With that said, please keep in mind that does not mean animals will not die! This is the current list of urgent dogs in need of adoption or they WILL face euthanization. Majority of these dogs are “pit bull” breed labeled (pit bull is not a breed it is just a label for the different types of bull terriers, it is a human made term). The public needs to be educated on these breeds and their myths attached to the label.

Information for this blog was provided by Laura King who is a volunteer at New Haven Shelter. The images were taken by Laura and some were retouched and edited by me.

They are:

Easily trainable, many can become service dogs and have, they are very loyal, love children if raised correctly, very strong and are a working breed, they do not have “lock jaw” and they are not meant for fighting. Humans created them to be fighting dogs because of their strength.

Was Petey from Little Rascals a fighter? He was a “Pit Bull” Terrier!!!

Do your research and understand any animal you adopt!

Here is a current list of URGENT NEED adoptions:

CHILI is in need of adoption

CHILI ADOPTED and SAVED 1/14/2012

EUTH. DATE JAN. 17… Please contact Delette Corwel at 203-464-2457 or poomeister@hotmail.com if you can help CHILI.  You can also advocate for him (all it does is share him on your Facebook wall, so please do it!) here:  http://apps.facebook.com/petpardons/pet-view/id/23309

Chili stole a piece of my heart today… he was a breeze to get ready to go outside.  Sat beautifully so I could put on his collar, and was a complete love the entire time he was outside.  He would play fetch forever, or be perfectly happy to sit next to you and relax.  A dog walking by fell madly in love with him and they romped around (on opposite sides of the fence) for a long time.  He is a TERRIFIC dog, and would make a great addition to a deserving household. Chili would need a home without cats.  Please consider Chili, a SUPER URGENT dog at New Haven Animal Shelter.  ♥

Chili can’t take being in a kennel much longer. He needs a home, he has started to chew on his fencing, he needs out. He is too special of a dog to allow to deteriorate any further. Someone has been checking him out on this site, if it is YOU then come down and meet this boy and let him melt your heart save him from the only other alternative. Two-year-old Chili was found roaming near the shelter. He is a sweet dog that needs consistent controlled direction while playing. He gets a little overstimulated and will try to grab toys from you or will try jumping up on you, BUT when the play is controlled and verbal commands are given before and during play he obediently listens and sits to wait for a ball to be thrown. He pulls a little on leash but should be easy to train. He is good with other dogs and has been very well behaved on our offsite adoption events. You can also see Chili’s video at www.youtube.com/fotnhas . NO APPOINTMENTS NEEDED. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ADOPTING THIS PET PLEASE VISIT THE SHELTER MONDAY – SATURDAY 12:30 – 4:30 OR CALL THE SHELTER AT (203) 946-8110 All dogs and cats are vaccinated and altered prior to going to it’s new home. In-State Fee $80 cash only Out-of State Fee (no voucher)$35 cash only Proof of homeownership required( mtg statement,tax bill) Landlord approval required for renters.We require that your dog meet our dog so bring him/her/them along.

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Bubbles is in urgent needBubbles is very loving and warm

BUBBLES Being transferred to foster care!

EUTH. DATE JAN. 17… Please contact Delette Corwel at 203-464-2457 or poomeister@hotmail.com if you can help Bubbles.

Two-year-old Bubbles was found locked in.a bathroom of a vacant apartment. She was very near being emaciated but was found in the nick of time. In the two weeks she has been with us she has put on a substantial amount of weight and is happily eating every meal she is offered. She was instantly happy to see people and appreciates the love she is receiving. She now needs a loyal family to keep her secure and loved for the rest of her life. A mature family is recommended kids 12+. You can also see Bubble’s video at www.youtube.com/fotnhas .

NO APPOINTMENTS NEEDED. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ADOPTING THIS PET PLEASE VISIT THE SHELTER MONDAY – SATURDAY 12:30 – 4:30 OR CALL THE SHELTER AT (203) 946-8110 All dogs and cats are vaccinated and altered prior to going to it’s new home. In-State Fee $80 cash only Out-of State Fee (no voucher)$35 cash only Proof of homeownership required( mtg statement,tax bill) Landlord approval required for renters.We require that your dog meet our dog so bring him/her/them along.

