More Summer Fundraising Fun !

What a beautiful morning!  It doesn't even matter that the dogs dragged their weight in mud home from the river!  The important thing is that by whatever yardstick one uses ... summer is really and truly here!
Once again, if you are looking for some summer fun that does double duty by helping the animals, there are a few fun things this weekend:

• Tomorrow , as with every summer of course, CAPS will be at the Middleton Farmers Market from 2 to 6 pm.
• CAPS will also be at the 4H Dog Wash and Pet Day at the Annavale Coop in Middleton, from 10 am till 2 pm.   There will be a BBQ and all proceeds go to the Lucky Stars 4 H Club ( the subject of how 4 H teaches children about responsible animal husbandry and commitment is normally a topic for a blog with a different focus than mine, eh?  But sometimes when it comes to the animals the lines can get a little fuzzy :)
• Bargain hunters can always check out the Second Chance Charity Booth at the Harbourview Market in Dartmouth
• On Saturday, the Vetcetera Annual Dog Wash and BBQ  will be offering all sorts of fun from 10 am till 4pm.  There will be of course the dog wash and BBQ, music from Lite 92.9 live on location, hospital tours, face painting and info booths from some of the shelters etc. There will also be a 50/50 draw this year.  All proceeds go to local animal rescue
• On Sunday, Sunday, June 26, from 11 am to 1 pm, East Coast German Shepherd Rescue will be holding their Monthly Dog Walk at the Salt Marsh Trail, on Bisset Road in Cole Harbour.
  

To Quote the old rascally rabbit ... that's all for now folks .. for this weekend anyway that I know of.  (If I've missed anyone please email, eh? )

Seven weeks .....

Seven weeks seems like a short time.   Its barely enough time for newly started tomato seeds to be ready for transplanting.   Its really not enough time for new pickles to properly mature.   And it certainly isn't enough time to tell if the tiny little pears will survive their natural predators long enough to be picked.

Still, seven weeks can be a lifetime.   It was just seven weeks ago that Quinn's life was about to take an abrupt turn for the better. 

Of course, Quinn had no idea that a rosy future was waiting in the wings.  How would he ever have imagined that kind words and a gentle touch were soon to be his?   Would he ever have dreamt of the lovely healing baths?  Of having his poor sore teeth fixed?  

He probably wouldn't have dared to imagine that in seven weeks he would be the well established celebrity greeter at Goshe Pet Care.  That regular clients would be so delighted to see his progress.  That visitors would come bearing treats and kind words?

Even this good care cannot completely undo a lifetime of neglect. Quinn's coat will never completely grow back in because his skin is just so thick and irritated in spots.  

Odds are to even that this is also the first real vet care for Quinn.  In his horrible old life, noone even bothered to cut his nails, eh?     Sheesh, his skin was in such rough shape that his neuter had to wait until the infection was cleared up, eh?

No sir.   In his horrible old life, if nobody cared that he was in such misery, odds are pretty good they never even bothered to check the state of his health.

That was seven weeks ago ... now Quinn's foster Mom is VERY attentive to his health and well being.   When Quinn was neutered, there was a tumour in one of his testicles.  At that time, it was hoped that the neuter would address the problem.

Lucky for Quinn that his foster Mom is on the ball.   When she found a hard little lump this week growing back where his testicle was, there was no dilly dallying.   Off Quinn went to the vet and he will soon be having surgery.

Seven weeks ago it might have been a different kettle of fish ... if anyone had even bothered to notice of course.

But that was yesterday ... so to speak ... and yesterday's gone.   Its early days to say what sort of treatment will be needed.  The only given is that Quinn will get the care he needs.

After everything that Quinn has been through, what a blessing that Atlantic Small Dog Rescue does not set a dollar value on 'treatable'.  Does that mean they don't have to worry about money?  Of course not!   It simply means that they will roll up their fundraising sleeves to make sure that Quinn has a shot at more than seven weeks of this new good life.

If you want to help with that, even with the postal lockout there are still a couple of options:

• Make a donation in his name to the Bridgetown Animal Hospital 902-665-4333
• Donate directly to ASDR via paypal - PayPal@asdrescue.com or
• send email transfer to Julie_Lannon@gmail.com

Seven weeks ago, Quinn had no idea he would spend his days so sociably while he was healing.  Of course, he had no idea that so many kind hearts would care about him and want him to have a better life.
Seven weeks sure isn't a very long time.   After everything he has been through, Quinn should have ever so much more than that!

Ready or not ....

From yesterday's Cape Breton Post
Pets Unlimited decision welcome

Published on June 20, 2011

Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post
The Pets Unlimited chain — which has 18 stores across Atlantic Canada — confirmed late last week that it’s no longer selling puppies.

