| Eskie Scoops
The Official Newsletter for Eskie Rescuers United (ERU) |
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Ask the Eskie
Dear Gus:
My eskie LOVES to be outside. But, if I leave her out for any extended period of time, say 2 hours, she digs in the yard. And, much to my dismay, she likes to hunt down and kill lizards. Any ideas on what I can do to break her of either of these habits? We adopted her from Eskie Rescuers in January of 2007. She has brought much joy to our lives and we love her dearly. But we sure would like to break her of a couple of bad habits.
Sincerely, Unsightly Backyard
Dear Unsightly:
Ah hem...frankly, I think your dog is just trying to help you with some yard work and keeping your yard pest free! I mean, think of all the money you will save not having to hire someone to aereate your lawn...and the pest control guy too! Jeez!
But, if you insist on breaking your helpful eskie of these habits, you might want to consider not letting your dog outside by herself except for short periods of time. She gets bored out in the yard, thinks the lizard are her friends and playmates, and is just looking for something to do!
For more information on digging, I was able to pull up a training article on digging, and you can find that at the bottom of this newsletter. It's chocked full of good ideas and helpful hints!
I received so many questions from you great people, that I will be answering them in the upcoming newsletters, so you haven't been forgotten! If you have questions, you can reach me at AskTheEskie@eskierescuers.org.
Woof! | |
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| Contact Us |
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P.O. Box 8652
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52408-8652
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| Editor's Note
It's no surprise to anyone that our economy is going through some trying times right now. The ERU, like most chartible organizations, has been hit hard by this difficult time. Many people are losing their homes and unable to continue caring for their pets. Therefore the ERU has seen a large increase in the number of dogs coming into rescue, the largest in our existence. And the expenses are staggering: last month alone, we spent more than $9,000 in vet bills. Our reseves are low and if you can find a way to help us during this time, it would be much appreciated! Even a small donation goes a long way in helping all the dogs we currently have, and all those we will see in the upcoming months!
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Adoptable Eskies in the Spotlight
For more information on these dogs, click on their picture to visit their complete profile.Or, visit www.eskierescuers.org to see many more. | |
My name is Milhuff and I current live in
Duluth, MN. My greatest wish is to
find my forever home this summer!
Could that be you?? | |
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I am Kizzie and I'm going places...right now I'm on my way to prison! There's an entire article dedicated to me in this issue of Eskie Scoops. Make sure to check it out! | |
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Portrait & Quilt Fund Raisers
  Occasionally, a unique opportunity to raise funds while creating something special comes along. The "Furever Luvved Quilt" Project is one of those opportunities.
For more information, click or go to www.eskierescuers.org/Raffles
Head & Shoulder Portrait of Your Best Furever Friend
By Renowned Artist Pamela Jaffe Now is your chance to win a 14x18 portrait of your furry family member! Renown artist, Pamela Jaffe (www.pamelajaffeportraits.com) will do a head & shoulder, single subject portrait from your photograph. This will be an unframed piece valued at $295.
For more information, click or go to www.eskierescuers.org/Raffles |
| PA - 13 Dogs
Written by Jim Park
Many people wonder about their adopted dog's past. Where did he come from? What happened in his past? Unfortunately, there are too many circumstances that cause dogs to become homeless. One recent case was 13 American Eskimo Dogs that had been raised in a barn in Carlise, Pennsylvania. The PA-13, as they became known, were originally from a single un-neutered male and un-spayed female dog, who logically reproduced. The owner did not think that the dogs would continue to breed as they removed the male dog and left the offspring to grow. Unfortunately dogs will very readily inbreed. So the number of dogs increased and they were put into a barn to live together. By the time the ERU became involved 5 of the female dogs were already pregnant.
Dogs that are not raised around humans are not socialized and they can be quite fearful of humans. They are difficult to catch and will struggle when they are held. They typically shake with fear and will hide when possible. If put in a crate and a car, they usually will get sick in only a few minutes of the start of the car ride. Moving fearful dogs like this is a very stressful experience for the dog as well as the human. These dogs do not make good housepets as they are typically not housebroken. It takes lots of time and work with such a dog before they will possibly come out of their shell.