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MELODY is in urgent need

MELODY

EUTH. DATE 1/24…  Please contact Delette Corwel at 203-464-2457 or poomeister@hotmail.com if you can help sweet Melody.

Melody LOVES playing in the yard!  She will run and run, and then come back to you for some love.  She also LOVES tennis balls!  In fact, she had a tennis ball in her mouth, I offered her a treat, and she couldn’t decide if she wanted the treat or the tennis ball more.  She ultimately decided to drop the ball, eat the treat, then get back to the ball.  Melody also LOVES having her hind end rubbed… stayed very close for that!  Petfinder says:  One-and-a-half-year-old Melody makes music with her feet. She loves to run she loves to play. She is a sweet girl with a lot of energy and would love a family with children over 10 yrs. She may knock over smaller children. She was found running around in front of the shelter one morning obviously recently abandoned there by her owners. She ran right to the front door as the staff was arriving pleading to be brought inside. She would love a permanent home with a bed of her own. You can also see Melody’s video at www.youtube.com/fotnhas .

NO APPOINTMENTS NEEDED. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ADOPTING THIS PET PLEASE VISIT THE SHELTER MONDAY – SATURDAY 12:30 – 4:30 OR CALL THE SHELTER AT (203) 946-8110 All dogs and cats are vaccinated and altered prior to going to it’s new home. In-State Fee $80 cash only Out-of State Fee (no voucher)$35 cash only Proof of homeownership required( mtg statement,tax bill) Landlord approval required for renters.We require that your dog meet our dog so bring him/her/them along.

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ANGEL is in urgent need

ANGEL ADOPTED and SAVED 1/10/2012

EUTH. DATE 1/17… Please contact Delette Corwel at 203-464-2457 or poomeister@hotmail.com if you can help sweet Angel.  ♥

I officially “met” Angel today… when I pulled up to the shelter, she was happily sitting in the lap of a volunteer.  ADORABLE.  I was surprised to see that she is quite small (maybe 40-45 pounds?).  The volunteer told me that Angel is excellent on leash, and when I watched, sure enough, she was VERY attentive while walking. She definitely enjoys exercise and would benefit from daily exercise.  Once she gets out some energy, she is a complete lap dog who loves to hunker down for some love.  photos do her no justice… she is beautiful!  ♥

From Petfinder:  Angel is very active in her kennel and needs an active home now. Daily runs, walks,independent playtime in a secure yard is what this girl needs now..One-year-old Angel is very active and needs an owner that can keep her entertained. She knows some commands but can use a lot of direction. She must have firm commands if playing with rope toys, which are her favorite. She should live with a mature family. You can also see Angel’s video at www.youtube.com/fotnhas .

NO APPOINTMENTS NEEDED. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ADOPTING THIS PET PLEASE VISIT THE SHELTER MONDAY – SATURDAY 12:30 – 4:30 OR CALL THE SHELTER AT (203) 946-8110 All dogs and cats are vaccinated and altered prior to going to it’s new home. In-State Fee $80 cash only Out-of State Fee (no voucher)$35 cash only Proof of homeownership required( mtg statement,tax bill) Landlord approval required for renters.We require that your dog meet our dog so bring him/her/them along.

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PEARL is in urgent need

PEARL Being transferred to foster care!

EUTH. DATE Jan. 17…  Please contact Delette Corwel at 203-464-2457 or poomeister@hotmail.com if you can help Pearl.

Six-month-old Pearl was found as a stray. She will be a thin medium sized girl when full grown. she is sweet but does have a grumbly side to her that with training her new companion may be able to get under control. She grumbles over her food and gets annoyed with other animals in the shelter.  With proper introduction to other animals she may do very well. She is an active girl that will enjoy runs, hiking and just laying next o you on or near the couch, which ever you prefer to allow. Because of her food issue and her wild play she should not live with small children(10+). You can also see Pearl’s video at www.youtube.com/fotnhas.

NO APPOINTMENTS NEEDED. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ADOPTING THIS PET PLEASE VISIT THE SHELTER MONDAY – SATURDAY 12:30 – 4:30 OR CALL THE SHELTER AT (203) 946-8110 All dogs and cats are vaccinated and altered prior to going to it’s new home. In-State Fee $80 cash only Out-of State Fee (no voucher)$35 cash only Proof of homeownership required( mtg statement,tax bill) Landlord approval required for renters.We require that your dog meet our dog so bring him/her/them along.

