The shelter is a lifeline for animals that need a home,  many dogs there have been abused or abandoned. Here are the details from KAKE 10.

“If we close down, absolutely it would be terrible because there would be nowhere for someone to take an unwanted animal,” said the Pratt Area Humane Society Board President Pam Howell.

“We’re pretty desperate. It’s a crisis situation,” said Howell.

Now they are pleading with the public for help. If they are forced to close, the animals already there would go to other shelters. But for those who still need help, it could be devastating.

“If animal control did pick up an animal, it would just be euthanized after the three day hold so there would be no adoptions. If you’re out of town for those three days, tough luck,” said Howell. “We’re working hard trying to do good things but we can’t do it without their support,” said Howell.

To help the shelter, you can send money to the Pratt Area Humane Society, 10233 Bluestem Blvd., Pratt, KS, 67124. Or go to their website and make a donation.

Pictured  is Angel,  she’s a Plott Hound/Catahoula Leopard Dog mix.  See more adorable Pratt Humane Society dogs by going to their website, adopt your new best friend.

Many of you do not know that a few weeks ago there was terrible flooding in Atlanta, GA  and many of the surrounding counties, nine people lost their lives and hundreds of animals have been displaced.

Daffy’s Pet Soup Kitchen is working to help those displaced by the flood and could really use your help.

We are a member of the Humane Association of Georgia and Georgia Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters. We are working with local and federal governments to help resolve issues pertaining to the flooding and their victims. We work with the groups to help coordinate the food for these animals along with the sheltering issues. We have visited/ talked with Gwinnett, Cobb, Douglas, Dekalb, Paulding, Chattooga, and Carrol Counties and have had discussions about these issues.

www.daffyspetsoupkitchen.com

The main concern is yet to come as far as keeping families and their pets together, our motto. We need donations of pet food, pet supplies, crates, gas cards, and financial donations are needed. Please donate food and supplies at any of our locations. If you are donating pet food or supplies in bulk, please contact Tom Wargo via email for more information.

These animals have no idea whats going on, and the last thing they and their families need right now is to be separated. Please help us keep these families together. Our food and financial situation is diminishing quickly and we need support. Please help out and donate on line or drop food at any of our sites. If you are interested in possible animal fostering, please let us know that as well. We need your help. We have depleted a lot of our finances we had for our rent on our new lease we have this month, October. Please help us help others and help us rebuild our lease fund to keep our warehouse and keep up the good work.

Please make checks payable to:  SOS Club

PO Box 1640

Lilburn, GA 30048

Thank you for your support.

Of course, I do have a soft spot for senior dogs, especially those that have been used and abused.

“Aussie” is a beautiful girl that has obviously had many litters of puppies and is a little shy. But she is oooooh so sweet!

Poor Aussie is currently at the Darlington County Humane Society in Darlington, SC. The poor girl has tested HIGH Heartworm positive. To make Aussie a little more appealing to rescues we are trying to raise the funds to pay for her to be treated for heartworm.

We would also like to raise the money for her to be fully sponsored for her vetting (spay, vaccinations, hw test, and deworming). This way she can go to an approved rescue for FREE!!!!

To pay for everything, we need to raise a total of $400. Please help us to help sweet Aussie. She is so deserving of a second chance at life.

**DCHS is a 501c3 organization so all donations are tax deductible as allowed by law!**

Aussie has been moved to a temporary foster home, unfortunately after a lifetime of neglect and having puppies she has more medical issues than previously thought. She is thought to be around 10-years-old, a senior gal. Two lumps were found on her and removed, one benign and the other cancerous. The good news is the vet is very confident he removed all the carcinoma. She is high heartworm positive and has a urinary tract infection.  Her medical bills now exceed $1,500.

Aussie’s foster mom reports that she is a true velcro dog – following her wherever she goes. Aussie also loves some snuggle time on the sofa.  We need to show Aussie what a loving home is. She has obviously never known what being a spoiled and beloved pet is. No matter how much time she has left on this Earth – be it one year or four years. Aussie is truly deserving of a second chance at life.  Let’s help this beautiful girl to retire in style!

