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.
The Second Dog of Christmas: Tracer needs a forever home
All Tracer wants for Christmas is a home. Tracer is a 15 month old corgi collie mix who came to us this past summer. Tracer has had an incredibly long odyssey. He was abandoned by his first rescue who could not handle him. Initially, he was so freaked out that he could not tolerate any dogs as he felt he was under attack as the result of what initially happened to him in his first home before rescue ever entered the picture. And so he languished in boarding for many months as no one had a dog-free home. A wonderful dog trainer took him on and with a little work, he was happily playing with her dogs. Tracer is a very happy dog who just needs a home. He is great with all other people and he can be good with other dogs, although he will never be OK with cats. He is a mid-sized low-rider bundle of puppy happiness who wants to give kisses. If you can give this dog a forever home, please email jillian@bigfluffydogs.com. He deserves his own home and we very much hope he will be home for the holidays.
The Twelve Dogs of Christmas: Amadeus the poodle Great Pyrenees, the first day dog in need
This is Amadeus. At one year old, he is a beautiful, sweet and frankly dorky boy. He loves cats, other dogs and he likes to tip his food bowl sideways so he can eat off the floor. He is a wonderful dog. Who could possibly want to hurt him? Good question (and in a less than holiday spirit we would like to introduce them to the business end of a baseball bat), but someone shot this poor boy in the shoulder with a rifle some time ago and his shoulder is shattered. The orthopedic surgeons said it cannot be fixed. This coming Wednesday before Christmas, Amadeus is going to become a tripod dog. Not much of a gift, but we want him to be pain free and he is suffering at the moment. If you would like to sponsor this first day of Christmas Dog, you can donate here: http://bigfluffydogs.com/pay-online.php. Thank you as always and Amadeus says Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and peace on Earth to men AND dogs.
Junior is the least photogenic dog in the world
His charm is so infectious the CDC has an entire department dedicated to containing it.
When he walks the city streets, panhandlers give him money.
When it rains, it’s because the heavens weep when he is sad.
Mirrors shatter when he looks in their direction to spare the innocent.
Camera lenses crack when he appears, because he is…. THE LEAST PHOTOGENIC DOG IN THE WORLD.
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.
How Transport Really Works
Many people wonder how dogs make it to New England or from New England to other places. Transport is the answer. We use a commercially-licensed, USDA-licensed transport company to transport our dogs around. Here’s how it works.
1. The dog arrives from a shelter into a foster home. We vet the dog, we work with the dog, we take pictures of the dog and then we decide where it is going to go, either local or to parts far away. If the dog is going somewhere else, we make a reservation and we take the dog to the vet yet again for another check up and a health certificate to travel. Transport is paid and we very rarely do volunteer transports. Every dog on transport is already spayed and neutered, must have all of its shots and must be certified healthy to travel by a veterinarian. If a dog arrives and is not healthy to travel, the transporters will not allow the dog to travel.
2. Fridays are transport days. The dogs all meet in one place to get on the transport to go north.
Troy with Lucy, Erin with Millie and Eli with his ever-present leash at transport.
The day of transport is generally madness on the Southern end of things. Each dog has to have a packet. The packet contains all the dog’s vet records, tags, information, and other things like Advantage Multi and collars. It takes a very long time to get 20 packets put together. Eli, pictured above, generally gets the dogs in the van to transport as it is very hard on a work day to get volunteers to be able to meet at 2 p.m. His day starts around 7 a.m. and goes until it is all done. Erin can be counted on to bring a couple of dogs, and other volunteers like Kelly, Ginger and Tom are frequent visitors.
We may send as many as 20 dogs to various places every week, so it is a complicated schedule. Dogs have to have records completed, vet appointments and grooming appointments made, and things get checked and double-checked. Did Lucy have a microchip done? Does Mason need a canine influenza booster? All these things have to be checked for every single dog. The spreadsheets that track who is going where and what is left to be done are mind-boggling. Plans have to be made to pick up dogs from fosters who work and we have a lot of help from people and some awesome kennels (Thank you Dogtopia and Robin’s Nest) who help us stash dogs in one place for transport. Traffic and weather are always a complication and we have to pay attention to weather events 1000 miles away. Who remembers the October blizzard last year? We certainly do.
We start’em young here at Big Fluffy Dog Rescue.
The actual drop-off is a well-orchestrated dash. Other rescues are arriving with their dogs and everyone is busy loading dogs, walking dogs, giving dogs potty breaks, water for dogs, petting dogs and carrying dogs and trying not to forget toys, packets and last-minute instructions. All the while trying not to cry. We have had these dogs, cared for them and loved them and now they are leaving us to go to new homes in far-off places.
Lucy, getting on transport and waiting her turn.
The actual transport is a converted thoroughbred horse trailer that is heated and cooled, clean and safe with appropriately-sized crates for all the dogs. Each dog gets watered immediately, and they are checked constantly on the road. Dogs get walked at various points along the route which is why a 1000 mile drive takes 22 hours. Each dog’s packet is marked with the crate number to prevent confusion later.
Lucy, making the long walk to the giant crates for her trip to New England.
By Saturday morning, the first dogs are dropped off and volunteers and on some occasions, adopters, are there to see the dogs come off the transport truck. All of us on the Southern end live for the smiles on the other end. It makes what we do worth all the trouble. And you can trust us, it is trouble. Nothing worthwhile in life ever came without some headache attached to it. By Saturday evening, everyone is home. What the New England folks do is just as much work and involves finding foster homes, ensuring someone is there to meet every dog, and handling the inevitable travel disasters that occur.
All told, every week, to move just twenty dogs from one place to another requires the combined labor of 20 people and 200 hours. That’s a lot of love and labor from a lot of volunteers, all for dogs who need a home.
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
Yoda, the TBUD, needs a home in New England
In April of this year, a long time foster for us found a dog in her neighborhood and asked for our help. It seems his owners kicked him to the curb when they moved and he was living on his own, slowly starving to death. When asked what the dog was, we were told a “retriever mix”. We said of course we will take this poor dog. Imagine our surprise when this walked into our doors:
Yoda, who is pretty much not a retriever mix.
We immediately recognized that what we have is a “TBUD”, otherwise known as a Tennessee Brown Ugly Dog. Big Fluffy Dog Rescue has a long and rich tradition of TBUD tithing as we understand that we have rock star gorgeous dogs and some dogs are not so genetically blessed as to catch the eyes and hearts of the public at large, but are still really awesome dogs. 10% of our dogs are not rock star fluffies and this is our way of using our supermodel dogs to find homes for the less aesthetically blessed. Yoda is a TBUD.
Brown and short haired? Check.
Non-descript with mutt heritage? Check.
Yes, it’s a TBUD.
Bless his baby heart, Yoda needs a home. We know he’s not going to blow anyone away with his sparking white fur or perfectly sculpted form, but he’s a doll and he needs a home. Yoda is around 2, perfectly charming and good with everyone and everything. He has excellent manners and he wants to please. This dog would love to grace your couch, fetch some tennis balls, crash on your bed at night and generally be a total bud and companion. He is a friend to all and just a wonderful dog. If you would like to adopt Yoda, email jean@bigfluffydogs.com.
Rudy says “Yes, I know I’m beautiful and eye-catching, but Yoda needs a home”.
Trained killer seeks new home
My name is Charlie. My people tell me I’m an honorary big fluffy because I am allegedly really small at 20 pounds. Whatever. I am a trained killer waiting to defend my home along with my Great Pyrenees friends. So far, only friends and the mailman have been by to visit, but I am waiting for my big shot to come. Mom says fat chance because she thinks I’m a miniature pinscher mix of some sort and not very terrifying, but I know better. She said something about me showing burglars the silver.
Yes, I am tiny, but in my heart, I’m a big, fluffy white dog guarding my people from all kinds of imaginary threats
I like everyone and even though I am clearly killer material, I enjoy being petted, taken for walks, and being cuddled like a baby. Don’t tell my Great Pyrenees brother because he’ll make fun of me. I am fine with cats and all people. If you need a new member of your home protection team, email my coordinator Elizabeth at elizabeth@bigfluffydogs.com.
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.
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.
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…
Darth the pug mix is missing in Vermont: Be on the lookout
Darth the pug mix is missing from West Halfax VT
Darth was lost on July 29, 2011, from his home in West Halifax, VT. He is a young, 1 year old male pug mix weighing in around 35 pounds. He slipped his collar and is not wearing identification or rabies tags, but he is microchipped. He is timid and will run if directly approached. There is a $500 reward for the safe return of Darth. If you have seen him, please email elizabeth@bigfluffydogs.com. Thanks to all our fans – pass the word to everyone in the area to be on the lookout. We are worried about Darth and want him to find his way home.
Joseph needs a Tennessee foster home
Speckled ewok or fluffy dog? You make the call.
Meet Joseph, a young male blue heeler/keeshond mix (or alternately, the rare speckled Ewok). Joseph is a charmer and he loves everyone and everything. Joseph needs a sponsor for his heartworm treatment (we will have to spend $300), but he really needs a quiet foster home for after his treatment. He is only lightly positive so we are not expecting any complications, and he will only need to be kept quiet for about 10 days or so. If you are interested in fostering Joseph, please email jean@bigfluffydogs.com. If you are interested in sponsoring part of Joseph’s treatment, you can donate here (credit card or paypal). We are a 501c3 and all gifts are tax deductible. The fluffies of the world thank you.
Just for fun: Crosby, an honorary Big Fluffy Dog alum
Meet Crosby who was adopted from us as an honorary big fluffy dog. This video is the heart of why we do rescue.
For an unwanted boy from rural Tennessee, you did well for yourself Crosby. This makes us smile.
Another honorary fluffy: Snickers is looking for a home
Snickers the beagle mix needs a home
Snickers belongs to a Tennessee rescue that has had him in a foster home for months with no one ever coming to see him. They asked us to take Snickers and help find him a home. Snickers is clearly a beagle mix and on the small side at around 25-30 pounds. Snickers does well with everyone and everything and he is especially good with kids. The vet told the rescue this dog was 2 years old but we think more likely he is upwards of 5. He is calm, well-mannered and such a nice little guy. He will be in New England the weekend of July 23. If you are interested in fostering or adopting Snickers, please email elizabeth@bigfluffydogs.com.
Toby the mammoth Saint Bernard is ready for his home
Toby is looking for his home
Meet Toby, who is big enough to be a shetland pony. Toby is 5 years old and weighs in at 180 pounds. Toby is a sweet, gentle mellow boy who loves everyone and everything. Saints aren’t for everyone (this one drools a lot of course), but he is perfect for the lovers of the true giants. If you are interested in adopting Toby, email jean@bigfluffydogs.com or leave a comment.
Bailey the border collie/lab is ready to go home now
Bailey is a 2 year old male border collie/lab mix who is absolutely wonderful. Bailey is a typical border collie – active, smart and devoted to his people. Did we mention that he is smart? This dog needs to go to a home who loves border collies and understands the breed. This is not a dog for a family with very small children unless you want them herded in to the corner. Bailey is good with other dogs. He would love to go to a home with an active family that likes to go for hikes and swimming at the beach. This is an amazingly smart, happy dog who just happens to practice sad looks in the mirror. Bailey is in New England.
Mystery cuteness: Selena is ready for a home
What is she?
Meet Selena. She was purported to be a Great Pyrenees mix puppy by the shelter she came from. At 25 pounds and nine months of age, we don’t think so. Best guess: American Eskimo/blue heeler. Selena is a very wonderful dog. She loves other dogs, kids and cats and she is well-mannered in the house. She does love a tasty shoe, but with some maturity, she’ll put her shoe-killing ways behind her. This is a small dog, nearly hamster-sized by our standards, and she is active, friendly and outgoing. Joggers and hikers: this is an excellent choice. Email elizabeth@bigfluffydogs.com or post a comment if you are interested. They broke the mold after they made her.
Blue heeler/American Eskimo/harp seal? it's anyone's guess.
Walter needs a foster home in New England
Walter is looking for a foster home
Walter is a 5 year old English bulldog/boxer mix. This sweet little guy has a mug that only a mother could love (it’s all smushed flat like his Mom the English bulldog), but he is adorable. Walter was turned in to a shelter and the staff fell in love and begged us to take him, and although he is neither big nor fluffy, we could not help but love him. Walter is great with people and with dogs (except chihuahuas that try to bite him). He is a good sized dog and pretty hefty at around 65 pounds. Walter’s Dad was a boxer and he has the body of the boxer. This is a great dog for those who love English bulldogs, but don’t want the back and skin problems. He is wonderful.
Lily needs a New England foster home
Lily needs a foster home in New England
Meet Lily. Lily is a 2 year old collie/lab? mix in rescue as an honorary big fluffy. Lily is quite the survivor as she was originally rescued from the catastrpohic 2010 Tennessee floods and then she survived parvo shortly after that. Lily is now a healthy, happy and bouncy dog who is looking for a foster or forever home in New England. She weighs in around 60 pounds, is housebroken, excellent with other dogs and cats and little kids. If you are interested in Lily, please email jean@bigfluffydogs.com.
Ridiculous cuteness: Conner, the aussie mix puppy
Conner is 12 weeks of puppy cuteness
Conner is one of seven Aussie mix pups in rescue with Big Fluffy Dog Rescue. He does well with everyone and everything. He weighs in at 20 pounds and is a happy sassy boy. If you are interested in adopting Conner, you can email elizabeth@bigfluffydogs.com or leave a comment here.