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TYLER SAVED!

EUTH. DATE JAN. 17… Please contact Please contact Delette Corwel at 203-464-2457 or poomeister@hotmail.com if you can help handsome Tyler.

1 year old Tyler has been at the New Haven Animal Shelter for 6 months.  When he came to us he was jumpy and biting the leash and not too many volunteers wanted to spend time with him.  Since then a trainer has shown us how to work with him and his “problems”.  He is now a different dog, he walks nicely on leash, no more jumping and no more leash biting.  But, he’s been at the shelter for 6 months and we can tell he is not happy , stressing out, losing weight.  He likes the company of other dogs and loves people. Although he’s come so far and turned out to be such an awesome dog, being locked up for 6 months doesn’t do any dog good.  He gets walked maybe twice a week, sometimes only once when his favorite volunteer comes to walk him on Saturday.  Because New Haven has 64 dogs they don’t all get the attention they need to stay mentally healthy.  So, Tyler needs out now before it’s too late…  he is starting to get quite depressed in his kennel and is considered SUPER urgent. . He would do better in a home, a foster home, or at another facility that could spend more time with him.  He is a very handsome guy as you can see by his pictures and he is so young.  Please help Tyler. Tyler loves walks and playing with balls.  He is well behaved on leash and has learned a couple of commands at the shelter. New Haven vaccinates all dogs, so he has rabies, distemper, bordatella, corona, parvo. vaccines.  He just needs to be neutered and for rescues you can get the apcp form from us. Please , please consider helping out Tyler.  When he gains weight he will be 55 – 60 lbs.

Transportation can be arranged to rescues in CT. Please contact Delette Corwel at 203-464-2457 or poomeister@hotmail.com.  Please crosspost .

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SNOW is in urgent need

SNOW

EUTH. DATE JAN. 24 – Please contact Delette Corwel at 203-464-2457 or poomeister@hotmail.com if you can help Snow.

I know we might not be ready for the white stuff to fall on the ground again, but maybe you’d like a little Snow in your home?  In the form of THIS handsome boy? Eight-year-old Snow was left at the shelter by his owner. He was left with a note saying goodbye. His owner moved to a new home that would not accept pets so she left him outside the shelter. He is a quiet old boy that enjoys the company of people. He is strong on a leash, knows some commands and enjoys running and rolling in the grass. You can also see Snow’s video at www.youtube.com/fotnhas The New Haven Animal Shelter is open Monday through Saturday 12:30-4:30, so go meet him!

I had actually gone to an adoption event in Belmont to get one of the tan puppies the week before – The event started at 2 and ran until 5, and i showed up at 3 only to find no dogs left! So I was told that I had to get there an hour early and there were two puppies left from the litter that had been held back because they were not ready for adoption yet. So I watched the site and saw the last two pups – Bailey was the only black and white one and I knew she was the one!. I showed
up 1 hour early and already had 7 people waiting in front of me! So i just hoped and prayed no one else wanted my little doggie! Luckily there was a litter of lab puppies and everyone in front of me was there for them! So I got to take little Bailey home.

I was in grad school at the time in Boston. She was the cutest and most entertaining puppy! She kept  us busy, and provided many hilarious moments as a puppy. I’d often come  home to find one shoe of each pair I owned in the center of the floor all nicely arranged (and if I was lucky, also not chewed).  We lived in Boston for 2 years, and then I got a job in Calgary Canada and we’ve been living here ever since! Since then we have added a husband and a second dog to the family (Fenway! he was rescued from Oklahoma, but he’s  named after Fenway Park).

Bailey is now 6 years old and doing great! She goes to the off leash park every day, she has a few regular buddies to play chase with and loves to play fetch. She LOVES the snow and cold weather! She is extremely smart and knows many tricks, and her favorite thing to do is give everyone kisses. Occasionally she shares her home with a foster dog in need, and is good at “showing them the ropes” while they are waiting for their forever home.  I’m so glad I got the opportunity to adopt her – she has brought much joy into our lives and is very much loved!

-Jennifer

You can view ALL the images on my facebook page: DOGFEST 2011

Enjoy the view!!!!

