the world for a relatively hefty fee in proportion to the veterinary care actually provided for the dog? I'm not sure I know.<br /><br />I have had discussions with many rescues about the difficulty in finding vets that will alter puppies prior to six months of age. I recognize there are some vets that simply refuse to alter puppies less than six months of age. If this is the case, find another vet. It's that simple. Taking a small deposit as insurance that the dog will be altered simply takes too much control from the rescue's hands. As a rescue, you should never be in a position to have to wonder if the owner of the dog actually got the spay/neuter done. Worst case scenario as an example: you follow up and the adopter refuses to alter the dog. You go to court to enforce your contract. This assumes that a) you have the funds to hire someone to enforce your contract, b) that the judge will agree with you and c) that the dog has not already been bred. Are you willing to risk this?<br /><br />I have had other discussions with people about the need to move dogs quickly so they don't hold them that long before moving them for adoption. This is also completely irresponsible. I understand all about facing daunting numbers of dogs dying in shelters, but this does not excuse the rescue from responsibly dealing with the dogs in its care already. If you are rushing dogs out the door without properly quarantining the dogs for an appropriate length of time after they have been pulled from disease-ridden shelters, then you are risking not only your dogs, but other dogs on transport and in the public and in the adoptive home, and this is simply unacceptable and irresponsible. Eventually, if you are doing this, you risk the very concept of rescue as states shut the doors to rescue. Do you really want to be the reason that rescue was shut down?<br /><br />If you are assisting other rescues in placing dogs through your organization, you have an obligation to know who you are dealing with. While we all want to believe that rescues are all doing right, this is not true. There are bad rescues just like there are bad people. Unless you have inspected the rescue's records and know the rescue to be doing the right thing, you are part of the problem if you help someone adopt dogs without making sure that the rescue has vetted the dog. If you are taking money to help place the dog, you are a dog broker and nothing you can say to me in support of that practice will change that. If you are a dog broker, you are selling dogs. This is not an acceptable, ethical practice even if you are using the funds to fund your rescue efforts. By all means, help a rescue, but don't take their money. It looks bad and it makes rescue as a whole look shady. We already fight the label from the uneducated quarters that we are "selling" dogs. Please don't make it true.<br /><br />I understand that there will always be mistakes made. We all do it and it will happen again to us and to you. C'est la vie. I also know that dogs will get sick even with the best care. That does not mean we can't learn from our mistakes and try to improve our practices. I realize there are discussions to be had about the many animal control facilities and shelters allowing dogs to be adopted without even a spay or neuter, but rescue needs to clean up its act before it turns its eyes on the animal shelters that permit this practice.Big Fluffy Dog Rescuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10764972064248471614noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315312449755498159.post-67492679324359942072010-11-22T20:23:00.000-08:002010-11-22T21:00:37.561-08:00A day in the life of a rescuer: saving ThunderLast week, Thunder came in to rescue with us. Thunder was a working dog guarding goats by himself in the field. A pack of coyotes doing what coyotes do decided to lure him off to get a quick dinner. Thunder tried to defend his charges and ended up badly injured. His owner took him to the shelter because he could not afford to fix him. The shelter has no budget and took him to a vet that would only close him up, but the shelter could not pay for drains or antibiotics, so the vet stapled him up and he went back to the shelter. Three days later,Thunder was in dire condition.