What does it mean to have to take care of these dogs? It means:
- Going to a barn and in the dark, trying to catch and put collars on fearful dogs.
Feeding and caring for dogs every day and every night.
- Getting vet care for every dog, sometimes taking off work in order to fit in the vet visits. Typically each dog needs 3 or 4 vet trips. One to get shots; one to drop off to get spayed/neutered; one to pick up the dog; and one to get stitches removed or followup after surgery.
- Having the mother and puppies live in your bathroom because you don't have any other space for dogs. Then having to clean every day because puppies are not housebroken.
- Driving dogs to different locations in order to get them into a foster home because there is not enough space in one place.
- Having puppies born at all hours of the day or night. Trying to get the mother to care for the puppies in an appropriate place where they won't get wet, too cold, too hot.
- Trying to save a puppy that is not gaining weight by giving it special formula.
- Additional trips to the vet because puppies are sick. Or a tearful trip to the vet to euthanize a puppy because it's mother has stopped caring for it, or worse has started to eat it alive.
- Gathering dead puppies when they do not survive. Maybe there was a genetic problem with the puppy, or the mother is so stressed out that she cannot care for the puppy.
- Then finally there is the hours of work to review and screen applicants to adopt each dog, home visits, and transports to get the dogs to their new home.
Here are some statistics and information about the dogs in this group:
Mom - 4 1/2 year old - Pending Adoption
Buster - 12 week old puppy - Pending Adoption
Paige - 12 week old puppy - Pending Adoption
Gus - 3 1/2 year old
Mitzie - 3 1/2 year old - Gave birth to three puppies, only one survived
Jenna - 2 year old - Gave birth to four puppies. three survived
Harley - 2 year old
Sasha - 2 year old - Gave birth to three puppies, one survived
Maggie - 2 year old - Gave birth to nine puppies, four survived
Sadie - 10 month old - Gave birth to three or four puppies, none survived
Teddy - 10 month old - Pending Adoption
Tiffany - 10 month old - Pending Adoption
Charlie - 10 month old - Sent to the HOPE prison program (see Hope article below) and is Pending Adoption once he comes out of the program.
That's a total of 13 dogs and 9 newborn puppies that survived!
 The total cost of vet care for the entire group of dogs is about $6600. This only includes the neutering/spaying and vaccinations. The amount could be significantly larger if there are any medical issues. Thankfully, some of the dogs will be going to their new forever homes soon. Other dogs will require months of time and training for socialization. Sadly, there are one or two dogs that may never be able to be handled by humans. This entire issue would have been prevented if the owner of the original pair of dogs had simply spayed and neutered them! Regrettably this situation happens all too often in our society. As you can see, it takes a lot of work, time and money to rescue dogs in these types of situations. Lucky for these dogs, the ERU was able to step in and help out, becuase in many communities where space and people are not available, these dogs would simply have been euthanized.
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How Could You and Why Would You Abandon a Dog?
I've been writing to you about the impact of home foreclosures on pets. Many pets are being abandoned and left to die in empty homes without food or water.
Why are pets being abandoned? Well, I called some local real estate agencies and shelter agencies. Only by knowing the facts can we understand and work to "fix" the problems.
Why do people leave their pets?
In my opinion - they are not good pet owners like you. They are not true dog lovers. A true dog lover would NEVER abandon a pet and leave it to starve an awful death. No dog lover would do that, no matter his or her dire circumstances.
Common reasons pets are abandoned is that the owners did not have a pet friendly place to go. People leaving their homes are living with relatives or in apartments that do not welcome pets. They also don't have money to board or afford higher priced apartment that may accept pets or require a hefty pet deposit. Some believe that the people losing their homes are so overwhelmed with their lives, they are putting their families first and the pet is not a priority. This is no excuse. If you choose dog ownership, you are choosing to give a life to a dog. You can't take it away.
What can you do? FIND help! There is help. Although shelters are overwhelmed, I've not read of any shelter rejecting pets that are victims of foreclosure. It is estimated that 50% of pets that go to shelters will find homes. That at least gives a pet a chance.
