Eskie Rescuers United American Eskimo Dog Rescue Inc
Eskie Scoops
The Official Newsletter for Eskie Rescuers United (ERU)
Issue No. 16 February/March 2010
Eskie

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P.O. Box 8652
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52408-8652 

 
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Ask the Eskie
 Ask the Eskie
Dear Gus,  
I have been searching for a new eskie addition to my family and have been looking on your website.  I noticed that there are so many more male dogs listed than females!  Why are there more male dogs available?
Searching for my Eskie 
 
Dear Searching, 
I have noticed the same thing!  It sure does seem like more potential adopters are looking for a female dog rather than a male.  While each adopter has their own personal reasons, there does seem to be an underlying similar issue that I have noticed.  Many people think that male dogs "mark" their territory more than females, and people are concerned about their carpets and furniture being ruined.  Sometimes this is the case with a specific dog, but many times it isn't the case...it is just the perception that all male dogs have this issue.   Hey, we don't all do this! 
 
There are some great training tips at the end of this newsletter in case you are experiencing problems with your dog (or cat...it isn't just a doggie problem!).
 
We boys need a loving home too, so I hope this information helps to set the record straight! 
 
Until next time,
Love Gus
 
Woof!
 
If you have questions you would like to ask the Eskie, send an e-mail to AskTheEskie@eskierescuers.org.  
In This Issue
Ask the Eskie
Fundraising Update
Take My Dog, Please!
Fostering Poem
Sponsorship Opportunities
Training Tip of the Month - Territorial Marking Behavior

ERU thanks the following vets for their commitment to rescue and for providing us with discounted  (10% or greater)   veterinary services!
January 2010


Cherry Knolls Veterinary Clinic
Dr Meghan Shannon
Centennial, CO

Community Animal Hospital
Randallstown, MD

Dakota Pet Hospital
Lakeville, MN
 
Fetchers Dog Care
Denver, CO
 
Norbeck Animal Clinic
Silver Springs, MD

Petsound Animal Clinic
Cary, NC

Waugh Chapel Animal Hospital
Gambrills, MD


21 Eskies received vet care in January costing grand total to ERU of $3,340. Total percentage donated 39.48%.   
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.
Jango in CO 
Hi, my name is Jango and I am a beautiful, young boy who is looking for a new home with lots of patience and love.  You see, before I was dropped off at a shelter, I was abused so I am pretty afraid of new situations and people.  What I need is a home that is experienced in dealing with eskies and with an alpha owner.  I need someone to be able to tell me that YOU are in charge, not me.  I would not do well around young children since I am nervous with new situations, and I absolutely do not like those pesky things called cats!  If you are patient and loving and would be willing to give me a chance to become part of your family, please consider me.  I am long overdue for a loving family!  
Jake in OH
Hello, I'm Jake and I am looking for my forever home! I had a hard life up until I was rescued, but things are looking so much better for me now!  I'm in a foster home in Ohio and my foster family thinks I am such a sweet boy.  I would love to find my own loving family.  Being an eskie, I am a bit shy at first, but all I really want is to be loved and to love you back.  I enjoy playing with the other dogs and with my toys and would love for you to play with me too!  Would you consider letting me join your family?  I would be forever grateful! 
Fundraising Update
 

While snowbound and firmly in winter's grip, fundraising energy is being directed to our newest store on Zazzle.   New products are being added frequently, so check in often to see the latest:  http://www.zazzle.com\tjzchouse*.  Absolutely 100% of royalties from products sold from this store to go support ERU!

The 2010 calendars have been very popular and have already raised over $300 for ERU!  If you have not seen it yet, check it out - the photos are gorgeous!  In fact, the calendar has proven to be so popular that we have done a mouse pad that includes all the images in the calendar - a Year's Worth of Eskies!  Calendars run from February 2010 through January 2011, so don't delay.  Also new to the store are tote bags and coffee mugs! 

Special Note: These Zazzle products are designed to be customized by YOU!  If you like the product but would prefer a different picture (one of your own dog?!) or different text, you can change it to whatever makes you happy!  The exceptions to this are the ERU logo and web address, as well as any copyright material, such as "Celebrate My Life".  This beautiful poem, written by ERU volunteer Karon Stewart, has touched the hearts of so many and is now available through the Zazzle store as a poster suitable for framing.
  
Jen House
Fundraising Coordinator 

Take My Dog, Please!

by Eleanor Scheidemann

Eleanor Scheidemann,CEO The Dog Lady, Inc. and President of Last Chance for Love Animal Rescue & Rehabilitation, Inc. has over ten years experience as a professional dog trainer.  Her company provides hundreds of dog owners each year with obedience training, behavior modification and problem solving. She works actively with rescue groups by rehabilitating dogs that would otherwise be considered unadoptable.  This company is about more than just dog training; it is about everything "dog".  Eleanor, "The Dog Lady" is more than just a dog trainer.  You are sure to find her opinions on dog training matters both educational and entertaining.

 

The most common phrase you hear while working in the dog rescue trade is "Take my dog, please."

I just recently organized a new dog rescue and rehabilitation organization; most of my experience in this arena comes from years of working with other rescuers.  The work is both rewarding and heartbreaking.  But after all this time I am still amazed at the misconception the public has about how the system works.

 

This article should serve to answer common questions and shed some light on the front line hard facts.

I do make every attempt to check my facts; but with all my years of dog training and behavior consulting experience, I am by no means an expert on the subject of rescue.  And if you have the need to re-home your dog, I must warn you that as a rescuer (I can only speak for myself) I do not feel sorry for you. I feel sorry for your dog.

 

As you might imagine, more people want to surrender a dog than adopt a new one.  This probably accounts for the fact that we KILL 5 MILLION DOGS ANNUALLY for lack of facilities to care for and/or rehabilitate them until they are adopted.  If you are seeking help from a rescue or a shelter to re-home your dog, be advised that he has a 70 percent chance of becoming one of the 5 million.

 

RESCUES

Most rescue organizations will accept only a limited number of dogs.

They do not have kennels or large facilities to house them.  Their dogs are placed in foster homes to be cared for until which time they can be placed in a permanent home.  There is a great shortage of qualified people willing to volunteer as a foster home.  This is probably the most limiting factor rescues deal with.

 

Rescues are normally non-profit organizations dependent upon donations to stay in business.

No money, no dogs!  They do not charge a surrender fee in the hopes of limiting the number of dogs people dump on the street to save a few bucks.  Yet, many people want to surrender dogs that need medical attention, vaccinations, and spay/neutering.  A common statement from someone wanting to surrender a dog might be . . . "He is a great dog and will make someone (else) a wonderful pet.  But like all dogs he has a few problems . . . "  Then they go on to list destructive and/or aggressive behavior issues that would keep this dog from being adopted by anyone.

 

Rescues offer re-homing services.

If a dog's health or behavior would keep it from being re-homed, then it is likely they will not accept him.  If they did then they would simply be assuming the cost and responsibility for having him euthanized.  Unfortunately, that is what a lot of people are looking for when they call a rescue.  People will try a rescue first before taking the dog to the shelter to avoid feeling guilty.  If your dog is not adoptable HE IS GOING TO DIE ANYWAY, NO MATTER WHOM YOU GIVE HIM TO.

 

I have contacted other rescues that refuse to give me a dog without a reason. Why is this?

Hogwash! All rescues (that I know of) will tell you why you cannot have one of their dogs. Unlike most breeders who will sell a dog to anyone who has the money, RESCUES DO NOT WORK FOR YOU, THEY WORK FOR THE DOGS.  They want the dog to go to a home for life.  The dog was not in a proper home in the first place; that is how it ended up in a rescue.  They are not going to take a chance that it will happen again.

 

How can rescues have waiting lists for dogs if there are more dogs than there are homes?

It is not that there are more dogs than there are homes; it is that there are more homes wanting the perfect dog than there are perfect dogs.  There is no such thing as a perfect dog. However, many good hearted people desperately want to help by rescuing a dog as long as the dog is housetrained, obedience trained, doesn't chase cats, will get along with their other dogs and has been certified to be in good health.  No problem, we will put you on the waiting list! Also, some rescues do not work on a first come, first serve basis.  They will adopt a dog out to the best home for the dog, not the first.

 

I keep getting turned down for a dog because I have small children.  Why?

