Our little Coco is recovering from double knee cap surgery.  She was born with both knees out of place so she learned to walk on her front legs to avoid pain.  Dr. Scott Smith did a fantastic job of realigning her knees!  It will take time for her to understand she can walk normally.  Coco will begin swimming as part of her physical therapy.    Once she has completed therapy she will be up for adoption.  However, she will need a very special home with no children and no large pets.  I will keep you posted on her progress.

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It is a sad day in the world of rescue when these measures are necessary.

Homes are urgently needed!!!

I've had a wake up call this past week.  Separating dogs that weight over 40 pounds is just too much for me at this point in life!  I've been dragged across the yard, broke a finger, and chased a dog around the pasture as it was going after my goats.  I am wayyyyyy too old for this.  I am alone with the dogs most of the time so when the dogs have to be picked up or forced to do something, I am the one who has to do it.  I just cannot continue the physical part of large dog rescue.  I hate to admit it, but at 60 I just cannot afford to break bones and I am not as strong as I was in my forties.   I need to place our big babies as soon as possible.  I have needed to do this for quite a while, but having a neighbor politely complain about the Walker hounds barking so much, solidified my decision. So I need everyone's help.  We have some fabulous big dogs who just need a family to love them. I am afraid if I don't reduce the number and size of dogs, I may have to quit all together.  I don't want that to happen so I will change my focus to smaller dogs and special needs dogs.  I currently have 2 vision impaired Poms, two crippled poodles, a 13 year old poodle, and a mystery mix with severe hip issues!  

I'd like to find homes for 6 of our large dogs by the end of May.  I know we can do this if I get everyone acting as our salesmen!!!  Come of folks, talk to everyone you know and tell them about our dogs.  We will reduce our adoption fee to just $50.00 for these dogs. However, our requirements do not change.  Fenced yards are a must!!!

We are at capacity so we cannot take another dog!  We need to move some out so we can help others.  Until we get 6 or more out, we are not able to take another dog.

Thank you all for your help.

Lots of adoptions, but many great dogs still need homes!

We have had quite a few adoptions of young dogs and puppies.  But, we have some awesome adult dogs that need a family to love.  Every dog in our rescue has a story. 

Crystal was found at a construction site almost a year ago.  She had numerous scrapes and scratches and a wound to her back leg.  Her knee cap was damaged and she needed surgery to remove bone fragments from the joint.  Today she is all healed and has no problems with her leg.  She is energetic, a bit of an alpha female, but just loves attention.  During her recovery she was in a foster home with children.  She is crate trained and will easily transition to housetraining again.  She has been mostly an outside dog only sleeping in a crate indoors at night.  She is a curious dog and will search a handbag to find all sorts of stuff!!  While she never chewed up my things, she will take every item out of a purse just to see what is there!

Willow is a young dog with great potential.  She is a playful dog and likes being in charge of everyone.  She is also an alpha female who plays well with submissive females and all male dogs.  Willow was found with four puppies about a year ago.  She may have been house trained at one point in her life because she will not mess up a kennel run.  Currently she is allowed to play in the yard most of the day and then sleep in a crate on the porch with the rest of her pack.  She would make a great inside/outside dog for someone who wants a dog to alert them to possible trespassers!

Our sweet Marie just hasn't had a family of her own in months!  She had 5 beautiful puppies and all but one of them have a family.  Now she needs a family.  She is housebroken and crate trained.  Sometimes she will fuss a little about being in the crate, but it doesn't take her long to settle down.  Most of the time, a soft bed and a treat is enough to make her a happy camper in the crate!  Marie gets along with all the dogs, but she doesn't like cats! 

How about a Walker Hound?  Our funny man, Zero, needs an aspiring young hunter to train him.  He would make a great companion dog who can and wants to hunt squirrels.  He is quite a character.  One of his favorite activities is to dump his water bucket and throw it in the air like a ball.  He has a very expressive face and quite a walker hound voice.  He is a tall walker hound, all white, with tan spots on his ears.  He needs someone who can give him a great place to run and be a hound!

Puppies - Puppies - Puppies

Wow, we have three separate litters of puppies ready for new homes.  Our beautiful golden/lab mixes are 6 weeks old and need families to love.  These babies are Snow's litter.  Snow was shot in the leg and had a broken jaw when she came to our rescue.  We didn't know she was pregnant!   There are SEVEN yellow puppies.  Why not get a yellow pup instead of a yellow duck for Easter! 

The three Bassett mixes are ready to go as well.  They are absolutely the cutest little long eared babies.  Gus, Abbie, and Ellie want a family.  They are between 6 and 8 weeks of age.

Scooter and Bianca are terrier mixes that will stay small.  They are doing great in their crates and love to play chase through the living room.  We have estimated their age at 10 weeks.  If you want a playful small breed, then these two are just what you need.

Come meet all of these puppies on Friday, April 6th at the Denham Springs Petco.  We will be there from 5 to 7 pm. 

On Saturday we will be at Stines in Walker from 10 to 2!

Call your friends and family and let them know we need to find great homes for these special babies.

SAVE THE DATE - SATURDAY - MARCH 31ST

Calling all volunteers!!!  We will be participating in the Tangi Pet Expo in Ponchatoula on Saturday, March 31st.  This is an all day event so we could use some extra hands!  The Expo will be held at the Ponchatoula Recreational Park, 19030 N. Hoover Rd., Ponchatoula from 10 to 4 pm.  We have to be there around 8 because all participants must be completely set up by 9:30.  We are taking two canopies, a large pool umbrella, tables, chairs, coolers, and as many dogs as possible.

If you can help with set up or for a hour or two during the day, please let me know. 

We will be taking our latest puppy arrivals!  We have three rat terrier mixes that are so very cute!  In addition, we will have several of our large breeds.  We really need to find homes for some of these dogs as they have been with me for almost a year!  Ofcourse, their time is never up with us, it is just that we need to make room for other dogs that need help.  Jupiter, Willow, Cybil, Boudreaux, and Zero are just waiting for someone to love!

Ginger

Also, I'd like to introduce to everyone, Ginger.  She is a another blind Pomeranian.  Ginger was in a shelter in St. Martin Parish.  When I was told of her issues, I knew she would do well here.  Precious also has very limited sight, so I am familiar with what a blind dog needs.   Ginger is 6 years old, heartworm negative, and walks well on a leash.  You just have to let her take the lead and follow her.  She is up for adoption, but she will require a special environment.  Ginger needs a home with no small children, and one where someone is home most of the day.  She is loving and as long as she can hear you coming, she does well.  Blind dogs need to know you are there before you try to pet them.  All it takes is a lot of talking!!!! She loves her crate and enjoys walks outside.

Precious

Precious is not up for adoption.  She will remain a sanctuary dog.

In Memory of Jobe

This story of a great human / canine bond came to me through a friend. It is not a story with a fairytale ending, but one where a rescued bully breed had the best possible chance of a good life.  My friend told me about her friend's struggle to save a dog's life.  The dog was rescued from a shelter then months later underwent heroic efforts to correct a medical emergency.  Here is Jobe's story as told by Melissa Perkins.

Jobe was approximately 2-3 years old and an American Bulldog. He was rescued  back in June of 2011. He was underweight and in bad shape. Very friendly with all other dogs and children and just an all around great dog. His foster mom Twyla fell in love with him.   They only had a few months together but it was true unconditional love. She fought for him until the end when he died in her arms. He underwent emergency surgery just a few days before to remove an obstruction in his stomach. Sadly, it wasn't enough to save this gentle giant. He is greatly missed and will always be a part of his mom.

A contribution to Swampy Paws Canine Rescue was made in memory of Jobe by Melissa, Twyla's dear friend.  Our thoughts and prayers go with Twyla and her family as they mourn the passing of their canine companion, Jobe.

Soloman - Gunshot SURVIVOR!!!

I write this post with bittersweet emotions.  I am so very thankful that Soloman is doing great and will be able to leave the hospital later today (weather permitting!).  Yet, I am so very disappointed that our vets at Dodge City Animal Hospital had to receive EVEN ONE NEGATIVE email or phone call.  Rather than put them through any more grief, I will not ask for any donations through facebook.  We will also no longer post anything other than the dogs up for adoption via facebook.  I don't know that makes people think they can just unload negative comments WITHOUT any information. They don't know the countless times Dr. Smith and his staff have helped me without charge!!!  They don't know the countless times they have discounted their services.  Come on people - they have a business to run, bills to pay, staff to pay, medicine and supplies to buy.....  and the list goes on.  I am so very happy to be associated with them and our other vets that we depend upon to give our rescued babies the best of care.  Please forgive my rant, but I am just stunned by the lack of civility on social media sites.  I will not tolerate it.  I'll let a scared dog snap and growl at me because it has an excuse.  But, I will not let people attack my friends and supporters when they know NOTHING.

Okay, I'm done ranting - I am taking a deep breath and will now move on....

Earlier in the week, I received a call about three dogs abandoned when the owner's moved out.  Fortunately a neighbor fed and watered them until help would be found to take them.  We now have three new "guests" -  Snow White, Miley, and Star are all mixes that will need a home soon.  Miley is in the worst shape of the three.  She has demodec mange, a staph infection, and an eye infection.  But that doesn't damper her spirits.  Her playmate, is a solid white pit/bull terrier mix with a sweet disposition.  She only has a few health issues at this time so I expect she will be ready for a new home as soon as we can get her spayed.  There is also a 10 to12 week old mix terrier puppy, Star, that just needs a few weeks of good food and no fleas.  I will have pictures of Star later.  She is so active that she will not sit still long enough for a photo. 

Storms are all around so I may lose power soon.  I just wanted to rant about a few things and let everyone see our new arrivals.

Blessings to all...

Two of the Busiest weeks EVER!!!

 

It started with our Dexter escaping from his new home.  This little Blue Heeler was so bonded to me that I was afraid he might have a hard time.  Well.... he managed to escape on Wednesday, the 22nd, on a huge farm (40 + acres).  The new owner called me in a panic.  He had been trying to catch him for over two hours.  By the time I got there, Dexter had disappeared.  I called and called for over two hours - I drove up and down the road looking for him.  I finally decided to go home, make some flyers, and try to get as many people in the area looking for him as possible. 

Once the flyers were completed, I headed back to the ranch to start giving them out.  When I pulled up the drive, there was Dexter sitting by the gate.  I was so relieved that tears started flowing.  That little bugger had stolen my heart and I was so afraid he was gone forever.  He just didn't realize that his new home was the perfect place for him.  The new owner and I spent an hours just sitting on the porch visiting.  Fortunately, he wasn't upset with Dexter and just the dog to be realize that the ranch was now home.  I led Dexter back to the kennel where a big bowl of food was waiting. 

I have received a couple of pictures of Dex and texts from the owner letting me know all is well!!!

After all of that drama, I hurried back home to get things in order before church.  I got everyone fed, kennels cleaned, and a bit of something to eat then left for church.  When I returned home, just over an hour later, Snow had a present for me!!!  A beautiful newborn puppy was in the crate -  I quickly relocated her to my spare bathroom where I had prepared a place for her to have babies.  By midnight we had 7 beautiful puppies.  Mama Snow was a recent rescue from a cruelty case.  Someone had shot her in the leg and broken her jaw. 

That very same day, I received a call about four horses in a field and two of them were down.  I met Tangihumane and a deputy from the Sheriff's office at the scene.  I wasn't prepared for what I saw.  The two downed horses were still alive, but were just living skeletons.  Those poor horses were starving.  I called Dr. Scott Smith and he rushed to the location.  Dr. Smith recommended that the two downed horses be put down.  He administered the shot and the horses died peacefully, no longer starving to death.

The owner has been charged with two felony counts of aggrevated cruelty to animals and two counts of simple cruelty to animals.  These are serious charges and it is unlikely the owner will ever see his horses again.  We picked up the two remaining horses the next day.  They are now happy to food and clean water every day!

A few days later I get a call about two little dogs that had been left in a home for two weeks when the owners were arrested for drugs.  A family member had been going over them to feed them, but once the power was turned off, she could no longer care for the dogs.  Stella and Frank are two tiny little love bugs!!!  They are between 5 and 7 years of age and get along with everyone.  They need permanent homes so please spread the word.   They are crate trained and at one time were housebroken.  However, after two weeks with no one in the home, they have regressed a bit.  It won't take long for them to remember that inside it NOT the place to go potty! 

To add to all of this, it is time to get the garden ready for planting.  We have been working on our square food garden and raised beds getting them ready for spring planting.  I have included a picture of last year's garden to keep me inspired!

Puppies - Puppies - Puppies

Last Friday night we had a tremendously successful puppy adoption.  THIRTEEN puppies found homes!  It was a memorable evening.  There were 9 fluffy puppies and 2 lab mixes that were adopted within the first 60 minutes!  People were waiting for me when I arrived at the Petco.  I only wish we had that amount of excitement about our more mature dogs.

At this very minute I have a 7 year old Basset hound, a 5 year old Beagle, a 5 year old pit mix, a 13 year old terrier  and a 2 year old terrier/beagle mix surrounding my computer chair.  I have a ask one of them to move before I can get up! 

The Bassett hound is Duke.  Some of you may remember him from last year.  He was a stray found by a wonderful lady who took care of all his medical expenses, including the expensive heartworm treatment.  He stayed with me during his recovery time and was then adopted.  Unfortunately new his owner's job changed and he no longer had the time to spend with Duke.  He called to ask if he could return him even though it had been almost a year.  I am so happy he called us rather than try to find Duke another home.  We will make sure Duke's new home will be the right place for him.  If we don't find a good fit, then Duke will stay here.

Jasmine will be another sanctuary dog.  She is one of 5 dogs that were abandoned in a vacant house. We were able to find homes or other rescues for all of the other dogs, but Jasmine is a special case. "Jazzy" puts on this "pit bull" bark, but doesn't bite. (She has very few teeth left!) She can be a bit intimidating, but all she wants is a treat.  I think she learned to act tough so she would get a treat.  When new people come to the house, Jasmine meets them at the door with her bark.  A treat makes her wag her tail and if you walk off without giving her another treat she barks again.  She will play this game until you run out of treats.  Once you say you don't have any more she wanders off to her bed!   You may notice the lack of hair and pink color of her hind quarters.  We don't know what caused her skin irritation, but it is much better.  We have her on a special diet and anti inflammatory meds when needed.  Because her front teeth are completely worn down (the same goes for Duke) the vet said she has suffered with allergies a long time.  The state of her teeth shows that she has been biting at her skin for years.

HUCK IS BACK!!!  This sweet little pit mix was adopted two weeks ago.  The family found a nicer home to rent, but it doesn't have a fenced yard so they had to give up the pup.  He looks great.  While he was with them he was well treated and definitely well fed!  Our sweet little puppy now weighs 18 pounds!  He is absolutely the most handsome puppy I've seen in a long time.