tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2252125524844245082024-03-05T12:10:19.774-08:00German Shepherd Dog Rescue Orange County CAGerman Shepherd Rescue of Orange County (GSROC) is a non-profit 501c(3) charity organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and re-homing purebred German Shepherd Dogs. We are funded entirely by private donations.German Shepherd Rescue Orange County CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05947240904116217996noreply@blogger.comBlogger100125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225212552484424508.post-47944219265116459552014-09-13T09:55:00.000-07:002014-09-13T09:56:46.708-07:00Unsung Heroes of Rescue<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Unsung Heroes</span></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">In the rescue world, there are more heroes than most people know about. Of course, there are also those who everyone does know about. They do a good job of marketing their efforts. However, at German Shepherd Rescue of OC, we have one group in particular who I consider heroes and the backbone of this rescue. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Today, it is going to be 100 degrees outside. Most people will stay inside where it is cool. But as you pour yourself a second cup of coffee, there is a group of 20-25 people who are getting ready to make a drive over to a kennel to pick up a dog. This is not just any dog. It is a dog that someone else threw away. It is a dog who would not get any attention if it wasn't for this person. This dog wouldn't get to go on a car ride today. She wouldn't get brushed and loved. She wouldn't get to be out of her kennel for 5-6 hours today stretching her legs, making friends and HOPEFULLY, HOPEFULLY finding her home. That is what this group is doing today. Giving these dogs hope. Giving them a chance. You can bet that they fall in love every Saturday. And you can bet their hearts break a little every Saturday, too. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">You see, after standing in the heat all day, dousing the dogs with love and ice water...they have to take the babies back to the kennel and drop them off. It is not easy. Truth is, it rips your heart out. But these heroes do it every weekend. They give up every Saturday to do the work that no one talks about in rescue. They load the dogs into their own cars, surely getting hair and who knows what else all over their cars. They buy treats. They open their hearts for this day, for this dog. It isn't glamorous like pulling a dog from a shelter and whisking them off to safety. It isn't placing a dog in a home and taking the Happy Ending pics as the dog rides off into the sunset. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">This is the heart hard work. This is hero work. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
German Shepherd Rescue Orange County CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05947240904116217996noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225212552484424508.post-6072161102702896122014-04-14T10:37:00.001-07:002014-04-14T10:37:08.398-07:00German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County | Dogs for Adoption<a href="http://www.gsroc.org/2013/detail.gsr?id=3082#.U0wcqze5Ucg.blogger">German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County | Dogs for Adoption</a>German Shepherd Rescue Orange County CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05947240904116217996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225212552484424508.post-14611948984818416702014-02-06T10:30:00.001-08:002014-02-10T20:29:03.362-08:00German Shepherd Rescue OC<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
I
nominate German Shepherd Rescue Orange County as an Outstanding Organization.
GSROC rescues approximately 400 dogs in need every year and find them
good homes. Our orphans come from all manner of situations and
backgrounds. We've saved dogs from certain death on freeways. We've
rescued strays wandering the streets and dogs in abuse/neglect situations.
We save the majority of our dogs, however, from the shelters in Southern
California where many are only hours or minutes away from euthanasia.
Each of our dogs would have a story to tell, if only they could. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Quite
a few of our dogs face additional obstacles once they’re safely in our care.
Many have health issues. GSROC provides them with the medical care they
need. This is often very expensive, but despite the great cost of fixing
broken bones, saving the lives of puppies with parvovirus, treating mange, or
any other malady, GSROC does whatever is necessary to restore them to health
and never gives up on anyone.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Some
of the dogs that come to us have endured emotional trauma. When they come
aboard our lifeboat, they are sometimes shy, frightened, or exhibit other signs
of emotional abuse or neglect. We work with them one-on-on to show them
that they are safe and people care about them. Many of them receive
training to build their self confidence and make them more adoptable. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
The
dedicated volunteers of our organization work tirelessly on behalf of our
orphans. We drive to far flung locations to bring them to safety. We have at
least one adoption event every weekend, and often there are more. Our
fundraising is ceaseless and inventive. Under the leadership of our
indefatigable director, we perform our many and varied duties with a single
aim: to help the dogs we love and are passionate about helping. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Please
see below a photo of Cassandra, one of our many homeless but
hopeful dogs at an event held at our local Crevier MINI dealership.
Second: GSROC is well represented at the annual Laguna Niguel
Holiday Parade every year. Third: Cash finds his perfect match and
is now living "happily ever after."</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOqKMrSCA6ram_59-8fe7Dwb6lhlBoiZ4eNS1_EGfP6S04yMJjaFyQsDf0QK_ovaFAyHwD-UxNSWLOzVqmIDVZvf2VoyJv21WiA-TsDI3FQmMCGFyAh6EZ-WFviORuP4Afslfa0PKxLnut/s1600/Claires+blog+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOqKMrSCA6ram_59-8fe7Dwb6lhlBoiZ4eNS1_EGfP6S04yMJjaFyQsDf0QK_ovaFAyHwD-UxNSWLOzVqmIDVZvf2VoyJv21WiA-TsDI3FQmMCGFyAh6EZ-WFviORuP4Afslfa0PKxLnut/s1600/Claires+blog+1.jpg" height="227" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/editor/static_files/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3oNIj7clfIGbsoKL_DkLDsW4R4YeHLuYeUG7mPCcAcY_YRhyphenhypheno3EC2i8zV_EGgw8e-lMOvd4uSKwsy7gi2iZWoWhyphenhyphenDb6wxZFOoRI6vaPHHWb0P1y0vYlmBxcv_sFZfIL9LIiQoDHt19y23/s1600/Claires+blog+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3oNIj7clfIGbsoKL_DkLDsW4R4YeHLuYeUG7mPCcAcY_YRhyphenhypheno3EC2i8zV_EGgw8e-lMOvd4uSKwsy7gi2iZWoWhyphenhyphenDb6wxZFOoRI6vaPHHWb0P1y0vYlmBxcv_sFZfIL9LIiQoDHt19y23/s1600/Claires+blog+2.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/editor/static_files/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioCcjrDpaiSANQOI-vZHOoyznf4TyZkvLYFubAQl5fEFA53wS_Baip_fBywikafvhy3ZirsFAwKxqtrIZ_Rm2GW5lhirNICz8Ff4o-Rjx9yLNyKG9I0F0HZ7uj3a6BSb7zoGAbupXE2EE5/s1600/Claires+blog+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioCcjrDpaiSANQOI-vZHOoyznf4TyZkvLYFubAQl5fEFA53wS_Baip_fBywikafvhy3ZirsFAwKxqtrIZ_Rm2GW5lhirNICz8Ff4o-Rjx9yLNyKG9I0F0HZ7uj3a6BSb7zoGAbupXE2EE5/s1600/Claires+blog+3.jpg" height="320" width="255" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter">
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0">
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1">
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1">
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0">
</v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas>
<v:path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f">
<o:lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit">
</o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></v:shapetype><span style="background: rgb(240, 240, 215); color: #3d240c; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Do you have an animal rescue volunteer and/or
organization you would like to nominate? Complete details at </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://www.dogfencediy.com/2014/01/03/fenced-in-by-love-2014-dog-rescue-organization-and-volunteer-of-the-year-open-for-entries/" style="outline: 0px;"><span style="background: rgb(240, 240, 215); color: #3d240c; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;">Fenced In by Love 2014 – Dog Rescue
Organization and Volunteer Of The Year</span></a></span><span style="background: rgb(240, 240, 215); color: #3d240c; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> –
Great rewards for all participants and for the winning nominations in various
categories</span>
<v:shape alt="" id="D93A4BFA-9024-4D1D-9A5B-4311C121F314" o:spid="_x0000_i1026" style="height: 225pt; width: 316.5pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:href="cid:15DBC4A1-6E67-4378-92BE-D8567BB9F9DC@oc.cox.net" src="file:///C:\Users\Liz\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image002.jpg">
</v:imagedata></v:shape><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><v:shape alt="" id="F523F6D3-73FB-4358-A62E-2D5599D64596" o:spid="_x0000_i1027" style="height: 173.25pt; width: 316.5pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:href="cid:CEE68276-A62C-4840-8E79-A5D7D7E1C931@oc.cox.net" src="file:///C:\Users\Liz\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image003.jpg">
</v:imagedata></v:shape>
<v:shape alt="" id="_x0036_D479A9B-8AAD-454A-95DC-C8B18F166DAB" o:spid="_x0000_i1028" style="height: 450.75pt; width: 5in;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:href="cid:8B999C2D-2469-4C05-A047-2DCF4273DDE1@oc.cox.net" src="file:///C:\Users\Liz\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image004.jpg">
</v:imagedata></v:shape><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
German Shepherd Rescue Orange County CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05947240904116217996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225212552484424508.post-81669426385027351222013-05-28T14:24:00.001-07:002013-05-28T14:25:09.828-07:00What is a dog worth?<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was just talking to a friend of mine who pulled a dog from the shelter on the dogs last day. Her intention was to get her a bath, get her shots, love her up and find her a home. We have all done this with a dog in a shelter. We do it with the high hopes that the dog is healthy and friendly and will find a home quick. However, this is not always the case. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ub7OJbkFNaGu6HzugTGzSw766WGsLX7a0l4iOdGxiOj2wAR5zz_vIyM4rmztyr250TS60_6ZeXY0_7V4vEyMFfFEmiznHNbdY0R2vUoxjehWjP5IXjeGY5pkoMFg3kIviKow-gc7-SQn/s1600/sick+dogs+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ub7OJbkFNaGu6HzugTGzSw766WGsLX7a0l4iOdGxiOj2wAR5zz_vIyM4rmztyr250TS60_6ZeXY0_7V4vEyMFfFEmiznHNbdY0R2vUoxjehWjP5IXjeGY5pkoMFg3kIviKow-gc7-SQn/s1600/sick+dogs+2.jpg" /></a></div>