While sitting at the dog park today with my good friend and trainer Donna Gleason, we observed an interesting interaction between a yellow retriever mix and a beagle. These images were taken in a consecutive fashion in order for you the viewer to see a play by play of this body language and intereaction. This was not a good situation but thank goodness ended well once the owners got involved to distract and diffuse. These types of scenes happen often at the park and many owners do not know what it all means. Dog fights can ensue in a blink of an eye, if the owners did not get involved then this could have easily ended up there.

Moose and I met sooner than I thought I’d get another dog.  I had to put my previous dog to sleep on my birthday, Feb. 25th 2010.  I was heartbroken and missed having a dog in my life.  I started browsing around, looking at what my options were, and not really convinced that I would get another dog.  I couldn’t imagine replacing my previous dog so soon.  I came across PawSafe and looked at all the puppies available.  I wasn’t even sure I wanted a puppy and have to go through housebreaking and training etc. Though, the more often I looked, the more I realized I was meant to have a dog in my life.  I came to terms that I wasn’t replacing a friend I was just gaining a new one.

I put in my application to see if I would be approved to adopt a puppy.  I rationalized that if I didn’t get approved, than it meant I wasn’t ready for a new dog.  I ended up getting approved in the beginning of March, and poured over the pictures of puppies that would be at the next PawSafe event.  I came up with a handful that I’d be happy to have, and knew I’d have to meet them and see their personalities before I could decide. I brought my mom with me (as my voice of reason) in case I needed to be talked out of getting a dog if one I wanted wasn’t available. I got to the pet hotel early, as all the puppies were just being brought outside and put into pens.  I put my name on the list and was actually the second person there.  I got to browse around and watch the puppies for a good long time before it was time to start the process.  By then, I had it narrowed down to Moose (who was BJ at the time), and one of his chocolate sisters with light eyes.  I even found out who the couple were that were going before us and was relieved when I saw they were interested in a completely different litter. My name was called, and I went to Moose’s pen.  I took turns picking up Moose and his sister.  They were both adorable puppies.  But what got me was how laid back Moose was.  He was the one getting chewed on or napped on and nothing was fazing him. When you picked him up, he hugged your arm.  He literally crossed his front legs around
your bicep and didn’t let go.  My mind was made up and I got my information packet and got to head home with my new baby!

I wanted to hold him the whole ride but I was driving so my mom (his Oma) held him.  We stopped at my sister’s on the way home where Moose met Finn, a 5 month old yellow lab who was very energetic.  Moose took it all in stride even though I might have been a little over protective.  I got Moose to the vet that Monday, and even the vet asked if he was really that calm of a puppy or if I’d sedated him!  Moose grew fast.  He was 15lbs when I brought him home, and a
year and a half later, he’s now 72lbs.  He looks like a lab mixed with a shepherd, with some Great Dane legs stuck on him.  He’s also waterproof.  Now that he knows he can swim, we can’t keep him out of water, but he dries within minutes of coming out.  Bathing him is an adventure too.  I have to take him to the self-serve dog wash because I can’t soak him enough at home. Moose is the best dog any one could ask for.  He is a great cuddlier and also a leaner.  He has started to love coming out on the boat and will jump off and swim around as soon as we dock.  He has never met a dog he doesn’t love.  He’s submissive but loves to play and does fantastic at the dog park.  He can be a little skittish around new people, but once you’re friends, you’ll be begging him to stop licking you.  We have a very limited amount of toys that Moose can play with because he can destroy almost anything.  We’re safe with Kongs and a few other brands.  Moose also loves
chewing up sticks and we realized he’s done some landscaping in the back yard.

I moved in with my fiancé and we now have a fenced in back yard. Moose will hang out back there and then paw the door when he wants to come in.  We went outside one day and found that Moose had taken out a few of the shrubs when he
ran out of sticks in the back yard!  Moose also loves watching TV.  Whenever there are animals on TV, he’ll run from wherever he is, and sit in front of the TV to see what’s going on.

I can’t imagine my life without Moose.  From hanging out in bed, to hanging out at the dog park, he is always pleasant to be around.  He even likes to help with the fur tumbleweeds that roll down the hall by putting them back once I sweep them into a pile.  He is my baby and I look forward to us having a long happy life together.  I may never go to work without dog fur on my clothes again, but I don’t even care.

~Brigitte Metzger

Information retrieved from http://ctvotesforanimals.org/content.aspx?page_id=5&club_id=86887&item_id=17375

For the past four years CT Votes for Animals (CVA) has been a leader in advocating on behalf of animal rescue organizations while negotiating the terms of Connecticut’s inevitable rescued animal importation bill.
In 2009 CVA held an educational forum at Quinnipiac University called Precious Cargo that brought together a diverse group of people holding different perspectives to explore ways to effectively regulate importation while ensuring the well-being and safety of the animals and the community. Since 2007, CT Votes for Animals has been integral in blocking the passage of bills that were unreasonably onerous and impractical and would potentially drive animal importation to a halt and encourage rescuers to operate outside the law. Further, the proposed bills would have allowed the Department of Agriculture to inspect the homes of foster volunteers without a warrant, a provision that was unacceptable to the rescue community.

This year, with new leadership at the Department of Agriculture, we have made great progress and, in conjunction with the ASPCA, negotiated a bill (HB 5368) that accomplishes our goals and yet satisfies the department, legislators, and other interest groups represented in Hartford (e.g., CT Veterinary Medical Association, pet stores).  Click here to read CVA’s testimony detailing our position on fair and humane regulations. While CVA and the ASPCA didn’t get all we had hoped for, we did negotiate the best possible bill over the course of the session.  The law applies to importers whether they rescue 5 dogs or 500. We tried very hard to build in an exemption for the smaller importation operations but were not able to get the political support for this exemption. Many rescuers are already exploring ways to create cost efficiencies for the new expenses relating to this law, i.e., joining with each other to pool resources, strategically timing the arrival of pets in the state so that they can consolidate vet visits, etc. While this law will create new requirements, the terms are not nearly as burdensome as they were when the first version of this bill was introduced four years ago.  Furthermore, this bill provides much-needed protections for both rescuers and also the unknown number of animals that are being imported into our state including:

1)      Protections for the health and welfare of animals being imported into our state.

2)      A requirement that a CT individual or organization be on record as a responsible party for the animals once they are brought into CT.

3)      Express protection of animal importers’ constitutional rights – specifically, an explicit prohibition on warrantless searches of importers’ homes.

4)   An exemption for volunteers (including foster homes) that assist animal importers in their rescue efforts.

Below is the CT legislature’s Office of Legislative Research summary of HB 5368.  CVA and the ASPCA are also working with the CT Department of Agriculture to provide as many educational opportunities regarding this legislation as possible, including a fact sheet, and in the fall, an informational forum intended to give all those who are importing rescued animals the chance to fully understand their rights and obligations. It will also allow rescuers to establish a relationship with the Department of Agriculture so further questions can be directly addressed by the regulating agency. We will be in touch with an announcement of the forum date and additional educational materials on this subject.

Thank you for all you do for the animals.

Now here is the bill information..

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2011
AN ACT EXTENDING CERTAIN PET SHOP LICENSEE REQUIREMENTS TO PERSONS AND ORGANIZATIONS THAT IMPORT ANIMALS FOR ADOPTION.

SUMMARY:
This bill makes several changes affecting animal importers (WHY DO WE SOUND LIKE ILLEGAL BORDER JUMPERS WITH THIS LINGO, WE ARE RESCUERS). Among other things, it requires animal importers to (1) register with the agriculture commissioner (MONEY); (2) have the imported animals examined by a state-licensed veterinarian (MONEY); and (3) notify the Department of Agriculture (DOA) and local zoning officials before offering the animals for sale, adoption, or transfer (GETTING THE PICTURE YET?).

ANIMAL IMPORTER —-(Evil doers apparently)
The bill defines “animal importer” as a person who brings any dog or cat into Connecticut from another sovereign entity to offer it for sale, adoption, or transfer or give it to anyone in exchange for a fee, sale, voluntary contribution, service, or other consideration. An animal importer includes a commercial or nonprofit animal rescue or adoption, humane relocation, or delivery organization that is not required to be licensed under state law. (By law, commercial kennels, pet shops, grooming facilities, and training facilities must be licensed by the agriculture commissioner.)

