All Animals Matter

Consider a donation to an animal shelter or rescue this holiday season.

2011-12-09T18:46:00.000-08:00

A Rescue Dog’s Christmas Poem

`Tis the night before Christmas and all through the town,
Every shelter is full – we are lost but not found,
... Our numbers are hung on our kennels so bare,
We hope every minute that someone will care,
They’ll come to adopt us and give us the call,
“Come here, Max and Sparkie – come fetch your new ball! !”

But now we sit here and think of the days…
We were treated so fondly – we had cute, baby ways,
Once we were little, then we grew and we grew -
Now we’re no longer young and we’re no longer new.
So out the back door we were thrown like the trash,
They reacted so quickly – why were they so rash?

We “jump on the children”, “don’t come when they call”,
We “bark when they leave us”, “climb over the wall”.
We should have been neutered, we should have been spayed,
Now we suffer the consequence of the errors they made.
If only they’d trained us, if only we knew…
We’d have done what they asked us and worshipped them, too.

We were left in the backyard, or worse – left to roam -
Now we’re tired and lonely and out of a home.
They dropped us off here and they kissed us good-bye…
“Maybe someone else will give you a try.”
So now here we are, all confused and alone…
In a shelter with others who long for a home.

The kind workers come through with-a meal and a pat,
With so many to care for, they can’t stay to chat,
They move to the next kennel, giving each of us cheer…
We know that they wonder how long we’ll be here.
We lie down to sleep and sweet dreams fill our heads…
Of a home filled with love and our own cosy beds. -

Then we wake to see sad eyes, brimming with tears -
Our friends filled with emptiness, worry, and fear.
If you can’t adopt us and there’s no room at the Inn -
Could you help with the bills and fill our food bin?
We count on your kindness each day of the year -
Can you give more than hope to everyone here?

Please make a donation to pay for the heat…
And help get us something special to eat
The shelter that cares for us wants us to live,
And more of us will, if more people will give.

Author Unknown

Another Reason to Adopt and Not Shop for your next dog

2011-10-10T15:15:00.000-07:00

This is what your purebred puppy's mama looks like!

Hi...do you know me??? I am a purebred Yorkshire Terrier. Pardon my appearance, maybe you didn't recognize me. I've been so busy making babies and it's hard to stay pretty when you live in filth and never bathe. Maybe you know one of my children, there are hundreds of them out there in the world. I know not where. They were taken from me so young. I hope they have forgotten me, anyway, and this horrible place I can never leave, this tiny cage with its wire floor is my world, I have never left it, it all I know. Is there something else? I know this cage, I know loneliness, I know fear, I know pain, I know sickness, I know hunger, I know thirst...I know I make babies. That's all I know. Is there more? Why are you here? I only know humans mean hurt. What do you mean help? What is Kindness? What is love? What is there beside what I know? Will you show me? Will you not forget me here? I want to know what else there is beside this hell I live in. Help me please, I can not help myself. ♥

There is a bill in the US Congress that will help dogs in puppy mills all over the country, the PUPS Act. House-HR835, Senate-S707. So far 25% of representatives have signed on in support. Please use the link:http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml to find your US (not state) Senator and Representatives and write or call, much more effective than email, to encourage them to support the PUPS Act.

PLEASE REPOST!!! PUT AN END TO THIS INDUSTRY FOREVER! TOGETHER WE WILL BE HEARD! MAKE OUR GOVERNMENT LISTEN AND DO NOT STOP UNTIL PUPPY MILLS ARE OUTLAWED AND ANIMALS ARE PROTECTED!

Be their voice and their guardian angel, end the suffering of these innocents, once and for all ♥

No words needed here

2011-10-02T17:43:00.000-07:00

Mutts Matter Rescue has taken in a lot of misunderstood bully breeds. When are we (and when I say we, I mean society) going to start being accountable for our actions? We are just killing these dogs for no other reason than being born a certain breed. What a disgrace....

STOP BSL!!

More BS from Michael Vick

2011-09-15T14:38:00.000-07:00

The next issue of GQ magazine will have a PR fluff piece about Michael Vick in which he continues to avoid responsibility for killing dozens of dogs and running his dog fighting operation.

Bill Plashke, a sports columnist for the LA Times, is one of the few national sportswriters that refuses to buy the BS of the Michael Vick Redemption PR Machine, and he wrote a great column this week calling out Vick on his fake contrition.

I’m so tired of writing about this monster, and yes, that’s what he is, a monster, but some of his quotes are so disgusting I just can’t ignore them.

Quote #1 – “For a while it was all, ‘Scold Mike Vick, scold Mike Vick, just talk bad about him like he’s not a person,’ ” Vick told the magazine. “It was almost as if everyone wanted to hate me. But what have I done to anybody? It was something that happened, and it was people trying to make some money.”

Michael. this is why people hate you

No, Mike. No one wanted to hate you. But when someone electrocutes dogs, drowns dogs in buckets, hangs dogs until they die, slam dogs against the ground until they die, and throws their daughter’s dogs in a dog fighting ring to be torn to shreds, people tend to get mad.

What have you done to anybody? You showed the us the depths to which humans can sink. You reminded us of the evil that infests our society. You horrified us bykilling and torturing dogs. You provided a cruel road map for kids who admire you to follow.

And you think people criticized you to make money? No, it’s because you committed a horrific crime and STILL haven’t taken responsibility for it.

Quote #2 - ”Some of us had to grow up in poverty-stricken urban neighborhoods and we just had to adapt to our environment. I know it’s wrong. But people act like it’s some crazy thing they never heard of. They don’t know.”

I’ll just copy and paste what Mr. Plashke wrote in his column as a response to this crap:

“Nice to see that Vick is still trying to rationalize his behavior at the expense of the millions of people in this country who don’t use their depressed economic status as an excuse to fight dogs.”

Mr. Plashke also correctly calls out the Humane Society of the United States’ President and CEO Wayne Pacelle for continuing to shill for Vick, saying “what is really criminal is how the Humane Society of the United States has jumped on the football bandwagon and has actually allowed him to participate in various campaigns.”

OK, I’m done with Vick for now. I’d like to write more but I have to get to the bank before it closes so I can cash all the checks I get for calling him out. ARTICLE BELOW

Bill Plaschke: Don’t be fooled by the ‘new’ Michael Vick

August 18, 2011 | 10:26 am

The NFL is back, and so is America’s favorite football villain, running the field, juking the world, boggling the mind.

It’s still a Vick-eat-Vick world out there.

This time, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick is destroying his image with his mouth, saying some things in an upcoming GQ magazine story that are far more stunning than last season’s 100.2 quarterback rating.

Barely two years after completing a 21-month prison sentence for dogfighting, Vick has apparently regained his swagger, not only on the field but also on the streets, where the perpetrator is recasting himself as the victim. He knows America’s sports fans have forgiven, now he wants them to completely forget because, really, what’s the big deal anyway?

“For a while it was all, ‘Scold Mike Vick, scold Mike Vick, just talk bad about him like he’s not a person,’ ” Vick told the magazine. “It was almost as if everyone wanted to hate me. But what have I done to anybody? It was something that happened, and it was people trying to make some money.”

What has he done to anybody? It was something that happened? It was people trying to make some money?

In looking at that quote, what is really criminal is how the Humane Society of the United States has jumped on the football bandwagon and has actually allowed him to participate in various campaigns.”Yeah, you got the family dog and the white picket fence and you just think that’s all there is,” Vick told the magazine. “Some of us had to grow up in poverty-stricken urban neighborhoods and we just had to adapt to our environment. I know it’s wrong. But people act like it’s some crazy thing they never heard of. They don’t know.”Nice to see that Vick is still trying to rationalize his behavior at the expense of the millions of people in this country who don’t use their depressed economic status as an excuse to fight dogs.”A lot of people got out of it after my situation, not because I went to prison but because it was sad for them to see me go through something so pointless, that could have been avoided,” Vick told the magazine.The only thing pointless, it seems, is continuing to think that Michael Vick’s renewal on the football field has led to a reinvention of his character. It hasn’t. It won’t. America needs to stop believing.

The only real news in the GQ story was Vick’s claim that he could have signed and started for the Cincinnati Bengals or Buffalo Bills, yet the NFL steered him toward a backup role in Philadelphia so his comeback would be slower and quieter.

Some say fans in those first two cities should be outraged. I say they should be thankful.

Fight No More

2011-09-01T17:09:00.000-07:00

Last month I assisted in a dog fighting case with HSUS in the seizure of close to 50 dogs in New Burn, NC. For those that don't know about dog fighting (if you don't know you must live in a cave) -this is a sick, cruel, blood sport where dogs are forced against their will, to fight to their death or until their is a "winner". As we know, no dogs "wins" in these-they all lose. If they win, the go on to fight more fights. If they lose, they die or suffer a slow and painful death. The dogs on the property we went too, were left out on the end of chains in horrid conditions. All of them had fight scars on them. All of them were afraid. NONE of them were vicious or mean. In fact, all them were so happy to be able to have some human kindness and interaction. All the dogs that were seized are now in a safe place where they are being evaluated. They will be there until the trial takes place, and then they will hopefully go to rescues. Some may not make it to rescue for various reasons-illness, un-adoptability, and more...Dog fighting is a sad life for a dog, and a cruel way for a dog to have to die. As heartbreaking as this may sound,the reality is that even though some may not get placed now, it is still preferable to the alternative...Living a life devoid of comfort, devoid of shelter, food and water, and devoid of love...That is no life at all. Below is a video of the raid I assisted in, along with one that happened shortly before that, that took place in Indiana.

http://video.humanesociety.org/video/629262638001/Channels/602022756001/Latest-Videos/1043938267001/Fight-No-More/

http://video.humanesociety.org/video/629262638001/Channels/602022756001/Latest-Videos/1099484460001/Two-Rescues-One-Day/

" To a man whose mind is free there is something even more intolerable in the sufferings of animals than in the sufferings of man. For with the latter it is at least admitted that suffering is evil and that the man who causes it is a criminal. But thousands of animals are uselessly butchered every day without a shadow of remorse. If any man were to refer to it, he would be thought ridiculous. And that is the unpardonable crime." ~Romain Rolland, Nobel Prize 1915

Another Reason Why It's Important to spay or neuter

2011-07-12T08:57:00.000-07:00

Dear Mom and Dad-

I died today. You got tired of me and took me to the shelter. They were overcrowded and I drew an unlucky number. I am in a black plastic bag in a landfill now. Some other puppy will get the barely used leash you left. My collar was dirty and too small, but the lady took it off before she sent me to the Rainbow Bridge .
Would I still be at home if I hadn't chewed your shoe? I didn't know what it was, but it was leather, and it was on the floor. I was just playing. You forgot to get puppy toys.
Would I still be at home if I had been housebroken? Rubbing my nose in what I did only made me ashamed that I had to go at all. There are books and obedience teachers that would have taught you how to teach me to go to the door.

Would I still be at home if I hadn't brought fleas into the house? Without anti-flea medicine, I couldn't get them off of me after you left me in the yard for days.
Would I still be at home if I hadn't barked? I was only saying, "I'm scared, I'm lonely, I'm here, I'm here! I want to be your best friend."
Would I still be at home if I had made you happy? Hitting me didn't make me learn how.
Would I still be at home if you had taken the time to care for me and to teach manners to me? You didn't pay attention to me after the first week or so, but I spent all my time waiting for you to love me.
I died today.
Love, Your Puppy
(SADLY THIS IS LOST ON SO MANY PEOPLE...THEY SHOULD BE ASHAMED)

PLEASE SPAY AND NEUTER

2011-05-12T06:40:00.000-07:00

The reason so many animals end up in shelters-not spaying and neutering. There are too many unwanted animals out there. Simply stated, over crowded shelter are due to lack of education in poor and impoverished areas, and lack of spay/neuter laws. I think laws should be put in place to make this mandatory. If we S/N, our shelters would be less crowded, and animals wouldn't be put to death simply for being born. If everyone could do their part-we could end over population. Please, read the "top ten reasons to s/n" below. The animals depend on it.

Spaying and neutering saves lives!
Spay or neuter one dog saves 67,000 lives in six years if two survive each litter. Spaying or neutering one cat saves 420,000 lives in seven years if two survive from each litter.
Spaying your female cat or dog will help prevent pyometra (puss filled uterus) and breast cancer.
It is also less expensive and easier to treat medically (pets go under general anesthesia and are released within hours) than treatment for pyometra (requires hospitalization, surgery and IV).
Neutering your male cat or dog prevents testicular cancer.
A spayed female will not go into heat.
There will be no yowling or frequent urination of your un spayed cat looking for a mate and no bloody discharge from your unsprayed dog in heat.
A neutered dog is less likely to roam.
An un neutered male will go to extremes in searching for a mate, including jumping the fence or digging his way out of the yard. Once out, he is at risk of getting lost, getting hit by a car, causing an accident or getting into a fight. A dog who roams is also more likely to get external and internal parasites.
Neutered males are better behaved.
They are less likely to be aggressive (statistically most dog bites are inflicted by intact males), less likely to mark their territory with strong smelling urine and less likely to mount when stimulated. Spayed and neutered pets are more affectionate and more focused on their owner.
Spaying or neutering your pet will not make them fat!
Pets become obese from lack of exercise and overfeeding. The myth that spaying and neutering your pet makes them fat is medically and factually indefensible.
Spaying and neutering your pets help create a safer neighborhood.
Stray animals can cause problems in the community. They can prey on wildlife, cause traffic accidents, scare children etc.
There are no benefits of letting your female have "just one litter."
Research shows the whole pet population virtually stems from "just one litter." Many pet owners think their dog is special and unique and that is why they should breed their dog. The shelters are full of special and unique dogs. Letting your children witness your dog giving birth to a litter that you do not intend to keep does not teach them about birth, it teaches them to be irresponsible. Finding homes for the litter is not enough. An equal number of animals will then die in shelters. Furthermore what happens when the new owner doesn't spay or neuter the puppy? What if they can no longer keep the puppy? Every time an animal dies in a shelter, someone somewhere is responsible. Don't be that person.
Just because your dog is a purebred doesn�t mean it should be bred.
25% of dogs in shelters are purebred not including those in rescue groups.

In Mutts We Trust

2011-04-25T05:50:00.000-07:00

Every year, between 7-11 Million animals will end up in shelters throughout the United States. Less than 50% of those animals will get to a rescue or get adopted. THINK before you drop your animal off at a shelter. Shelters are overcrowded, understaffed, and under funded. An animal is a lifetime commitment. Animals want for so little, and only want for love. They ask for so very little in return. So the next time you're thinking of getting rid of your pet, think first. It may not make it out of the shelter. It would be tragic for your pet to die alone and afraid in shelter due to no fault of it's own.

YES-THEY SUFFER TOO!!!

2011-04-10T13:59:00.001-07:00

Here are some facts that you may or may not know!
DID YOU KNOW...

-863 animals die every second
-Pigs are smarter than dogs and three year old children
-Piglets are torn away from their mother at just three weeks old
-Once the piglet is ready for slaughter, usually at about 5 months old, their food will be withdrawn leaving them feeling weak, lethargic and cold.
-Vegans live an average 6-10 years longer than a meat eater
-A meat eaters risk of developing heart disease is 50% higher than a veg{etari}ans
-Animals are fed drugs so they can grow bigger
-In every package of chickens there’s a little bit of poop
-They flavor McDonalds french fries with meat juice
-Animals like cows are kept in dark, filthy rooms then they are taken in a metal truck, which usually makes the cows sick, and then they are killed in the slaughterhouse consciously.
-Birds and chickens are kept in small cages. The great majority of all "layers" are kept in battery cages. Usually 5 hens have to share a cage measuring 18 by 20 inches.
-They are also de-beaked with a hot blade so they don’t peck the other animals to death
-Cows have their horns sliced off; they are branded, which causes excruciating third-degree burns; and males are castrated. This is all done without any painkillers.
-When cows are done making milk they are killed
-Pigs-farmers cut off a pigs tail so the other pigs tail don’t bite it off due to the fact of the small space
-When chickens are done laying eggs they are also suffocated in plastic bags
-Male chickens are gassed, suffocated in a bag, or ground up alive because they don’t lay eggs when they grow up.
-Eating one hamburger uses enough energy to drive a small car 20 miles and take 17 showers
-More than half of the water consumed in the U.S. is used to raise livestock
-Cows are excellent mothers
-Sheep can recognize other sheep’s faces and human faces as well
-Goats are very curious and playful, have individual personalities and capable of great affection and loyalty
-Goat’s intelligence is comparable to that of pigs and dogs
-If you give an apple or a small ball to a group of turkeys they'll play with it
-Fish grow underwater algae gardens
-Hens and their babies communicate even while the chick is still in the egg
-A cow must be pregnant in order to give milk... they are artificially inseminated and confined in one stall where they have to stand in their own urine and feces
-Cows are separated from their moms within 24 hours of birth
-To get milk out of cows farmers use electrical machines and usually the cows bleed and pus comes out so that’s usually that’s what your drinking
-The U.S has the highest upper limit of milk pus concentration in the world
-Mad cow disease is in the United States
-Fishing hurts. Imagine a hook is stuck through your lips and you are being pulled up rapidly.... Pain right?
-Raising animals for food need more than a third of fossil fuels and raw materials in the U.S.
-Cattle ranching is the number cause of Amazonian deforestation
-Going Veggie does more to stop Global Warming than switching to a hybrid car
-Vegans save an average of 100 animals a year

Now tell me again why you want to eat meat?

Pitful little pitty puppy that only wanted to play and be loved..

2011-04-05T16:05:00.001-07:00

Oshkosh, WI - The 5 month old puppy discovered starved to death on an Oshkosh sidewalk last Thursday had a name. His name was Snoop.

The beautiful puppy never stood a chance with the owner that he was cursed with - that owner was identified to police through an informant.
That informant led police to the home of Bryan I. Hutcherson, 19.
Shockingly, Hutcherson is reported to have told police that the puppy was too stressful and "too expensive" to feed.
Instead of surrendering the puppy to an animal control facility, the man and his girlfriend reportedly watched him starve to death before their eyes.
Apparently little Snoop was kept in a wire cage measuring 2 ft x 3 ft - the cage was kept in the couple's living room. The informant told police that the puppy was covered in feces and shaking the last time that he was seen in February.
Puppies, with their quickly growing and developing bodies, require special puppy food during their first year of life - food with extra calories and nutrients to keep them healthy and ensure proper growth.
Instead, Snoop received nothing - from what his owner told police, he apparently received nothing for over a month.
Hutcherson told the police that he decided to lay the sick puppy on the sidewalk, just 2 blocks from his home, last Thursday - the puppy was so weak that he could not raise his head from the cement....
A necropsy showed that the emaciated puppy's organs had systematically shut down as a result of the starvation.
How could a person watch another life slowly fade away before their eyes? Surely Snoop suffered greatly - surely there was crying as the pain wracked his little body....
Hutcherson was held on a $1000 bond and will have a preliminary hearing on April 14. He could face fines of $10,000 and up to 3.5 years behind bars.
In the court of public opinion, his name will forever be associated with that of a person with no heart.
His unidentified girlfriend is also facing charges - her case has been sent to the Winnebago County District Attorney.
Rest in Peace Snoop.

Speak up for our animals..They need you more than ever!

2011-03-31T06:15:00.000-07:00

A follow up to Nico

2011-03-13T19:22:00.000-07:00

Remember Nico? I wrote about him last year in my blog when he was in the shelter. The story below is another follow up. Nico has had another bad blow....

This photo is not unknown to animal lovers and rescuers. It captured the depressed and broken spirit of a suffering shelter dog. It’s Nico, the 6-year-old Dogo Argentino who’s picture appeared on Facebook July 2009 that immediately went viral and caught the attention of animal rescuers. He was malnourished, covered in sores, flea bitten, missing several teeth, covered with tumors, and deaf.

It was this photo, taken by Southern California animal rescuer Nikki Audet, that saved his life. It caught the attention of Kelley Gibson, a rescuer and animal transporter in San Diego, where she quickly helped get him to the Hamilton County Humane Society in Indianapolis.

After three months of training and medical care, his tumors removed, Nico (now known as Nico SwanGarris) found a home in Indiana with two loving moms and settled into a pampered life of playtime, good food, snuggles on a couch, and…squeaky toys!

It’s amazing that this dog – so broken – got a chance at the good life. There are many dogs in shelters that have their stories end right there – with a needle. It’s the rescue story from heaven.

But now life just dealt Nico another challenge. He has four different types of aggressive cancer. He is currently on oral chemotherapy medication until his two moms can afford highly expensive IV chemotherapy treatments at the Purdue Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

Bridget and Melissa, Nico’s owners, are using holistic treatments including a special diet high in protein. They’re optimistic, but battling cancer is tough and they’re taking it one day at a time. They will do everything they can for Nico.

Here is the chip in to help with his care http://nicosfund.chipin.com/nicos-fund-3

No Justice for Baby Justice

2011-01-27T07:26:00.001-08:00

Today was one of those days where I woke up and had that awful feeling in my stomach. I was hoping to hear good news today that Justice, the pug that was hit by a car, had made some improvements over night. Unfortunately, he had once again deteriorated. It had been 5 days, and still no progress. No feeling in his lower body, no anal tone, no ability to defecate or urinate on his own, his spine had become necrotic...he was suffering. All that could be done was to keep him comfortable and drugged up on pain meds and sedatives to help him sleep. He could not get comfortable no matter how he tried to lay. He was broken inside, and noone could fix it. No vet, no specialist. God had other plans for Justice....

It makes me so angry that someone let this dog out and let him get hit by a car. It makes me angry that he laid in the middle of the road suffering before finally a good samaritan took him to the ER. He deserved better. Today we let him go. He crossed over the rainbow bridge, and won't suffer any longer. He will not be in agony any more. This is the hardest part of rescue. When you do all you can, and you still can't save them. It's hard to have to be the one to make that decision about letting an animal go. For selfish reason, I want him to stay with me forever. But I know in my heart that he had already left us. He looked at me with pleading eyes as if to say "Please let me go. It hurts too much". He is gone, but he will never be forgotten. Some touch our hearts and take a piece of us when they go. Justice did that. He will always have a piece of my heart. I love you Justice. May you finally rest comfortably. I will see you again one day.

Gabriel

2011-01-15T14:10:00.000-08:00

For those that didn't read Gabriel's original story, I have posted it below. But for those who do know his story, below are some updated photos of him happily living in his forever home. I can't think of a better family for him; What a deserving boy he is. This is what makes rescue worth the heartache. Thank you to the Oyer family for allowing Gabe to "choose them" as his forever home.

MEET GABRIEL. HE IS THE MOST STUNNING PEKINESE MOST OF US HAVE EVER SEEN. HIS PHYSICAL BEAUTY IS ONLY SURPASSED BY THAT OF HIS SOUL AND SPIRIT. HE CAME TO OUR RESCUE ON NOVEMBER 29, 2010 AFTER SURVIVING AN ORDEAL THAT, HAD IT BEEN INFLICTED ON A HUMAN, WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN CHARGES OF ATTEMPTED MURDER AGAINST THE PERSON WHO CAUSED THIS "ANGEL" SUCH SUFFERING, SADNESS AND PAIN. HE WAS GIVEN THE NAME GABRIEL, NOT ONLY BECAUSE OF HIS WONDERFUL, SOULFUL PERSONALITY, BUT ALSO IN HOMAGE TO THE ANGELS THAT MUST HAVE BEEN WATCHING OVER HIM.

GABRIEL IS 2 1/2 YEARS OLD. HE WAS BROUGHT INTO AN URBAN SHELTER WITH BLOOD COMING FROM HIS MOUTH, EARS AND EYES. HE FACE WAS SO SWOLLEN, HE COULD NOT OPEN HIS EYES. HIS BRAIN WAS SWELLING FROM THE TRAUMA. WE BELIEVE HE WAS BARELY CONSCIOUS UPON ARRIVAL. HIS OWNER SAID THEIR DAUGHTER HAD BEAT HIM WITH A BAT. THEY BROUGHT NO VACCINATION RECORDS. HE WAS NOT NEUTERED. HE WAS HORRIBLY MATTED. HE WAS VERY UNDERWEIGHT. HIS TOENAILS WERE CURLING UNDER AND GROWING INTO HIS FOOT PADS.THEY GAVE NO FURTHER INFORMATION. THEY CALMLY LEFT THEIR PET AT THE SHELTER. NO REMORSE. NO GRIEF. NO PUNISHMENT. WE HAVE NO WAY OF VERIFYING THEIR STORY.

FORTUNATELY FOR GABRIEL, THE SHELTER KNEW HE WAS CRITICAL AND SENT HIM TO THE EMERGENCY VET FACILITY. HE WAS THERE FOR ABOUT 4 DAYS. THE SHELTER SENT OUT A PLEA FOR HELP, AND MMR WAS THE FIRST TO STEP UP. WE ARE SO GRATEFUL TO THIS SHELTER FOR THE LIFE SAVING CARE THEY AUTHORIZED FOR GABRIEL, ESPECIALLY WITH A VERY SMALL MEDICAL BUDGET. WE CAME TO PICK UP GABRIEL ON THE 5TH DAY, WHEN HE WAS TRANSFERRED BACK TO THE SHELTER. HE STILL HAS A BAG OF MEDICINE HE HAS TO TAKE AROUND THE CLOCK. HE MAY HAVE BEEN BLINDED IN ONE EYE, AND WILL RECEIVE FOLLOW UP CARE WITH AN EYE SPECIALIST. HE ROAD FROM THE SHELTER ON A LAP, AND WAS PERFECT THE ENTIRE TRIP TO OUR PRIMARY ANIMAL HOSPITAL IN ROCKVILLE, MD. THE COMPASSIONATE AND CAPABLE STAFF FED HIM AND GAVE HIM A WARM, SAFE PLACE IN THE KENNEL, AWAY FROM ALL THE NOISE. TODAY, THEY GAVE HIM A SOOTHING BATH AND GROOMED HIS GORGEOUS COAT. IT WAS REPORTED THAT THEY COULD SEE THE BRUISING BEHIND HIS EARS WHEN THEY WERE BATHING HIM. HE WAS HIT WITH SO MUCH RAGE THAT IT ALSO BRUISED HIS TENDER SKIN! HIS EYES ARE STILL A BIT BLOOD SHOT, AND ONE HAS A BLOOD CLOT, BUT WE ARE HOPEFUL THAT IT WILL RESOLVE WITH THE MEDICINE HE IS CURRENTLY BEING GIVEN. HE WILL REMAIN AT THE VET HOSPITAL FOR ANOTHER DAY, AND WILL THEN BE TRANSFERRED TO HIS EXPERIENCED FOSTER HOME.

GABRIEL WILL STILL NEED TO BE VACCINATED, HEARTWORM TESTED, AND NEUTERED. HE WILL BE ON OPTHAMALIC MEDICINES INDEFINITELY. WE DO NOT KNOW IF HE WILL HAVE TO HAVE ANY FURTHER SURGERIES RESULTING FROM THE BEATING HE ENDURED. HE WILL NEED SPECIALITY CARE UNTIL WE CAN DETERMINE HOW MUCH HIS EYE SIGHT HAS BEEN AFFECTED.WE DO KNOW THAT HE DOES NOT APPEAR TO HAVE ANY BRAIN DAMAGE. HE IS THE SWEETEST DOG, WHO HAS A VERY CALM PERSONALITY, AND SEEMS TO LIKE BOTH BIG AND LITTLE DOGS, AS WELL AS PEOPLE. HE ENJOYS HIS GOOD FOOD, AND LIKES TO "BURROW" A NEST FOR SLEEPING. HE IS A PERFECT GENTLEMAN, AND A WONDERFUL AMBASSADOR FOR HIS BREED, AND FOR RESCUE.

MMR WILL BE COVERING ALL OF HIS MEDICAL BILLS. WE ARE ASKING FOR HELP FROM OUR COMMUNITY AND RESCUE FRIENDS AS WE CONTINUE TO REHABILITATE THIS WONDERFUL BOY. IF YOU ARE ABLE, ANY AMOUNT OF MONETARY DONATION WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATED. YOU CAN DONATE VIA OUR WEB SITE AT WWW.MUTTSMATTERRESUCE.COM BY CLICKING ON THE "DONATE NOW" BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM ON OUR HOME PAGE. IF YOU CANNOT DONATE, GOOD WISHES ARE HAPPILY ACCEPTED. IF YOU CAN POST THIS STORY TO YOUR FACEBOOK PAGE, OR OTHER RESCUE SITES, WE WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE THAT, AS WELL. WE REALLY WANT TO GET THE WORD OUT NOT ONLY TO HELP US WITH HIS MEDICAL CARE, BUT TO ALSO SHARE HIS STORY. THIS IS WHAT CAN HAPPEN WHEN A COMMUNITY WORKS TOGETHER TO RIGHT A WRONG.

I LOVE YOU GABRIEL....

Farewell to Nikki (Zoey)

2011-01-08T08:08:00.000-08:00

Several months ago, I drove to the NC border to pick a "throw away" breeder dog named Zoey.

There was a puppymill raid in SC, and all the other dogs got a rescue-except this poor girl. Nobody wanted her. What they saw was a mange infested, emaciated, older bulldog. What I saw was potential. What I saw, was a loving girl who needed someone to believe that her life mattered. And so off I went....to pick up poor Zoey. We decided to rename her Nikki...

Nikki was a 5-6 year old bully who was used for breeding over, and over, and over again. She was practically breed to death. The people that ran the mill, allowed her skin to become infected with mites and so she was practically bald when I got her.

Once I drove her back to Montgomery Animal Hospital where she was vetted, we found out more on her medical condition; Things that had gone untreated for God knows how long.

She had mange, mites, worms, a raging ear infection, yeast all over her feet, some rotted teeth, scabs everywhere...she was a mess. And so we/the vets/ the foster family, all had a lot of work ahead of us to get her well. We spared no expense in getting her well.

As time went on, Nikki made improvements. She went into a foster home that nursed her back to health. She was getting daily medicated baths, and all the meds she needed. Her hair was starting to grow back in. She was getting love, she was getting care, and she was becoming the dog she was always meant to be. The dog she DESERVED to be...

This is Nikki the day I picked her up. Sad, emaciated, and broken spirited.

In my car, I put a big soft bed down for her and gave her a bone to chew on. She had probably never had a bully stick before-or a bed.

After a few months, once we felt she was well enough, Nikki was adopted out to a forever home. But after a few months, they brought her back saying her medical conditions were just too much for them to handle. She had regressed as the family did not keep up with her daily baths and Ivermectin treatments. This was a huge let down to all of us. The last thing this poor dog needed was to regress in her care. Needless to say, we were all furious and upset. But I remembered the foster mom who had nursed her back to health, Shelly Bloodsworth, say to me the day she went to her forever home, that if she ever came back into our rescue, she would take her back. So back she went to the foster family that truly loved and cared for her. She was back where she belonged. And so she got well again. Shelly and Mike took excellent care of her and loved and adored her. Nikki's foster family fell in love with her. And so they had decided they were going to adopt her. She was meant to be with them.

All of us were so happy because we knew how much they loved and cared for her. She was a different dog in their care. She was the picture of health. We made her the center of our MMR holiday cards this year. She was an ambassador to what rescue is all about. Taking what's broken, and fixing it. She exemplified that. She was a survivor.

Yesterday morning, Nikki's foster parents brought her into the vets to have a routine dental done. As she walked through the door of the office, she collapsed. She was rushed back and given oxygen. She was fine. They though it may have been a seizure. But to be sure, we took her to a cardiologist a few hours later to check her heart. After hours of waiting and tests, they couldn't find anything wrong with her heart. They thought maybe she fainted or that she had a small tumor somewhere. Regardless, whatever it was that caused it, could not be identified. And so off Nikki went, back home with her foster family.

She rode in the car and was happy as could be. When she got home she was fine for a while. But then she went to the back door to go outside, and collapsed again. Shelly rushed her to the ER and gave her CPR on the way. By the time she got to the vet and was given oxygen, she was already near death. The doctor suggested letting her go since the amount of oxygen she lost to her brain would have caused brain damage. But Nikki must have know that a decision like that was one that we were not prepared to make. We didn't want to let her to go. So she made it for us. She stopped breathing and crossed over the rainbow bridge.

I have cried today. I cried last night. I cry for her and I cry for all the other dogs out there still living the life that Nikki had. This needless suffering has to end.

Nikki was an angel on earth. She brought a lot of joy into our lives, and touched everyone she met. Now Nikki's wings are real.

I saw you pass away. Although I loved you dearly, I couldn't make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hardworking hands at rest. God broke my heart to prove to me, he only takes the best. Heaven is lucky. I will miss you every day.

RIP SWEET ANGEL

A HOMELESS DOG'S CHRISTMAS WISH

2010-12-22T15:00:00.000-08:00

Everywhere - Children dream of stockings packed with goodies and big boxes filled with the latest and greatest toys. A homeless dog dreams of one thing - being loved.

That sentiment is what drives animal rescuers to find homes for the thousands of shelter pets across the nation. We want simply and beautifully, the obvious - what every dog lover knows in their heart, to end the suffering and homeless of dogs throughout the US. Dogs want to be loved. They want to be scratched behind the ears, taken for walks, or sitting by the side of the person that they love.

Every dog sitting behind the bars of a kennel door wants the very same thing - the simple pleasure and comfort of being loved. This holiday season, consider donating to your local shelter or rescue.

Tis' the season of giving. Don't forget those less fortunate this time of year; Especially our furry friends.

http://www.muttsmatterrescue.com/

A HOMELESS DOGS CHRISTMAS PRAYER

2010-12-06T05:50:00.000-08:00

Tis' the night before Christmas

and all through the town,

every shelter is full -

we are lost, but not found,

Our numbers are hung

on our kennels so bare,

we hope every minute

that someone will care,

They’ll come to adopt us

and give us the call,

“Come here, Max and Sparkie -

come fetch your new ball!!

But now we sit here

and think of the days…

we were treated so fondly -

we had cute, baby ways,

Once we were little,

then we grew and we grew

now we’re no longer young

and we’re no longer new.

So out the back door

we were thrown like the trash,

they reacted so quickly -

why were they so rash?

We “jump on the children,

“don’t come when they call”,

we “bark when they leave us”,

climb over the wall.

We should have been neutered,

we should have been spayed,

now we suffer the consequence

of the errors THEY made.

If only they’d trained us,

if only we knew…

we’d have done what they asked us

and worshiped them, too.

We were left in the backyard,

or worse -let to roam-

now we’re tired and lonely

and out of a home.

They dropped us off here

and they kissed us good-bye…

“Maybe someone else will give you a try.”

So now here we are,

all confused and alone…

in a shelter with others

who long for a home.

The kind workers come through

with a meal and a pat,

with so many to care for,

they can’t stay to chat,

They move to the next kennel,

giving each of us cheer…

we know that they wonder

how long we’ll be here.

We lay down to sleep

and sweet dreams fill our heads…

of a home filled with love

and our own cozy beds.

Then we wake to see

sad eyes brimming with tears -

our friends filled with emptiness,

worry, and fear.

If you can’t adopt us

and there’s no room at the Inn -

could you help with the bills

and fill our food bin?

We count on your kindness

each day of the year -

can you give more than hope

to everyone here?

Please make a donation

to pay for the heat…

and help get us something

special to eat.

The shelter that cares for us

wants us to live,

and more of us will,

if more people will give.

# # #

Meet Gabriel

2010-12-02T05:55:00.000-08:00

Friends, Family, and Supporters-

Meet Gabriel. He is the most stunning pekinese most of us have ever seen. His physical beauty is only surpassed by that of his soul and spirit. He came to our rescue on november 29, 2010 after surviving an ordeal that, had it been inflicted on a human, would have resulted in charges of attempted murder against the person who caused this "angel" such suffering, sadness and pain. He was given the name gabriel, not only because of his wonderful, soulful personality, but also in homage to the angels that must have been watching over him.

Gabriel is 2 1/2 years old. He was brought into an urban shelter with blood coming from his mouth, ears and eyes. His face was so swollen, he could not open his eyes. His brain was swelling from the trauma. We believe he was barely conscious upon arrival. His "owner" said their daughter had beat him with a bat. They brought no vaccination records. He was not neutered. He was horribly matted. He was very underweight. His toenails were curling under and growing into his foot pads.

They gave no further information. They calmly left their pet at the shelter. No remorse. No grief. No punishment. We have no way of verifying their story.

Fortunately for Gabriel, the shelter knew he was critical and sent him to the emergency vet facility, where he stayed for about 4 days. The shelter sent out a plea for help, and MMR was the first to step up. We are so grateful to this shelter for the life saving care they authorized for Gabriel; Especially with a very small medical budget. We came to pick up Gabriel on the 5th day, when he was transferred back to the shelter. He still has a bag of medicine he has to take around the clock. He may have been blinded in one eye, and will receive follow up care with an eye specialist. He rode from the shelter on a lap, and was perfect the entire trip to our primary animal hospital, Montgomery Animal Hospital in Rockville, Md. The compassionate and capable staff fed him and gave him a warm, safe place in the kennel, away from all the noise. Today, they gave him a soothing bath and groomed his gorgeous coat. It was reported that they could see the bruising behind his ears when they were bathing him. He was hit with so much rage that it also bruised his tender skin! His eyes are still a bit blood shot, and one has a blood clot, but we are hopeful that it will resolve with the medicine he is currently being given. He will remain at the vet hospital for another day, and will then be transferred to his experienced foster home.

Gabriel will still need further medical care. He will be on opthamalic medicines indefinitely. We do not know if he will have to have any further surgeries resulting from the beating he endured. He will need speciality care until we can determine how much of his eye sight has been affected.

We do know that he does not appear to have any brain damage. He is a very sweet dog, who has a very calm personality and seems to like both big and little dogs, as well as people. He enjoys his good food, and likes to "burrow" a nest for sleeping. He is a perfect gentleman, and a wonderful ambassador for his breed, and for rescue.

Mutts Matter Rescue will be covering all of his medical bills. We are asking for help from our community and rescue friends as we continue to rehabilitate this wonderful boy. If you are able, any amount of monetary donation would greatly appreciated. You can donate via our web site at http://www.muttsmatterrescue.com/ by clicking on the "donate now" button at the bottom on our home page. If you cannot donate, good wishes are happily accepted. If you can post this story to your facebook page, or other rescue sites, we would greatly appreciate that, as well. We really want to get the word out not only to help us with his medical care, but to also share his story. This is what can happen when a community works together to right a wrong.

Thank you for your support!

Melanie Samet

Some before and after moments....

2010-11-21T13:45:00.000-08:00

Running a rescue can be quite emotionally draining. But there is alot of upside too. The rewards are seeing the successes. Looking into the eyes of a dog that was once broken inside, now living a life filled with love and happiness. I have attached some before and after pictures. These are the moments that remind me of why I continue doing what I do everyday. These are just a few. To date, we will have saved over 250 dogs this year. Next year we want to triple that!

This is Tinkerbell...before at the shelter, and now below.

This is Lulu with her wonderful new family. There were no "before photos since her prior "owners" didn't think enough of her to give her even that.
This is Marshall. He was one of our embedded collar dogs. He lived his life on the end of a chain. He now lives on several acres in with his brothers and lives the life off of a chain.

This is Precious. She came out of a shelter in PG Co. She was limping and in a lot of pain. We came to find out that he leg was literally hanging off. It was from someone picking her up by the leg and they dislocated it. So we amputated it and freed her of the pain she was in. She now lives in Pikesville, MD where she is adored and loved tremendously.

These are a few examples. This is what makes me say I'm thankful this year at the Thanksgiving table. (among other things)

More on a shelter dogs life....

2010-11-09T05:51:00.000-08:00

My name is "worthless mutt" even though I have also been called "Dumb Dog", "Flea Bag" or more recently "adult mixed breed" and I'm a stray dog who was found by an animal control officer when I was trying to find ...food in somebody's garbage can. I'm starving, skinny and scared. I'm 2 years old, and my whole life was spent in the backyard of my owner's house, chained to a tree. One day my owner didn't want me anymore and left me on the side of the road. I tried to chase after him in the car, but he was too fast and I almost got hit. I'm not that beautiful. I'm a pitbull mix like most of the other dogs here.

My ears are flea bitten and you can count all my ribs. Most people will pass me by because of my emaciated body and my breed's reputation. I know it's time for me to go to heaven and I accept this. I will die with dignity... but apart of me still secretly wishes a kind hearted person would stop at my cage for once and pick me to go home with them. Some of the other dogs talk about having warm beds to sleep in, and bowls full of food everday. They talk about how they miss their owners and being pet, belly rubs, scratches behind the ears, playing fetch and going for walks to the park. I wish I had a home with these things. I wish I had at least had an owner who loved me enough to take care of me, then I could die knowing, at least, I was loved at some point. I want to be loved so badly. But everyone keeps walking by, glancing at me and shaking their heads. If someone would just give me a chance I would be the best dog ever. I would love them forever and be eternally greatful. Since I have been here, more and more dogs disappear and new ones have come in. I heard one shelter worker say I will be next if no one adopts me by tomorrow. They say it won't hurt and I shouldn't be scared. There will be angels in heaven that will meet me at the rainbow bridge...I guess they mean, since I have no one to wait for, but I still wish... I know a large pitbull mix like me shouldn't have hope in a place like this, but I can't help it. I feel there is someone out there who will love me, I just hope they come in time because my time is almost up and I am scared.

The Annual Rehobeth Beach Halloween Doggie Parade

2010-11-01T15:56:00.000-07:00

Had an awesome time at the parade this weekend in Rehobeth Beach, DE. Got to catch up with our wonderful friends, and enjoy the doggies. It was a nice break from the grind of rescue. Most of the time I am writing about the heartaches and trials and tribulations of rescue. I thought I would savor the memory of a nice weekend with some great shots. I just loved seeing the parade. I also got to hang out at the kissing booth for bulldog rescue. I just can't stay away from the flat faced dogs.

Aren't these costumes great?

Of course I had to take the peke! She was a chicken.

I love dogs.

Please don't forget about the older dogs at the shelter still waiting.....

2010-10-19T17:11:00.001-07:00

One by One, they pass by my cage,

Too old, too worn, too broken, no way.
Way past his time, he can't run and play.
Then they shake their heads slowly and go on their way

A little old man, arthritic and sore,
It seems I am not wanted anymore.
I once had a home, I once had a bed,
A place that was warm, and where I was fed.

Now my muzzle is grey, and my eyes slowly fail.
Who wants a dog so old and so frail?
My family decided I didn't belong,
I got in their way, my attitude was wrong.
Whatever excuse they made in their head,
Can't justify how they left me for dead.
Now I sit in this cage, where day after day,
The younger dogs get adopted and driven away.

When I had almost come to the end of my rope,
You saw my face, and I finally had hope.
You saw thru the grey, and the legs bent with age,
And felt I still had life beyond this cage.

You took me home, gave me food and a bed,
And shared your own pillow with my poor tired head.
We snuggle and play, and you talk to me low,
You love me so dearly, you want me to know.

I may have lived most of my life with another,
But you outshine them with a love so much stronger.
And I promise to return all the love I can give,
To you, my dear person, as long as I live.

I may be with you for a week, or for years,
We will share many smiles, you will no doubt shed tears.
And when the time comes that God deems I must leave,
I know you will cry and your heart, it will grieve.

And when I arrive at the Bridge, all brand new,
My thoughts and my heart will still be with you.
And I will brag to all who will hear,
Of the person who made my last days so dear

author unknown

Why we love our dogs....

2010-10-17T17:11:00.000-07:00

A man and his dog were walking along a road. The man was enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to him that he was dead. He remembered dying, and that the dog walking beside him had been dead for years. He wondered where the road was leading them.

After a while, they came to a high, white stone wall along one side of the road. It looked like fine marble. At the top of a long hill, it was broken by a tall arch that glowed in the sunlight.

When he was standing before it, he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked like mother-of-pearl, and the street that led to the gate looked like pure gold. He and the dog walked toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man at a desk to one side.'Excuse me!' he called to the man. 'Do you have any water?'

Yeah, sure, there's a pump over there, come on in.' 'How about my friend here?' the traveler gestured to the dog. 'There should be a bowl by the pump,' said the man. They went through the gate, and sure enough, there was an old-fashioned hand pump with a bowl beside it. The traveler filled the water bowl and took a long drink himself, and then he gave some to the dog. When they were full, he and the dog walked back toward the man who was standing by the tree. 'What do you call this place?' the traveler asked. 'This is Heaven,' he answered. 'Well, that's confusing,' the traveler said. 'The man down the road said that was Heaven, too.' 'Oh, you mean the place with the gold street and pearly gates? Nope. That's hell.'
'Doesn't it make you mad for them to use your name like that?' 'No, we're just happy that they screen out the folks who would leave their best friends behind.'

So now you see, sometimes we wonder why friends keep forwarding stuff to us without writing a word. When you are very busy, but still want to keep in touch, guess what you do. You forward mails. When you have nothing to say, but still want to keep in contact, you forward jokes. When you have something to say, but don't know what, and don't know how.... you forward stuff. A 'forward' lets you know that you are remembered, you are important, you are
loved, you are cared for. Next time you get a 'forward,' don't think that you've been sent just another forwarded joke, but that you've been thought of today and your friend, me, on the other end of your computer wanted to send you a smile. AND you are welcome at my water bowl any time!

