Andrea For Animals Blog

Lucy & Irby

2011-02-16T22:02:00.002-06:00

This is a picture of Lucy & Irby together. I just wanted to post this for you to see. More tomorrow.

I am really slacking on this blog thing!

2011-02-15T00:07:00.010-06:00

So much has happened since I last blogged. I did end up rescuing the Pekingese I mentioned in the 9/19/10 post. I named him Bubba, and he was with me from the end of September 2010 through the first week of January 2010, when he was adopted. He was a funny guy - very sweet, but aggressive to other dogs. Strangely, though, he never had a problem with Eddie. He also liked to cause a little touble now and then, so I called him, "Bubba Trubba." Here's his Petrait photo we did for his adoption effort:

Pepper was finally adopted, as well - just in time for Christmas. Just a few days later, however, I received a call from a client whose friend found a cat outside. That's how I got Peek-a-boo:

I took her straight to the vet and found she had pneumonia and a few cracked ribs. I found out 10 days later (after a culture was done,) that she also had ringworm. She is healthy now and will be spayed on 2/19/11. Then I'll have the Ringworm culture done again to make sure it is gone. After that, she's been accepted at Touched By An Animal/Cats Are Purrsons, Too, who will search for the perfect home for Peek-a-boo.

More recently, I found out about a little male Pekingese in a high-kill county shelter in Springfield, IL name Louie. Of course, with Bubba now adopted, I had to help him. Using the awesome power of the Internet & Facebook, I found a rescue friend willing to drive down there for me to get him. I only had to drive as far as Naperville, IL! It worked out perfectly. (Thanks Latisse!) Therefore, I introduce "Louie-Kablooey" or "Louie-L'Amour," depending on what I feel like calling him at any given time:

Since I never stop trying to rescue every dog I can, I am also trying to save a dog I'll probably never even meet. His name is Irby, and he's a 5-7 month old male gorgeous mixed-breed dog that I've become obsessed with saving since seeing his picture of Facebook. He's in a shelter in Bastrop, TX. I've found a person to help me with the mandatory 2 week fostering, and to help arrange for transport to Jewell, IA, where he'll be accepted in to the no-kill rescue there, South Hamilton Animal Alliance, run by veterinarian Lisa Hindle Deppe. Please consider contributing to the cost of getting poor, scared Irby out of the shelter and safely to Lisa in IA.

Chip-In started for Elizabeth the cat

2010-12-07T10:43:00.002-06:00

Elizabeth is the 1 of 6 cats owned by Sophia M, a friend of my sister. 2 somehow survived (supposedly) unharmed, and 3 have died. Elizabeth is clinging to life as I type. Her caregiver does not have the funds to pay for the already staggering vet bills. Estimates now are around $5,000 and she's not out of the woods yet.

What occurred:

On Sunday afternoon, the radiator somehow started to either crack or loosen from the pipe and steam had been pouring out for possibly an hour in their tiny studio apartment before anyone knew what was happening.

By the time they were discovered, 2 of the 6 cats had already died and one was looking unwell. The fourth, Elizabeth, looked o.k. She watched them and cared for them, called the vet for signs to look for, and the 3rd took a turn for the worse and died within 30 minutes.

Elizabeth was thought to be ok, but was brought in after she started vomiting. She's in critical condition. She's a fighter, though. Her owner has been able to cook for her and she is eating a little.

Elizabeth 's history:

She was rescued from near death 6.5 years ago by her current owner who'd discovered she was being savagely abused - at only 8 weeks old! She seized the cat from the abuser and brought her to a veterinarian. At the time, the vet told her the cat would not survive and should be euthanized. She believed the "little creature" (who did not even resemble a cat due to her abuse and starvation) deserved a chance to survive and she and her mother nursed her back to health. She's been well and happy ever since - until now.

Please donate to Elizabeth the cat's ever-mounting bill. Elizabeth is currently at Chicago Veterinary Emergency Services. Chip-In started online (see below.) If prefer not to use Chip-In, you can do a PayPal to me and I will see that she gets it: andreaforanimals@gmail.com

Mill Dogs in Need - TODAY!

2010-10-03T16:26:00.001-05:00

Do you know anyone willing to foster any of the following puppy mill
survivors? They need to get out or the mill will dispose of them...

two 7 y/o Maltese (Female),
6 year old Shih Tzu (Male),
8 y/o Bichon Frise (M),
7 y/o Bichon Frise (M),
7 y/o Lhasa Apso (M),
8 y/o Lhasa Apso (M),
6 y/o Lhasa Apso (M),
2 y/o Shih Tzu (F) w/bad eye,
2 y/o Shih Tzu (F),
5 y/o Shih Tzu (F),
2 y/o Lhasa Apso-Bichon Frise mix (M) who has nipped.

No vet care done at the time of pickup from WI, they'd need to go directly to a vet who'd assess everything at that point.

They'd probably have had no social interaction with any other species, or even other dogs in many cases. Really sad souls who need a quiet place and some love to bloom. All will not be told until they are safe and vetted. I doubt they have any diseases, other than possibly fleas and bacterial diarrhea, both common to mill dogs. However, there could be "mental damage" from neglect and/or abuse, and also hereditary issues. We really don't know anything yet.

On a positive note, in the right homes, most do come out of their shells pretty quickly and flourish into wonderful pets. Once they learn to trust and get nutritious food and good medical care, they feel better and become like any other good dog.

For anyone in Chicago (or very close,) I have arranged for pickup Monday (tomorrow) in WI and transportation to Chicago area if you are willing.

I only have this one opportunity available for transport, so speak up today!

Don't be paranoid - just do it.
Sent from my U.S. Cellular BlackBerry® smartphone

Recent happenings

2010-09-19T10:02:00.022-05:00

I haven't had too much time to blog, or write at all, but I do keep things up-to-date on Facebook and Twitter. Please consider not only subscribing to this blog, but also on Examiner.com and Facebook/Twitter to keep up with all things "Andrea For Animals."

What's been happening?

My most recent Examiner.com article, entitled, "A call to action is in order," was published September 16th and is again about puppy mills. Please pass it on to anyone you think would like to read it.

I've been attending most of the Saturday protests for ThePuppyMillProject.org, and trying to encourage my FB friends to come, as well. I think many people think of Peta and all the shocking and negative campaigns they do and write off protesting, for fear of looking like an extremist. This does not happen with our group. We are not going to harass you as you walk by, nor are we going to try to get into arguments with people. We are there to inform people of what they are not aware. It is still each person's decision what to do with the information, but we hope that the new knowledge will have an impact on future decisions regarding which stores to support and which not to support, as well as decisions to adopt instead of purchasing a puppy.

On August 22nd, Eddie, Hana and I, along with members of ThePuppyMillProject.org, were present for the signing of the Pet Store Disclosure Bill. Governor Pat Quinn was there and it was a positive, hopeful event. Even Eddie seemed to know he needed to behave himself, and he didn't even growl at anyone. Eddie was even mentioned in an article by The Chicago Tribune the that evening!

Right now I am trying to attend as many outreach and adoption events as I can, work as much as I can - still have to pay the bills - and I am trying to get a couple of depressed dogs out of the intake facility for Animal Welfare League. The FB photo album link is here, and the dogs I am trying to get out are #31/32/51 (all same dog) and #61. Please let me know if you would like to adopt either of these boys. I need a 501c3 rescue to step up ad pull them first. If I can get them out, more info will come.

These are the dogs:

a male, pekingese a male, mixed breed.

Important Links:

This is a video, created by Debbie Center, called "Just Sit There and Look Pretty ~ Puppy Mills, Pet Stores, and Animal Shelters. " It is worth a watch and to be sent to others to enjoy. It has a very moving message (and some nice piano music. Debbie is a piano teacher.)

This is a video created by Animal Ark in MN called, "We Are (the No-Kill movement.)" It explains the ideas behind The No-Kill Equation. Anyone interested in learning how to help shelter animals should watch this. Animal Ark has some very informative pages and materials available online, and comprehensive programs to help other shelters achieve their no-kill goals.

This article, "The Teacup Puppy Phenomenon," is from BARK Rescue in Belleville, IL. It sheds some light on what these dogs really are, and why they're a very bad trend. Please read it and spread the word!

The Puppy Mill Project and Andrea For Animals : A beautiful partnership

2010-07-24T22:06:00.023-05:00

Several months ago, as I was driving down Western Avenue, a woman waved at me to talk to me about my car magnets, which were about pet rescue. At a stoplight, she said that I must be a real animal-lover, like herself, to have them, especially the one against puppy mills. She gave me her business card, and I contacted her that evening. She explained to me that she was a volunteer for The Puppy Mill Project, and that the group would love to have me in their corner.

I don't know when I first understood the concept of a puppy mill, or when the connection between mills and pet stores really sunk in, but I have known about them, and have been against puppy mills for many years. Please see The Puppy Mill Project's website or even Wikipedia's page for more information. I cannot understand why anyone would still buy a puppy from a store.

At first, I didn't have the time to go to their protests, which are held almost every Saturday. They were focusing on a local chain of pet stores called Pawsh Puppies, which had four locations. They were protesting the Northbrook Court location regularly. Northbrook Court shopping Center even threw them out of the mall on one Saturday, simply for wearing anti-puppy store t-shirts in the mall. It was a sort of "silent" protest. When they started focusing on another of the Pawsh Puppy stores, located on Halsted (now closed) in Chicago and a more convenient a location for me, I started becoming more involved. I brought my boyfriend, a freelance photographer, Dallas Yanez with me to photo-document the protest. He often takes photos for charity events, particularly for pet rescues. I even brought a couple of dogs to get more attention to the group. Since then, I've been attending as regularly as I can, invite people to participate, and bring Dallas along for each new location. I also wrote an article about them for The Examiner.com in May.

Pawsh Puppies has recently changed their name to Planet Pooch, possibly to try and trick consumers who have heard so much about their unethical puppy suppliers. It won't work, because The Puppy Mill Project is already protesting their new store on Clybourn Ave.

Photo by Dallas Yanez. Click to enlarge

The founder of The Puppy Mill Project, Cari Meyers, is a strong, passionate voice for the dogs in puppy mills. It is inspiring to me that she has the courage and strength to persevere, even in the face of threats and frivolous lawsuits against her by puppy mill stores trying to cover their "assets."

The main goal of The Puppy Mill Project is educating consumers of the truth about puppy mills and dogs sold in pet stores. In addition to this, however, the Puppy Mill Project has also been facilitating rescue operations and transporting puppy mill dogs to rescue groups in the Midwest.

In early June, 22 dogs were rescued and transported to rescues; on July 10th, 11 dogs were rescued; on July 14th, 28 dogs were rescued; and on July 17th, 11 dogs were rescued. All of these dogs were going to be killed if The Puppy Mill Project did not step in. In the case of the most recent group, the puppy mill owner had already dug the dogs' graves. They were in imminent danger. Since their rescue was a rush to save their lives, the dogs had to be transported before veterinary care could be obtained for them, and they did not have time to get commitments from rescues beforehand. The Puppy Mill Project incurred a great deal of expenses from medical care for these dogs. Since July 17th, they have been quarantined and their veterinary needs addressed. Most have now been transported to rescue groups, but a few remain in Chicago. Please look at some of the 11 on Slide.com. The boxers in these photos still need foster homes.

Obtaining and transporting unwanted dogs relinquished by puppy mill operators requires a great deal of effort, communication and cooperation between volunteers. It also costs money for gas and other travel-related expenses. Veterinary care costs are incredible. Please consider contributing to the medical care of the 11 most recently rescued, future puppy mill rescues, as well as the ongoing education of consumers and efforts made to influence legislation. We've started an online "ChipIn fund" and the transactions are securely handled via paypal.

Thank you, and I'll see you at the protests!

Help!! 98 dogs need rescue!!!

2010-07-12T21:36:00.001-05:00

These HUGE list 98 breeders dogs are in need of RESCUES. They have been given their freedom!! However, many have already been pts and more will be pts sleep if not rescued.

Please when looking at this list, do consider taking an older one and not just the younger ones. It will be the older ones that get pts first by the breeders. We don't want to leave any behind!!

We have transport to MN/WI and N. IL. We do not have transport set up for the east or west coast.

If you can help with transport or sponsoring or donating crates, please contact me at westhancockk9@mchsi.com

Permission to cross post and post to facebook.

**DOGS NEEDING RESCUE**

These dogs need a rescue. They are sitting just NW of St Louis. These dogs need to move within the next 2 weeks at the latest and I'm not sure they have that much time. If you think you can help, we would really appreciate commitments as soon as possible so none are put down. Please email Brenda Bratton at brendabratton@yahoo.com with commitments and or any questions.
Health certs/rabies will be done and receiving rescues need to reimburse via paypal 10.00 per dog for that, ppwork will be provided.

FIRST 30 DOGS ARE LISTED AS MOST URGENT!!

