The third dog of Christmas: William
William came to us on Saturday, December 15. He wandered up to a trailer in very rural Tennessee. He was emaciated, bleeding and as you can see, a complete wreck. The homeowner called a bunny rescue who called us (*thanks Laurie). We took him in immediately. William weighs 40 pounds and at 8 months old, should weigh 20-30 pounds more, but his growth has been stunted by malnutrition. William needs a foster and sponsors for his care as he is what we call a project dog. This dog is currently in Nashville and he needs a foster home to help him get healthy. He is very friendly and even in this condition wants to give you kisses. If you can foster William, please email erin@bigfluffydogs.com. If you would like to help sponsor his care, you can donate here: http://bigfluffydogs.com/pay-online.php. William says Merry Christmas and peace out.
Who wants to name our newest Big Fluffies?
We must warn you!
The puppies pictured below can cause signs of cuteness overload illness. Here are some of the signs: You might gasp, you might scream, you will most certainly say “Aaaawwww…”. Your heart might even melt with this much fluffy goodness.
Meet our newest baby Big Fluffies. These 6 sisters are five weeks old and are Great Pyrenees/Border Collie mixes and these little ladies need names.
If you want to be part of the fun, make a 5$ donation to Big Fluffy Dog Rescue.
www.bigfluffydogs.com/pay-online.php
In space where you can fill in the company, write down the puppy name and number. A five dollar donation allows you to submit ONE name for ONE puppy. If you make a $20 donation, you can submit names for all six of them. On Sunday evening we will have a random drawing of submitted names and let you all know the winners. If you are having trouble submitting all 6 names on the company line, you can email Jessica@bigfluffydogs.com once your donation is made.
Proceeds from this contest will go toward the puppies vet care.
If you have questions on the contest, email Elizabeth@bigfluffydogs.com
Tips on preparing for a hurricane with your pets
Life in New England is looking like it’s going to suck this coming week as the result of Hurricane Sandy meeting a strong cold front somewhere on the Jersey Shore and points north. I know you all are thinking you just did this with Hurricane Irene last year, but you all got caught flat-footed with the power outages that followed and the flooding. This is a short list of things you need to remember to have on hand before the storm:
1. Cash. In small bills. Credit and debit cards do not work without power. No one will be that impressed with your Black American Express card when you can’t use it and in natural disasters, $1000 bills are unhelpful.
2. Have a hard-sided carrier for your animals. It will help protect against flying debris in a disaster. Airline carriers also sort of float.
3. Food. Pets need food too. Think about what you might need to get by for one week. Then buy it. If you feed raw, buy kibble. Rancid meat is not OK.
4. Drugs. If your dog is terrified of storms, realizing that in the middle of the storm is unhelpful. Plan ahead and call your vet for anti-anxiety meds. This also applies to prescriptions your dog may need. Make sure you have one week’s worth of medications on hand. Your vet will have his or her own problems during the storm and your problems will be uninteresting to them at that time.
5. Pee pads/newspapers. During the height of the storm, you and Rover are not going to want to go out. Many well-trained dogs will suffer rather than go inside, but be prepared. Cat litter needs to be stocked up on for the cats.
6. Light sources that are not fire. Get a good lantern that is not fed by a flame. You are asking for it if you do. People forget that the world runs on electricity. Until they don’t have it. Stock up on batteries for that light source.
7. Water. Fill sinks, tubs and buckets with water. If the power goes out, you won’t have clean water and you may also need it to flush toilets. Gallons of water are always good so the dogs have water to drink too.
8. Ice. Jack your freezer as high as it will go and stuff it full of ice. Later, when your power goes out, you’ll be glad.
9. A full tank of gas in the car. Pumps won’t work without electricity. You may want to abandon ship post storm and it will suck if you can’t because you don’t have enough gas to get far enough inland to where power actually is on.
10. Charge your phone in advance and keep it off. You won’t be charging it without power. Ditto the Kindle if you plan to read in the dark.
11. Clean clothes. Do your laundry now. Make sure you have lots of blankets and if you have a fireplace, wood to burn since it’s going to be chilly after the storm. Dogs are only so helpful in keeping you warm.
12. Slip leads for your pets. Collars with leashes may not be enough to keep your pet safe if it’s truly freaked out and a slip lead will help keep a petrified pet safer by preventing them from breaking collars, etc.
These are the basic. Now some other things to remember to do:
1. Make sure your pets have collars and ID with tags that have your name and number on them. Pets lost in natural disasters are hard to reunite without them.
2. Keep copies of your pets’ records in a big ziploc bag. Kennels won’t take your animals in without records. Keep current photos of your pets in the bag with the records in case you lose your pet. You will be glad you have them.
3. Find out IN ADVANCE if the shelter you have chosen in the event of evacuation will take pets. In New York, the shelters last year in Irene were only taking “legal pets” that were registered. This makes me cringe. Make sure you have a contingency plan for your contingency plan.
