ANIMAL CONNECTION

Archive for the ‘Heart Warming Stories’ Category

Paige with Rudy and Dakota

Greyhounds can turn on light switches, peek around corners for incoming crowds and check out in grocery lines.

They are Purple Heart Veteran Greyhound Service Dogs, also known as furry lifesavers, for sufferers of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

These service animals are part of a new local initiative that is an extension of the Second Chance at Life Greyhound and Inmate Prison Partnership Program.

The dogs undergo 10 weeks of training at Gadsden Correctional Institution, and veterans can apply to be paired with them at no cost.

Retired racing canines appreciate the unconditional love, and veterans benefit from the protective companionship.

“Greyhounds will accompany veterans everywhere and help give them confidence as they perform their everyday activities in life,” said Joanne Wuelfing, who co-runs the Southwest Florida branch of the Purple Heart Program with Ken Wuelfing.   Here is a link for a fundraiser they would like to promote:  http://bikersanddogs.org/ .  Let Joanne know if you would like to get involved.  You can also contact me and I will get you connected with her.

Nickel, a greyhound who once competed under the moniker Regal Queenie, is an example of one potential pal for a veteran. Sox is another.

“We have many veterans returning from war who are unable to cope with life due to PTSD and they could really do well with dogs like Nickel or Sox,” Ken Wuelfing said. “PTSD in one of the biggest problems facing our veterans returning from war, and we owe it to our veterans to assist in any way we can.”

The Wuelfings became involved in the effort after adopting their own pet, a greyhound named Seymour, two years ago.

Seymour was trained in prison for obedience and could not be more loyal, the couple said.

Seymour

Greyhounds, as a breed, were chosen for the program because of their relaxed, calming demeanor, an attribute that helps PTSD patients who often get easily upset.

“The greyhounds learn how to block their owner in front and cover in the back, or walk in a circle around the veteran to keep people away from him,” Joanne Wuelfing said. “They can be taught that, if someone is coming up behind them, to alert the veteran.

“In Home Depot, for example, they have those tall, scary aisles, and the dog can be taught to check out the end of the aisle to make sure there’s no one around the corner that will alarm the veteran.”

If a veteran experiences night tremors, a greyhound might be trained to lick its owner’s face to wake him or her from an awful slumber.

The dogs can ring bells. They can lie on top of their owner’s chest for comfort.

The program is currently seeking foster families to introduce service dogs-in-training to everyday activities for 10 or more weeks.

If you know anyone in the military who are looking for additional income, have them contact me.  paige@animalconnectionshow.com

A puppy, who is said to be the smallest surviving canine in the world, defied the odds and lived despite her extremely small size. Thus, she’s been named Beyonce, due to the song ‘Survivor’ penned by the superstar singer.

Now, about two weeks old, she is just the size of an iPhone and weighs 4 ounces. This actually indicates she’s making healthy progress, as when born, she was only the size of a business card.

To watch video of Beyonce the puppy, click here.

According to World Records Academy, Beyonce has set the new world record for Smallest Puppy.

Her mother is a dachshund mix named Casey who was found living on the street and was picked up by animal control.

Annie and Her Favorite Stuffed Animal

It’s the New Year.  I wonder if our pets know it’s a time to of rejuvenation and starting over?  This New Years Eve, there were a lot of fireworks going off all over.  I noticed that Annie liked hanging out with her favorite stuffed animal.  I wondered if she was protecting it?  Then I noticed that Oliver, my other ferret, ran upstairs and got his favorite stuffed animal.  I watched him as he brought it from the room upstairs all the way downstairs, then hid it.  I was able to get my camera out in time to get most of it.  If he did this on New Years Eve, I wonder if he will do it again?  I will keep an eye out and try to get a better video of him.

What are some things you have noticed your pets doing on New Years, if anything?  Do any of your animals have favorite toys that they cherish?  It seem animals are like small children, they get comfort from being with something they feel close to, even if adults don’t understand it.

Oliver, the Ultimate Climber

Click Here to see the Youtube Video

It’s inevitable this time of year to make resolutions for the coming twelve months.  We all say we’ll do or say something new or improved in the new year, but the real importance lies not in what the human species is going to do for themselves but what they will do for the animals they have promised to protect and love forever.