1 HAVANESE 1-2 YRS WHT/SILVER FEMALE TIMID UNDERBITE-Rescued!
2 COCKER SPANIEL 5ISH BUFF/WHT FEMALE GOOD HAS BAD EAR INFECT, BEEN WITH VET…
3 COCKER SPANIEL 5 ISH BUFF FEMALE GOOD VERY SMALL
4 COCKER SPANIEL 9/4/2003 BUFF MALE GOOD
5 SHIH TZU 3/12/2004 CHOC MALE GOOD
6 PEKINGESE 9/29/2009 SILVER MALE GREAT SHEARED HAVE TO MANY
7 POMERANIAN 6/27/1905 WHITE FEMALE GOOD
8 POMERANIAN 8/20/2005 SABLE FEMALE GOOD
9 POMERANIAN 3 YEAR RED FEMALE 095-771-860
10 POMERANIAN 4/5 ORANGE MALE TIMID GOOD COAT 465-877-6E18
11 POMERANIAN 3/4/ISH ORANGE FEMALE TIMID
12 POMERANIAN 2/3/ISH CREAM FEMALE TIMID 83827769
13 POMERANIAN 5ISH CREAM FEMALE TIMID 71812053
14 CHIHUAHUA 8/25/2005 BLUE FEMALE GOOD GETTING OLD
15 CHIHUAHUA 5/12/2006 FAWN MALE GOOD SMALL-LONG LEGS
16 CHIHUAHUA 4/7/2009 WHT/FAWN MALE GOOD FRIENDLY-BIG
17 BEAGLE 3/19/2003 RED/WHT MALE GOOD OLDER
18 BEAGLE 7/5/2004 TRI FEMALE GOOD OLDER
19 DACHSHUND 4/20/2003 RED FEMALE GOOD BAD TEETH
20 DACHSHUND 7/9/2008 BLACK/TAN MALE TIMID HAVE TO MANY MALES
21 JACK RUSSEL 2/1/2008 RED/WHT MALE GOOD FRIENDLY-CAN'T FIND GOOD FEMALES
22 MINIATURE SCHNAUZER 7/12/2008 PARTI FEMALE GOOD LITTLE TIMID
23 MINIATURE SCHNAUZER 11/23/2009 S/P MALE GOOD
24 MINIATURE SCHNAUZER 4/15/2005 S/P FEMALE GOOD
25 MINIATURE SCHNAUZER 3/27/2005 PARTI MALE GOOD LITTLE TIMID
26 MINIATURE SCHNAUZER 9/7/2005 BLK/SILVER FEMALE GOOD SMALL
27 MINIATURE POODLE 4ISH APRICOT FEMALE TIMID 97513548
28 MINATURE POODLE LESS THAN 6 MO APRICOT MALE
29 MINATURE POODLE LESS THAN 6 MO APRICOT MALE
30 HAVANESE WHITE/BLK MALE TIMID DUDLEY-RESCUED!!

*******************************************************FIRST 30 LISTED ARE URGENT

31 Cocker Spaniel Bluff female 5 years old
32 Puggle female fawn female 4 years old
33-35 Jacks, 2 f, 1 m, 5 - 6 yrs old, male beautiful red/white - all smooth coat
36 male Beagle tri-color 5 years
37 male Brussels brown 5 years
38 male brussels brown 5 years
39 female brussels brown 7 years
40 female brussels brown 7 years
41 female brussels brown 7 years
*************************************************
42 Dachshund Female Red Long Haired (BIG) DOB 11.24.04 Precious
43 Poodle Female White & Cream DOB 5.22.06 RoseBud
44 Boxer Female 4yrs Red Bailey Very smart and energetic
************************************************************
45 Poodle f 12/22/04
46 Lhasa Apso f 8/18/06
47Sheltie m 6/12/05
48 Sheltie f 12/10/08
49 Sheltie f 12/10/08
50 Maltese m 8/13/01
******************************************************************
51. Male min pin 6 yrs.old
52. Female min pin 2yrs.old
53. Female shih tzu 6rs. Old
54. Female shih tzu 6yrs. Old
55. Female shih tzu6 yrs.old
56. Male shih tzu 4 yrs. Old
57. Female Cairn terrier 8 months old
58. Female Mailti poo 5yrs.old
******************************************************************
59 3 month old Cocker - Lhasa cross male with off bite and unbilical hernia
60 Lhasa Apso female gold and white 8 yrs. old. Friendly.
61 Cocker Spaniel red & white parti male partly blind but friendly.
*****************************************************************
62-63 2 Beagles,1m, 1f, 5 yrs old
*****************************************************************
64-66 3 Cocker female3, '05s
67 Dachshund Male Black/Tan Smooth Hair - Maddox
**************************************************************
68 Cocker male, buff, 6 yrs
69 Beagle female, 4 yrs
70 Lab female, 5 yrs, chocolate
**************************************************************
71-73 3 Bassetts, two young female bassets and older female basset too.
**************************************************************
74Cocker male, senior
75-77 3 male Poodles, all about 6 or 7 yrs old
78 Doxie, "Max" red smooth coat, 7 yrs
79-81 3 female Mini Schnauzers, 4 yrs, sisters
82-83 2 female Jacks, 6 yrs, I've seen these girls, happy and good-looking for this breed
84 male Jack, 10 yrs
85 male red Poodle, older, probably 7 - 8 yrs
86 male red Poodle, son of the above, 1 yr old
***************************************************************
87-88 2 F Pugs 6 to 8 Fawn & Black
89 1 M Pug 1 yr black
90-93 4 F Pugs 1 yr Black possible Chugs or Boston Pug, real cute
***************************************************************
94 I male silky 3 years old
95 I male silver poodle 1 year old housebroke
96 I male poodle 2 years old white
97 1 old female Yorkie blind around 8 years old.
98 7 or 8 year old silkie female very sweet
************************************************************************************
My #s are HM 770-535-1927 Cell 404-538-3381

Thank you very much!!
Brenda
brendabratton@yahoo.com

Sent from my U.S. Cellular BlackBerry® smartphone

Please "chip in" for Dore' - He'll be hospitalized today

2010-04-24T08:28:00.002-05:00

I have created a separate web page here for his updates.

Suffering from serious frustration here...

2010-04-23T23:14:00.006-05:00

I don't get it. How can a person just abandon a family pet? I figure I should be glad I don't understand their logic, but it doesn't infuriate me any less that we animal lovers and rescuers have to clean up other people's "pet messes."

On 4/5, I found a cat: April. She was clearly sick and older, but after bringing her to the vet the next morning and a whole day of hospitalization, she wasn't going to get well and we had to euthanize her. (She tested positive for FIV, was severely anemic and in kidney failure. She had a mass in her mouth - most likely the cause of the anemia, and was probably an aggressive form of cancer. She'd have to go through way too much to have any hope of a recovery, and those chances were very slim.) Poor April was friendly and old. She was clearly a toss-out cat. She could never be able to survive outside, and clearly would not have made it any longer had I not "rescued" her. All I have to say for this attempt is that I tried. I was too late, but I tried. At least she had a peaceful, pain-free death instead an agonizing one.

On 4/10, a client of mine found a dog wandering outside near busy cross streets without tags or a microchip. If she hadn't cornered it and called me, it may have perished. After hours of work making fliers, posting to lostandpound.com, etc. and broadcasting all over the internet, I walked the neighborhoods the next morning putting all the fliers up. That afternoon, the owners surfaced - thankfully. Why do people not put collars and tags (at least) on their dogs? Why are they not micro- chipped?

Today I found another cat - another toss out. He's lethargic and weak. I took him to Dr. Rovner right away, and he'll be ok if he can make it through the weekend. Tree House may be able to admit him on Monday. He may not make it though, as his body is in shock and he is not very responsive. He has a low body temp, pale, almost white gum tissue, and was starving and moderately dehydrated. He received a whole bag of IV fluids, an antibiotic shot, vitamin shot (b,b12) and a de-wormer. I am going to have to keep heating pads on him 24-7 if he's going to live. Apparently, his "owners" lost their home. I can't feel sorry for them. They abandoned their cat. Losing your home doesn't happen over night. They had plenty of warning and could have found a safe place for their cat. I'm absolutely furious and for hours after I found that out (from a neighbor,) I was absolutely livid at the thought of those people.

We who love animals suffer along with them, and let me tell you... it hurts.

Pet adoption options in Chicago

2010-04-20T22:56:00.001-05:00

Pet adoption options in Chicago

Posted using ShareThis

United Animal Nations' HEAR course this weekend

2010-04-12T23:00:00.005-05:00

I am attending a course on Sunday, April 18th at the PAWS facility on Clybourn. This full-day course, given by United Animal Nations, is for a volunteer position in their new Humane Education Ambassador Reader (HEAR) Program. The official description of the program: "UAN's Humane Education Ambassador Reader (HEAR) program helps children explore the bond between people and animals through stories and discussion. HEAR volunteers visit elementary school classrooms, after-school programs, animal shelters and other venues to read to children and lead discussions -- helping children develop critical thinking skills and empathy.

HEAR volunteers and the children they reach share information about animals, reflect on the roles of animals in their communities and determine our responsibilities toward them."

I'm really excited about this for several reasons. First, I truly believe that is we are to get anywhere in our attempts to improve the lives of animals, we have to start with the children. Even if we succeed in changing laws, and even rescuing millions of shelter animals, to stop the abuse and neglect will require reprogramming the minds of the people. Society needs to change the way it looks at and values animals.

Second, as many of you know, I am hoping to not only turn my AndreaforAnimals.com website into a non-profit fund-raising powerhouse, but I'd like to someday actually be able to make a decent living (what a concept!) I hope that getting involved in these types of programs will enable organizations, such as UAN, to value me as an animal advocate and an asset and want to hire me to do what I love - protect and rescue animals. Bottom line: I want to make a difference without starving my family.

Finally, though, I hope to make even more contacts. You never know whop you'll need as a resource when trying to help animals. Facebook, Twitter, and other social networking sites have become a huge tool for animal advocates, and I want to continue to grow that community.
With my new affiliation with Examiner.com, also, I will be interviewing the people bringing the program to Chicago, and be able to use that in an artice there on my Chicago Dog Rescue Examiner page. I will be attempting to write as much as I can, interviewing people in the rescue community, and bringing topics of interest to people not necessarily in the loop. We need to grow our support in rescue and keep the momentum going. (Please forgive the mediocre writing quality - I am sure to improve with practice...)

- Andrea

Cocktails and Canines III - The Art of Dog

2010-04-01T13:18:00.004-05:00

This Saturday, April 3, 2010, from 3 to 6pm, Rogers Park residents are holding a fund-raiser meeting in support of their plan to create a public dog park in their neighborhood. This art-themed event will be their third at The Glenwood Bar, and both residents and non-residents are invited. Friendly, vaccinated dogs are also welcome.

The event is sponsored by The Glenwood Bar, and Bark Place dog day care and boarding. The goal of this fund-raiser is to gain support, raise funds and discuss options for the D.F.A., or Dog Friendly Area in Rogers Park. The proposed location of “Paw-ttowatomie Park,” as its being called, is in an underutilized area of Pottowatomie Park at 7340 N. Rogers Ave.

A dog park subcommittee was created to represent the residents on April 10th, when 49th Ward Alderman Joe Moore will hold his Participatory Budget Meeting. The event will include a silent auction featuring donations from local artists, merchants and pet professionals, a 50/50 raffle, pet portraits, drink specials, and snacks for both the attendees and their dogs. The Glenwood is located 6962 N. Glenwood Avenue in Chicago.

The 49th Ward is the first political jurisdiction in the nation to implement Participatory Budgeting Process. Read more about it here.

New Endeavors

2010-03-27T22:38:00.007-05:00

EARS Training

I attended the Emergency Animal Rescue Service training today, given by United Animal Nations (www.UAN.org.) It was a great experience and I met about 40 new rescue contacts, all passionate about animals and rescue.

Please visit their website to learn more about this life-saving program. In short, however, the EARS program is like the animal version of the Red Cross. Now that I am trained, I can be deployed any time there is a disaster involving animals. This can be either man-made or natural, - any time a group of animals is in a dangerous or neglectful situation. This even includes hoarding and dog fighting seizures by the Humane Society of the United States and law enforcement. My job would entail everything related to caring for the animals, documenting everything, and providing temporary shelter and medical needs until they go on to a better life. It will be difficult, emotional, but very rewarding road, but one I am looking forward to taking.

HEAR Training

Also with the United Animal Nations, I am scheduled to attend another training day in April. The HEAR Program, which stands for Humane Education Ambassador Reader, is designed to help "children explore the bond between people and animals through stories and discussion. HEAR volunteers visit elementary school classrooms, after-school programs, animal shelters and other venues to read to children and lead discussions -- helping children develop critical thinking skills and empathy." This is very important to do. I know from experience how animals impact and enrich people's lives. I've loved and nurtured animals all my life, and taught my children to do the same. If more kids grew up with love and compassion for animals, we'd all be better off.