You can also work to re-home the dog. Ask friends and neighbors. Post signs in the local grocery story, library and any place else you can think of. Be honest. Tell them your situation. Another suggestion by Susan Smith, of the Franklin County Ohio Dog Shelter, is to "plan early." According to Smith, "as soon as you know you might be foreclosing or in a situation that may lead you to give up your dog, call your shelter." If given some time, they can better work to find your dog a home by placing your dog on a website or organizing that you bring your dog to adoption events. In some situations, they can re-home a dog that has been in a good home easier than some already at shelters.
I've learned an important lesson from you readers out there - pet lovers are special people. You have an amazing heart and ability to love. Dog lovers are good people. Don't give up but give your dog a chance if you are in this situation.
Dr. Jon |
| Going to Prison!
Written by Jim Parks
A dog going to prison for bad behavior? Yes, it has happened to several ERU eskies!! The Hounds of Prison Education (known as the HOPE program) was launched in March of 2005 in an effort to help more homeless animals find their way into forever homes. Sponsored by the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance (CPAA), the HOPE Program works in conjunction with the State Correctional Institute at Camp Hill, Pennsylvania and CPAA member rescues. The HOPE program has an experienced dog trainer that works directly with the dogs. The dogs live with prison inmates who do the actual training and socialization. It benefits both the dogs as well as the inmates.
How does this work? The dogs live right in the cell with the inmates. When the inmate handlers are at work or meals, the dogs are crated inside the cells. When the inmates are not at work or meals, they can be found outside walking and training the dogs, playing in the doggie yard, doing training sessions in their cell or just spending time with their HOPE dog.
The dogs and handlers participate in weekly training sessions with a professional dog behaviorist. During these sessions they go over material learned during the previous sessions, questions and concerns that have come up throughout the week and new material to be worked on for the next week. The training includes basic commands, socialization with other dogs and people, grooming, health concerns and behavior modifications. The trainer and the HOPE volunteers also assist each pair of inmates as they work through the issues that are unique to their dog.
Only rescues can submit an application for a dog to be accepted into the program. The dogs are normally evaluated by the trainer to make sure that they are suitable for the programs. Dogs are required to get along with other dogs and have to be able to spend time in a crate. That's because when the inmates are out working, the dogs are crated! The dogs also needs to be able to handle sudden loud noises that may be present in the prison environment. In addition, dogs cannot have aggression issues that would cause them to bite people. The dogs are kept for 6 to 12 weeks, depending on how much training they need.
The HOPE program has 6 dogs at any one time. The program currently has 12 to 14 inmates participating, so this allows each dog to have 2 handlers!
How is a HOPE dog Adopted?
Interested adopters can apply to adopt a dog through the rescue or the HOPE program. Both the rescue and HOPE program look at the applications and must agree on the adopters. The adoption fee is $225 with $200 going directly to the rescue group. One of the great benefits for the new owner is access to the HOPE program trainer for the rest of the dog's life!
Previous ERU dogs have been in the program: Alladin, Fortune, Laika and Zaydee are former HOPE dogs and were adopted through the program. Kizzie is the latest dog to go into the program. Charlie, a shy dog rescued recently from a barn, will be the next ERU dog on his way to prison!
At ERU we love the HOPE program because it takes a dog that has issues, provides good training and socialization for that dog, and helps find it a new home. It also helps us free up a foster home in the rescue group. Finally, and most importanly, the adopters have access to a trainer and get help after the adoption! The HOPE program typically likes to adopt within a 2 hour driving radius, however they have considered adoptions a bit further away. The adopters must be willing to come and pick up the dog.
For more information see http://www.hopedogs.org. |
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Sponsorship Opportunities Look for our stories and how you can help us at www.eskierescuers.org under the Sponsor Eskies tab!
Caleb Maggie Mitzie
Sadie Sasha Jewel
Kyle Baylor Basil
Heidee Hero Jenna
Sam the Man Shiloh
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How to Solve the Digging Problem
Digging is a normal behavior for most dogs, but may occur for widely varying reasons.
