Animals, Bridges and a Pint Sized Community

I think my blogs keep getting further and further apart! Anyone in rescue will understand why updating a blog easily falls to the bottom of the "To Do," list. We have taken in seven new dogs in a little over three weeks. Four of these are from the hoarding case in the Delta. Three of them needing immediate vet care and extra attention. Two, from the Senatobia Shelter, needing socialization which, thanks to our volunteers, now LOVE humans, know how to sit on command, and are walking on leash! And our newest one from the Hernando Shelter I've dubbed, Little Bit, also needing a little guidance.

Our very first Kids Camp was Saturday! Several weeks of planning and preparation went into this four hour day camp. What a wonderful experience, not only for the campers, but also for our volunteers who served as Camp Counselors.

The camp was full of educational, hands on activities and opportunities. It was fun and heart warming to watch these kids go from quiet, standing around, not sure what to do, children, to smiling, laughing, making new friends Campers! Their love of animals quickly brought them together into a sharing, pint-sized, community of caring individuals. It was all about the animals for four straight hours!

Also heart warming was the volunteers who came together to make this happen. Being our first Kids Camp, there were a lot of uncertainties... Will the kids be bored?, Will we have enough supplies?, Will the weather cooperate?, Which animals would enjoy the interaction?... But thanks to these awesome ladies, who put so much of themselves into it, and also some awesome rescue pets, the Camp was a HUGE success!

The weather was a little warm and muggy, but we'll take that over stormy or what we had just a couple weeks ago - heat index over 100! The kids were NOT bored! Just the right amount of supplies. And a good choice of dogs and cats - they loved all the attention.

Watching the kids interact with the Counselors was very rewarding in the least. The animals were the bridge that, almost immediately, closed all generation gaps. All ages, from 7 - 79, had a great time working together.

We sometimes call our Sanctuary, "Our little piece of heaven." It's a place where, for just a little while, all other cares are put on the back burner, the animals replenish our souls, giving us so much love and appreciation, add fresh air, trees, wild birds singing and new friends... Rescue gives us a purpose - always good to have a purpose in this life. And the volunteers quickly become a community of good friends.

If this sounds like a wonderful place, that's because it is. Animals come here to heal from neglect, abuse and illness. Sometimes they simply have no place to call home. Little mommas come to us, heavy with pregnancy, or young pups or kittens in tow, looking for a safe place to raise their little ones.

Not unlike the humans who volunteer their time here. They come here to leave the stresses of work behind. Just for a little while, they're not worried about that project that's due tomorrow. And some come with kids in tow... Working with their young, together offering a healing touch to these deserving pets.

Just as, today, we watched these young campers come out of their shells and show their own, distinctive personalities, we also watch these dogs, puppies, cats and kittens come out of their shells. And they definitely have their own, distinctive personalities!

Today, bringing the two, kids and animals, together, and adding in some hard-working, dedicated adult volunteers... A recipe for success!

See more pictures & video of Kids Camp at: https://www.facebook.com/sfaspets

Really... look at your dog

     I don't know how this happened, but somehow I've become the "handy man," at the Sanctuary. I'm not naturally talented when it comes to fixing things, but I'm not afraid to try either. I've learned a lot about repair work since we opened  just a little over a year ago. I can now use tools (I still don't know their proper names) that I never held in my hands before. But I do set my foot down on certain things. I won't climb more than two rungs, maybe three, on a ladder, and I won't use certain power tools. Power saws creep me out. 

     It's a rare moment when I have time to just sit in a run with the dogs, but I happened to have one of those moments yesterday. I was still working, searching through a bucket of nails, bolts, screws and washers, for a particular bolt I needed for a dog pen. I was hot, and tired, so I just sat down where I was, in the middle of a run under a shade tree, and started my search. 

     Trail and Norma, two of our incredible dogs, both thought this was the most awesome thing ever! At first, they were curious about what was in the bucket. Hard to search for a small bolt with two big muzzles in one small bucket! Once their curiosity was satisfied - no treats or toys in the bucket - it was time to give Tara lots of kisses, again making it kind of hard to search for the needed bolt. 