If you can help donate to her cause, even a dollar is appreciated-she hasn’t received many donations- go to Dirty Dats & Dogs Rescue. Also, take a look at their homepage, they’re a rescue organization working hard to save the lives of wonderful pets from rural and high-kill animal shelters.

Please post and crosspost this message. Don’t let Aussie go to Rainbow Bridge without ever having a loving family to call her own.

Today is National Dog Day, although at our house it feels like everyday is national dog day.  Unfortunately there are many homeless dogs that will never get to celebrate this day because they have no forever family. There’s a photography studio that wants to change this,  so they put together a fundraising calendar to help dogs in need.

Chicago-based Sutton Studios, led by world-renowned pet and family portrait photographer, David Sutton,  announced the donation of 10,000 Dog Day Calendars to animal welfare organizations, humane societies and animal shelters throughout Chicagoland and across the country. These organizations offer the calendar at a suggested donation of $10 each. They keep 100% of the proceeds.

“The funds generated from Dog Days Calendar sales are greatly needed to continue our mission in helping homeless animals in need and raising awareness of the animal overpopulation that leads to the tragic destruction of millions of dogs and cats every year in the U.S.,” says Sutton. “Animal welfare organizations are challenged to do more with fewer resources, so our hope is that this calendar provides them with funds they might not otherwise have had.”

The 2010 Dog Days Calendar is offered online at Sutton Studios,  and directly at animal welfare organizations throughout Chicagoland and nationwide.

Another great way to celebrate this day would be by going to your local shelter and adopting a dog in need. For those who already have a full household here are some fun tips to show your dog how much you love them.

Play with Them! Playing is an essential outlet for dogs! It allows them to be free and express themselves. Play catch or chase them around – whatever their pleasure! To help amp up play time, provide your dog with a variety of chew toys, bones, or problem solving toys (i.e. a ball filled with a treat!). Invite “doggie friends” to come play – dogs love to socialize too!

Hit the Road! Just like for humans, exercise is important for your dog too! Take your pup on a couple short daily walks and let him or her naturally stop and sniff around. Be sure not to over exercise your dog. Remember they are wearing a fur coat, so “hot” for you and “hot” for your dog are two different things. Provide plenty of water, shade and breaks!

Part of the Family! Include your pooch in the family photo this year and make for a more inclusive family photo. Doing this will enable your family to recall life as it was at that moment, dog included! Don’t forget that on average dogs only have 10-13 years to live life to the fullest, so carpe diem!

Treats! Make your dog a special treat from your kitchen that’s both nutritious and delicious! Many homemade dog treat recipes are packed with vitamins and nutrients and still taste good! Try a doggie cake for their next birthday to honor their special day! Or if cooking isn’t your forte, take your dog to the local barkery and let them sniff out a treat!

Donate Time and Money! Help a dog in need by volunteering your time or donating money to a local animal welfare organization. Go to Pets911.com or the Human Society of the United States website to find a local organization. You also can help our four-legged friends by purchasing a 2010 Dog Days Calendar online – proceeds go directly to help animal welfare agencies!

Enjoy the day!

We’re doing something a little different on the blog today. I was approached by a wonderful artist, Terry Stanley, to have a contest that would benefit dog charities. In return she would offer up two custom portraits, a large and small,  for the lucky winners.

First, here’s a little info about Terry….

Terry’s Bio:
I am one of the millions of “self-taught” artists in the world today, but am very blessed that my art has brought me notice and opportunity I could never have imagined. I’ve attained Signature Status in the Pastel Society of America . I’m a member of and Wisconsin Ambassador for the Portrait Society of America . I teach workshops in Wisconsin and beyond and am so very fortunate to have met and become friends with some truly wonderful artists from throughout the country. I often wonder how all this happened!