Your dog may be:
- Seeking entertainment
- Seeking prey
- Seeking comfort or protection
- Seeking attention
- Seeking escape
Dogs don't dig, however, out of spite, revenge or a desire to destroy your yard. Finding ways to make the area where the dog digs unappealing may be effective, however, it's likely that he'll just begin digging in other locations or display other unacceptable behavior, such as chewing or barking. A more effective approach is to address the cause of the digging, rather than creating location aversions.
Seeking Entertainment
Dogs may dig as a form of self-play when they learn that roots and soil "play back." Your dog may be digging for entertainment if:
- He's left alone in the yard for long periods of time without opportunities for interaction with you
- His environment is relatively barren, without playmates or toys
- He's a puppy or adolescent (under three years old) and doesn't have other outlets for his energy
- He's the type of dog (like a terrier) that is bred to dig as part of his "job"
- He's a particularly active type of dog (like the herding or sporting breeds) who needs an active job to be happy
- He's recently seen you "playing" in the dirt (gardening or working in the yard)
Recommendations
We recommend expanding your dog's world and increasing his "people time" the following ways:
- Walk your dog regularly. It's good exercise, mentally and physically, for both of you!
- Teach your dog to fetch a ball or Frisbee and practice with him as often as possible.
- Teach your dog a few commands and/or tricks. Practice these commands/tricks every day for five to ten minutes.
- Take an obedience class with your dog and practice daily what you've learned.
- Keep interesting toys in the yard to keep your dog busy even when you're not around (Kong-type toys filled with treats or busy-box toys). Rotating the toys makes them seem new and interesting.
- For dedicated diggers, provide an "acceptable digging area." Choose an area of the yard
where it's okay for your dog to dig and cover the area with loose soil or sand. If you catch your dog digging in an unacceptable area, interrupt the behavior with a loud noise, say, "no dig" and take the dog to his designated digging area. When he digs in the approved spot, reward him with praise. Make the unacceptable digging spots unattractive (at least temporarily) by setting sharp rocks or chicken wire into the dirt.
Seeking Prey
Dogs may try to pursue burrowing animals or insects that live in your yard. Your dog may be pursuing prey if:
- The digging is in a very specific area, usually not at the boundaries of the yard
- The digging is at the roots of trees or shrubs
- The digging is in a "path" layout
Recommendations
We recommend that you search for possible signs of pests and then rid your yard of them. Avoid methods that could be toxic or dangerous to your pets.
Seeking Comfort or Protection
In hot weather, dogs may dig holes in order to lie in the cool dirt. They may also dig to provide themselves with shelter from cold, wind or rain, or to try to find water. Your dog may be digging for protection or comfort if:
- The holes are near foundations of buildings, large shade trees or a water source
- Your dog doesn't have a shelter or his shelter is exposed to the hot sun or cold winds
- You find evidence that your dog is lying in the holes he digs
Recommendations
We recommend that you provide your dog with other sources for the comfort or protection he seeks.
- Provide an insulated doghouse. Make sure it affords protection from wind and sun.
- Your dog may still prefer a hole in the ground, in which case you can try the "approved digging area" recommendation described above. Make sure the allowed digging area is in a protected spot.
- Provide plenty of fresh water in a bowl that can't be tipped over.
Seeking Attention
Any behavior can become attention-getting behavior if dogs learn that they receive attention for engaging in it (even punishment is a form of attention). Your dog may be digging to get attention if:
- He digs in your presence
- His other opportunities for interaction with you are limited
Recommendations
We recommend that you ignore the behavior.
- Don't give your dog attention for digging (remember, even punishment is attention).
- Make sure your dog has sufficient time with you on a daily basis, so he doesn't have to resort to misbehaving to get your attention.
Seeking Escape
Dogs may escape to get to something, to get somewhere or to get away from something. For more detailed information, please see our handout: "The Canine Escape Artist." Your dog may be digging to escape if:
- He digs along the fence line
- He digs under the fence
Recommendations
We recommend the following in order to keep your dog in the yard while you work on the behavior modifications recommended in our handout: "The Canine Escape Artist."
