As of June 30, we have had (thankfully) a total of $300 of gifts this month come in to the Rescue Ranch. God bless those people who have helped. We also had Rocky's tarsal brace and new crates for growing puppies sponsored. We are extremely grateful. (Still waiting for his brace...)

Medicine, food, supplies...for a special needs sanctuary for dogs is a back-breaker. We are good-hearted people who did the right thing. But after I got sick and Mike had to take a leave of absence from work, we have been devastated in many ways. Carrying a special needs dog sanctuary, which runs about $2200 per month to just supply the basics is tough to do and tough to continue.

I feel awful asking for help. I don't want to. In fact, despite a very major illness, I am trying to figure out what I can do about the situation--short of selling the RR...which would just leave all of the dogs homeless.

I see commercials on TV all the time for the Humane Society, World Wildlife Fund, international animal organizations--all asking for help. Yes, they are all wonderful but they don't feel bad about asking for help--and they certainly don't feel guilty about paying their executives hundreds of thousands of dollars each in salary AND spending a fortune on TV time. (Albeit, they are non-profits but so is the RR really and even more so since we do not accept salary or expenses and don't buy prime time TV commercial slots--we just don't have the extra $4,000+ to spare, to pay the 501(c)3 filing fees,with all of our animal needs and responsibilities.)

We are only asking for gifts to help with the animals' expenses--our personal expenses like the electric bill and mortgage, etc. are our own problem.

Earlier this year, a rescuer in Dallas went into debt of $90,000, after she lost her job, trying to sustain the animals and her house. Eventually, the animals all had to be distributed--and they were not special needs--and the bank foreclosed on her home. I found out about this situation at the 10th hour and tried to help with my writing. I didn't understand how so many could let her "go down" but I am, sadly, starting to feel like it is a dog-eat-dog world. Many will say, "so sorry" but very few will help.

Another "rescue ranch" on the east coast just closed--they couldn't sustain it. The animals were given away to other rescues hoping that they are "humanely" treated. They were all adoptable, at least. We have animals here who are incontinent (no one wants an animal like that); can't walk; can't wag their tails, move their legs; need constant medication to keep heart issues and bladder issues and Demodex at bay; they are not placeable, they are not movable. Who could euthanize Bunny or Pasha, Bitty Bits or Mama or...and that would be what they would face if we cannot sustain the RR.

No doubt, we took on more than we should have but the situation was different. We could handle whatever we needed to. Now, the earliest Mike can go back to work is in August or September--unless something changes sooner--and until then, we have our hands more than full.

We set up a "Give Now" button to make help easier than ever to help with a secure processing center. We believe that God blesses us by giving--that is one of the reasons we continue to help animals in need--and not just the Rescue Ranch animals. We do it in the service of God, hoping that He blesses our work, but willing to do so regardless, just because it is the right thing to do.

Thank you for listening and for caring. Especially for caring.

Jane

PS It would help greatly if you would forward the URL's of this website as well as my Houston Chron blogs. The more people we can reach, hopefully, help will come.

Rescue Ranch: www.firststop-laststop.com

Houston Chronicle Blog "From Under the Bridge" : www.chron.com/rescuevolunteer

I haven't been feeling so great lately and am spending a lot of time in bed. After everyone was set for the morning, Mike went to run errands and came home with a slice of pizza for both of us (a surprise)--and my eight or so closest furry "friends" sitting around keeping me company today. (We rotate the dogs so everyone gets some special time with me and access to special treats--like sharing my dinner!)

Mike sat down at the end of the bed and picked up a little chubby male Chihuahua, Bitty Bits. Bitty loves getting his tummy petted, but after surviving horrible abuse at the hands of humans--which resulted in his penis being amputated before he arrived here--he doesn't have much urine control at all. When he barks, he pees all over, basically. (We place washable pee pads all over thanks to Linens for Animals.)

Laying Bits on his lap, lengthwise along his legs, Mike turned him over so he could pet Bitty's tummy and eat pizza with the other hand. I told Mike to turn Bitty around with his head the other way/rear facing out  "just in case" but he thought Bitty was comfortable (he was) and didn't want to disrupt him.

As I was sharing my slice with my friends--everyone here LOVES pizza no matter how tiny their share is!!--I looked up just in time to see Bitty, lean up toward Mike's hand for a bite of pizza and for the first time, squirt a full stream of urine about two to three feet high (and one that seemed to last forever)--just like an infant baby boy would do--smack-dab on...well, you can guess where/who it went (and all over)... 

I laughed so hard that I was doubled over in bed, holding my stomach. I couldn't stop laughing for quite awhile!

Hope you get a chuckle out of this, too! Many a day is not so funny taking care of special needs animals but when something like this happens, we have to stop and just simply laugh.

Thanks for stopping by, for listening and for caring. Especially for caring.

Jane

 

Every time I walked by the kitchen/dining room area in the last few days, I've been smelling something odd. At first, I thought that a dog left a surprise somewhere--you just never know--and so I've been looking behind that and under this. Nothing.