<br /><br />Thunder had a fever and a raging infection. Pus was pouring from the wound and Thunder's chest muscle was necrotic. To save Thunder, a volunteer had to go get Thunder from the shelter and pay $80 for a pull fee. This is during the work day, so she had to make time to get him. His rescuer then drove him 35 miles to a vet that could work him in last minute.<br /><br />The vet got Thunder and immediately set to work cleaning the wound and removing dead tissue. This is after the dead tissue was removed, but before the wound was closed and a drain inserted:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDuhoqDiUdMWQEqCOynLEXON1kdjLDJTYZrkVf39PrrUS-zA3_3dqmGjhtIyU9apqJQ6rbn-PoQ47-pxKNafvQ8pDzjKSkd_R396ThchrEEFlfCVnwrHNRu2hiDclumpXzRse7PhO2lg/s1600/chest+injury+2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 305px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542597728254802114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDuhoqDiUdMWQEqCOynLEXON1kdjLDJTYZrkVf39PrrUS-zA3_3dqmGjhtIyU9apqJQ6rbn-PoQ47-pxKNafvQ8pDzjKSkd_R396ThchrEEFlfCVnwrHNRu2hiDclumpXzRse7PhO2lg/s320/chest+injury+2.jpg" /></a><br />Once the wound was closed, it was time for IV antibiotics. Three days later, Thunder was ready to go. Total cost for 3 days of care with IV antibiotics and wound care: $987.62.<br /><br /><br />Thunder after three days at the vet:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyl9kBBnfv7A1H02TlBtTEKeNth3SS_xuaD_3pehXDjjPDolxCDDPvoKWLG3j4d6prkm-iyLGst1_mK4Dra5RVutoX-zQh8MyauEpHh3LmWIQF_1Ogu2rL7sqEWL0zm-oI8eyFeSkEOQ/s1600/injured+le.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542598225431899090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyl9kBBnfv7A1H02TlBtTEKeNth3SS_xuaD_3pehXDjjPDolxCDDPvoKWLG3j4d6prkm-iyLGst1_mK4Dra5RVutoX-zQh8MyauEpHh3LmWIQF_1Ogu2rL7sqEWL0zm-oI8eyFeSkEOQ/s320/injured+le.jpg" /></a><br />It was time for Thunder to go home to foster and get well. Because no foster homes were open, Thunder went to a home that already had two other foster dogs in house plus four of their own dogs. Foster homes are frequently the difference between life and death for a dog.<br /><div><br />Thunder looked and smelled awful. He was matted, had ticks, and was dirty and smelled like goats. Ick. First things first: deticking. Ticks are disgusting and they cause disease, but they don't go away without being removed. His foster Mom picked off more than 200 ticks. We have had dogs with more than 1000 ticks covering the dog. Once deticked, it's time to remove mats to get a good look at the skin below. With the aid of a rake and a mat comb, Thunder filled up a 25 gallon trash can with discarded dead nasty smelly old fur:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhILbyfq55RPreGsCOPYs5eHpoQUHHXhGOM5clPwcWToPEeTAjrrn2WhfyuSj2sbEMECgQUUoBogd78EoH9P-f1FtPAk3NmV-90Py0U4oFqXg7wUcgGMatvK-U6313rk5WCgbij7Gw3nQ/s1600/Thunder+fur.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542599841087276786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhILbyfq55RPreGsCOPYs5eHpoQUHHXhGOM5clPwcWToPEeTAjrrn2WhfyuSj2sbEMECgQUUoBogd78EoH9P-f1FtPAk3NmV-90Py0U4oFqXg7wUcgGMatvK-U6313rk5WCgbij7Gw3nQ/s320/Thunder+fur.jpg" /></a><br />His foster Mom spent 6 hours removing mats from his body. However, the mats may have been removed, but he was nasty and smelly and needed a bath. No groomer will touch a dog in his condition, so his foster took him to Wags and Whiskers to bathe him. Big Fluffy Dog Rescue gets lots of help from odd corners, and Wags and Whiskers has always been helpful to our rescues. Thunder cooperated by slowly walking up the ramp and calmly sitting in the tub. <div><br />An hour later and lots of soap and careful washing and rinsing to be sure the injured area stayed dry, and we had a clean and sparkling white Great Pyrenees boy. Add in the cost of the bath and the new collar to make the handsome boy even more handsome, and the total cost to date is just shy of $1100. At this point, Thunder has not been neutered, has not had his shots and has had no other vet care other than emergency vet care. We have another $300 to spend minimum. Here's Thunder clean (with some leaves added after a happy roll under the tree post-bath) and happy and hanging out with his foster friends:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCvgOSDKX0PFCL4CHEmWvj_oojv00dd3_GEskB83obafsRlvqAsO5T5O74zDvOEQ7suUjMFv33S_OMFBSLyri2tCnZ17t1p79ef4AvDDf_1-3v_HtlFVnR1gqiNMO5v3403P03Ai9C2w/s1600/Thunder+and+Baxter.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542601643246228594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCvgOSDKX0PFCL4CHEmWvj_oojv00dd3_GEskB83obafsRlvqAsO5T5O74zDvOEQ7suUjMFv33S_OMFBSLyri2tCnZ17t1p79ef4AvDDf_1-3v_HtlFVnR1gqiNMO5v3403P03Ai9C2w/s320/Thunder+and+Baxter.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br />With a foster home open, his temporary foster home drove him another 40 miles to get to his new foster home. Here is Thunder in his new foster home:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzunxTV-OS9_pIYHc62puqH5V6ya8nxFpLVr7PZ5KE4H9Ft7L4Wu1UjW9DIOd0uweprmhhKhECaVy0rmknCdU28Wt8WuimAxUkF3KWtalZUvuWfx1F7En9riIX2PmE4uuxL54ZNvFyg/s1600/thunder+2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 282px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542602797862941474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzunxTV-OS9_pIYHc62puqH5V6ya8nxFpLVr7PZ5KE4H9Ft7L4Wu1UjW9DIOd0uweprmhhKhECaVy0rmknCdU28Wt8WuimAxUkF3KWtalZUvuWfx1F7En9riIX2PmE4uuxL54ZNvFyg/s320/thunder+2.jpg" /></a><br />In three to four weeks, Thunder will be ready to go to his new home which will require more vet work, transport and volunteers to get him to the transport and picked up from the transport. Hopefully, before Christmas, Thunder will be in a new home with a family who will adore him.<br /><br />Not all rescues are this complicated or terrible, but they all involve money, time and to a certain extent, the juggling of resources. Every rescue has problems arise: a foster has to cancel out, a dog ends up with a serious and expensive health problem, or an adopter fails to pay an adoption fee and the scrambling to cover costs ensues. For every wonderful dog we have placed over the years, there is a long litany of obstacles overcome and every dog is a testament to the work we do and the adopters who make these dogs members of their family. So the next time you see a dog in rescue, you will know about the time, money and energy that went into rescuing that dog, so raise a toast to the fosters and volunteers that made the dog the beautiful, well-adjusted pet that it is.<br /><br />If you would like to contribute to Thunder's fund, you can do so here: <strong>http://bigfluffydogs.chipin.com/thunder-attacked-by-a-pack-of-coyotes</strong></div></div></div>Big Fluffy Dog Rescuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10764972064248471614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315312449755498159.post-54095533279867719922010-11-16T19:16:00.000-08:002010-11-16T20:18:39.540-08:00Thunder - attacked by coyotesThunder came to us this afternoon in terribly sad shape. Thunder is a 9-10 month old male Great Pyrenees who was turned in to a shelter by his farmer owner. Thunder had a gaping chest wound which required immediate attention. For whatever reason, the vet the shelter took the dog to for temporary care simply stapled the wound shut without drains, antibiotics, pain medication or other care. By the time we got him today, he was a mess with a very serious infection.