Wednesday, May 28, 2008

VOLUNTEER PHOTOGRAPHER NEEDED IMMEDIATELY

We urgently need volunteers to help take pictures of the dogs at the shelter. The only volunteer we have is extremely busy right now with a full-time job as well as trying to get her house ready to be placed on the market. It is best to have 2 people to take pictures if at all possible. We need a good quality face shot, body shot, and then one with a person (to show size). Pictures would need to be emailed and we can take it from there. PLEASE HELP! Spread the word- it's a great opportunity to help save lives. Don't you know a college student or perhaps someone that isn't working right now? The sad truth is that without pictures, our pups have little chance of getting out. Let's face it- we don't have many people knocking down the doors in Marion to see dogs... THIS IS AN URGENT SITUATION. Call Joan at 870-739-1145 or Allison at 901-240-9848 if you can help.

NEW MOMMA NEEDS FOSTER HOME

Sweet Cricket arrived at our shelter as a stray. The shelter is full, so she is living in a crate in the kitchen. Little did we know -- Cricket was pregnant! She gave birth yesterday to 4 gorgeous pups...Sadly one has already passed. The shelter is not a good place to raise newborn puppies. Cricket desperately needs a safe, indoor foster home where she can be the wonderful mother she is meant to be. Can you help? Please contact Joan, 870-739-1145.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

GONE TO RESCUE: MEG, GREG, PAIGE, AND SQUIGY

We wanted to thank Sue and Elisa for helping us out this past weekend. Sue and Elisa have started their own rescue group just outside of St. Louis. Sue had rescued 2 of our pups last year, Brutus and Butch; and her daughter adopted Blackjack (now called Obie). They contacted us to see if they could help us. Vera, who works with them, drove all the way here with her son to transport Meg, Greg, Paige, and Squigy back to the St. Louis area. They will receive training if needed and will be up for adoption right away. Thanks to all of you for your effort- we will post any pictures we receive, so please check back!

WHAT CAN WE SAY ABOUT DOGGY ANGEL NANCY

Ok...we are astounded once again by the generosity of a complete stranger. Well actually she is no longer a stranger to us... her name is Nancy. Let us explain... Nancy is one of the best Doggy Angels we have ever had. Just about every month, Nancy sponsors at least 4-6 dogs, most of whom are heartworm positive and/or are harder to place (e.g., the black dogs, those with medical issues, etc.). If not for Nancy, some of those dogs would not have a chance. Amongst ourselves (the volunteers), we have had many conversations that begin with "What are we going to do...so and so has heartworms and there's no money left, etc...". We feel hopeless...and then comes Nancy...again. It's like she hears us talking! She has come through even in the most dismal of times. A simple thank you, just doesn't seem to do it. Nevertheless, we love you Nancy and we thank you sincerely for everything you have done for our sweet pups!

Friday, May 16, 2008

FRED, GINGER, AND LILAH MEET THEIR DOGGY ANGEL, BOBBIE!

Ok...what more can we say other than this woman is a SAINT! Bobbie has taken on the challenge of nursing yet another 3 dogs from our shelter back to health! Fred, Ginger, and Lilah could not be in a better place. Bobbie will be fostering all 3 of them through their heartworm treatments! That's right...all 3 of them! What a wonderful woman! Bobbie reports that all 3 are doing fabulously in her home and are settling in very nicely. We will keep you posted regarding their progress. These gentle natured souls will be available for adoption following their treatment.













REMEMBER SCOUT- HE CAME FOR A VISIT!

Remember this skinny guy (the picture in front of the brick wall), Scout, from back in October? Well.. he looks absolutely fantastic now thanks to his Doggy Angel, Bobbie. Bobbie came to Scout's rescue from Cape Girardeau, Missouri (about 2 1/2 hours from Marion). She brought him into her Rescue (Sanctuary really) and nursed him back to health. Bobbie is looking diligently for the perfect home for this precious boy and we appreciate her so much! We were so excited to see Scout and Bobbie again! She came to Marion last Saturday to play Doggy Angel once again (see next post).