Resolutions that concentrate on the health and happiness of your four-legged companions can not only add years to their lives, but bring you the satisfaction of knowing you’re doing the best to make this year a great one for them.  This is what you do to show your commitment to your four-legged family and thank them for the joy they bring into your home.

From the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) comes a list of some of their most popular pet resolutions from last year that once again apply in the new year:

Check-Up Time
You go to the doctor regularly—and so should your pet.  This year, give your veterinarian the chance to notice any developing illnesses and the opportunity to take care of them right away.  If it’s been a year or more since your pet has seen a vet, make that appointment today!

Protect Their Pearly Whites
Does your pet have morning breath—all day long?  Your cat or dog may need dental care. Pledge to check your pet’s teeth and gums at least once a week, and ask your vet to show you how you can prevent dental disease by brushing regularly.

Shake It Up!
We all could use a bit more movement in our lives—make a resolution to shake it up with your pets!  Healthy adult dogs need at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise twice a day—jogging, swimming and playing at the dog park are all great options. Get kitty fit with rousing play sessions of chase and fetch with furry toys, small balls or toy mice.

Battle the Bulge
Pets depend on us to regulate their nutrition and activity levels.  It’s important to follow strict feeding guidelines, since overweight pets face increased health risks. This year, vow to lay off those table scraps and consider switching to a well-balanced, high-quality pet food.

Poison-Proof Your Home
With various dangers lurking in corners and cabinets, the home can be a minefield of poisons for our pets. Don’t leave it up to Fido or Fluffy to keep themselves safe. Resolve to make your home a safe place for your pets.

Get a New Look!
In 2012, give your pet the gift of glam!  A regular grooming regimen will make your pet feel proud, pampered and healthy.  Take a peek at our easy grooming tips for dogs and cats.

IDs, Please
Keep ‘em close to your heart by outfitting all of your animal companions—even indoor-only pets—with an ID tag.  Implanted microchips are also a smart option, but keep in mind that microchips are only as good as the information provided to the chip’s company, so keep your contact info up-to-date!

Of course, your four-legged friend may have his or her own perspective on making resolutions for the new year.  From PetPlace.com come ten New Year’s resolutions that our four-legged doggie friends might want to make for 2012.  See if your furry companion agrees with these:

Resolution #1: I will eat less and exercise more.
Too many nights on the couch, too many dog biscuits and too little time running around the local dog park has made me a little, well, fluffier.  I don’t think the old “I’m-just-big-boned” excuse will work anymore.  I resolve to bug my owner to take me out to the doggy park several times a week.

Resolution #2: I will beg less.
I’ve got begging down to a fine art – he’s puddy in my paws – but it sure is demeaning.  I promise to reserve the begging for worthwhile things, like going out to the park and T-bone steak.

Resolution #3: I will recognize the difference between furniture and fire hydrants.
I promise not to treat the furniture and walls the way I do fire hydrants.  It drives my owners batty and has no lasting benefit for me (they clear away the scent almost as fast as I can “deposit” it.)

Resolution #4: I’ll stay out of the cat’s litter box.
I vow to resist the urge to snoop around the cat’s private lavatory – even though it’s a lot of fun and really makes her go nuts.

Resolution #5: I won’t bite the vet anymore.
I’ll remember that the vets and their staff are just trying to help in their own, inscrutable way, although they really know how to push my buttons with those needles!

Resolution #6: I won’t steal food as much.
I won’t go out of my way to steal food, although all bets are off if they make it really easy for me.

Resolution #7: I’ll introduce myself in more appropriate ways.
In other words, I’ll focus above the waist when introducing myself to humans. Somehow, I get the feeling my normal greeting methods invade their private space.

Resolution #8: I’ll do better “holding it” until morning.
When nature calls, I’ll steel my resolve to wait for my normal morning walk, unless special considerations apply.  I’ll decide what those special considerations are.

Resolution #9: I’ll bark at the mailman less.
Even though it works to put him in his place, I’ll try not to exercise my authority over him and other delivery people, although my self-esteem does get a boost when they retreat.