     Finally through with the kisses - my face was now perfectly clean - they moved out of the way and I got busy at the task at hand. Bolt found, I decided to just take a minute to rest. Sitting there under that big ole tree, a slight breeze bringing a tiny bit of relief from the heat, I realized my two helpers had not left, they were still right there with me. 

     No longer wiggling with delight that a human had joined them at eye level, convinced that the bucket contained nothing of interest, and Tara's face thoroughly smooched, they were both lying next to me, Trail at my side and and Norma at my back. 

     What made this moment so special was not the fact that they were there, instead it was the way they were there. Both dogs were touching me ever so gently. 

     So very much was being conveyed through this small, but very powerful, offering. I could feel their contentment... bodies very relaxed, breathing slow and steady. Their eyes were half closed... total trust... peace. 

     Our runs are large, 50'x100', with lots of trees, cool dirt to dig in, shade trees to rest under, dog houses and even elevated beds. They could have chosen to be a lot of different places, but instead, they wanted to be next to me.

     I found myself relaxing into this moment... The gentle touch of the dogs, the trust and loyalty they were giving me... the comradery between the three of us was so powerful. The stresses of the day melted away, worries about tomorrow got shoved aside. I sat there for a few more minutes. I don't know who was enjoying it more, the dogs or me!

     I was reminded of something I once read in a book about training dogs. A man was having a particularly rough time with his out of control pooch, so he sought help from a professional trainer. The trainer observed the man as he tried to get the dog to obey. As the dog became more and more distracted, the man became more and more frustrated. After a few minutes, the trainer told him to stop and asked him to do one simple thing, "Look at your dog," she said. The man "looked" at his dog, shrugged his shoulders, and then turned back to the trainer. The trainer said, "Now, really look at your dog."

     I took this rare moment of quiet to really look at Trail, and then Norma. Wow! How special both of these creatures are! What we humans miss... when we don't take the time to really look at our dogs. 

Trail

Norma

Life so beautiful

     I have spoken of "life" in previous posts. This past week, I witnessed life in a way I never had before. Our newest little rescue, a petite, very pregnant, Beagle went into labor and delivered her first pup at my home. Sadly, this first baby, a beautiful little boy, never took a breath. He was beautiful... perfect in every way visible.

     Charlotte, the little mama, came to us in poor health. She was unable to deliver the rest of her pups and had to have an emergency C-section. Another little baby didn't make it, but thankfully mama and three of her pups were saved.

      Mama Charlotte, and our three little princesses, Alice, Amelia & Sophia, are all doing well. I celebrate these four lives saved, and at the same time, mourn the loss of the two little ones.

     We do not know Charlotte's history. She came up to a lady's house as a stray, very pregnant, malnourished, and obviously had had many past litters. It is apparent that she has not had an easy life. Her health is poor, and her little body is worn. Yet she takes care of these babies without complaint. She keeps them fed, clean and warm not leaving their side except for bathroom needs. She doesn't mind when they climb all over her... on her head, under her tail... She is patient and tender with these tiny new lives.

     Memory of the two little lives lost will not fade quickly. But what makes it just a little easier, is every time I take a moment to observe this new little family, the first thought that comes to mind... "Life so beautiful."

     Please join us in helping with Charlotte's vetting. Your help makes it possible for Southern Friends to continue rescuing and saving these precious lives. Here is a fundraising page set up just for them:  http://www.youcaring.com/southern-friends-animal-society-puppy-care-360610


Thank you,
Tara

Little Amelia and Mama Charlotte

Alice

Amelia

Sophia

One Day Old



Lucy, also a rescue dog, gave life saving blood
 for a transfusion to save Charlotte's life.

No one came looking

     It's been a while since my last post. This is such a busy time for Southern Friends with activities and events most every weekend of April and May. I just haven't taken the time to sit down long enough to write.

     This past Saturday, we had an Adoption Event in the morning, a camp-over at the Sanctuary in the evening, followed by a work party all day Sunday.

     Saturday night, at the camp-over, we had a weenie roast and a surprise graduation celebration for one of our special volunteers, a young lady named Leah. Leah just graduated high school and has been a wonderful volunteer with Southern Friends for a year now.

