I Lead a Sheltied Life

Reply to: comm-k9nck-1742229066@craigslist.org

She is smart, knows her name but only responds to it when she feels secure. She might relax hearing her companion’s name, Bear.

Holly has been spotted from time to time in the general area, so she is still out there. At one time, a nice person put out food for 2 weeks while she was around his barn rather than call animal control.

It seems many people just see a lost pet and think it must be a neighbor’s dog or cat. That doesn’t help. We have also found “kind folk” who put out food and don’t think that this is a lost pet that they are keeping from going home. Oddly, we may get a call the week AFTER the dog stops showing up. I also believe that people don’t want to call animal control because of what they expect will happen to the animal. I can guarantee that in this tristate area, we have organizations which grab shelties until we can find a permanent home for them. Holly is one of those dogs – was a stray in North Jersey with her brother Bear-y (get it, Holly and Beary). Bear is very happy to be in his foster home awaiting Holly so they can go to their permanent home. Holly is used to “the streets” and is unsure of having a happy home so sticks to what she knows. Anyway, you CAN call animal control and ask if they have a report of a missing sheltie – or mini-collie (most people don’t know what a sheltie is). Unfortunately, we’ve found that sometimes animal control forgets that a particular pet is missing – I don’t know what to do about that except to keep calling and reminding them.

If I hadn’t spent months sometimes accompanying the foster person looking for Holly, I wouldn’t see that I have these same tendencies, which is why I think it is so difficult to find her – people first think she is probably some neighbor’s dog who got out for a moment, or they like the idea of a pet with no strings so put out food without thinking that people are looking for her, or they are afraid that animal control will swoop in and do unkind things to the dog. These were natural thoughts to me — until I spent so much time trying to find this very street-wise person-shy dog. Now I see that this is a big problem in trying to find one’s pet..

A recent spotting was near cobblestone farms in gloucester twp off sicklerville rd., although we’ve driven miles around because she could easily have gone much farther, it seems that she is (thankfully) still in the main neighborhood area.

We miss Holly, please call if you see her. With the hundreds of dollars of posters put out, we’ve learned that people don’t know what a Shetland Sheepdog is. Usually called a Sheltie, people seem to get the image when we call her a Mini-Collie.

Holly may be about 8 years old, coarser fur than most shelties, was wearing a collar. Please call 609-230-6573 or email if you see or find her.

• Location: Sicklerville, NJ

Maybe they should be called Bick and Biddy — the 2 latest guests in Carol’s place looking for a kind home. Thinking / knowing that dogs cannot last out on the street for a long time in OK shape, I was sure that Holly and Bear(y) were a couple of older shelties dumped on the street by some creep owner. They are very friendly – not what I expect from a dog forced to hide and go through garbage to survive. Yet, a real skittish nature – not sure they should be anywhere you might be walking toward.

Convict 294 - Holly

Well, I’ve changed my opinion. OK, Bear’s teeth were worked on before I saw him, Holly’s looked — yuck.. Fortunately, I think, Carol put off Holly’s surgery with the doc, which included the probable extraction of several teeth. HA! Holly had been chewing on bones with the others and it looks like that knocked off a lot of plaque but, more importantly, toughened up her gums and NONE of her teeth had to be pulled! YEA!

Bear - Number 293

I don’t think that I gave these 2 enough credit. I think that they have been out on the streets for some time – avoiding people, pretty much – very appreciative when they did run across someone who would give them a rub, a pat on the head. Why the change? Well, Carol found that each has a number tattooed in the ear. This is something that puppy mills sometimes do – why bother with a name, right? Holly has 294 tattoed in her ear and Bear has 293 tattoed in his. So, I’m thinking that a puppy mill decided that they weren’t producing puppies like they should and threw them out in the streets — I’d rather think that than what death trap the 2 might have escaped from the puppy mill “we are done with you” process.

I still have trouble understanding how they can be so nice and have gone through being at a puppy mill for most of their lives and then dumped to the street as their reward – and surviving that. But, I think that is what happened.

So, why Bick and Biddy? Well, if you turn the alphabet into numbers, B is 2, I is 9, C is 3 and D is 4 — 294 is BIC and 293 is BID(dy).. OK, well, at least I didn’t make them suffer by starting to call them Bick and Biddy, eh?