Resolution #10: I’ll tolerate those homemade bandannas more.
My owner has gone to a lot of trouble to make these things, so I’ll just put up with the way they feel and the taunts of the other dogs.

One of Orange County Animal Services (OCAS) New Year’s resolutions in Central Florida is to find “loving, forever homes” for four-hundred animals this month.  During January, OCAS will reduce adoption fees to $20.12 in celebration of the New Year.

Said Dil Luther, Division Manager of OCAS, “With the holidays during this time of year, we tend to have fewer visitors at the shelter, but there are plenty of animals still looking for new homes.  We did a similar promotion last year and were amazed with the results, 396 animals were adopted.  We’re hoping this year is even more successful.”  Can you make a resolution to start off 2012 by saving a homeless animal’s life?

What are some of you and your four-legged friends resolutions for the coming year?  Whatever they may be, we hope the new year finds you and your furry friends happy and well!

Bessie Paige

Whether it’s a family member, friend or a pet, we all deal with the loss of someone close to us at some point in time.

A week ago today I lost my little girl Bessie. She was my daughter with 4 legs and a tail.  I knew the time was near since she had cancer and had been fighting it for a long time.  Even though I tried to prepare myself, when the time came, I felt like I was completely unprepared.   I have to confess, I have had ferrets for over 20 years.  They are prone to certain cancers and illnesses, so I am always aware that they will not live very long when I get one.  I can’t help it, they are like potato chips, you can’t love just one.

I spent the last night tossing and turning, knowing it was my last night with her. I kept hugging her as much as I could until she gave me a look that said, “Leave me alone, I’m trying to sleep!”

The next morning I took her to the veterinarian for her final visit. When we came home I was consumed with making sure her resting spot, next to her soul mate Herb, was just perfect.   For that period of time, my life seemed normal.  As soon as I came in the house my world fell apart.

Herb & Bessie

I realized that I had lost two of the closest loves of my life over the past 18 months.  For two days after the burial I don’t remember any of the phone conversations I had.  I also didn’t realize all of the emails and posts I had responded to.  It was like someone invaded my body and took over for 48 hours.

With the help of friends I got out of the house and kept busy this weekend.  I even helped the local Greyhound rescue.  It helped, until I come home and went into my bedroom.  That’s where my kids lived with me.  I have not been able to clean, or move, any of the things Bessie used.  I am not sure how long that process takes. When Herb died, Bessie was here to console me and I did the same for her.  We made a great team.  Now I don’t have a team.

I will be ferret sitting for 2 ferrets later this week while their owners are on vacation.  I have also decided to do more sitting for other ferret owners and dog owners. Right now I’d feel guilty if I were to get another animal.  My heart is raw.

One friend sent this question to me, and it helped put things in perspective:  “Honey, if you had the choice of giving up the short time you had with this precious one for the way you feel right now, would you?” Of course my answer was NO, but I miss my kids!!!

I would like to know how other people deal with the loss of their pet?  I am sure everyone deals with the loss in many different ways.

Bessie loved to drag slippers all over the house, especially ones twice her size.

Bessie was also a big Cheerleader.  She could never decide between LSU Tigers and Florida Gators.

The Humane Society of Sarasota County received a dog named Buddy. He is an American Bulldog Hound Mix.  He is so cute and sweet.  I met him at the Ron Gordon Golf  Tournament , raising money for the Humane Society, last weekend.  He is dying from cancer and has only 2 years to live.  I understand he lived a very hard life and now he has a wonderful home waiting for him.  Since I met him, he has gone to a foster home while transportation plans are being made to get him to his forever home, in the Houston, Tx area. There is a sanctuary there that is like hospice for animals.

We would like to find a way, preferably the least stressful, to get Buddy from Sarasota to Houston. It seems that driving would be the best.  If not, a direct flight with an airline that would keep him, comfortable and safe.  If you can help, please let me know.  I can connect you with his foster mom.

I want to thank every one in my database for all you do for all of the animals in this world.  Your actions make a big difference!

UPDATE….Buddy is taken care of. He will be driven to his new home and there have been almost $2,000 raised to pay for his care.  Thanks for your support!