A few links related to this topic:
USA Today, August 3, 2009: "Pet-focused reading program aims for empathy"
The Seattle Times, Agust 4, 2009: "Reading program helps kids develop empathy for pets"
The New York Times, February 15, 2010: "Empathy’s Natural, but Nurturing It Helps"
The Bark: Dog Is My Co-Pilot (magazine): "Humane Education—Teaching Kindness: How children learn to become animal advocates" and its Resources for parents & teachers

If you would like to learn more, just search the internet for the many available resources. There's the HSUS sites for educating kids (3-9 year-olds,) engaging tweens (10-12 year-olds,) inspiring teens (13-19 year-olds,) and even donating towards sending KIND news to classrooms.

No matter what YOU choose to do, please support me in this new chapter of my animal-loving life. I do it all for the sake of the animals!

Courtesy Post: Mimi & Winston

2010-03-20T23:55:00.004-05:00

Courtesy Post:--- On Sat, 3/20/10, Sheri Berliner wrote:

March 20, 2010

Dear Friends of Petraits,

Mimi and Winston (Petraits attached) are a pair of friendly, affectionate, and gorgeous senior dogs looking for a new loving home together.

Mimi is an 11-year-old, 13-pound Shih Tzu. Her brother Winston is a 12-year-old, 20-pound, sheltie/shepherd-mix.

These two dogs are absolutely precious. They both dance on their hind legs for treats. They adore being with their people, walk nicely on leash, and love car rides.

Mimi and Winston love snuggling on the couch, giving kisses, are crate-trained, house-broken, and non-destructive in the home. They are great with other dogs, and love people. Mimi is the more guarded of the two at first, but Winston loves everyone all the time. I even tried them out with my cats. While it’s obvious they’ve never met a feline before, they were fine yet curious.

Sadly, these wonderful dogs lost their home when they got kicked out of their condo building for barking. Their humans are a couple in their mid-80s who were completely devoted to these dogs and have taken beautiful care of them over the years. However, when they moved from their New Jersey home, to their “new pet-friendly” Chicago condo, it never occurred to them that their dogs occasional barking - that they can barely hear - would cause such a problem. After numerous condo fines, and a pending law suit from nasty neighbors, they felt forced to give up their beautiful pets.

Mimi and Winston are healthy, happy, neutered/spayed, up-to-date on rabies, distemper and bordatella vaccines. They have had recent bloodwork and dentals, heartworm-tested and on preventative.

Their adoption fee of $150 as a pair goes towards rescued dogs. To meet and possibly adopt them, please contact Sue at sn_personaltraining@comcast.net or 773-419-2772.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit http://www.petraits.petfinder.com

Sheri
Petraits Pet Photography
Photography: http://www.petraits.com
Adoptables: http://www.petraits.petfinder.com
773-777-2891
sheri@petraits.com

Free Pet Cat Spay/Neuter surgeries in February!

2010-01-27T21:39:00.002-06:00

From the Tree House Volunteer Newsletter:

"Spay/Neuter Deals in Honor of Spay/Neuter Month!

Thanks to a rebate from Cook County, we have some great deals at our spay/neuter clinic during the month of February! Spay/Neuter surgeries for pet cats are FREE, feral packages are FREE and there is a $40 discount for dog surgeries as well! There is a limit of two services per person so if you have a large colony to trap, be sure to plan to have different volunteers bring the cats to the clinic!

Because we still have a lot of demand for our services, and a small staff we still prefer that people call ahead and make appointments for ferals. It's easy. Just call 773-227-5535, see what openings are available and plan your trapping accordingly. If you aren't as successful as you had hoped, its no big deal. Just call and let us know. Your misfortune might allow for a few last-minute walk-ins or trapping surprises! The Tree House BDVM Mac Lean Spay/Neuter Clinic is open Tuesday - Saturday. Feral cat drop-offs are 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. and pick-ups are 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Recovery service is available but must be arranged when you make the appointment. Happy Trapping!"

Take advantage of this deal - otherwise it is still a very reasonable $50 for pet cats.

Help needed

2010-01-02T09:48:00.001-06:00

*** Super Urgent: ***

A fellow cat rescue volunteer of mine from touchedbyananimal.org just rescued a lab. This morning she had 10 puppies! She is not equipped to handle this situation, and I am not able to help either. My hands are full with Pepper and her kittens and all her drama. Please - if there's anyone out there who can help this momma lab and her puppies, please come forward. We need you! Any and all help is appreciated.

Contact me by email, text or phone if you can help. My Blackberry is always on.

Andrea
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device from U.S. Cellular

Pepper's Kittens!

2009-12-22T01:02:00.002-06:00

I've been having difficulty finding the time to actually blog here, but hope to improve on this in the next year.

In the meantime, here is a quick update.

Kittens' D.O.B.: 11/20/09
# Kittens: 3 girls, 1 boy
Kitten Names: Poppy & Licorice (twins,) Ginger and Clove (male)
They are healthy and happy, and SO much fun to watch.

Pictures are continually posted on Flickr and here is the slideshow link:

Enjoy!

Greyhounds in need (revised posting)

2009-11-18T20:41:00.002-06:00

I received and re-posted some misleading information the other day. I was corrected, and here is the correct, public information regarding Dairyland Greyhound Park closing: http://www.gpawisconsin.org/

Pepper, found 10/9/09

2009-11-15T22:17:00.005-06:00

From Pepper

Pepper, one of the two cats found in Logan Square in early October, is pregnant. She'll be giving birth any day now, possibly any hour. I'm excited to watch, and to see the babies, but wish this hadn't happened, or at least she'd been spayed before I'd known she was pregnant.

Here's the scoop:

I was going to house- & pet-sit for a client in Logan Square and the day prior to my start date, my client told me they'd found a kitten, who I would find at the house. One more pet to care for. Two days later, while walking one of their two dogs, I heard a long, loud "Meoooow." There was a small cat asking me for help. I was able to walk right up to her and I decided to go back to my client's house and get some cat food for her. She ate it up greedily.

To make a long story somewhat shorter, I ended up taking her to my house, keeping her in a tall kitten cage with all the necessities until I could figure out how to get the money together to fully vet her and get her adopted. (By the way, I found their "owner" but she had thrown them out because she didn't have money for litter or food. The kitten my client had found and taken in was her only surviving kitten. I was told that her name is Pepper.)

A friend of my father asked to do a "trial adoption" at her apartment to see if she would get along with her neutered male cat. She didn't, and kept attacking the poor front de-clawed recent adoptee. After about a 2 week trial period, she was back at my house -- only much bigger in the middle! I took her to the vet (the wonderful Dr. Scott Rovner, of course,) and they confirmed my suspicion. She'd been pregnant all along, and was 15 or so days from giving birth. She'd had an appointment at Tree House for her spay & shots in a few days, which we had to cancel. I couldn't bear to do the "standard procedure" of spay-abort. I do believe it is a necessary thing, especially with feral cats, but couldn't be the one to make that decision.

So, Pepper is going to have kittens. Spread the word - we're going to need homes for them. I will keep the blog updated the best I can, so everyone can see pictures and video clips. Of course, donations are accepted for their food, litter, vet expenses and cleaning products (i.e. kitten messes and all their laundry.)

Allie & Darla are gone from my home

2009-11-15T21:59:00.006-06:00

Well, the two little pekes, Allie & Darla, were transported up to MN to their rescue on Saturday. I am relieved but sad and feel guilty at the same time.

I won't see this little face any more:

From Allie & Darla

...or this one:

From Allie & Darla

I am sad because I will miss their personalities and cute little faces. I also feel like I've abandoned them. However, my intent from the beginning was to be a temporary foster home, never to be a forever foster or long-term foster. My own pets and my schedule make it too difficult, and they deserve more attention than I can give them.

I am relieved because Allie was STINKY! No matter how often I washed her, she'd be stinky the very next day. She had some sort of skin condition, I think. I am sure it had to have been caused by the horrible living situation from which she was rescued. She also never really "got" the whole housebreaking thing. I was always cleaning...

So, goodbye to my little foster babies. May they find their forever homes in MN where their rescue can be more closely involved in finding the best permanent situation for each of them.

Found Dog

2009-10-27T22:43:00.001-05:00

This little male Pomeranian was found in the Edgewater neighborhood in Chicago this morning. Please spread the word - he definitely hadn't been running lost for very long and his owner must be devastated. Let's help get him home!

If you know this dog or who his owner may be, contact Joe at chicocci@comcast.net or call me. Thank you for your help.

Andrea

Courtesy Post: Adopt a Puppy or Dog at Chicago Animal Care and Control

2009-10-14T16:05:00.004-05:00

October 14, 2009

Dear Friends of Petraits,

When I visited Chicago Animal Care and Control at 2741 S. Western Avenue in Chicago there were a number of wonderful dogs and puppies waiting for loving homes (Petraits attached).

Bear is an adorable, sweet and fun fuzzball of a 14-week-old shepherd/chow-mix puppy who is looking for a patient dog-lover with time and energy to devote to house-breaking and training a dog. He will probably be about 55 pounds as an adult.

Flower is a 50-pound, seven-year-old shepherd-mix who was found as a stray. She was obviously living with a family as he is trained in the commands sit and down … I’d guess she’s probably housetrained too.

Lottie is a shy and gentle, two-year-old, 55-pound black and white shepherd-mix who knows how to sit on command and takes treats gently from your fingers. Lottie’s ear tips appear to have had frost bite and fly bites from being left out in someone’s yard too often.

Midnight is a one-year-old 55-pound black Labrador retriever/basenji-mix with a curlie-q tail. He was relinquished to the shelter by his human. Midnight knows the commands sit and down.

Peaches is a well-mannered, active 65-pound, seven-year-old, female pit-mix who knows the commands sit and down and takes treats gently. She also walks well on leash and appears to be housebroken.

Rio is a four-year-old, 50-pound, plush-coated male cattle dog-mix. Rio knows how to sit on command and would do best as the only dog in the home.

Scout is an energetic, seven-month-old male, red Shepherd-mix with satellite dish ears. She loves to play ball and already knows the command to sit.

Spot is a eight-month-old, 25-pound, male energetic, tri-color rat terrier-mix puppy. He sits automatically when asked and takes treats very gently.

To meet and possibly adopt any of these great dogs, please visit Chicago Animal Care & Control in person at 2741 S. Western Avenue in Chicago. The shelter is open for adoptions Wednesday through Friday from 4pm to 7pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 3, and 4 to 7. The dogs’ adoption fee is $65, which includes their spay/neuter surgery, rabies, distemper and bordatella vaccines, heartworm-testing, city license, de-worming and microchip.

If you’d like to volunteer to walk dogs, or socialize cats, or foster pets for CACC, please contact Kathy at kbwilson60612@yahoo.com

The next volunteer orientation will take place on Saturday, October 24 from 11:00AM - 2:00PM.

To see the rest of the pets available at Animal Care and Control, go to their website at http://www.chicago.petfinder.com

Sheri
Petraits Pet Photography
photography: http://www.petraits.com
adoptions: http://www.petraits.petfinder.org
e-mail: sheri@petraits.com
773-777-2891

Obama's Award today

2009-10-09T18:17:00.001-05:00

I subscribe to BarackObama.com, and this is the e-mail I received today. I just wanted to post it here because I am so proud. I am proud to be an American at this time, proud to have a President with Barack Obama's moral and cultural values, proud that our President, who just happens to be from MY city - Chicago, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize today. I am excited to see what wonderful things will happen next!

"
This morning, Michelle and I awoke to some surprising and humbling news. At 6 a.m., we received word that I'd been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009.

To be honest, I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who've been honored by this prize -- men and women who've inspired me and inspired the entire world through their courageous pursuit of peace.

But I also know that throughout history the Nobel Peace Prize has not just been used to honor specific achievement; it's also been used as a means to give momentum to a set of causes.

That is why I've said that I will accept this award as a call to action, a call for all nations and all peoples to confront the common challenges of the 21st century. These challenges won't all be met during my presidency, or even my lifetime. But I know these challenges can be met so long as it's recognized that they will not be met by one person or one nation alone.

This award -- and the call to action that comes with it -- does not belong simply to me or my administration; it belongs to all people around the world who have fought for justice and for peace. And most of all, it belongs to you, the men and women of America, who have dared to hope and have worked so hard to make our world a little better.

So today we humbly recommit to the important work that we've begun together. I'm grateful that you've stood with me thus far, and I'm honored to continue our vital work in the years to come.

Thank you,
President Barack Obama
"

Paid for by Organizing for America, a project of the Democratic National Committee -- 430 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20003. This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.
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New kitties!!!

2009-10-09T15:57:00.002-05:00

A kind client of mine recently found this adorable male kitten and decided to keep him. Then, when walking her dog, I found his mother! She's at my home at this time and needs a permanent home soon. Pass the word on to anyone who may be interested. (I did find the owner, but they are not able to care for them and have relinquished them to me. )

Of course, with the help of either PAWS or Tree House, they will get their spay/neuter, shots and microchips...

Rescue success story: Hard work, perseverance and one amazing photo save Nico the Dogo Argentino

2009-10-06T21:59:00.002-05:00

Rescue success story: Hard work, perseverance and one amazing photo save Nico the Dogo Argentino

Posted using ShareThis

Courtesy Post: Tiki Wants to Walk with His Family Again!

