FOR THOSE WE LEAVE BEHIND

A woman in Virginia was a dog rescuer and yes, she probably rescued more than she could afford. All the dogs were clean, sheltered, loved, and fed. Then the woman became gravely ill with little warning. She was in the hospital and knew her time was near. She could not let go until she knew her dogs were safe. She didn't want to leave them at all, but that choice apparently was no longer hers. She held on for weeks longer than expected, uncomfortable and weak but she had to make sure that people were ensuring the well being of her dogs. When the space was open, the red tape cut, she learned that all her dogs were safe and she passed 30 minutes later.

We can't see into our futures and do not know our fate. We do what we can to make arrangements for our families, including our pets and that is all we can do.

Precious Callie and Rex lost their Mom and Dad who loved them very much. They are a bonded pair who once shared the bed with their human parents. Because another family member cared, they were saved from being outside and placed in rescue. They are not only close, Rex relies on Callie to guide him. Rex has a scratched eye and cannot always see on one side. Callie watches and makes sure he is going in the right direction and not toward any danger.

It is a huge undertaking to adopt two, and no, they will never have the life they had with their first family. Dogs live in the moment, however, and they have lots of love and time left to give. I'm sure they understand on some level that their Mom and Dad didn't want to leave them and that there is someone else who will love them now.

Their Mom hoped for them a home where they would be spoiled, played with, have toys and love. Whoever may choose to take on this task will be rewarded more than they imagine.

Callie and Rex are on our available dogs page. Please take a look.

RESCUE DOGS ARE ALWAYS HAPPY TO RETURN THE FAVOR

Our volunteers, including our web mistress, foster coordinators and foster Moms are getting much more creative with the stories of our available dogs. Perhaps it is time to periodically change the focus of this blog to general heart warming stories and educational material when possible.

To that end, it is time to give high paws to all the dogs out there who were once rescued by humans and later returned the favor, sometimes again and again.

Many of you have seen the You Tube post of the dog who ran through the woods in the dark, got the attention of the fire company who was trying to find their location and who led them back down the road to the house. Thank goodness the fire fighters were smart enough to follow the dog at the forks in the road.

The August, 2010 Readers Digest has an article about 5 animals who do extraordinary things including Jobe who was rescued off the street by a teenager who begged to fix and keep his new buddy. Jobe needed lots of health care and healing which he received. Later, Jobe was the one who literally dragged his owner out of a recliner by the sweatshirt and who knocked through a closed door to get his parents out of bed to save him from a life threatening allergic reaction.

Remember the stories of the dogs who found lost children before the police and who laid on top of them all night to keep them warm and safe from wild animals.

How many of you saw Old Yeller and were still crying days later? If you haven't ever seen it, get a box of tissues, and rent the movie. I was a 8 or 9 but I think it started me on the path to become a rescuer.

And last but not least, we have our own Rowdy who was in foster care last year. His foster Mom knew she wanted to make it a forever situation from the day they met, but foster Dad wasn't so sure. He insisted Rowdy was on probation until a final decision could be made. Then, the younger member of their family decided to put her "special" blanker over her lamp to create glowing light. When the blanket caught on fire, it was Rowdy who smelled the smoke first and alerted the family, not giving up until Mom and Dad got up to investigate. You can guess the end, only a lamp and blanket were lost and Rowdy's probation vanished in an instant. Rowdy is a permanent member of the family.

So, if you are tempted to adopt a rescue or add another to your family but need a little push to be convinced, consider this: the dog you save today may save you tomorrow. At the very least, your heart will get even bigger with the love and joy your rescue will bring you every day.

The economy has not been kind and there are more dogs than ever that need homes. Rescues like BTRNC and animal shelters are full and over crowded. If you are able, we hope you will visit our Available Dogs page and complete an application.

Paws crossed!

HOW HOT IS IT ON THE EAST COAST?

So hot that water from a hose steams as it disappears into the cold rock hard ground.

So hot that asphalt pavement blisters your feet.

So hot that water left in a watering can reaches the boiling point if sitting in the direct sun.

So hot that 10 minutes in the direct sun without sunscreen can result in a burn.

So hot that without consistent hydration while outside, you are in danger of heat stroke and death!

So how hot do you think your pets are if they are outside?

Hot enough to cause sunburn in breeds like boston terriers and other short haired breeds.

Hot enough to cause breathing difficulty.

Hot enough to blister their paw pads if forced to walk on wood or asphalt.

Hot enough for heat stroke, dehydration and even death.

Please keep your pets indoors during the hot weather. If they absolutely must be kept outside, ensure a constant supply of fresh cool water and a shade source. Check on them or have someone check on them for you several times during the day. If a dog stops drinking water, it is usually a sign of dehydration and they should be moved to a shady area and sponged down with cool to luke warm water immediately. Vet attention should be sought if a dog is drooling profusely, is lethargic and/or vomiting.

Many boston terriers love kiddie pools. For a fun break from the air conditioning and a chance to experience the great outdoors, consider investing in a pool. Be sure to dump the water after each swim to avoid mosquitoes. Here is Miss Peanut enjoying pool time. No coaxing required - pull the pool out and she is in it.

Sister Mini Pearl joins her and would like the hose which is at the bottom of the pool under the water.

Stay cool and keep your babies cool as well. Anyone want the snow back?