<br /><br />This is the picture of Thunder we got asking for help which was surprisingly benign:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIyJdXxwU6UnQrdmilkpsngIk2KNv67c-ca8qa5IPOHq-mH_ejKwg6kHn1HO9wTUHDN8NPT4RICAz4Lcdb8Zf5sivl0evNLq2MhmjQYAiWInP2gY6N2YPkC5paI5X7RmJrypc_GNpxiA/s1600/thunder.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540356599452387186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIyJdXxwU6UnQrdmilkpsngIk2KNv67c-ca8qa5IPOHq-mH_ejKwg6kHn1HO9wTUHDN8NPT4RICAz4Lcdb8Zf5sivl0evNLq2MhmjQYAiWInP2gY6N2YPkC5paI5X7RmJrypc_GNpxiA/s320/thunder.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />He did not look like he was in terrible shape, so we were shocked to find this was what his injury was under his fur:<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9fixl6qY6ZdgcsICoq2PImldt_jNSJGSavhoRzUyNAPsSUTbUXsVEBbARLi0psSsIOrnMQnoTdkdnQy7cRAxqPs8CYKzv6iSo33VcU_1k9KDYhjDKg5PGKJMqdpxz5ZocfBP_uPQ9A/s1600/chest+injury+2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 305px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540356904449382130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9fixl6qY6ZdgcsICoq2PImldt_jNSJGSavhoRzUyNAPsSUTbUXsVEBbARLi0psSsIOrnMQnoTdkdnQy7cRAxqPs8CYKzv6iSo33VcU_1k9KDYhjDKg5PGKJMqdpxz5ZocfBP_uPQ9A/s320/chest+injury+2.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Thunder is covered with puncture wounds and this very serious rip just below his throat. It appears that Thunder was a working dog in the field and was attacked either by coyotes or possibly feral dogs.<br /><br />Thunder needs a foster where he can get well and we need help with fundraising his care. Thunder is currently in the hospital with drains and getting antibiotics to knock the infection.<br /><br />The chip in for his care is here: <strong><span style="font-size:130%;">http://bigfluffydogs.chipin.com/thunder-attacked-by-a-pack-of-coyotes</span></strong>. If you are interested in fostering Thunder and are in the middle Tennessee area, please let us know. Thanks from the big fluffies of the world.Big Fluffy Dog Rescuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10764972064248471614noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315312449755498159.post-67491435183038874302010-11-10T19:54:00.001-08:002010-11-10T20:17:57.209-08:00Home for the holidays - help us help the homeless dogs for ChristmasToday is November 10. We are two weeks and a day from Thanksgiving and 45 days from Christmas. This is the time of year we all start to think about our families and the traveling, buying and general mayhem inherent in enjoying (and sometimes just surviving) the holidays. However, as a rescuer, I dread holidays. This is the time of year when the most dogs die in kill shelters simply because boarding is unavailable and foster homes dry up as everyone is just busy. It is tragic, but we can stop it now.<br /><br />This is Frost:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJUoYW_pRj_QdySUWp4UZerINX-M2ofL2iWZhHZYJ3_eWZwLBb5onGNrPEN4BoP2uek2AzxJBA77UdlXEUnExjvHVzPpeSA92S23Ft71aZDzbvtoAzN-1IGZb550L8jn8xsArfZj7Dg/s1600/Frost2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 302px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538140230564365394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJUoYW_pRj_QdySUWp4UZerINX-M2ofL2iWZhHZYJ3_eWZwLBb5onGNrPEN4BoP2uek2AzxJBA77UdlXEUnExjvHVzPpeSA92S23Ft71aZDzbvtoAzN-1IGZb550L8jn8xsArfZj7Dg/s320/Frost2.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Frost was found on December 22 tied on a chain at an abandoned farm. He was emaciated, weighing 55 pounds, had almost no fur and was actually partially frozen to the ground. We were fortunate to find vet care, but there were no foster homes available and there was not a boarding facility to be found. Frost tugged at our heartstrings and we moved heaven and earth to help get him to safety. Sadly, at the same time, there were 2 Saint Bernards, 4 Great Pyrenees and 6 pyr mix puppies we had no place for and they all were euthanized <em>because we had no space, no foster homes and no boarding available</em>. None of this would have been necessary if we'd had even three days' worth of boarding space available to get us past Christmas.