The smell got worse. Kind of like very sour smelling poop--but something I have never, ever had the displeasure of smelling before. No animal has been exposed to any illnesses that I know of that would yield profuse smelling diarrhea, that would slightly smell like this but it would be easy to find. I have been mystified.

On the off-chance that a puppy got into the pantry and left a surprise behind the paper towels and box of canned dog food, I started cleaning out the pantry. Nothing was on the floor. While I was there, I started just reorganizing the boxes and cans, replacing older zip lock bags holding sugar and cereal, etc. (A friend of mine is a nurse--her entire kitchen and bathroom is zip-locked! All food, all appliances, all supplies--even if they are not open--are all put into baggies of different sizes when they come home from the store or after she cleans them with bleach.)

As I got to the next to last shelf on my way to the top, I lifted up a box of tomato soup and it drooled out a dark brown liquid. Drip, drip...it had opened from the bottom, the liquid inside had turned brown/bad and leaked under a whole section of canned vegetables. Ah-hah, I had found the source of the smell or so I thought.

I put on latex gloves, got out a garbage bag and began to clean up the mess. Even after the soup box was removed though, the weird smell was there. Then, I lifted up a sauerkraut can! (I had been keeping it for a weak moment when I would make a grilled cheese sandwich with sauerkraut and mustard. As a vegetarian, I just skip the pastrami. I guess I've been meaning to make my fav sandwich for a little too long!) 

The stuff had eaten through the bottom of the can and it was the juice of the sauerkraut that leaked out and ate up the soup box and about 8 other cans. They hadn't opened yet, but they were about to! Thankfully, this had all just happened and being so sensitive to the smells and scents of the animals--and their hiding places--I found it before it got any worse.

Note to Self: Eat the sauerkraut before the expiration date!

Thanks for stopping by, for listening and for caring.  Especially for caring.
Jane

After weeks, or maybe months, of conserving water, worrying about the trees and flowers dying, giving up on the grass, and feeling guilty about filling up the dogs' baby pools with a few inches of water, it has finally rained in the Houston area!

Wednesday morning, around 5 AM, everyone was sound asleep at the Rescue Ranch. Then, on my window pane, I heard plop, plop....plop. It was been so long since I've heard that sound, it took me a minute to figure it out.  I jumped out of bed--it was beginning to rain! Yippee!!

The rain quickly turned into a giant down-pour which woke up all of the dogs. In fact, some were a little scared--they didn't remember what a rain storm sounded like! For about three hours, I had to constantly reassure them that this was a good thing, not something to be scared of.

When there were breaks in the deluge, I let the dogs out to run and go potty. Some came right back in--they didn't like getting their little paws dirty/wet. Others, found puddles and lay down on the ground and rolled in the mud (of course). Having lots of towels at the door for our "dry-off station" was a must.

What I loved was that the dogs were so happy to be out in the rain and looked like they were laughing and smiling as they came in. I was happy for the big trees on the property, too. We couldn't supply enough water to them. All but two flower plants lived long enough to see the rain, thank goodness. Now, the grass is a whole 'nother story--it looks awful!!

I've been wanting to put in raised vegetable garden beds around the property but Mike never wanted me to disturb the grass. Now that a lot of it has dried up/died, this may be my opportunity! Animals love fresh veggies and fruits--you just have to plant all that are safe, just in case an adventurous animal decides to dig up a garden bed or have an afternoon snack. We need to put in some apple trees, too, since whole apples are a big treat here now that we have run out of Dingos. (I tried frozen bananas this week but they were a flop so I took them all back to make my apple/'nana/peanut butter frozen cupcakes for them.)

Hope we get more rain again this week. God willing.

Thanks for stopping by, for listening and for caring. Especially for caring.

Jane

Read about the new Rescue Kennel Club forming and the first ever "show" on June 25 in my Houston Chron blog today: www.chron.com/rescuevolunteer

No matter how sick or tired I am, I knew when we were blessed with a miracle.

One of the sick dogs, Kasey Kase, the little Cocker Spaniel, who we thought had lost his hearing permanently and who may be on his last days, got up and started barking, and even turned his head when I called his name! Both Mike and I sat there stunned. We knew we were literally looking at a miracle.

It took a lot of things to get to that point--weeks of syringe-feeding and watering, carrying him outside to go potty and holding him on my lap going for car rides, just to encourage him to keep living, never mind the special foods and supplement that helped him greatly.

In those exact moments of miracle, I stop everything I am doing. I want to not only accept it and appreciate it but also to give thanks for the Grace we have been given. These moments can be teeny tiny or gigantic--and all get the same amazement. 

I know Kasey is getting up there in years--he was already nearly 8 when he was surrendered--but we still fight for the quality of life and for more years, if God will grant them. I also realize, that no matter how young or how old, our names can be "called" at any time, and life as we know it is over. That makes me look for special moments to appreciate every day and to make every day a special moment for all of the animals in our care.

The other dog who has been sick, who never quite recovered from being hit by a car while pregnant--and who also had an un-discovered broken leg when she arrived here, is now jumping up and barking, drinking and eating on her own. She has issues that come and go from her injuries--a common problem with special needs animals--so we learn to enjoy and cherish the good periods and keep her going during the rough ones.

I've learned that when animals stop eating and drinking not to just give up. Vets will tell you to euthanize but...if you get proper meds (adjustments even) and supplements and keep up the supportive care, even for weeks, eventually, in more times than not, they pull out of it and will suddenly starting eating, drinking and being active again. We just can't throw in the towel prematurely no matter how hard it is on us. We are fighting to sustain and preserve life which is priceless and once it is gone, that's it. The bags under my eyes and cot in the living room bespeak of a battle, that for the moment, we have "won." Thank God.

Thanks for stopping by, for listening and for caring. Especially for caring.

Jane

Brother, I didn't realize how the flu can hit you--but when it does, it's a bear. Hopefully, I'll feel better in a day or two. When I lay down, I feel sick. When I stand up, I feel sea sick. So, in the meantime, just like Tamiflu is a miracle drug for Parvo (and helps with "distemper" symptom sick dogs), it helps people, too. Twice a day, every twelve hours like a clock, for at least five days.

We are facing an order for almost five hundred dollars in medicines and four hundred dollars for food early next week, nevermind the other things that the animals need. If you can help, please make a donation on the Give Now button with the stars. We are exhausted, depleted and trying to keep the Rescue Ranch animals together--most who have tremendous needs in many ways...but we cannot do this alone. We need help.

(We are thrilled that Rocky has his tarsal brace on order--that is a tremendous relief!!)

Thank you for caring-

Jane

After many years of learning the hard way, God has eventually blessed me with incredible patience--over those years, I've realized that most things don't matter. Only life, love, faith and Hope. Everything else can be replaced, redone, or re-whatever or just given up/released...

Taking two little and one big dogs for a walk--in the dark of the night, while trying to water some plants with a kinky, leaky hose at the same time, so tested my ability to be patient, that all I could do was chuckle and think to myself how my night was turning into just two clowns short of a circus!

With the severe lack of rain in the Houston area right now, we are only allowed to water during certain hours--right now it is overnight hours--which means in the dark! I asked Mike to hook up the hose. The hose he chose turned out to be black/dark and all coiled up when I got to it making it very hard to see where it was. (When I asked him to hook up the hose, he literally did just that! I assumed it would be all laid out for me to actually use in the middle of the night.)

I decided to take Big Mandy, the Saint, Poppy, a Poodle/Terrier mix with a beautiful, grown-out fluffy, curly coat, and Kasey Kase, the Cocker Spaniel who loves to chase bats and frogs at night as much as he loves to jump after birds in the sky during the day (he never catches any though).

A RR angel had donated a pair of retractable leashes so instead of their regular leashes, I decided to use them. I figured that they'd have more room to roam while I was going to be watering. I hooked the dogs up and out we all went. The leashes could go out soooo far and I found, could be tangled so much more easily than regular leashes since they were cords instead of flat, thick material. (Normally, we don't use leashes here but given how late it was, I wanted to keep them near me so I could go right to bed when I was done.)

In less than a minute, Kasey's cord went from his harness around four legs, over his back and through Poppy's leash. Poppy was trying to stand still but somehow his leash wound up crossed with Mandy's as she was plowing ahead trying to checking out the flowering plants in a different area than where I was trying to water. Poppy, being dragged/walking sideways and had no choice but to go along with Mandy, too!

Every time I tried to lift a dog leg, untwist a cord, unhook, rehook...well, the silly dance seemed so ridiculous that I had to stop and look up at the starry sky and laugh. "OK God, you made me laugh tonight!" I had to say this through my utter frustration so I didn't get upset. I knew it must have been really was funny if I was omeone watching from afar, especially after all three of them walked all the way around and around me--and the hose--and had me nearly all tied up!!

As I was holding the three amigos in one hand, leveraging all of my weight to hold them near, I was trying to uncoil and spread out, a very heavy hose. When I was ready, I turned the water on--and of course, it had a leak just under where we were standing!  I was soaked, Poppy and Kasey ran to the end of their leashes and just watched and Mandy stood there to get a drink.

We watered the flowers and plants for a good half hour and when I was done, I thought to myself, "What the heck..." and in my soaking wet socks and clothes, with the amigos, we headed out for a walk. The moon gave us some good light to travel by and the dogs were happy to be leaving their "scent" here, there and everywhere. 

In my mind, I was going back to get another set of amigos to "help" me with another area, but I was just too tired. As I peeled off my soaking, now very muddy, socks, Mike came around the corner. All of us were standing there, happy to be home but happy to have had an adventure. "Oh, I meant to tell you that I haven't fixed the hose leak yet..." (Yep, we all found that out.) By then, the three amigos were able to keep their leashes untangled and after getting a drink in the kitchen, ran back to me with wagging tails, ready to go out and do it all over again! "Another night, guys! Another night! I need a warmmmmm shower!"

We've got to focus on enjoying our animals while we have them in our lives--even if we are frustrated, soaked and all muddy. I've done the math and realized that I will more than likely outlive my best loves, my sleeping pals, my precioius friends who go out to water the plants at midnight with me. That makes me sad and I know I'll be a basket-case, but it also made me realize that I must appreciate every moment, keep every precious memory tucked away and let all of the hard/bad/unpleasant stuff go.

It is those memories that will bring me great comfort and happiness when they are not here any more. It was a tough water-and-walk tonight BUT I'll look backward and belly laugh over it when I'm old. The memories and the promise of seeing all of my furry and non-furry friends in heaven again keep me going when I am very sad over losing someone or an animal.  All I can think of is that on my final day, I will feel pure JOY when I reach the Pearly Gates--and will have lots more funny, little sillly stories to share.

Thanks for stopping by, for listening and for caring. Especially for caring.

Jane

Please stop by my Houston Chronicle blog, "From Under The Bridge." I write almost daily about issues that effect animals. Today, a group is asking that people sign a petition to stop Korea from allowing the torture and eating of these intentially abused animals for sexual potency--2 millions dogs a year. This is not right. Please go to www.chron.com/rescuevolunteer  and bookmark my blog/sign up for an rss feed to get the new posts, too, or check back every day.

Even though the baby pools are set up around the property, it is so hot here that the dogs and puppies just go out for what seems like a split second to relieve themselves--and head right back inside to the cool tile floors. We are constantly refilling water bowls inside and outside.

On clearance, awhile back, was an outdoor auto-waterer for pets. We tried it. It didn't work for even one animal to try it. We wound up returning it. It was so heavy, batteries and all, that Mike was concerned that it would rip the spigot off the house!

In the freezer, I have lots and lots (shelves full) of frozen water, chicken and beef broth. I reuse butter tubs and other plastic containers after they have been run through the dishwasher. They come in handy on days like this keeping the water in the bowls cool (even indoors) but they are a "safety net" of sorts, too. When sick animals need broth to drink or to mix with their food, all I have to do is defrost it. When, and if, the power goes out (and it does many times a year), the frozen blocks of water keep the food in the freezer cold. When they melt, and the power is back, I just sanitize them and refill. 

Because of the 100 plus degree weather, the dogs want to play inside--and want a dingo or chew to keep them busy. For the first time in the Rescue Ranch history, we ran out of all chews this past weekend. We keep extras in the pantry but they had been used, too! It was an OMG moment for me. I had lots and lots of twinkling eyes looking at me after I asked, "Everyone want a bone...??" (that could mean anything that is long-term chewy--but different from the word "treat").

I had to think quickly--I went out to the freezer and stood there scanning for something. The dogs ate the kiddie ice cream cups last week--(vanilla and strawberry swirl and vanilla and orange sherbet were the fav flavors--I cut them up for the smaller dogs into smaller portions) and I haven't had a chance to make more apple/banana/peanut butter frozen cupcakes yet. Oh, brother, I was thinking. Disappointment is not something that dogs understand--they would just keep waiting (all day if need be) for me to produce the "bones." They have incredible patience--and longggggg memories!

In the corner of a shelf, I saw the kiddie ice pops--the net bags of icee pops in all flavors that you can buy at the grocery story or at Walgreen's. I sent a little "Thank you!" up to heaven. I could at least offer something to everyone waiting for me inside the house.

I snapped each stick in half and let the dogs choose their flavors--it is interesting (for me) to see that some like variety or all flavors and others choose the same flavor every single time. One puppy likes the blue one every time, one dog likes purple. One will smell whatever is offered and always choose my right hand; some will choose from the left. Bunny, when I lay out three flavors in front of her, will choose one flavor and bark at me if I try to pick up/take away the others! I know, if I offer Bunny a choice, that I'm actually giving her all that she is presented with!!

We need to solve the Dingo "crisis" here--I wish I knew how to make something that lasted a long time. A couple of bags of apples is a great longer term treat--and in fact, I used them just yesterday. Washed, stem out and whole for the big dogs and halfed, quartered or sliced/diced and peeled if need be for the little, tiny dogs. (For dogs who have never tasted an apple before, try one bite at a time--it seems to be an acquired taste for some. For others, they love them right away--especially if I am eating the apple, too, and "yumming" it up!)

Thanks for stopping by, for listening and for caring. Especially for caring.

Jane

Just a quick tip--freeze treats or toys inside an ice block. As it melts, your dog will have something to look forward to and will lap up the cool water trying to get to the "surprise." Not expensive and helps to hydrate the animals in the heat. (When the butter tub, or whatever you use to freeze the water in is solid, just run the side or bottom under water water for a few seconds. It will loosen up and come out of the mold. No need to oil or butter the container ahead of time.)

It has been a very hectic few days. My writing unfortunately goes to the end of the line--especially when I can't access my computer with "dog" hands!  I'll be back on Tuesday.

The great news today is that Rocky's brace for his leg has been sponsored and ordered! Yippee!  The company takes 5-7 days to make it and will ship it out next week. I'll have photos once we get it.

