What a fantastic time we had at Yappy Hour!! We had a wonderful turn out – it was packed! We were all so excited (and surprised!) at the number of people that showed up. So many came with their canine buddies and hung out with us. We all socialized, chatted about our dogs, had a drink, and all in all had a wonderful time. I think we did well with getting information out about not only our rescue, but Great Pyrenees, rescue and volunteering. It truly was a great time, and fun was had by all, I do believe.
The dogs even had a day at the spa and turned out completely gorgeous! I was such a proud mama! Gayle with Downtown Doggie donated two grooms, so I took Alli and Mandalyn in for a bath and fluff. When I picked them up I was so impressed, and I got all mushy from their incredible beauty. Then, Preston and Toffee went to one of our volunteer’s groomer, The Dog Spa, who also kindly donated a couple of baths and fluffs…they were lovely, as well! Toffee was quite the strutter about the Bistro because she knew she looked good. It was so kind of the groomers to be so considerate and generous with their time and efforts. It was such a joy to see the Pyrs looking like show dogs (or REAL Pyrs vs. Carolina red clay Pyrenees)!
We probably could have stayed longer than the two hours and still had a blast, but as all fun does, it had to come to an end. I was so touched by all of the people that came out to support us and spend a little quality time with their furry friends. We even had some surprises…Nicholas and Bonnibelle came to visit! Nicholas was stunning, and Bonnibelle wasn’t shy in the slightest (much different than when she was w/me)…she was going up to everyone as if she were the belle of the ball – this really speaks volumes for her new family! They’ve done very well with her, and I was so proud of little Bonnibelle. I have to admit I was a bit joyful that when she finally figured out who I was (it took a few seconds of staring and then BOOM! It hit her!), for she jumped all over me and kissed me until I was soaking wet! It was super and I enjoyed our little bonding moment. She knew who her mommy was, however, which made me proud. I love to see them again, but I love that they bond with their new families because that’s what it’s all about. Nicholas remembered my mother better than me, I think, but that’s okay (*sulks*). He talked to me a little bit, of course, but he, too knew his mommy and daddy were right there, and he made sure to stick by their sides…so very, very sweet. They’re good people. He’s so handsome…his spots enlarged!
All of the dogs were a bit hit – Toffee, Preston, Alli, Mandalyn, Fiona and Poppy (Poppy had no desire to pose for the camera, so I cut her a bit of slack since I’d snapped so many on our last few events). I, naturally, was so proud of them all. For those reading that did stop by, thanks for joining us! For those that couldn’t, perhaps the photos will give you a moment of feeling as if you were there.
We had such a blast today at The Barkery Bistro! The store owners are so kind and generous, and their store is so gorgeous with so many neat things. We really enjoyed ourselves, and as you can see the dogs did, too! Can’t wait until the 21st (6pm-8pm) for “Yappy Hour” - be sure to stop by and see us!!
Here are some photos from today! Note the two Golden Retrievers are the store “owners,” not our rescues.
I thought I’d share with you the reason I fell in love with Great Pyrenees, as well as who got me started in animal rescue. While they have all since passed, they remain dear to my heart, and I think of them often. My work is dedicated to their incredibly kind souls.
Sheiba
Sheiba was my very first Great Pyrenees. She taught me so much…the first being that not all dogs come when called. She was bullheaded, determined and extremely independent. She was also my baby, adored me, and I counted on her strength to get me through so many things. She lived to be 12yrs old. Sheiba was an amazing dog.
Tatonka
I am embarrassed to say that I purchased Tatonka from a backyard breeder. However, at the time I didn’t know rescue existed. He was 150lbs of pure Mama’s boy. Everyone was amazed by Tatonka because of his size, his beauty, and his gentle demeanor. He died suddenly, and it was pure devastation for me. There will never be another Tatonka.
Brewster
Brewster was my million dollar dog who suffered from Addison’s Disease and Diabetes. He went 5 1/2 yrs with the diagnosis and was a fighter to the very end. Adored by not only me, but the veterinary staff and his veterinarian, Brewster put his stamp on all of our hearts, breaking them when he left us. There are so many memories of my sweet Brewster.
Hannah
Hannah was the Webster’s definition of sweet. She had a heart of gold and was as pretty as a picture. I used to call her my runway model because she was so exquisite. She was the first Pyrenees I ever lost, and she passed right in front of me after suffering from renal failure. She died far too early at the age of six.
Fred
Fred was my first dog after I got out on my own and the one to stay with me the longest. He passed at 16-17yrs of age and left me broken hearted. He was a pound puppy who taught me about unconditional love and great tolerance as I drug him from home to home, dressed him in various outfits, and brought in rescue after rescue. He was one of a kind.
Each dog gave me an insight into the world through their eyes and their hearts. I was blessed that they were a part of my life. So, as I continue to drudge through the day cleaning up hair, potty accidents and tripping over multiple dogs, I remember how happy they made me, and how each animal I bring into our rescue will make someone else love them in the same way. I’m also reminded of how the animals in the shelter deserve to be loved as much as I loved these sweeties. Therefore, my vow is to do everything I can to save as many as I can so that they’ll, too, have that love one day.
Now, I know, without doubt, that you all are going to flood this blog with comments of how utterly adorable this baby is, so I’m preparing myself for a downpour! I won’t delay for there’s too much cuteness to hold back! Ladies and gentleman…meet Mr. Sawyer, formally known as Sawyer Brown, a 3-4 month old Pyrenees puppy. Far too skinny and lanky, all head and feet with uncoordinated long legs, and a nonstop kisser, this is a sweetheart for sure!!
Before I get started, let me say to please continue to check back with the blog. I have about 5 posts that I’ve started that are sitting in draft mode, and even more intended posts, but things have been so hectic that they’ve not made it here to the blog yet. Oops. However, I am going to make sure they get on here quickly since there’s so much to share!
Back to the topic at hand.
This weekend Miss Alli’s Rescue participated in a great event to promote awareness about chaining dogs. Presented by PAWSitive Effects, a nonprofit organization assisting dogs living on chains, several local rescue groups and animal related businesses attended to support their cause. It was great weather, and we really enjoyed ourselves! It was in downtown Greenville’s lovely Piazza Bergamo and as people flowed to and fro, our animals received lots of pets, “oohs!” and “ahhs!”
Before I bombard you with pictures (because you know I must!), let me talk briefly about why educating people about dogs living their lives on chains is so terribly important. People need to be aware of the negative aspects of chaining, the fact that it’s cruel, and they need to realize that it’s irresponsible and lazy.
Behavioral issues: The Pet Owner’s Fault
As a result of having a limited area and lack of exercise, animals are unable to release their energy. Therefore, they become hyper, often jumping up on people excessively. They also run in circles, wrapping themselves around the tree and then get stuck and unable to move…this can also cause them to get intertwined and choke themselves. In addition, they try to run, yet can’t and hit a hard, jerky halt, therefore pulling repeatedly at their collar as they continue to try to get to someone or somewhere. In turn, this only causes more excitement, anxiety and hyperactivity because they can’t get anywhere…pent up energy that they are unable to release. Then they are punished when the owner hits or kicks them, doesn’t spend any time with them, and in the end, doesn’t want the dog.
If the dog is in tact, especially a male, this can drive them to insanity. In addition to not having the ability to release energy, they have the hormonal drive that takes over. These two things combined lead to aggression. Aggression also develops due to the animal feeling that they are placed in that spot to protect. Add this to the mix and you have a dangerous situation. Unfortunately, the dog is the one that is punished for this vs. the owner, when in reality the dog has no control, has never been taught differently, and is doing what he/she thinks is asked. In many cases, people have stated they WANT the dog to be protective of the property…yet, again, the dog is at fault because of the owner’s wishes.
Dogs on chains are not socialized, and therefore do not know how to handle themselves properly around other animals and people. They can easily become protective of their food or their territory, resulting in aggressive behavior toward any animal or human that approaches or even tries to play with them. A large portion of dog bites and attacks are dogs on chains. The bites occur due to the dog going into protective mode, the build up of hormones from being in tact, and the owner not allowing the dog to be socialized.
NOTE: Not all dogs become aggressive on chains. There are an abundance very sweet dogs that have to endure a life on a chain. However, if the dog is neglected, aggression is possible…and NOT the dog’s fault.
Neglect: The Pet Owner’s Fault
Dogs on chains are always neglected. They are put on the chain, receive no attention, and most often are not fed and watered properly. They most often lack in a safe shelter, such as a dog igloo or sturdy dog house. They rarely have any vaccinations. What happens in the end? The dogs are emaciated, covered in fleas and ticks, full of intestinal parasites, most often have heartworms, they’re often dehydrated, not socialized, and either overly happy to see people or overly shy because they’ve never known a kind person. They get cold or hot with no relief. Many die of heat stroke or freeze to death.
Simply put, owners who expect their dogs to live on a chain do not care about the animal’s well being. Why they got the dog, outside of expecting it to be a guard dog, is beyond comprehension (and asking a dog to “guard” and go after people at any time is unacceptable). They don’t remotely regard that the dog exists and expect it to survive on it’s own. Those that do sometimes feed the dog still do not provide any attention.
Other negative results: The Pet Owner’s Fault
Dogs often will end up with an embedded collar because the owners are negligent and do not loosen or replace the collar. They often have other sores and scratches. Dogs that live their life on a chain end up needing extensive medical care.
Predators, such as other dogs, can come onto the property of a chained animal and attack the dog. A dog on a chain has no way to properly defend itself and will suffer or even be killed. It’s basically being fed to the wolves.
FACTS:
There is no excuse for putting a dog on a chain to live it’s life with only ten or twenty feet allowed to move around. It’s unacceptable, it’s inhumane, and it’s irresponsible and selfish on the part of the human.
If you know someone that has their animal on a chain, consider educating them nicely and encouraging them to understand the negatives. Help them consider what life on a chain is really like. If they don’t care, encourage them to get rid of the dog, even if it’s taking it to an attentive metro shelter. At least the dog has a chance at a happy life that way and will not starve to death, get killed, or die from the heat or cold.
If you see a dog without the proper shelter, food and water, report it to the authorities. Be a nag, if you must. Help that dog get off of a chain. If you’re not sure what to do, find a group such as “PAWSitive Effects” that can assist you. Life on a chain is no way to live.
Event photos below!
We had a very nice time at the event and look forward to attending next year. Toffee, Preston and Poppy were big hits, as you can see in the pictures. I’m not too proud to say that they were show stoppers! I’m also not too proud to admit that I was a gloating mama. They were wonderful breed ambassadors, Toffee and Preston, and Poppy was also a great example for the seniors. She has so much life and wore that grin all day long!
If you didn’t make it this year and live in the area, make sure to stop by in 2011! If you’re not in the Greenville, SC vicinity, check for a group in your area that focuses on ending chaining and stop by for their next event. You’ll be glad you did!
Just a reminder not to forget to join us at Jason’s Deli in Greenville, SC on June 24th, 4pm-9pm for a great dinner and fundraiser for the animals! All you have to do is say “We’re here for Miss Alli’s Rescue!” when you purchase your meal, and Jason’s Deli will donate a percentage of your meal to our rescue! That’s it! To boot…you get free ice cream!
So tell all of your family and friends to eat out on Thursday at Jason’s Deli and everyone can enjoy good food and help raise money for our wonderful critters. It’s a win-win situation! Remember, be sure to say “We’re here to support Miss Alli’s Rescue!” so it will count!
I suddenly felt the urge to write about one of our most stunning girls – Toffee. I looked at her today, sitting nicely beside me as I made my dinner, eyes watching me closely (the only thing on her that moved), fluffy and cuddly, and simply gorgeous. She was praying that I’d drop something. I don’t drop things when I’m cooking because I like food too much. However, I suppose the good Lord had a different plan tonight because much to my chagrin a big, juicy slice of chicken slid right out of my hand and onto the floor. She moved faster than a cheetah, and the chicken was nowhere to be found. She was happy.
Toffee came to me with her brother, Casanova. She was borderline emaciation, as was he, and both were in poor, poor condition. Even worse, they’d been an owner surrender at the pound, so whoever this owner was let them starve to death. They adored each other and loved people. Toffee, however, had issues with me around her food…she didn’t want me anywhere near it. She made that very clear the first night she came home with me.
I worried because food aggression seems like it goes drastically one way or the other…very good or very bad. I started working with her, took her to the vet for a consultation, and we were on our food aggression journey. We made progress. Along came a few set backs here or there, but we kept on. She was so incredibly happy, affectionate, loving and had a desire to please in every other aspect of her life, that it seemed certain that she would get past it.
Now, I can reach in and take her food away from her. Now, I can move her bowl, pet her while she eats, and put my hand in her food. Now, she is very fat.
Every night Toffee goes straight to her kennel at dinner time, sits down, and patiently waits for her meal. I set down the bowl, pet her head and continue every night to work with her food. It’s clear now, however, that she knows she’s not going to starve, and she doesn’t have to fight for a meal.
While I’d still want her with an experienced owner and no children, Toffee has crossed several bridges with this initial problem. She’s become such a bright spot in my days, and probably listens better than any Pyrenees I’ve ever had in my life (Great Pyrenees = a dog that doesn’t care what you say). She is cheerful, has fantastic expressions with her huge grin, and she constantly gives me kisses. She dances daily, acts silly, and rolls over on her back for a belly rub. She loves to act feisty and playful with you and we have a little game, as a result. She starts out by acting a wee bit excited, walking with sass and wagging her tail…but then she suddenly stops on a dime, sits, and virtually freezes her body so the smallest muscle won’t even flinch. I grab her and ruffle up her coat, smooch all over her face, and give her a big squeeze, baby talk and all. Then I suddenly stop, and I freeze.
Toffee drops her belly and head to the floor, looks up at me, and begins spinning, rolling, dancing and anything else that comes to mind! Then…she freezes! I love and ruffle more, and she drops, rolls and spins again. I love and ruffle…she drops and spins…it’s a spectacular moment for Toffee! She glows when we play this game and is as happy as a pig in mud. She’s pretty irresistible during those moments, especially when she smothers me in kisses!
She has improved her manners significantly by going to the door and sitting when she has to potty, allowing you to open it without trouble (unlike the rest of the herd who prefers to bowl me over). She goes right to her kennel and lies down at bedtime, and she has grown more tolerant of dogs she wasn’t fond of at first. She still to this day, however, has never changed that smile…it’s the prettiest one ever.
I have no idea when Toffee will find her forever home, but I do know that when she does that it will be one happy household. She knows when she’s loved, and she returns the love tenfold. What a darling girl we have in Miss Toffee. True to her name, she is, without doubt, super, super, duper sweet.
Here at Miss Alli’s Rescue we are excited to have some upcoming events that we welcome you to attend. They are all fun and you can certainly enjoy yourself!
JUNE 19, 2010: First, we are attending adoption day at Cleveland Park Animal Hospital in Simpsonville, SC. We’ll have a table and a few of the critters with us. This is a great way to meet some of the animals and say hello!
JUNE 24, 2010: Next we have a yum yum night at Jason’s Deli in Greenville, SC! From 4pm-9pm those who come into Jason’s for dinner and mention that they are here to support Miss Alli’s Rescue will be a HUGE help! Jason’s will give 10% of the total bill for every meal that comes in for us. This is a wonderful way for you to support our rescue without spending a lot of money. Not to mention, Jason’s has FABULOUS food! Super duper, fresh salad bar with many organic items, fabulous sandwiches, wraps, soups and more, as well as some yummy deserts! We are frequent diners at Jason’s and simply love the food. So, if you like Jason’s Deli, too, or if you’ve never visited and want a good meal, be sure to stop by and eat on the 24th! Don’t forget to mention that you’re eating for Miss Alli’s Rescue!
JULY 3, 2010: On this lovely day we will be attending “Chain Off” at the Piazza Plaza in downtown Greenville, SC – a fundraising and awareness event for PAWsitive Effects, a wonderful group that raises money to build fences for dogs living on chains so that they can run free vs. be tied up their entire life. It’s a fantastic program, and we are thrilled that they have invited us to be a part of this great day. We’ll have our table set up with all sorts of neat things and some doggies, too. So come out and support not only us but PAWsitive Effects as well!
In addition, we may have a fourth event coming up, as well. Will let you know about that one later, if so. Make sure to mark those calanders and please join us at these events! If you’d like to consider being a volunteer for them, let us know that, as well! Hope to see you there!
I just wanted to remind everyone that we have two opportunities for you to shop and help our animals! If you need pet products, visit these two websites and we’ll get a percentage of the sales. They are also listed on the homepage of our website.
MAAK Enterprises (Just enter our rescue name and this email address at check out: donations@missallisrescue.org)
/doggy-love/images/spacer.gif){kind=spacer}
We were all so excited (and surprised!) at the number of people that showed up. So many came with their canine buddies and hung out with us. We all socialized, chatted about our dogs, had a drink, and all in all had a wonderful time. I think we did well with getting information out about not only our rescue, but Great Pyrenees, rescue and volunteering. It truly was a great time, and fun was had by all, I do believe. 