Fall is approaching and that means lots of fun things to do.  I am working on an event that will take place in New Orleans. It will benefit the wildlife, pets and other animals that have been affected by the oil disaster in the Gulf.  Once I get more specifics finalized, I will be sending out information.  Stay tuned…….

If you, or someone you know, has an event coming up, please send me the information.  I will place it on this post, so please come back to see new announcements, anywhere in the world.

Here is information on an event that will take place on Saturday September 18th. It is an adoptathon put on by the Humane Society of Sarasota County. If you are on the West Coast of Florida, this is an event you might want to check out.  Click here for a website.

If you like golf and animals, this is the event for you. Saturday, September 25th in Sarasota, FL. It’s the Ron Gordon golf tournament. It’s always a fun event, which also happens to be in Sarasota, Florida. You can contact Ron at:  nuts4golf@verizon.net

Oak Street Pelican Block Party in New Orleans on Saturday October 23rd. This is a fundraiser for the Humane Society of Louisiana and the theme is “Everything Pelican”. To learn more click here to go to their website.

If you are in the Fairdealing Missouri area on Saturday Sept. 4th you might want to stop by and say hi to these guys. They are having an adopt-a-thon. This shelter is always saving animals, even ones that are dumped on the road and no longer wanted.  Any help you can give them is greatly appreciated.   Click here to learn more about them.

Saturday, Oct. 2nd in Cookeville, TN. there will be the 7th annual, walk-in-the-park.  It will be a lot of fun for everyone involved, including the animals.  Click here to learn more.

REGAP (Retired Greyhounds as Pets) of Illinois is hosting a Reunion Picnic on September 25th. Click here to learn more.

Greater Chicago Cavalier Rescue is having a 5th anniversary party on September 12. Click here to learn more.

Saturday, October 2nd at the Loose Screw Bar & Grill, 45 Church Street , German Valley, IL . 7pm to 1 am. Join the fun at this Benefit party for Critter Camp Director Beth’s 50th Birthday to raise funds.  Click here for more info.

The Humane Society of Southeast Missouri is hosting their annual Bark in the Park on Saturday, Sept. 25 at Kiwanis Park in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. This event helps raise money for the shelter. Click here for more info.

This is a very inspiring video that my mom sent me. I wanted to add it since it is uplifting and shows how connected humans are with animals.  Please enjoy!

Unfortunately, there are tragedies as well. Below is an email I got today.  We have had a number of really bad storms in my area.  These are stories about Greyhounds.  PLEASE KEEP YOUR ANIMALS SAFE!!!!

A greyhound got out because the storms had weakened the fence. Please check out your fenced areas if you plan to leave them out unsupervised.   This female grey pushed open the weakened area and was missing for what seemed an eternity for the frantic parents looking for her.  She was found in the river, but safe.

Other stories…… not so good an ending:

1) 2 greys get out of a gate left open – one is hit on a busy highway almost immediately – $ 2,000 later pinned and recovering. The other was found after 5 days of intense searching and she had been hit twice and required over $ 5,000 of treatments and huge help from the kennel owner

2) weaken fence with another 2 greyhounds getting out both get into a pond and 1 is bitten by a gator, but miraculously survives. Has had 2 very expensive procedures and now has a permanent pin.   Let’s make these learning moments to help us all protect our seemingly invincible greyhounds.  

Hurricane Preparedness Tips for your Pet

Now that we are into the heart of hurricane season, we would like to remind everyone to make sure and include your pets in your hurricane evacuation plan.  If you need to evacuate and cannot take your pets, make arrangements for them ahead of time at a local shelter or boarding facility.  Never leave pets at home alone.

Be Sure to:

Prepare adequate supplies of food, medications, and water for your pet.  Also, be sure to have medical records, leashes, collars, food bowls, bedding, toys, trash bags for waste, and a crate/carrier ready. Because sometimes our pets can get separated from us micro chipping is also a great idea. Many shelters are overwhelmed with found pets with no ID and a micro chip would get them back to you safely and quickly.

Gini Hyman donated to our wildlife fund and won a weekend at Clear Creek Ranch in the beautiful North Carolina Mountains.  Thank you so much Gini!