<br /><br />With time short now and boarding kennels filling up, Big Fluffy Dog Rescue is taking a proactive but risky stance. We have rented space in blocks from a boarding facility. For $2000 a month, we can house up to 20 dogs while we find foster space for them, even if it's Christmas Eve. So from now until January 15, we have 20 spaces available at our beck and call. No one will die for lack of space.<br /><br />That's why we are asking for help to fund raise the cost of this project. We've paid it in in advance in blind faith that we can raise the funds so we can all enjoy our families and the holidays without the sinking feeling that we left behind a big fluffy dog in need. Please donate as you can and pass the word for our project. Every dog deserves a home and we would like to ring in 2011 with a whole new slate of happy big dogs looking for new families in the new year.<br /><br />If you would like to donate to the Home for the Holidays fund, you can chip in here: <strong>http://bigfluffydogs.chipin.com/home-for-the-holidays </strong>Big Fluffy Dog Rescuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10764972064248471614noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315312449755498159.post-23963270935672990142010-10-24T13:40:00.001-07:002010-10-24T13:47:07.944-07:00Steel traps and puppy pawsMeet Sunshine.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIIP-sdCESOBaI4Rd-KKutMT1ud6Q0EX63KXXSyYCOt7H8Gq2w0OBu17uF6QrDCz3oQsiuxf4LtZYBkvK7xZelJyuvoS8DnUSqj4sN8PZyAMPQuMr872sBtomZ1O3dgz4De_yaH6PVA/s1600/sunshine+2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 246px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531715697252294834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIIP-sdCESOBaI4Rd-KKutMT1ud6Q0EX63KXXSyYCOt7H8Gq2w0OBu17uF6QrDCz3oQsiuxf4LtZYBkvK7xZelJyuvoS8DnUSqj4sN8PZyAMPQuMr872sBtomZ1O3dgz4De_yaH6PVA/s320/sunshine+2.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br />Sunshine is a 3 year old aussie/beagle mix we have taken in to rescue. Sunshine has charmed everyone she has met, including us, and despite being neither big nor fluffy, Sunshine has found a spot in rescue with Big Fluffy Dog Rescue. Sunshine has an injury though, that is causing her a great deal of pain and she needs surgery. This is Sunshine’s paw:<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycOWhuXSA2i7m-_KVxD0X3PuLOWBHdJ-pHh7-8eD6zCzAypAbs-cFKYloy7QYpx7-jygnCtiM14aqR01EVpf76pHiWNNTlHqYBt0GPm7hLFUnqRSy_-kD1Cupr1mzwcHrYg_DZYX5tA/s1600/sunshine+foot.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 306px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531716057321030898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycOWhuXSA2i7m-_KVxD0X3PuLOWBHdJ-pHh7-8eD6zCzAypAbs-cFKYloy7QYpx7-jygnCtiM14aqR01EVpf76pHiWNNTlHqYBt0GPm7hLFUnqRSy_-kD1Cupr1mzwcHrYg_DZYX5tA/s320/sunshine+foot.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />Sunshine’s front right paw was caught in a steel trap which are sadly still legal in Tennessee. Sunshine’s paw was mangled and as the vet explained to us, even though it looks like it has largely healed and she is only missing half a paw, she has severe synostosis of the metacarpal which is causing her excruciating pain and she cannot put weight on that paw. The plan is to try to salvage the paw by relocating the bad and removing the last toe to ease the pressure on the nerve, but if the surgery starts and the surgeon feels he cannot stop the pain for her, Sunshine will become a tripod. We are fundraising for Sunshine’s care as we want the very best for her and we have set up a chip in here: <strong>http://bigfluffydogs.chipin.com/sunshine-of-the-mangled-paw-needs-surgery</strong><br /><br />Please pass the word and thanks as always from the big fluffy dogs (and not so big fluffy dogs) of the world.