- Bury chicken wire at the base of the fence (sharp edges rolled under)
- Place large rocks, partially buried, along the bottom of the fence line
- Bury the bottom of the fence one to two feet under the ground
- Lay chain link fencing on the ground (anchored to the bottom of the fence) to make it
uncomfortable for your dog to walk near the fence
Regardless of the reason for digging, we don't recommend punishment after the fact. Not only does this not address the cause of the behavior, any digging that's motivated by fear or anxiety will be made worse. Punishment may also cause anxiety in dogs that aren't currently fearful. We also don't recomment staking a dog out near a hole he's dig or filling a hole with water. These techniques don't address the cause of the behavior, or the act of digging.
1999 Dumb Friends League. All Rights Reserved. HTST_R99 |
Memorials to Those Who Will Live in Our Hearts Forever
I had the privilege of fostering little Meeka for the past year. I remember the day Gina told me she was bringing Meeka to me. "Should I bring a crate for the transfer?" I asked. "No," said Gina, with her typical dry humor, "she's not going anywhere. You'll see what I mean." Upon meeting Gina I discovered that Meeka was in no danger of scampering off. She just sort of toddled around, in spurts, appearing to be in her own little world. Meeka was an old girl, weighing about 10lbs, with a touch of doggie senility, and appeared to be hearing and vision impaired. Once at home I soon discovered that her sense of smell more than made up for any shortcomings in other areas. She could navigate thru the house with no difficulty to find me if I had anything to eat. And heaven help the pup that got too close to her food bowl as she'd let out a rip roaring bark that would make all four paws come off the floor.
Meeka spent most of her time napping. When she felt like toddling around the house she seemed drawn to small spaces. No matter how I'd rearrange the furniture she always had a penchant for finding and getting stuck in some corner, behind the bathtub, freezer or between the rungs of a chair. Many times I played "find the Meekster" only to panic after 15 minutes or so of searching with no luck. Finally she'd send out a series of distress calls from which I could track her down.
I especially delighted in her rare moments of clarity when she would do something typically "doggie-like:" bark, wag her tail or hop, skip and jump around the yard. My favorite ritual with Meeka was, after dinner in the evening, to scoop her up and put her under the covers with me, as we'd watch TV and snuggle.
Meeka always made me laugh. I remember one warm day I was standing in the kitchen, barefoot, doing dishes when I felt this searing pain in my big toe only to look down and discover Meeka latched on for dear life. Obviously, she thought she'd discovered a stray piece of hotdog, this being what I gave her daily heart pill in.
Along with a heart murmur Meeka developed kidney disease. Eventually her illnesses were just too much for her little body to handle. She was one heck of a trooper and I sure do miss her. I wanted to share the following quote. I think from now on whenever I see a beautiful, fluffy white cloud I will think of Meeka:
God turns clouds inside out to make fluffy beds for the dogs in Dog Heaven, and when they are tired from running and barking and eating ham-sandwich biscuits, the dogs find a cloud bed for sleeping. God watches over each one of them. And there are no bad dreams. Cynthia Rylant
Melanie Clippinger
View Meeka's video on: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S52fwUN5A3w |
DONATIONS * MEMORIALS * SPECIAL GIFTS
If you would like to make a contribution to Eskies Rescuers United (ERU) rescue group to commemorate an occasion, in memory of an individual or pet, or to sponsor a pet, please complete the fields below and mail to ERU, P.O. Box 8652, Cedar Rapids, IA 52408. You can also simply click on the PayPal link and make your donation and special request there. Your special donation, memorial or special gift will be highlighted in the next newsletter.
This gift is:
___In Memory of (Animal) ______________________ (Human) __________________________
___In Honor of (Animal ) _______________________ (Human) __________________________
___For the special occasion of ___________________________
___Sponsor a pet (Pet name) _____________________________
___Enclosed is my Monthly Pledge _________________________
Name: _______________________________________________________
Street: _______________________________________________________
City: ________________ State: _____________ Zip: ________________
Phone: _______________________ Email: ___________________________
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We would love to have your contributions to the newsletter! If you have an article (or an idea for an article) you would like to contribute to the newsletter, please contact Chris at ChrisB@eskierescuers.org. | |
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