ELEVEN FURRY LIFES SAFED

What a day yesterday turned out to be. Sometimes things don't turn out like we plan. But sometimes things turn out to still be OK. This was one of those days.

First, I need to say that the pictures in this post are not taken by me. I had to find some photos off the Internet to use because I forgot to bring my camera! What was I thinking??

But these are pretty much what you would have seen had I brought it.

I had gotten an email from a dog rescue group called "It's the Pitts". They needed someone to pick up a mommy and her 10 puppies from the pound near me and bring them to San Diego.


The mommy was 1/2 Pitt and 1/2 Lab. So I knew the mommy was going to be a fairly good size dog. I didn't have a crate big enough for her to fit in. Rather then saying no to the request for help, I got on Craigslist and asked if anyone had a large crate I could either have or use for the day.


I was thrilled to get so many offers from wonderful people saying I could use theirs for the day. One lady was even so kind as to offer to meet me at the shelter with the crate so I didn't have to drive any further then I already was going to.



So, my sister, Maureen, and I met her at the pound.

But, not before we got a call from another rescue group, Four Paws, saying she really needed someone to pick up a little chihuahua dog that had nerve damage and possibly needed surgery. I figured we could find room to bring one more small dog so I said sure.

Thankfully, my other sister, Patty, allowed me to take her SUV as there was no way all these dogs were going to fit in my little Honda Civic.

We got to the pound. Then over 2 hours later we finally had all the dogs in the car and ready to go. Don't ask me why it took over two hours to get these dogs ready when they knew I was coming. I have no idea.

I should have known the two hour ride down to San Diego wasn't going to be an easy one when I first looked into the crate with 9 five day old puppies. Why you ask? Well, they were covered in poo. One of them must have gone after being put into the crate and the others climbing over each other and snuggling up got it all over them. Plus we were told one of the puppies died the night before.

So before we left we cleaned the puppies and the crate up, tossed out the towel that was dirty and put in a nice clean one.

Then we had to get the mommy into her crate. She didn't want to go. So I picked her up. Let me tell you, it's not easy to pick up a 70+ pound dog that doesn't want to be picked up. Plus with my injured neck it was just a foolish thing to do. But, I did and finally got her in the crate ready to go.

The little chihuahua dog was perfect. Never made a sound and was just happy to be getting out of the pound.

As we drove down the freeway about 1 hour away from where we going the puppies started to cry and cry. We figured they were hungry and Maureen, reached in back and put them in the bigger crate with the mommy.

Then a little ways down the freeway, mommy dog got car sick and threw up. So I had to pull over, remove the puppies and clean out the big crate. All while trying to not let the mommy out of the crate. Believe me she was sure trying to get out of there.

Then we were back on the road. A few minutes down the road we started to smell something. Oh no! Did the puppies or mommy go poo again? Nope, it was just mommy farting. Talk about a bad smell!

We had to laugh because if we didn't we were going to cry. What else could go wrong?? Thankfully nothing.

We made it to the home of the foster mom. She had a nice room set up for the mommy dog and 9 puppies. They got all settled down and fed.

The other rescue lady met us there and pick up her chihuahua and we were on our way back. Two hours later we made it home.

So in only about 6-7 hours total we were able to save 11 little fur babies. That sure made it all worth while. But, I sure am thankful that most of the rescues I've done have gone off without a hitch. This was the first time I've had problems and I'm hoping in the future the others are not like this.

However, I did have a great feeling knowing that because of us, these 11 dogs are safe and happy. That would not be the case if we didn't step up to help them as no one else was able to drive them to their new homes.

If you ever get a chance to help save a dog or cat or any animal I hope you will step up and do so.

In fact, if you don't have the time or money to help out you still can. Just go to my right side bar and click on the purple button. It will take you to a web site and you just click on the button to feed an animal. Every time someone does the web sponsors will pay for .6 bowls of food to a shelter. If everyone did that there would be more food then needed.

Every bit helps and everyone can help.

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER ~ THE STORY OF MY BOYS

Anyone who knows me, knows I'm a BIG animal lover. So when I saw that Nancy, over at My Crafty Little Page, was hosting DOG DAYS OF SUMMER I knew I was going to join in.

She has asked us to post about our dogs and cats. I thought it would be a fun way for you all to get to know more about my two boys.

This is Elton. He is my dog. But, don't tell him that! He thinks he is human.

I got Elton about 4 years ago. I was living alone at the time and decided I was going to get a dog. A big beautiful Golden Retriever. It's always been my dream to own one of those great dogs.

But, I didn't want to go to a breeder to buy one. There are way to many unwanted dogs out there for me to encourage breeding dogs just to make money. So off to the shelters I went.

While I was at the Laguna Beach Shelter, I saw this tiny little Chihuahua. She was so ugly. She had a skin condition that made her even uglier. I felt so sorry for her that I decided I was going to adopt her, I thought if I didn't then no one would. Well, as it turned out, there were many people who thought the same thing. She was the most requested dog the shelter ever had.

One day when I was going to visit her (they won't let you adopt a dog until they are healthy) I noticed this little black and brown ball of fur in the cage too. This little puppy was the most lovable little dog I've ever seen.

But the poor little puppy had a cast on his leg. I asked what happened. They think he was thrown out of a car and broke his leg. He was found roaming the streets with a broken leg. The Shelter did surgery and he was healing well. But he would not be ready for adoption for about a month.

Well that little ball of fur got along great with the little ugly dog and so I thought I would adopt both so they could have company. To make a long story short, I didn't get the ugly dog. Someone else did. But they did pick me to get the other little ball of fur puppy. I was thrilled.

I went to visit every day for a month and finally got to take the puppy home. I don't know why but, I thought the puppy was a girl. I was going to be one of those crazy people who dressed up their dog. After all, he is a long haired Chihuahua and lots of people dress up their Chihuahuas. But, I found out she was a boy. Oh well, there went that thought.

On the way home I was trying to think of a name for my new little boy. Then Elton John came on the radio. It hit me! If I named him after Elton John I could still dress him up. After all Elton John has been known for his get ups. Flashy clothes, rhinestone glass and crazy shoes. So my little boy was named Elton!

I did dress him up for a few months. They he got to big. I think it looks a little silly to see bigger dogs dressed up. Only the tiny ones look really cute. So now, he only dresses up on Halloween. I know, I'm weird!

This little cutie is Zeke. He really belongs to my sister, Patty, that I live with. But, I love him as my own. In fact, I call him MY dog. He is a rat terrier. He has to be the sweetest dog in the world.

He is so gentle. Kids adore Zeke. He lets them do anything to him. He has these great eyes that are so expressive. Sometimes when the kids are driving him nuts he gives a look that says "Help me!" Then he goes back to letting them play with him.

This is Trinity and the boys. They are all pretending to be a sleep. The three of them thought they could fool me.

This is what I see most of the time I'm on the computer. Elton loves to sit on my lap when I type. He is such a part of me that I hardly notice he is there. Until he demands my attention...which is always.

Here is Elton getting a little sun by the pool. I took him for a swim once, but he hated it.

The kids were playing with Zeke and dressing him like a doll. I think he looks like a bag lady.

Can you see the "Help me!" look in his eyes.

Elton has slept with me every day since I've brought him home. He even has his own side of the bed with a pillow. Talk about spoiled!

Zeke loves to be nosey. If anything new is brought home he has to check it out. Here he is checking out one of Trinity's Easter baskets.

The boys watching a bird!

Zeke is cold a lot. In the summer, when we have the air conditioner on he hides in back of all the pillows on my bed so he can keep warm. See his little head peeking out. Sometimes we don't even know he is back there until we call his name and he pops up.

The boys opening up one of there many presents from Santa Dog. They really do dig all the tissue paper out of the bag to get to the present. If it's a wrapped present, they will tear off the paper. Only after they are told it's ok.

OK, truth be told, Elton is a very lazy dog. This is his idea of going for a walk.

Me and my boys!

I taught Elton to "sit pretty" when he was little. Now he does it all the time. He would sit like this for hours if he thought he would get a treat.

There he goes again! Zeke doesn't understand why Elton does this all the time.

Someone must have been eating something because Elton is at it again!

And there is Zeke! The sweet little darling good boy.

Elton and Zeke don't really like each other at all. They don't really want any other dogs around. Elton wants all the attention and really is a bully.

If Zeke gets a toy or sits on my lap Elton is barking at him to stop it. Zeke just lets Elton get away with it too. It's kind of sad really.

I love my boys as if they are my children. They are spoiled, I admit it but so what!

They have more toys then any dog should have. They get their teeth cleaned at the vets. They get tons of treats. The best medical care a dog could ever need. They are allowed to go anywhere in our house. This is their home.

I never did get my Golden Retriver but I did get the love of my life. I've never once regreted it either.

You know, you never really pick out your dog. THEY pick you out.

I hope you enjoyed meeting my boys. I know they enjoyed meeting you.

Hugs,
Joanne