Thank you all for your patience--and caring.

Jane

 

 

We were shopping in Petco for Peanut Butter Rawhide Flips (a RR fav!), and saw on the bottom shelf little packages of to-be-frozen treats for animals. There were two flavors--the one that caught my eye was the apple/banana/peanut butter one. 

It would have been easier to buy them but given how many we need here, it was not cost effective. I'd have to figure out how to make them! Apple juice, pureed' bananas and peanut butter was listed in the ingredients section but of course, no measurements.

I went to the store and picked out two 5lb bags of apples; about 10 bananas and a good-sized jar of creamy peanut butter. (Next time, I think I'll try 15 bananas--slicing up the other five not putting them in the blender--and increase the peanut butter, too.) I let the bananas get softer for a few days--I didn't want to use them on the greener side. I took out the regular blender and began quartering apples after I took the cores out. My biggest quandary was what to freeze this smush in. Plastic deli containers would be best but they would get chewed up. Paper cupcake holders would be too flimsy so I thought, well, lets freeze them in the cupcake tins and after they are frozen, I'll pop them out and keep in freezer ziplocks bags. 

I had to add water to the apples to get it to liquefy. I added enough (skin and all) to make a thick liquid and then poured it into a giant bowl. I did the same with the bananas (minus the skins) and poured that into a bowl. I wanted to see how much each made ratio-wise. Into the banana bowl, I added a half big jar of the pnut butter--probably could add the whole thing! and then, I mixed it lightly together. 

Mike held the pans while I used a soup ladle to fill the cupcake tins about 3/4 full. I wanted to leave some expansion for freezing. I wound up having extra so I took out a half dozen or so of clean, used margarine containers and filled those. (They'd be good for floating in a group water bowl outside!)

They were ready in an overnight. To get them out, I put an inch of hotwater in the sink, set each cupcake pan in it for just a half minute or less--until they were twirling around in their holders when I tested with my finger. I used a knife and popped each one out. Anticipating putting them in the freezer and giving them out another day, I changed my mind when I turned to my side and saw that ALL eyes were upon me!! There wasn't a dog here who was not quietly, patiently waiting to get a "cupcake"! Much to my surprise. Some even went and voluntarily got in their crates, trying to show me how 'good' they were being to ensure that they would get this special treat!

As I popped out every six cupcakes and put them in a bowl, Mike went around and put one in each dog's food bowl. Some ate them by lapping/licking, some turned the bowl over to get it out and chewed on it--some ate it in neat "order", others determinately ate the banana chunky parts out of the apple slurry first. It was really fascinating to watch how each dog eats, acts, responds.

Don't always think my attempts at making homemade treats are a success. Sometimes, the dogs will sniff and turn their backs on my clever creations that took hours to make. This time, though, it was a success--I can't wait for the next fruit sale so I can make cupcakes for them again. (No one got sick with diarrhea or had any issues thank goodness.)

Just one pointer if you decide to do this--don't overdo it on adding the water to the apples. Too diluted, I think they would not like it as much. If you just want to make a smaller batch, perhaps try three apples to every banana, 1/2 to 1 cup of water and (generously HEAPING) 2-3 TBS of peanut butter--blenderize to a little more than choppy/thick slurry and freeze!

If you have any other treats/summer treats you want to share, please email me at: animalrescuevolunteer@yahoo.com  

Thanks for stopping by, for listening and for caring. Especially for caring.

Jane

I normally write two blogs (almost) every day now--a story for the Houston Chron and then I write something a little more personal on this blog. Today, I thought it was important for my Rescue Ranch readers to see Rocky's story (below) in case they are not registered on the Chron--both for Rocky's sake and in case they have an animal who needs a prosthetic or prosthesis.

What I have learned, is that just about anything that is possible to help people, is now available to help animals. You just have to search a lot and ask for help and eventually you can find a medicine, a remedy, a replacement part even! It is amazing.

I remember when I first started trying to help wheelchair dogs. I didn't know what animals wheelchairs are called--they are called 'carts.'  There are two wheel, four wheel, front wheel, rear wheel and many more variations of carts. The pressure of trying to help a disabled animal, and not even knowing what to call the help, is difficult.

So, with each story that I do, even if it is to help an animal at the RR, I try to teach and to give you a few links to educate yourselves. You just never know when a friend, relative, rescuer or even your own animal will need one of these things and you'll be much better prepared to help them.

Thanks for caring. Please read Rocky's story below--posted earlier today.

Jane

www.doggon.com is a good place to start if your animal is mobility-challenged.

This big, smiling puppy, "Rocky Rocks" as he is known at the Rescue Ranch, needs a special brace to be able to walk normally--and to avoid further serious damage.


What Was Wrong?

Rocky was surrendered and brought to a sympathetic vet because he could not walk. Showing a defect in his hip joints, Rocky's surgery was donated by the vet--double FHO surgery (a generous gift)!



Look at Rocky's hip joints--in FHO surgery, in simple terms, the ball of the leg bone that fits into the hip socket is removed, hoping that the body will make a callous around the end of the bone, making a better fit/more stable joint.


Thinking that Rocky Rocks just needed to recover from that surgery, we brought him here to exercise him and to get him stronger before he could be adopted.

But, over time, even though his hips got better, Rocky still had issues walking. More exercise didn't help, in fact, his hips got better but his rear end kept collapsing. 

When he tries to run after other dogs, his leg gives out and he slides across the grass, having to "play" laying down.

(Imagine how a young girl would walk, her first time on very high heels--very unstable, ankles turning in and out. That is how Rocky walks but worse. His other leg is slightly unstable but does not need a brace at this time.)


The Diagnosis

Further radiographs revealed that this cheery, friendly, loveable boy has a hyperextending left hock (very stretched out, extending ligaments) in his rear leg. He was more than likely born this way but it could have been caused by an injury.  IF it were correctable by surgery, Texas A & M would be the only choice the vet said AND it would be very expensive and complicated.


When Rocky stands "still", he is very wobbly causing most photos to be blurry.





Rocky Needs Surgery OR A Custom Brace

Searching for another alternate than expensive surgery, knowing that if Rocky doesn't have help, his ligaments could rip and he would be lame, I came across Ortho Pets in Denver, a company which makes custom orthotic and prosthetic devices--for animals!

This company also makes Tarsal Braces for dogs like Rocky. After discussing this alternative option with his vet, the vet agreed that in lieu of what could be impossible surgery, at least this would give Rocky stabilization--and prevent further injury.




Looking like something out of Star Wars, this is the exact brace that Rocky needs because of the severity of the hyperextension.

 
The vet who helped Rocky had to order a special "casting kit"--to make an exact cast of Rocky's leg. Measurements and radiographs were taken and it was all shipped to Ortho Pets--who requires payment in full before they will make the brace.

Given the number of special needs animals we have to take care of, we cannot afford to sponsor this brace for Rocky, although we are doing everything possible to make it happen--including sending up a few prayers.

Rocky is a fluffy piece of sunshine itself and deserves to run and play--and hopefully, after he gets used to using his brace, a loving person or family with smaller, friendly dogs and/or kids will adopt him. We don't want him to get hurt wrestling with big dogs. (There is a schedule to follow first to get him used to having this brace on and see if it needs any adjustments; then he will wear it all day, just taking it off at night.)


How To Help Rocky

If you can give any amount as a partial payment towards Rocky's brace, he would be grateful! Ortho Pets will accept call-in credit card for any amount, up to payment in full for the brace plus shipping.

"This device will be made to address Rocky's hyperextending left hock. This device will prevent the limb from hyperextending and prevent further damage to the limb. This device cost $595 plus ($25) shipping, because are devices are custom made, we do require full payment up front." A total of $620 is needed.

Note: The company who makes the brace has decided that it is unable to handle many call-ins. Please email me for instructions if you want to help Rocky: animalrescuevolunteer@yahoo.com

(I will let readers know when the goal has been reached. I will post the progress in the comments section below. Once the goal has been reached of $620, no additional funds can be pledged/given.)

If you have an animal in need:

To see a brace casting video (and others) go to:
http://www.vimeo.com/orthopets
Note: Use password: OP

For more about FHO surgery in a dog or cat:
http://www.2ndchance.info/hipsurgery.htm

For more about Ortho Pet, for custom Orthotics and Prosthetics for Animals:
www.orthopet.com

We have two phones to use at the RR. When they both stop working on the same day, it is a very unsettling feeling. My mind kept racing with all of the "What Ifs..." with all of the animals here. At least, I kept telling myself, I know where the car key is (in the ignition at all times) and where the vets are.

Yesterday, Mike was on a call and the microphone failed of all things! One minute he was having a great conversation and the next minute I could hear, "Can you hear me now? How about now...?" He had to hang up and had me test-call him. Clearly, he could hear me but nothing was coming back to me and I could see that he was talking to me.

To finish his call, he asked to borrow my phone. I had things to do, calls to make, too, but I know he needed to complete the call he was on. I lent him my phone. Half an hour later, he handed it back to me in non-working condition. It was soaking wet, the water just dripping from the case. "What in the world happened?" I asked.  I knew we had the baby pools set up for the dogs to run through/play in, so my guess was that he went to pet a dog lounging in a pool and it fell out of his hand.

"Well, I decided to sit under a tree and finish my call," he started. "I was playing with the dogs and didn't realize how hot it was out. By the way, that water is all sweat..." Now, I'm a pretty tolerant kinda gal for goo and ooze (have to be living here) but I dropped the phone on the table like a hot potato. There is something about knowing ahead of time what bodily fluids are where verus finding out when you are holding them! Yuck!

I took the phone apart and remembered what my friend, Chris "McGuyer" taught me on facebook (My page is on a "vacation" hold/I need a break right now): Put all parts in rice--that's right, cover the phone parts with dried rice for 24 hours (I think). This is the third or fourth time we've had to do this in a year! Ugh. 

I had Mike get the "Phone Rice Jar"--a perfect jar for phones and rice with a good sealed lid--and about 1.5 cups of plain, inexpensive white rice that I use just for this purpose. My phone is now continuing to dehydrate--I hope--until later today, when I hope and pray that it will turn on. The jury is still out on his phone--he has it open now, trying to see if there is a lose wire or some such. Lesson learned: keep a spare phone around in case of emergencies--and don't get it wet!

Thanks for stopping by, for listening and for caring.

Jane

Update: 6 PM My phone is out of the rice--and works! Yippee!! Only problem is that somehow, this phone must have little holes in the battery compartment--'cause now it sounds like a rattle with a few pieces of rice INSIDE the phone now! 

I just listened to author and philanthropist, Cynthia Kersey, being interviewed about "The Law of Giving and Receiving." You, too, can listen to it today only at no charge through today. This interview is #9 in a list of 9 interviews entitled "Healing with the Masters."

http://www.healingwiththemasters.com 

(You may have to register to get access to these interviews. It is worth taking the time to look through the titles and sit down for a quiet moment or even put the interviews on while you work, cook dinner, etc.)

Here are some notes from the interview (my notes in parentheses):

Giving to yourself first (take care of yourself) then begin giving to others (people, animals, organizations all have to count)--You can do this with actual gifts, a kind word, a caring call...letting a person go ahead of you in line, a car go ahead of you on the freeway...just start doing random acts of kindness every day.

If you want more love, give love. If you want more money, give material things away. If you want kindness, try giving of yourself and caring for others. (Give away what you want basically is the law.)

The only way to get prosperity/to experience prosperity is through giving. The energy in your life starts shifting but you must give with good intentions and love not with resentment or feeling like you have to. (The latter will cancel out your blessings that the giving would have brought.)

Abundance comes through giving or blessing others--by giving or tithing (Cynthia cited a billionaire who was asked what his most important tip/lesson he could share about building a fortune. "Tithing," he said.) Give of yourself, of your love--it is good for your health; good for pocketbook; good for your life and the world needs your gifts. (Basically, there is so much to accomplish in this world--examples given--but not if people don't "give.")

A woman was sick and trying to focus on her own healing. She was given the advice to give "something" for 29 days in a row--and did. Not all was material giving. She found ways to give to people of herself, too. She found that she felt better immediately after starting the first day by calling a very sick friend. By the end of the 29 days, her life was changed.

We personally try to give at every opportunity. We don't have the finances to give away right now (but used to) because of the number of special needs animals that are here but we give in many other ways to the animals and to any human being who crosses our path who needs help. We feel that it is our privilege to help/give whether it be helping a stranded driver to bringing water to a person camped on a corner of the highway to taking care day and night of sick and disabled animals.

Thanks for stopping by, for listening and for caring. Especially for caring.

Jane

As Cynthia said, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." Gandhi

I was mixing up the dogs' dinner yesterday, trying to watch TV at the same time. One of my favorite "prayer" shows was on EWTN. Afterward, Father Leo Clifford was standing on the screen, a beautiful garden was behind him. I could even hear the birds chirping.

I need to paraphase what he said, (although it may be verbatim). My hands were all messy and I could not grab a pen before I had to wash them.

As I stood there, I knew that THIS was the reason Mike and I are at the Rescue Ranch, why we are helping so many animals; I knew this is why we all have animals; and I knew, in that second, that the answer to my question, "Do animals go right to heaven?" was answered--for they are all love.

Father Leo Clifford began. "We are all on earth to learn to Love so we are fit to enter heaven..."

Something so simple but something that rang so true. 

I'm not ready yet for God to call my name. There is lots yet to do, but when He does, I know for sure, that the animals have taught me how to love--and I hope, I can do them proud when I get to the Pearly Gates. 

Thanks for stopping by, for listening and for caring. Especially for caring.

Jane

Try to love everyone (and every animal) who comes across your path today--no matter how hard it is. Just think, maybe they don't know love yet...

To watch Father Clifford "What is Your Philosophy of Life?" (6 mins--a different message but this way you'll get to see what he looks/sounds like), please Click Here.  You can also order his "Reflections, Volume V: One Day At A Time" on www.ewtnreligiouscatalog.com to get the lesson I mentioned here today. You can also write to him directly at: Father Leo Clifford, OFM, PO Box 367, Palm Beach, FL 33480

 

Last night, I was on the phone--standing next to the window for better reception. In that moment, my red cardinal swooped in. With him, wasn't his Blue Jay buddy but a female Cardinal! I was thrilled.  (See May 25, 2011 entry below for more about "my" Cardinal.)

Immediately, I had to tell Mike to "hold the dogs"--I didn't want the birds to get scared away. As I watched them, the Cardinal almost seemed to be bringing the Mrs. here for a dinner date! I had put out new bird seed earlier in the day just for him--Cardinal's love sunflower seeds and being a vegetarian, I have the raw kind for salads. (I much prefer the toasted, salted kind as a snack but birds should not eat those.)

A male and female bird, together, most likely means babies are here or on their way--I don't see a nest but there are lots and lots of trees for them to choose from. I probably will never see them but I feel proud as punch any way. It's a neat feeling to think that birds, too, are happy here and nesting.

My Cardinal has brought his love here regularly. I don't know if the female is the same bird or not. It would be neat to know if Cardinals mate for life or not. She is a little smaller than him and instead of being bright red, is brown with a hint of red tinge is as best I can explain. (I'll try to get a photo of them if I can.)

She stayed in the tree, about five or six feet from the ground but he hopped around the grass eating the seed that had dropped. 

I feel so honored and really blessed to get a visit from the Cardinals. Year after year, I wonder if he will come--and when he does, my heart skips a beat. Something so tiny in the scheme of life, but something really so incredibly wonderful. 

Thanks for stopping by, for listening and for caring. Especially for caring.

Jane

Stop to enjoy the little things in life--they may seem insignificant but they really are magnificent.

Just when you think you know it all, you find out that you don't. This past week, I found myself running to the health food store to buy activated charcoal and a homeopathic remedy called, "arsenicum album," because a climbing, clever puppy--not two feet from me--got into something not meant for puppies! 

All's well (thank God) but that rough couple of hours got me thinking. I kept meaning to get charcoal for my first aid kit (it absorbs things in the dog's stomach so they won't enter the blood stream) but I kept putting it off. I knew better and now, for $10, I have a bottle of it. The homeopathic remedy was $8. Both were priceless, really.

I knew enough, to pick up the box that the puppy had started chewing, and immediately call the company's 800 number on the back of the box. The first thing they asked for was the product name and any registration information. (They maintain a database on all of their products.) I was lucky to have called during business hours and to have them tell me right away whether this was reason to induce vomiting OR to give the puppy fluids. Two bowls of vanilla Boost later, I was on my way to the store to get the other two things.

I called ahead to the health food store and had the activated Charcoal and arsenicum album waiting for me at the counter. I brought the puppy with me in the car and even brought a small bowl and feeding syringe into the store.  I asked the store clerk to plug some numbers into her calculator so I could figure out the dose (converting what each capsule was into the dose I needed to deliver). While she was doing that, I opened the capsules and dumped them in the water--and melted the little sugar balls (homeopathic remedy's come in this form sometimes) into the same mix by stirring. In less than a minute, I was syringing the mix into the puppy's mouth as a "just in case..."

All of this made me think--does everyone else know what to do? Do they know the Pet Poison Helpline that is open 24/7? So today, in my Houston Chron blog, I started a series of articles after speaking to the Asst. Director of the Helpline. (I am going to write other articles as well to make sure all animal caretakers are as up-to-date and prepared as possible.)

Please stop by my Houston Chron blog when you get a chance: www.chron.com/rescuevolunteer  There is information about how to set up an account with the Helpline in advance, what information to have handy, etc. so you don't have to function (totally) in an emergency.  If you can't read my other blog, at least keep this number: 800-213-6680  Someone is available 24/7. This is the same number that your vet would call.

Click Here to see what should be in an animal poisoning first aid kit. My next article will expand on the what's and why's of all of these things but some of you may want to get a head start collecting the suggested items.

Thanks for stopping by, for listening and for caring. Especially for caring.

Jane

Please help the Rescue Ranch by copying/forwarding the address of this blog or by recommending this site:

http://www.firststop-laststop.com/rescueranchblog.html  And/OR Clicking on "Recommend This Site" on the Home page.  Thank you kindly!

I ran into Target yesterday to get some supplies in the pharmacy section. I stopped at the first aid section when I saw the beautiful, bright red first aid bags and boxes--and the "free" sign!!  OK, they had my attention.

If you buy three of any of the featured products--all of which everyone should have in their homes--from Neosporin to gauze bandages to band-aids, you can choose between a first aid bag (with lots of pockets) or a glossy cube box (with lots of compartments). Both were equally practical and worth a trip to Target!

At the drop of a hat, you need to be able to grab first aid supplies, even if you do not have an animal. You just never know when you will need them. Many a time, I have thanked God for knowing instantly where stuff is that I need in an emergency.  And, if you use something up or even mostly "up", be sure to replace it right away. 

The first aid bags and boxes are only available as long as they are in stock so I wanted you to go get yours if you don't have one already.  At the Rescue Ranch, we have several first aid "stations"--one of which has a metal first aid box that we've added to. It is such great piece of mind knowing where that is, even if I never needed it.

We've had a difficult week here. I haven't felt so great. Please stop by again later tomorrow. I hope to be able to write more then.  Until we "meet" again, know that I keep ALL of you in my thoughts and prayers. God can do amazing things if we let Him.

Thanks for stopping by, for listening and for caring. Especially for caring.

Jane

(You can buy the first aid bags and boxes, too, if you don't want to purchase the products. Remember, either way, If they are out of stock, ask customer service to call other stores in your area and have one--or two--put on hold for you.)