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Today, the dog that my friend pulled from the shelter all of a sudden had a seizure. She is at the vet now with an estimated bill of 1900.00. Of course, she said yes... save this girl. Of course. She will hopefully bring home a healthier dog in a few days, take care of her during her rehab, fall in love with her and then find her a home. I imagine this will all happen a lot quicker than the credit card bill will be paid off. I also know she will probably rescue another dog in need before that credit card bill is paid off. I wonder what she will pass on in her own life to pay that hospital bill for a dog she barely knows. A vacation? A hairdo? A new car? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">At GSROC we have always taken in dogs that we know are sick or injured. We know they will cost us more money than we could ever recoup on adoption fees. We also take in dogs that we think are healthy, and like my friend today, they end up costing us thousands of dollars. We just had a litter of 8 pups found out in the desert come into the rescue. Puppies are expensive anyway because there are two sets of shots and of course, getting them altered... but these puppies were sick. 5 of them ended up in the ER with a staggering bill of almost 6000.00. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Sometimes when I tell someone what our adoption fee is, I see them grimace for a second. I know that they don't know how much our vet bills are. I know they don't know how much money we actually spend on these dogs. They don't know that we have garage sales and bake sales constantly to try to pay our bills. They don't know that to get a dog at the Orange County Animal Shelter is over 200.00 now. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I do know that within 24 hours of having their new dog in their home, they know it is the best money they ever spent. And believe me... you are getting a bargain. </span>German Shepherd Rescue Orange County CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05947240904116217996noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225212552484424508.post-18378783815882401022013-04-18T23:06:00.001-07:002013-04-18T23:06:49.091-07:00Share<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ajax/sharer/?s=2&appid=2305272732&p%5B0%5D=105289464514&p%5B1%5D=14508920&sharer_type=all_modes">Share</a>German Shepherd Rescue Orange County CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05947240904116217996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225212552484424508.post-39753636257692319182013-01-29T21:05:00.001-08:002013-01-29T21:05:36.408-08:00German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County Urgent Help detail<a href="http://www.gsroc.org/urgent_help_detail.asp?ID=233#.UQiqCkwHhN8.blogger">German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County Urgent Help detail</a>German Shepherd Rescue Orange County CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05947240904116217996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225212552484424508.post-54724471753936790062013-01-27T00:48:00.000-08:002013-01-27T10:17:20.399-08:00Save a senior and change your heart forever. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqzk7SUQLBaKrCitiGkBwzO2PoIlo3wVADrm30hKvJbsa8MUnaRdYns5lA6QXvg0u1VWJZ7ghfRfRsdXrB1UUpyqD_DHN1iyqveLZquG_QK4_Mkx7GvXa4hJCZVHnaP2u7lUKDAyW_QGi/s1600/poppy1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqzk7SUQLBaKrCitiGkBwzO2PoIlo3wVADrm30hKvJbsa8MUnaRdYns5lA6QXvg0u1VWJZ7ghfRfRsdXrB1UUpyqD_DHN1iyqveLZquG_QK4_Mkx7GvXa4hJCZVHnaP2u7lUKDAyW_QGi/s320/poppy1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Poppy, our sweet senior looking for a home</span></em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So I have this old guy here at my house as a forever foster, and he has a lot of issues. He is completely deaf. I mean...I can actually come up within an inch of him with the vacuum and he doesn't even turn around. Completely deaf. His vision is pretty bad. He walks into corners and you have to wave his food dish around in big circles so he sees it and knows dinner is ready. His nose works well, so he knows when you are making breakfast or dinner...he just needs help knowing that it is ready; then he wags his bald little tail and gets on over to his meal. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">He also is very stiff, and my daughter calls him "Robot" because of the way he moves. When I offered to foster him, we took him in to get his teeth cleaned. They were pretty bad. He had 15 teeth removed. Wow. That is a lot. You would think he would have trouble eating... but he doesn't. He is such a little trooper. I love this guy. I really do. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">There is something so special about rescuing an old dog. He is so sweet. It feels like he knows I will be here with him when he needs me the most. We have a special bond. With everything we have going on around here, this little man seems to be so grateful, and is so attentive to me. He can't hear me, but he watches my every move. He and I don't have a history. I don't have memories of him as a healthy dog that I can giggle over with him. I don't know what his favorite treat is, or where he loved to be rubbed before the aches settled in. But I spoil him. I cook for him. I give him his meds. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmi4f2isJ4uVZeTG47aJjRlCLKXYetxHjgStwis3V6rrtFqPZROflKBcHGKWz7f69BEX6XqVgdycMHPbP5U0UWv9S4JEOGI8D_4Iobc_47TIHQvXUYGG9CDBFFG5hdEfeh-RcelvB9LVy/s1600/poppy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmi4f2isJ4uVZeTG47aJjRlCLKXYetxHjgStwis3V6rrtFqPZROflKBcHGKWz7f69BEX6XqVgdycMHPbP5U0UWv9S4JEOGI8D_4Iobc_47TIHQvXUYGG9CDBFFG5hdEfeh-RcelvB9LVy/s200/poppy2.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">But I wonder who he misses...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I think for me right now, this is such a parallel that it is having an impact on my heart. I have a kitty that I rescued when she was about 7 months old. That was 19 years ago, so she is old and at the end. My husband has been around for 15 years, so my kitty is the veteran here. As kitties age, they get thin. She is so thin now. She is on medications. She is on fluids. She is always hungry. She misses the catbox. She screams for who knows what. And still... she is my baby. I know her. I know where she loves to be rubbed. I know what her favorite treats are. I remember how silly she was when she was healthy and I still see it in her... deep in there. I know her as a healthy cat. Now, her body is failing and she is an old lady... but I remember her silly little face standing over me at 3am... wanting to play. I hold her now and I giggle and whisper our shared memories to her. I know this girl, and she will be comforted by me, by us-her and I... until the end. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">My sweet little old man foster... I don't know that he gets the same comfort from me as my kitty does. I know he is comforted by me and I know he loves me. His sweet little tail wags when I come in the room. I know his little body aches and I am learning where he likes to be touched. I have learned what foods he especially likes. I am here until the end with him...but I wonder who he dreams of when he goes to sleep. Who is it that knows him and who shares his memories? He is in my heart and I will be here until the end with him... but who is in his heart? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I wish he had someone holding him who could whisper special memories to him. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I don't understand how someone dumps an old dog. It is like dumping a sick child, or an old parent. I wish everyone would return the favor with these amazing animals and hold them near and dear through the last amazing years of their lives. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I wish they could all have loving memories whispered in their ears until the very end. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">This they deserve. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Rescuing an old dog will truly change your heart. It is one of the purest forms of love you will ever experience. I highly recommend it. The heartbreak...totally worth it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The pictures you see on this blog are of Poppy. She is our old gal. She is safe in our care, but she needs a forever foster or home. She is living in a kennel right now. She deserves to be cherished and have a warm bed. Maybe you can be the one Poppy dreams of. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbpLRwRcgQG3cpc5utK7_GmHWqL5iD0atWMadunlIg_YuGtOhj-i00ItfKiCJBsXZSQ2ASoNR_uhZvzUWvFFjBsZs1jjxuKdV1Rf75gZP-0s5mRxf9zSujGuCNea-BZwLGp_x2_wYDie2/s1600/poppy3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbpLRwRcgQG3cpc5utK7_GmHWqL5iD0atWMadunlIg_YuGtOhj-i00ItfKiCJBsXZSQ2ASoNR_uhZvzUWvFFjBsZs1jjxuKdV1Rf75gZP-0s5mRxf9zSujGuCNea-BZwLGp_x2_wYDie2/s320/poppy3.jpg" width="172" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<br />German Shepherd Rescue Orange County CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05947240904116217996noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225212552484424508.post-65919656897217096422012-11-26T11:40:00.001-08:002012-11-26T11:43:04.831-08:00Gifts that keep on giving for the dogs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5Il8XeT0JB821Xk7dOfO_p3aybNZ-BnohhGScb_ET5xSJL72652tYBg2aMO19tFyvIrdUI50RU1i89dNTg9Muy2AdipaIRLOSqKSQzofJUVHMX3GVgxt3tYNNDZRsOgdk514M1peQaXP/s1600/holiday+pic+4+with+dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5Il8XeT0JB821Xk7dOfO_p3aybNZ-BnohhGScb_ET5xSJL72652tYBg2aMO19tFyvIrdUI50RU1i89dNTg9Muy2AdipaIRLOSqKSQzofJUVHMX3GVgxt3tYNNDZRsOgdk514M1peQaXP/s400/holiday+pic+4+with+dog.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At the holidays, we all wish that every dog could have a belly full of food, enough water and a great big bed in a warm home. Wouldn't that be great? </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Well, we won't be able to get all of them this year, but every little bit helps to get one more. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">So, when you are shopping and full of holiday spirit, give the gifts that keep on giving. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZA1SKo23AAnt4mt6fnoCFw31sKyQRQoJH70MnNJfFmAOv4Kbdug_iCTSugs9VoNAn6Eyv0jHU50cVRW2T0teIBLzMz9Po5NiTLomYKGeeeAr4-SBul8UEjDwPtxy61uysqD1oYOwFxgx/s1600/holiday+pic+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZA1SKo23AAnt4mt6fnoCFw31sKyQRQoJH70MnNJfFmAOv4Kbdug_iCTSugs9VoNAn6Eyv0jHU50cVRW2T0teIBLzMz9Po5NiTLomYKGeeeAr4-SBul8UEjDwPtxy61uysqD1oYOwFxgx/s320/holiday+pic+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here are some ways you can help;</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Check our events pages and come on out to support us- </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10pt;">-buy from our bake sales<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10pt;">-buy GSROC logoed merchandise for GSD lovers</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10pt;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10pt;">-cook plain chicken and plain brown or sweet potatoes and drop off for the dogs. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10pt;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2L7vHyL2Bf6_wqEwJHf-GQ8oCKGKzUJK180cqGhaHuz0YMYdYybSQwXxfQu9YETdmg9TGTUEQzkcInArkr43fYk463o58Or1t5bVkUvP41-cTIcp6lZZb6bXkQkf0OhjlCWcbnWaqrpn1/s1600/holiday+pic+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2L7vHyL2Bf6_wqEwJHf-GQ8oCKGKzUJK180cqGhaHuz0YMYdYybSQwXxfQu9YETdmg9TGTUEQzkcInArkr43fYk463o58Or1t5bVkUvP41-cTIcp6lZZb6bXkQkf0OhjlCWcbnWaqrpn1/s1600/holiday+pic+2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Plan a holiday visit to one of our special events- </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10pt;">-visit our Costa Mesa boutique on 12/1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10pt;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10pt;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Go to our website to learn how to sponsor a dog in someone's name and get a certificate sent to that person-</span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10pt;">-sponsor a dog in someone's name (we provide a certificate to
present)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10pt;">-forego gifts in favor of having people make a donation in your
name....etc.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10pt;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shop through Igive.com for all of your online shopping and choose Association of German Shepherd Rescuers as your charity. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOIk89lgcgXVvTSiOoPWFbwBlTYoA9EHIv49B81CatUsLegYDrB3dqvZw7ocdUBS4zyeM-KbIL7VVmyNdH7PsQEouB_qIcGEe51QToaV45Lp8QgziluwVxu1lHc0XXwdfpGcJ2pYgw_owW/s1600/holiday+pic+3+with+shepherd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOIk89lgcgXVvTSiOoPWFbwBlTYoA9EHIv49B81CatUsLegYDrB3dqvZw7ocdUBS4zyeM-KbIL7VVmyNdH7PsQEouB_qIcGEe51QToaV45Lp8QgziluwVxu1lHc0XXwdfpGcJ2pYgw_owW/s1600/holiday+pic+3+with+shepherd.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The dogs will thank you! </span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />German Shepherd Rescue Orange County CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05947240904116217996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225212552484424508.post-51541199349068316672012-11-19T17:11:00.005-08:002012-11-19T17:11:56.173-08:00A caution about holiday overeating...for your dog.