Not only is Terry very talented and rather well-known she is big time into helping out dog charities. Each month she actively supports a non-profit organization that helps dogs – service dogs… rescue dogs… the humane society… – by designing products featuring the organization’s mission. The royalties from these products are automatically donated to the non-profit, so you can pick up some fun gifts and know you are helping a dog at the same time. How can you not love that?

One other great thing, Terry offers custom dog portraits starting at $35 for a 5×7, which makes it affordable for most. The picture on top is of our boy Bo, it was around x-mas which is why he had the green ribbon around his neck. You can see from the photo on the left, which the painting was done from, that Terry did a terrific job capturing Bo’s personality on canvas.

Check out Terry’s Dog Days Of Painting blog and read some of the stories about the dogs she’s painted. Her portraits make a great gift for yourself or the dog lover in your life.

As for the contest, we are offering up a 11×14 painting ($125 value) of a single dog (or that much credit if you want to “upgrade” to more than one dog in the painting) for 1st place and a 2nd place/runner-up 5×7 ($35 value).

To enter, and we’re going on the honor system, all you need to do is donate to your favorite dog charity-rescue, humane society, sanctuary- doesn’t matter it just needs to be dog related. Don’t worry about the amount, that’s not what it’s about, every dollar helps. If you don’t have any extra money to donate that’s alright too, you can still enter by donating a bag a food or maybe some towels or something else on an animal rescues wish list. If you can’t do that, again it’s alright,  you can still enter by donating a few hours of your time.

I have put up plenty of options so there is no excuse for not being able to enter this contest, you’ll be benefiting a great cause and at the same time getting a chance to win a custom portrait of your dog. I think it’s a pretty fair trade-off. If you donated or worked on a fundraiser in the last month, or already volunteer your time or work in dog rescue that counts, just leave the info in the comment section.

The contest runs today through Tuesday, August 4th when I will randomly choose the winners. To enter leave a comment in the comment section sharing what charity you chose to help and why. You don’t need to put a dollar amount you can just say donated funds,  no amount is too small in these desperate times.

Good luck!

The Morris Animal Foundation’s Canine Cancer Campaign is a global effort to prevent, treat and cure cancer.

By funding more than 100 canine cancer studies, they have tacked the no. 1 killer of dogs and helped veterinarians better detect and treat the disease.

Read up on some of their current studies and learn about the progress the MAF is making to help win the war against cancer.

Progress in Dog Health:

CANCER:  “Tyrosine Kinases in Canine Hemangiosarcoma” D08CA-050, Oregon State University, Dr. Stuart C. Helfand

Description: Hemangiosarcoma remains one of the deadliest canine cancers. Despite treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy and surgery, dogs rarely live beyond six months after diagnosis. New approaches are needed to improve the survival time of dogs afflicted with this devastating disease. This study will expand on the research team’s previous research into a novel class of drugs called tyrosine kinase inhibitors that may have the potential to control the growth of hemangiosarcoma. The results will help to clarify abnormalities that contribute to hemangiosarcoma proliferation and may ultimately lead to new treatment options for this aggressive cancer.

Update: Researchers from Oregon State University are expanding on prior Morris Animal Foundation-funded research into a novel class of drugs called tyrosine kinase inhibitors, which may have the potential to control the growth of hemangiosarcoma cells. In addition, the researchers are attempting to clarify abnormalities that contribute to hemangiosarcoma cell growth and spread. The data generated to date are exciting, novel and promising and may ultimately lead to new drug treatment options for this aggressive cancer.

CANCER:  “Population Pharmakokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Carboplatin in Dogs” D07CA-036, University of Tennessee, Dr. Tomas Martin-Jimenez

Description: As companion animals live longer, cancer has become one of the major causes of death. The goal of chemotherapy is to maximize the therapeutic response while minimizing toxic effects. Unfortunately, determining the appropriate dose that each dog needs is difficult. Factors such as age, weight and kidney function influence an animal’s response to chemotherapy. This study will discover how these factors affect a dog’s response to a chemotherapy commonly used to treat osteosarcoma and carcinomas. They will use this information to develop a dose calculator that would help veterinarians tailor the dose to the specific needs of individual dogs. This would provide more effective treatment and alleviate unwanted side effects.

Update: Researchers at the University of Tennessee are undertaking a bold study to develop a novel, dose calculator tool that would allow veterinarians to tailor the dose of chemotherapy to the specific needs of individual dogs. They are concentrating on the chemotherapy drug carboplatin, which is commonly used to treat osteosarcoma and various carcinomas. This long-term study is just completing its first of three years, and the researchers are hopeful that they will have preliminary analysis by mid-year 2009 that might provide enough information to adjust the doses of new patients, even before the completion of the study. This early dose adjustment has not been implemented yet, but the investigators are currently running preliminary data analysis.

CANCER:  “Metastatic & Chemotherapeutic Resistance Biomarkers for Canine Osteosarcoma” D08CA-053, Colorado State University, Dr. Dawn L. Duval

Description: Large and giant dog breeds have high risk for osteosarcoma, a highly aggressive bone cancer that spreads (metastasizes) to the organs. Despite aggressive treatment with surgery followed by chemotherapy, most dogs survive less than one year after diagnosis because the cancer recurs in other bones or organs, particularly the lungs. Understanding the biological mechanisms that contribute to the disease’s spread and resistance to standard therapy would help veterinary researchers develop tailored therapeutic approaches, identify new drug targets and identify common genetic features that contribute to the disease’s ability to spread – all of which would help increase survival rates of dogs affected by this common cancer.

Update: Scientists from Colorado State University are studying the biological mechanisms that contribute to bone cancer’s spread and resistance to standard therapy. This will help veterinary researchers identify common genetic features that contribute to the disease’s ability to spread, develop tailored therapeutic approaches and identify new drug targets. To date, they have identified and validated 11 genes that could serve as biomarkers to determine whether a patient is likely to respond to standard therapies.

CANCER:  “Evaluation of Intrinsic & Acquired Chemoresistance in Canine Histiocytic Sarcoma” D08CA-308, Michigan State University, Dr. Nikolaos G. Dervisis

Description: Canine histiocytic sarcoma is an aggressive form of cancer that is almost always fatal. The disease affects primarily Bernese mountain dogs, flat-coated retrievers and rottweilers, but others are predisposed as well. Despite rigorous efforts to identify genetic abnormalities underlying this disease, few treatment advances have been made. The researchers will focus on gene expression patterns that are associated with this cancer’s resistance to chemotherapy. They intend to develop a practical test that can be used to guide future drug development for the treatment of canine histiocytic sarcoma.

Update: Researchers from Michigan State University are focusing on gene expression patterns that are associated with this cancer’s resistance to chemotherapy. They intend to develop a practical test that can be used to guide future drug development for the treatment of this deadly cancer. Enrollment of patients has been unexpectedly slow, but the investigators are expanding their recruitment base to specialty clinics.

To find out more about canine cancer and the Morris Animal Foundation stop by their website.  Visit Cure Canine Cancer to read survivor stories and learn how you can help in the fight against this horrible disease.

* In loving memory of Dogster member Snappy who lost her valiant fight with cancer.

There’s a store near us, Razzle Dazzle Doggies, that’s having an event worth checking out if you live in the Marietta, GA. area .

A holistic vet is coming to the store to answer your questions. Having been to one when we took Bo for acupuncture I know this event will be a valuable resource for dog owners.

Razzle Dazzle Doggies
1000 Whitlock Avenue, #370
Marietta, Georgia 30064

Special Guest Dr. Susan Wynn Thursday, August 6th 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm

We are proud to announce that we are hosting a question and answer session with Dr. Wynn. She is the president of The Holistic Veterinary Association and we are certainly gratelful and excited to have her in the store.