More info about Holly / Bear-y here.

I’d love to know what the other shelties did who were fostered by Carol this year. Shelties go CRAZY for snow. Yes! Finally, out of that hot house and into some decent rain/mud/snow/cold. HA! For several of these fosters, it is probably the first time they’ve been in snow – out of the puppy mill cages. Well, here are a couple of shots from Carol’s place after our 2 feet of snow came down.

Rusty and Emily coming out for a romp

Here, we see Bear going great guns around the pool. Although this looks more like Glory B to me, in the lower corner, I’ve been told that Rusty would race back and forth across the pool and Bear would run around it.

Bear racing around the pool - Rusty (maybe) in the corner

Yep, them shelties **LOVE** snow!

Bear - enjoying his (usual) sitting on the couch after a snow-romp

Holly and Bear(y) are the current fosters in Carol’s place. These are a couple of very nice and friendly dogs found wandering as strays together. They’ve been together probably forever. They have some traits of being in a puppy mill, and, of course, some skittish traits of being “on the run” – afraid to trust people. But these seem to be in the background for them.

Bear, once on the couch, seems right at home and comfortable. Holly, well, it’s like you are a stranger every time you come her way. But, go and rub her nose and she’ll just keep following you around for more nose rubs. Silly dog.. Anyway, it is that sort of thing drilled into their heads which take a while to get around. I’m your best pal…oops, I’m a stranger again… hmm.

Holly, Bear(y) - tuckered on couch after running around in snow

Holly and Bear(y) are looking for a permanent home. I have more here and you can check them out at njsheltiefostermoms, too.

Q: You always hear about “no table scraps for pets,” but I guess following that rule really is important. We have always given our dog treats from the holiday table, but last month we ended up at the emergency veterinarian after our dog got sick. It was pancreatitis, and touch-and-go, but he’ll be fine. The vet said fatty table scraps triggered it. With Christmas at hand, will you spread the word?

- I.R., via email

A: It seems I write about this every year. I know I’m dating myself, but I remember when leftovers from restaurant meals were packed into foil bags with a picture of a dog on them, not Styrofoam containers.

Doggie bags they really were, since many of the goodies went straight home to the pets.

Veterinarians have always been aware that the leftovers of a fine meal out – or treats from a delicious holiday feast – often represented a genuine danger to pets rather than a tasty treat.

Far from being a special gift to our beloved pets, fat-laden leftovers and sharp bones pose a threat to their health, causing illnesses such as pancreatitis, accidents such as a perforated intestine and even death.

The containers may have changed, but the attitude hasn’t.

While lean meats and raw vegetables (such as baby carrots) are healthy treats for any dog, the old doggie bag staples such as bones and the fat trimmed off a steak need to be strictly off-limits to pets.

If you do give meat or poultry to your dog or cat as an occasional treat, trim it carefully to remove the fat as well as the skin, which is a hiding place for more fat.

Even if you’re lucky enough that your pet doesn’t end up with acute pancreatitis (a lifethreatening inflammation of the pancreas), a perforated intestine, severe gastroenteritis (aka a big bellyache), or relatively mild cases of vomiting or diarrhea, the fat certainly adds calories most dogs today don’t need.

Many breeds are especially prone to obesity, including the Labrador retriever, Cairn terrier, cocker spaniel, daschund, Shetland sheepdog, bassethound, pug or beagle, and mixes of these breeds (hello, puggles!).

So dump the scraps and watch the weight. Ask your veterinarian for guidance when it comes to what your pet should and should not be eating, at any time of year.

You don’t have to deny your pet a little holiday yummy, but you do need to be careful with the kind and amount of treats you provide.

- Dr. Marty Becker

Dec 19, 2009

(http://dailygleaner.canadaeast.com/balance/article/894199)

BARNSTABLE Cape-based pet photographer Stacey Hedman of Cold Nose Photo has produced a 2010 calendar featuring dogs of Cape Cod and Plymouth. Five dollars from every calendar sold will benefit the Animal Rescue League in Brewster. The calendar showcases professional photos of dogs on beaches and parks from Provincetown to Plymouth, each pup clearly relishing in the laid-back Cape Cod lifestyle.

Hedman is a professional pet photographer based in Barnstable who also volunteers her time photographing adoptable dogs at the Animal Rescue League in Brewster. The 9 by 12, full color calendar includes photos from several of her 2009 photo sessions. Two dogs from the Animal Rescue League are featured (both of whom have now been adopted), as well as a special Labrador retriever from Yarmouth who is battling cancer.

Whether Im at an actual photo shoot or just out on the Capes conservation lands with my own two dogs, I cant help but smile at the lifestyle our dogs lead. I love capturing their sandy paws, salty faces and wagging tails on camera, Hedman said.

Calendars are $20 each with discounts for multiple orders ($30 for the purchase of two, $60 for the purchase of five). Five dollars from every calendar purchased will go directly to the Brewster branch of the Animal Rescue League. Calendars can be purchased online at www.coldnosephoto.com. For more information contact Stacey at stacey@coldnosephoto.com or 508-737-2558.

(http://www.wickedlocal.com/plymouth/news/celebrations/x2072237816/Dogs-of-Cape-Cod-and-Plymouth-calendar)

The 2nd annual PetSmart Charities PetWalk presented by Purina Pro Plan is headed back to Tempe! Proudly sponsored by KSAZ-TV Fox 10/My 45 and PetSmart, the PetWalk is set for Sunday, February 21, 2010, at Tempe Town Lake in Tempe, Ariz. It will feature 5K and one-mile walks plus contests and fun, pet-themed events.

Leashed and safely contained, friendly animals and their human companions are welcome to take part and raise funds for Phoenix-based, nonprofit PetSmart Charities, the largest funder of animal-welfare agencies in North America. Walkers can also raise funds for the participating animal agency of their choice. Since 1994, PetSmart Charities has funded more than $88 million in animal-welfare grants and programs and, through its in-store adoption program in all PetSmart stores in the United States and Canada, has helped nearly 4 million homeless pets find new families.

“Last year, more than 8,000 people and 10,000 pets came together to support animal-rescue agencies, humane societies and shelters in Arizona and to achieve one shared goal of helping homeless and rescued animals in need. This event is a great opportunity to have fun with your pets and celebrate how much they enrich our lives,” said Susana Della Maddalena, executive director of PetSmart Charities, Inc. “We know that this year’s event will be even more successful in helping homeless pets in Arizona.”

Walkers are asked to collect pledges on behalf of PetSmart Charities or the participating agency of their choice. A $25 advance online registration fee ($30 the day of the event) will fund programs that help pets find lifelong, loving homes. For registration information, visit www.mypetwalk.org.

The following animal-welfare agencies, rescue groups and shelters are among the dozens of Arizona groups that are taking part in the PetSmart Charities PetWalk on February 21, 2010 at Tempe Town Lake. We hope to see YOU there, too!

Participating animal-welfare agencies:

Arizona Adopt a Greyhound, Inc.
Arizona Basset Hound Rescue
Arizona Beagle Rescue
Arizona Equine Rescue Organization, Inc.
Arizona Golden Rescue
Arizona Humane Society
Arizona Jack Russell Rescue, Inc.
Arizona Labrador & Giant Breed Rescue
Arizona Sheltie Rescue
Blistered Whiskers Inc.
Boxer Luv Rescue
Dreamchaser PMU Rescue & Rehabilitation Inc.
FACCS
Friends for Life Animal Sanctuary and Rescue
H.A.L.O. Animal Rescue
Home 'Fur' Good
Lucky Dog Rescue
Milagro Senior Pet Refuge
Oasis Sanctuary
Phoenix Animal Care Coalition (PACC911)
Pinal County Animal Care & Control
Rescue a Golden
Small Paws Rescue (Bichon Rescue)
Southwest Collie Rescue
Southwest German Shepherd Rescue
Valley Dogs, Inc.
Valley of the Sun Giant Schnauzer Rescue
Wildhorse Ranch Rescue

About PetSmart Charities

PetSmart Charities, Inc. is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that creates and supports programs that save the lives of homeless pets, raise awareness of companion animal-welfare issues and promote healthy relationships between people and pets. Since 1994, PetSmart Charities has funded more than $88 million in grants and programs benefiting animal-welfare organizations and, through its in-store pet adoption program, has helped save the lives of nearly 4 million pets. To learn more about how PetSmart Charities is working to help find a lifelong, loving home for every pet, visit www.petsmartcharities.org or call 1-800-423-PETS.

(http://pr-usa.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=302546&Itemid=30)

On Nov. 30, staff from the San Manuel Band of Serrano Mission Indians Environmental, Fire, and Public Safety Departments rescued and returned an injured dog that had been missing from its home in San Bernardino for over a month.

The dog, an 11-year-old hearing impairedSheltie, was discovered by two of San Manuels environmental staff at 8 a.m., perched on a ledge on the sideof a canyon located within the northern boundary of the San Manuel Indian Reservation. The technicians who were returning from a routine trip to collect water data flowing through the canyon, heard frantic barking and upon investigation discovered the dog some 150 feet above.

San Manuels Public Safety Animal Control was called to the scene but due to the steep terrain a conventional rescue was not possible. Within a short period, a team from the San Manuel Fire Department was dispatched to conduct a wildlands rescue utilizing ropes to reppel to the ledge. The attending fireman was able to retrieve the dog and return her to the ground for care and evaluation. Based on the dogs location and physical condition it was speculated that the dog had lost footing on the steep slope and fell a distance to the ledge half way up the canyon side.

Upon its rescue, the animal was turned over to San Manuels Public Safetys Animal Control. However, San Manuel environmental staff familiar with the lost animal postings on Craigslist site took a chance in locating the dogs owner. It was soon discovered that a hearing impaired dog of the same appearance was lost in the San Bernardino area approximately one month ago.

Upon contacting the owner, photos were distributed and identification was made of the dog. The dog, named Zoe, was reunited with her owner Angelina Rotolan on the morning of Dec. 1.

When I received the call I felt as though my heart stopped; after a month I thought I would not be reunited with my puppy, said Angelina. I am sincerely grateful to San Manuel and its staff for going above and beyond to bring Zoe home.

(http://www.highlandnews.net/articles/2009/12/17/news/doc4b2adcdde49e1414287446.txt)

Involved with dogs since the 60s, dogs still play a major part in our lives. Starting with owning a pet, we later started exhibiting, and then became dog breeders.

In the 70s, I became a freelance writer. An American Kennel Club judge for 30 years, I contribute to a variety of magazines. Many articles are published worldwide, are on the Internet, and have been translated into many languages.

Traveling the country, I judge and educate the public, as well as participating in community education regarding becoming a responsible dog owner.

Active in Dog 4-H and junior handling, our money was well spent as our girls put boys on the back burner. Dogs taught responsibility, fairness, dedication, hard work, and most of all, love!

This came about in the early 1960s. A collie being too large, I found the toy collie or Shetland sheepdog.

Being 13- to 16-inches tall at the shoulder, give or take, the largeness of their hearts cannot be comprehended.

Was this hobby worth missing reunions, picnics, weddings and graduations?

Yes, I truly believe new friends worldwide and creativity both in writing and breeding contributes to our success as a family unit.

My hunter husband owned beagles, a basset and wire hair pointer. We harbored border collies, Australian cattle dogs, whippets, dachshunds, and a variety of Heinz 57 breeds.

Involved in obedience, agility, conformation and performance, our numbers are dwindling as well as our energy, however, we still enjoy an occasional litter.

One sheltie was sold to a belly dancer in Chicago. A cattle dog went to an elephant trainer from Ringling Brothers. Another sheltie joined the circus. Today our dogs are successful in agility, herding trials, and conformation. Some participate in animal therapy, visiting nursing homes and hospitals.

As adults mature, they become companions to special people. Our dogs can be found throughout the United States, and many people return again and again for another Indian Creek dog.

Two adults live in Phoenix and walk mountain trails.

Miss Grace decided she could not relieve herself on sand, so every morning her owner, arms himself with a small plastic bag and they head for a local park.

Christmas brings cards and pictures from happy owners. Some people buy another dog to go with the first.

House raised, spoiled and socialized, all puppies sell on a spay/neuter contract. At 8 weeks old, they are ready to take on the world.

Perspective buyers are on a waiting list. Along with your new puppy, you received lifelong assistance and friendship.

Are our dogs perfect? No! But, they do whatever we asked of them in whatever venue we choose, with joy and eagerness. People immediately recognize an Indian Creek sheltie or cattle dog.

Proud of our selective, successful breeding program of more than 50 years, we are winding down. The joy of being owned by such dogs is beyond description.

If you need a puppy fix, just give us a call. Passing cars stop to watch our dogs cavort in our fenced yard. Wear old clothes when visiting, as our dogs are user friendly.

When adults leave, they simply love the one they are with.

Feeling somewhat betrayed, we know the world is a better place due to our efforts to produce an affectionate, loving companion. Dogs are loyal, dedicated, loving, kind and perceptive. Many rule with a pleading eye, lolling tongue and iron paw.

At times, a dogs company may be preferable to human interaction, as they keep secrets much better.

Groomers are available and we assist, as well, with questions. Our lives are filled with happiness and in truth; owning a dog is worth putting up with an occasional loose dog hair and muddy footprints.

Dogs open many doors. At night, if ours arrange themselves on the foot of our bed, we simply move over.

When children leave, the hours stretch. Get a dog! Enjoy those golden years. Older people may prefer a rescue or older dog. Dogs are a reason to get up in the morning.

Fitting a pet to your particular lifestyle is important. Choose carefully. Less active dogs fit a seniors lifestyle. Active dogs suit children.

Fill that void in your life; dont let time pass you by. Make arrangements for your pet in case you can no longer care for it.

Dont deprive yourself of the pleasure of a dogs company. Home just isnt a home without a dog.

Constantly entertaining, challenging, comforting, and manipulating dogs make life worth living!

Dont hesitate.

After all, dogs are mans best friend.

By Katie Gammill

(http://www.jg-tc.com/articles/2009/12/16/features/doc4b291e6f98213875398868.txt)

WINDSOR, Ont. — Still wondering what to get that difficult-to-satisfy person on your Christmas list?

What about a warm and fuzzy critter from the humane society?

Reversing a longstanding tradition of locking up its adoption centre doors during the Yuletide season, the Windsor-Essex County Humane Society is now not only encouraging Christmas adoptions but offering incentives to get more pets under the tree on Dec. 25.

Santa's helpers Periwinkle, the tabby cat, and Sasha, a lovey sheltie, are dressed for the season and ready for adoption at Windsor-Essex County Humane Society Friday, December 11, 2009. Photograph by: NICK BRANCACCIO, The Windsor Star

It is now recognized that the holidays can be a wonderful time of year to welcome a pet into the home because people are often spending more time than usual at home, the humane society said in a media release Friday.

One of the incentives, not usually included as part of adoptions, are rabies vaccinations. And all animals out the door by 2 p.m. on Dec. 24 also get a holiday gift.

Being overburdened with a flood of unwanted animals is definitely part of the equation in the humane societys new Christmas stance, according to shelter operations manager Rachel Dottermann. We havent had a lull period, she said, adding there hasnt been an empty cage at the Provincial Road shelter since the spring.

Were getting more in than out, unfortunately, said Dotterman, which translates into a growing number of animals the society has been forced to put down.

It wasnt so long ago that the humane society was making annual appeals at this time of year for people not to include cute and cuddly pets on their gift lists.

Theres always animal dumping after Christmas we expect it, it happens, a former humane society general manager told The Star a decade ago. Only the lucky abandoned ones, sometimes found wandering confused, frightened and cold across frozen county fields, managed to find their way back to a warm cage at the shelter.

Dottermann said the humane society still doesnt approve of anyone purchasing one of its animals as a surprise gift for under the tree. We want the recipient involved, said Dottermann, adding there are gift certificates to allow the recipient to participate in the selection after Christmas.

There is also a mandatory 24-hour waiting period before an adopted pet can be taken home, which Dottermann says is mainly to help deter impulse buying.

With the rising number of unwanted pets flowing into the humane societys animal shelter, some other longstanding taboos have been lifted, including a former ban on black cat adoptions leading up to Halloween.

By Doug Schmidt, The Windsor StarDecember 11, 2009

(http://www.windsorstar.com/health/Humane+society+reverses+Christmas+adoption/2331845/story.html)