<style type="text/css">p { margin-bottom: 1em;}</style>
<br />
<table bgcolor="#eeefef" border="0" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); width: 500px;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 500px;">
<tbody>
<tr bgcolor="#ffffff">
<td><img alt="" border="0" height="102" hspace="0" src="http://www.simplesend.com/simple/uploadedimages/000541/zz_eLetterhead_03.jpg" width="500" /></td></tr>
<tr>
<td>
<table border="0" cellpadding="20" cellspacing="0" style="width: 500px;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#ffffff" valign="top"><b><span style="color: #006699; font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<b>Los Angeles </b><b></b><b>Animal Services
Important Pet Alert</b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;">Over-eating
during Thanksgiving can be serious for pets
too!</span></i></b></div>
</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</b><div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">
<div align="justify" class="MsoNormal">
Thanksgiving is the time of year when family
and friends get together to enjoy each other’s company and a myriad of delicious
foods. We have a tendency to include our four-legged family members in this
feast, which often results in overindulgence. Even when we don’t purposely
include them, the agile and creative dog or cat can capture a special treat from
the kitchen counter, trash or even the dining room
table! <br /><br /><br />Thanksgiving weekend is also a busy time for emergency
veterinary clinics. Dogs and cats suffer very serious and sometimes fatal
consequences from turkey bones, too much rich and fatty foods and just plain
overeating. If your pet is not acting like himself or herself, consult your
veterinarian. Your best friend could be seriously ill. <br /><br /><br />It is
difficult to comprehend, but when giving pets treats you must consider the
relative size of their body compared to yours. If you weigh 150 pounds and your
dog weighs 25 pounds, he or she is only 1/6th of your total weight. If you
visualize yourself as a whole pie, comparatively your dog is only one slice of
pie. Consequently, sharing an unfinished plate that still holds a generous
serving of mashed potatoes with gravy, a side of very rich dressing, a few bites
of turkey and a small slice of pumpkin pie with your best friend can make him or
her feel miserable. <br /><br /><br />You do want your pets to enjoy the holiday. Stop
by a pet food store and purchase some new dog biscuits or cat treats; then
reduce the amount of their regular meal to accommodate the treats they will be
getting throughout the day. Remember, biscuits and treats are usually much
higher in calories than regular pet food so having them skip dinner may be a
prudent choice if they have been snacking all day. <br /><br /></div>
</span><div align="justify" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /><br />Happy Thanksgiving!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-bottom: 8px; margin-top: 8px;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" src="http://simplesend.com/clientimages/socialmedia/share_text.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /></span></td>
<td><a href="http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=http://www.simplesend.com/simple/textlink.asp?NewsletterID=73948%26v=0.7213251"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" src="http://simplesend.com/clientimages/socialmedia/share_facebook.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /></span></a></td>
<td><a href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Thanksgiving%20Safety%20Message http%3A%2F%2Fsmplsd.com%2FZZfjIq via %23SimpleSend"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" src="http://simplesend.com/clientimages/socialmedia/share_twitter.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /></span></a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=http://www.simplesend.com/simple/textlink.asp?NewsletterID=73948&title=Thanksgiving%20Safety%20Message&source=SimpleSend"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" src="http://simplesend.com/clientimages/socialmedia/share_linkedin.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /></span></a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&url=http://www.simplesend.com/simple/textlink.asp?NewsletterID=73948"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" src="http://simplesend.com/clientimages/socialmedia/share_addthis.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /></span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
<tbody></tbody></tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><fs>
</fs><br />
<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0" style="width: 500px;">
<tbody>
<tr align="center" bgcolor="#ffffff">
<td align="left">
<span helvetica="helvetica" sans-serif="" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,; font-size: xx-small;"><subscriberemail></subscriberemail></span> </td>
<td align="right"><a href="http://www.simplesend.com/"></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<fe></fe>German Shepherd Rescue Orange County CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05947240904116217996noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225212552484424508.post-2140120295396206832012-11-14T09:21:00.001-08:002012-11-14T09:23:55.085-08:00Extraordinary Efforts to save dogs<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwp6gU8WwhenlZoH3NmMpmCNQVMyQ0mmMHfvFUa7oYMCe4KPtoZGztSH0Ac34_gD1Rd3JZWnDKguCpqt5rs94fmFzNKPEE5EVtNHTXpAX4IUCCxPyPxI61Q6paqY6Vai_cDLrnYNEQSF9b/s1600/Happy+Birthday+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwp6gU8WwhenlZoH3NmMpmCNQVMyQ0mmMHfvFUa7oYMCe4KPtoZGztSH0Ac34_gD1Rd3JZWnDKguCpqt5rs94fmFzNKPEE5EVtNHTXpAX4IUCCxPyPxI61Q6paqY6Vai_cDLrnYNEQSF9b/s1600/Happy+Birthday+cake.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today is Maria Dales birthday, and there are thousands of dogs who lived to see another day because of this lady. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">There isn't much I can say about her that hasn't been said already. She is dedicated and tireless in her quest to save dogs. You would think someone who has seen the dregs of humanity would not have much compassion for people, but she does. Along the way of saving the lives of countless animals, she gives and gives to people. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Maria spends all of her free time furthering the rescue. She is not some voice behind a desk; she comes out every weekend to hold a dog. She goes to the hoarders and walks among the abused to save the ones we can... and some we can't but she can't bear to leave behind. She goes to the ER vet in the middle of the night to hold the head of desperate animal who just needs a little kindness in her last moments. Maria does the heart wrenching shelter walks. She walks the walk. Every now and then, I hear someone say "If I ran this rescue I would do this differently, or that"... and I say, "Yes, but you don't do it, do you. She does." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Happy Birthday MD. This world is a better place because of you. </span>German Shepherd Rescue Orange County CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05947240904116217996noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225212552484424508.post-39214605066415313482012-11-11T23:01:00.001-08:002012-11-11T23:01:50.523-08:00Dogs and food allergies<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of the most common problems presented to all veternarians is the itchy pet. Most often the source of itch is allergies. With conventional medicine, the treatment is often suppression and in difficult cases this can mean endless rounds of antibiotics and steroids. As clients and veterinarians become frustrated, they often begin to look for alternatives. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the interest of full disclosure and responsibility, this is being written based only on my experience and I absolutely recommend that if your dog, or any other animal is experiencing any of the symptoms I mention, you need to go to a vet. Although I am writing this article about allergies in dogs, there are many, many illnesses whose symptoms mimic food allergies and you have to first go to vet to get certain illnesses ruled out. A blood panel can make sure your dogs organs are working properly and there are no underlying illnesses. A skin scraping can rule out mites and/or mange which can look like a food allergy, and is much more common than you think. So please, make sure you rule out any other more serious options before you consider a food allergy...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">However, once you know your dog is basically healthy but is itchy, chewing herself, and getting hotspots... you need to immediately consider three things-</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Am I giving my dog enough exercise or is she chewing because she is going crazy with boredom? </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Am I feeding a high quality food in accordance with her natural diet?</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have I used Frontline or Advantage regularly and can I completely rule out a flea allergy? ( This is such a no brainer I won't address it again, but if there is the possibility that your dog is dealing with fleas and flea bites, please address this immediately with a regular flea treatment) </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do I have any plants that could be aggravating her skin? (There are several common plants that are considered more allergic than most for dogs. Check your yard and your walk path.) </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Ok, so you rescued a dog who appears to have allergies. The range of severity is huge... my first "all mine, I am grown up" shepherd Halo had allergies that caused hot spots and minor chewing. She and I were growing up together. She came to college with me and I wish I knew then what I know now. I imagine the mac and cheese I fed her, and the beach romps after which neither of us bathed did not help her allergies. I believe I have mentioned that many times I ran into the local grocery store at midnight and bought a bag of dog food so she had breakfast. Now that I know what was in that food... the mac and cheese was probably a better choice. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">My second shepherd with food allergies came to me almost bald, and so underweight we thought she was a coyote when we first saw her. This is when my lessons really began. (Sorry Halo) After making sure she was healthy inside, I went to work learning about what was making her bald, and skinny. I was lucky enough to learn from someone who was making one of the first accessible, limited and high quality ingredient dog foods on the local market. He taught me how different meats, different vegetable and different grains have different vitamins, different enzymes and different digestive qualities that actually work WITH a dogs system to keep them healthy. He taught me that the quality of meats and other "foods" in most dogs foods were sub par, and would never be approved for humans. He also taught me that a lot of dog foods out there have so many fillers that are just not natural to a dogs system that they can cause short term and long term issues. Corn is big ingredient in dog food, yet dogs have never eaten corn and as far back in the genetic chain of dogs did wolves even eat any animal who ate corn. It is just not in the digestive chain of dogs. Neither is wheat. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I learned through a process of trying the raw diet, cooking for my dogs, and finally settling on a mix of cooked meat and veggies and a high grade kibble that what you feed your dogs can affect their health. I also learned that if you have a dog with allergies... it is imperative that you absolutely commit to feeding a high quality, limited ingredient food for 60 days minimum with NO EXCEPTIONS. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Once you embark on the 60 days of only feeding a limited ingredient diet, which should include something like Dick Van Pattens Venison and Sweet Potato or Call of the Wild two ingredient food (check the label if you try something else)</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">you have to absolutely commit to it. No treats that contain anything else, no slipping them table scraps that go against the diet, nothing. It is hard. You can still give treats, just make sure they are one of the limited ingredients you have decided are on the menu. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">It takes at least 60 days of feeding your dog an isolated protein to see if there is an improvement in the symptoms. You can't expect a complete cure, but if you see an improvement you may be on the right track. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">You may not see an improvement. This can be a long process of elimination. You cannot give up. Symptoms can range from minor itching and hot spots to huge wounds, major hair loss and major behavioral changes. (Can you imagine being itchy all the time?) I have met dogs who developed anxiety, aggression and neurotic behaviors that all cleared up once their allergies were addressed and they were not physically uncomfortable all the time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">If you haven't seen an improvement, it is possible that you chose the food that has the protein your dog is allergic to, so you have to switch from Venison to Fish or vice versa. You may know that someone in your home was cheating and giving your dog treats that are not on the approved list. It can be a long process. You may need to partner with your vet to get antibiotics if there are any wounds that are not healing...but stick with it. Be diligent. Hopefully you will be successful with the limited ingredient HIGH quality diet. Please please please include regular exercise for your dog...not running around in the backyard but a good solid leash walk to help alleviate the nervous itchy energy. By including regular leash walks you are insuring your dog is getting the mental stimulation she needs and isnt chewing herself like a neglected housewife chews her nails...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are some basic, general guidelines to look for when dealing with allergies... There are often differences in the history or in the pattern of itch that is suggestive of one cause of disease or another. For example, inhalant allergies in dogs (allergies caused by pollens, trees, molds or grasses) tend to be seasonal and often include itchy feet and ear infections as part of the history. Flea allergies tend to concentrate around the tail base and stomach in dogs and often cats as well. Finally, with food allergies, you see year round problems which may show signs predominantly around the mouth, ears and anus.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Commit 100% to this. It is like having chicken pox for your dog... it is uncomfortable and can be life threatening. Take care of it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span>German Shepherd Rescue Orange County CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05947240904116217996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225212552484424508.post-89657330383522089482012-11-10T22:33:00.001-08:002012-11-10T22:33:21.115-08:00I need to turn my dog in, but it isnt me...<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I almost titled this blog... "I know EVERYTHING there is to know about dogs", because I talked to two people today who did...they know everything about dogs, but still are dealing with issues that are so severe, they are literally costing these dogs their homes, and potentially their lives. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">My 12+ years of experience rescuing, re-homing and keeping dogs in their homes was of no importance to either of these women...individually they have had 4-6 dogs and "always been able to train them". How is that working out for you Ms. Smarty Pants? (that is me screaming in my head)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv4AQrQtPEe9-ByVJTZO5ZC9eDiBaMIlvR9SzsqRAh33UrgyBvsDOXY39Wi0mPUxXdZ0drrMdTZbzemzLotjOwMuQIEwWEQRCp_a0orM37H0O_u_DS3O9DXGEMmzmI5bV4NtYDWF0V7qj2/s1600/dogs+in+school+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv4AQrQtPEe9-ByVJTZO5ZC9eDiBaMIlvR9SzsqRAh33UrgyBvsDOXY39Wi0mPUxXdZ0drrMdTZbzemzLotjOwMuQIEwWEQRCp_a0orM37H0O_u_DS3O9DXGEMmzmI5bV4NtYDWF0V7qj2/s1600/dogs+in+school+2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">So, I had four issues on the table today that will keep me awake tonight worrying about these two dogs. One is a black shepherd who was adopted out to a fellow "rescuer" (I use the term loosely because no rescuer would return a dog. PERIOD) who has two issues. The adopter has had this dog for 9 months and this little gal has started trying to get out of the yard and running the neighborhood. From the endless chatter of Ms. Dog Owner of the Year (I couldn't bring myself to say Dog Mom as she is returning her dog), I gathered that she is outside in the yard for 8+ hours a day, and once the escapes began, she spent "thousands" of dollars reinforcing the fence by lining the perimeter with cinder block As you can imagine, she did not hear me when I told her she just added a nice step for her dog to jump... a platform really... but what do I know? I also mentioned that perhaps she is leaving because she is BORED and needs some walks and even an obedience class just for fun, it fell on deaf ears. I know, beyond a shadow of doubt that if this dog went to an obedience class and got walked daily... this behavior would stop. I know it. If you don't try a daily walk and basic obedience class at the first sign of ANY trouble... you are missing the easy fix. This is tried and true advice, over hundreds of dogs... over a decade of trying. (I am kind of screaming again in my head)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">In addition Ms. Dog Owner of the Year mentions, our little gal is attacking her old dog. This is a completely new behavior and of course, it is unacceptable for one dog in a home to attack another. However, if you ever find yourself in this horrible situation, check your dogs over. Look (and smell) for ear infections, teeth, a wound somewhere, a broken toenail...consider arthritis or anything that would make you cranky. If there isn't something obvious, I would take the dogs in for blood work and a vet check. I know it is expensive, so if you have to pick one, pick the dog who is getting picked on. It is an inherent pack trait to kill off the weak or sick dogs. It is almost an act of mercy really. So listen to your dogs. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Also, please remember, every single dog is different. Even if you have always been able to train your dogs before, you may need a different approach, a different tactic... chances are, you are the one that needs to change your behavior so your dog can thrive. Can you set aside your ego and help your dog? It may not be about sit, stay, heel... it may be about helping your baby find her confidence so she can be all she is. Make the time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Here are some MUST DO things you absolutely MUST DO when you are having behavioral issues- ( an unstimulated dog is a bad dog)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgor25vMb3vFAymhwAHViOlrhrlDVPGI5WjyE6xCCwZWbnNQJcPbKfbxcNL2UzI8q6q10Iq2N47OzhhiEd0ddDGbOhAmGf37X0QSzApMfM25U5OIVOSAjbhPZuR7e7JfP_x3ztyjN-ATDln/s1600/dogs+in+school+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgor25vMb3vFAymhwAHViOlrhrlDVPGI5WjyE6xCCwZWbnNQJcPbKfbxcNL2UzI8q6q10Iq2N47OzhhiEd0ddDGbOhAmGf37X0QSzApMfM25U5OIVOSAjbhPZuR7e7JfP_x3ztyjN-ATDln/s320/dogs+in+school+3.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">walk your dog, on a leash for mental and physical stimulation. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">walk your dog, on a leash. Yes, it is important enough to get the top 2. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">go to an obedience class. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">go to an obedience class. Yes... that important. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Feed a high quality dog food. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Make sure your dog doesn't have any ailments. </span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">If you cannot make the time to do these extremely basic things, think again, and make the time. You committed to this animal, so make the time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">GSROC is taking this dog back, and we will do better by her this next time. I personally will offer her my apologies. She deserved better. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">So, I will write about the other dog another day...again, some very basic issues that can so easily be addressed. Allergies and Boredom... stay tuned. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span>German Shepherd Rescue Orange County CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05947240904116217996noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225212552484424508.post-6754447016884131002012-11-09T09:52:00.000-08:002012-11-09T09:52:32.559-08:00Rainy days and dogs<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKNCsDg-oSbE_jarOIkkILV7dMLhr9rkzgGtBoHa2xpJ7K5pksr6qQfUrZViqYx-6MzAJywfr8eCwTMCw635gN38Uz9DMImGa7TnONr5qDpaHgKEhhAovCL5K89Q0x9NATaxG_3hh-Aw7J/s1600/inside+rainy+day+dogs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKNCsDg-oSbE_jarOIkkILV7dMLhr9rkzgGtBoHa2xpJ7K5pksr6qQfUrZViqYx-6MzAJywfr8eCwTMCw635gN38Uz9DMImGa7TnONr5qDpaHgKEhhAovCL5K89Q0x9NATaxG_3hh-Aw7J/s320/inside+rainy+day+dogs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When it starts raining at our house, we have a drill-</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">run up and grab 5-6 rugs and 3-4 towels</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">put the rugs out underneath the dog doors incoming and outgoing</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">go throw two door mats on the part of the grass that gets the muddiest</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">bring in another water bowl so as to cut down the in/out traffic</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We keep the towels right by the dog door to dry off the dogs when they come tearing back in from the rain. I go on high alert for the clicking of the dog door as it falls behind the dogs when they run in so I can get to them before they shake off the water. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">It also becomes a strategic puzzle as to how I can fit in a walk when the rain stops... and sometimes it is a small window. And there are the days when we miss a walk and my big boy follows me around... bored and waiting. I often wonder what he would do if I wasn't here to follow around. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_QvMgmxGfh_d3kQx20sdzCEW20OSVJcK8ldOsO7SPufFc1iYljv4dXYTbEMFB5Ii4Mdike7XYOwwP5OeDMrk7H-BP_BI80lQQFBnjPCNdx_usahRI3ptfNgupdxSjD7svkJ1NDbEVgCdC/s1600/rainy+day+dogs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_QvMgmxGfh_d3kQx20sdzCEW20OSVJcK8ldOsO7SPufFc1iYljv4dXYTbEMFB5Ii4Mdike7XYOwwP5OeDMrk7H-BP_BI80lQQFBnjPCNdx_usahRI3ptfNgupdxSjD7svkJ1NDbEVgCdC/s320/rainy+day+dogs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Pets need stimulation just like people. They need entertainment, so when a pet is cut off from mental and physical stimulation he can develop bad or destructive habits, such as chewing or barking. (no, not shepherds! :) ) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">As we hit the rainy season, consider picking up a few new toys for your dog that you can leave him with for his lonely rainy days. The kong type toys are fun to find new treats you can put into and can give them hours of "play". Make sure you get the right size kong for your dog so there are no choking issues. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Good luck with the rain, and remember....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCcblZSwALFY5VC7FSAryu_Vt5YpSPvHUgEM5nm6OLi9kS9vnlSjYKF9dZ_awogJKyygVliUNod20OsT3fpBmYq7ofmUVyBC5RuLA8v0N84_2NrwdSvWfCaWe8M2pSOR7Ag3CRghth4z26/s1600/wet+dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCcblZSwALFY5VC7FSAryu_Vt5YpSPvHUgEM5nm6OLi9kS9vnlSjYKF9dZ_awogJKyygVliUNod20OsT3fpBmYq7ofmUVyBC5RuLA8v0N84_2NrwdSvWfCaWe8M2pSOR7Ag3CRghth4z26/s320/wet+dog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span>German Shepherd Rescue Orange County CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05947240904116217996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225212552484424508.post-45256873330792295172012-11-07T12:21:00.001-08:002012-11-07T12:21:07.401-08:00Strangles, the puppy disease<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;">Strangles</span></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">One of the things about being a rescue volunteer that would have to go both in the pro and con column is that you learn about a lot of doggie diseases and disorders. Surprisingly, after over a decade, I am still learning new diseases. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">This week, we brought in a puppy from a shelter who has a disease called Strangles, or Juvenile Cellulitis. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNmfFWP5o0dn8WqEQtMHqMvgis-0T3AU-jRrDvvvtfoMlBC6s3e7QAwdg8J7CqMUHTygjEXLUppKeLAMEfBwNh2qG4N3FSMpLDeS2o6YSmnpjS8ZqZ7E_7iMYVBfgymduPq5Lic422q8Bo/s1600/Strangles+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNmfFWP5o0dn8WqEQtMHqMvgis-0T3AU-jRrDvvvtfoMlBC6s3e7QAwdg8J7CqMUHTygjEXLUppKeLAMEfBwNh2qG4N3FSMpLDeS2o6YSmnpjS8ZqZ7E_7iMYVBfgymduPq5Lic422q8Bo/s1600/Strangles+1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Strangles</b> is a condition that usually affects puppies younger than four months of age. Vets don't fully understand what causes puppy strangles, but they believe that it may be at least partly hereditary in origin. Learn more about this mysterious illness, its symptoms and its treatment.</span><br />
<h2>
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Risk Factors for Puppy Strangles</span></b></h2>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Strangles occurs in dogs younger than four months old. It causes inflammation, crusting and pustules of the skin. Vets believe that strangles may have a genetic component in dogs. It occurs most often in Golden Retrievers, Dachshunds and mixes of those breeds.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Symptoms-</strong></span><br />
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Acutely (sudden and severe) swollen face – especially the eyelids, lips, and muzzle</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Salivary gland lymphadenopathy: a disease process affecting a lymph node or multiple lymph nodes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Marked pustular and oozing skin disease, which frequently fistulates (develops into a hollow passage); develops within 24–48 hours</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Pustular ear infection</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Lesions often become crusted</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Affected skin is usually tender</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Lethargy in 50 percent of cases</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Loss of appetite, fever, and presence of sterile suppurative arthritis in 25 percent of cases (acute inflammation of membranes, with leaking into a joint, due to bacterial infection)</span></li>
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"></span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<h2>
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Diagnosing and Treating Strangles in Puppies</span></b></h2>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Your vet will need to perform a complete physical exam, and will need your dog's medical history. Skin scrapings will be necessary to confirm a diagnosis of strangles. Skin biopsies are also taken. The symptoms of strangles are often similar to those of demodectic mange and allergies. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Treatment for puppy strangles usually involves administering a combination of antibiotics and steroid drugs. These medications will need to be administered several times daily. Steroids are used to treat the inflammation associated with the disease, and promote the healing of lesions. Antibiotics help to prevent or treat secondary infections, which can lead to increased scarring and serious complications.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You will need to follow your vet's instructions carefully when administering your puppy's medication. When properly treated, puppy strangles usually doesn't come back. However, relapse can occur if medication isn't administered properly. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Scarring is a very common complication of puppy strangles. Scars can be extensive and severe. Prevent severe scarring by seeking veterinary care for your puppy right away. Follow your vet's home care instructions carefully, and avoid any aggressive cleaning or topical treatment of your puppy's lesions. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While there is no way to prevent puppy strangles, it usually clears up with proper treatment. In most cases, puppy strangles does not come back.</span><br />
<br />
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
German Shepherd Rescue Orange County CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05947240904116217996noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225212552484424508.post-43868682721974536302012-10-08T11:34:00.001-07:002012-10-08T14:28:32.872-07:00Always asking for something...<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">German Shepherd Rescue is in another voting contest to win money, and I started putting up the daily pleas on Facebook asking my friends and family to vote. I know it is a lot, but I really was shocked when I got a message from a "friend" saying that she was unfriending me because she couldn't stand the requests to vote all the time. No offense she said, but it bugged her. I chose not to respond at the time, and I really thought about it. I know it can be annoying...so I decided to look through the GSROC website at every single dog we have in the rescue right now. We have so many amazing dogs-</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Henry, who was not treated kindly and could be such a jerk but instead is a big, handsome love bug. </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Dolce who has been in the rescue so long. She is so beautiful and has had extensive training but was not socialized when she was younger so needs a special home with no other animals. </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Connor who is just a baby who ended up in a high kill shelter because he has Mega-e so will need a family who can tend to his needs.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Dakota and Nevada who had obviously never been touched or loved before we got them. They would scream and urinate if touched...</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">So many dogs who are safe now, but still not in families. And then, there is the list of dogs who people are trying to surrender to us. Heartbreaking and frustrating stories and situations... but the worst ones are the URGENT emails that come daily from every shelter in Southern California with the list of dogs that will be euthanized that night if someone doesn't come. The numbers are staggering, the emails heartbreaking. The pictures are devastating. These dogs are not safe, and will not die peacefully in someone's arms. They will die alone and scared and that is why GSROC keeps on working to save one more...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">That is why we ask people to vote. That is why we keep asking. We don't post the pictures of the terrified dogs waiting outside the Euthanization room... we just ask you to vote. We don't post the emails that people send us telling us the impound # of their 10 year old family dog they just dropped off at the shelter...we just ask you to vote. We don't share the stories of the dogs we couldn't save because our resources are stretched to the breaking point...we just ask you to vote. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We know that our GSROC people will vote, and vote and vote and help us win every contest and save every soul we can, and we thank you for that. We love you for that. So, please vote again- :) $10,000 saves A LOT more dogs. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS","serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/Vote4Louie" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Www.tinyurl.com/Vote4Louie</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="UIShareStage_Summary">
<div class="UIShareStage_BottomMargin">
</div>
</div>
German Shepherd Rescue Orange County CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05947240904116217996noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225212552484424508.post-87404973603331493352012-09-27T09:31:00.001-07:002012-09-27T09:31:30.104-07:00Perianal what???Sometimes there are topics that, as a dog owner you have to learn about...things you find yourself talking about at the dog park you never thought you would discuss with strangers. This is one of those things that as a German Shepherd dog parent and or lover, you should know about. (I do draw the line at pictures, though. Sorry) <br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Perianal fistula</strong></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Perianal fistula is characterized by multiple chronic fistulous
tracts or ulcerating sinuses involving the perianal region. The cause is not
known, but apocrine gland inflammation (hidradenitis suppurativa), impaction
and infection of the anal sinuses and crypts, infection of the circumanal
glands and hair follicles, and anal sacculitis have all been proposed. The
gastrointestinal system becomes involved because of excessive scar tissue
formation around the anus. Self-mutilation can also be a major problem
associated with this disorder. </span></strong><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">signalment </span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Dogs German shepherd dog
and Irish setter most commonly affected breeds Mean age, 7 years (range, 7
months-12 years) No gender predisposition reported, but sexually intact dogs
have a higher prevalence A genetic basis has been proposed, but not proven </span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">signs </span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Vary with the severity
and extent of involvement : Dyschezia, tenesmus, hematochezia, constipation,
diarrhea, malodorous mucopurulent anal discharge, fecal incontinence, painful
tail movements, licking and self-mutilation, anorexia, weight loss, reluctance
to sit, posturing difficulties, and personality changes </span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">causes and risk factors </span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Proposed causes involve
an inflammatory component Low tail carriage and a broad tail base are risk
factors predisposing the dog to inflammation and infection because of poor
ventilation, accumulation of feces, moisture, and secretions High density of
apocrine sweat glands in the cutaneous zone of the anal canal of German
shepherd dogs Hidradenitis suppurativa may be associated with immune or
endocrine dysfunction, genetic factors, and poor hygiene </span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">diagnosis: differential
diagnosis </span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Chronic anal sac abscess
Perianal adenocarcinoma that is ulcerated and draining Rectal fistula </span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">CBC/Biochemistry/Urinalysis
</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Results usually normal.
