Sunday, September 25, 2011

LAKESHORE DOGGIES....HOW THE FUNDS WILL BE USED

We will be posting the breakdown showing what the funds are being used for as soon as we can so that everyone can see (as something is purchased or payment occurs). We want people to know that 100% of these funds will be used for the animals. As of today, there is a fairly large bill already at the vet for Drake, so please continue to share so that we can get some of the females at the Trailer park spayed as well. We have also paid for antibiotics for Destiny (mange girl) and Drake (prior to going to the vet). We hope to scan in receipts if our scanner cooperates later this week.



My husband and I personally cannot be "involved" in helping certain animals without treating them the same as we would a foster doggy, etc. (once we physically meet them anyway). For example, some people may believe we should not have taken Drake to the vet for IV fluids (choosing perhaps to "let him go" due to the funding issue), however we just cannot do that. We will figure out a way to help pay for them if we have to sell something to do it. That's just how we roll...




Please continue to share the Chip In. We have already been blessed to have received wonderful donations (thank you so much contributors), however the need is so much greater than what we can cover. Thanks so much!

Friday, September 23, 2011

UPDATE ON LAKESHORE TRAILER PARK DOGGIES!

Much has happened in the last week, but just now able to write about it. Where to begin... (this is a work in progress- check back for additions as I'm not feeling 100%).

I have not had a chance to physically go back over to Lakeshore Trailer Park, but will very soon. I left a big bag of food for one of the residents who feeds the strays (thanks to Angie H!). Just to clarify again, this trailer park is outside the city limits of Marion, AR AND West Memphis, AR. Everyone dumps dogs, cats, puppies, etc. here but no shelter picks them up. They are at the mercy of the residents. It's not a secret that this isn't the safest neighborhood in the world (don't get me wrong...there are some very very nice people, but some not so nice too).


When we went back the other day, a neighbor drove up in a pickup truck and immediately said (verbatim) "That one right there (pointing to "Mange girl", which we have since named Destiny) should be shot...she got the mange". I tried very hard to educate the man but it became clear that he had no interest in learning about mange. Therefore, Sharon R temporarily took Destiny and the Black Lab pup (now named Drake) home. She cannot keep them long as she is too full already, but we had no other choice due to the safety of the pups (THANK YOU SHARON!!!).

Precious Destiny...she is the reason I stopped my car (the first stray that caught my eye)...saw the poor girl wandering around.


Most of the strays hang out on this corner lot because a very nice woman tries her best to feed them.

Can't you take me home???




Angel Angie meeting Destiny and Drake!

This is Drake. He is about 6 months old and super sweet too! Drake is currently in the hospital but is doing great. A HUGE thank you to my hubby for driving over 4 hours to pick Drake up in MS and bring him to the vet (on your day off too- you rock KC)! Drake was lethargic and not eating/drinking. Doc said he was VERY dehydrated and was FULL of hookworms and roundworms (likely tapeworms too) to the point that he required IV fluids and other meds. We have no idea yet how much that is going to cost but it is likely a couple hundred dollars... He will be at the vet clinic until Monday most likely. Thank you again Sharon for getting him "out of there" while we try to find him a home.
Drake and Destiny have no idea how lucky they are for finding a temporary refuge!

Drake is going to be gorgeous with a TLC!


When we spoke with a neighbor across the street from the "Kroger Dog", we asked if they knew of any puppies/dogs in need. Well...she did. Her precious dog, Sally, had 3 puppies left that needed homes.

This is Sally...how cute is she! She is about 2 years old or so according to her owner. The owner loves her but is not able to give her the home she deserves and cannot afford to spay her. She is very sweet girl. Currently living outside or under the trailer (free to breed with whatever male comes around...urgh).
Angie made fast friends with Sally! Angie you were so right when you remarked how "regal" Sally is!

This is probably my favorite picture of Sally- how precious.
Sally looks like a little fox here!

These are the 3 remaining puppies that Sally had (I shutter to think where the others have ended up....). They were living under the trailer and were INFESTED with fleas. They desperately need homes or rescue. Approximate age 7 weeks (she thinks they were born on August 5th).



The day we took most of these pictures, we were able to vaccinate , worm, and give flea/tick preventative and hw preventative to Destiny, Drake, Gidget, Lucy, and Hoppie (more on them later). It's a start so thank you Sharon for bringing all the "stuff" and thank you Angie for helping with the whole process (and of your hubby for watching over us)! I couldn't have done it without you! We could really use some more volunteers if anyone wants to help! Call Allie at 901-240-9848 or email allieot98@yahoo.com.

Sunday, September 18, 2011

PLEASE HELP THE ABANDONED DOGGIES AT LAKESHORE TRAILER PARK IN AR!

Huge THANK YOU to the following people: JACKI V (IN), KELLY A (MO), SUZETTE C (TN), LINDA D (MS), EMILY V (WI), CINDY & STEVE M (AR), JENNIFER H (TN), STEPHANIE F (CA), LISA P (MI), MORGAN F (IL), JOANNA W (VA), and LADA S (PA) for donating to the Chip In for these babies! Also included are: JOANNA G (MO), ANGIE H (AR- twice now!), JAIME P (WI), and SHARON R (MS) who donated funds and/or supplies (dog food, flea/tick, vaccinations, etc.). Please continue to spread the word! These fur-babies have nothing without us!



***********************************************************
THIS IS THE KROGER PUP BACK AT "HOME" TODAY...(ran across the Interstate after getting "hit" by a car- thankfully he seems to be ok)...read the story below! The neighbor said they call him "Fuzzy Butt"...

PLEASE CAN SOMEONE TAKE HIM IN! THEY WILL DUMP HIM AGAIN!

DESPERATE FOR HELP HERE! ARKANSAS (near West Memphis/ Marion). I went to this trailer park not far from my house to find a hurt doggy (long story...essentially someone dumped a dog at the Kroger Grocery Store in West Memphis and that poor baby waited at the front door basically in the middle of the parking lot for "his people" to come out. He watched every single person that came out of that store for over 20 min and then finally... they came out. I missed them getting in the car, but a lady helping me noticed the dog running as fast as he could chasing a car. They tore out of there so fast while he ran behind them. I was able to floor it to get right behind them, slamming on the horn screaming/begging for them to stop. They finally did at the stop sign, only to tell me it wasn't their dog- yeah right...followed your vehicle only out of EVERYONE there.


Anyway, they sped off again on the main street by the Interstate with the little guy running behind them and myself and several other people tried to catch him. Animal control (thank you Kristin) tried to help me and by the time I got back around to the other side o f the Interstate (one way streets), the animal control girl that I know saw him get clipped/hit by a man in a truck who didn't bother to stop despite her telling him to. The doggy ran away across the Interstate back toward his "home"- the people told me where they lived.) The look on this poor dog's face as he watched every single person come out of Kroger was just horrible- only to find out the POS's (sorry but I am being nice by calling them that) drove away as fast as they could while he ran as fast as he could to catch up...) I have never seen such heartless people in action before :(

Anyway, as I went riding around with my friend who lives in the same trailer park, I saw one desperate face after another. These are the only "strays" I was able to get pictures of, but I feel completely helpless. I have no room for any of these babies and they are all adoptable. Many are around 6 months old. This trailer park is known as a dumping ground for unwanted animals. The worst part is, they not only keep breeding, but this is considered "county" so NO ONE will help them (not West Memphis or Marion Animal Control). The girl with mange makes me so sad because she can be treated easily (one of my favorite fosters had absolutely no hair when we took him and he is living the high life now with my friend in St. Louis).








Winter is approaching and these babies don't have much of a chance. Hoping for a miracle here. I can literally pick up any of these babies as they are all friendly. All came running up to me for treats/bread just like typical puppies. So trusting of humans even though most in that area are horribly mean to them. I have NO WHERE for them to go :( If anyone can help rescue these babies, please email me at allieot98@yahoo.com or call 901-240-9848 (after 9/25/11). A heartbreaking day for me...I can't get their faces out of my mind.







This is Angel (one of the few with an actual name). The man that feeds her says she was purposefully run over about 6 months ago (broken front leg). She no longer uses that leg so it may not be "fixable" and may need to be amputated. She is a sweet and friendly girl.

These 2 puppies are around 5 months old. We are hoping to confirm rescue for them soon (the young ones have a ray of hope at least).
Here is the link to some more of their pictures: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150314017822200.363043.764752199



This precious girl here has mange (can be treated fairly inexpensively). She is just a puppy around 6 months old. I saw her in the middle of the street and she broke my heart. She is so sweet and acts like a typical puppy. You won't believe how gorgeous she will be in no time if we can find someone to take her in and raise the funds to treat her.

I will help as much as I can- I have crates someone can borrow and will figure out a way to help with food. I can try to have a fundraiser or something to help pay for anything if someone can just help these precious souls.

What Lakeshore desperately needs is a mobile spay/neuter clinic just to come there- SERIOUSLY. However it needs to be "free" because no one can pay for this. There are some very nice people there, but it is not the safest area overall. Many people just cannot afford the animals and so many keep getting dumped and breeding that someone would need to come in and spay/neuter for free in order to even make a dent sadly. Never ending battle at this trailer park. Need a spay/neuter grant...just for this area.



Here is the Chip-In we started (per everyone's request). Even $5.00 can make a difference in their lives. We are raising money for several things: 1) Gas to help with transport of some of the puppies to WI (any under 8 months of age or so may be rescued as early as this weekend if we can gather funds); 2) Medicine for the Mange-girl (Ivermectin, antibiotics, etc.); 3) Food for the remaining doggies (and the ones going to rescue if needed); 4) Funds to spay/neuter the remaining doggies until we can find rescue for them (at least the females who we know were just in heat); and 5) General medical for these babies as they will need heartworm preventative, flea/tick medicine, worming meds, etc. We would LOVE donations of food, heartworm preventative, flea/tick meds, etc. if you prefer. I can pick up anything in the general area and my sister, Kelly, can collect donations in St. Louis! Thank you so much!










Monday, September 5, 2011

A FEW MORE PICTURES OF OSO'S TRIP NORTH!

Oso is a precious boy who deserves a wonderful life. A victim of bad circumstances, Oso now has a chance at a wonderful life! Oso finished his heartworm treatment months ago, however no one was interested in this big baby. He waited and waited....Well his lucky day came last weekend! Oso headed North to Ironwood, MI to stay at our friend Donna M's Camp K-Nine! We are hoping and praying that Oso finds his furever home while he is there! THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN DONNA!

Wondering why mommy is driving so far this time! He usually just goes to the vet and back!

We will really miss this big lug!




One big baby as you can see!



Have to wrestle this boy to get a picture in!




Leaving with my sis Kelly! THANKS AGAIN KELLY FOR DRIVING SO MUCH FOR OSO!!


Love this one!


Photo courtesy of my sis on her drive to Bloomington, IL!


Another great photo taken by Kelly (somewhere in IL)!



Now where am I going??? In Linda J's car- THANK YOU LINDA ONCE AGAIN!


Poor baby...don't worry- you are about to meet lots of new 4-legged friends!


This one makes me cry...hoping for a fantastic new life for you Oso!

Enjoy the ride!

PATTY SUE HITCHED A RIDE TO CAMP K-NINE IN IRONWOOD, MI TOO!

PATTY SUE HAS LEFT THE BUILDING! Here this precious girl is leaving the Osceola Animal Shelter last week (pictured below are Paula and Casey- these folks truly care about their fur-babies!)




Patty Sue is one lucky girl! She was found wandering the streets in Osceola, AR looking for food in the garbage. Patty Sue was completely matted and in poor condition. The employees of the shelter (Paula, Sissy, and Casey- temporarily) took care of this sweetie and took her to the groomer for a new "do"!

Donna M. is a friend of many of our friends in Wisconsin. We became "friends" on Facebook and began to "chat" online a few times. What a wonderful person Donna is...she is the one who offered to take Oso into her facility, Camp K-Nine in Ironwood, MI. http://www.campk-nine.com/. She added Patty Sue to the ride and offered to find her a home! Donna had a client in mind for Patty Sue, so we are hoping she finds her fur-ever home soon! We are proud to call you our friend Donna! Below are a few pics from Patty Sue's transport last week!

My sister Kelly fell in love instantly- who wouldn't!

Awww the love!

Another switcharooo...now in the car with our wonderful friend, Linda J!


THANKS AGAIN DONNA, KELLY, AND LINDA J FOR YOUR HELP IN SAVING THIS PRECIOUS FUR-SOUL!!!

Sunday, September 4, 2011

BO IS BACK! WELL.... HE NEVER ACTUALLY MADE IT TO WI

This is Bo today :)



How precious is this boy?! He wants me to walk him yet again (puts on the charm and then goes to the gate- I guess he can finally get me into shape!)