     Around midnight, we crawled into our tents, hoping for a few hours sleep, knowing we had a lot of work to get done on Sunday. The Sanctuary dogs had been so excited with all the activity but were finally settling down... Well, except one. Logan is new to the Sanctuary and he continued to bark even when all the others were in their dog houses snoozing the night away.

     When he continued to bark I decided to put him inside my tent to see if that would settle him down. Success! It didn't take long before he was snoozing beside me. I soon fell asleep. I awoke about an hour later and realized Logan had crawled into my sleeping bag (I had left the top 2/3 unzipped). His little body was so warm and relaxed, snuggled right along side me. I smiled, put a protective arm around him, and we stayed that way until morning.

     Logan was picked up as a stray by a local shelter. He was posted as found, but no one claimed him. He is a dream dog... Sleeps all night in his crate, appears to be house trained, only about 8 months old, healthy, loves all people and is awesome with other dogs.

     I would say he was once with a family, living inside a home. He's completely comfortable with all the goings on of a household and totally happy to be with humans. He's a handsome young man... so how in the world did he end up as a stray with no family out there looking for him?

     I will never forget our first Sanctuary camp-over... Having little Logan, by his own choice, snuggled to my side all night was such a heart warming experience.

     Logan.... maybe your last family didn't come looking for you. But we promise, your forever family will find you soon! And if you were ever to be lost again... they will leave no stone unturned to find you again.

Tara

Logan at the Sanctuary

Camping at the Sanctuary!

Simple pleasures bring smiles to volunteers

     If you love animals, especially dogs, there is always something to make you smile at the Sanctuary!

     I was working on one of the dog pens today and kept hearing this noise, but couldn't figure out what it was. I turned around and looked in the direction it was coming from... nothing. A few minutes later I heard it again. I turned and looked again... nothing. This went on for quite a while. Curiosity finally got the best of me and I left the run I was working in and entered the one I thought the noise was coming from. I wasn't imagining things! It was Ike, snoring!!! He was in his igloo, sound asleep, and snoring so peacefully... and loudly!

     If you haven't met Ike and Annie you've missed out on an adorable pair of Beagles. They are seniors, 9+ years old, and are the most adorable canine couple in the world! They are so loyal to each other. They don't want to go anywhere without the other, and they readily share their igloo. They are gentle and eager to share human affection. No one sits down with these two without a smile on their face!

     If you follow our FB page, then you are familiar with the six puppies that came to Southern Friends back in the winter. They are now 14 weeks old! We have had the best time with these guys! Lorien, the only fuzzy furred one, is quite the character. She brought a grin to my face yesterday when she discovered dandelions. Several of the dandelions had already turned to fuzz and she bumped one, accidentally, causing the fuzz to fly away. She chased it and thought this was grand fun.

     Within a couple of minutes she bumped another one with her nose and happily chased it too. Then another, and another. I thought when she bumped the second one it was just another accidental nudge. But no, not this smart little girl. She definitely knew what she was doing and enjoyed several minutes of chasing dandelion fuzz.

     I enjoy each dog that comes into our care. And just when I think my heart couldn't be more full of love for these guys, here comes another one tugging at my heart strings. Each one is special, each is soulful, and nothing makes me happier than when they go into a wonderful, loving home.

     On a serious note, we cannot save these pets without our community behind us. Please help us make a difference in the world of abandoned, homeless and shelter pets. Our current fundraiser to donate an engraved, memorial brick (paver) to the Sanctuary is a great way to show your support, and at the same time, honor or remember a special pet, person, or even just leave your name or business name to show your support of our cause.

     Click here to order your brick! And thank you for caring for the animals as much as we do!
     Tara

   

Lorien

The face of Rescue

   A week ago today, I travelled to a local shelter to possibly pull a couple of dogs to come live at the Sanctuary. I left with one pup, labeled "male" on the kennel card, but actually is a little girl.

   This sweetie has captured the hearts of everyone who has met her, including her run mate, Charlie. She's the sweetest dog I've ever come across. After a couple of days at the Sanctuary, her spay was scheduled where it was discovered that she has a very bad bronchial infection. She has not shown any symptoms of being sick at all, so it was a big surprise to find out that she is so ill.