Patients with inflammation may have an inflammatory leukogram. </span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">other diagnostic
procedures </span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Presumptive diagnosis is
based on clinical signs and results of physical examination. Definitive
diagnosis is made by biopsy of the affected area. </span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">treatment </span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Surgery is considered
the most effective treatment. However, a tremendous amount of controversy
exists as to which surgical method should be used, and none of those currently
employed result in consistent resolution of the problem. Surgical options
include electrosurgery, cryosurgery, surgical debridement with fulguration by
chemical cautery, exteriorization and fulguration by electrocautery, surgical resection,
radical excision of the rectal ring, tail setting, tail amputation, and laser
surgery. Each technique has advantages and disadvantages that must be weighed
when making a choice. The primary objective of surgery is the complete removal
or destruction of diseased tissue while preserving normal tissue and function.
Multiple procedures may be necessary for complete resolution. </span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">medications </span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Medical treatment of
perianal fistulas is usually unrewarding and can be detrimental by delaying
more definitive treatment and allowing progression. Medical palliation involves
clipping hair from the affected area, daily antiseptic lavage, systemic and
topical antibiotics, hydrotherapy, elevation of the tail, and systemic
corticosteroids. </span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">contraindications/possible
interactions </span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Corticosteroids are
contraindicated when infection is possible. </span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">follow-up </span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">After surgery for
appropriate healing, signs of recurrence, and associated complications </span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Complications associated
with the various surgical procedures include recurrence, failure to heal,
dehiscence, tenesmus, fecal incontinence, anal stricture, and flatulence. The
incidence of postoperative complications is directly related to severity of disease.
</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Prognosis is guarded for
complete resolution except in mildly affected patients. Clients often become
frustrated with the difficulty of attaining definitive resolution of this
disorder. </span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">references </span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Matthiesen DT, Marretta
SM. Diseases of the anus and rectum. In: Slatter D, ed. Textbook of small
animal surgery. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: WB Saunders, 1993;627-644. van Ee RT.
Perianal fistulas. In: Bojrab MJ, ed. Disease mechanisms in small animal
surgery. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger, 1993;285-286. Author James L.
Cook </span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Consulting Editor Brent
D. Jones</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Current Recommendations
for the Treatment of Perianal Fistula</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Author Kyle Mathews,
DVM, MS, DACVS</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Introduction</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The surgical treatment
of perianal fistula has been fraught with complications and a high recurrence
rate (generally, 40% to 50%). Recommended treatments have included cryosurgical
destruction of diseased perianal tissues, electrofulguration, rectal
pull-through, and caudectomy (tail amputation). Complications have included
rectal stricture, recurrence, and fecal incontinence. Medical treatment with
cyclosporine may be effective in some cases.</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Discussion</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The underlying cause of
perianal fistula is not known. It is thought to be the extension of infection
or inflammation of superficial tissues (hydradenitis) or of the anal sacs.
Conformation has also been thought to play a role in the formation of a
fistula, such as a tight tail base or a sunken or recessed anus. These anatomic
peculiarities may result in a persistent fecal film in the perineal region,
predisposing to infection. Reports of clinical response to immunosuppressive
drugs suggest that perianal fistula may be a primary immune-mediated disease or
have an immune-mediated component.</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">In one canine study, 9
of 27 (33%) German shepherd dogs with a fistula and histologically confirmed
colitis had resolution of their fistula after being placed on a high dosage of
corticosteroids and a hypoallergenic diet.1 </span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">An important change in
the treatment of canine perianal disease occurred recently with the report that
the immunosuppressive drug cyclosporine results in marked improvement or
resolution of perianal fistula in many patients.2 After 16 weeks of treatment,
the fistula healed in 17 of 20 dogs (85%). Humans with a form of chronic inflammatory
bowel disease (Crohn's disease) may also develop perianal fistulation that
often responds to cyclosporine.3 </span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I typically start
treatment of perianal fistula with administration of microemulsified
cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandoz Pharmaceuticals, East Hanover, New Jersey) at 3
mg/kg PO q12h. Neoral comes in 50-ml vials (approximately $300 per vial) and
the proper dose can be aspirated in a syringe and then added to an empty
gelatin capsule. The drug is also available in 100-mg gelcaps, which is often close
to the proper dose for the typical German shepherd with this disease. </span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I check the patient's
trough plasma concentration of cyclosporine 2 weeks after beginning the
medication and make appropriate dosage adjustments based on the results. The
target concentration is 300 to 500 ng/ml (using an HPLC assay) or 500 to 750
ng/ml (using the TdX assay at North Carolina State University). Make sure you
know which assay your laboratory is using. Most laboratories associated with
human hospitals run this assay, but they may not for veterinary patients or it
may be expensive. </span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Cyclosporine should be
kept in a dark cupboard at room temperature. Blood samples should be drawn in
the morning, 12 hours after the last evening dose was given, and before giving
the dog his or her morning medications. The blood should be mailed in an EDTA
(purple-topped) blood tube in a crush proof container to the laboratory by
next-day delivery. Samples should not be sent on a Friday or before a holiday
because they may not be delivered promptly. The sample does not have to be
frozen for shipment. </span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The cyclosporine dosage
is increased if the trough concentration is low, particularly if the response
is minimal or absent after 1 month of drug administration. Trough
concentrations as low as 75 ng/ml (HPLC) may be effective in some dogs.4 </span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">A decrease in fistula
size is not usually seen for the first 2 weeks. However, many clients report an
improvement in their dog's energy level, decreased licking at the area, and
diminished tenesmus within the first 2 weeks. </span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Unanswered questions
regarding cyclosporine and perianal fistulas include these: </span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">What is the proper
duration of treatment? I administer the drug to fistula patients for at least 2
weeks after complete resolution based on visual examination. It is unclear if
these dogs should be treated longer in order to keep the disease in remission
or if it is better to treat only during recurrent episodes. Small fistulas
recurred in 7 of 17 dogs 2 to 24 weeks after discontinuing treatment.5 What is the
underlying cause and reason that cyclosporine works? What is occurring at a
cellular level before, during, and after treatment with cyclosporine? </span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Why do some dogs respond
and others do not? One study showed no difference in the mean blood or intestinal
tissue concentration of cyclosporine in human responders and non-responders
with Crohn's disease.6 </span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">What ancillary
treatments are appropriate (e.g., dietary modification and antibiotics)? </span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Should other medications
be given to inhibit cyclosporine metabolism and thereby decrease the cost of
treatment (e.g., ketoconazole)?</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I currently recommend
cyclosporine administration for the treatment of perianal fistula; however,
medication costs and the surgical options and their potential complications
need to be discussed so that the guardian can come to an informed decision. In
addition, excision of persistent or recurrent fistulas may be required. </span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Summary </span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The cause of perianal
fistula and why many dogs respond to treatment with cyclosporine is poorly
understood. The cost of cyclosporine is prohibitive for some clients. However,
the cost and risk of multiple potential surgeries must be considered as well.
Cyclosporine has greatly simplified the treatment of perianal fistula in many
animal patient. Questions regarding recurrence rate and long-term therapy will
likely be answered within the next few years. </span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">References </span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">1. Harkin KR, Walshaw R,
Reimann KA, et al. Association of perianal fistula and colitis in the German
Shepherd Dog: response to high-dose prednisone and dietary therapy. J Am Anim
Hosp Assoc 1996;32:515. </span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">2. Mathews Karol A,
Sukhiani HF. Randomized controlled trial of cyclosporine for treatment of
perianal fistulas in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1997;211:1249. </span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">3. Present DH, Lichtiger
S. Efficacy of cyclosporine in treatment of fistula of Crohn's disease. Digest
Dis Sci 1994;39:374. </span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">4. Wooldridge JD,
Gregory CR, Mathews KG, et al. Clinical evaluation of leflunomide alone,
leflunomide and cyclosporine, and cyclosporine at varying dosages in the treatment
of perianal fistulas in dogs. Submitted, J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1999. </span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">5. Mathews KA, ibid. </span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">6. Sandborn WJ, Tremaine
WJ, Lawson GM. Clinical response does not correlate with intestinal or blood
cyclosporine concentrations in patients with Crohn's disease treated with
high-dose oral cyclosporine. Am J Gastroent 1996;91:37. </span></strong></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
German Shepherd Rescue Orange County CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05947240904116217996noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225212552484424508.post-30093767997963229202012-09-06T11:47:00.002-07:002012-09-06T11:47:36.369-07:00Attacked by....Golden Retrievers???<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Yesterday, I packed up my daughter and leashed up my two dogs and headed down to our local park. We walk down there several times a week just before lunch to get everyone some exercise. It is a nice walk down a big hill, and there is a great playground and usually lots of kids E's age. It is also nice for Violet the Pom and Odie the Shepherd to get in an extra walk. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We meandered down, checking out every snail and roly poly on the path. Between Violet and Ella...I don't think we missed one. As expected, once we got to the park lots of the regulars were there and Ella joined in the fun swinging, sliding and playing in the sand. Odie, Violet and I sat on the bench chatting with some of the moms and nannies. After a while, Ella came over for a snack. We sat on the bench sharing an apple. Violet was patiently waiting for the Goldfish crackers to come out and Odie was just hanging...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">All of a sudden, Odie stood up and growled. Oddly enough-Violet the yappy little watch dog was SILENT. I turned and saw two large Golden Retrievers barreling down the hill at us. Two young boys were chasing behind them screaming. Trouble. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I grabbed Ella and threw her up on the bench. Have you seen the signs around trails telling you if you see a Mountain Lion to put your kids on your shoulders and keep them high?? That flashed through my mind. I used my serious mommy voice telling her to STAY and scooped up Violet and put her over my shoulder. Odie was already in front of us-directly in front of us and he took a big hit as the first retriever slammed into him. It really was like Clash of the Titans. It was so loud. Then the dog grabbed Odie by the neck. Odie was bucking and twisting but the dog would not let go. Ella was screaming now, as were lots of the others parents. Violet, over my shoulder was still SILENT. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I started kicking the retriever... he was at least 80 pounds...a big thick male. I was so afraid he was ripping Odie's throat open. I kicked him twice in the ribs. Nothing. So with my flip flops I started kicking him in the face. After 4 solid kicks to his face and shoulder he let go. Odie went crazy and the dog backed off to stand with the other dog. One of the young boys, who I later learned was 14, grabbed the attacking dog and dragged him off. There was blood all over Odie's shoulder so I frantically checked him with my free hand while I told everyone it was ok. It is ok Ella. It is ok Odie. It is ok Violet. That is not how I felt inside though. I couldn't find any real wounds in Odie's thick fur. His ear was bleeding but not badly. I screamed over at the remaining kid that I needed his mom's number now. He was reluctant to give out personal information so I gave him an option-give me the name, number and address of your parents now or sit there while I call the police. He gave me the info which I entered into my phone. This was a small miracle because my hands were now shaking. Really shaking. I dialed the number to make sure it was good, and left a message. "Hi, my name is Liz. Your dogs just attacked my 100 lb German Shepherd and he is bleeding. Call me." Click. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I grabbed my three babies and headed up the hill. I just wanted to get Odie home so I could treat his wounds which I was sure were bad. It was so violent. I had never seen a dog fight like that. The hill seemed really long and really steep today. I stopped about halfway and just took inventory and gave every one hugs. I still couldn't find the source of the blood. As I walked, I called my friend Maria to make sure I was doing everything right, as my brain was now pure adrenaline. She agreed. Just get home. Check your boy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Just as I rounded the corner to my house the mom of the dogs called. She was very apologetic and had already talked to her boys. I told her I was going to have to call her back. I had to get home. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Once I got home, I spent a long time going over Odie. I wet his neck so I could see better. No wounds other then a small one of the tip of his ear. The blood must be from the other dogs mouth. I gave Odie some Metacam because I was sure he was going to be sore. It was hitting me that he had absolutely protected us. If the dogs had gotten Violet she would be dead. Now the tears started and all I wanted to do was hug my big boy and thank him. I had always known he was amazing, and that he would protect us, but now I had witnessed it and it was so powerful...he is such a sweet, gentle soul...but his German Shepherd blood kicked in and he absolutely was not going to let anyone hurt us. Do you know what that feels like? It began to dawn on me that all this talk about how a dog would die for you... it is true. This may have not been a life threatening situation for us, but Odie didn't know that when he stood out in front of us. I looked over at my two little girls... Ella and Violet. Wow. How do you thank a dog for that? I am not 100% sure, but I will spend the rest of this magnificent creatures life trying...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Stay tuned for more on the Golden Retrievers and two little boys very important life lesson. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span>German Shepherd Rescue Orange County CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05947240904116217996noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225212552484424508.post-35402238864095895012012-09-05T14:55:00.000-07:002012-09-05T15:30:49.805-07:00A guest post from a Volunteer about....volunteering! <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is another way you can help at the German Shepherd Rescue of OC-contribute to our blog. </span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The below blog is from MaryBeth. She is part of the walking team. Her and the other walking team members go out every week and make sure our dogs who are being cared for in kennels, get out for a walk. This is very good for the dogs, and is also very helpful in us learning more about the dogs so we place them in the home that will be a perfect fit...after all, we are looking for forever homes. </span> </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
From MaryBeth O- </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Often times when I tell someone that I volunteer with the
German Shepherd Rescue of OC I get the following response or variations of:
"I don't know how you do it, it would break my heart" or "I
could never do that, I would want to take them all home!"</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
To be honest, both of those statements ring true when I
am spending time with our dogs that are waiting for a home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As part of one of our walking teams, I spend
time Sunday mornings taking some of our dogs out for a walk, roll in the grass
and some well deserved belly rubs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
is nothing like the excitement they have when they come barreling out into the
sun!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, it is hard to take them back
knowing they are going back to kennel run, but I know that they have had a
blast being out for even just an hour. </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
However, if the other volunteers or myself were not there
for our dogs, who would be?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
because of the 150 plus volunteers at GSROC that thousands of dogs have been
spared their lives and have found wonderful loving homes and many more dogs in
the future will as well.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Do you have a special talent, time to donate or resources
to lend and love German Shepherd Dogs? We would love to have you as part of our
volunteer team!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Check out <a href="http://www.gsroc.org/">www.gsroc.org</a> to fill out the volunteer
application.... </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
I promise you that you won't regret having your heart
strings tugged at when one of the GSROC dogs past or present recognize you with
a tail wag followed by a big wet kiss!</div>
German Shepherd Rescue Orange County CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05947240904116217996noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225212552484424508.post-24928861735525291122012-08-24T11:23:00.001-07:002012-08-24T11:23:49.778-07:00Dogs and kids<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I have three dogs, a foster dog, a 20 year old cat and a two year old daughter. Crazy, right? I take my 2 year old daughter to the rescue events. She can be seen sitting in the puppy pen with puppies on any given Saturday out in front of a Petsmart. We walk our dogs daily, and yes... Ella walks Odie who happens to be a 95 lb German Shepherd. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Which brings me to the question I get asked more than anything else-</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Are your dogs good with kids? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Yes, my dogs are great with this kid... Ella. Believe me, it didn't just happen overnight. Now Ella- she still has some training to go. Did I just throw Ella into the mix and expect everyone to get along. Ummm, no. We didn't do any of the fancy introduction stuff when Ella was born. We did not bring her dirty diapers home to the dogs before we brought our newborn little princess home, or her umbilical cord as some people suggested. That was a little much for me. We just brought her in in her little carrier and quietly put her down on the ground for everyone to see and sniff. I am not saying this is what everyone should do...you have to know your own pack and what works, but this worked for us. At the time, we had two shepherds and two poms and they all looked, some sniffed, a couple of kisses were given and that was pretty much it. Our life changed a little...the dogs had to learn to walk around the stroller, the love was spread out over one more creature, but things were still good. And then- she started getting around on her own. Three of four of the dogs learned to scatter. Our youngest dog, Violet learned how to play with Ella. We immediately started teaching mutual respect from all parties. In reality, it is a two way street between kids and dogs. As soon as Ella could understand we started teaching her that you must be gentle and slow around dogs and that if you hurt a dog, they will hurt you back, and they have bigger teeth. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I also STRONGLY believe that you should NEVER teach a dog to not growl at a child. I think you should teach a child that if a dog growls, back off. Odie growls at Ella often. Actually much less now that she is a more seasoned dog girl, but how else could he tell her that he didn't want her pulling his tail, or coloring on his feet, or whatever else she thought was cool. The truth is, Odie stayed out of her way for most of two years. Now that Ella is a little more predictable in her movements and actions, he is ok to be petted and loved by her. He was however, always quietly her protector. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">So, when people call the rescue and say they want to turn in their dogs because their dogs aren't getting along with their kids, or they don't like the baby... I say... get in there, do the work. Of course the dogs don't like the baby. She is taking some of their attention. She screams. She takes food out of their bowls. She is a pain. But you know what else?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Ella has these amazing creatures in her life that are teaching her respect and patience. She also has buddies to play with... and play they do. Violet and Ella wrestle. They play chase. They cuddle and sleep together. They actually make my heart bigger just watching them love each other. These are things that every child should have. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Dogs and kids do mix. Are my dogs good with all kids. No way. I keep my dogs close to me when we are around other kids and if someone wants to pet my dogs, they have to obey the rules of mutual respect. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">And I will keep teaching Ella the same thing that my dogs teach her every day... kindness and mutual respect will take you far in this life kid. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span>German Shepherd Rescue Orange County CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05947240904116217996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225212552484424508.post-29248444407462144912012-08-12T17:12:00.000-07:002012-08-12T17:12:25.515-07:00Protecting our dogs from the heat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7IpPMHYzlN8aCuzrABVYjprqcabeG0FK8O20LbYAqYjb2bUAph1-jQ40O53SBA7cGBcrfvEcuGMnuZdOOBcNV36fYTbYVza6hBfIoXVkX_WVB8gD_R1sbitoTFFxarKal2lW7uq9qaip/s1600/German+shepherd+in+lake+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7IpPMHYzlN8aCuzrABVYjprqcabeG0FK8O20LbYAqYjb2bUAph1-jQ40O53SBA7cGBcrfvEcuGMnuZdOOBcNV36fYTbYVza6hBfIoXVkX_WVB8gD_R1sbitoTFFxarKal2lW7uq9qaip/s320/German+shepherd+in+lake+blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It is HOT here in Southern California. I live in a Coastal area and it is HOT, so I know it is hot, hot, hot out there. It was so hot that when I got up to take the dogs out for a quick walk this morning, 3 of the 4 opted out. They just laid where they were and looked at me. Considering that normally when I get close to where the leashes are they go crazy, I realized that the heat really gets to them. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I started thinking about all the warnings you see about keeping your dogs cool, making sure they have water, making sure they have shade...and I couldn't help but think about some of the dogs out there who, on a normal day get the bare minimum they need to survive, let alone thrive. How are they fairing today? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">As I wet down my dogs and put ice cubes in their water dishes for the third time today, I worried about the dogs out there. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I think MOST people know that you cannot leave your dog in the car when it is hot...but what about the dogs who live in the yard? Did you know that the temperature on a slab of cement can get so hot in the sun it can actually burn a dogs feet? I mean like, blisters burn! And asphalt is worse. So bring your dogs in, and only walk early in the morning or later in the evening. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Did you know that dogs can die from overheating in a garage? A garage can get so hot that even with water available, dogs can die from overheating in a very short period of time. Can you imagine? How horrible. Locking a dog in a garage in the heat can be as deadly as a hot car. Bring them inside. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">So add GSROC to the list of people sending out warnings about protecting your four footed babies from the heat. Give them extra water, extra shade, and remember... you are responsible for their lives AND their comfort. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc39bqZKlx93lt0WHimLTCO9fLAH2f55e8_pVepF8nr5KQCBcRrwWnEOiDjnagXMnBQICStf2QdZkDDqHGTYDbrBd0nAPQYFcXzWYEHD9jc-o1-LiLN_eaGeEbHqiVnFo5bIBUAdQ9X8-N/s1600/dog+laying+in+ice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc39bqZKlx93lt0WHimLTCO9fLAH2f55e8_pVepF8nr5KQCBcRrwWnEOiDjnagXMnBQICStf2QdZkDDqHGTYDbrBd0nAPQYFcXzWYEHD9jc-o1-LiLN_eaGeEbHqiVnFo5bIBUAdQ9X8-N/s320/dog+laying+in+ice.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<br />German Shepherd Rescue Orange County CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05947240904116217996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225212552484424508.post-40141202252197981482012-08-11T10:04:00.001-07:002012-08-11T10:04:40.156-07:00A Guest blogger-middle aged cuban girl: a "thing" for German Shepards...<a href="http://middleagedcubangirl.blogspot.com/2012/08/a-thing-for-german-shepards.html?spref=bl">middle aged cuban girl: a "thing" for German Shepards...</a>: Not too hard to figure it out really, having "volunteering for the German Shepard Rescue of Orange County " make #2 on my Fifty Things ...German Shepherd Rescue Orange County CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05947240904116217996noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225212552484424508.post-77887282190446232692012-08-01T09:24:00.001-07:002012-08-01T09:24:28.483-07:00Leaving your dogs with a petsitter<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I have been volunteering with German Shepherd Rescue for more than a decade. That is a lot of years, a lot of homeless dogs, a lot of leaving dogs behind at a shelter because the sad truth is that we just cannot save them all. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">So, you would think I would have a pretty thick skin when it comes to leaving my dogs behind for a few days while I take a much needed trip. However, this is not even close to the case. I am only slightly embarrased to admit that leaving my dogs behind causes me so much anxiety that I have to wonder if it is even worth it. So, I do what any neurotic poochie mommy does... I plan. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I am leaving for them for 4 days. I have a petsitter who I have known and loved for almost 8 years. She came this week and spent three hours hanging out with us and the dogs, so they know she is a good person and we love her. As I was going over the schedule, where they eat, who gets what food and what supplements, who gets fed first, who sits where, who sleeps where, what time they go to bed, what time they get up... etc, etc... I saw her eyes glaze over. I know it is excessive. I also know there will be 5 pages of these details left out in writing for her to refer to. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">So, I thought I would put together a few "must do's" if you are leaving your pet with a petsitter. </span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">First, make sure the petsitter is someone you can trust with your babies. Check references. Get a reference from his/her vet. How they treat their dogs may be an indication on how they will treat your animals. </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Have the petsitter come over and meet your pack and see how they interact with him/her. </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Give your petsitter a number of a friend or family member who has a key to your house in case of an accident or emergency and she can't come. </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Leave out an extra bowl of water. </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Lock your gates. If you don't keep your gates padlocked all the time (which you should with dogs) make sure you padlock it when you are going to be gone. </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Leave a written list of instructions. Even if you have verbally gone over everything with the petsitter, make sure you leave instructions for her to refer to. </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Do a double check of your home and pick up things that your dogs may get into if they are bored (or mad at you for leaving them) that they wouldn't normally bother with. </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Ask your petsitter to text you pictures daily so you know all is ok, and you get to see their smiling faces. </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I hope you are like me, and as soon as you pull out of the driveway, you relax a little. You did everything you could to make sure the babes are well cared for and safe... and they get so much love all the time. After all, maybe they need a vacation, too. </span><br />
<br />German Shepherd Rescue Orange County CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05947240904116217996noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225212552484424508.post-59323268782514184032012-07-25T09:16:00.001-07:002012-07-25T09:16:26.167-07:00Captain the GSD beaten to death <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I recently read an article where a woman thought that some rescues were too thorough in their vetting of homes for the dogs in their care. She went on to make some jokes about it. I didn't think it was funny then, and I want her to know about Captain. I wonder how she would feel if she had looked into Captain's eyes and promised him a good, safe, loving home, and then had to look into his eyes as he suffered in the trash bin after being beaten by the person she turned him over to? What would she say as he laid on the table dying? </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.canada.com/sports/Captain+death+leads+thousands+dollars+donations+SPCA/6984022/story.html">Captain the dog’s death leads to thousands in donations to B.C. SPCA</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Captain, you did not die in vain. You were important. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you agree, please sign this petition. </span><br />
<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267"> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style> <![endif]--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/justice-for-captain/" target="_blank">http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/justice-for-captain/</a> </span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span>German Shepherd Rescue Orange County CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05947240904116217996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225212552484424508.post-48577347520299280992012-07-24T10:08:00.000-07:002012-07-24T10:08:25.231-07:00Itchy dog?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwj49kcXGBN2XuggtSXTLkukPZvukiHaBKbTuJ9iukJuSp3YPELiGgtVmt_Z35a3nZl83wFpJsHQyjTnt3QYgujMZ4Zizf8UJNsDa31DwdtshE1G7E21TMz4xq-zjlsG7OqQuINbQf8UXD/s1600/German+Shepherd+Running+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwj49kcXGBN2XuggtSXTLkukPZvukiHaBKbTuJ9iukJuSp3YPELiGgtVmt_Z35a3nZl83wFpJsHQyjTnt3QYgujMZ4Zizf8UJNsDa31DwdtshE1G7E21TMz4xq-zjlsG7OqQuINbQf8UXD/s1600/German+Shepherd+Running+blog.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">6
Common Reasons Why Pets Itch<br />
<br />
Just last week I got a call from one of our Pet Detectives located in Ohio. He
called to report that one of the Search Dogs, a Bloodhound named Luscious, was
itching. Here is the short list of the 6 most common causes to itching in pets.
See if you can guess which one Luscious was suffering from!<br />
<br />
Fleas - It can only take a few bites for a pet to start itching like crazy.
When a pet itches, it can make the skin become more irritated, which can then
become susceptible to infection. <br />
<br />
Food Allergies - Many pets have food allergies. Keep in mind that an allergy
can develop as a pet ages, even if it wasn't there before. Food allergies can
spontaneously occur without any change in what the pet is eating. <br />
<br />
Environmental Allergies - Pets can be allergic to things like pollen, mold, and
house dust!<br />
<br />
Mites - Mites are another parasite that can cause a pet to itch. To find if
your pet has mites, a veterinarian can test your pet based on the symptoms. <br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
Ringworm - Ringworm isn't a worm! It is a fungal infection. If you have worked
in rescue, you have probably had to deal with a pet with ringworm. Ringworm
usually causes hair loss in a round, or ring shaped pattern. A veterinarian can
diagnose this in a pet.</span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Other - The other five reasons why pets itch here are really
the most common, but there are some other, less-likely possibilities. If
your pet isn't itching because of one of the other reasons listed here, you
will have to talk to your veterinarian and get to the bottom of the scratching!
Other possibilities include fungal infections other than ringworm, bacterial skin
infections and immune issues. </span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now that you know the six most common reasons why pets itch,
what do you think our lost pet recovery Search Dog was suffering from? If you
guessed the common flea, you are right! After a few baths with special natural
flea shampoo, Luscious is back to sniffing out lost pets!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Annalisa Berns, Pet Detective - Pet Search and Rescue <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Annalisa is the author of the Lost Dog Recovery Guide and
Lost Cat Recovery Guide and has been assisting with the recovery of lost pets
for over 7 years. For more information go to <a href="http://www.petsearchandrescue.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">www.PetSearchAndRescue.com</span></a>
or call Pet Search and Rescue at 800-925-2410.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span>German Shepherd Rescue Orange County CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05947240904116217996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225212552484424508.post-7566809774318521872012-07-17T14:44:00.003-07:002012-07-17T14:45:47.628-07:00Dog Days of Summer<br /><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk52XBLtjy64Q17msezJriHkzfhOvvGwAtySyjXW58R9fB9_W3tX17-DdKu4OTln_7lUvFXGCullUmbYlrPMbgEV1VdO-3wPXLREhuTKBYyZ08ZCHZpkveRmIPUnEtgaw0ZJ_DAN_V8gSO/s1600/dog+playing+in+pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk52XBLtjy64Q17msezJriHkzfhOvvGwAtySyjXW58R9fB9_W3tX17-DdKu4OTln_7lUvFXGCullUmbYlrPMbgEV1VdO-3wPXLREhuTKBYyZ08ZCHZpkveRmIPUnEtgaw0ZJ_DAN_V8gSO/s400/dog+playing+in+pool.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter">
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0">
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1">
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1">
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0">
</v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas></v:stroke></span></v:shapetype></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ever wonder where the term “Dog Days of Summer” came
from?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This came from the ancient Roman
& Greek belief that Sirius aka “The Dogs Star” was the cause of hot
weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sirius is the brightest star in
the sky and is part of the constellation Canis Major.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was thought that because it was so bright
that it must give off heat like the sun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In Ancient Rome during the “Dog Days of Summer”, Sirius rose and set in
the sky with the sun so that assumption was that it was adding to the heat of
the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This of course was is not the
case and in fact no longer coincides with the sun rising and setting. </span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A couple quick simple things to remember on those hot days
to keep your dog safe:</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do NOT leave your dog in a hot car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Temperatures rise quickly and are dangerous
to your pup, if not deadly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On an 85
degree day it only takes 10 minutes for the temperature in your car to reach
102 degrees.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Keep your dog hydrated – make sure that there is
fresh water available to your dog at all times and watch for signs of
dehydration.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Watch for signs of </span><a href="http://www.aspca.org/Pet-care/dog-care/dog-care-dehydration"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">dehydration</span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Walk your dogs in the early morning or evening
after the sun has gone down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hot asphalt
can burn the pads on their paws.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it
is too hot for you to walk barefoot – it is too hot for them!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If your dog is outside – make sure that there is
plenty of shade or shelter so that they can escape the sun.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The heat is a great opportunity for your dog to
going swimming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Always be sure to
provide supervision to prevent injury.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Credit:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog_Days"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog_Days</span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="http://wilstar.com/dogdays.htm"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://wilstar.com/dogdays.htm</span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/hot-weather-tips.aspx"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/hot-weather-tips.aspx</span></a></span>German Shepherd Rescue Orange County CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05947240904116217996noreply@blogger.com0