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijOnmn8Gd8wgIIAoKfacKBPikSJq97QqM8iZQjJZrh02GWmw-WBQH_Idd65nynLlcICBiKvWOUK78iqYSWakDL14ut5-tG1w4ostXZnUwk4cWZDygaBOrGkYr_XQotO4yn4avhkJWz6A/s1600/sunshine.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531716541210329618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijOnmn8Gd8wgIIAoKfacKBPikSJq97QqM8iZQjJZrh02GWmw-WBQH_Idd65nynLlcICBiKvWOUK78iqYSWakDL14ut5-tG1w4ostXZnUwk4cWZDygaBOrGkYr_XQotO4yn4avhkJWz6A/s320/sunshine.jpg" /></a>Big Fluffy Dog Rescuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10764972064248471614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315312449755498159.post-41663401555513552642010-09-20T07:11:00.000-07:002010-09-20T07:16:39.624-07:00Cinnamon the Burn Victim needs helpMeet Cinnamon. Cinnamon is a 5 year old non-descript brown dog from Tennessee. She is neither big, nor particularly fluffy, but we rescued her just the same. Cinnamon was badly burned, on purpose. She sat in a shelter for several days in this condition before she was rescued. The pain must have been unbearable.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHsLIR70JdLqTnPzcWO2G7GG22RPVVSdS_khXZPzTtrwWQF0VPEGFkV5IpQG0AvfjLrIGufozUbw8Qbe8IW9NJGu_YdyzSHrZ6IC-1v_JLOS0pgw-zj1lu9km4IlcqYYtyznuU2UG-Q/s1600/cinnamon.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 309px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518998318015979362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHsLIR70JdLqTnPzcWO2G7GG22RPVVSdS_khXZPzTtrwWQF0VPEGFkV5IpQG0AvfjLrIGufozUbw8Qbe8IW9NJGu_YdyzSHrZ6IC-1v_JLOS0pgw-zj1lu9km4IlcqYYtyznuU2UG-Q/s320/cinnamon.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvsTPD648wXe-wg1S6RUU9wuYZmy9KROmAarGFfL_PEZscyC4dn8aliP8NAEmsfIKeyRNCtgcemKCYiIzuno9l0eea_TkyI6RtFTO5dYM7MekbKMo71JV63B5yrdREkXxnEf4oSpoAfQ/s1600/cinnamon+2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 290px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518998498936572562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvsTPD648wXe-wg1S6RUU9wuYZmy9KROmAarGFfL_PEZscyC4dn8aliP8NAEmsfIKeyRNCtgcemKCYiIzuno9l0eea_TkyI6RtFTO5dYM7MekbKMo71JV63B5yrdREkXxnEf4oSpoAfQ/s320/cinnamon+2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />As you can see, she has signficant burns across her body.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjhAUysTpUJh5CtpKLu-Ewb9cv0eSZGx0o9yoW8owLijqFEWALiV5Tvy1zbPSG66yWUG5n6Bnc8oSR1lZ1q8zlnE__dM59CR3fXpSJUPvh-VWEcvv0faXoGdXGW4MuIhdKNvjbWc4ew/s1600/burn+1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 304px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518998767306277810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjhAUysTpUJh5CtpKLu-Ewb9cv0eSZGx0o9yoW8owLijqFEWALiV5Tvy1zbPSG66yWUG5n6Bnc8oSR1lZ1q8zlnE__dM59CR3fXpSJUPvh-VWEcvv0faXoGdXGW4MuIhdKNvjbWc4ew/s320/burn+1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />She has what would be termed second and third degree burns (in the vet world she has partial thickness burns and an area of full thickness burns) over 15-20% of her body. It is a miracle she was alive after this. She is now battling an infection and will likely require some skin grafting. We expect her to make a full recovery, but not without some extensive medical care and even so, she will have some scars that remain.<br /><br /><br />We have started a chip in for her care. If you would like to donate, you can do so here: <strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#990000;">http://bigfluffydogs.chipin.com/cinnamon-the-burn-victim-dog.</span></strong> She will also need a foster home at some point where she can recover. She is is in the middle Tennessee area now. If you would be interested in fostering her, please email chrissi@bigfluffydogs.com.<br /><br /><br />Thanks as always from the big fluffy dogs, and even the honorary ones.Big Fluffy Dog Rescuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10764972064248471614noreply@blogger.com0