We are asking that you purchase our food in lieu of an attendance fee. The food will be donated to Meals Fur Pets, a not for profit organization to help hungry pets. The economy has taken its toll on everyone and we really need your help!

Space is limited so PLEASE rsvp asap.

For more information contact us at 770/423-0637

I want to thank Dogster member Aggie for barking this to me. Keith Wendell opened a  a rottweiler rescue back in 1998 but in 2000 he opened it to all breeds and it became B.U.D.D.I.E.S. Rescue.

Keith has helped rehome many dogs but due to economic times has had to stop taking in dogs, right now he is just trying to save the dogs he has.

A man who rescues dogs has taken in so many that he can no longer afford to care for all of them.

Bay News 9 previous followed the story of Keith Wendell, who owns Buddies Rescue and saves older, sometimes abused or abandoned dogs. Wendell has received so many dogs that his organization is in danger of foreclosure.

Wendell recently made the decision to stop taking in dogs. He has about 50 dogs and wants to adopt out some of them.

“My fiance and myself kind of mutually decided a week ago to call off my engagement and I gave the abandoned ship order so I could stay here with the dogs and they could end up in a better situation that’s more fair to them,”
Wendell said.

Wendell says he only has a four day supply of food for the dogs and $20 to his name.

“If I can’t raise $4,000 by July 7, I’m going to have to find a veterinarian that would volunteer to come out here and euthanize all 49 dogs,” Wendell said.

He says without the money, the dogs will not survive.

After all Wendell has done to help save these dogs what a terrible tragedy it would be if he had to have them euthanized. If you are interested in adopting one of the dogs, or can help with a donation to keep the rescue going until they can be adopted, please visit B.U.D.D.I.E.S. website for all the contact information.  No amount is too small, this is a dire situation.

On Sunday night I asked Lisa if she wanted to go for ice cream, her response was to tell me we may be going to pick up some puppies.

Well, that wasn’t what I expected to hear. She had been on Twitter and read a tweet from the Canine Hope Rescue looking for help with transport of six dogs they had pulled from a kill shelter in Franklin, GA. There were two adults who had been abandoned by their family when they moved out and four puppies from different locations, all had been dumped.

We ended up not having to go thanks to another dog lover who hopped in her car to help out before we got in touch with the rescue. Although we weren’t needed I did get the chance to speak with Tammara Josselyn, the founder of Canine Hope, and found out just how different this rescue is. It’s run by Tammara and her husband who are dog trainers and owners of a doggie daycare.

A Different Kind Of Rescue

No doubt you will find we are a different kind of rescue. We require more steps than what you may be used to when looking for a dog. However, we provide more steps before our dogs are put up for adoption.

Dogs in our rescue:

-Have been taken to a veterinarian and received a complete examination.

-Are current on all their vaccinations.

-Are wormed intestinally.

-Are all spayed and neutered before adopted.

-Are tested for heart worms and put on preventive heart worm medication.

-Are house trained or in the process of being house trained.

-Are crate trained to assure an easy transition when brought into your home.

-Are fed premium dog foods while in our care to ensure good health and good healthy coats.

-Are routinely groomed and have their nails trimmed. All dogs are completely groomed before going home with your family.

-Are taught house manners, socialized with other dogs and people.

-Receive some basic obedience training.

-Are micro chipped in case they become lost.

-Families receive an introduction class where you find out all about your dog and its commands, likes, dislikes, history, how to make the transition with your family go smoothly, etc.

-We ask that you have a trial overnight with the dog you are considering, to make sure you are ready and we have made a good match between both of you.

-Go to their new family with food and a gift package, and a new leash and collar, and their favorite toys.

-Receive a scholarship for training with their new family, and a package for boarding with Cool School For Dogs.

-A rescue group that provides support after your dog goes home with you and will take the dog back without question if you no longer want the dog or can no longer care for it. (Adoption Donation is not returned)

-A quarterly newsletter with information that will serve helpful to your family and your new dog.

