The Story of Gerard The Rescuer

Today, we feature Princess, who is one of a multitude of animals rescued by a dear man, who was a neighbor when we lived in Seminole Heights. Gerard had a large yard and house and he never turned away an animal. He helped to catch feral cats, so they could be neutered and vaccinated, kept food dishes outside for the feral strays and helped to catch and place countless dogs. His yard and house were full of animals that people had deserted. He recently moved to an acre of land in Tennessee, so I'm sure the local strays are already finding their way to his door.

The picture above is of Princess on the back deck at her new house in Tennessee. She was a drop off at someones front gate in Seminole Heights. She was about 2 months old when they found her, a black and white ball of fur with a severe case of mange. Gerard took her, nursed her back to health and she grew into a beautiful, loyal and protective companion. Princess is now nine years old and enjoys being copilot to Gerard when he travels in his RV.

Call For Rescue Stories

I'm looking for rescue dog stories, so if you'd like to have your beautiful pup(s) featured on the blog, please email me with your story and at least one photo. I'd also like to start featuring a rescue group with one of their pets ready for adoption each month. If you are a member of a rescue group or know someone who is, please pass the word.

Control Unleashed

We recently participated in a class with Hobbit and Ella for reactive dogs at Courteous Canine. It's taught based on the book "Control Unleashed" by Leslie McDevitt. The book focuses on helping dogs who are easily aroused or distracted, anxious or shut down, and unable to work off leash. The goal is to teach those dogs how to relax and focus and work reliably in situations that normally stress them.

The book teaches you to look closely at your dog's behavior and learn how to read the signs of stress. Each dog has a "thermostat" with indicators for the level of stress they're experiencing. Ella ranges from mild apprehension when her tail is slightly tucked and her eyes unblinking, to complete shut down, when the whites of her eyes are showing, her ears back and her body curled in a ball. She has acute fear issues and is easily stressed by loud noises, flashing lights, new environments and new people. Ella is now two years old and has started exhibiting signs of aggression towards people and animals who approach on walks , while she's in the car or house. Hobbit, like many Jack Russell Terriers, is easily aroused and has anxiety issues. He startles easily, becomes anxious when there are changes in his environment or his routine is disrupted. He reacts aggressively when other animals approach on walks, in the car, or walking by the house when he looks out the window. So, when we heard of the Control Unleashed class, we jumped at the chance to work on these problem behaviors, or better stated, the reason for the behaviors.

A major part of the class is focused on developing the skills to teach your dog to relax. You wouldn't think a class that requires your dog to lay quietly on a mat for a good part of an hour would be difficult, but it's intense. While you try to relax your dog, the instructor is adding stressors, such as walking up to your dog with another dog and having dogs work through agility obstacles near your dog. Each dog is required to relax, then get up and work, so that they are constantly practicing coming down from arousal. The first few weeks, Ella was unable to stay still on the mat for more than a couple minutes. She was uneasy about people coming up to her and didn't walk willingly up to anyone. Week three a male instructor approached her and she reacted aggressively. He worked with her the rest of the hour, gaining her trust. The following week, she allowed him to approach without incident. By the fifth week, she was gaining confidence and at the end of the class, she was a different dog. She approached the other class members without fear and allowed them to approach her without reacting. Hobbit started out the class by lunging to the end of the leash barking and growling at a boxer that was too near for his comfort. He was fidgety on the mat the first few weeks and easily distracted. Week three, he figured out what was expected and started to relax. He enjoyed all the agility work in the class. By week six, he was so relaxed, he totally ignored the other dogs and Scott had a hard time getting him off the mat. He was really getting into this relaxation stuff!

The new skills we've learned have really helped on walks. We practice them when we see people or dogs approaching. The CU work has even held up when we come across wildlife. In the car, we begin focusing the dogs as soon as we see something that would arouse them and it defuses a potential reaction. Our new projects with the CU work are quieting the dogs in the backyard when they hear the dogs in yards beside and behind us and when they see animals outside the front windows. It's provided us a whole new way to communicate with our dogs. I highly recommend the class. It requires instructor approval and the dog to know basic obedience.