REGISTRATION—–(MONEY)
The bill prohibits an animal importer from importing a dog or cat into Connecticut until he or she registers with the agriculture commissioner and pays a $100 registration fee. The registration must be on a form the commissioner prescribes and include the (1) registrant’s name, mailing and business addresses, telephone number, and Internet address and (2) number of animals imported in the prior year and the state or country of their origin. If the registrant is domiciled out-of-state, the registration also must include the name, Connecticut address, and telephone number of a local agent for service of process.

A registration is valid until the following December 31. An importer must renew the registration annually (MORE MONEY), if the commissioner determines the importer complies with any applicable regulation relating to the health, safety, and humane treatment of animals.

Violators of the registration requirement are subject to a fine of up to $500 (LOOK EVEN MORE MONEY).

Registration is not required by an employee or volunteer of a registered animal importer or person holding a commercial kennel, pet shop, grooming facility, or training facility license if the employee, volunteer, or person is not otherwise an animal importer.

Event Notification—–(THIS ONE IS JUST GREAT, WILL THEY HIRE MORE PEOPLE TO TAKE MORE CALLS OR TURN AWAY EVENTS THEY CANNOT APPROVE DUE TO OVERLOAD)
The bill requires any animal importer who intends to offer a dog or cat for sale, adoption, or transfer at a public or outdoor location to notify the DOA and the appropriate municipal zoning officer at least 10 days before the event. The notice must include the event date, exact location, and expected number of animals involved. Violators are subject to a fine of up to $100 per animal. (MORE MONEY, GETTING THE PICTURE YET?)

Pet Shop Exception–(YES, I FORGET THEY ARE REGULATED, AHUH, WITH PUPPY MILLS AND BACKYARD BREEDERS, BUT IF YOU PAY YOUR BILLS THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE OK WITH YOU)
The bill’s registration and notice provisions do not apply to an animal importer who offers a dog or cat for sale to a licensed pet shop, if the animal is delivered directly to the pet shop.

Agriculture Commissioner Inspection Authority
The bill authorizes the agriculture commissioner to inspect an animal importer’s imported animals or required records. But this inspection authority does not give the commissioner permission to enter an animal importer’s residence.

Veterinarian Services and Records Required
The bill requires an animal importer, within 48 hours of importing a cat or dog into Connecticut and before offering it for sale, adoption, or transfer, and every 90 days until the sale, adoption, or transfer is complete, to have a state-licensed veterinarian examine the animal. Each animal must be examined by a state-licensed veterinarian within 15 days before a sale, adoption, or transfer and the veterinarian must provide the animal importer a written health certificate for the animal. An animal importer who violates these provisions is subject to a fine of up to $500 for each unexamined or uncertified animal. (OK, SO WE HAVE TO GET SAY 30 PUPPIES VETTED IN TWO DAYS, REALLY THINK THAT WILL HAPPEN? AND THEN WE MUST VET AND REVET MULTIPLE TIMES BECAUSE IT IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE ANIMAL?? REALLY?? THEN WHY AM I TOLD TO BRING MY DOG ONCE A YEAR FOR SHOTS?? SO IF WE PAY 100 DOLLARS A PUPPY EACH TIME THEN WE WILL BE FORCED TO CHANGE AN ADOPTION FEE TO JUST BARELY COVER ALL THE VET BILLS. WHO WILL PAY 600 DOLLARS FOR A RESCUE???? WHO CAN AFFORD IT IN THIS ECONOMY??)

The importer must maintain records of the veterinarian services for three years after they were rendered. Violators are subject to a $500 fine.

Very Young Animals
By law, a person, firm, or corporation may not import or export for sale a dog or cat under eight weeks old without its mother. It also prohibits the sale of a dog or cat that is under eight weeks old. Under current law, violators are subject to a fine of up to $100, imprisonment for up to 30 days, or both.

The bill extends the prohibitions to the adoption or transfer of dogs or cats under eight weeks old. It increases the maximum fine for sales from $100 to $500 and applies the fine and imprisonment to adoptions and transfers. The maximum term of imprisonment remains the same.