Let me think . . . oh yea.  Because a dog is an animal and they can jump, scratch and bite! Rescuers are trying to right a wrong that has already been done, not cause another one.  Even if you are willing to take a chance that your children could be hurt, they are not (thank heaven).  Not to mention the poor dog.  It is not unusual for children to do silly things like run, tease, poke, and kick or fall on a dog thereby causing the dog to defend itself.

 

A rescue refused to take my dog.  Isn't it the law that they have to accept him if I can't keep him?

First of all, it isn't can't keep him; it is won't keep him.  And secondly, NO!  Dogs are considered personal property (unfortunately) and the law says you are the only one responsible for maintaining and caring for your animal.  Legally, no one has to take him, which is why people dump their dogs on the street.  This is a great way to avoid legal and financial responsibility.  (I would also add moral responsibility though I don't believe anyone that dumps a dog on the street to starve has any morals.)

 

Why do rescues charge adoption fees, some of them are several hundred dollars?  Don't they just want the dog to get a good home?

This question partially answers itself.  Yes, they just want the dog to get a GOOD home that includes a household that can afford the cost of taking care of the dog.  If you cannot afford an adoption fee, then you probably cannot afford veterinary care, accessories, training and good food.  The willingness to pay a fee shows your willingness to accept financial responsibility for the dog.  It is expensive to rescue dogs.  It costs most rescues anywhere from $500 to $5,000 for medical, housing and feeding per dog.  The rescuers I know not only use the adoption fees to cover the cost of care but also use every spare penny of their own and often go into debt.  When was the last time you donated to a rescue?

 

SHELTERS

There are two types of shelters:

1) Private, usually non-profit organizations like the SPCA, and 2) public tax funded facilities like animal care and control departments.

Private non-profit shelters operate similar to non-profit rescues.  They are funded by donations and charge adoption fees.  Though private shelters will have an adoption process that is more stringent than public shelters, they can be less stringent than most rescues.

Large private shelters qualify for and receive most government grants and large organization donations whereas rescues have to struggle by with small donations.

Amazingly enough, the battle for grants and donations is very political and commercial.  Nothing for free is a term that comes to mind.  Larger organizations can offer more publicity to large donors and advertise to the public for a greater share of smaller donations.  Smaller rescues can get some grant money from large shelter organizations (if they like you).  This is why the larger shelters get larger and the small rescues stay small.

Public shelters (known as animal control or the pound) have become notorious as killing fields.

Communities have charged them with the thankless job of holding all dog owning citizens (other than themselves) responsible.  Yet, they get very little community support.

 

Though shelters, both public and private, have kennel facilities to house dogs, they do not have an unlimited amount of space.  The space they have must be kept available for adoptable dogs. Both usually will charge you a surrender fee to accept your dog.  Some have night drop boxes where you can drive up after hours, shove a dog in a box and drive away.  It is kind of a no ask no tell policy.  You can hide the fact that you dumped your dog, avoid paying a surrender fee, and still keep the dog from dying on the street.

 

Why does animal control have to euthanize so many dogs?

With the facilities, money and staff available to most public shelters it is not even close to possible for them to be anything but collect and destroy units.  Other organizations that advertise themselves as NO KILL often do not keep un-adoptable dogs.  Unless a dog can pass a temperament test to qualify as adoptable, they will transfer the dog to a public shelter that DOES KILL.  They receive surrendered dogs from the public, private shelters and rescues alike. Most adopters do not want to visit their facilities.  People tell me that it is too hard to face the fact that most of the dogs they see will die.  So they take their business elsewhere (they call rescues and put in their order for the perfect dog!).  Though animal control facilities are where most homeless dogs end up, only 10 percent of the 74 million owned dogs in this country come from them.  Because of this, 70 percent or more of all pets taken in will not leave alive.

Why are some people turned down by even a public shelter? 

Recently, public shelters have been adopting stricter screening procedures for adoptions.  There was a time when the only qualification to adopt from animal control was that you could register a blood pressure.  They had to do something; the rate of return on adoptions was anywhere from 30 percent to 50 percent (proof that not everyone knows what it takes to have a pet). If you cannot qualify for a dog from animal control, then you really, really should not have one.


What can I do to help?

Good question, I am glad you asked.  After explaining the sad treatment our canine best friends are receiving, a lot of good people ask this question.  You can help by volunteering and/or donating.