Finally, in the name of all that is good and decent, if you are at risk of storm surge or flooding, have an evacuation plan and tell people where you will be going. Listen to the authorities. If they tell you to leave, get the hell out with pets in tow. Do NOT wait to see if it gets bad. If it does, you are way too late.
This ASPCA link has additional things to do.
Be careful and stay safe everyone.
Petunia needs a foster or forever home
Petunia the Great Pyrenees is looking for a special foster or forever home.
Petunia’s “before” pic
Petunia came to BFDR in rough shape after spending her entire life in a kennel. She is a sweet and wonderful girl, who is a taking a little while to acclimate to life in a home. She will take a little while to warm up in the house and will bark if she is nervous.
Petunia needs a person who can be patient while she settles in. She needs someone who is both confident and kind. Petunia has fabulous manners, loves children, gets along great with dogs, and is fine with cats. She has a great time at the dog park, and enjoys going for walks. Petunia is now searching for that special family who will teach her that she is now safe.
Petunia is a sweet and gentle soul who is very much worth, any effort you have to put in. If you think you might be the special person she has been waiting for, email Elizabeth@bigfluffydogs.com today.
Who would have guessed this pretty girl was so white!!
BFDR offer you can’t beat: buy a pound of puppy flesh and help save a puppy
This is Landon.
Landon, the adorable
Landon is a 6 month old Great Pyrenees puppy. All was well with him save for a case of demodectic mange which he has kicked until he started limping. Trips to the vet and then the orthopedic vet followed. It was finally determined that Landon’s limp was nothing to worry about. Fortunately (or depending on how you look at it, unfortunately), all those orthopedic visits and x-rays revealed a hidden case of OCD (osteochondrosis dissecans not obsessive compulsive disorder) in both shoulders which we never would have known about but for the extensive x-rays taken of all his joints. Although this is causing him no problems now, it will and it must be repaired as a puppy or he will suffer as an adult. This means two surgeries several weeks apart to repair his shoulders one at a time. Each shoulder will cost $1200 which is a deal (trust us on this – this is an expensive surgery and the ortho guy is being merciful).
To be able to afford this, we are starting the “A Pound of Flesh for Landon” fund. You too can give a pound of flesh to save a puppy. Landon weighs 55 pounds. His surgery is $1200. Dividing the cost of surgery by his weight gives you the price per pound. This means we need 55 donors to donate $22 each to fix this puppy for part 1 of the process. Basically, when all is said and done, Landon will have cost rescue about $50 a pound once we get the second shoulder done. He says he is worth it
If you would like to donate $22 to buy a pound of Landon, you can do so here: http://bigfluffydogs.com/pay-online.php. Just remember that if donating by credit card, put the word “Landon” in the line for company name, or if by paypal, leave us a message to seller that says “Landon”.
Landon thanks you and will keep you updated with a nifty chart showing how much of his flesh has been paid for.
Lonely Hearts Club: Fergie
Fergie is VERY lonely. She has been in boarding all summer waiting for someone to foster or adopt her.
Fergie is a 2 year old Great Pyrenees/ Brittany Spaniel mix. She is a little plump at 60 lbs, and would love a family who would take her on walks and hikes to regain her girlish figure. Fergie is a sweet girl who loves to lean on you while you pet her. She is wonderful with children and dogs. She ended up in boarding for the crime of kitty chasing, so a home with no cats is a must. The staff that takes care of her call her “The princess” and thinks Fergie would love a home with a little girl to love her.
Fergie is ready to experience all a New England Autumn has to offer with you. She wants to see the foliage, and snuggle on cool nights. Please BFDR fans, lets get Fergie into a home of her own and out of the Lonely Hearts Club.
If you can foster or adopt Fergie, email Elizabeth@bigfluffydogs.com
Noah and Moses don’t want to go to boarding.
How come no one wants Noah and Moses??
For the life of us, we are baffled as to why we can’t find Noah and Moses a foster or forever home.
Noah and Moses want to be in a home where they can play and snuggle with you!
They are great with kids, good on a leash, house trained, have excellent house manners, love to ride in the car, medium energy, sweet, affectionate, and overall just totally awesome boys. They mastiff/lab mixes who are 4 years old and will be amazing in just about any home. (Just one with no kitties)
If we don’t find them somewhere to go by Tuesday, they will have to go to boarding and we do not want to do that.
As a bonus: we had a volunteer donate food, leashes, collars, and bedding for these boys, so the adopter or foster won’t have to cover any of these costs.
New England folks: Please contact Elizabeth@bigfluffydogs.com if you can help. Let’s not allow Noah and Moses to be the next members of the Lonely Hearts Club.
Update on Lionel, our tripawd Pyr
For our fans who have asked how our young three-legged wonder is doing, here is his report from his foster Mom Sheila, who is by the way, totally awesome. A huge thank you Sheila from all 20,000 of us!
Lionel, looking good!
August 8-12th, 2012
I met my foster mom and dad today. One of the first things foster mom told me was “It’s better to hop on three legs than to limp on four.” She said some of her friends had come up with that. And she called me a tripawd. I liked the way that sounded!
I’m Lionel from Big Fluffy Dog Rescue. They saved my life and took care of me for a few weeks. I came to stay with my foster family on Wednesday, August 8th after having amputation surgery on August 7th. My left leg & hip were shattered when I was hit by a car and my rescue group and vet decided it would be in my best interest to spare me possible repeated surgeries attempting to repair the hip by amputating the leg. Amputation is a major surgery, but I feel so much better now— the pain of a shattered hip is gone, and I’m able to balance better with the leg out of my way. Dogs don’t worry about 4 or 3 legs like humans do. We’re just happy to be alive and loved.
My foster mom was so happy when I arrived bright-eyed, alert and very mobile for 24 hours post-surgery. I have no problem with the 3 steps off of her porch, but I do not like the hardwood floors inside. They are scary. But I figured it out—I can jump from rug to rug to avoid the slick floor. A friend of my foster mom’s who has a tripawd has said that her pyr eventually learned how to safely navigate slick surfaces. Until that happens area rugs or pet-specific gripper socks can be used to prevent falls and further injuries.
My foster family is cool. They treat me just like a dog. They do not pity me, nor do they allow anyone else to. They understand that yes, a bad thing happened to me, but I will be just fine. They are being careful that I do not fall or over do it, but the only “babying” that is going on is me getting petted all the time!
It’s important that my forever family be confident in my ability to live life as a “normal” dog.
I spent the first day and evening quietly in my crate, which I enjoy, or resting on the living room rug. I kept my walks to just the front yard for potty breaks, which were normal. I did whine just a little off and on, but I settled down quickly each time. Foster mom said it was important to take it easy, rest and she made sure I had my medicine when I needed it. I slept through the night like I usually do. The first night was so much fun—foster dad “camped” in the living room with me. He & foster mom did not want me to be alone. That was fun! He still sleeps with me in the living room just in case I need him at night.
Foster mom says I’m being a very good boy. I love my crate and after we go for walkies, I always lie down to rest in my crate. I’m housebroken, too.
I am on 100mg of Tramadol every 8 hours for pain for the next 7 days. Foster mom keeps the dosage very consistent, but I do not appear to be in any pain and the whining from the first day has stopped. Foster mom has not seen any signs of phantom pain or symptoms.
Foster mom & dad are feeding me well. She says I should gain about 10 pounds and gain some muscle. I am eating 2 cups of Purina One Salmon Kibble twice a day and she is giving me 1 can of tuna fish with my kibble for breakfast. She is concerned that the Tramadol is affecting my appetite. She is also starting me on 1500mg of glucosamine and 1000mg of salmon oil every night at dinner. It’s to help my joints, especially now that they have a bigger job to do. The salmon oil is for my skin and coat. It will help my incision heal quicker and all the Omega 3/6 are so good for me.
I do seem to have a possible grass or seasonal allergy. While on walks I love to sniff the grass maybe too much and I begin to reverse sneeze, sneeze and shake my head. Benadryl may be enough to manage the allergy, but foster mom wants to start slowly so we don’t impact the pain medication. Once I’m off of it I can take a larger dose.
I went to work with my foster dad on my second day post surgery. It gives my foster brothers time to spend with foster mom. I was able to maintain my balance in the back of the Envoy with ease—it’s a lot like surfing! And I can jump into my foster dad’s truck easily. On my second day I was able to walk around a small block and then later that evening I walked/jogged about ¼ mile with foster dad. I have great balance and mobility for a recent tripawd. My gait is very natural and strong, even when running.
I enjoy several short walks daily. I’m up to about ¾ of a mile daily (5 days post surgery)! I do have a little bit of a pull on walks. I walk on both sides of the leash holder. Foster mom is starting to work with me teaching me to walk on the left side & not pull (although I think she is secretly pleased that I am that strong!). With a proper exercise plan and core strengthening with balance ball work, I will have no trouble with endurance.
I am very quiet. So far no barking, but I am a pyr so that behavior may present itself once I feel better. I have seen my 2 foster cats through the baby gate and they seem cool – 1 is even a tripawd like me! Foster mom says that I can meet them this week, but I have to wear my leash. I’m going to go for a walk with my foster brother, Zeus, too. He seems nice and friendly. Foster mom says I have to wear my leash then, too.
Foster mom knows that I may decide that I don’t like cats and other dogs, but she wants me to try to be friendly. She says friends can be fun. I may decide that I want to live in a “one dog” family, but I can learn to be polite when I see other dogs in public.
I’m learning what a clicker is. I get hot dogs if I do what foster mom asks me to do. She says she insists that my forever family continue positive reinforcement training. I agree. I listen very well and I understand well, too. If someone was mean or forceful, I would not like that much and I would be afraid. I’m smart and eager to please!
I love attention! I do not mind strangers and children meeting me and petting me. I do prefer to be petted instead of not when people are with me. I do not exhibit the famous “paw pat” of most pyrs, but I will nudge your hand or arm, at times quiet determinedly, for attention! Don’t tell anyone, but I also enjoy a good ear rub!
I have a short coat without the thick undercoat that pyrs are famous for, but I do shed just as much as my furrier friends. A furminator and sturdy vacuum will be required for my forever home! I had a lot of fleas at some point (foster mom put Frontline on me Thursday) because foster mom says I have flea dirt on me. She is doing her best to brush it all off. Since I can’t have a bath until my incision heals completely. I even got furminated yesterday—that felt good!
My incision is healing right on schedule too and once my fur grows back I’ll be even more handsome!
I think I would do best in a home with older children who can handle my size and understand what being a tripawd pet means. I am happy lounging while you watch TV, but with proper training I could enjoy hikes and maybe even runs. I am a sweet boy with lots of love to give.
I should have no problems navigating life as a tripawd. Since I am a pyr mix and pyrs bark, I would not like an apartment. I will also need a securely fenced yard. I will love my forever family with all my heart. I will protect them, snuggle with them and play with them, well, forever. I can’t wait to meet them!
For more information on tripawd health, nutrition and gear visit the awesome site Tripawds.com.
Woofs & Licks!
Lionel
What is wrong with Warren County, Tennessee?
It isn’t often that we call out governmental officials for their actions or lack thereof. We understand that the laws are weak in many cases and we get that resources are limited. In Tennessee, attempts to prevent cruelty to livestock are routinely shot down by both law enforcement and the legislature with the powerful lobby of the Farmer’s Bureau. Still, Warren County, Tennessee, has a truly reprehensible record when it comes to the government’s failure to act to protect animals.
The local Humane Society in Warren County, Tennessee, is an all-volunteer effort. These people have met with resistance at every point and sometimes outright hostility in their efforts to protect animals from cruelty. It is absolutely unforgiveable that local law enforcement has failed to step up to stop the needless suffering. The following video is lengthy and graphic and it is not for the faint of heart. It is however an absolute indictment of the three groups charged with stopping the suffering of horses in Tennessee: the district attorney general, the local sheriff and the University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Office. These are the only three groups that can do anything to help a horse or other livestock suffering. We are so not OK with this and we want our fans to let them know just how low an opinion the world has of them for their failure to act.
The video link is here: http://youtu.be/YQyAY-cWvLU
After you see it, I hope you will all take the time to contact the people in charge and let them know their actions are how the world at large sees their county and State. Please be respectful. This has to stop and it never will unless someone steps up and says enough.
Honorable Lisa Zavagiannis
District Attorney General
Criminal Office
P.O. Box 510
455 N. Chancery Street
McMinnville, TN 37110
Phone: (931) 473-9572
Fax: (931) 473-7410
Dale Beaty |
| Ext Agent III & Co Dir |
| 201 Locust St Suite 10 |
| Mcminnville TN 37110 |
| Phone:+1 931 473 8484 |
| Email:jbeaty3@utk.edu |
Jackie Matheny
Warren County Sheriff
| Address: | 108 Security Circle McMinnville, TN 37110 |
| Phone: | 931.473.7863 |
| Fax: | 931.473.5447 |
Sweet Honey is patiently waiting for her forever home.
Say Hello to Sweet Honey, who is beginning to wonder if anyone is ever going to adopt her.
Honey says take me home!!
She has been in foster care if New England for almost 8 months without anyone being interested in her. Sweet Honey came from a very disturbing hoarding case, and was frightened and scared when she got here. With the love of her foster family, she has learned to see that people can be kind and gentle with her. Sweet Honey is never going to be a life of the party kinda gal, but she is soulful and sweet and has so much to offer.
Sweet Honey is looking for a quiet home with a family who would love to take her for long walks. We promised Sweet Honey that we would find her a home and a family who will love her forever. Email Elizabeth@bigfluffydogs.com if you are who Sweet Honey has been waiting for.
Annabelle and Corduroy need a home together
Annabelle and Corduroy need each other.
Corduroy came into rescue as a young dog. He was around a year old and was found duct taped to a tree; starved and skinny. Annabelle was a shy scared girl who found herself in the care of BFDR after being saved from an abusive neglectful situation. Both of them hit the jackpot when they were adopted together by a family in New England together.
Corduroy learned to trust people with the help of Annabelles loving nature, and Annabelle could finally feel safe with Corduroy around. A bond grew between them that is clear to everyone that meets them. For many years Annabelle and Corduroy were happy in their home. They were well loved, cherished pets.
We wish we could say that was the end of the story, but it’s not. Due to a serious illness in their family, Annabelle and Corduroy had to be given up. This was not a decision taken lightly and the family who loved them for all those years didn’t want Annabelle and Corduroy to sit home alone day after day while their family spent increasing amounts of time in the hospital.
These two wonderful companions are now looking for their forever home together. They are low key, sweet and affectionate dogs and we promised their them we would keep them together. The need eachother, and they now need you. If anyone is looking to add two perfectly mannered dogs to their home, email Elizabeth@bigfluffydogs.com
Corduroy is a big boy and wants to stay with his sweet lady Annabelle.
Disturbing torture of Saint Bernard puppy in Weakley County TN – action required
UPDATE 2: The court date for the two arrested for this crime is set for June 13, 2012, in Weakley County General Sessions Court at 8:30 a.m. This is in Dresden TN.
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UPDATE: We have learned that the pair was released WITHOUT BOND. This is unbelievable in light of the egregious nature of the offense. One of the two boys has a Facebook page that is still up: http://www.facebook.com/preston.odle. It’s disturbing.
We are not huge fans of petitions as they don’t serve to do much, but there is one here with more than 9000 signatures on it if you all care to sign: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/169/818/978/innocent-puppy-murdered-please-help/
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We are always especially sensitive to cases of animal abuse that involve wanton torture of dogs, but this case may be the worst we’ve come across in recent memory. This case is from a small county in West Tennessee, Weakley County, which has a very poor track record where animal issues are concerned. The torture this 4-month old Saint Bernard puppy suffered is so extreme that I cannot bring myself to discuss the particulars and for those that do, you can see the news story here. The short version is that this defenseless puppy was beaten, kicked, crushed and stabbed for the sheer fun of it. The two teenagers that did this should be treated as felons and as dangerous predators with the potential to be serial killers. To that end, we would ask that our fans write to the District Attorney, very respectfully, and ask that he prosecute these two to the fullest extent of the law. This county is small and without a public outcry, we fear that very little may be done to these two.
If you do choose to write an email, please ask that the District Attorney Thomas prosecute Preston Odle and Levi Evans to the fullest extent possible. It is unacceptable that anything other than the maximum punishment permitted be sought by his office as they both constitute a threat to animals and people.
The contact information for the District Attorney is below:
Tommy A. Thomas, District Attorney General
Weakley County, Tennessee
E-mail: tthomas@tndagc.org
Please feel free to share this far and wide.
These are the faces of evil:
Preston Odle
Levi Evans
Beckham has the luck of the Cherokee
This is Beckham, who found his home on Saturday with a wonderful family.
Beckham contemplating the meaning of life. Or maybe just chewing on a nylabone.
If it weren’t for bad luck, he’d have no luck at all, because within 24 hours of going home, Beckham found himself unable to pee and at the puppy ER. The nice vets determined that Beckham was suffering from bladder stones which blocked the urethra. In short, this poor boy has stones big enough to keep him from peeing. This is a bad thing.
Beckham is slated for surgery tomorrow morning. Because we as a rescue do not suck, we are absorbing the cost of this as we would have if he was still one of ours. It’s not fair to hand over a dog and 24 hours later have to handle a major surgery before there is time for the insurance to kick in. We expect a total bill in the $1600 range which is fiscally painful in light of Roxy’s continuing saga.
We are fundraising to keep us in the black so we can pay bills and rescue dogs. If you would like to donate, you can do so by paypal or credit card here: http://bigfluffydogs.com/pay-online.php (just be sure to note in the company name line it’s for Beckham or in the notes if using paypal so we can thank you properly).
As always, we thank everyone for their kindness for all our dogs.
Roxy’s life is hanging by a thread
UPDATE 5/8/12 AT 12:04 PM
Roxy came home last night and we mastered the art of running an IV. She fed her puppies just before midnight and then we brought her into our room to rest. Around 3:30 a.m., after a very fitful night, Roxy began hacking and could not seem to catch her breath. Off we went to the ER. Her oxygen rate was around 92% which is not awful considering how badly her lungs are functioning, and it appears she had a mucus plug she could not expel which caused her problems with her breathing and scared her. (For local readers, this is a huge shout out to the nice people at Nashville Veterinary Specialists on Sidco – they are wonderful and very reasonable). Some time with some oxygen, a nebulizing treatment, and another IV with some antibiotics and we went home around 6:45 a.m. and she seemed much better. I am, of course, half-crazed from lack of sleep, but she was resting much more comfortably on our return. She is now back with the vet for the day getting IV antibiotics and oxygen and we will bring her home again tonight. We are waiting on the lab results to determine conclusively whether this is blastomycosis or a bacterial pneumonia gone wild. The puppies are doing fine. More to follow.
UPDATE 5/7/12 AT 7:20 PM
The vet has had a slight change of plans. She will not start Roxy on the Amphotericin B until urine tests come back from the lab tomorrow to confirm the diagnosis of blastomycosis. This is a seriously dangerous drug and one not taken lightly. She was allowed to come home to us with IV in tow with the strict promise that the slightest hint of respiratory distress will result in an immediate trip to the ER for more oxygen. She is currently resting comfortably and frankly, her breathing scares me as she sounds as if she is choking which of course she is. She is far more comfortable here than she would be in a hospital. It appears we have made it through the first twelve hours of crisis. We have a very long way to go. I have not calculated how many donations have been made nor are we up to date on thank yous, but we want everyone to know we appreciate your prayers, donations and offers of help. The puppies are safe and not at risk and they are currently quite angry that their Mom was gone all day. Let’s just say the supplemental bottle feeding was somewhat of a challenge. To provide some cheer, here she is laying at my feet:
Laying next to me and her puppies.
UPDATE 5/7/12 AT 2:22 PM
Roxy has started intraveneous injections with Amphotericin B, which is a very strong, potent and at $500 a bottle, expensive, drug. This is the best hope to save her life and if there is any justice in this world at all, she should show improvement within a few days. She will be coming home with me this evening as I think she will be more comfortable with us than in a hospital. Should there be any signs of acute distress, we will take her to the ER. Many of you have asked about the puppies who got bottle fed for the first time today. They are not at risk and they are fat, healthy and frankly angry at their lack of Mom. The vet is checking and hopes to allow her to nurse them tonight a little bit for her benefit. Their first bottle feeding went somewhat badly, but we are working to get the hang of it. Thanks to everyone for their donations and prayers. Both are definitely going to be needed.
This Monday is not a good day and I post with very sad news. Roxy who is our star Mom of eight three-week-old puppies took a serious turn for the worse on Sunday. Roxy came in to rescue as a very pregnant and emaciated Mom with what we thought was a standard case of kennel cough. On arrival, we began treating her with powerful antibiotics and trying to put weight on her to help her safely deliver her puppies
Roxy 15 minutes before the first puppy was born.
Roxy had eight very adorable puppies – 4 boys and 4 girls on April 15, just in time for the IRS. Her cough continued and we tried different antibiotics, but with an eye to the puppies’ needs as well. Yesterday, Roxy became very ill and the coughing spiked out of control and she developed a very high fever.
Roxy is in the hospital now fighting for her life with an extreme case of pneumonia. It is suspected that she has blastomycosis which is a very serious and extremely dangerous fungal disease caused by inhaling a spore and which in her case has landed in her lungs and spread exponentially. Under the best of circumstances, this disease kills a third of the dogs that develop it and Roxy is very critically ill.
Roxy is being treated with drugs that cost a small fortune so we will be fundraising for her care. Her puppies are now three weeks old and they are healthy and happy and she has been an outstanding mother to them. We will care for them and have already begun bottle feeding today. A local dog day care – Dogtopia – has offered to help bottle feed during the day for us so we can manage in the nighttime hours. Please say a prayer for Roxy. Modern medicine has its limits and it is up to the universe and Roxy herself as to whether she will recover.
Even yesterday morning, Roxy was still trying to care for these babies.
Aiden 0, Car 1
Meet Aiden.
Aiden is heading to surgery
Aiden is a six month old male Great Pyrenees who was found lying behind a liquor store in a small town in Tennessee, injured and dazed. Aiden was matted to the skin, emaciated, crawling with ticks and unable to stand. This is a town without an animal control facility (the sheriff just shoots them if he has to), and fortunately, a Good Samaritan was able to reach us and we found a vet to get him into immediately.
Aiden’s x-rays don’t look so good:
Aiden has a fractured pelvis and has to have surgery to make him well. Currently, he is underweight at 50 pounds and cannot stand on his own. He is in a tremendous amount of pain and the surgery will help heal the break. The estimate for his care is around $1200 which is a deal. We are fundraising to cover this so we don’t have to pass up other dogs because we blew our budget with this sweet boy. If you would like to donate, you can do so here:
http://bigfluffydogs.com/pay-online.php
For credit card, just type the name “Aiden” in the company name line so we know it’s for him and if by paypal, just write us a note in the comments box that says “Aiden”. We as always appreciate everyone’s generosity.
Aiden is also going to need a foster in the Nashville TN area for follow-up care. He will have to have cage rest and medicine for a few weeks and we need a foster home without more than a stair or two where he can stay. He is otherwise quite healthy and very sweet. If you can help foster him, please email leslie@bigfluffydogs.com.
Norman and Red: looking for love after a lifetime of neglect
Some of you may remember hearing about Norman, the four-year-old Great Pyrenees whose ______________ (select your own adjective here) owner abandoned him on a farm when she moved to the city. Eighteen months later, she decided maybe she might see if someone wanted him and also, as an afterthought, his friend Red, a five-year-old lab mix had to go, too. For the entirety of their lives with this owner, these dogs got no vet care. Their owner is not hurting for cash and her yippy little dog had all the care you can imagine, but as she told us, she “could not care less about these dogs” and she “wanted them gone.” I will confess I was nearly speechless and I asked her to clarify why exactly she left them after she moved away. She informed me she had someone feeding them, but they weren’t her problem. After some choice words with her, Norman and Red came to us.
I met Norman and Red on a Friday afternoon in a parking lot. On arrival, Norman was a little shy and blinking in the bright sunlight, but he was very happy to see people. Sadly, he was limping very badly and his feet were splayed out oddly as the result of seriously ingrown and infected toe nails:
This is what Norman's feet looked like on arrival.
Overall, Norman, was in rough shape, but sweet and ready to be loved. Of course, he was covered with ticks, fleas and a million parasites as he had zero vet care in his entire four years of life.
Smiling even though his life was pretty sucky before
His friend Red was in better condition on first blush, but he needed significant dental work, too, as his lack of care resulted in major damage to his teeth.
Of course, neither Norman nor Red were neutered and they hadn’t had a shot in their life and certainly nothing like Frontline or Heartgard. As a result, both dogs now have to undergo heartworm treatment.
Guess you can see why he got the very original name "Red".
Despite having been left to fend for themselves for 18 months, and who knows how little attention they got before that, these boys are absolutely wonderful dogs. They are sweet, friendly with everyone and everything, and they are rapidly learning that not everyone sucks. They love toys, treats, petting, napping in air conditioning and being called “good boys”.
What they need now is a foster home where they can recover, be smothered with love and get perfectly healthy. These dogs have had the crappiest four years ever and we want to make it up to them. If you can foster one or both of these boys, please email elizabeth@bigfluffydogs.com. They are in Connecticut and they are wonderful, sweet dogs. Please spread the word. We want the very best for these boys.
And for the former owner of these dogs, if you are reading this, I seriously hope you pray for forgiveness for what you have done. These dogs needed you and you abandoned them. Eventually, you reap what you sow. I can’t say you don’t have it coming.
Queen Roxy needs a forever home.
Roxy came from humble beginnings, but since her arrival in New England she has decided she should be the queen. She holds court with her people and demands that they pet her, love her and dote on her. In return she promises to snuggle on the couch with you, allow you to share your snacks with her and be your companion on all of your adventures.
Roxy has the manners of a queen and all she asks in return is that she be your one and only dog. She enjoys greeting other dogs on the street, but in the home she would like to be the star of the show. For being a cattle dog, she is on the lower energy scale. She would rather take a walk and then get back to the business of you adoring her that run around chasing things.
Roxy is a divine little lady.
Email Colleen@bigfluffydogs.com if Roxy is the treasure you have been looking for.
Roxy wants you to adopt her and buy her a tiara.
Help save Humphrey
As anyone who knows us has already figured out, we’re suckers for dogs in general. This explains why we have brown mutts and tiny scruffies mixed in with all the big fluffies that we are supposed to rescue. This brings us to Humphrey, a springer spaniel rescue who is in the care of one of our coordinators in Connecticut. Many of you may know Elizabeth and this is her dog. Humphrey was jealous of his other brother (Darwin the Pyr mix) who went in for elbow dysplasia surgery so he apparently decided to make himself a patient. Humphrey jumped up on a counter and ate an entire bottle of Rimadyl and a handful of other things. He has been in ICU for 36 hours now and he has made it through the first crucial day, but he has a long way to go. We will know more tomorrow when the bloodwork is run again, but the risk it kidney and liver damage. He is also racking up a big vet bill and we are fundraising to help save his life.
Humphrey is in critical condition.
We have started a chip in for his care. If you would like to donate to Humphrey’s care via chip in, you can do it here: http://bigfluffydogs.chipin.com/help-save-humphrey. If you would like to don ate via regular credit card, you can do so here: http://bigfluffydogs.com/pay-online.php (just use the donate button and be sure to put the word “Humphrey” in the company name line so we know who it goes to). We are hopeful that Humphrey will pull through and be back to hang with his pyr brothers soon.
We want to see Humphrey back hanging out with his Pyr brothers Darwin and Charlie.
Please say a prayer for Humphrey and we will keep everyone posted.
Fred is looking for a couch to snooze on.
Meet Fred.
Fred is old.
Fred is sweet.
Fred is slow.
Fred is looking for a couch to snooze on.
Fred is a 9 year old Boxer/Great Pyrenees looking for a home. He would like someone who understands the joys of naps, snacking and maintaining a generally calm environment. Fred is the perfect companion for an adult household who can see the value in a older dog.
If you think Fred might be the senior of your dreams, email elizabeth@bigfluffydogs.com
The shame of Hawkins County, Tennessee
Big 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.