Fine for Lack of Health Certificate
By law, a dog or cat imported into the state must be accompanied by a health certificate issued within 30 days before the importation by a licensed graduate veterinarian. The certificate must state that the animal is not diseased and, if over three months old, is currently vaccinated for rabies. A dog or cat from a rabies quarantine area must have the state veterinarian’s permission before importation. Under current law, violators are subject to a fine of up to $100, imprisonment for up to 30 days, or both. The bill increases the fine to up to $500.

Have you not noticed a trend here? MONEY MONEY AND MORE MONEY! Do you really think this rehashed version of this bill is for the better interest of the animals OR the rescue groups that abide by the law?

DOORMATS!!!!! That is what we have become if we allow this bill to pass! This bill is NOT READY to be passed, and we need to stop it and revamp it to work with the law abiding rescues!

Enjoy a couple of photos from today’s shoot!

(Click to see more images or wait for slideshow (per image wait is approx 2-3 seconds)

I was just packing the last of the boxes for my move from Massachusetts to Virginia to be able to work more closely with the rescues in those states when the call came in from an old friend in New York.  “Diane, there are two special needs
Newfoundland puppies with heart issues in TX that need us.  If you take one, I will take the other.”  Oh no – this could not have come at worse time as Luna and Skyler (my two dogs) and I were moving in just a few days.  Never mind the fact that I signed the lease on a rental house that said I could have only TWO dogs. Plus, there would be a lot of do when I got there and a new puppy just would not work with the amount of travel that I’d be doing.  Where would I fit another Newfoundland anyway?

Someone else would have to adopt him. Not me. Nope.  Absolutely not, NO WAY.

But what came out of my mouth was “Of course!  Let’s figure out how to get them to you”.  I hung up the phone wondering where the disconnect was between my brain and mouth.  Never the less, the next few days were spent moving
and arranging a way to get two puppies from Texas to the Fingerlakes of NY. At that time they were named Moses and Blueberry; they were just about 12 weeks old.  Blueberry was by far the sickest of the two puppies, but Moses was not that far behind.  They both had congenital heart problems that plague the Newfoundland breed.  Blueberry had a grade 5 heart murmur, SAS, and pulmonic stenosis.  Moses had a grade 5 heart murmur and pulmonic stenosis.

To give a background of what that means, pulmonic stenosis is basically a narrowing of the right ventricular outflow tract.  The pulmonic valve permits blood flow between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery. When it is narrowed, there is pressure overload in the right ventricle. With SAS the heart has to work harder to force the blood through the narrow area just below the aortic valve. The heart muscles get thicker due to the extra effort and as the walls thicken, the full heart holds less and less blood and needs more and more oxygen. With either disease the heart will fail.

The following week Blueberry and Moses, as well as my dogs and I, arrived in NY. Of course the puppies were ADORABLE, sweet, darling, and more–it was love at first sight.  But it was clear that the puppies were sicker than the average bouncy puppy with energy to spare.   While they felt no pain, Blueberry was tired just from walking around the yard and wresting with his brother for no more than a minute or two. He had an indescribable sadness in his eyes.  It was decided that Blueberry would stay in NY and Moses would make the trip to VA. We all said our goodbyes promising to reunite the brothers again in a month.

Sadly that was the last time I saw Blueberry. His little heart just couldn’t keep up with his growing body.  He was only with us a short time but he died loved, forever missed, and never forgotten.

Moses was renamed Kaiden and has thus far (very happily) outlived his veterinarian’s expectations. He just turned 4 years old and he is a gentle giant with a thoughtful soul.  He is by my side, by his choice, at all times. He knows no need for a leash and has never met a stranger in his life.  He lives a quiet, stress-free, and happy life with his three canine siblings.

Yes three. Another special needs SAS Newfoundland puppy came my way a year after Kaiden came to live with us.

I believe all our dogs teach us something and Blueberry and Kaiden are no exceptions.  I am very aware that Kaiden is on borrowed time, but he has taught me to love and give in the moment – as I may not have that chance later.  When he brings me a toy I never tell him that we will play tomorrow or when he comes to be pet or get some cuddling, I am never too busy to stop what I am doing and make time now.  There may not be a later.  And that holds true for everyone and
everything in my life.  Appreciate what is important to you now – this very moment – because you may never get that chance again.

To learn more about Pulmonic Stenosis:

http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/cardiovascular/c_dg_pulmonic_stenosis

To learn more about SAS:

http://www.2ndchance.info/sas.htm