Of course when I answer this question most people apologetically respond by explaining that, though they really wish things were different, they have no time or money to give.  They go on to say that they agree it is wrong to kill dogs for being homeless and the job rescuers do is absolutely necessary.  Then they wish me luck, pick up their Starbucks coffee and quickly leave. Not to be heard from until they need to re-home their dog, at which time they call me and say, "Take my dog, please."

 

Eleanor encourages everyone to visit her dog training site and the rescue site at lclrr.org to see how YOU can make a difference in the world of animals and receive your free dog training e-books.

 Rescue Me

Rescue me not only with your hands but with your heart as well.
I will respond to you.

Rescue me not out of pity but out of love.
I will love you back.

Rescue me not with self-righteousness but with compassion.
I will learn what you teach.

Rescue me not because of my past but because of my future.
I will relax and enjoy.

Rescue me not simply to save me but to give me a new life.
I will appreciate your gift.

Rescue me not only with a firm hand but with tolerance and patience.
I will please you.

Rescue me not only because of who I am but who I'm to become.
I will grow and mature.

Rescue me not to revere yourself to others but because you want me.
I will never let you down.

Rescue me not with a hidden agenda but with a desire to teach me to trust.
I will be loyal and true.

Rescue me not to be chained or to fight but to be your companion.
I will stand by your side.

Rescue me not to replace one you've lost but to soothe your spirit.
I will cherish you.

Rescue me not to be your pet but to be your friend.
I will give you unconditional love.

Author Unknown 

Fluffy in CO, adopted January 2010 

Sponsorship Opportunities

Look for our stories and how you can help us at www.eskierescuers.org under the Sponsor Eskies tab!  
             
          Zeus
                            Noble                      Angel
 
Zeus in MA Noble of VA
 Angel of MA
            Annie                         Baylor                   Branson
 Annie in MS Baylor in FL Branson in MS  
       Buddy                   Farrah           Jenny                    Jewel         
 Buddy of IL Farrah of MD Jenny of OH Jewel in TX 
         Cinnamon                       Casper                      Cherie             
  Cinnamon in MS  Casper of TN Cherie in MS
           JoJo                          Kody                       Legolas
 Jo Jo in MS Kody of MN  Legolas of PA
           Lexie                                    Max                          Mia
 Lexie in MA  Max in CO  Mia in MS
            Kotton                   Little Girl             Montana
  Kotton of MS   Little girl of MD   Montana in PA
                 Milo                         Priscilla                      Scout
  Milo in CO  Priscilla in MS  Scout in UT
           Quedo                  Thor                          Tiffy
  Quedo in MN  Thor in MS  Tiffy in IL
               Yogi                             Zach 
   Yogi in IL   Zach in MS
 

Territorial Marking Behavior in Dogs and Cats

Dogs and cats are territorial animals. This means that they "stake out a claim" to a particular space, area or object.  They let other people and animals know about their claim by marking it with a variety of methods and at many levels of intensity. For example, a dog may bark to drive away what he perceives as intruders to his territory. A cat may mark a valued object by rubbing it with her face. Some pets may go to the extreme of urinating or defecating to mark a particular area as their own.  Urine-marking is not a house-soiling problem, but is a territorial behavior. Therefore, to resolve the problem, you need to address the underlying reason for your pet's need to mark his territory in this way.

House-soiling or Urine Marking?  How To Tell The Difference!

Your pet may be urine-marking if:

·         The problem is primarily urination.  Dogs and cats rarely mark with feces.

·         The amount of urine is small and is found primarily on vertical surfaces.  Dogs and cats do sometimes mark on horizontal surfaces. Leg-lifting and spraying are dominant versions of urine-marking, but even if your pet doesn't assume these postures, he may still be urine-marking.

·         Any pet in your home is not spayed or neutered. Both intact males and females are more likely to urine-mark than are spayed or neutered animals.  However, even spayed or neutered animals may mark in response to other intact animals in the home.

·         Your pet urinates on new objects in the environment (a shopping bag, a visitor's purse), on objects that have unfamiliar smells, or on objects that have another animal's scent.

·         Your pet has conflicts with other animals in your home.  When there's instability in the pack hierarchy, a dog may feel a need to establish his dominance by urine-marking his territory. If one cat is intimidating another cat, the bullied cat may express his anxiety by urine-marking.

·         Your pet has contact with other animals outside your home. A cat that's allowed outdoors may come home and mark after having an encounter with another cat outside.  If your pet sees another animal through a door or window, he may feel a need to mark his territory.

·         Your dog marks frequently on neighborhood walks.

What You Can Do:

·         Spay or neuter your pet as soon as possible.  Spaying or neutering your pet may stop urine-marking altogether; however, if he has been urine-marking over a long period of time, a pattern may already be established.

·         Resolve conflicts between animals in your home (

·         Restrict your pet's access to doors and windows through which they can observe animals outside.  If this isn't possible, discourage the presence of other animals near your house.

·         Keep your cat indoors.  He'll be safer, will live longer, and will feel less need to mark his territory.

·         Clean soiled areas thoroughly.  Don't use strong smelling cleaners as these may cause your pet to "over-mark" the spot.

·         Make previously soiled areas inaccessible or unattractive

·         If making soiled areas inaccessible or unattractive isn't possible, try to change the significance of those areas.  Feed, treat and play with your pet in the areas he is inclined to mark.

·         Keep objects likely to cause marking out of reach. Guests' belongings, new purchases and so forth, should be placed in a closet or cabinet.

·         If your pet is marking in response to a new resident in your home (a new baby, roommate or spouse), have the new resident make friends with your pet by feeding, grooming and playing with your pet.  Make sure good things happen to your pet when the new baby is around

·         For dogs: watch your dog at all times when he is indoors for signs that he is thinking about urinating.  When he begins to urinate, interrupt him with a loud noise and take him outside, then praise him and give him a treat if he urinates outside.  When you're unable to watch him, put your dog in confinement (a crate or small room where he has never marked) or tether him to you with a leash.

·         For cats: try to monitor your cat's movements.  If he even sniffs in an area he has previously marked, make a loud noise or squirt him with water.  It's best if you can do this without him seeing you, because then he'll associate the unpleasantness with his intent to mark, rather than with you.

·         Practice "nothing in life is free" with your dog.   This is a safe, non-confrontational way to establish your leadership and requires your dog to work for everything he wants from you. Have your dog obey at least one command (such as "sit") before you pet him, give him dinner, put on his leash or throw a toy for him. Establishing yourself as a strong leader can help stabilize the hierarchy and thus diminish your dog's need to mark his territory.

What NOT To Do:

Don't punish your pet after the fact.  Punishment administered even a minute after the event is ineffective because your pet won't understand why he is being punished.

Pets Aren't People

Dogs and cats don't urinate or defecate out of spite or jealousy.  If your dog urinates on your baby's diaper bag, it's not because he is jealous of, or dislikes your baby.  The unfamiliar scents and sounds of a new baby in the house are simply causing him to reaffirm his claim on his territory.  Likewise, if your cat urinates on your new boyfriend's backpack, this is not his opinion of your taste in men.  Instead, he has perceived the presence of an "intruder" and is letting the intruder know that this territory belongs to him.

Dominance or Anxiety?

Urine-marking is usually associated with dominance behavior.  While this is often the case, some pets may mark when they feel anxious or upset.  For example, a new baby in the home brings new sounds, smells and people, as well as changes in routine.  Your dog or cat probably isn't getting as much attention as he was used to getting.  All of these changes cause him to feel anxious, which may cause him to mark.  Likewise, a pet that is generally anxious may become more so by the presence of roaming neighborhood animals in your yard, or by the introduction of a new cat or dog into your household.  If your pet is feeling anxious, you might consider talking to your veterinarian about medications to reduce his anxiety while you work on behavior modification.

 


Memorials to Those Who Will Live in Our Hearts Forever
  
If you know of a dog that has crossed over the Rainbow Bridge, and would like them to be featured in this column, please contact nwsltreditor@eskierescuers.org.

DONATIONS * MEMORIALS * SPECIAL GIFTS
Please consider making a contribution to Eskies Rescuers United (ERU) rescue group.  Contributions can be made 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 contributions are essential to allow the rescue group to continue saving the dogs!

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: ___________________________
 
Donate
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 nwsltreditor@eskierescuers.org.