Wednesday, May 14, 2008

ANOTHER BLACK DOG, ONLY SMALLER: MEET SKIPPER

Isn't little Skipper a doll! Skipper was brought in as a stray by a good samaritan. He has been at the shelter for almost 2 weeks and is ready to find his forever home! This boy loves to play (hence the tongue hanging out!) and enjoys any interaction he can get! Skipper really needs a cozy, indoor home temporarily until he can find a permanent home. He definitely will keep you smiling and won't even take up much room!








ANOTHER HOMELESS PUP: MEET PATSY

This gorgeous pup belongs in a home with people who love her! This is Patsy, a beautiful Labrador Retriever pup. She has been at the shelter for just over a week and is obviously scared. She will be available for adoption in just a few days! If you can find it in your heart to foster her until we find her forever home, please call Joan at 870-739-1145 or Allison at 901-240-9848!














MEET CINDY- WHAT A FACE!

Cindy is such a sweet dog who obviously hasn't had enough groceries for some time! She was found in a neighborhood and brought in to the shelter on 5/06/08. No one has come looking for her and sadly, they probably won't. As many of you know black dogs are the last to be adopted- please help her if you can! She was definitely enjoying all the love and affection during the pictures!










MEET NEWBIE CUPCAKE (aka BAXTER)

CORRECTION: BAXTER IS ACTUALLY A FEMALE. SHE IS KNOWN AS "CUPCAKE" TO THE SHELTER STAFF! We apologize for the error.

This is Baxter- isn't he adorable! It turns out poor Baxter was abandoned at a vet clinic. His previous owner brought him in and then did not come back to get him. He has some hair loss/skin issues, but it not contagious according to the vet. Baxter may possibly have a hearing loss of some kind (he does at least appear to hear loud noises, clapping, etc.) and may have an issue with one of his rear legs. Just look at this face- doesn't he deserve a chance just like everyone else. If you can find it in your heart to help poor Baxter, please call us immediately. He could really use some doggy angels to sponsor him as well.








Monday, May 12, 2008

EMERGENCY AT THE SHELTER

OH MY GOODNESS...what a CRAZY day! The shelter has been bursting at the seams for some time. We (the volunteers) found out that 19 dogs had to be out of the shelter by Sunday morning (which later became Tuesday morning, thankfully). The shelter lost 2 of their staff and could no longer take care of the 43 dogs in the shelter (with more coming in). Remember folks...the shelter is designed to hold only 20 dogs! Everyone has been scrambling yesterday and today (Monday) to find places for all of the dogs that were in danger, so please be patient with us if you have called or emailed during this time. Thankfully, everyone pulled through and we have been able to temporarily move all of the dogs somewhere for the time being. Most of the dogs went to a vet clinic in Memphis for boarding. However, boarding costs money (alot by the way). A few Rescue Groups have stepped up as well!

A German Shepherd Rescue Group is taking Shep and Monty and a Great Dane Rescue has already taken Sabrina. A St. Louis Based Rescue Group will be taking another 6 dogs very soon! However, in the process of moving these pups we found out that some of them are heartworm positive. We know for sure that Cisco, Ned, and Petey are heartworm positive. All of them have somewhere to go if they could be treated. Some of the others that may be going to the St. Louis Rescue Group include Meg, Greg, Squigy, and Jackson (pending his heartworm status).

We (they) could really use some sponsor money to help with vetting costs (including boarding) for all of these dogs. Without sponsors, we cannot possibly save as many lives as we do . If you could foster any of our dogs while we find permanent homes for them, please call Joan at 870-739-1145 or Allison at 901-240-9848 right away. Foster homes are critical! We would love to get them out of the boarding facility as soon as possible!

WEATHER AFFECTS ESPERANZA BONANZA FUNDRAISER

First and foremost, we want to thank everyone who contributed their time and/or made monetary contributions to the PAWS fundraiser at Esperanza Bonanza. Without you, we could not have pulled it off. Unfortunately, the Festival had to be shut down early on Saturday evening due to inclement weather (tornado warnings in the area). The fundraiser raised just about $1000. Although well had hoped to raise at least $2500, we are very appreciative of those who did participate in the raffle. About 9 baskets were raffled off as well as autographed memorabilia from the University of Arkansas (football and basketball teams) and the St. Louis Cardinals. The volunteers also sold handmade dog and cat magnets and homemade doggy treats (we are hoping to sell them online in the near future). Again- thanks so much for everyone's help! You can click on each picture to see enlarged views.