The chain’s spokesperson didn’t give a reason for the decision, adding that will be explained this week.
Whatever the reason, the decision is welcome.
Nova Scotia SPCA executive director Kristin Williams told the CBC that one of two “mass breeding facilities” under investigation in Nova Scotia is shutting down because it supplied Pets Unlimited with puppies and will lose that business.
Williams differentiates between “mass breeding facilities” and “puppy mills,” but the distinction is somewhat obscure.
Although the mass breeding facilities aren’t illegal in and of themselves, they and stores such as Pets Unlimited have been subject to criticism by the public.
Specific accusations of neglect and overcrowding aside, the overarching problem with retail stores selling puppies is they provide the opportunity for people to make a knee-jerk, impulse purchase of a sentient being because it’s “cute.”
The trouble is, the puppy grows into a dog and goes on to live for 12 or 14 or 16 years if provided with even the minimum of care.
Unfortunately, that’s all many dogs get.
Alana McKay wrote a letter to the Cape Breton Post (Think long and hard before getting a dog, June 18, 2011), expressing sorrow and anger over the number of dogs she sees on her daily walks who spend most of their time tethered to doghouses by short ropes or chains.
“Animals are social beings,” wrote McKay. “When you make the decision to go out and adopt or purchase a dog, think long-term and consider the responsibilities of becoming a dog owner.”
There’s nothing to say a dog bought directly from a purebred breeder or adopted from a shelter won’t be neglected, but the forethought involved in both of those options suggests that’s less likely.
And there will always be an opportunity to get a puppy on an impulse as long as there are dog owners who don’t get their animals spayed and neutered.
Retail business is all about buying products at one price and selling them at a higher price. The advantage for the consumer is the convenience of having multiple products in one place.
That’s OK when the product is a watermelon or an SUV or a television. A puppy is a different story.
Those who want a specific breed, and have the money to spend, can visit and talk to reputable breeders, and inspect the facilities.
Those who simply crave a companion animal are urged to drop in to an animal shelter. The Nova Scotia SPCA has a “no-kill” policy, which means it only euthanizes sick or aggressive animals, and so has lots of dogs to choose from.
Well then.  Is this good news???  Of course it is.  While it is early days to break out the champagne, the simple fact is that it is huge, groundbreaking good news.
Even if this is simply a savvy marketing decision, it is still good news. For a major player to break ranks with the pet industry party line is a really big deal.   Remember that this is happening at the same time as the PIJAC inspired new "Breeder Codes of Conduct'  are being touted by the Urban Animal Summit
Until now, the pet industry has sung in closer harmony than any of my favourite bits from Glee.  To see such a wedge in such unity can only mean one thing... that public opinion about the practice of selling pets is changing.
A dear friend of mine who runs a very reputable rescue says that in the long run, there will be a noticeable impact on the load that animal rescue has to bear.
Does that mean there is no impact now?  Of course not!  In a world where we are still waiting for decent animal cruelty legislation, would the society have been able to shut down "one of two mass breeding facilities under investigation" ?  
Probably not ... especially since they are caught in the old catch 22 of needing more funds for investigations ... without having enough funds to successfully investigate and prosecute a case that would in turn garner the publicity needed to successfully fundraise. 
So it was, in Marthaspeak, a very Good Thing that Pets Unlimited are getting out of the puppy business.
Even better, every one of the cute little dogs that were surrendered to the society will finally have a chance at a decent life.
Best of all... none of these little dogs will go on to reproduce more 'product' that can be purchased on impulse.
When I was a little girl, summer started when we could play Red Rover after supper.   What time is it?  Even if we 'are not there yet', it is still sufficient unto the day to savour the significance of such a break in the line.
Coming  .... ready or not.  Childhood game.
Special note ... Pets Unlimited Press release on this subject finally came out today :
June 21, 2011 12:00 ET

Pets Unlimited is Pleased to Announce Their EVERY PET DESERVES A HOME Pet Adoption Agency Outreach Program
DARTMOUTH, NOVA SCOTIA--(Marketwire - June 21, 2011) -
Pets Unlimited has proudly been part of the Atlantic pet community since 1988. Over the course of the last 12 months we have been gathering information which has helped us to evaluate how best to serve the needs of the pet communities in the area. During that time we came to recognize that there is an urgent need to find homes for the thousands of pets in local Humane Societies, rescue groups and shelters. In January 2011, and in keeping with our mission of putting the care of pets first, we began the process of removing puppies for sale in our stores.

We are proud to announce:

• As of June 1, 2011 we no longer have puppies available for sale at any of the 18 Pets Unlimited locations.
• We have created the EVERY PET DESERVES A HOME Pet Adoption Agency Outreach Program which offers assistance to Humane Societies, rescue groups and shelters.

Our stores are visited by tens of thousands of pet lovers every year and are a natural forum for people to learn about all things pets. Our mission is to help increase the visibility of pet adoption agencies within the community by offering them the opportunity, within our stores, to educate the general public about their organization and the pets they have available for adoption.
Each store will have a dedicated area for adoption organizations to have a table and/or display where they would be encouraged to hand out brochures/pamphlets, handle adoption applications, and show photos of adoptable pets. Stores that can accommodate will also have kennel space devoted for this purpose.
We have began the process of reaching out to the long list of groups that we hope will take advantage of and benefit from the program.
For more information about or if you would like to become involved with Pets Unlimited's EVERY PET DESERVES A HOME Program we invite you to contact Amy Young at a.young@pets-unlimited.ca or 902-225-6968.