  I brought her to my home to foster until she recovers. Charlie is not happy about that, but "Smokie" really needs to be indoors during this illness.

   Smokie was an owner surrender. Reason: "Dad can no longer care for the dog." Her intake form also states that she is a 1.5 year old, house trained, dog-cat-kid friendly, not spayed, not UTD on shots.

   I try really hard not to be judgmental. I have no idea what was going on in this man's life to cause him to surrender this precious pup. But why he took her to a high kill shelter... I'll never understand. Smokie is beautiful, young, no other obvious health issues, HW negative, with a great temperament. She's the perfect package. I'm sure, with a little effort, a home, foster or rescue could have been found.

   Thank goodness I made that trip that day! She probably would not have made it at the shelter. A shelter is no environment for ill animals.

   One, hopefully, saved... out of so many.

Bad hair day and mud in place of makeup - the dogs don't care

   Fingers, and paws, are crossed that we have finally made it through the Winter of 2014-2015. We began construction, and opened, the Sanctuary in early July last year. Though I can't say that anything that has happened this winter has been a surprise, I can say it has been packed full of first time experiences!

   I am a true Southerner! I don't like cold weather (I wear sweaters in the summer), and I especially don't like damp, cold wind-that-goes-right-to-your-bones weather. And, oh my, please don't ask me to drive, or walk for that matter, on ice!

   I have also never been that much into fashion. I, as a rule, don't follow the trends, don't take much time with my hair, etc., but I have always cared enough to make myself presentable. And never did I go somewhere without at least a little makeup on.

   Then, along came the Sanctuary, in July! I learned quickly that makeup immediately melts away with the sweaty work. Clothing - you don't want to wear anything that you don't mind getting really, really dirty. Hair - Ha! Naturally curly hair in our moist climate, outdoors, several hours a day... Doesn't matter if it's hot or cold outside... just don't bother!

   Summer was crazy, but the sunshine, green grass, beautiful leafy trees, happy dogs, new friends, the excitement of a dream come true... all made the experience absolutely awesome.

   Winter... I've been rained on, sleeted on, snowed on, slipped down - more than once, had days where every pair of shoes I own were all wet and/or muddy (just flat ran out of shoes), peed on (yes, peed on), got mud up my nose and in my eyes... And with these past few weeks of ice, snow and freezing temps... Wrestled with gates that wouldn't open, broke ice on water buckets only to have them refreeze while I'm standing there, toted heavy water buckets because the outdoor faucet was frozen, drove on ice, and had fingers get so cold that I couldn't grip the doorknob to get back inside to the warmth.

   I'm sure I'm leaving out some other unpleasant experiences, but the bad memories of winter are already fading. And it's been less than a week since we had ice and snow! Yes, we're still dealing with about 3" of mud in the dog runs, replacing tarps completely destroyed by the ice, and repairing damage to the runs and pens.

   But taking a lesson from the dogs, I'm learning to live in the moment. The dogs don't care that last week we were living in a frozen world... the nights long, cold and lonely and the days boring and event free. Today, the temperature is warm, the daffodils are blooming, the gates open easily, the water is unfrozen, and we have an extra hour of daylight in the afternoons! Time to play a game of fetch!

  And another lesson, the dog's don't care that, before I come visit them, I don't bother with my hair, my makeup, and I have the same old stained jeans and tee-shirt on that I wore 3 times last week. I do wash them, but you'd never know that by looking at them. They don't care about all of that, they just want what's most important... time with their humans.

   And taking lessons from our first Sanctuary winter... better shelter for our outdoor pups (the tarps kept our dogs protected, but didn't hold up to the ice. Work on drainage for areas where the runs and pens are holding water. Work on gates. Buy better insulated, waterproof boots! Wear rubber gloves OVER  my "waterproof" gloves. Buy heater strip for outdoor water faucet. There's more, but I'll stop there.