2009-10-04T07:35:00.001-05:00

Announcement from Support Handicapped Pets Foundation

http://www.hpets.org/pets-who-need-help/18-tiki.html

Tiki resides with his family in Washington where he has been a loyal companion for 10 years. He is a Labrador/ Husky/German shepherd mix who has earned his Canine Good Citizen and has done work as a therapy dog. His owner describes him as the "best dog I have ever known" and would like to assist him in walking again. Tiki is very depressed that his hips no longer allow him to run and play with his owner's grandson. He really wants to be able to walk with his family again. Unfortunately, Tiki's owner is unable to afford the cost of a dog wheelchair and has turned to the Handicapped Pets Foundation for assistance. The family is struggling to survive on a part-time income and would be extremely grateful for assistance in getting their Tiki mobile again!

Please make a contribution in support of Tiki - the first $200.00 contributed towards Tiki will be matched dollar for dollar in an effort to get him walking as soon as possible. Make your donation count twice and help Tiki get a wheelchair!

To make a contribution in support of Tiki, please click here. You may reference "Tiki" in the purpose line of the form to designate your contribution specifically towards a dog wheelchair for him.

If you would prefer to make a contribution by mail, please send a check made payable to Handicapped Pets Foundation, 14 Veterans Road #22, Amherst, NH 03031.

Thank you in advance for your support and for truly making a difference for handicapped pets!

-----
The Handicapped Pets foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation dedicated to the health and well-being of elderly, disabled, and injured pets. We donate mobility equipment to pets in need.
http://hpets.org

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Giants!

2009-10-02T11:38:00.001-05:00

Despite my woes, having the privilege to spend time with gorgeous creatures such as these Giant Schnauzers, I am put back into perspective of how lucky I am.

Allie's first bath

2009-10-02T10:03:00.001-05:00

Allie is having some trouble with making poopy today, so I gave her a warm herbal bath to soothe her little behind and her itchy skin.

Twittering...

2009-10-01T22:03:00.002-05:00

I finally got the hang of Twitter. I have it also feeding directly into my Facebook status updates. Pretty cool. So, please follow me on twitter, too @andrea4animals. I don't normally have too much time to actually write a blog posting, so between the 3 places, you'll definitely know whats going on with AndreaForAnimals.com!

Don't forget about my fosters - they need permanent homes! (pix below)

Allie & Darla

Thanks for caring about the animals!

A bad man

2009-09-25T07:21:00.002-05:00

People like this make me sick. I have difficulty even coming up with words to describe my feelings after reading this ASPCA article. Unbelievable what horrors people can do, and the lack of feeling....

http://www.aspca.org/news/national/09-25-09.html#1

Twitter stuff if reposting: @aspca and #CatSurvivesDeadlyKick

Adopt Hop this Saturday!

2009-09-24T22:46:00.003-05:00

Join me on Saturday, September 26 from 2-6 pm for Chicago’s First Annual Adopt Hop, the kickoff event for our Adopt, Don’t Buy awareness campaign. For this fundraising event, The Adopt, Don’t Buy Foundation has teamed up with several vital Chicago area rescue organizations as well as a number of local bars on behalf of our city’s homeless cats and dogs. As you make the rounds of our host venues to sample a TRULY inspiring array of drink specials, you will have plenty of opportunity to learn about Chicago’s diverse animal rescue community. You’ll be able to hear the unique perspective of individuals who are on the front lines while struggling to save our neediest of animals. While the work is tough, the joys of helping our precious furry friends are endless, and we invite you to celebrate those with us as well.

For your $25 donation ($30 day of event), you’ll receive an Adopt Hop customized t-shirt – a “must have” for your Fall 2009 wardrobe, as well as super give-away items at every bar. And if you don’t feel like hoofin’ it to all seven Lakeview and Wrigleyville locations, Trader Todd’s Coral Cruiser shuttle will be at your service! You won’t want to miss a single Adopt Hop destination as well as the grand finale, our Rescue Rally ‘n Raffle back at Trader Todd’s. Be sure to hold onto those tickets, because the raffle prizes are awesome!

Please join us for what we guarantee will become a new Chicago tradition! Proceeds from the Adopt Hop will enable participating rescue groups to continue their lifesaving work!

Rescue Group Partners...

Chicagoland Bully Breed Rescue
Chicago English Bulldog Rescue
Felines, Inc.
New Leash on Life
Puppy Love / Love Cats
Tree House Humane Society
Virtually Home

For more information, click here: http://www.adoptdontbuy.org/

Courtesy Post: Home sought for 4 dogs of couple killed in crash

2009-09-22T10:47:00.005-05:00

Home sought for four dogs of couple killed in crash - Chicago Breaking News

The Kelms' fatal accident in the news.

Chicago Canine Club website.

Halo/Purely Pets' Puppy Food Donation

2009-09-19T01:00:00.004-05:00

This past Thursday we brought the puppy food to Wright-Way Rescue in Niles, IL. I'd been there a couple of times before. I had a dog walking client nearby and was excited to see a shelter going up at that time. Then, once they'd opened I visited just to introduce myself and make a donation. It had been a while, so I was glad to see so many puppies on Petfinder.com being rescued through Wright-Way. An opportunity to help them had come. I called and spoke to Christy, who explained that indeed, puppy food was greatly needed. I was happy to hear that - I'd found a perfect place for the puppy food donation.(I like helping the "little guys" - the rescues who need the most help, instead of the huge ones who get lots for donations of all kinds and hold benefits and events that cost more than I can ever afford. I want every penny and every way I am able to help to mean something significant.)

Below are a few pictures of the delivery, and a few of the Wright-Way Rescue facility. It's a nice place, and they save some wonderful pets. Go and pay them a visit. Shop in their little store. Donate time or money. Adopt a pet. Make a difference.

Courtesy Post: Diesel needs a home

2009-09-11T17:09:00.001-05:00

------Original Message------
From: Sheri Berliner
To: Sheri Berliner
Subject: Adopt Diesel the Purebred Shar Pei in Chicago
Sent: Sep 11, 2009 4:43 PM

Adopt Diesel the Purebred Shar Pei in Chicago September 11, 2009 Dear Friends of Petraits, Diesel (Petraits attached) is a handsome, happy, tailwaggingly friendly, playful and loving, six-year-old, 60-pound, male purebred Sable Shar Pei looking for a loving home. Diesel loves people of all ages including children, and gets along with other dogs. He knows the commands sit, and give paw, and takes treats ever so gently from your fingers with his big poofy mouth. This gorgeous boy was at a Michigan shelter, when We Luv Paws Shar Pei rescue heard about him … they drove hours and hours to pick him up, and now he is living in a foster home instead of a cage. Diesel is very healthy, neutered, up-to-date on rabies and distemper vaccines, micro-chipped and heartworm-tested. His adoption fee of $300 goes towards the rescued dogs of the We Luv Paws Shar Pei Rescue group. To meet and possibly adopt him, please e-mail Carol at weluvpawsilrescue@yahoo.com so she can send you an adoption application to fill out. To see other pets for adoption, please visit http://www.petraits.petfinder.com Sheri Petraits Pet Photography Photography: http://www.petraits.com Adoptables: http://www.petraits.petfinder.com 773-777-2891 sheri@petraits.com If you'd prefer not to receive e-mails from Petraits, please respond with "remove" in the subject line.

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Merry Christmas??

2009-09-11T11:14:00.000-05:00

I just get done writing about how to remember 9/11, and all of a sudden, its Christmas? Boy, that was fast! Seriously, though... I received some "good karma" today.

Halo/Purely Pets sent me samples (lots) of dog food, and it came today. I received a really nice box of samples the other day and thought that was nice enough. It contained adult cat & dog dry & wet samples (Spot's Stew,) dried 100% white meat chicken protein treats & dog biscuit samples (Liv-a-Littles,) Cloud Nine herbal dog shampoo, VitaGlo Dream Coat pet supplement and a nice herbal healing salve (also Cloud Nine.) If you were to check the value on all that, you'd feel very fortunate, as I did.

Today, as I was about to leave to walk dogs, FedEx shows up with more! I received 4 huge boxes of Puppy formula Spot's Stew Dry dog food 2 oz. samples! Talk about fortunate!

See? Good karma does come around!

If anyone is in need of puppy food, let me know. I'll be giving most of it away. My fosters are old, as is Eddie, so we don't need puppy formula. I'm thinking of passing them out at the Renaissance Art Fair with my business cards at the Tree House booth. The rest will go to rescue pups.

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Remembering 9/11

2009-09-11T09:34:00.000-05:00

Yes, its 9/11/09, eight years since the terrorist attacks on America. Remember them, then LIVE LIFE.

Do good for others. Don't waste, fight or gossip. Be positive and live today in honor of those who cannot be here. People all over the world die from terrorism, but even more from starvation, disease and AIDS. Think of them as well. We are all on this planet together. We should not only remember our own dead, but all who have died unnecessarily, untimely and painfully.

Let's educate our young to be compassionate, good and kind. Encourage them to be helpful, appreciative, conscientious, unselfish and supportive. Be a positive example to them and above all show them love - in its purest form.

And today..... LIVE!

Enjoy nature on this beautiful day. Really notice the environment around you. Pick up random trash when you see it, make the world that much nicer. Smell flowers, greet and pet dogs on the street. Say hello and smile at strangers, especially those you know others would ignore.

Pet and brush your own pets. Water your garden, keep the tv off and spend quality time with your kids or other family. Hugs are important in any close relationship - don't forget them.

Eat only in moderation so you can fully enjoy the flavors, textures and aromas. Think of how fortunate you are to be able to do so.

Donate to the food banks. Donate blood, or make an appointment to do so. Visit an animal shelter and ask what you might do to help today.

You never know which day will be your last, so live, and live thankfully.

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Off Topic info....

2009-09-01T11:08:00.001-05:00

(Sorry about the poor formatting & sorry to the vegetarians/vegans out there.)

8/30/2009 5:19 p.m.OPA...
CHICAGOANS CELEBRATE "KRONOS FREE GYROS DAY"
On Tuesday, September 1, 42 Participating Chicagoland Restaurants Will offer FREE GRYOS SANDWICHES all day long! Mark your calendars for a truly free lunch! Kronos Foods, the leading maker of premium gyros and other Mediterranean specialty food items, is giving Chicagoans a free gyros sandwich on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2009, during its premiere "Kronos Free Gyros Day" promotion.

Whether you are a die hard gyros lover or just want to try one for the day, have a gyros sandwich for lunch, dinner or a late afternoon snack. No matter what you choose, they will be free all day at 42 participating Chicago area locations.

Enjoying "Kronos Free Gyros Day" is simple: just visit www.kronosfreegyros.com to download and print a free coupon for redemption and view a list of participating locations.

"We love gyros and we want everyone throughout the Chicago area to be Greek for the day, or even just an hour and have a taste of Greece," said Valerie Lester, senior marketing director of Kronos Foods. "Chicago is filled with elements of the Greek culture and this is our way of saying 'thank you' to Chicagoans for making our company, and the restaurants that sell our food, so popular."

A gyros is made with selected beef, beef and lamb or chicken meat seasoned with zesty spices, thinly sliced and piled high onto a fluffy handmade flatbread pita. A traditional gyros sandwich is topped with onions and tomatoes, as well as a flavorful, creamy cucumber sauce called tzatziki or gyros sauce.

For participating location addresses and additional information, please visit http://www.kronosfreegyros.com.

ONLY ONE COUPON PER PERSON. SIX FREE GYROS PER HOUSEHOLD.
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Anju the sweet calico

2009-08-31T01:00:00.003-05:00

I really miss these guys...

Although I am grateful and happy that the boys were adopted (throught Tree House,) I am sad because poor Anju is still without a permanent home. I had hoped she'd have one by now.

Although Tree House is the best shelter environment for her, she'd be happier if she could bond with a person. Please try to visit her in the Magnolia room at Tree House Humane Society's Uptown branch. Let's find her an adopter!

Anju last week at Tree House:

Courtesy Post

2009-08-20T21:22:00.001-05:00

I received this email today. Can anyone help?

"

Hi Andrea,
my name is Evelina, I got your email from your neighbor, Mark Weitkamper. He told me you could help me find homes for some kitties.

They're strays that have been living in my neighborhood and have been fed by our neighbor and us, but lately she's been having trouble with the police that forbid her to care for them...THerefore I've been trying to place at least the youngest ones. I adopted one too :). I'm looking for a home for the black kitten (about 9-10 weeks old) and its mom, the cat with white paws on the front.

The mama is only about a year, up to a year and a half old, and she's always been very friendly with my neighbor and lately with me. She got spayed a week ago, and received all the vaccinations and got tested for all the diseases (the results were negative). They're currently living with my friends who have been pretty successful with taming the kitten, the mom will take a little longer i suppose. My friend is allergic however, so they can't keep them much longer. Please help!