Two Dogs And A Herd Of Cats, This Week's Rescue Story

This week's rescue tale is provided by my friend Rohana, a woman who has a heart the size of Texas.


"MY FIRST DOGS"

Twelve years ago I moved into what people like to call an “up and coming” neighborhood. Unfortunately, my part of the hood never came up; in fact, it became a living hell. Into this war zone came Kodiak.

As my street worsened, I decided that having a dog would be a good thing so I visited the Humane Society of Tampa Bay several times looking for the perfect puppy. Most of the dogs up for adoption were just that – dogs. Because I had many cats, I wanted a puppy so I wouldn’t have to worry about my dog killing my cats like the loose dogs roaming the streets were wont to do. For a month I walked away empty-handed.

Then came the time when three of my cats were killed in two days by loose dogs, two of the cats slaughtered in my own backyard. So back to the Humane Society I went. The only puppy I wanted, a female Samoyed, had an adoption pending. On my way out I decided to visit the cat room, just for fun. And there in a bottom cage was a small tan/brown puppy that had just been neutered. It was love at first sight, even though I wanted a female dog. I adopted him that day, but I couldn’t take him home or even play with him because of his surgery.

The next day the woman at the Humane Society handed over this fat little Shepherd/Chow mix puppy into my arms. The collar I had bought him was way too big but we made it home just fine.
Young Kodiak found himself surrounded by many cats and kittens, some of whom were not amused by the new addition. Mitten the Kitten and Kodiak, however, became fast friends. He would lightly grab her head with his teeth, and with her head in his mouth, Kodiak would drag Mitten around the house. I was horrified; they, however, thought this was the greatest game and they continued it until Mitten became too big and heavy for Kodiak to drag her safely.

I had always heard that dogs will eat anything, including the kitchen sink. I guess Kodiak hadn’t heard that because he was (and still is) a fussy eater. As a puppy, he would go days without eating because he didn’t like what I put in his bowl. I tried everything on the dog shelf; my theory is that he wanted cat food because he thought he was a cat. When he was a little older and had finally started eating regularly, I noticed that the cats would gobble their food and then rush over to his bowl and start chomping away. Kodiak just stood there and let them. One day he looked at me and whined. I told him that he was bigger than the cats and to take his food away from them. So he turned to his bowl, put one big paw into it, dragged it away from the stunned cats, and ate it heartily. There weren’t too many cats-eating-dog-food problems after that.
Kodiak grew to be my 80-pound protector. He is now almost 11 years old and suffers from arthritis in his front legs and hip dysplasia in the back. His hearing has become less acute and sometimes, when he’s tired, his eye lids droop and he looks like an old man. He still loves his walks, although he can only go one block before I make him rest. His spirit still wants to explore every smell, every interesting tidbit on the road, but his body won’t let him. I know the day is coming when Kodiak will be no more. I can’t imagine what my life will be like without Kodiak, my first dog.


There aren't too many good photos of Sully. He prefers to put his nose on the camera lens rather than sit and let me take a portrait of him. That's probably a metaphor for who he is. He always has to be where the action is and to be right in the middle of it. He has anointed himself "King of the Kitchen" and woe be to any animal who tries to trespass on his kingdom (which is rather small but I guess any kingdom is better than no kingdom).

Sully, a Border Collie mix, will be five years old this month (February, which is just a guess). I found Sully when he was about four months old trotting down 12th Street in Southeast Seminole Heights, which can be a dangerous street to walk on since it is narrow, there are no sidewalks, there's very little right-of-way space in some sections, and it is often a speedway for cars. When I first saw him he was close to Hillsborough Avenue, an extremely busy thoroughfare. Sully was looking from side to side as he ran, anxious about being lost, his tail between his legs. Two of my neighbors, Ryan and Deirdre, happened to be riding their bikes and they saw Sully too. We tried to catch him but he ran away and down one of the side streets. When I caught up with him, he was sitting on a porch with a man. I asked the man if Sully was his puppy. He said he'd never seen the dog before, so I picked Sully up, put him in my old Suzuki Samurai, and brought him to Ryan's house. There Sully got a bath because he was filthy, with sandspurs stuck in his calloused paws. He was also very thirsty and hungry so he ate and drank with abandon. Then it was - now what do we do. Ryan had three big dogs and I had one dog and 17 cats. I decided to take Sully and brought him home to my cats and Kodiak, my then five-year-old Shepherd/Chow mix.