   The biggest lesson of all that I learned this winter is how appreciative the dogs are of our care... Fresh straw in the dog houses - doggie excitement! Take a moment for a belly rub, thick winter gloves and all - doggie gratitude. Slip and fall - doggie kisses. Bad hair day and mud in place of makeup - doggie admiration. We humans are very special to our canine companions.

   Please don't overlook these abandoned and homeless pets. They have so much love to give!

   And please join us in caring for these extraordinary beings. We rescues can't do this work without the whole community behind us.

   We currently have an important fundraiser for the Sanctuary and ongoing construction of Hissy House. Please see details at www.facebook.com/beyondfriendsmemorialgarden and help us save the animals!

Tara

Puppy Days & Puppy Nights

     Now that the Sanctuary is open, we decided to modify one run and make it our "Puppy Run." Work had begun when we came across a post: 6 puppies, four weeks old, urgent, need out of boarding ASAP! Well, we're not quite ready, and we weren't expecting such young puppies, but... OK, we'll do this!

     Too young to be outdoors, even with a heated dog house, we quickly set up a temporary puppy pen in Hissy House. Hissy House, right now, offers shelter from the elements, but is not insulated, and the temperature inside is not much warmer than outside. But, along with their mom, 6 puppies came to Southern Friends. With help from several, invaluable volunteers, we made it work.

     Then, Frisky, the momma, decided she was ready to wean and kept getting out of the pen. Then, extreme cold and inclement weather visited the South. No choice but to go ahead and separate mom and pups and move pups to my house. So, at a little over five weeks old, 6 puppies came to the Murphys.

     This is my first experience with multiple, very young puppies. And wow! So fun, so interesting, so cute, and SO much work! Southern Friends has taken in puppies before, but normally they come in ones, or twos, and a bit older than four weeks old! I've nursed a very young, very sick little puppy before, but it was only ONE! This is totally different! Mainly the poop... lots of poop!

     I'll spare you the poop details, and just talk about the fun stuff. Watching these little guys grow and change, in just one week, is fascinating! Their personalities are already emerging, and their dynamics as a group is mesmerizing.

     Lorien, the only fuzzy furred baby out of the six, is about as cute as cute can be. Her little body is short and compact, but she's surprising light when you pick her up. She's always the first to come running, looks right at you, and her body language says, "Me, me, me! Pick me up!"

     Pippin, the only solid white one out of the bunch, is also friendly. He's usually the second one out. But his demeanor is calm and gentle. He walks up, not demanding like Lorien, but more just expecting. He's so cute he just knows you'll pick him up!

     Gracie & Gertie, the two brown pups, are such little ladies. Both have gorgeous eyes, not sure what color they are going to be, but they're definitely not brown. Gertie is more solid brown with just a little white, and Gracie has white on her nose. They are both a little more serious than the rest, the first ones to look you directly in the eyes. Do I see some wisdom staring back? And their play is much calmer than the others.

     Kylie! Oh my goodness! We thought she was going to be a true terror! She started out as the bossiest, the meanest, the biggest trouble maker! This went on for the first several days she was with us. She was constantly making the other puppies cry, and wouldn't stop, even when they were squealing at the top of their lungs.

     Then, one day I heard a racket and went to see what was going on. Four pups had Kylie down. All four were standing over her, not hurting her, but they were definitely having a serious talk with their bossy sister! Kylie was on her back, not moving a muscle. How interesting! Kylie has been a different little girl ever since! She stays out of trouble and she has become more the observer. She still plays with everyone, but she minds her manners, and she's the one you'll catch studying you, studying the others, studying her surroundings... I think we have a very intelligent one with Kylie.

     And now, for the last, but definitely not least! Rudy! Rudy is now the largest of the six. He weighs, by a long shot, quite a bit more than his siblings. Pick them all up and you'll immediately notice the difference in his solid little body. The biggest, but also the sweetest, the gentlest, the cuddliest... He sometimes acts lost. He'll just stand in the middle of the pen whining. I've learned to just pick him up and give him a little reassurance and he stops. He sleeps the most and you'll never see him sleeping alone. He's always cuddled up to a sibling or two.

     At first, I worried that something might be wrong with Rudy. I watched him carefully. He eats well, plays well, fur and skin looks healthy, hears and sees well, no problem with bodily functions... I'm still watching him carefully, but I think he's just a little gentle giant. He enjoys being held and cuddled. What a snug bug! I think it'll be a lucky family that gets this little love.

     So even though these pups are a lot of stinky, messy work, I'm enjoying them immensely! What a privilege to watch them grow and change, and to bond with their sweet little personalities at such a young age!

     Frisky, you did well!

Tara

"They are so hopeful" four little, but very powerful, words

     Wow! What a weekend. Our Valentine's Day adoption event was so fun! Wonderful volunteers, awesome adoptable pets, and surprise visits from past adopters! It was so heartwarming to see several of our former pets who found loving, furever homes.

     There is a thing called, "Rescue Burnout." And anyone having been in rescue for very long understands this. It's not that you don't love what you do, or that you don't care anymore. Instead, it's from the frustration of having to turn down animals in need every single day. It's the overwhelming sadness of hearing, seeing and experiencing, every single day, the hurt and sadness of animal neglect and abuse. It's the loving, and the letting go. It's draining, physically, mentally and emotionally.

     Then we have a day like yesterday when we see our former pups so happy, healthy and loved! We experience the support of awesome volunteers. We see how our hard work has come together to pull off a fun, successful event.

      And this weekend was even sweeter! One of our former adopters brought their pup, Copper, in for a visit and a Valentine picture. While there, they saw and fell in love with Boomer, and decided to make him a part of their family!

     So if you've followed my blog, or my FB posts, you'll know how attached I've become to Boomer. This little boy stole my heart from the first time I saw him in the Shelter. He's lived in my home and become a part of my family... And now he's gone... So bittersweet, and draining.

     And on this very same day, when I'm feeling every inch of that thing called, "Rescue Burnout," this pops up on our FB page, "Nikki Lane Parrish 5 star They are so hopeful and their heart is definitely in the right place!"

      Wow! These four little words, "They are so hopeful." Thank you Nikki Lane Parrish! For reminding me why I am in animal rescue. It's because we (our awesome team of caring people) ARE so hopeful! We're doing everything we physically, mentally and emotionally can to make this world a better place for animals. And it's groups like ours, all over the world, that ARE making a difference.

     So, to pay it forward, and to borrow Nikki's words... I want to thank our Board, our volunteers, our fosters, our adopters, and our supporters! "YOU are so hopeful, and your heart is definitely in the right place!"

     And now, to go take care of our newest pups: Six little babies. Staying at my house until this cold weather breaks. Feed, water, pick up poop, love on babies, pick up poop, feed, love on babies, pick up more poop. Oh, it's time to feed again! But first... love!
 
     Nite nite Boomer. I love you little boy!
     Tara

Copper



Lizzy



Allie, formerly Brycie

Puppies!

   What a beautiful, fun and exciting day at the Sanctuary! Hoping for more days like this in February... daffodils coming up, sunshine, warm temperatures!

   Boomer and Ellie have been spending some time at the Sanctuary during the day, and then coming home with me at night. I like to take my fosters for day visits just to get them used to the sights and sounds, before leaving them for overnight. So tonight is their big night, staying over for the first time. I know I will get little sleep. I always feel like I've abandoned them, even though I'll see them first thing in the morning!

   I have gotten so attached to little (getting bigger) Boomer. On the way over this morning, he jumped into my lap (driving) and I kissed his sweet head. Now I'm all teary just thinking about that moment caught in time. I really do love this little guy, and I hope only for the best home for him.

   My husband said, "It sure is quiet here tonight." I said, "I know, it's nice huh. But I'm missing my little Boom Boom." He said, "I was just thinking the same thing." Bless my husband. He not only puts up with all that goes along with being in Animal Rescue and fostering, but he also supports me in doing this. He even called from work the morning of Ellie's vet appointment, just to make sure she was OK. Love my hubby!

   So, today... Beautiful weather, volunteers, happy dogs playing and walking, and don't forget the treats!

   And... Puppies! Yes, our adorable 4-wk-old puppies, along with their mom, arrived today. It will be so fun to watch them grow these next few weeks.

   Come watch them grow with us!