A follow up to the Michael Vick Case

2010-09-28T06:40:00.000-07:00

I just started reading a fascinating book by Jim Gorant called, The Lost Dogs-The Michael Vick dogs and their story of rescue and redemption. I know the story about what happened has been told over and over. It can't be told enough as far as I'm concerned. I know that God says we should forgive, but I just can't in this situation. When I read the first two chapters of this book, it told it from the standpoint of someone who was actually at the fights and was involved with what happened to these poor dogs. And although I have seen videos, it is something you never ever get used to seeing or reading about. This barbaric blood sport is beyond cruel. People that do it or participate,or attend, should be put in jail for life. OR better yet, let their punishment be the same as their crime. Let's electrocute and drown them. Or make them fight to their death against their will....

But that is not what this blog is about today. It is about the dogs that DID make it out of there. One dog has gone on to be atherapy dogs. Most live normal lives in homes with children and are loved for the first time in their lives. 47 of the 51 dogs made it out. This book shows what happened to the dogs that did make it out. I suggest this book to anyone interest in learning what happened to these great dogs. Here is a link to an interview they did on the book and the Vick dogs last week. A great read and a happy beginning for these deserving dogs.

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=6884146n&tag=related%3Bphotovideo.

Just remember, The "fighting dog" has few friends.

They live lives of brutality and unspeakable cruelty at the hands of those who gamble on their deaths, while betrayal and death await them at "humane" societies if they are "rescued".

These animals are victims of cruelty. Help end this ugly sport and fight BSL.

These dogs deserve a chance like any other. Their only crime was being born a pitbull.

Don't support "humane" groups that don't include these dogs in their circle of compassion.

Read more about the Vick dogs by reading this book.
http://www.thelostdogsbook.com/bio_contact/

Remember Nico, the deaf Dogo Argentino?

2010-09-14T05:53:00.000-07:00

Update: Nico, the deaf shelter dog whose photo inspired online rescue community, has a new home in Indiana

Last year, Janet Kinosian shared the story of Nico, a shelter dog who was rescued through the efforts of Southern California rescuers and a community of animal-loving Facebook users. Since then, Nico's story has gotten even better; here, Kinosian fills us in on what's been going on in the life of this hard-luck dog who became one of the luckiest couch potatoes in Indiana.

Remember Nico, the defeated deaf white Dogo Argentino at South Los Angeles animal shelter -- who moved so many people with the sad photo of him first posted on Facebook? Nico, the forlorn animal who evoked the agony and utter defeat so many discarded animals must experience? Well, it's a joy to update you on Nico's life.

Just look at these two photos before and after: Can this possibly be the same animal?

Photos like the one on at the top aren't anything new on the Web: Tens of thousands flood Facebook alone on a daily basis. What was different about Nico's photo, though, was what it captured: the loneliness of an animal that lay against the shelter's wall full of sadness, seeming to have lost all hope. That only spurred on Southern California rescuers.
And that's where the photo below it comes in.
Things have worked out well for Nico SwanGarris. That's his new name and he lives now with his two moms and new sister, Brisby, a pit bull mix who is also deaf and white, in Indiana. He still loves balls, baths and life as a major couch potato, says Bridget Swan, who, with her partner Melissa, adopted Nico in November 2009.
Last August, Southern California animal rescuer Nikki Audet first posted Nico's photo on Facebook, and Kelley Gibson, a rescuer and animal transporter based in a San Diego, helped get him to the Hamilton County Humane Society in Indianapolis. Nico likely didn't know how lucky a hand he'd been dealt.

He quickly went through training to help him with issues resulting from his deafness and teach him how to navigate in a world of sound. His bumps and nicks and battle scars were attended to. He was happy and safe when Bridget and Melissa decided they wanted to adopt a dog, and Bridget's friend said she should see this dog at the local humane society.
Swan remembers that, at first, the animal agency was a bit wary of her adopting Nico. She didn't understand why until she was clued in by shelter staff that Nico was a bit of a celebrity and they wanted to make sure she was adopting him for the right reasons.
These days Nico walks in parades with his new moms, “loves to sit up close on your feet so he knows when you are walking away,” says Swan, and “in general is 100% low-key. He'll get a wild hair in him once in a while, but he's a mellow guy, and he deserves it after all he went through back then. He just loves people -- despite whatever was done to him -- and gives lots of kisses. He's very generous and free with his kisses. He's just so dependent on us, and he likes to hang with you 24/7.”

Nico has had one setback: A cancerous tumor was discovered and removed shortly after his adoption. Recently, Swan and Garris learned that the cancer has returned, but they remain optimistic about his future. "We are attempting a holistic approach so that we can hopefully avoid an ear amputation," Swan says. "We know that he will beat this just like all the other terrible things he has put up with in the past. He is a loving fighter and is strong."
According to Swan, finding toys for Nico can be a bit of a problem, as he loves and chews up Kongs, bones and anything he can wrap his canines around. He also has hundreds of fans on Facebook who hear about his daily happenings and send him messages of love and support.
Asked what Nico might say now that he's safe and sound, Swan replies: “The main message is this: Just because it's a cute small dog or puppy doesn't mean it'll be your best companion. Go for the downtrodden, defeated dogs, look at the underdog, because they will give you all their love and gratitude and forever be grateful you literally saved their life.”
So this soulful, special dog, once full of sadness, now lives out the good life in the Midwest. It's the happy story ending all dog rescuers wish for but often don't always see -- though every animals deserve nothing less. We're wishing Nico a happy, healthy and cancer-free future!

Reprint courtesy of **Janet Kinosian-Voice of the Voiceless

Shelter Dogs-Buying vs Adoptiong

2010-09-13T16:44:00.001-07:00

If I stated that I had just returned from a country that manufactured 20,000 "widgets" a day, even though they had hundreds of thousands of widgets sitting in the warehouse, and then also daily destroyed 16,000 widgets because there was no more room to store them, you would think I had visited a nation of backward morons. That is ecactly what is happening in this country every day, except the widgets are living beings who often suffer horribly before having their lives prematurely ended --Kris King

These dogs did not make it out.

Free at last...

2010-08-31T13:39:00.000-07:00

Some times in rescue, there are harder cases to handle than others. Sometimes there are images that forever haunt your dreams. Alex is one of those dogs. I do try and keep it together, but every now and then there is one that breaks you and reminds you that we still have a long way to go in fighting animal cruelty, homelessness, and suffering. Alex is one of those cases. This actually happened in July, but it took me a while to write even a brief blurb about it without feeling filled with saddness. The pain and suffering this dog must have suffered is beyond my comprehension. I want to know WHY this happened and how so many saw this and did nothing. Mutts Matter actually sent a rescue offer in for Alex, but thankfully a local rescue got to him. Sadly, it was not soon enough. His medical state was dire. He was emaciated, full of tumors, had mange, and his organs were slowly shutting down. This dog suffered a long and painful life, until death.I would like to say the photo below is his "before" photo. But sadly, he lived and died this way.

I received an update on him just a few days after he was pulled. ALEX WAS DOING WELL DURING THE NIGHT AND EVEN WALKED OUTSIDE TO DO HIS BUSINESS. THE VET CLINIC SAID DURING THE EARLY MORNING HOURS HIS BODY TEMPERATURE STARTED TO DROP. THEY GAVE HIM HEATED BLANKETS AND PADS. SADLY HE SLIPPED AWAY TO THE RAINBOW BRIDGE AT 8:30am. I WOULD LIKE TO THINK AFTER A LIFE LONG ABUSE AND NEGLECT SITUATION AND 8 DAYS IN A DOG POUND HE WAS SO COMFORTED BY LOVING PEOPLE AND WARM BLANKETS TO LAY ON. HE TOOK COMFORT AND SLIPPED AWAY IN HIS SLEEP. HIS REMAINS WILL BE BROUGHT BACK TO SAINT FRANCIS AND BURIED WITH ALL THE DOGS AND HORSES THAT WE HAVE LOVED.

It is cases like this that make me want to fight even harder to help animals in need. I will continue helping and fighting until my last breath on earth. Until then, rest in peace Alex. We fight for you...

Lib·erty (lib′ər tē) freedom or release from slavery, imprisonment, captivity, or any other form of arbitrary control

Updates at MMR

2010-08-23T19:23:00.001-07:00

I haven't had much time to blog. Between rescue, transports, applications, and owner surrenders-well there just isn't enough time in the day to blog about rescue. I am living it every day. I just thought I would post some photos of some of our dogs that have recently come in, and the ones that have been around for a while, along with some updates.

Below are some photos of Zoey. Remember Zoey? She was our English Bulldog that came out of the puppymill in NC. I drove to the VA/NC border to get her. She was a mess. Sad and broken on the inside and out..

The two photos above were taken in July when she first came into MMR. She has demodex mange and numerous health issues. She looks sad and she probably felt even worse. She lived the first few years in a cage as a breeder dog. No love, no vet care, just a breeding machine.

The photos above are Zoey now! Look at the amazing difference love and care can do. Her foster mom took these. Most of her hair has grown back and I think I can see a smile here. Can you? She is doing GREAT! So thank you to all that helped foster her and nurse her back to health. THIS is what rescue is about and what makes all the heartache worth it.

This little one above is Lil bit. She arrives on Wednesday from TN. I adopted her sister Shiloh.

Lil Bit will need a patient owner, and someone that understand shy dogs. She needs some confidence. She tends to flatten out when someone goes to pet her. She is just scared and needs to learn to trust. She is going to hang out here with me and our pack for a while.

I got the photos above from Ruby's foster mom Debbie. (thank you Debb) Ruby is the boxer we got out of a VA shelter. She is heartworm positive, but going for her last round of treatments next week. She is being fostered with several pugs and a Mastiff. She is still looking for a forever home and will make a wonderful addition and couch buddy. You can apply for her on our website at http://www.muttsmatterrescue.com/ I love that she is trying to squeeze into the pug bed in the bottom photo :-) She will need to go to someone with boxer experience.

Last but CERTAINLY not least is our adorable Oreo. Oreo came out of Athens, GA. His mom was used for dog fighting. Oreo (we think) was used as bait b/c he wouldn't fight. He came in covered with bad scarring all over him. He was also terrified and would shake and flatten himself when people came near him. But he has made remarkable strides thanks to his wonderful foster family. These kinds of cases need experienced pitty fosters. So we were lucky we had someone to help us with him. He is now trusting of people and really enjoying his foster family. He is even playing with toys now. Look how adorable he is. Oreo is looking for his forever home still. Sadly, pitbulls are so misunderstood and therefore usually stay in rescue longer than most of our other dogs. Pits are usually some of the sweetest dogs. I hope someone will open their heart to this wonderful dog soon. He deserves a chance..but then again, they all do.

The USDA and Puppymills

2010-08-17T05:26:00.000-07:00

Many have heard of the USDA (it’s stamped on organic food labels, meat labels, and other everyday grocery store items), and many have heard of puppy mills. But the fact that puppy mills are regulated by the USDA is a little-known fact to most people.

The US Department of Agriculture seems like a strange entity to be in charge of regulating the puppy industry, but that’s how it works. To be clearer, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) is the arm of the USDA in charge of regulating puppy mills under the Animal Welfare Act. There are currently 5,913 dog breeders and brokers with USDA licenses. People often wonder whether there is a list of all the puppy mills in the country. Well, the USDA is the first place to look.

In April, Oprah Winfrey aired an hour-long show about puppy mills, and the same day, the USDA published a FAQ on animal dealers. Note the paragraph to the right—the first frequently asked question: “who regulates puppy mills?” Answer: the USDA.
**Note that the USDA has since changed the language to read Who regulates commercial dog breeders?