I also want to thank all of the other wonderful people who donated to this cause. Even though the oil may have stopped spilling in the Gulf, the problem is far from over.  The chemicals used to get rid of the oil is having an impact on the wildlife, seafood, etc.  There is still a lot of oil in the swamps where these creatures live.  I am headed to New Orleans to see for myself.  I will do a special report when I return.  I will also post the pictures.

If you would like to help this cause, like Gini, please go to our homepage or click here.

Animal Connection will be hosting an event on August 1, 2010 to help the wildlife affected by the oil disaster.  It will be at the Hyatt Regency in Sarasota Florida from 5-9pm.  The fee to get in will be $20 donation.  Kristy and Lindsey Landers will provide their band for entertainment.  They play at all of the big parties for Hugh Hefner, PETA and other well know venues.  People who attend the event will have their name placed on the “wildlife” page of my website specifically for this event.  Even if you send in your donation, your name will be placed on the site.

Yesterday someone said my event is not only for the wildlife but everything and everyone.  They told me that the oil disaster affects the wildlife, impacts the seafood, the life of the fishermen and our economy as a whole.  I NEVER thought of it that way.  It is so true.  That is the exact reason for my show, Animal Connection…we are all connected in many ways.

We have had a number of celebrities and professional athletes express interest in attending the event or helping to promote the event.  I will have the names of the attendees in the next week.

This will be a wonderful event.  Please check back next week for more specific information.  We will also have a Paypal account set up so you can contribute if you would like.

I want to thank you again for your continued support of Animal Connection and the animals that don’t have a voice in this world.

Would you and your family like to really get away this summer?  How about becoming one with nature again, if you could sleep in a comfortable bed and take a nice hot shower?  There is a place like that in the North Carolina Mountains.  It is called Clear Creek Ranch. Nestled in a quiet valley in the Great Smoky Mountains at an elevation of 3,200 feet, Clear Creek Dude Ranch is surrounded by the beautiful Pisgah National Forest.  They welcome guests from April to Thanksgiving.  Some of the activities you will enjoy are horseback riding, camp fires, golf, fishing, hiking, swimming and many more.

It is owned by some wonderful friends of mine, Rex and Aileen Frederick. Rex was a great basketball star at Auburn University.  He became only the 3rd Auburn Tiger to have his jersey (#32) retired.  Rex is in the Auburn Hall of Fame.

Rex and his wife, Aileen, have always had a passion for animals, especially horses.  They decided to buy a dude ranch. It has been a wonderful experience for them but it is time for them to move on.  They are at that age where they want to travel and enjoy other things life has to offer.

They have been running this ranch 24/7 for many years.  It is not as easy, and glamorous, as you might think. Can you imagine having to get up at the crack of dawn to meet your guests as they arrive for breakfast every morning?  Then organize the activities, make sure everyone is having fun, oversee the business of the ranch, etc. At the end of the night making sure you are still awake to tell your guests, having a nightcap in the Cantina, good night before turning in?  Talk about a long day, everyday.  They have wonderful staff that come back year after year because of the way they are treated.  Even in the winter, when it is closed to the public, they need to care for all of the horses and other animals, as well as continue to run the ranch.

I hope you will visit Rex and Aileen before they sell this beautiful ranch.  If you go, tell them I said hi.  If you, or someone you know, has interest in buying this ranch, please let me know.   I’m selling the ranch for them.

Please enjoy this video of the ranch.

I got this from one of my animal supporters:

Please take a moment on this memorial Day to honor all of those dogs, horses and all of the other animals who have passed on in combat while saving lives and all of those who were casualties of war.

“America’s war dogs prevented over 10,000 casualties in Vietnam alone and brav…ely served our country in Operation Desert Storm as well as WWII. Yet, many of these K9 soldiers were declared “surplus armaments” and were unceremoniously euthanized or left to unknown fates in Vietnam.

America’s war dogs were trained to recognize booby traps, mine tunnels and weapons caches. They were trained for parachute landings. They warned troops about ambushes. They saved lives by dragging wounded soldiers to safety. These K9 heroes lived, bonded and fought side-by-side with our veterans.”
Taken from War-Zone dogs.

Wishing you and your family a happy and safe memorial Day Weekend.