Yes, we are a different kind of rescue. If you are interested in one of our dogs, please go to our web page “Adoption Process” on the left sidebar and once you understand our process, fill out our application and return it to us.

I want to give a big shout out to Tammara and her husband, along with all the volunteers, for the wonderful work they do. Canine Hope Rescue is run on donations and the generosity of the Josselyn’s who donate much of their own money. This is a small rescue who could desperately use donations, fosters, volunteers, and adoptive homes. Anything you can do, nothing is too small, is greatly appreciated.

The dog pictured above is Blush, she was thrown off a bridge onto railroad tracks. Thanks to Canine Hope Rescue she has a chance at a new life.

Blush is a one year old female Doberman. She came into our rescue after a horrific act of man. A police officer in a neighboring town was underneath a large bridge checking on vagrant activity underneath the bridge. While he was there, someone threw a dog off of the bridge. Deliberately threw her over with one intention and that was to hurt or kill her. This bridge was not over water, but over railroad tracks.

The officer saw her fall, hit the ground, bounce a few inches and thud to the ground. He figured she was probably dead. She wasn’t and he rushed her to Animal Control. A director from a different rescue happened to be there when she arrived and knew we could probably help this Doberman girl and called us. We immediately set to claiming her and getting her help.

Thanks to the generosity of a local vet we were able to get her x-rayed head to paws. Luckily there were no major fractures but there was a head injury and a spinal injury. Time would tell if she would recover and if there were any internal injuries. She spent almost two weeks in intensive care. We visited her everyday and tried let her know that everyone was trying to help her. We brought her a new collar with a bright and shiny tag displaying her new name, “Blush”, for her new life to help her know that she was at a new beginning and only needed to pull through. At first she could not stand or walk. Then she could stand. She had to be carried and supported when she first started using the bathroom outside. Time passed and she eventually could stand, and then could walk. Today she is amazingly a different dog. She still has gentle steps but is happy and friendly and her only sign of having a problem is her gait when walking and that when she tries to do “zoomies” she sometimes stumbles, but she gets right back up.

Blush isn’t quite ready for adoption but the rescue is taking applications if anyone is interested in adopting this beautiful girl. Or any of the other cuties they have available. Blush’s story is just one of many from the Canine Hope Rescue, such a befitting name because they truly give these canines hope.

If you’re still not sure if you have a few dollars to donate I ask that you read Blush’s story again and then look at her beautiful face. That’s where your dollars go.

I just want to give a little shout out to my friends at the Animal Protective Foundation . The organization is located in Scotia, NY and just happens to be where I grew up. The APF is a wonderful organization, they helped establish the first shelter in the area.

They are having their 3rd Annual Thrifty Kitty & Bargain Hound Garage Sale this Saturday from 8am-4pm and can use your support.  Look at all the great things they have planned, a guaranteed fun time for all.

Bigger and better than ever – you won’t believe what we have this year.

This is not just any old garage sale, this is an event!

We’re busy, busy, busy sorting and pricing THOUSANDS of items. Here’s just a sampling:

> Pet items, from cages and crates to dishes and toys, etc.

> Toys, games, sporting goods

> Hundreds of craft and holiday items

> Jewelry, antiques and decorative items for your home

> Tools and a very wide assortment of hardware

> More household goods than you can imagine in one place

> Visit the “Barks & Nobles Cafe”, crammed full of books, music and lots of delicious baked goods to eat

> New this year, the “Pet Boutique” featuring dozens and dozens of brand new outfits,costumes, sweaters and coats for dogs of all sizes

> Come have lunch with us, we’ll be serving a variety of items

> Lots of adorable dogs up for adoption will be circulating about and would love to say hello to you

I encourage everyone in the area to head on over, maybe even adopt a new family member while you’re there. Visit their website for all the details and directions.

* Pic from the APF site