While the beginning of our life with Sully wasn't all that easy (Housebreaking - what's that? Don't chew on walls - why not? Cats - yum!, Sit - you gotta be kidding!), I wouldn't give him up for anything. I love watching him as he tries to herd the cats (yeah, right). I love watching him play with Kodiak. (Since Kodiak is now almost 11 years old and suffers from arthritis and hip dysplasia, he can't stand or walk for any length of time so Sully hunkers down on the floor with Kodiak and they tussle and rumble and it gets so loud it makes me laugh.) I love watching Sully sleep. He either lies on his back on the floor, back legs spread open or he curls up in one of the "dog" chairs, looking so much like the puppy I found almost five years ago.

I know this is sad but sometimes I wonder what life will be like for Sully and me when aging Kodiak comes to the end of his life. Will Sully be okay as the only dog amid a herd of cats? Will he ever truly believe that "kitties are our friends"? Will he be incredibly lonesome for another dog to play with? Will he become even more attached to me than he already is? I guess one day we will find out.

Soldier Saves Dog In Iraq

In yesterday's Tampa Tribune, Metro section, there's a touching story of a severely abused dog rescued by a Marine stationed there. Major Brian Dennis nursed the injured dog back to health and named him Nubs, because his ears had been disfigured as a puppy. Then, with the help of friends, he arranged for Nubs to be transported to the United States, where he will be cared for by even more kind souls until Major Dennis is released from his tour of duty. You can read the entire story at TBO.com.

A Valentine Rescue Tale

"Here's a few pictures of my dog. I found her running in traffic on a busy L.A. street. She was scared and tired and hungry and completely un-approachable. (very aggressive) It took me an hour-and-a-half to get a leash on her. In that moment her whole personality changed. As soon as she felt the leash she instantly became the most affectionate, loyal, obedient dog I've ever seen. She's still rough around the edges though.--very unpredictable with strangers. So we're working on that.I got a camper trailer so she can go on the road with me. We just got back from the Superbowl in Phoenix. "

That was an email I received from David, my sweetheart of a cousin in California, a couple weeks ago. He's a cameraman and travels much of the time from one photo shoot to the next. He used to travel by plane or rental car, but that's all changed thanks to the new girl in his life. He named her Switch and he'll be seeing alot more of the country from the road. His last email said that he's read 22 books on dog behavior! He's determined to learn all he can to help Switch live a happy, well adjusted life.

20th Annual Pet Theft Awareness Day

Did you know that in 19th century London, dog kidnapping was a well established business? Elizabeth Barrett Browning's beloved spaniel, Flush was stolen three times by a gang called "The Fancy". Each time the thieves demanded more ransom and the final time, Elizabeth herself, ventured into the underbelly of the city to rescue her dog. Learn more about Elizabeth's life with Flush, in the book "Shaggy Muses" by Maureen Adams

I read about the Pet Theft Awareness Day in the Tampa Tribune this week. It's sponsored by an animal rights organization called Last Chance For Animals. According to them about 2 million animals are stolen each year. The animals may be sold to research facilities, dog fighting rings or puppy mills. You can register to receive alerts on lost pets at http://www.lostandpound.com/. Other useful sites are http://www.findfido.com/ and www.h4ha.org/lost-and-found-pets/index.php (Hugs For Homeless Animals). To learn more about the stolen pets campaign, go to http://www.stolenpets.com/.

Carolyn Meeker Dogpark in Lutz

Lutz opened a new dogpark thanks to the hard work of teacher, Judy Alvarez and her pupils at Lutz Elementary. They developed the idea and presented it to the Hillsborough County Board of Commissioners a couple years ago. It's my understanding that Mrs. Alvarez' classes will continue to work on the dogpark, writing grants for improvements. I imagine her pupils will be this country's next great leaders!

The park sits on the west side of Hwy 41, just south of Lutz Lake Fern Rd. in Lutz. It's a large plot of land wrapped around a small drainage pond. It's divided into too sections, one for small dogs and one for large. The picture, above, is of the large dog area on a wintry day. There are transitional entry pens, time out pens, dog and people water taps and a couple weeks ago, restrooms were added. Several benches are situated around the perimeter. The picture, right, is of a nature trail that connects to the back of the park. The park has been filled with dogs since the grand opening last fall. It's rare to go there and not find a gang of happy canines, running and tumbling with tongues lolling and tails wagging.

We've met people who have visited other Hillsborough County dogparks. They compare the Lutz one favorably. A few people have said they wish there were picnic tables. We were told by parks officials that they didn't want picnic tables because they didn't want them used for eating (food is prohibited in the park). Still, it would be nice to have a table to sit around with other dog owners . Many people bring drinks, so that would give them a place to set them. I'm not sure if drinks are restricted, but I know those early morning park users would find it hard not to have that cup of coffee. Someone has started a Lutz DogPark email list (look that up on yahoo email groups, search "Friends of Lutz Dogpark"). It would be interesting to have county and statewide dogpark email groups. What dogparks have you visited and what features did you like about them? How have issues such as misbehavior and ignoring dogpark rules been dealt with in other parks? In the future, I'll do an article on safe dogpark behavior and ettiquette.

Life With Dogs

You know you're a doglover when:

*The dustbunnies in your house produce enough hair to create another little terrier.

*The dogtoy supply outgrows the basket, then the trunk and you are now searching for a
cabinet.

*You take more time creating the dog's meal than you do your own.

* You spend your weekends at dog classes and dogparks.

* Your favorite time of the day is couchtime with your pooches.

February Happenings

The Humane Society Pet Photo Contest- Th HS of the US is celebrating Spay Day 2008 by sponsoring a photo contest. Enter a photo of your pet along with a brief story about how your pet improves your life. Winner will be announced Feb 26. More info at: www.humanesociety.org/spayday.

A Sinful Sunday- Sunday,February 10, 12:30 p.m.
@ the historic Richey Suncoast Theater( downtown New Port Richey) 6237 Grand Blvd. SPCA Valentine Benefit Concert and silent auction to fund the Emergency Medical Care Program. For more info go to www.spcasuncoast.org/coming-spca-events.htm


Sweethearts of The Park Photo Contest - February 1-29
Enter a photo of your dog that best captures the theme of the contest. Especially wanted are photos taken at the park of your dog and their park buddy. For more info got to
Hillsborough County Parks under Upcoming Events.

Greyhound Rescue Meet and Greet- Saturday, February 9, 10a.m.-1p.m.
PetSmart 12835 Citrus Park Dr. Sponsored by Greyhound Rescue and Adoption of Tampa Bay.
Call (813)971-4732 or visit http://www.great-greyhound.org/

Pets and Kisses- Saturday, February 9, 10a.m-2p.m.
Groovy Cats and Dogs, 8458 N. Dale Mabry Hwy #1A Humane Society of Tampa Bay will be there for mobile adoptions. Paw painting, kissing booth and photography.

Call to Artists- art donations needed for Art of Rescue auction to benefit Florida Boxer Rescue. Art will hang at Art Institute of Tampa, May 13-21. Contact Lori, 920-1965. See info at http://www.flbr.org/

Rescue Tales

Once a week, I'll be featuring the stories of dogs rescued by friends and family. This is the first installment written by Ginny.

Duncan:
It all started with my best friend asking me what I wanted for my birthday. I lost my choc. lab 2 years before and had been thinking it was time for a new dog in my life. My friend had not expected that response, to say the least. I searched through Pet Finder and found a place with two sets of lab puppies in Bronson , FL. My friend, her 4 kids and I took a trip. I requested her 4 kids come along cause what better way to check out dogs than with kids. I looked over the lab puppies but no specific dog grabbed my heart. I thought for sure I was going home without a new friend. My last look was at Levy County Humane Society at some beagle mixes. I really liked the way they looked with the long ears but they were all female and I wanted a male. The males were recovering in the doctor area as they all had just been neutered. Those poor boys looked pitiful all groggy. There was a small little guy who was 4 months old way in the back with big floppy ears that was so shy. His coloring was beautiful. It was love at first sight. I did go home empty handed but with the knowledge he would be coming along in 3 weeks. Since the kennel was in Bronson and my friend and her 4 kids lived in Trenton FL they picked up newly named Duncan and brought him to me in Tampa . He arrived curled up in a wicker laundry basket smelling pretty bad. He was sick most of the way. But the kids did a great job at taking care of him for the 2 ½ hour ride. Duncan had arrived. Duncan has grown up to be a 70 lb beagle mixed with black and tan coon hound and Doberman. At 8 months old Duncan and I were really having a difficult time. He was rebelling and I was frustrated. I didn’t understand what this dog needed. His personality is so different than my lab, playing fetch doesn’t work with him. After much research into beagles I finally read where beagles are pack animals and really don’t like to be in an only dog household. Another beagle?!?!?!


Fergus
A dog for Duncan , was I nuts? I work from home so that would be a plus. The extra expense was a minus. I knew a beagle would be the best fit. I searched around and found Tampa Bay Beagle Rescue on line. I completed their application and was approved. Now it just came down to Duncan picking a buddy. I kept searching their available dogs and saw a red and white who looked pretty cute. My friend and more importantly her 4 kids weren’t going to be in town the weekend of the adoption event so no help here. I went to the dog meet and greet at Al Lopez with Duncan . Talked to some great people about which dog would be a good fit with Duncan . They called Duncan the beagle on steroids as he stood head and shoulders above the other beagles. The red and white beagle mix was there but Duncan didn’t seem to really notice him. I noticed that the red & white was very playful. After an hour of watching Duncan and changing my mind every 10 mins I went with my gut, the red & white beagle became Fergus and had a home. It took 3 months before Duncan fully accepted Fergus as part of the family. Fergus certainly came with issues too. He had not been treated nicely in a past life and it took many months of patient working before he would allow me to pick him up without trying to bite me. He also wanted to sleep next to me but kept attacking the bedcovers whenever they moved. Now both dogs are almost three years old and they are inseparable. They take turns sleeping on the bed with me or sleeping with each other. Both dogs are very social which has allowed me to be able to invite friends & their puppers over for yappy hour and bring home two strays I found. The latest stray, a beagle named Gus, stayed almost 3 weeks and was very sick. Tampa Bay Beagle Rescue gave Gus a new foster family and paid for the costly medical treatment. Duncan and Fergus are incredibly generous dogs who love to meet new friends both 4 legged and 2.

More Football Related News

In yesterday's Tampa Tribune there were two heartwarming articles about the rescue of former football player, Michael Vick's fighting dogs. You can read about them here and here. Or you can read about them in Sunday, Feb. 3 edition of the Trib and at TBO.com. One article, "Trauma Eases For Pit Bulls Taken From Vick Property" was in Baylife, pg. 7. The other, "Pit Bulls Learning About Life Outside Fighting Ring" was in Nation/World, part 2, pg.13.

Super Bowl Announcement

My cousin, Dave Arnold, is a cameraman on the blimp televising the Super Bowl. He recently adopted a dog off the mean streets of Los Angeles. Previously, he traveled by airline to his film shoots across the nation and the world. Since becoming the parent of a rescued dog, he purchased a litlle travel trailer, so he could take his dog along. So look for blimp shots today knowing that while Dave is in the blimp gondola, his new pal, Switch, waits for him in the traveling home below.