What many people also don’t realize is that under the Freedom of Information Act, we are all entitled to view not just a breeder’s name and address, but their inspection reports are included as well. Curious about a breeder? Order their inspection reports.

What’s NOT inspected by the USDA?
-Retail pet stores. The USDA only regulates the supply end—the breeders.
-Puppy sales on the Internet, classified ads, flea markets. NO regulation
-Small-scale breeders who have three or fewer breeding female dogs. NO regulation

70 inspectors for 10,000 facilities
In addition to inspecting and watching over commercial dog kennels, APHIS inspectors are also in charge of inspecting research facilities, zoos and circuses, airport terminals—they are in charge of inspecting the care, handling and housing of everything from dogs to dolphins. This document, published on APHIS’ website, has this to say about the inspectors themselves:

“[Animal Care] inspectors receive special training in the proper care of marine mammals, exotic animals, and animals used in research. Inspectors also receive extensive training in how to conduct inspections at airport terminals, zoos, and commercial animal breeding facilities, among others. APHIS currently has more than 70 AC inspectors in the United States, who are strategically placed where regulated facilities are located.”

The total number of active licensed facilities listed on the APHIS website is 9,883. At first glance, seventy inspectors for nearly 10,000 facilities sounds like a miniscule number of people doing a colossal job but if you do the math, it adds up to about one facility per day per inspector.

What compliance means with the AWA
It’s important to note exactly what inspectors are looking for when they arrive at a USDA licensed kennel. Their job is to make sure breeders are adhering to the minimum standards set forth by the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). They can look at a facility with hundreds of dogs in small cages, desperate for human attention, and note no violations.

That’s because the AWA does nothing to ensure dogs are happy, or live a quality life. It’s not written into the regulations, and therefore is not something the USDA enforces. Here are some quick facts about the minimum standards set forth by the USDA:
-Inspections are “Risk-based,” meaning that facilities that meet a certain criteria are inspected “as seldom as once every 2 to 3 years.” (source)
-Cage size: must be 6 inches larger than the size of the dog, on all sides
-Up to 12 dogs can be housed in one cage
-Dogs never have to be let out of their cages. Breeders only need to have an exercise plan
-There is no limit to the number dogs a breeder can have—many have over 1,000
-There is no age limit for breeding dogs. If a dog is able to produce puppies for ten years, that’s how long they could be in the facility

The US Department of Agriculture seems like a strange entity to be in charge of regulating the puppy industry, but that’s how it works. To be clearer, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) is the arm of the USDA in charge of regulating puppy mills under the Animal Welfare Act. There are currently 5,913 dog breeders and brokers with USDA licenses. People often wonder whether there is a list of all the puppy mills in the country. Well, the USDA is the first place to look....

2010-08-13T07:17:00.001-07:00

Help us help Zoey!!

The Pets "Bill of Rights"

2010-08-12T12:32:00.001-07:00

1.) We Have the Right to be Full Members of Your Family.. We Thrive on Social Interaction, Praise & Love.

2.) We Have the Right to Stimulation.. We Need New Experiences, Games, Toys, & New Smells to be Happy.
3.) We Have the Right to Regular Exercise.. Without it, We could become Hyper & Sluggish.

4.) We Have the Right to Quality Health Care.. Please Stay Good Friends with Our Vet.

5.) We Have the Right to Have Fun.. We Enjoy Acting like Clowns now & then; Don't Expect Us to be Predictable ALL The Time.
6.) We Have the Right to a Good Diet.. Like some People, We don't know what's Best for Us - We Depend on YOU.

7.) We Have the Right NOT TO BE REJECTED Because of Your Expectation that We Be Great Show Dogs, (or Cats) Watchdogs, Hunters, or Baby-Sitters.

8.) We Have the Right to Receive Proper Training.. Otherwise Our Good Relationship could be Marred by Confusion & Strife - We could become Dangerous to Ourselves & Others.
9.) We Have the Right to Guidance & Correction.. Based on UNDERSTANDING & COMPASSION - Rather than Abuse.
10.) We Have the Right to LIVE WITH DIGNITY.. (and to Die with Dignity when the Time Comes.

PETS: PART OF THE FAMILY

** Dogs shown are Tyson and Bear-both new rescues to Mutts Matter

Dear God....

2010-08-11T07:29:00.000-07:00

Dear God, please send me someone who'll care;

I'm tired of running, I'm sick with despair;

My body is aching; it's so racked with pain.

And, dear God, I pray as I run in the rain

That someone will love me and give me a home,

A warm cozy bed and a big juicy bone.

My last owner tied me all day in the yard;

Sometimes with no water; and, God, that was hard!

So I chewed my leash, God; and I ran away,

To rummage in garbage; and live as a stray.

But now, God, I'm tired; and hungry and cold

And I'm, Oh, so afraid; that I'll never grow old.

They've chased me with sticks, hit me with stones,

While I run the streets; just looking for bones.

I'm not really bad, God, please help if you can

For I have become just another; "victim of man!"

I'm wormy, dear God; and I'm ridden with fleas

And all I ever wanted was an owner to please.

If you find one for me, God, I'll try to be good;

I wont chew their shoes; and I'll do as I should.

I'll love them, protect them, and try to obey

When they tell me to sit; to lie down or to stay!

I don't think I'll make it, too long on my own

Cause I'm getting so weak; and I'm, Oh, so alone.

Each night, as I sleep in the bushes, I cry

Cause I'm so afraid, God, that I'm gonna die.

I've got so much love and devotion to give

That I should be given a new chance to live.

So, dear God, please, oh please, answer my prayer;

And send me to somebody who will really care.

Between 9-11 Million Animals Die Every Year!

2010-08-09T07:25:00.001-07:00

There are approximately 45 cats and dogs for every person born.

Only 1 out of 10 dogs born ever get a home.

Only 1 out of 12 cats born ever find a home.

Approximately 800 dogs & cats are KILLED each HOUR in the United States, because there are not enough homes for them!

PLEASE SPAY AND NEUTER!

Wish We Had Gotten To You Sooner

2010-08-06T07:01:00.000-07:00

When I returned from the beach Tuesday night, I had hundreds of email requests for help from various shelters; Mostly in GA and SC. I got to them too late. Friday's are the day most shelters euthanize. So in memory of those I could not help "Hope & Prayers for ALL Kill Shelter Animals We Are Trying to SAVE, & Rememberence for ALL those We Could Not :( You Deserved So Much More R.I.P. ):

"Courage does not always Roar.. Sometimes it is a quiet voice at the end of the day saying.. 'I will try again tomorrow'

In Memory...

A Pet's Ten Commandments..

2010-07-28T17:26:00.000-07:00

A PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS.........

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

~Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without God's critters.

~Now please pass this on to other pet owners. We do not have to wait for Heaven, to be surrounded by hope, love, and joyfulness. It is here on earth and has four legs!

Letter from a Shelter Manager

2010-07-21T08:06:00.000-07:00

I think our society needs a huge "Wake-up" call. As a shelter manager, I am going to share a little insight with you all...a view from the inside if you will.

First off, all of you breeders/sellers should be made to work in the "back" of an animal shelter for just one day. Maybe if you saw the life drain from a few sad, lost, confused eyes, you would change your mind about breeding and selling to people you don't even know.

That puppy you just sold will most likely end up in my shelter when it's not a cute little puppy anymore. So how would you feel if you knew that there's about a 90% chance that dog will never walk out of the shelter it is going to be dumped at? Purebred or not! About 50% of all of the dogs that are "owner surrenders" or "strays", that come into my shelter are purebred dogs.

The most common excuses I hear are; "We are moving and we can't take our dog (or cat)." Really? Where are you moving too that doesn't allow pets? Or they say "The dog got bigger than we thought it would". How big did you think a German Shepherd would get? "We don't have time for her". Really? I work a 10-12 hour day and still have time for my 6 dogs! "She's tearing up our yard". How about making her a part of your family? They always tell me "We just don't want to have to stress about finding a place for her we know she'll get adopted, she's a good dog".

Odds are your pet won't get adopted & how stressful do you think being in a shelter is? Well, let me tell you, your pet has 72 hours to find a new family from the moment you drop it off. Sometimes a little longer if the shelter isn't full and your dog manages to stay completely healthy. If it sniffles, it dies. Your pet will be confined to a small run/kennel in a room with about 25 other barking or crying animals. It will have to relieve itself where it eats and sleeps. It will be depressed and it will cry constantly for the family that abandoned it. If your pet is lucky, I will have enough volunteers in that day to take him/her for a walk. If I don't, your pet won't get any attention besides having a bowl of food slid under the kennel door and the waste sprayed out of its pen with a high-powered hose. If your dog is big, black or any of the "Bully" breeds (pit bull, rottie, mastiff, etc) it was pretty much dead when you walked it through the front door.

Those dogs just don't get adopted. It doesn't matter how 'sweet' or 'well behaved' they are.

If your dog doesn't get adopted within its 72 hours and the shelter is full, it will be destroyed. If the shelter isn't full and your dog is good enough, and of a desirable enough breed it may get a stay of execution, but not for long . Most dogs get very kennel protective after about a week and are destroyed for showing aggression. Even the sweetest dogs will turn in this environment. If your pet makes it over all of those hurdles chances are it will get kennel cough or an upper respiratory infection and will be destroyed because shelters just don't have the funds to pay for even a $100 treatment.

Here's a little euthanasia 101 for those of you that have never witnessed a perfectly healthy, scared animal being "put-down".

First, your pet will be taken from its kennel on a leash. They always look like they think they are going for a walk happy, wagging their tails. Until they get to "The Room", every one of them freaks out and puts on the brakes when we get to the door. It must smell like death or they can feel the sad souls that are left in there, it's strange, but it happens with every one of them. Your dog or cat will be restrained, held down by 1 or 2 vet techs depending on the size and how freaked out they are. Then a euthanasia tech or a vet will start the process. They will find a vein in the front leg and inject a lethal dose of the "pink stuff". Hopefully your pet doesn't panic from being restrained and jerk. I've seen the needles tear out of a leg and been covered with the resulting blood and been deafened by the yelps and screams. They all don't just "go to sleep", sometimes they spasm for a while, gasp for air and defecate on themselves.

When it all ends, your pets corpse will be stacked like firewood in a large freezer in the back with all of the other animals that were killed waiting to be picked up like garbage. What happens next? Cremated? Taken to the dump? Rendered into pet food? You'll never know and it probably won't even cross your mind. It was just an animal and you can always buy another one, right?

I hope that those of you that have read this are bawling your eyes out and can't get the pictures out of your head I deal with everyday on the way home from work.

I hate my job, I hate that it exists & I hate that it will always be there unless you people make some changes and realize that the lives you are affecting go much farther than the pets you dump at a shelter.

Between 9 and 11 MILLION animals die every year in shelters and only you can stop it. I do my best to save every life I can but rescues are always full, and there are more animals coming in everyday than there are homes.

My point to all of this DON'T BREED OR BUY WHILE SHELTER PETS DIE!

Hate me if you want to. The truth hurts and reality is what it is. I just hope I maybe changed one persons mind about breeding their dog, taking their loving pet to a shelter, or buying a dog. I hope that
someone will walk into my shelter and say "I saw this and it made me want to adopt". THAT WOULD MAKE IT WORTH IT

For those of you that care --- please repost this to at least one other person. Let's see if we can get this all around the World and have an impact.

JOIN US TONIGHT FOR OUR FIRST ANNUAL FUNDRAISER

2010-07-20T19:08:00.000-07:00

WHEN: TODAY, JULY 21ST FROM 5:30PM TO 9:00PM

WHERE: CADDIES ON CORDELL IN BETHESDA

WHO: MUTTS MATTER RESCUE

WHY: TO HELP RAISE $$ FOR OUR RESCUE DOGS

WHAT: A FUNDRAISER, FUN, DOOR PRIZES, A RAFFLE, AND MUTTINI'S (A DOGGIE VERSION OF THE MARTINI), ALL FOR A GOOD CAUSE

$5.00 at the door. A good cause and great people! HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL THERE.

LINK TO THE EVITE:

http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?inviteId=TMDEFORWXHFLPRGGYANG

I'm in love...AGAIN

2010-07-16T19:54:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I know I say this every time, but I really do mean it when I say it. I am in love....with Shilo. She is my new foster girl. I have always wanted a pug. What can I say, I love anything with a flat face. This girl happens to be exceptional. She is even tempered, good with other dogs, and soooo sweet. I just love her. I am thinking maybe God sent her to me as reward for all the rescues we've helped lately? I know I said I wasn't going to foster for a while because our house is on the market; But clearly I haven't been able to keep that promise. Anyway, just look at her and those pleading eyes. She is saying, "I want to live here with you and be your new furry baby"...

Check out her pics and let me know what ya think.

BUY GLASSES, SAVE DOGS....IT'S THAT SIMPLE

2010-07-13T17:14:00.001-07:00

For today only, July 14th, Eyesave.com is donating 5% of all of it's sales to Mutts Matter Rescue.

This special promotion is for today only!! The owners of Eyesave.com are friends and fellow dog lovers and want to help MMR. So today, please take a moment to look at the site and see if there is anything you might need (ok lets get real--anything you might WANT). They sell a huge array of sunglasses, readers and more AND the money earned can save a life. Buy glasses=save dogs! So please, go shopping for the dogs today.

Thank you!!

http://www.eyesave.com/private/email/7-12-10/email.html

Please write and demand justice....

2010-07-11T20:02:00.000-07:00

The pictures below are graphic and upsetting, but tell the sad story....

Just a dog...so they say...

...What about a life?...a living breathing creature...an animal capable of loving unconditionally...a gift from God...

On June 23, City Animal Control received a call about a dog at a residence in the city of Florence...they found a dead dog...in a small transport crate...in the hot sun...no water...over 100 degrees...

...the dog had been there for two days...someone had asked if they could move the dog to the shade...the owner refused...

...can you even imagine how that dog suffered???...to die in the hot sun...slowly...painfully...with no shade...with no water to help quench the terrible thirst...

...law enforcement was called...a warrant was signed...there will be a case before the judge July 23...

...our hearts should be broken over this...Mine is.....

...We need to be outraged...we need to demand justice...we need to cry out for compassion...we need to make sure that no animal is allowed to suffer like this...We need to SPEAK FOR THOSE WHO CANNOT...join me in this fight....spread the word about this dog...and the case that is coming against the owner...

....just a dog...they say...a precious life...I say...

...what do you say? We need to make an example of this man and send him to jail to honor the dogs all over the US that suffer like this everyday!

Even though this happened far from my home, it is close to alot of the shelters in the south that we work with. Trust me- they need all the help they can get to prosecute. Laws are not tough enough and enforced in a lot of the south. Below is the contact info for all the authorities involved in the case of the Florence, SC man who allowed this poor dog to suffer and die alone in a crate, in the summer heat with no water or shade. His hearing is scheduled for July 23. Please take a moment to contact the judge, police chief, Mayor, and local news media (information below) and ask that CHARLES BELL (owner of the dog) be given the MAXIMUM punishment and fine allowed by law; it's up to us to voice our sorrow and disgust over this needless act of neglect that cost the poor dog (we don't even know her name) it's very life, to try to prevent it from happening again & again & again. I don't know about you, but I have had enough; I am so tired of hearing these stories and I think it's time that the punishment fits the crime. Let's make sure CHARLES BELL does not walk away with just a slap on the wrist. Please be polite and professional in your communications with city officials and news media.

PLEASE CROSSPOST widely, and anyone in the Florence, SC area may want to be at the courthouse on July 23 for a peaceful demonstration.

Local contact is Jayne Boswell: boswell.jayne@gmail.com

City of Florence, SC---

Mayor Stephen Wukela (swukela@cityofflorence.com)

Chief of Police Anson Shells- 843-665-3191

Major Carlos Raines- Criminal Investigations Div: 843-665-3191

Judge Debbie Jackson- 843-665-3148

More information on the Police Department, City of Florence can be found at www.cityofflorence.com.

Address for the above names:

City of Florence

City-County Complex AA

180 North Irby Street

Florence, SC 29501-3456

Letters to the editor of the Morning News here in Florence would also be good! (go to www.scnow.com)

Thanks for your willingness to get involved!

More New Arrivals

2010-07-06T15:09:00.000-07:00

It's raining puppies.... We have lots of them that need homes. I have posted some pictures below so you can see some of our latest and greatest. To apply for one of these angels, go to our site at www.muttsmatterrescue.com. Thanks for the support!

Phoenix Man Arrested After Dog Found Taking Its Last Breath

2010-06-27T14:41:00.000-07:00

It's too hot for any dog to be outside in this heat. It only takes 3 mins for a dog's brain to literarily fry in the heat in a hot car. I have heard about people saying that they are "just leaving the dog in the car for a few minutes". But that is all it takes. In this case, the dog was left to suffer on purpose. Please-Be extra cautious in this weather and bring your animals inside!

_____________________________________________________________________________________

PHOENIX - Maricopa County Sheriff's deputies make arrest after dog dies from suspected animal abuse.

MCSO arrested Kenneth Tucker, 19, on felony animal cruelty charges.

About a week ago a deputy followed up on a call of animal abuse at Tucker's residence and spotted a large dog in a cage in the backyard. The deputy noticed the cage was too small for the size of the dog.

According to MCSO the dog was panting and crying, not moving and appeared lifeless.

The dog's cage was in a sunny area with no water near the dog.

Immediately after being removed from the cage the dog died.

The temperature of the dog was 111.9 degrees, which was as high as the thermometer read. The normal body temperature for a dog is 101-103 degrees.

Tucker was booked into jail on two felony animal cruelty charges and two counts of animal neglect.

This is what abuse looks like

2010-06-22T12:56:00.000-07:00

I am in several yahoo groups, and I get emails daily about dogs in need from various areas. I've seen cruelty, abuse, neglect, all of it...It's hard to choose which ones to help since they all are so deserving. Every case deserves care.

But when this email came today, I had to stop and take pause.

THIS is the face of abuse. THIS is the face of neglect. This poor dog was so matted that it couldn't even eat and could barely breathe. His mouth was matted shut.

This dog was thrown away like trash. So after all the abuse this poor dog suffered through, it was then discarded in a high kill shelter where it could suffer it's last few days on this earth.

This poor animal had to be shaved down just so they could get to his face.

How can we as a society allow this kind of thing to go? Surely anyone that would have seen or come into contact with this dog would (or should) have questioned that maybe something was wrong...Anyone with a pulse can see that. How can this be the best that we can do?

Surely any living creature deserves better than what this animal had to endure.....

How come noone came to this dogs rescue BEFORE it got this bad. Someone should have come forward and stepped up to be this dogs hero. So where were they? Cleary they never came...

I stole your dog today....

2010-06-17T13:54:00.000-07:00

I Stole Your Dog Today

I stole your dog today. No, I didn't set a foot on your

property, but from the condition of your dog, I can

imagine what it looks like...the word 'junkyard'

comes to mind.

I found her along a road, with a heavy chain wrapped

around her neck, still attached to rotten boards from

her doghouse, with rusty six-penny nails protruding.

Not only did I know that most of the town had already

ignored her, judging by where I found her, but I knew

that if she had gotten into the woods the 'cross' that

she dragged behind her would have wrapped around a

tree until starvation or thirst killed her.

The local populace is usually deaf to the sound or blind

to the sight of an animal in need, unless they decide

to shoot one for trespassing.

That her ribs showed, that her ears were filthy, that

her overall condition was poor and that her coat and

eyes were dull, were good indications that you didn't

deserve her. But just to make sure, I checked with the

local authorities for a report of a missing (unlicensed)

dog matching her description and to see if you'd placed

a 'lost dog' advertisement in the local newspaper.

You hadn't, which I can only surmise means that you

do not miss her. That's rather convenient, because the

fact that she is not spayed, probably unvaccinated,

and possibly heartworm positive means that restoring

her health could cost me around a thousand dollars.

Perhaps it may be some small comfort to know that

she doesn't miss you. In fact, her very act of escape

made it clear that she'd had enough of your brand of

pet guardianship.

It took her about a day to realize that I'm not you,

that I won't hurt her, that despite our brief

acquaintanceship, I love her. It took two days for

her to realize that the other animals who live here

accept her and that one of the joys she has been

missing has been the companionship of other dogs.

It took three days for her to appreciate the ecstasy

of a home cooked meal and that a couch is meant to

be reclined on, and that she no longer has to sleep

outside - in fact, when the thunder starts, she'll get

a hug and her ears rubbed, and I'll make a fool of

myself with baby talk.

She has a beautiful name now. Already in the first week

she has come to look more like she should. Her eyes

sparkle and she has learned to wag her tail in

greeting. She has stopped flinching when I make a

sudden movement, because she knows now that I

won't beat her, in fact, she rarely leaves my side.

She's even become brave enough to bark at a cat

and today I watched from the window as she initiated

play with the other dogs.

No, it's clear she does not miss you or her former

life of neglect on a chain. Of all the things that have

become apparent from my brief relationship with

her - such as the forgiving nature of the dog, their

wonderful ability to heal and to trust, the fact that

love can work miracles - one of the most apparent

is what a fool you are. She was possibly the most

trusting, loyal and loving being in your life, and you

consigned her to a life of filth and loneliness until

she made the best choice she's ever made when

she broke free.

Perhaps her guardian angel helped her escape.

Lest anyone should mistake me for an angel, I will

admit that one day I hope to be as good as she;

I believe she forgave you within the first twenty-four

hours of her new life for the about four years of her

previous 'life,' while I still wrestle with the part of

me that hopes that one day you will burn in Hell.

It's not clear yet whether she'll remain here or whether

I'll find her a loving home where she can count on

more individual attention than I can give her, but

one thing is certain, this is one bit of stolen 'property'

who is never returning to you. So sue me, prosecute

me, plead with the courts that she is rightfully yours...

I'm convinced this is the best 'crime' I've ever committed.

Hardly anything has pleased me more than the day

I stole your dog. I need only look into her beautiful

brown eyes to know that she'd defend my decision

with her life. If we have one prayer, it is that you will

not replace her, and if we have one special day to

commemorate together, it is the day I stole your dog

and the day she stole my heart.

Mutts Matter Rescue

2010-06-16T12:05:00.000-07:00

I just made this new video for our rescue....

I think it gets the message across. There are so many dogs still out there that need help.

But we have to keep moving forward.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0EWbwJxfDM

Bailey the pug and The Gretz Family

2010-06-15T08:23:00.000-07:00

Our rescue has been working very hard to help as many dogs as we can in the south. They have much more trouble adopting out dogs the further south you go. Spay and neuter are not common terminology there. I met a woman named Debbie Gertz (through my friend Tina) who was trying to transport a 10 year old blind pug here from SC. My good friend and fellow rescuer Tina Arndt helped connect us to get the pug here. After talking, she sent me some photos of her clan. She has quite the crew. Several pugs, a mastiff mix, and a terrier. (Hope I didn't miss any). What struck me most was a dog named Bailey that she spoke about.