Without going into the whole thing....Bo is back (with us temporarily). A change in personal circumstances prevented Bo from going to his foster in WI, so Kevin and I decided it would be best if he came back to us, rather then spend another night in doggy prison.


Still learning to play, but picking up on it quickly!

A smile for YOU!


Here are some pictures of Bo's 1 day journey to Bloomington, IL and back. We are so grateful to my sister, Kelly, and our good friend, Linda J., who took the time out of their busy lives to help Bo (even though you had to turn around and come back)!

Bo is not crazy about crates...took 2 of them to get him in at the shelter (lol).


Bo meets a new friend...my sis Kelly!



A new toy for you Bo!


I am trying to convince Bo that it will all be alright


Potty break and then off again!


Not crazy about pictures either- look at his face...he's mad at me already-lol!


The good news...


BO is a LOVE! He is definitely a work in progress, but is learning everyday to trust people. He still is weary of strangers (especially men), BUT, he is learning that everything is ok and that these "strangers" come bearing gifts/treats/etc. Bo did not have the greatest upbringing. Bo came into the Osceola Animal Shelter http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/AR73.html when he was approximately 4 months old. These were taken on 2/17/11:


You can see how we fell in love with this precious boy!
Seriously...how precious can one puppy be?

So innocent...he didn't deserve to end up in a shelter (none of them do)

Bo is one of those long term shelter pups...if they are lucky anyway and not euthanized for space...(which is a rarity sadly). Bo spent much of his life in the shelter environment (from 4 months of age until around 10-11 months of age). His previous owner left him and his mom to fend for themselves in their pen for several weeks with little food/water. Thankfully someone called and the ladies at Osceola Animal Shelter picked them up. Bo was very underweight when he first came (his mom would not let him eat...survival mode at that point). He made up for it quickly though! Bo's mommy was adopted fairly quickly because she was a yellow lab mix. Kevin and I went back to take pictures of the newbies at the shelter in May, and Bo was still sitting there....broke our hearts. These pictures were taken on 5/15/11.
Bo full of promise still...

Such sadness it seems...

Learning to trust people...men are especially hard (his last owner was a man)

And then came Bo's lucky break...so we thought. A rescue agreed to take him FINALLY! In the end of June, Bo left the shelter! Long story short...he was not ready for life outside the shelter. The ordeal of leaving the only home that he has known for the past 4-5 months and then getting passed around essentially (3 different "homes" within a week if you include the rescue, foster, and then adopter). Bo just couldn't handle everything, so his fear aggression prevailed. He would growl, bare his teeth, and even lunge toward people he didn't know. He was acting out of fear (we would find out later that much, if not all, of that is just "talk"). The rescue did not have any open foster homes able or willing to work with him, so he was sent back to the shelter.

Talk about a tearjerker...this boy waited forever to find a home and then back to the shelter he goes. That is the sadest part of this whole thing. This area just does not have any foster homes available due to the influx of homeless dogs in this area. What Bo desperately needed was to spend some time in a quality, dog savvy foster home, so that he could learn some basic skills before heading north. We failed Bo in that regard. Here are some pictures taken on 7/07/11, a few days after Bo returned to the shelter:

This one is so sad to me...you can see it in his eyes here :(

Waiting for a home still

A profile view of B0 with Casey

At this point, Bo had become a bit too much for the ladies to handle with all the doggies they take care of. Not having much exercise, Bo became understandably restless and would often jump on the ladies and behave like an unruly pup. One of the ladies already has a bad back, so they just couldn't take the chance of any of the employees getting hurt accidently. He did not exhibit any fear aggression there because it was his "safe spot". That is when we began to share a "Facebook Note" begging for help for Bo as this was his last chance and we knew it. That particularly trip to Wisconsin did not work out, however we have faith that Bo will find the home he deserves. We ask that you please keep Bo in your thoughts (and prayers if you pray) and share his story so that hopefully we can find him the best possible home!

Bo would do best in a home without small children as they are too unpredictable. Plus, he is definitely still a "jumper" when he gets excited. He needs dog savvy owners who are willing to put forth the effort to train Bo properly as well as provide the daily exercise he needs. Bo is a smart boy who has already learned how to sit in just minutes of working with him. He is longing for affection as well as direction. We will keep everyone posted on his progress and hope to take video of him soon!