Thank you,
Evelina
"

I can't help right now because I already have 2 foster dogs now and expect 2 litters of feral kittens to come soon.

If you are able to help, contact Evelina at:
ewelinka17@hotmail.com
630.673.7105

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Pet Promise Food

2009-08-16T13:15:00.000-05:00

I stopped in at a Petco today to buy doggie diapers for Allie & Darla and discovered a HUGE sale on Pet Promise food. According to the associate there, Pet Promise is being discontinued. They had 5lb bags of the Healthy Weight & Aging formula for $3 (minus a $1 mfg. coupon stuck on it) and 25lb bags of the same for only $10. They were all out of the canned Chicken & Rice formula, but I also got the Beef & Rice for $0.70 each! So, I won't be needing any donated food after all. They didn't have the dry cat food though. One of my cats, Haley (the one who chose to live with my dad on the first floor instead of with all the fosters and activity upstairs,) will only eat Pet Promise brand dry and no wet food. She'll be a challenge!
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New Fosters Need Great Permanent Homes

2009-08-16T00:15:00.003-05:00

Please welcome Allie & Darla to the world of the web! I have accepted these two foster pekingese dogs in hopes of finding them permanent homes. I cannot keep them, so please spread the word about them to every big-hearted, dog-loving person you know.

About Allie & Darla:

First of all, those are not their real names. Their record from the Nebraska animal shelter says "Pepe (black) & Patches (white & tan)," one of which ("Pepe") is a horrible name for a female. When the Peke-N-Chin Midwest rescue took them over and they were transported to Iowa for vet care, they were re-named "Ching-Shih & Alvila." While really clever names (being historically famous female pirates,) they would be hard to remember for anyone interested in adopting. Therefore, I re-re-named them "Allie & Darla." The name "Darla" is after another one-eyed dog I know, and the name "Allie" just sounded cute. So there it is.

Allie & Darla are both senior dogs, maybe 7 or 8 years old. They're female, spayed, have been given all necessary vet care, shots, and flea treatments. Darla lost an eye as a result of an apparent fight with another dog. Theirs was a neglect case. Apparently, eight pekingese dogs were left in a garage. These were the two least likely to be found homes in Nebraska, so the rescue stepped in to save them from euthanasia at the small, rural animal shelter. They are well socialized with people and other dogs. So far, they appear uninterested in my cats. They love affection, and have shown no aggression. However, they do stand up for themselves. (My stinker, Eddie, has already given them a hard time.)

Allie has very few teeth, but they both have shown a good appetite so far.
I am feeding them Pet Promise brand Adult dog formula dry and Chicken & Rice formula wet. (Food donations gladly accepted. You can find this brand at Whole Foods, and the Pet Supplies Plus on Harlem and Foster in Chicago, IL.) I also supplement with the wet formula of Blue Buffalo Wilderness.

Allie requires eye ointment twice daily, which is no problem and not expensive. Other than that, there should be no extraordinary care requirements. Even with only one eye, Darla shouldn't need any special care.

Neither of them seem to have any house-training or experience on a leash. We'll fix that, though. Leave it to me!

Please spread the word. These dogs have had a hard life so far. Its time for them to "retire" to a loving home. Although quite possible that a new caretaker would only have them 5 years or so, its worth it - both for the person or family and for the dog. All you need is love.... and its always worth it. (I should know. I've had two elderly, neglected, rescue dogs pass away after only having the pleasure of their company for 5 months or less. Even a few months of happiness at the end of a pet's life is worth the time, effort and love you spend. You'd turn their life around when they need it most. You'll be better for it, too.) Think about it.

- Andrea

... and then there was one

2009-08-05T21:55:00.005-05:00

These pictures of Celeste and Ra were taken this morning. Celeste was adopted this afternoon, and now we only have one kitten left. He is still looking for a home, but we do have a potential person in mind, and she's visiting him tomorrow evening. Wish him luck in impressing her. He's still a little shy and will need a lot of handling and to be kept in a cage or one room for a while so he doesn't just hide. (I see it as a challenge, and dare to say he's turned into my favorite because of his feisty little personality.)

Celeste and her new "mommy":

Foster Dogs

2009-08-02T13:01:00.001-05:00

My Eddie's rescuing organization, Peke-N-Chin Midwest (http://www.pncmidwest.org,) needs me to foster a couple of new rescues. They are coming from some really bad situations and I'm going to spoil them and get them ready for new homes.

Here are their Petfinder profiles:

Ching Shih - we're going to call her "Allie."

http://m.petfinder.com/petDetails.wap?zipCode=54045&petType=dog&breed=pekingese&page=7&id=14280441

&

Alvilda - we're going to call her "Darla."

http://m.petfinder.com/petDetails.wap?zipCode=54045&petType=dog&breed=pekingese&page=6&id=14280439

Please spread the word. They are healthy, spayed, and have had all necessary shots. They will be well socialized, happy girls.

Cross your fingers that Eddie will be nice to them :)

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Luna was adopted!

2009-07-24T10:36:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was a big day for miss Luna, one of the three kittens I caught last week. Luna is the tortie, and the smartest one. She was the most difficult to catch.

She got her first checkup with Dr. Rovner, and is very healthy. She took a de-worming medicine - just in case - and got a little eye cream to take home. (She had some conjunctivitis in her eyes the other day. It seemed to be gone, but we treated her once and she went home with the rest of the tube to use as needed.)

Her shots, spay and all future medical needs will be handled by her new owner, Vivian.

Good luck and may you have a happy, healthy life, Luna!

Tom is lost!

2009-07-22T00:45:00.006-05:00

I feared this would happen. I tried to convince them not to allow their cats to roam outside... but now he is lost. My neighbor hasn't seen her (front-paw de-clawed) cat, Tom, in 4 days. I hope a loving person simply cared about him and brought him to a nearby no-kill shelter, but I fear the worst. There are a lot of "bad" people in my neighborhood, and he doesn't normally go far from home.

My neighbor is going to visit a nearby shelter tomorrow, and I've entered the information on lostandpound.com, so a lot of organizations will receive the poster.
(http://www.lostandpound.com/pet.php?id=9814)

Wish us luck in finding Tom, and spread the word to anyone in the Rogers Park-West Ridge area to keep an eye open for him. Thanks :(

Kitten Update

2009-07-20T19:46:00.000-05:00

Celeste's "twin" is actually a boy, so we named him "Ra," instead of Soleil.

So far, two of the kittens are "spoken for" (assuming no one changes their mind.) Celeste (the friendliest) is going to the daughter of my neighbor and good friend, Isabele. She'll keep her at her father's house in the suburbs. Luna (the tortie) is scheduled to go home with a friend of a friend of a friend. Thank you, Facebook!

Ra (the boy) is the shy one. He's getting more used to us with each day, but is still a challenge. By the time someone else interested in adopting a kitten visits, he should be ready.

Last Wednesday I caught two black siblings in the traps (a male and a female,) and had them fixed on Thursday. For only $31 per cat, I got them fixed, treated for parasites, immunized and microchipped! For information on Tree House's new low-cost spay & neuter clinic, go to http://TreeHouseAnimals.org.

I'll be doing more TNR (trap,neuter&return) later this week. If anyone wants to donate to the effort, my paypal address is andreaforanimals@gmail.com
Also, I'm asking for $50 per kitten to help with this (Norwood Park area) TNR project. Let everyone know about Ra!

-Andrea

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I got 'em!!!

2009-07-14T22:00:00.005-05:00

We were finally able to catch the two siblings of Celeste. I am assuming that they're all girls, but I haven't checked the one who looks very much like Celeste yet. We named her Soleil. The tortie is, of course, a girl and we named her Luna. So we have Celeste (heavenly,) Soleil (sun) and Luna (moon!) We're calling their mom Estelle (star.)

Here's their first trio picture:

Here's a link to their ever-expanding on-line photo album:

Celeste the kitten

2009-07-13T00:26:00.003-05:00

As you may have noticed, once one animal moves on from my home, another always arrives. You may remember Hope, the kitten I found halfway frozen 2 winters ago... well I found Celeste in the same place. She seems healthy, and although she'd never been handled by a human, seems to be enjoying the attention.

CelesteSoleilLuna

I plan to go back and "TNR" (trap, neuter & return) the 5 adult feral cats and catch the other 2 kittens. One of the adults is pregnant, so wish me luck catching her before they are born so we can make sure 1) they are all getting proper nutrition, and 2) momma gets spayed before she has another litter!

Muffin ? - 7/3/09

2009-07-12T01:23:00.004-05:00

I realized that with all the stress I've had recently, I failed to update the blog very well. I had put a lot of information up on Facebook, not realizing I hadn't also updated the blog. For those of you who are not Facebook friends, I apologize for this.

Muffin has been put to rest. Her condition was deteriorating, and she was unlikely to walk again - the only reason for keeping her going in the first place considering her hemangiosarcoma.

It's been hard for my kids and myself. We'd become used to caring for her constantly. Here's the web album with her pictures. I didn't load all of the recent ones, simply because they are not fun to look at...

Thank you to everyone who donated money for her care - I could not have done it without your help. In the end, we'd tried everything for her to walk again: steroids, pain pills, Chinese herbs, even acupuncture - but nothing showed any signs of improvement.

By July 3rd, she was on her 7th acupuncture treatment. That's when we converted the appointment to one for her euthanasia. She went very peacefully - slept first and everyone she knew said goodbye to her. She was in no pain. We loved her.

Cats in BROOKLYN that need new homes... HELP!

2009-07-05T01:28:00.002-05:00

When they lived in Chicago, I cared for them a few months in their apartment, and then 3 or so months in mine. They're wonderful, sweet cats.

They are now in Brooklyn and need a new home asap.

Are there any Brooklyn cat lovers who can help?

http://picasaweb.google.com/andreaforanimals/HonorSCats?source=mmail

A poem for Lady Muffin (? - July 3, 2009)

2009-07-03T10:27:00.002-05:00

The Rainbow Bridge inspired by a Norse legend

By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill,

Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.

Where the friends of man and woman do run,

When their time on earth is over and done.

For here, between this world and the next,

Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.

On this golden land, they wait and they play,

Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.

No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness,

For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.

Their limbs are restored, their health renewed,

Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.

They romp through the grass, without even a care,

Until one day they start, and sniff at the air.

All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back,

Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.

For just at that instant, their eyes have met;

Together again, both person and pet.

So they run to each other, these friends from long past, The time of their parting is over at last.

The sadness they felt while they were apart,

Has turned into joy once more in each heart.

They embrace with a love that will last forever,

And then, side-by-side, they cross over… together.

© 1998 Steve and Diane Bodofsky.

Hope is waning

2009-06-30T11:15:00.001-05:00

This picture is of her left eye. While I was out of town for 10 days, Muffin had several complications arise.

Both eyes became scratched (possibly by her hair) and she had an abscess form on her shoulder. This picture shows one eye - and its apparently better! (Looks horrific to me!)

Hope for Muffin's (temporary) recovery is waning. Its been about 6 weeks, and if she were going to walk again, we'd see some signs by now. I asked Dr. Rovner if he still has hope and he did agree that he's not as hopeful as he was before.

I think it may be time to set a date by which we need to let her go if she's not significantly better.... What do you think?

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Muffin's abscess

2009-06-26T19:59:00.000-05:00

Bad news for Muffin:

She suddenly developed an abscess on her left shoulder. It opened up and was bleeding and oozing pus. It had to be cleaned and drained, and (mostly) stitched up. It appears another one is forming on the other shoulder, as well.

She also has scratches on both corneas suddenly. We've been treating her for an eye infection but the crust there has apparently scratched her eyes. (Its possible that she may be sleeping with her eyes open, which would also cause them to be dried out and easily scratched.) We really don't know how these things have come about so suddenly.

She's on pain medicine again and new eye drops, and will be back to see Dr. Rovner on Tuesday morning.

:(

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Progress

2009-06-17T04:58:00.000-05:00

As I sit at 4 a.m., legs folded, on the dining room floor with Muffin for the 5th time since I went to bed at midnight, I feel the need to discuss her progress.

I cannot help but notice the slight - but very meaningful - improvement. Note the way her forelegs are bent around my leg in this picture. Her back legs are also relaxed. The stiffness seems greatly diminished. Something is beginning to work.

I feel compelled, also, to discuss a moral dilemma with which I have been dealing. Considering the hemangiosarcoma, is it right to "keep her going" and trying to enable her to once again walk on her own? I think so.

My family and a few of my friends do not agree. In fact, I had a huge argument with my younger sister and several smaller ones with both of my parents about this subject. Everyone seems to be telling me to put her to sleep.

My friends and acquaintances met through rescue work and facebook, however, seem to agree, instead, with me. Dr. Rovner, her veterinarian, also agrees that we are doing what is right for Muffin. There is hope.

First of all, if she were in pain, this would be a totally different story. She was in pain from her infected teeth and mouth - we took care of that. She is *not* in any physical pain now.

Second, the cancer was, at the time at least, isolated in her spleen. We got it out. She healed well. For the cancer, we are treating her with: 75,000 IU of Vitamin A with 3,000 IU of Vitamin D, plus a Chinese herb combination called Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang, which is specifically designed to combat hemangiosarcoma. It contains 9 herbs, including fennel seed and Corydalis. There is hope here.

She's already been very lucky in that 1) it was isolated to the spleen whereas in most
cases its already too late once diagnosed, and 2) we found Dr. Rovner. We could not have afforded to treat her, nor could we have known about the Chinese remedy. He put in a lot of his own personal time and effort to research this. He is our hero.

Finally, even though progress is slow, I believe Muffin will walk again. We are treating her with prednisolone twice daily, Pepcid AC to protect her stomach from the medications, and acupuncture. There is also a Chinese herb for back problems on the way.

I met a lady and her dog Tuesday in Dr. Rovner's waiting room whose dog recovered from one sided paralysis through acupuncture and chiropractic treatment. It took her 2 months to recover, but she is still walking 8 years later. There is hope.

Dr. Rovner has hope for Muffin. I have hope for Muffin. Her supporters who have donated money and spread the word about her to get her what she needs have hope. Most importantly, though, I believe Muffin has hope. She communicates very effectively, eats well, and is happy despite her condition. She is *not* ready to go.

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Cosmetic and Convenience Surgeries in Companion Animals | The Humane Society of the United States

2009-06-16T14:51:00.001-05:00

http://www.hsvma.org/about_us/position_statements/cosmetic_and_convenience_surgeries.html
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bionic Muffin

2009-06-12T18:07:00.000-05:00

I think she likes it!
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OMG

2009-06-12T07:22:00.000-05:00

I can hardly believe my eyes! This is the nicest thing Eddie has ever done. I am SO proud of him!

Muffin was crying and stopped. I turned around and was amazed seeing this. Eddie has always been mean to Muffin, even trying to bite her when she accidentally nudged him when he was sleeping not too long ago.

I am so happy!

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Acupuncture Session #1

2009-06-09T22:55:00.000-05:00

Well, Muffin had her first session of acupuncture today. She didn't seem to feel the pins. No "miraculous" improvement, but she gets another session Thursday morning. We're counting on this! (The steroidal medicine she's taking doesn't seem to be working.)

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Thank you again

2009-06-07T23:27:00.005-05:00

Dear Muffin-supporters and friends,

I can't tell you how great it feels to know that there are people out there who care about Muffin as much as I do. To know that you also believe that she should be properly cared for - despite her significant health challenges - means so much to me.

For her to have been given to me, where my friendships and acquaintances on Facebook and through rescue enable me to give her the care she deserves, is lucky indeed. Without you, I could not have done any of the things we have done for Muffin together.

She's an amazing dog, with a strong will to live. I am hopeful that all the effort we are putting into her care will pay off and she will not only walk again, but also get her hemangiosarcoma cancer in remission.

So again, from my heart, I thank you.

- Andrea Kim

Muffin's Wheelchair news

2009-06-06T23:41:00.003-05:00

I ordered Muffin's 4-leg wheelchair and it is scheduled to arrive 6/11/09. In the meantime, I happened to see a walker being sold for $5 at a yard sale and we rigged it up to raise her up into an upright position for a wile each day until she gets her wheelchair.

Muffin

It looks funny, but I think she likes it!

Muffin's Wheelchair

2009-06-03T12:08:00.001-05:00

This is the deal the wheelchair manufacturer gave me today by email:

"Cost of a new 4 wheeled cart is $475. Unfortunately I cannot locate a "used" cart. We could give you a discount of $100 which would make it $375. If you can send us $300 and agree to pay the balance in 3 weekly amounts of $25 then we could do that."

I am going to do it.

Complimentary Iced Coffee from Au Bon Pain

2009-06-02T17:28:00.001-05:00

http://AuBonPain.fbmta.com/members/ViewMailing.aspx?MailingID=27917290609&storecode=171
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IMG00420.jpg

2009-06-01T15:25:00.000-05:00

Without your support I would not have been able to accomplish and endure what we've gone through so far with Muffin. (Not to mention the monetary help with her - I could not have provided any of it on my own.) Thank you!!!

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IMG00418.jpg

2009-05-31T14:30:00.000-05:00

Infected sutures

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hospital.jpg

2009-05-31T14:11:00.000-05:00

Muffin had diarrhea last night, somewhere between 4am and 8:00am. Her incision is "un-healing" - getting red and swollen, and she has a fever. :(
Dr. Rovner did say that prednisalone can inhibit healing, which is why he left the stitches remain for now. I never expected it to get infected, though. It was basically healed by the time we started the prednisalone.

-----

2:05pm

We are at the emergency vet on Clybourn. The vet here said that the stitches are indeed infected. There's swelling, a little blood, and pus. She had a hard time hearing her heart, and her breathing isn't good. The cancer may have already spread. We're waiting for a chest x-rays...

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Correction to Courtesy post

2009-05-30T10:22:00.002-05:00

The correct telephone number for Virtually Home is 773/203-0215

Courtesy Post: Let's Help Oscar!

2009-05-30T08:18:00.002-05:00

------Original Message------
From: cindy@virtuallyhomechicago.org
Subject: Oscar's brother was euth'd last week. IS OSCAR NEXT?
Sent: May 30, 2009 1:16 AM

Oscar and his brother had been in need of a new home for several months. Their owner's girlfriend had moved in, and she had allergies. Confined to a room, they awaited their new home. When no home had materialized as of last week, Oscar's companion lost his life for reasons having to do with his "temperament". If Oscar cannot find a new place to live, he will be taken to a kill facility. It's the only place that hasn't turned him down. Oscar's owner writes, " I have a 12-yr old cat who I unfortunately need to surrender. Oscar is very friendly, quiet, timid at first, but has a great temperament, and a quirky, contagious personality that simply makes you smile. He has a slight limp from a back injury 6 years ago which slows him down, but is now in fine health (other than being a little overweight). He'll make a great companion, especially for an older person, but could also charm the pants off anyone of any age! Oscar is front de-clawed, neutered, never been outside, and shots are up to date. He lost his life-long buddy last week, and is quite depressed and eating less than he should be. He desperately needs a new home. I've already tried friends, family, Craigslist, and no-kill shelters. No one is willing, or has the room, to take in a 12-year old cat. My only option is a kill shelter, and I know Oscar will not fare well there."

We don't have a place for Oscar either, but we're trying to find one. Please contact us if you would be willing to either foster or adopt Oscar. Oscar needs to be in a home with a friendly cat (or two or three), as his current depression clearly indicates. If you can't take in this sad, sweet boy, please do your best to help him by forwarding on this message to each and every person in your address book, and ask them to do the same. You never know who will lay their eyes on it. Odds aren't good that someone's looking to give a home to a 12 year old cat. But we don't care about odds, and neither does Oscar. He has years ahead of him. He needs love, he needs a new buddy, and he needs the freedom to exist beyond the confines of one room.

OSCAR NEEDS A HOME. PLEASE HELP US GIVE HIM WHAT HE NEEDS BEFORE HIS OWNER EXERCISES HIS ONLY OPTION.
Please call or write.
Cindy Ruback cindy@virtuallyhomechicago.org 773/203-2015

Tuesday's vet visit...

2009-05-28T18:10:00.002-05:00

Dr. Rovner is hopeful that the prednisolone will work. He said he has seen as bad/worse cases come out of it without spinal surgery, just medication. The prednisolone reduces the inflammation and allows the damage to the spine to heal. I asked if it won't just come back when off the meds again and he said it usually doesn't.

There is also a new procedure with lasers he's checking into. He's personally calling the person pioneering it in TX and will ask if he needs a (free) trial patient - says its an amazing new treatment, relatively non-invasive.

And.... he "researched the heck out of" the whole Chinese medicine treatment for hemangiosarcoma (her cancer) and ordered stuff for her to take. It should be in any day. He says high vitamin A and D are good for cancer patients, as well as this Chinese herb (name unknown at this time.) Chinese treatment is focused on anti-hemangiogenesis (aka not letting the body create blood flow and "starving the cancer".) Without new blood vessel growth its ability to live is reduced.

Muffin fundraiser #2...

2009-05-23T19:07:00.004-05:00

This is the wheelchair I want to
buy for Muffin. She is only walking on and off for a few minutes at a time.

The cost (according to the website) is $475 plus tax and shipping, so in order to get her one, I need to do some more fund-raising.

Please visit the fundable page to make a pledge and check the progress! (http://tinyurl.com/muffinwheels)

2009-05-19T17:44:00.001-05:00

Muffin has developed a spinal disk problem (unlikely related to the cancer. The cancer usually prefers the liver or heart after the spleen.)

She's switched to a steroidal medicine. Otherwise she could end up paralyzed for the rest of her life... (However long that is.)

Dr. Rovner is still giving her discounts (bless him!) We're going back in a week for follow-up.

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On to the vet

2009-05-18T10:42:00.000-05:00

This is sweet Muffin in the car on the way to the vet.

Cross your fingers that we can help her in some way!

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Muffin, Monday May 18th, 2009

2009-05-18T10:15:00.000-05:00

Muffin has struggled all weekend. She eats well, but can't walk or even get up any more.

Saturday afternoon she could walk down the street, and Sunday morning she could walk halfway down. By yesterday afternoon, however, she couldn't even stand up. She has to pee lying down now, in addition to pooping lying down.

I had some hope Saturday when I bought some herbal remedies to try, but it doesn't seem she'll have a chance to let them help her.

Hang in there, Muffin!

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HELP needed!

2009-05-13T10:50:00.001-05:00

I have a situation. A woman I know has 8 cats, a hamster and 2 dogs - none of which she can adequately care for. I can give more details as needed, but PLEASE believe me when I say this situation is BAD.

Of the 8 cats, some are friendly, not sure about the rest. The hamster is a Robovworsky (however it is spelled) and the dogs are 1 med size and 1 fairly large Blue Merle in color, friendly Australian Cattle Dog mixes. The smaller, Tuvok, is a newer addition, saved from death row in So. IL, and is super sweet with people, fine with cats, but very aggressive with other dogs (except his house mate.) The larger one, Tucker, is perfect in every way imaginable, except serious separation anxiety.

Please distribute and help!!!

Pix of Tucker : http://tinyurl.com/tuck-tuvok (I don't have any of Tuvok. He's about 2/3 of this size and probably part rat terrier whereas Tucker is probably part Border Collie.)

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Muffin's progress - Mon 5/11

2009-05-11T10:21:00.000-05:00

Muffin is hanging in there. She has been having some occasional pain & shivers but she seems to feel better with some extra food and her pain pill. It seems it doesn't quite last her the 12 hr interval.

Another lost dog

2009-05-09T07:46:00.001-05:00

AVID microchip registered to Have-A-Heart Dog Rescue in Elmwood Park, I'll but the tel # listed is a verizon nis/dsc number. I checked Petfinder and there is no tel# for the rescue, only an email. However, they appear to still be working, as there are a few dogs listed, one as recent at 4/10/09. I emailed them last night -with pix. Hopefully they'll check it soon.

I didn't actually catch this one. Dallas' friend Johanna did, but she called me, and of course...

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Local Events (fromChicagoland Tails)

2009-05-08T11:34:00.002-05:00

I haven't posted these in a while. With summer coming, there are lots of pet-related events, fund raisers and other fun stuff going on. Check them out and plan to attend/volunteer for some of them. You won't regret it!

May 3–9
Be Kind to Animals Week

May 17–23
National Dog Bite Prevention Week

Events:

Who: Magnificent Mutts
What: Puppy Shower supply drive
When: Through June
Where: Elmhurst Animal Care Center, 850 S Riverside Dr, Elmhurst;
Petco, 160 S Manheim, Hillside; Linda Latelle's home, 755 N Wolf Rd, Hillside
Info: Magnificent-Mutts.org

Who: Spotland Yard
What: Small dog play date
When: Every Sun, 2-4pm
Where: Spotland Yard, 907 N Damen, Chicago
Cost: Free
Info: SpotlandYard.com

Who: Alex Brooks Canine Center
What: Free dog training and behavior seminars
Where: Various public libraries
When: Various Times
Cost: Free
Info: (847) 299-DOGS
May

Who: Anti-Cruelty Society
What: Bark in the Park 5k walk
When: Sat, May 2, 9am (walk starts at 9am)
Where: Montrose Harbor, 4400 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago
Cost: $25
Info: AntiCrueltySociety.org

Who: Rover Rescue
What: 6th Annual Pet Dog Show
When: Sat, May 2, 10-2pm
Where: Aurora Turners Club, 1335 Mitchell Rd, Aurora
Cost: $5/entry to three categories; $3/additional categories ($1 in advance)
Info: RoverRescue.org

Who: Anti-Cruelty Society
What: 15th Annual Bark in the Park
When: Sat, May 2, 9am
Where: Montrose Harbor, 4400 N., east of Lake Shore Dr., Chicago
Cost: Pre-registered $25 for adults and $20 for children 3-12, Day of the event $30 for adults and $25 for children 3-12
Info: BarkInThePark.org

Who: Tree House Humane Society
What: Toga Happy Meower
When: Sat, May 2, 7-11pm
Where: Tuman’s, 2159 W Chicago Ave, Chicago
Cost: Free (percent of proceeds benefits Tree House)
Info: TreeHouseAnimals.org

Who: Prairie State Cat Club
What: Prairie State Cat Club Annual Cat Show
When: Sat, May 2, 5pm
Where: DuPage County Fairgrounds
Cost: Free to attend
Info: PSCC-tica.org

Who: Animals Deserving of Proper Treatment
What: 16th Annual Making Strides for Strays Walkathon
When: Sun, May 3, 7:30 am
Where: Fifth Ave. Station, Naperville
Info: AdoptPetShelter.org

Who: ALIVE Rescue
What: Cooking For Canines
When: Sun, May 3, 2pm
Where: The Chopping Block
4747 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago
Cost: $65
Info: events@aliverescue.org

Who: Animals Deserving of Proper Treatment
What: 16th Annual Makin’ Strides for Strays Walkathon
When: Sun, May 3, 7:30am
Where: Fifth Ave Station, Naperville
Cost: Pledges, donations
Info: AdoptPetShelter.org

Who: PAWS
What: Jammin' with Jane
When: Wed, May 6, 6-9pm
Where: Sheffield's, 3258 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago
Cost: $20
Info: (312) 217-5263, lilyizguerra@yahoo.com

Who: ALIVE Rescue
What: Making collars and leashes for ALIVE Rescue
When: Thurs, May 7, 5:30 - 6:30pm
Where: Wishcraft, 2312 W. Roscoe, Chicago
Cost: Free
Info: AliveRescue.org

Who: Midwest Dachshund Rescue
What: Cross Town Bark Around
When: Sat, May 9, 12:30-4pm
Where: Bow Wow Doggy Daycare, 400 W St Charles Rd, Villa Park
Cost: $2
Info: MWDR.org

Who: Save-A-Pet
What: Kitten shower
When: Sat, May 9, 11-2
Where: 31664 N. Fairfield, Grayslake
Cost: Donations, kitten supplies
Info: Save-A-Pet-IL.org

Who: Tree House Humane Society
What: Chicago Architecture Foundation&Mercury Cruiseline Benefit River Tour
When: Sat, May 9, 9-10:30 am
Where: SE corner of Michigan Ave&Wacker Dr
Cost: $35
Info: TreeHouseAnimals.org

Who: Green Paws Chicago and Zoomageen.org
What: Wag for the Bag
When: Sat, May 11am
Where: Chicago Park District's Dog Friendly Areas
Cost: Free
Info:GreenPawsChicago.com

Who: ALIVE Rescue
What: Making collars and leashes for ALIVE Rescue
When: Thurs, May 14, 5:30 - 6:30pm
Where: Wishcraft, 2312 W. Roscoe, Chicago
Cost: Free
Info: AliveRescue.org

Who: Alex Brooks Canine Center
What: Training To Be Top Dog seminar
When: Wed, May 14, 7pm
Where: Elk Grove Village Public Library, 1001 Wellington St, Elk Grove
Cost: Free, registration required
Info: (847) 439-0447

Who: Gene Siskel Film Center
What: Weiner Takes All: A Dogumentary (Chicago premier)
When: Fri, May 15, 6:15pm; Sat, May 16, 5:45pm;&Mon, May 18, 8:15pm
Where: Gene Siskel Film Center of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, 164 N State St, Chicago
Cost: $9/general admission, $7/students, $5/Film Center members
Info: (312) 846-2800, SiskelFilmCenter.org

Who: Tails in the City
What: 5th Anniversary Gala to benefit Anti-Cruelty Society
When: Fri, May 15, 6-9pm
Where: LEVEL Nightclub, 1045 N Rush St, Chicago
Cost: $40 in advance
Info: TailsInTheCity.com

Who: ALIVE Rescue
What: Suds for Strays Dog Wash
When: Sat, May 16, 11am - 4pm
Where: Doggy Style Pet Shop, 2023 W. Division Ave, Chicago
Cost: $20
Info: AliveRescue.org

Who: Berwyn Development Corporation
What: 3rd Annual Chicagoland Great Mutt Show
When: Sat, May 16 10-5pm&Sun, May 17, 10-2pm
Where: Morton West High School, 2400 Home Ave, Berwyn
Cost: $5-10
Info: DockDogs.com

Who: DuPage County Animal Care&Control
What: Multi shelter pet expo
When: Sat, May 16, 11am
Where: DuPage County Animal Care&Control
Cost: Free
Info: AnimalControl@DupageCo.org
(630) 407-2800

Who: Homeless Animal Rescue Team of IL
What: ROMP DAY 2009&Hot Dogs for Dogs
When: Sat, May 16, 1pm
Where: Whalon Lake Forest Preserve at Royce&Lisson Rd, Naperville
Cost: $15 for one person with one dog
Info: HARTOfIL.com

Who: Independent Cat Society
What: Yard Sale
When: Sat, May 16, 10am
Where: Route 6&County Line Rd, Westville, IN
Cost: Free
Info: LegalAssist64@yahoo.com
(219) 785-4936

Who: Greater Chicago Cavalier Rescue
What: All Breed Lurecoursing Fun Day
When: Sun, May 17, 9 am-4 pm
Where: DuPage County Fairgrounds, Wheaton, IL
Cost: 2 runs - $15, additional runs $7 (if pre-registered); 2 run - $20, additional runs $7 (walk-ins)
Info: GCCavalierRescue.org

Who: Harmony House for Cats
What: 27th Annual Walk for Cats
When: Sun, May 17, 11am
Where: 3809 N Kedzie, Chicago
Cost: $25
Info: HHForCats.org

Who: The Kankakee County Animal Foundation and Bourbonnais Township Park
What: Dog Day Afternoon
When: Sun, May 17, noon-5pm
Where: Perry Farm Park, 459 N Kennedy Dr, Bourbonnais
Cost: $1/person entrance fee (dogs are free); $5/commemorative photo
Info: (815) 937-9374

Who: Alex Brooks Canine Center
What: Training To Be Top Dog seminar
When: Wed, May 20, 7pm
Where: LaGrange Public Library, 10 W Cossitt Ave, LaGrange
Cost: Free
Info: (708) 352-0576, bittmanb@lagrangelibrary.org

Who: ALIVE Rescue
What: Making collars and leashes for ALIVE Rescue
When: Thu, May 21, 5:30 - 6:30pm
Where: Wishcraft, 2312 W. Roscoe, Chicago
Cost: Free
Info: AliveRescue.org

Who: Family Time Magazine
What: Pet Expo
When: Sat, May 23, 9-5pm, Sun, May 24, 10-4pm
Where: Tinley Park Convention Center, 18501 S Harlem
Cost: $10 adults, kids free
Info: FamilyTimeMagazine.com

Who: ALIVE Rescue
What: Making collars and leashes for ALIVE Rescue
When: Thurs, May 28, 5:30 - 6:30pm
Where: Wishcraft, 2312 W. Roscoe, Chicago
Cost: Free
Info: AliveRescue.org

Who: Various animals
What: 63rd Annual LaGrange Pet Parade
When: Sat, May 30, 9:30am
Where: Cossitt Ave&LaGrange Rd, LaGrange
Cost: Free
Info: Jennifer@GreatEvent.com
(847)480-9500 x106

Who: Felines, Inc.
What: Super Scooper Ice Cream Social
When: Sun, May 31, 1-4pm
Where: Swedish American Museum Center, 5211 N Clark, Chicago
Cost: $10/adult, $5/child
Info: FelinesInc.org
Save the Date
Who: Tree House Humane Society
What: June Midsommarfest Happy Meower
When: Thur, June 11, 6-9pm
Where: T's Bar&Restaurant, 5025 N Clark, Chicago
Cost: Free (percentage of bar is donated to Tree House)
Info: TreeHouseAnimals.org

Who: Chicagoland Dog Rescue
What: Dog Wash
When: Sun, June 14, 9-3pm
Where: Wizard of Pawz, 2306 Hassell Rd, Hoffman Estates
Cost: Baths $10-18 (depending on size)
Info: ChicagolandDogRescue.org

Who: Felines, Inc.
What: Kitty Kegger
When: Thu, Jul 16, 7-10pm
Where: Goose Island Brew Pub, 1800 N Clybourn, Chicago
Cost: $40/person
Info: FelinesInc.org

Who: Felines, Inc.
What: 5th Annual Meow Mixer
When: Fri, Oct 23, 7-10pm
Where: Chicago Anti-Cruelty Society, 169 W Grand Ave, Chicago
Cost: $50/person
Info: FelinesInc.org
Adoptions

Who: ALIVE Rescue
Info: ALIVERescue.org
When: Every 2nd Sun, 11-5pm
Where: PAWS Chicago, 1997 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago
When: Every 4th Sat, 11-3pm
Where: Pet Supplies Plus, 3640 N Elston Ave, Chicago

Who: Magnificent Mutts
Info: Magnificent-Mutts.org
When: Sat, May 2, 11-2pm
Where: Petco, 160 S Mannheim Rd, Hillside
When: Sat, May 9, 11-2pm
Where: Petco, 160 S Mannheim Rd, Hillside
When: Sat, May 9, 11-2pm
Where: Petco, 160 S Mannheim Rd, Hillside

Who: PAWS Chicago
Info: PawsChicago.org
When: Sun, May 3, 12:30-3pm
Where: Bloomingdale's, 4 Oakbrook Center, Oakbrook
When: Sun, May 17, 12:30-3pm
Where: Bloomingdale's, Old Orchard Mall, Skokie
When: Sun, May 31, 12-4pm
Where: Michigan Avenue and Oak Street storefronts

Who: Heartland Animal Shelter
Info: HeartlandAnimalShelter.net
When: Every Saturday and Sunday, Noon - 4 pm
Where: Golf Mill Shopping Center, Milwaukee and Golf Road in Niles. Located outside Target.
When: Sun, May 17, 1-4pm
Where: Carson Pirie Scott, 3200 Lake Ave, Edens Plaza, Wilmette

Pictures of Muffin

2009-05-08T11:22:00.003-05:00

There are a few new pictures of Muffin in her Picasa/Google album, so I thought I would paste in the slide show again. The pictures with her long fur are when I just got her.

Her red blood cells were up by 2% today,along with her proteins, so it looks like she's finally on the road to recovery. Her bone marrow is starting to respond and make more blood. Yeah! (Isn't nature amazing?!)

Muffin's healing

2009-05-07T21:34:00.002-05:00

This may look gross, but her incision is healing well. Tonight we took a long walk with: Tony (a client dog,) Eddie (my dog - formerly my foster dog,) my 2 kids, and Muffin. However, Muffin didn't actually walk. I carried her in a dog carrying bag I bought at a rescue event. She seemed to like it - I have to get a picture the next time I do that. It was nice for her to get some fresh evening air.

Muffin Update May 7th, 2009

2009-05-07T10:59:00.000-05:00

Muffin was at the vet this morning for a red blood cell check. It is still low, and even went down a bit. However, her protein level is fine, so she's not hemorrhaging. She's just taking longer to recouperate her platelets. I'll be bringing her back tomorrow to check it again.

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device from U.S. Cellular

Muffin's surgery results - part 2

2009-05-06T21:32:00.004-05:00

This is Muffin's enlarged spleen. It was about 5 times the size it should have been. The "mass" (or tumor) does not appear to have spread, despite having apparently ruptured and healed several times. She is lucky to have not bled to death (internally.) Those of you who donated, or even just simply spread the word about her fund-raiser have literally saved her life. She would not have lived much longer.

Her veterinarian told me, too, that her teeth and mouth were so infected that she is up there with the very worst cases he's seen in 15 years - including shelter dogs he's seen through Chicago Canine Rescue! She must have been in tremendous pain. 13 teeth were removed, and her mouth oozed with pus. She also had an oronasal fistula, which means the infection made a hole from teeth into the nasal cavities.

She had a very slow recovery, but is now walking around at home. She hasn't been interested in eating yet, but is drinking and peeing a lot. Tomorrow she goes back for a quick blood draw to see if the anemia caused by the splenic mass and subsequent organ removal (full of blood) is being reversed. Assuming all is well, she'll be in again in a few days for a follow-up, and again in 10 days to remove her abdominal stitches. Then we'll just have to treat her with pain meds for the knee dysplasia and arthritis.

Dr. Scott Rovner (Roscoe Village Animal Hospital 3131 N. Clybourn Ave., Chicago, IL 60618 (773) 549-3113 roscoevillageanimalhospital@yahoo.com) is literally her hero. He gave Muffin a HUGE discount --> $1,702.00. If it weren't for him, we would not have been able to afford her surgery, even with the $1,400 we raised! Please send him thank you cards and emails.

I am STILL reeling in disbelief that we were able to get this all done. I'm not a rescue, just an individual with two great animal-loving kids to help me. Thank you to everyone who helped Muffin. I really feel as though I can't thank you enough.