Bailey was a sweet girl who was an owner surrender. When Debbie went to pick up Bailey, the owners did not bother to tell her that the dog was paralyzed from her middle back.

"When I met them in a parking lot, they said “oh, by the way, she can’t walk”. She had dragged sores all over one side of her body. I got in touch with Pets with Disabilities and they put me in touch with Eddies Wheels. Eddie had a used wheel cart that he adjusted to her measurements and sent to me. I popped her in it and walked in front of her with a few treats and she was off and running. I was so thrilled! She was so happy and running all over the place, playing with the other dogs and even Spartacus. The most wonderful women drove from NC to adopt her, and now Bailey spends her days in a rehab center for children, where she inspires all who meet her."

I just love this story because it shows you that there is someone for every dog out there and that there are people that do care. Look how Bailey is now inspiring others because of her disability.

Thank you Debbie for giving all that you do for so many dogs in need!

Some things to ask yourself before you adopt....

2010-06-03T06:37:00.000-07:00

Is This Dog Good With Kids?

I get asked this question alot. Here is your answer:

Very few dogs dislike kids. What dogs dislike is being sat on, hit, poked, carried around like a stuffed toy, having their ears and tails pulled, or being otherwise abused.

Would you like these things? Probably not. Be aware: Abuse is still abuse, whether the perpetrator means it that way or not. A puppy who is tossed into the air and injured has been abused, whether the tosser is an adult or an unsupervised two year-old. So rather than ask a rescuer, "Is this dog good with kids?", ask yourself the following:

- Have I taught my child that animals are sentient beings with feelings?

- Have I taught my child to treat animals with respect?

- Is my child old enough to understand that he is capable of hurting an animal? And that an animal who is being hurt is not at fault for defending itself?

- Have I arranged to give my pet a safe place in our home where my child may not approach him?

- Is my child old enough to recognize a pet as a responsibility, not a toy?

- Am I committed to constantly supervising all interaction between my very young child and our pet? If you answered "Yes" to every question, you're ready to introduce a pet to your family. If the answer to even one question is "No", you need to consider waiting until your child is a more appropriate age.

Memorial Day

2010-06-01T16:44:00.000-07:00

For some reason, this wasn't posted yesterday like it should have been.

In honor of the many fallen heroes, both human & canine, please remember our troops this Memorial Day.....

Do you know someone like this?..

2010-05-30T13:49:00.000-07:00

Nobody's Dog

Today, I found Nobody's Dog. Her ribs were beginning to show through. At first, she tucked her tail tightly and ran, Then, ever hopeful, returned with a tenative wag. I bet she was cute as a puppy. Somebody picked her out special, took her home, And made her believe she would always be loved; But some humans change their minds As often as dirty socks. Even so, the betrayed black dog is still loving them, Futilely waiting for them to come back for her She had a name once, and now she can't understand, For you see, a dog's love never dies.

Today, I found Nobody's Dog. One of millions abandoned each year by owners's who take the cowardly way out. They won't see her slowly starve or freeze to death, Be hit by a car, or live at the mercy of strangers, As she begs for a scrap of attention. Today, the Shelter rescued Nobody's Dog. There, she'll be fed, she'll be loved, and hopefully She'll be claimed by a more fitting, deserving human. If not, she'll go to an even better place, One where dogs are always loved, And are never thrown away on a cruel whim But, she still yearns........ To be Somebody's Dog once more.

PLEASE READ AND HELP

2010-05-25T18:31:00.001-07:00

WARNING-GRAPHIC PHOTOS ***

Dear Animal Welfare Advocates,

Please see attached photos. These pictures were taken January 10 when ambient temperatures dipped to single digits. An animal welfare advocate stopped by the Jackson County Animal Shelter to check on the horses. The horses were standing in snow, without proper nourishment or shelter. (Please see the photo of small goat shed). As the visitor passed the dumpster, she opened it and found it completely full of dead dogs that had been stuffed into garbage bags!!! This was the beginning of a battle that continues. The battle we fight is for the lives of the animals.

ANIMALS ARE NOT RUBBISH!!!!!!!!!

PLEASE assist us in our campaign to bring aboutshelter reform, in Jackson County, WV.CLAWS (Citizens Loving Animals Within Shelters) has saved countless dogs (almost 200 within the four months our group has existed), including three horses and a number of cats. Pilots have donated their time to flying Jackson County animals to safety and we have transported by SUV, horse trailers and rented vans. BUT we have fought battles every step of the way, due to the road blocks/sabotagewe have been forced to overcome.

Dog wardens Cynthia Katris and Pat Chamberscontinue to sabotage animal rescue and our attempts at shelter reform. They “operate”without supervision of the commissioners or the sheriff. Katris said,“It is easier to kill.” (See dumpster).

The time has come to show Jackson County, West Virginia that ANIMALS’ lives matter.

We call for compassionate leadership in Jackson County, West Virginia. Please assist us in this honorable quest. The following is an outline of requests we respectfully ask you to courteously make, either by e-mail, fax or phone. Note:Please include photos with all e-mails.

THANK YOU.

CLAWS, Inc (Citizens Loving Animals Within Shelters)

1) We call for an audit of the Jackson County Animal Shelter, by an auditor from outside this state. (No supervision or checks and balances exist).

2) An investigation of the Jackson County Animal Shelter by the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy

3) The hiring of a responsible and compassionate individual to act as Director of the Jackson County Animal Shelter. Applicants must have expertise in dog handling/evaluation, horse welfare/rehabilitation and RESCUE.

PLEASE CALL, E-MAIL,FAX THE FOLLOWING AND ASK THAT THE ABOVE REQUESTS BE MET.

*** Joe Pitts, Jackson County Commissioner –

304-532-0859,JPitts@verizon.net

* Tommy Nutter, Commissioner (in charge of Jackson County Animal Shelter) 304-273-4092

Cell: 304-532-6956

* Don Stephens, Jackson County Commissioner – 304-273-3477,DStephens@hotmail.com

*** Jackson CountyCommissioners – 304-373-2222

FAX: 304-373-0245Commission@jacksoncountywv.com

*** Governor Joe Manchin:

Toll Free 1-888-438-2731

E-Mail:Governor@WVGov.org

__________________________________________

Prosecuting Attorney: James P. McHugh

304-373-2270 FAX: 304-372-3096

WV Attorney General:800-368-8808

Phone: (304) 558-2021

Mitch Carmichael:mcarmich@mail.wvnet.edu

Karen Facemyer: Capitol Phone (304) 357-7855
usiness Phone: (304) 428-1622
-mail:karen.facemyer@wvsenate.gov

Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito: Washington -Phone:(202)225-2711
ax: (202) 225-7856

Senator Robert Byrd:Charleston Office

300 Virginia Street, East

Suite 2630

Charleston, WV 25301

Telephone: (304) 342-5855

Fax: (304) 343-7144

Senator Jay Rockefeller:531 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510

(202) 224-6472

(202) 224-7665 Main Fax

E-mail Scheduler

Congressman Nick Rahall: WashingtonOffice

2307 Rayburn HOB

Washington, DC 20515

(202) 225-3452

Scott Varner: Phone – 304-340-3187

E-mail:svarner@mail.wvnet.edu

Pedigree's new campaign to help shelter dogs

2010-05-25T06:05:00.000-07:00

Shelter dogs aren't broken. They've simply experienced more life than most dogs.

But do not pity them. Instead, help them.

Help us help them. Save a life.

That is the campaign for Pedigree's new campaign to promote shelter dogs. Pedigree donates money to feed and help promote the adoption of dogs in shelter's throughout the US when you buy their food. Even though I don't feed my dog's Pedigree, I think it's a wonderful campaign for a good cause. Their link has coupons for some good deals on their products. See below.

View the link to their video here:

http://www.pedigree.com/Default.aspx?gS=1

Precious the Pitbull

2010-05-20T16:16:00.001-07:00

Precious' story is not unusual. A beautiful, sweet, and gentle pitbull was tied up to a logging chain. This is very common in the south. I always try to reason with people and ask them,

"Would it be okay if I chained your child up outside all day and night with a logging chain?" But sadly, a lot of people don't view animals as living creatures with feelings. To them, they are easily discarded. It's amazing how many people discard their valuables isn't it?

I got the photo of the chain from my friend in rescue Nikki Masters. She and I work together helping to save our southern dogs. She knows Precious and how sweet she is.

Precious is part Boston Terrier, part Stafford. Precious escaped from being chained up with a 11# logging chain. She was found dragging that chain and she at the time weighed 33#. She is sweet, loves people and kids. Very active and still very young. The only thing wrong with Precious, is the owners that had her.

She has had a very rough start in life and deserves so much better than what she has had thus far.

Below is a photo of the logging chain. Notice the big connector that was on the end of the chain, looks like what you hook on the back of a trailer hitch. That connecter was attached to the collar. That piece alone was heavy. This chain is on display in the shelter in GA where precious was taken with a sign below it saying "this is animal cruelty".

If you are interested in adopting Precious, you can email me at MuttsMatterRescue@gmail.com for more info.

The Life of a Shelter Dog

2010-05-14T16:51:00.000-07:00

The Life of A Shelter Dog

He was a typical dog abandoned all alone
never had a human he could call his own.
He was left on the streets and was beaten and hurt,
always had to dodge cars so he stayed very alert.

He dreamed of being loved and living in a caring place
with a kind, gentle human that would enjoy getting licked on the face.
One day a lady found him and brought him to the pound.
He was scared and frightened of all the barking dogs around.

He wagged his tail every time someone came by his kennel,
in a way to say "Pick me, I'm the dog for you"
but all the people just walked by,
he knew his dream would not come true.

He sat in his cage as the days passed him by.
Another day came, it was his turn to die.
The dog warden came with a leash held in hand.
She had tears in her eyes, he did not understand.

He walked up to greet her, his tail wagging fast.
Was as friendly as could be, despite his rough past.
As she walked him into a room he knew something was not right,
she told him she was sorry, then hugged him real tight.

He then looked at her with his trusting brown eyes,
because of careless people this dog had to die.
He would have made a wonderful friend.
Just another of God's gifts whose life had to end.

The dog wagged his tail as he walked through Heaven's gate.
He now had a home, He no longer had to wait.

By Augusta DeLisi

Update on the puppies...And then there were two-Meet Alley and Abraham

2010-05-14T07:27:00.001-07:00

We started with five puppies. One passed away on it's way to us from GA. The next one died in the wee hours of the morning, and the third one named Solomon went into cardiac arrest yesterday morning. However, I am happy to report that the 2 survivors, Alley and Abraham, are doing GREAT. They were released last night from MEAC (the Metropolitan Emergency Animal Clinic) to their foster home. Luckily the foster is around the corner from the ER and our regular vet. (Thank you Dina!) They will be in quarantine for another 2 weeks, but at least it will be in a home environment. I saw them wag their tales for the first time ever last night. It was wonderful to see. That is what makes it worth it. They still have a long road ahead of them. Fighting pneumonia and parvo at the same time has wrecked their GI track and weakened their immune system. But they have gotten through the worst of it. These are special babies.

Here are some photos and video of them from last night. We are still trying to raise money to cover our exorbitant costs. Please go to our site to donate at www.MuttsMatterRescue.com if you can. These puppies will go on to live healthy and happy lives in memory of those that didn't make it. These other puppies deaths were not in vain. RIP sweet babies.

Videos of the babies:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SumS9zMx7tg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muuizouaR8g&feature=channel