This is the Hawkins County, Tennessee, shelter building:
The Hawkins County TN shelter building
It is a small shelter and 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.
This is where all the dog excrement goes:
This is the box where all the dog excrement washes into
This little box on the outside of the building open up to reveal a disgusting and gag-inducing stew:
Disgusting
Unbelievably, there is a person whose job it is to use the little dustpan leaning against the building to slop all that dog 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.
All of these puppies died from disease at the Hawkins County, Tennessee, shelter:
This puppy is dead.
This puppy died from disease too
This puppy died
This sweet face died from disease at the shelter
Dead.
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:
Mayor Melville Bailey
Hawkins Count Mayor’s Office
150 East Washington Street, Suite 2
Rogersville, TN 37857
Phone: (423) 272-7359
Fax: (423) 272-1867
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.
Chloe the American Foxhound is looking for a home
Chloe is a two year old, beautiful, purebred American Foxhound.
Poor Chloe has been bounced around far too much in her short life. Chloe was originally adopted from us as a puppy and then was returned due to family illness. She was again adopted and returned – this time due to allergies.
Since then Chloe has taken up residence in several of our fosters’ homes – you see Chloe is somewhat of an anomaly for a rescue, and for fosters, that primarily handle big, fluffy dogs.
Chloe the American Foxhound is a near perfect embodiment of the breed… and all that entails. Getting to know her has been a new and rewarding experience for our team. Chloe is very sweet, gentle, loving, and cuddly. She is housebroken, has impeccable indoor manners, and is a total daddy’s girl. She is smart, responsive, and friendly to all.
But like all Foxhounds, Chloe is an active girl with a propensity to bay. Foxhounds were bred to be working dogs and as such require physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Chloe would love nothing more than a large rural property and a warm loving family to call her own.
Chloe needs a cat-free home and an owner with previous hound experience who will love and appreciate all that she has to offer.
This special girl has been patiently waiting for her forever for far too long. If you want to give Chloe the home she so deserves, please email elizabeth@bigfluffydogs.com or jessica@bigfluffydogs.com
- Chloe with her foster siblings. One of these things is not like the other…
Siarra-YOU ROCK
Hi Everyone. Meet Siarra.
This is Siarra waiting for a foster dog during the 10/11 snowstorm.
She and her family have been fostering with Big Fluffy Dog Rescue for about 2 years now. They are a wonderful family who have taken in many dogs in need.
Recently Siarra had decided to help us raise money for some of our dogs who needed some extra care. Siarra started collecting cans (which we can say is NOT at all glamorous) so she could put the money towards Ellas ACL surgery. She would sift through the sticky mess after people had parties and spend her Saturdays cashing then in. She had quite a bit of money saved up, when she discovered someone had STOLEN her donation money.
This did not deter Miss Siarra!! She kept up with her can collections and when people heard of what happened, they donated as well.
Siarra, you have a heart of gold!! You have been able to make a huge difference in Ella’s life. You remind us that there are amazing people out there. Let’s all take a minute to recognize Siarra Harrington!!
Ella is having ACL surgery on Friday
Due to a truly awesome Big Fluffy Volunteer (more about her later) we are really close to having the funds to pay for Ella’s surgery on Friday.
Ella was adopted, injured and then returned last September. Since then she has been taken care of by her foster here in CT. We need to raise $600 in 3 days to be able to pay her bill.
You can donate via our Chip-in
http://bigfluffydogs.chipin.com/ellas-acl-surgery
Or you can donate on our website. Be sure to write “Ella Surgery” in the space where you can put a company name
http://bigfluffydogs.com/pay-online.php
Ella says “Thank you”.
Ella is excited to be be able to run around again.
Say a prayer for Sarah
Sarah is hanging onto life by a thread
Once in a while in rescue, you get thrown a curveball. Sarah is a young, happy and healthy dog who happened to have a mild case of heartworms. We’ve had lots of these dogs in rescue and all have done just fine. She was treated two weeks ago with the standard immiticide treatment which is essentially arsenic. The treatment is every bit as bad as it sounds and it is expensive too.
Yesterday, Sarah collapsed. She is running a fever of 106, she is suffering from pancreatitis and kidney failure and we do not know if she will survive. Her foster Dad Chris has done everything he can to help her and now it is completely out of our hands as to whether we can save her. This is breaking our hearts, mine in particular, because Sarah was my personal foster, too. I love this funny, quirky little girl and I want more than anything for her to get better. If you have a reason to say a silent prayer or wish upon the wind for something, think good thoughts about Sarah. The world would be a darker place without her in it.
She is at the vet in Maine and they are doing what they can to save her. I know someone will ask, and if anyone wants to donate directly for her hospitalization, you can donate here: http://bigfluffydogs.com/pay-online.php (just note it is for Sarah) or you can call the vet, too at 207-846-6515.
Sarah's special skill: balancing the food bowl, just because she can.