Andrea & Muffin

Muffin's results part 1

2009-05-06T14:04:00.001-05:00

The vet says Muffin's gonna feel like a million bucks after this. The tumor was as big as a (hard) softball and the teeth (11 extractions) were tied for the worst he's seen in 15 years - and he sees lots of rescue dogs through Chicago Canine! More details to come after my next client appt.
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device from U.S. Cellular

Surgery progress

2009-05-06T12:53:00.001-05:00

I called muffin's vet and she is done with her surgery. It went well, and they were even able to go ahead and do her dental work. She is in recovery, beginning to wake up. Dr. Rovner will call me with details once she's fully awake from anesthesia. Yeah for Muffin!

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device from U.S. Cellular

Muffin's surgery

2009-05-05T13:16:00.001-05:00

The most recent vet visit (today) with 4th vet now confirmed there is a mass (huge) on the spleen. It must be removed immediately. This has become an even greater priority than her nasty teeth, as if it ruptures she would quickly bleed to death.

Dr. Rovner of Roscoe Village animal hospital will do the surgery to remove the spleen, send a sample of the splenic mass to a lab to see if it is cancerous and if it goes well enough, do her teeth. If ot doesn't go well, the teeth will be done later. If they find that the mass has already ruptured, or if is cancer & has obviously masticized when she's opened up, she may not make it through the surgery. (I won't let her suffer.)

If not cancer and not ruptured, she'll get her dental work done and be done with surgery. Then she'll just be treated for her leg arthritis and dysplasia, as well as infection in the mouth until gone.

Send Muffin get well wishes!
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device from U.S. Cellular

X-rays, etc...

2009-04-29T23:20:00.003-05:00

Muffin had her heartworm test, her annual rabies and distemper vaccines, and received 6 months' worth of heart guard today at the Anti-Cruelty Society.... all for free! This saved us at least $50-$100.00!

Yesterday she had x-rays and her blood drawn for preliminary "geriatric" blood tests to see: 1) if she is healthy enough to survive anesthesia for her tooth extractions and cleaning; 2) organ function levels and such; and 3) if she has cancer. The 2nd vet felt a suspicious mass in her abdomen. The x-ray did not show conclusively whether it is something to worry about or not. I should know more by Friday.

Muffin's 2nd quote

2009-04-28T15:54:00.000-05:00

I'm trying out this blogging on the go thing...

Muffin and I are in my car on the way to a vet appointment for a 2nd quote. (We'll get at least one more, so as to maximize the funds raised.)

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device from U.S. Cellular

Thank you

2009-04-28T09:49:00.001-05:00

Muffin's fund raiser was a wonderful success. We raised a total of $1,510.00 for her medical expenses. We absolutely could not have done this without your help. Every penny is appreciated and Muffin and I thank all of you who contributed you whole-heartedly.

She'll be at my home until her veterinarians assure me she is healthy enough for another transition to a new, permanent home. Please keep your eyes and heart open for her so that we can, indeed, find her a loving, understanding permanent home.

Of the $1510 raised, a fee of $116 will be deducted by Fundable.com for expenses associated with the online fund raiser itself, and the rest will go directly to Muffin's medical care. All bills and details, as well as her health progress will be available for your information here, and any funds collected in excess of what Muffin needs will be donated to Peke-N-Chin Midwest rescue, from which I fostered my previous dog, LittleMan, and adopted my dog, Eddie.

Again, thank each of you for your donation. You were there for Muffin when she needed you. I am grateful to you for allowing me to be able to help this little angel.

Tom the cat

2009-04-25T23:25:00.003-05:00

I found this wonderful front de-clawed male cat today. Luckily (or not?) I also found his owners right away. They let this sweet, defenseless cat outside to roam! I fell in love with him instantly, and I hate that they let him outside (although he is in great shape, and obviously well-loved.)

...At least I'll know him when I see him and can keep an eye on him. His name is "Tom."

I was correct!

2009-04-20T16:09:00.002-05:00

Well, I was right about the tapeworms. I got Muffin her medicine and that should (hopefully be the end of that problem.) Luckily, since they didn't find the worms last time I brought in a sample (and they should have,) they didn't re-charge me for the "look-see." Luckily, there's no real risk to my cats or dog (or kids) because apparently you can only catch tapeworms by ingesting a flea.

(I love when I'm right about things I have no real training or experience in! Heheh... Of course I'm not glad about the infection, just about being correct...)

So now I am just waiting for the Fundable.com deadline, and as soon as I get the check, I can get Muffin all the rest of her care and tests (x-rays for spine and legs, blood work to see if everything is ok for a dental treatment and which meds are ok to give her, immunizations, microchip and flea/tick prevention for the summer.)

Tapeworms - Eeeww!

2009-04-19T11:22:00.004-05:00

Well, Muffin has tapeworms. I saw them in her poop soon after I got her and brought her to vet for an exam, fecal check and treatment. They didn't apparently find any in the sample I brought, so I thought I had been mistaken.

Today I saw the same thing again (looks like a flattened grain of cooked rice.) Although it wasn't moving, which one would expect, I knew right away that I'd been right. (This picture is from internet, not the actual piece I found. It was straight and not moving.)

Unfortunately, since it is Sunday, I have to wait until tomorrow to buy the treatment. They will definitely charge me for another fecal test before selling it to me, too. Thank goodness for the fund-raiser!

Muffin's fund raiser

2009-04-16T22:46:00.003-05:00

Thank you so much, everybody! Our fund raiser is going very well. We're almost at our goal! Only $135 left to go!

I am so honored to know that there are such caring, pet-loving people in my "extended network." (Facebook has been such a HUGE help - I couldn't have done this otherwise.)

Thanks a MILLION to Yvette Pina, whom I met through Tree House Humane Society. Her contacts have done the majority of the donating.

Next week (or sooner, if I find the time) I'll be taking Muffin to 2-3 more vets to get some additional quotes on her care. Once these most urgent situations are taken care of, I'll do her immunizations and start promoting her for adoption. We're going to need someone with a BIG HEART for this one! (Start thinking of possibilities...)

Again, thank you SO much! (Muffin thanks you too.)

The Cutest Face

2009-04-09T22:22:00.002-05:00

Ok, I have no good reason to post this here, except to share with all of you the joy I experience every day I see this face. His name is Bettis, and he is absolutely wonderful. I don't know how my daughter caught this exact moment, because his tongue does not hang out, but this picture is a keeper! Enjoy!

Please forgive me

2009-04-08T00:12:00.017-05:00

I have not been the best at keeping up with this blog. However, that doesn't mean I haven't been extremely busy with rescue and care for fosters and other special cases. I just haven't had the time to sit down and explain it all, so please forgive me that.

So...... here's the "quickie" version of whats been going on.

The 3 strays, Oscar, Oreo and Anju are really awesome cats. I would have loved to keep them all, but as you may know, my motto is, "If I did, I couldn't help the next one!"

I forgot the exact date, but towards the end of Nov 2008 or so, Tree House Humane Society accepted them into their program. I had them all neutered/spayed, vaccinated and chipped, and up to perfect health by then. I was so happy! Tree House was the BEST place for them to have a good chance at adoption.

The boys had to be re-named slightly at admission time, as "Oster & Oriole," which they didn't mind. The boys were adopted (together) in early 2009, and Anju is still there in the Magnolia room. I am sure she is happy, but would be better in a home of her own
.
My foster dog, Eddie (a Pekingese,) turned into MY OWN DOG. I kept him and enjoy him every day. He is so funny!

I did have a scare when I put him on flea & tick meds (Frontline.) He had a neurological reaction to it - became lethargic, couldn't walk well, a loss of balance, dislocating knee (muscle weakness,) etc. It wore off in 30 days. Never again! I also had trouble with the heartworm preventative - he won't eat it! He is, however (thankfully,) healthy and wonderful!

In March, I found 4 stray dogs:

On one day, I found a young female pit bull with a collar but no tags or chip. I located her owners 2 days later. On the SAME day, I found a stray 3-legged white dog of unknown breed makeup. He was also wearing a collar but no tags or chip.

Nearly 3 weeks later, featuring him at the Arlington Pet Expo as the "token dog" for Touched By An Animal/Cats-Are-Purrsons Too organizations, a vet check-up and shots later, I finally found his owners as well.

A few days after the young pit bull was back home, and while I still had the 3-legged dog, I found 2 pit bulls roaming. They were obviously a bonded (unfixed) pair, and luckily one had a tag. I got them back home the same day.

The very next day after my 3-legged dog was reunited, a fellow animal-lover asked me to take in and try to find a home for an old dog named Muffin. Here's the"story."

She was accepted by a friend of a fellow rescue volunteer's husband. She'd been about to be euthanized because her owners no longer wanted her. Since that time, she has been passed around. I am her 3rd "foster home." I am the only one to take her to the vet for her obvious problems. They are treatable, but costly. I am "poor as dirt," as I like to describe it, and have already spent over $100 on her, so in order to get her taken proper care of and healthy enough to be adopted by someone with a big heart:

I have started a fund-raiser for Muffin on fundable.com:

http://tinyurl.com/muffindog

Start Time:

04/01/2009 11:59 PM EST

Deadline:

04/26/2009 11:59 PM EST

We need between $1,400.00-$1,800.00 for Muffin's medical care. (That is at a 20%discount!) The exact amount cannot be determined until she is on the table and under anesthesia. Why? She has a stage 4 infection in her mouth, which is likely to require tooth extraction(s), the exact number of which will not be determined until surgery time. She also may have vertebral disc problems and nerve damage, as she has difficulty walking, but x-rays and blood tests are needed to determine the extent of her condition(s.)

She is suffering, and has no realistic expectation of being adopted until these conditions have been treated. At this time, she is taking pain medication, but cannot be treated otherwise without raising the money to cover the expense.

Another animal lover I have recently met has offered to do a Pampered Chef "virtual party" (catalog show) to raise some funds as well.
(I'll have the link posted here soon.)

You can also:

give me cash, or
send a check
Want to write a check?

Make it out to: Blootails
Mail to:
Yvette Pina
PO BOX 0737
Chicago, IL 60690

Very Important:
in the memo write "Muffin," otherwise she won't know it is for her and it would instead go towards feral cat TNR, another very worthy cause.

ANY amount is very much appreciated!

Before grooming... After grooming...

Thank you for reading this blog. I'll try to do better at keeping it updated in the future.

Warmly,
Andrea

Update: stray cats

2008-08-29T23:31:00.002-05:00

All went well at Tree House today. They were roughly 6.5 (F), 7.5 (M) and 8.3 (M) lbs. Their surgeries went well.

The one with the sore paw had a puncture wound, for which they gave me antibiotics. Otherwise they were all apparently healthy, although thin. I couldn't do the FIV/FeLV combo test or the application of parasite preventative "Revolution" yet, but did get all their shots and microchip done. (I simply don't have the money.)

Once they are all recouperated, we need to find them homes!!!

Three stray cats found!

2008-08-27T23:31:00.001-05:00

I found two the other day (male, brothers,) and a third tonight. All were starving so very easy to catch. Will keep you posted!

Update: Kiwi

2008-08-27T23:21:00.003-05:00

Kiwi got adopted, and will be loved a lot. She has a cat and a rabbit friend in her new home. She was renamed Charlie.

Kiwi Update

2008-06-11T11:13:00.002-05:00

Although she seems happy and is healthy for now, she has a hernia in need or operation. It doesn't seem to bother her yet (we noticed a lump protruding in the groin and took her in.)

The vet wants to take care of all anesthesia-requiring medical issues at once, so that would be the hernia repair, a dental (including pulling some rotten teeth) and getting her spayed. The cost could range from $1,000 to $2,000.00!

We don't have that kind of money, and are looking for other options. In the meantime, I have contacted the national Yorkie rescue.... no answer yet.

Will update.

White Sox Dog Day 2008

2008-06-11T11:12:00.000-05:00

Kiwi the Yorkie

2008-06-04T22:34:00.000-05:00

I found this gal (pix below) today while walking
another dog. This is the 3rd dog I've found this year so far.

My mother is willing to foster her (approx 10 yrs, female, healthy except for
non-painful luxating patellas and bald spots apparently from old burns
???) and paid $200+ to vet her today. She'll go back in 3 weeks for
more. I will get her fixed (she is not,) and all the necessary steps
to get her ready. She was apparently abused/neglected. She may also
have some neurological damage, because she "does circles," but that
remains to be seen.

Will update.

Do Something PAWsitive

2008-06-04T09:25:00.001-05:00

After the Funeral (W.H. Auden Poem)

2008-05-28T10:27:00.000-05:00

Stop all the clocks, cut of the telephone
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone
Silence the pianos and with a muffled drum
Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come

Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead
Scribbling on the sky the message He Is Dead
Put crêpe bows round the white necks of the public doves
Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves

He was my North, my South, my East and West
My working week and my Sunday rest
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song
I thought that love would last forever: I was wrong

The stars are not wanted now, put out every one;
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun;
Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood
For nothing now can ever come to any good