Tara

   Here's a sneak preview!

Why Reduced Fee Adoptions

   Back in June of last year, three of our board members, and three volunteers travelled to Kanab, Utah, to visit Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. Best Friends is world renowned, perhaps you've seen the "Dog Town" series on National Geographic.

   I first saw this series in 2009. I was so impressed with what they were doing, and with the scenery, that I planned my next vacation around a visit to this small western town. It was well worth it! I spent two days volunteering at the Sanctuary and two days, before and after, visiting Zion National Park and the Grand Canyon.

   Since then, I have made four more trips to Best Friends, including the one in June of last year. One trip was with Terri Esther, where we attended a week long workshop on "How to Start Your Own Sanctuary." The other two visits were to attend the first two parts of a three-part dog training program. I go back this Fall to attend the third part. Can't wait!

   Terri and I learned so much at the workshop, and Best Friends has been phenomenal in steering us in all the right directions with our own Sanctuary. One of the things they recommend is having reduced fee adoption events for select pets. Many have asked us, "Why reduced fees?"

   I can say right off, offering reduced fees on select pets is not our way of trying to unload a less desirable pet! In most cases, it is the opposite! Like our upcoming special reduced fees for Valentine's Day. We are promoting our beloved Beagles in this promotion. And when I say beloved, I mean, they are our dearest pups! Ike and Annie are a senior, bonded pair, and they have been with us since we first opened the doors of the Sanctuary. Spend two minutes, or less, with these two, and you can't help but smile! Their love for each other is contagious, and they are the sweetest, gentlest, most adorable couple you can imagine.

   So why reduced fees? Studies show that the long term care and love of adopted pets is not affected by the amount of the adoption fee. Reduced fees draw attention to a pet, who might otherwise be overlooked, because of its age, breed, special needs, or even because of its color (black dogs and cats are continuously overlooked in Shelters and Rescues).

   Best Friends, and Southern Friends, offer these reduced fees to highlight these special pets.

   So this month, we'd like for you to take a second look at these wonderful pets:

      All cats over 6 months of age, $10 adoption fee, Feb. 13-16 only
      Ike & Annie, our beloved Beagles, $10 adoption fee, Feb. 13-16 only
      Trail, the misunderstood breed of Staffordshire Terrier, $10 adoption fee, Feb. 13-16 only
      And Charlie, our little feral pup who has come so far, $10 adoption fee, Feb. 13-16 only

   These, and several of our other adoptable pets, will be at Hollywood Feed, Olive Branch, Feb. 14th, 10am-1pm, for a special Valentine's Day Adoption Event. Stop by and say hi, and bring your pet for a Valentine's Picture!

   Be a part of these special pets' Rescue Story. Rescue - Foster - Adopt!

Tara

  
  

"Boomer-ang-thang," a breath of fresh air

   Boomer, whom I affectionately call, "Boomer-ang-thang," is a 12-14 week old puppy that we recently pulled from a local shelter. He's about as cute as cute can be, happy, healthy, bouncy, fuzzy, fun and affectionate. I'm totally head over heals for this little guy.

   Little guy now, who's probably going to be a good sized guy when grown! Boomer is at that all important age for puppy socialization. So I've made it my personal mission to make sure he gets the best start in life that he can. He goes everywhere with me! I'm introducing him to as many new places, people, dogs, cats and situations as I can. He greets each with the confidence of a puppy who has never been abused, neglected or mistreated. What a joy!

   This past weekend, I made the three hour trip to visit my grand boys. And of course, Boomer went with. He was happy to make the trip, alternately playing and sleeping along the way. Once there... happiness overflowing! Two young boys to follow around, two cats to check out, a gorgeous day playing in the park and a wonderful backyard to explore. What more could a pup ask for!

   In rescue, we see a lot of puppies and dogs who haven't been as fortunate as Boomer. As much as we love what we do, it's tough to see all the abuse, neglect, illnesses and injuries. So Boomer has been a breath of fresh air for me. This little guy loves life, is not afraid of anything, and brings smiles to everyone who meets him.

   Thank you Boomer! I needed that!

Tara

   Here are some pictures from our trip: