Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Rio, brand new to the Sanctuary!
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
A Sunny Day at the Sanctuary... Good for the human soul
It was cold outside today, but the dogs worked their magic, and it wasn't long after I arrived that I completely forgot about the temperatures and enjoyed the glorious sunshine!
Brycie has completed the introduction period into her run. These guys are so fun! The four of them played and played and played. Trail and Mollie have been with us for a few months now, and why the two of them have been passed over for adoption confounds me. If potential adopters could only see what I see on a daily basis, this would definitely not be the case.
Trail is obedient, loves all dogs and REALLY loves humans. He just lights up when he sees children. He has so much love to give.
Mollie is just a sweetheart of a girl. She's the canine version of the down to earth, pretty girl that everyone wants to befriend. She has a happy personality, a compassionate, caring nature, loves all humans and dogs, and will crawl into your lap for a snuggle. Mollie is a favorite among our volunteers.
The other two pups in this run are newer to the Sanctuary. Charlie, who was in my foster care until recently, is adapting beautifully to Sanctuary life. He absolutely LOVES having playful playmates. My two dogs aren't that much into play any more, but Charlie could always bring out that side of them. At the Sanctuary, it's ALWAYS recess for Charlie!
Brycie, currently our newest pup, is another all around sweetheart. She has a flirty side that I thought might cause some jealousy between Trail and Charlie. But being the gentlemen they are, they have been able to accept her as another friend and not get into the complexities of favorites. Brycie has brought even more sunshine to this already sunny crew.
With colder temperatures threatening once again, I added extra hay to all the dog houses. The dogs get so excited about this! I get lots of encouragement and help from them all! While bending down to throw the hay in, placing my face vulnerably at dog level, I receive big, sloppy, wet kisses of gratitude. And if I stay in that position a little bit too long, I get a friendly attack from behind... wet, muddy, playful paws. OK guys, time for a group hug! Annie, of course, gets busy quickly rearranging the placement in just the way she and Ike like it. Got to love those Beagles!
And then there's poor Cowboy with his hurt paw. He had to have stitches and wear the cone of shame. Oh no! Not the cone of shame! Yep. He just doesn't understand what bad thing he has done to have such treatment. Get well soon our sweet Cowboy!
It was a good day spent with some great pups! Good for the human soul!
Tara
Brycie has completed the introduction period into her run. These guys are so fun! The four of them played and played and played. Trail and Mollie have been with us for a few months now, and why the two of them have been passed over for adoption confounds me. If potential adopters could only see what I see on a daily basis, this would definitely not be the case.
Trail is obedient, loves all dogs and REALLY loves humans. He just lights up when he sees children. He has so much love to give.
Mollie is just a sweetheart of a girl. She's the canine version of the down to earth, pretty girl that everyone wants to befriend. She has a happy personality, a compassionate, caring nature, loves all humans and dogs, and will crawl into your lap for a snuggle. Mollie is a favorite among our volunteers.
The other two pups in this run are newer to the Sanctuary. Charlie, who was in my foster care until recently, is adapting beautifully to Sanctuary life. He absolutely LOVES having playful playmates. My two dogs aren't that much into play any more, but Charlie could always bring out that side of them. At the Sanctuary, it's ALWAYS recess for Charlie!
Brycie, currently our newest pup, is another all around sweetheart. She has a flirty side that I thought might cause some jealousy between Trail and Charlie. But being the gentlemen they are, they have been able to accept her as another friend and not get into the complexities of favorites. Brycie has brought even more sunshine to this already sunny crew.
With colder temperatures threatening once again, I added extra hay to all the dog houses. The dogs get so excited about this! I get lots of encouragement and help from them all! While bending down to throw the hay in, placing my face vulnerably at dog level, I receive big, sloppy, wet kisses of gratitude. And if I stay in that position a little bit too long, I get a friendly attack from behind... wet, muddy, playful paws. OK guys, time for a group hug! Annie, of course, gets busy quickly rearranging the placement in just the way she and Ike like it. Got to love those Beagles!
And then there's poor Cowboy with his hurt paw. He had to have stitches and wear the cone of shame. Oh no! Not the cone of shame! Yep. He just doesn't understand what bad thing he has done to have such treatment. Get well soon our sweet Cowboy!
It was a good day spent with some great pups! Good for the human soul!
Tara
Friday, December 26, 2014
Brycie is now at the Sanctuary and is adoptable!
Our sweet Robin got adopted right before Christmas! I am so happy for this extremely intelligent and beautiful girl! The young family has a 3 year old, precious, little boy. So they brought him to the Sanctuary to see how Robin would react to such a young child. Wow! She was awesome! She took treats from him so very gently, walked side by side with him, and stood so sweetly as he hugged her. What a girl!
Our newest pup, Brycie, is spending her first night at the Sanctuary! She spent her first two weeks with Southern Friends at my house. I like to bring new pups into a home environment to get a better idea of their temperaments, to see if they are house trained, and to work on some basic obedience. Brycie is a doll baby! She goes right into her crate and sleeps all night without a peep. She never had one accident in her crate or in my house. She got along great with my dogs, and hasn't met a stranger, human or canine, yet!
In these two short weeks, I really got attached to her. So it was not easy to leave her at the Sanctuary today. But the introductions to her run mates, Charlie, Mollie & Trail, went great! She enjoyed playing with them all and they accepted her really well. I will go check on her tomorrow and have a nice visit with both her and Charlie.
Our newest pup, Brycie, is spending her first night at the Sanctuary! She spent her first two weeks with Southern Friends at my house. I like to bring new pups into a home environment to get a better idea of their temperaments, to see if they are house trained, and to work on some basic obedience. Brycie is a doll baby! She goes right into her crate and sleeps all night without a peep. She never had one accident in her crate or in my house. She got along great with my dogs, and hasn't met a stranger, human or canine, yet!
In these two short weeks, I really got attached to her. So it was not easy to leave her at the Sanctuary today. But the introductions to her run mates, Charlie, Mollie & Trail, went great! She enjoyed playing with them all and they accepted her really well. I will go check on her tomorrow and have a nice visit with both her and Charlie.
Saturday, December 20, 2014
To Friends and Animal Lovers
Today was a fun day with our Christmas Themed Adoption Event at Hollywood Feed Olive Branch. I feel so blessed to be surrounded by wonderful, loving people who care about these deserving homeless pets so much. We work hard, both physically and mentally. We ride the waves of rescue work... elation and gratefulness when another pet is saved, or especially when they find their forever home... sadness and disgust when we get a call about a pet in an abusive situation... frustration when we have to turn away a pet because of lack of space or fosters.
But through all the ups and downs, strong, deep friendships are formed. We don't all think alike, we don't all have the same opinions, we come from different backgrounds, we have our separate families, we are youngsters, teenagers, middleagers and seniors, we are males and we are females, we live near, and we live far. We even have our squabbles :~) and misunderstandings. What! Yep. But the best thing of all, we have that common bond of love for the animals that binds us together with a fierce strength.
As individuals, we have our distractions that take us in different directions. As a group, we are focused and determined. We WILL make this world a better place. There are many ways to do this, and we appreciate and applaud all the goodness on this earth.
This is our way, our contribution of kindness and generosity.
Tara
But through all the ups and downs, strong, deep friendships are formed. We don't all think alike, we don't all have the same opinions, we come from different backgrounds, we have our separate families, we are youngsters, teenagers, middleagers and seniors, we are males and we are females, we live near, and we live far. We even have our squabbles :~) and misunderstandings. What! Yep. But the best thing of all, we have that common bond of love for the animals that binds us together with a fierce strength.
As individuals, we have our distractions that take us in different directions. As a group, we are focused and determined. We WILL make this world a better place. There are many ways to do this, and we appreciate and applaud all the goodness on this earth.
This is our way, our contribution of kindness and generosity.
Tara
Thursday, December 18, 2014
"All I Want for Christmas"
As I listen to Christmas music, on the radio, in the stores, at work... pretty well everywhere I go this time of year, one familiar lyric catches my attention and gives me pause for thought, "All I Want for Christmas..."
This year, being totally immersed in animal rescue, these lyrics bring to mind all the pups who will not enjoy the comfort, joy and love of having their own home this Christmas.
At Southern Friends, we do the very best we can to give our pups a wonderful environment. The dogs have large runs, warm shelter, fresh food and water, companion pups to run and play with, medical care, toys, and as much human attention as we can give them.
But even with the very best possible care, I know that the Sanctuary is not the same as a home of their own. It's easy to see this when a dog finally gets that furever home. In just a few short days, sometimes even hours, you can see their little bodies relax, their eyes have a gleam that was not there before, and when once, seeing you, as a volunteer, was the best part of their day, now they stick close to their new human, practically smiling up into their eyes, tail wagging at the sound of THEIR human's voice.
So this year, when I hear these familiar songs of Christmas, I feel a little tug of my heart strings for these wonderful pups. I picture them curled up in their Igloos sleeping through the dark and cold of night, no human's foot to curl up against, no welcoming lap to crawl into.
And tomorrow, when I go to the Sanctuary to feed, water, and care for these guys, I'll be sure to take time from my busy work, squat down with each one individually, give them a reassuring hug, a friendly ear rub, a special treat from my pocket, and I'll whisper in their ear... "All I want for Christmas, this year, is a warm, loving home for you."
Tara
This year, being totally immersed in animal rescue, these lyrics bring to mind all the pups who will not enjoy the comfort, joy and love of having their own home this Christmas.
At Southern Friends, we do the very best we can to give our pups a wonderful environment. The dogs have large runs, warm shelter, fresh food and water, companion pups to run and play with, medical care, toys, and as much human attention as we can give them.
But even with the very best possible care, I know that the Sanctuary is not the same as a home of their own. It's easy to see this when a dog finally gets that furever home. In just a few short days, sometimes even hours, you can see their little bodies relax, their eyes have a gleam that was not there before, and when once, seeing you, as a volunteer, was the best part of their day, now they stick close to their new human, practically smiling up into their eyes, tail wagging at the sound of THEIR human's voice.
So this year, when I hear these familiar songs of Christmas, I feel a little tug of my heart strings for these wonderful pups. I picture them curled up in their Igloos sleeping through the dark and cold of night, no human's foot to curl up against, no welcoming lap to crawl into.
And tomorrow, when I go to the Sanctuary to feed, water, and care for these guys, I'll be sure to take time from my busy work, squat down with each one individually, give them a reassuring hug, a friendly ear rub, a special treat from my pocket, and I'll whisper in their ear... "All I want for Christmas, this year, is a warm, loving home for you."
Tara
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Christmas wishes granted thanks to an anonymous donor!
Dear Anonymous: Your heartfelt gift means so much to the Founders, Board Members, Volunteers, Sponsors, and especially to our Pets! Bless you!
Tara
Monday, December 15, 2014
Thursday, December 11, 2014
"Brycie" coming to Southern Friends
Working in animal rescue is no easy task on so many levels. It's hard work... physical, mental, emotional. It's rewarding! It's mind boggling! It's bittersweet.
I started this blog for that reason, kind of as a diary of my days in animal rescue, and to share on a more personal level what we do at Southern Friends.
As all rescues, we stay full. We're constantly trying to find new fosters, but other than that, our space is dependent upon just that, SPACE! We turn down very deserving cats & dogs EVERY day. Heartbreaking!
But as it goes, we had one space at the Sanctuary open up, just recently, for a dog. The dog, we could do best by, would need to fit into a run with three other pups, Charlie, Trail and Mollie. So I started keeping a watchful eye out for this new addition to our group.
Memphis Pets Alive caught my attention with their "Wag Along Tuesday" post. A pretty little girl that might work. I printed her, and 3 other possibilities, information and off to Memphis Animal Services I go.
I know better than to go browsing the aisle after aisle of sad faces. It's just too overwhelming for me. So I asked that Pup #1 be brought up front for a Meet & Greet. OMG was she cute! I spent a lot of time with her trying to convince myself that she was The One. But, alas, my brain overcame my emotions and I said to myself, "Tara, you know she's not a good fit for that Run." So I tearfully sent her back and asked to see Pup #2.
I didn't spend as much time with Pup #2, because I instinctively knew that she was a much better candidate. I did a quick assessment, which she passed with flying colors. I then took her into the lobby to see how she was around other humans and dogs. Again she passed with flying colors. I checked off my mental list of: Size, age, temperament, health... Yep, I think she'll do really well with, "The Trio," as I fondly call them.
So this is our, newly named, Brycie's story. This sweet pup was picked up as a stray, some where in Memphis, and never claimed by her owner. She sat in a small kennel, in a big Shelter, awaiting a fate she had no control over.
Some would say this was her lucky day. She got "picked." I say I am the lucky one. I get to know, and care for, this sweet girl. I get to watch her learn to love and trust humans, and play, possibly for the first time in her two short years of life. I get to see that special person or family come along, set their eyes on Brycie, and know she's The One for their family.
Pup #1, #3 & #4? A piece of my heart stays with them, sitting in a small kennel, in a large Shelter, awaiting their fate.
Tara
I started this blog for that reason, kind of as a diary of my days in animal rescue, and to share on a more personal level what we do at Southern Friends.
As all rescues, we stay full. We're constantly trying to find new fosters, but other than that, our space is dependent upon just that, SPACE! We turn down very deserving cats & dogs EVERY day. Heartbreaking!
But as it goes, we had one space at the Sanctuary open up, just recently, for a dog. The dog, we could do best by, would need to fit into a run with three other pups, Charlie, Trail and Mollie. So I started keeping a watchful eye out for this new addition to our group.
Memphis Pets Alive caught my attention with their "Wag Along Tuesday" post. A pretty little girl that might work. I printed her, and 3 other possibilities, information and off to Memphis Animal Services I go.
I know better than to go browsing the aisle after aisle of sad faces. It's just too overwhelming for me. So I asked that Pup #1 be brought up front for a Meet & Greet. OMG was she cute! I spent a lot of time with her trying to convince myself that she was The One. But, alas, my brain overcame my emotions and I said to myself, "Tara, you know she's not a good fit for that Run." So I tearfully sent her back and asked to see Pup #2.
I didn't spend as much time with Pup #2, because I instinctively knew that she was a much better candidate. I did a quick assessment, which she passed with flying colors. I then took her into the lobby to see how she was around other humans and dogs. Again she passed with flying colors. I checked off my mental list of: Size, age, temperament, health... Yep, I think she'll do really well with, "The Trio," as I fondly call them.
So this is our, newly named, Brycie's story. This sweet pup was picked up as a stray, some where in Memphis, and never claimed by her owner. She sat in a small kennel, in a big Shelter, awaiting a fate she had no control over.
Some would say this was her lucky day. She got "picked." I say I am the lucky one. I get to know, and care for, this sweet girl. I get to watch her learn to love and trust humans, and play, possibly for the first time in her two short years of life. I get to see that special person or family come along, set their eyes on Brycie, and know she's The One for their family.
Pup #1, #3 & #4? A piece of my heart stays with them, sitting in a small kennel, in a large Shelter, awaiting their fate.
Tara
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Where the names for our dog runs came from
As promised:
Sookie's Run: Named after Terri's first rescue pup, a foster failure. Sookie is a Sanctuary Resident.
Hope's Run: Named after the first puppy born under our care. Hope lives in her forever home near Coldwater.
Charlie's Camp: Who else! Named for our little Charlie who resides at the Sanctuary awaiting his forever home.
Kylie's Kabins: Named for a pup I met the very first time I visited Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah. Kylie is still there and I spend time with her every time I visit BFAS. Who knows, maybe one day she will live in Mississippi!
Toffee's House: Named for Sherry's first foster.
Lizzy's Abode: Named for Ashley's foster failure, also a Southern Friend's pup!
Pictured in this order: Sookie, Hope, Charlie & Kylie
Sookie's Run: Named after Terri's first rescue pup, a foster failure. Sookie is a Sanctuary Resident.
Hope's Run: Named after the first puppy born under our care. Hope lives in her forever home near Coldwater.
Charlie's Camp: Who else! Named for our little Charlie who resides at the Sanctuary awaiting his forever home.
Kylie's Kabins: Named for a pup I met the very first time I visited Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah. Kylie is still there and I spend time with her every time I visit BFAS. Who knows, maybe one day she will live in Mississippi!
Toffee's House: Named for Sherry's first foster.
Lizzy's Abode: Named for Ashley's foster failure, also a Southern Friend's pup!
Pictured in this order: Sookie, Hope, Charlie & Kylie
Monday, December 8, 2014
Quick introduction of our Sanctuary pups
Finally a day with some sun! All the dogs were out of their houses today, enjoying the sun, and enjoying play time with each other! Here is a short introduction to some of our wonderful Sanctuary babies, including the nicknames I, for some reason, always give my pups!
Sookie's Run:
Cricket (Crickers) Beautiful Blue Pit that loves to give her humans hugs!
Peanut (Peanutty) So loyal, Brindle Mix. Would give his life to protect his human!
Hope's Run:
Robin (Robino) Incredible Plott Hound/Catahoula mix. Soooo intelligent and sensitive to her human. Learns commands on the first go!
Charlie (Charlie-Warlie) Our special little Shepherd mix, that we have all watched with pride, go from being fearful of all humans, to trusting!
Charlie's Camp:
Trail (Sorry Trail, haven't found the right nickname for you, but I will): Abandoned and starving when a kind gentleman saved him. Loves all dogs, all humans, and very obedient to his human.
Mollie: (Mollie-Wollie) Such a pretty Lab mix girl! Very sweet. Our volunteers love her!
Kylie's Kabins:
Cowboy (Cowbodie) White American Bulldog/Lab mix. Such a handsome young man who settles right down for some love and attention.
Dottie (Dottie-Wottie) Compact little black & white girl mix. Lots of energy and will do anything for a treat!
Toffee's House:
Ike & Annie, bonded pair (Beagle-Weagles) Gorgeous senior Beagles. So sweet with each other. It's a joy just to be with them. Everyone loves our Beagles!
Stay tuned for next post and I'll give a little history lesson on why we chose the names we did for our runs.
Tara
Special Holiday Adoption Event Dec 20th
This will be fun! Bring your family, including your pets, for pictures with Santa! Have a cup of cocoa, apple cider & a cookie, shop our bake sale for a special treat, and find your pet's wish list items at Hollywood Feed! Don't have a pet? We can fix that!
Saturday, December 6, 2014
Special Holiday Adoption Promotion
Happy holidays! Southern Friends is happy to participate in the Best Friends No More Homeless Pets Network. With so many pets just waiting to wake up in loving homes, Best Friends, Southern Friends, and over 200 network partners across the country are working together to make 2014 a season to remember: Adopt, and bring joy to your world! Throughout December, adoption fees at Southern Friends are reduced by 50% and more. All cats, kittens and select dogs are just $25, and all other dogs & puppies are just $50! Contact sfanimalsociety@gmail.com and make an appointment to meet the perfect pet for your family!
Friday, December 5, 2014
The two sweetest dogs ever, a bonded pair
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Love these guys! Mud and all!
While working at the Sanctuary today, what started as a light mist, changed over to a slow, steady rain. I wish I had a body camera to capture days like today! I squat down to pet one pup, and before I know it, I have another on my back, and yet another on my head! Can't help but love these guys, even with all the mud they send home with me!
Charlie is doing GREAT at the Sanctuary, but I sure do miss my foster pup! When Charlie was roaming the streets of Hernando, several people said we should just let him be. Folks were feeding him, and he appeared to be happy and healthy. But once he was captured, he tested positive for heartworms, and without treatment, he would have gotten worse and worse and died a slow, painful death. So glad we pushed through and got him rescued!
Just look at the difference in the newly captured street dog that no one could touch, and the now loved, healthy, friendly, adoptable rescue pup!
Charlie is doing GREAT at the Sanctuary, but I sure do miss my foster pup! When Charlie was roaming the streets of Hernando, several people said we should just let him be. Folks were feeding him, and he appeared to be happy and healthy. But once he was captured, he tested positive for heartworms, and without treatment, he would have gotten worse and worse and died a slow, painful death. So glad we pushed through and got him rescued!
Just look at the difference in the newly captured street dog that no one could touch, and the now loved, healthy, friendly, adoptable rescue pup!
Special Holiday Adoption Event Dec 20th
Monday, December 1, 2014
Special Holiday Adoption Promotion
This season, bring joy to your world — and theirs. Adopt
a homeless cat or dog for just
$25 throughout December. Here's how. [link]
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