Not everything green is good for our pets

School is barely finished for the year, but the big box world is always a season ahead so space will soon be needed for the back to school bits.   What does that mean?   Why of course that this is the time for savvy shoppers to shop for summer things.
But wait just a minute!  Isn't summer just starting tomorrow?  You bet!  Works out rather well for us here in Nova Scotia, eh?   
Gardening has become incredibly popular in the last few years and there are very few big box or supermarket chains that do not throw up a temporary garden center to cash in on the market.  Seeing as unsold product will soon become compost, experienced gardeners are always on the watch for good sales at this time of year.
Even though big box stores are getting better about bringing in plant varieties that are actually suited to the local gardening zones, any other cautions are usually in such small print as to be easily overlooked.  
Why is that a problem?   Aren't plants green and natural and good for us?   Not always.   Children are forever putting things in their mouth.  Dogs and Cats love to munch on greenery.
Really ... its a shame that plants are not sold with the same helpful "No Kids / Cats / Dogs" cautions that one finds on Petfinder listings.  
So how is one to tell?   The short answer is that, just like with food and toys and trainers, one has to do a bit of homework.    You might find it helpful to check out this link  which, imho is the most comprehensive list of plants poisonous to pets.  
Our summers are so short that we spend all the time we can outside.   As a pet owner, it just makes sense to be an organic gardener.   As a pet owner, I would never dream of putting carcinogenic chemicals on my lawn.  As a pet owner, I am very careful of what I feed my family circle.
So it just makes sense to be careful with this too.   There are so many beautiful plants to choose from without picking anything that would put our pets in harms way.  As a sidebar note to that, if you are looking for more info on organic gardening, you can always go to my personal site.
The only two herbicides we recommend are cultivation and mulching.   Organic Gardening Magazine

Happy Father's Day

Animal Rescues put the fun in fundraising!

How can you have a bit of fun this weekend AND help the animals.  Sheesh... let me count the ways :

• Tomorrow afternoon, CAPS will be at the Middleton Farmers Market from 2 - 6 pm.  Click here for more details
• This Saturday afternoon, East Coast German Shepherd Rescue will be at Global Pet Foods in Halifax from 1 - 3 pm to give the public a chance to find out more about their rescue and to meet Charlie and Lily.
• This Saturday, June 18th, is NS Lab Rescue's annual Big Doggy Doo.  It is being held at the Shooters Restaurant in Enfield.  Viewing starts at six and the auction begins at seven.  For more info, please click here
• Second Chance Charity is of course always worth visiting at the Harbourview market, both Saturdays and Sundays, from 9am - 4pm.  Please click here for more info
• Here in the Valley, on Sunday the Furry Friends Inn is putting on their first annual Dog Fair.  Admission is free and dogs are invited to bring their humans as long as they keep them on a leash :)   Please go to the Facebook Event page for more info
• ca-r-ma is holding a Fundraising BBQ Sunday at the Halifax waterfront... see poster below for details.
• This Sunday, June 19th, GPAC will be at Hounds in the Park.  Click here for more info

When love shines a light

I love being able to put on a cozy fire when we come home from the woods all wet and dirty and cold.    And before the keyboards catch on fire .... the time to put on a fire to warm up is when it is cold out... whether that is June or January, eh?
Common sense should always transcend the calendar ... just as in the rescue community compassion often overrides original mandates!

• Lovely little Lily, pictured above, is actually available for adoption from East Coast German Shepherd Rescue. 
• On the other hand, there is a beautiful Rotti named Bruno  (see pic below) who is with Atlantic Small Dog Rescue
• Size clearly doesn't matter to ASDR ... if you will recall they were the ones who have so generously tucked The Mighty Quinn under their paw (scroll down to see a great new pic that clearly shows how well this grrreat guy is doing! )
• Nor is this the first litter of Lab mix pups that ASDR have brought into their care .... once again, scroll down for adorable pic of the cutie pies!
• Nor is Peekaboo the first cat that the (normally) dog focused Animal Rescue Coalitions have gone to bat for!   Last year, once a foster was found (thanks Karen :), ARC took in Tammy and Freddie knowing full well that it can take months and more to find homes for senior kittizens.   Special note to that ... Peekaboo still needs a foster home!!!!!
• PET Projects underwent a complete revision a couple of years ago so that they could better serve their community. Instead of struggling to maintain a shelter, they are now primarily a foster based rescue that has been redefined by its partnerships with its community

What time is it?   It is always time to salute the folks saving lives by thinking outside the box!
Love must be as much a light, as it is a flame. ~Henry David Thoreau

Honorary small dog, Bruno

Doesn't Quinn look wonderful!!!   What a miracle that he is such a sweet and gentle soul after everything that he has been through!

These lab mix puppies won't stay small for long!!!