How sad is this, a beautiful senior lab who is going to be put down without anyone even knowing her name?  She was picked up as a stray and is only known as 1054.

I have no doubt she was a very loyal, loving companion and now she is nothing but a number. Her age is unknown, but she is obviously an old gal.  Don’t let old age fool you, if you’ve never adopted an older dog before this girl can bring more joy than you can imagine.

She is located at  Portage County Dog Warden Shelter in Ravenna, Ohio. You can reach them at 330-297-6924.  There is no time to spare,  I know there is a perfect family out there for this beautiful girl, is it you?

Please post and crosspost this message, before it’s too late.

A 21 lb. tumor was removed from Warren the Labrador retriever, saving the life of the 13-year-old dog.

Warren was operated on at Boston’s Angell Animal Medical Center five months ago and has made wonderful progress since then.

Here are the details from WCVB TV from Boston.

BOSTON — Surgeons at Boston’s Angell Animal Medical Center removed a 21-pound tumor from a Labrador retriever, the largest tumor veterinarians there had ever seen.

Warren, 13, fully recovered from the surgery last spring to remove the tumor that had grown to one-sixth his body weight.

The tumor had grown so large it made walking difficult for the dog and his breathing became increasingly labored.

Surgeons faced the problem of dealing with the cavity that was created once the mass was removed.

“Warren has since spent the past five months enjoying his lightened frame following the lifesaving surgery,” Duddy said.

There is a picture of the tumor but it’s too graphic to post.  If you’re the daring type,  click here.

*Pic from Angell Animal Medical Center courtesy WCVB TV

Mike Kelm and his wife Sue went out for a motorcycle ride on Labor Day to enjoy the beautiful weather. And to get out of the house because it was few days before Sue had cancer surgery. Tragically they were both killed when struck by a car. The couple had no children but they do have four dependents, their precious dogs.

While the family grieves over the loss of their loved ones they are trying to honor the couple by finding a new home for all four pups. Here are the details from the Daily Herald.

“They had no children of their own,” the Kelms’ niece Kim Mayer of Joliet said. “These were their children. And as much as people could spoil animals, they did.”

The dogs are Anacortes, 6, a female lab mix; Cedonia, 3, a female husky mix; Tacoma, 7, a male lab mix; and Everett, 4, a male Australian shepherd-lab mix.

“They are their own pack,” Mayer said. “They really take good care of each other.”

Until a permanent home is found the dogs are being taken care of at the Chicago Canine Club in Burr Ridge. Anyone interested in adopting the Kelms’ dogs should arrange an appointment by contacting Kathy Deets at the Chicago Canine Club at (708) 542-8969 or via email.  Or Mayer at (815) 272-4583 or via email.

Our condolences to the Kelm family. We hope the pups find a home where they can stay together, I can’t think of a better tribute to Mike and Sue Kelm.

*Photo courtesy Tanit Jarusan|Staff Photographer Daily Herald

I just  got a message  about two puppies found wandering the streets of Lawrenceville, Georgia.  A good Samaritan picked them up, unfortunately she already has a house full and needs to find a home for these cuties.

Need good, loving home(s). Two female lab mix puppies – approx. 10-12 weeks old.

To my knowledge they do not have shots, nor have they been spayed. Both were found running unattended across from the cometary on Lawrenceville Highway in Lawrenceville area.

I have been helping to care for them for the past week. Both have very sweet dispositions and are amazingly calm for puppies. We have temporarily named them Lola and Yogi.

If anyone is interested please contact Valerie via email or by phone at 770-363-0827.  She is the owner of Best Fit Pet Services, a professional pet-sitting business. If anyone in the area is looking for a caring pet-sitter be sure to check her out.

Founder Ellen O’Neill-Stephens uses well-behaved dogs to act as companions for traumatized victims of child abuse. Dogs are used to help calm a child’s nerves and to help them talk about things they may not be comfortable saying to an adult.

We know this works well with reading programs where dogs are used to help children with reading difficulties.  Those kids are often afraid to read out loud for fear of being ostracized by their peers, but stick a dog in front of them and all of a sudden they start reading.  After all, dogs never criticize.

“Sometimes, these children will say things to the dog that they’re too embarrassed to say to a person,” Stephens said. “We had a girl who had been severely abused and she could never talk about it. But she petted Jeeter for over 90 minutes straight and she was able to tell what happened.”

It’s not easy to become a courthouse dog, only about 30 percent of dogs in training actually make it. Usually golden or Labrador retrievers are used, trainers start working with them when they’re only 8 weeks old and training continue for about 18 months.

For instance, the courtroom dogs are trained not to respond if food is thrown at their feet. In fact, she said they won’t eat at all until they’re given direct permission to do so. And they will stay still for long periods of time, which is often necessary when a child is testifying.

“In a forensic interview, our dogs will just lie there and be available to be petted,” Stephens said. “These dogs have to be able to be able to tolerate that kind of thing. A pet will want to get up and run around, or will want to engage with the child. The forensic investigators don’t want that. If a child were to go into an interview room and start playing with a dog, then it’s over.”

Courthouse Dogs is in Washington State, unfortunately, this isn’t a nationwide program. Not all courtrooms allow dogs, which is a shame because they have been proven to be an invaluable asset.

You can read more about Courthouse Dogs on Dallas News. It was in Dallas at the 21st annual Crimes Against Children Conference, sponsored by the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center and the Dallas Police Department,  that Stephens spoke about her program.

*Pic courtesy COURTNEY PERRY/DMN

If you’ve been looking for a Buddy I have the perfect match for you. He’s located in Dacula, Georgia.

Hello, My Name is Shannon and I am reaching out to you in hopes that you can help me find a foster/adoptive home for Buddy our 3 yr old lab.

Though he is an all black lab mix, he looks like a full-lab. He was given to us by a friend when he was a puppy. He is the most awesome dog, ever. He is loving, obedient, and so eager to please. He loves to play, especially with tennis balls. He loves kids ( my children are 7 and 9). He is not aggressive. He is house trained. I am not current on his shots and he has not been neutered. He has been kennel trained since a pup, and still sleeps in his kennel at night. He is scared of thunder. I am working on getting photos.

We had to foreclose on our home and are moving in 6 days. Where we are moving to, will not allow pets. I will have to take him to a shelter if I can’t find a home for him. I have posted ads on Craigslist as well as sought friends and family. I have had no success. I would be able to contribute $25 a month for one year, if this will help to get Buddy adopted, and saved from being put to sleep. We are devastated that we cannot take him with us. This is a loss on top of a loss and it pains me to see my children so hurt. I pray that you will be able to help rescue Buddy.

My contact information:
Shannon @
678-985-3899
678-698-6188
or via email.

Beautiful Bella needs a home. She is of unknown age (older) and very cute. Currently she is residing in Kennesaw, GA.

Bella was found on July 4th by our neighbors, they have searched high and low for her owner but have had no success.

Unfortunately they aren’t able to keep her so they need to find her a forever home. They’re in the process of moving so time is of the essence. They have tried contacting rescues and have had no success in placing her, they’re all full. They do not have the heart to turn her over to a shelter.  Imagine if your senior dog was lost and someone found her and took her to a shelter to be euthanized, it’s heartbreaking.

Not sure if she was just let go or what happened but if you met her you would know she was obviously loved at one time because she is very sweet and definitely an inside dog. She is toilet trained, sits and gives paw. Bella is not aggressive and hung out with our dogs for a bit. If we didn’t already have three, and a kitty, we would keep her.

Please, if anyone is interested in adopting her or can foster her contact me via email.  Feel free to post and cross-post this message we need to find Bella a forever home.

Thanks,

Horst

Patty is an old gal who probably gave her family years of unconditional love, in return she is now sitting in a shelter waiting to be euthanized. She was found wandering the streets and no one has come to claim her.

Patty’s time is up, if she doesn’t get a home immediately this beautiful girl won’t get a chance to live out her golden years.

This sweet old gal is sitting in an overcrowded and chaotic shelter, scared and confused as to how she got here. Patty came to the Humane Society of Greater Akron several weeks ago as a stray and no one has come looking for her. Now she sits, waiting to find what her future holds. This is where a kind hearted rescuer needs to step in!!! We need help for Patty!

She is a 10+ year old yellow lab and approx 65 lbs (she is not too thrilled we are revealing her weight to so many!!!!) She has been fully vaccinated, heartworm tested (negative), wormed, and up to date on flea and heartworm prevention. We do not believe her to be spayed. Due to moderate arthritis, she is on senior vitamins and joint supplements twice daily to help her feel better and move a little easier She also has some dental disease which may need future attention. Because her teeth are not the best, she is a huge fan of canned food…oh yes, and she also LOVES hotdogs as well!

This girl is low key as most of her days are filled with lounging around and getting plenty of beauty sleep. She is very fond of large fluffy dog beds/blankets and getting as much attention from humans as possible. Gets a little annoyed with other furry friends so this older gal would love to be spoiled and rule the roost as an only doggie! Her temperament with people is wonderfully loving.

It tears us apart to see her so scared and alone at our shelter. No one is adopting her and she deserves better than a noisy shelter kennel to live out the rest of her time on this earth. I am afraid she does not have much time left at our shelter before a decision may be made to euthanize her so WE MUST GET HER OUT ASAP!

Patty will be released to an approved and reputable rescue at no charge….we would just like to see her go somewhere safe that will give her a chance. A donation of wet food and a few extra comfy blankets will come with her of course!!! Any rescue interested, please contact me right away. Transport help is available.

Please call Shannon at 330-657-2010 ext 105  or email if you can help save Patty.

Shannon O’Herron – Humane Officer (this is me)

What a beautiful girl Patty is. If anyone out there would like to adopt her please contact Shannon right away, there is no time to waste.

Canine Crusaders sent a message about poor Torro, he’s been in the pound since March 23, his time is up. Some rescues have asked about him but Torro did not dog test very well. Thanks to a loving volunteer dog walker Torro is coming around quite nicely.

Isn’t there anyone out there that can take the time and give him a chance?

CROSSPOSTING PERMITTED & GREATLY APPRECIATED!

Mahoning County Dog Pound, Youngstown, OH

FIRST: Please call the pound to place your name on the dog (ID# of dog REQUIRED). Phone #330.740.2205, it will be prompt 1 or 2.

SECOND:
Please email both contacts below:
CanineCrusader@yahoo.com
CanineCrusader@aol.com

SEE ALL PICS HERE: Petfinder.com ID#13327441

You can check out all the wonderful dogs up for adoption at the Mahoning County Dog Pound on their  Petfinder.com page.

Yesterday I posted the story about Hoagie the hero dog who saved his owners from a mountain lion when they were out hiking. In yesterday’s story the spelling of the dog’s name was Hoagie and today it’s Hoggie, all that matters is that it’s the same dog.

The word has spread about this heroic dog and people are coming forward to help out the couple with his expenses.  His owners have fallen on hard times, both had worked in the construction industry, they recently lost their house.

Concerns about Hoggie – who received at least 100 stitches after a mountain lion ripped into his side – prompted offers of assistance from a pet care group in Hollywood and, according to Hoggie’s owner William Morse, from a representative of First Lady Michelle Obama.

And, Morse said the U.S. Forest Service is allowing them to remain at the campground free of charge for a few days while Hoggie, a 5-year-old Queensland Heeler-Labrador mix, recovers. Morse and his wife, Kandy, are living in their RV.

“We’re using bologna to force-feed him the antibiotics,” Morse said. “The next 48 hours are very critical for his recovery.”

The couple is getting some high-profile help. Actors and Others for Animals in North Hollywood agreed to pay half of the vet bill for Hoggie’s surgery after they received an emergency call for help.

“We wanted to make sure this animal received the medical care it needed,” said Susan Taylor, executive director for the group. “It’s unusual to be attacked by a mountain lion, but we’ve paid for dogs attacked by other dogs, coyotes or snakes. We’re here to help the low and fixed income individuals.”

The couple is currently living on unemployment, hoping maybe the park they were camping in might hire them to do odd jobs. Right now they’re concentrating on nursing  Hoggie back to health.

We wish the Morse family and Hoggie the best of luck.

*Pic courtesy STEVE ZYLIUS, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER