| Eskie Scoops
The Official Newsletter for Eskie Rescuers United (ERU) |
|
Issue No. 21 ♥ The Love and Affection Issue ♥ |
Feb 2011 |
|
Ask the Eskie
Dear Gus:
We are so happy with the dog we adopted from ERU, and now we're looking for an obedience class to help us with our training. There are so many different types out there--I'm confused! What would you recommend we should look for in a class?
Sincerely, Janice in OH
Hi Janice,
You're right: from pack theory to positive reinforcement to clicker training, there are loads of training choices! Selecting the right dog obedience trainer or class may require a little homework but your preparation will pay off for you and your dog. Investigate the classes in your area and inquire if you can observe a class.
Ask the Dog Trainer what methods they use and if you observe or hear something you do not feel comfortable with, find another class or trainer. Watch for inappropriate use of correction collars -- lifting a dog off the ground, choking, hitting, slapping, excessive use of confinement or isolation indicates a trainer whose primary focus is punishment. A trainer who is familiar with a variety of approaches and understands how dogs learn will utilize methods that focus primarily on reinforcing good behaviors and will use 'corrective' techniques sparingly.
Woof!
|
|
Adoptable Eskies in the Spotlight
At any given time, ERU has dozens of dogs available throughout the U.S.
For more information on our "Reskies," click on the pictures or visit www.eskierescuers.org to see many more.
 | | Aspen of CO |
|
|
|
| Contact Us | | P.O. Box 8652
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52408-8652
|
|
Adoptable Eskies
Henry
I was found wandering the streets, but my life sure has improved since some nice folks decided to give me a place to stay (temporarily). I'm around 4 years old and I'm really happy to just hang with my people all day long. I'm being treated for some heartworms that they found, but look forward to being free of them in a little while. Read about my by clicking on my pic above.
After spending the beginning of my life in a cage, I'm still flabbergasted at my luck of having this huge pretty bed of my own. I'm still pretty slow to make friends--if you have patience with me, I'll pay off in dividends. Good friends are hard to find, but I'll be the best you can hope for. Learn more about me by clicking on my pic above.
 | | Ivan in NJ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ERU 2010 Wrapup
Eskie Rescuers United Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer have finished balancing the books for 2010 and have provided a number to warm the heart: in 2010, we accepted 169 eskies into our rescue. Most of those have been placed in permanent homes. We couldn't have done it without you, so thank you for making 2010 a rebound year for ERU!
______________________________________________________________________
Milo's Quilt
Milo is a 2 year old American Eskimo rescued by ERU from a kill shelter in Sept of 2008 (at 10 weeks old). Due to malnutrition, poor genetics, and possible abuse, Milo suffers extensive brain damage, visual impairment, and has frequent seizures. Despite his many disabilities, Milo leads a happy life at his permanent foster home in Colorado. Along with brother and sister Eskies, Milo enjoys playing in his huge backyard and cuddling with his humans.
Through the generosity of Kari Nichols, who donated a gorgeous quilt, we have organized a raffle with all proceeds going towards Milo's medical care.
For more information and to buy tickets, visit the ERU website: www.eskierescuers.org
|
ERU Elections 2011
As an all-volunteer organization, Eskie Rescuers United relies on our volunteers across the country to keep things moving to help our dogs. From email readers to transporters to foster homes and board members, there is a well-coordinated team behind every adoption.
We need folks to join the team and assist in the coming year as ERU moves on with new vigor! The annual ERU election is coming up and the following positions have no nominees: Secretary records minutes of all meetings and distributes them to members. Secretary records attendance at meetings via telephone conference calling and via Internet conferencing. Newsletter Editor composes, edits and publishes newsletter to be sent to members and adopters on a monthly or quarterly basis. Fundraising Coordinator coordinates and manages ERU's various fundraising programs.
If you would like to do your part to keep ERU a vibrant organization, you can find out more about these positions by emailing elections@eskierescuers.org
|
|
ERU Has Big Love For....
Our Volunteer of the Month
Cheryl Brookman
Cheryl came to our organization about 5 years ago, when she was looking for a playmate for her first Eskie, Hailee. One of our volunteers offered fostering as a way to find the perfect fit for Cheryl's household. Since then, Cheryl invited Faith, Buddy, and Alfie to join her household permanently.
Cheryl has been a benefit to ERU because of her willingness to take initiative. As an all-volunteer organization, there is some administrative work that falls down in priority, but Cheryl jumps in to keep the ERU files tidy and applications rolling along. She will contact other volunteers to ensure that forms are being handled in a timely manner, as well as processing applications herself and assisting potential adopters with finding just the perfect addition to their household.
 | | Cheryl Gets Eskie Lovin' |
With four fluffy white dogs scurrying around her house, it's a wonder she ever has time for herself. Good thing she knows how to multi-task. Cheryl says "My daughter, boyfriend, and furbutts take up much of my time, but one of my favorite things to do is take the dogs out in the yard and read my book while they play. They love it outside and I love the fall and summer weather." And we love having you as a volunteer, Cheryl!
|
Eddie Finds His Furever Home
submitted by an ERU Adoptive Family
This could not be happening! ...Ellie was only 10 months old when she was diagnosed with a terrible crippling disease, poly arthritis. She was a sweet little American Eskimo Dog, full of life, playful, smart and yes, had that little Eskie attitude! We tried everything possible to save her. She had the very best of specialized veterinarian care, many medications, and a lifetime of love. But, in the end, the dreaded disease took her life at the age of 18 months. Having lost two special family members in less than two years was extremely heartbreaking on both of us. We simply could not go through this again.
Some people are dog lovers, some are not. We are and love them as family! We both would hear Ellie's little pitter patter of paws on the floor, a shuffle of her bed, or some other little reminder of her life with us. Although shortened by her illness, we both grew very close to her and knew we loved the American Eskimo breed. Our prior research proved to be correct. Deep in our hearts we both knew another dog would be in our future. We could not, in spite of everything, save our sweet, little Ellie. However, we could save another Eskie, so we decided to rescue and adopt.
After trying other rescue organizations with little or no luck, we stumbled upon Eskie Rescuers United simply by chance. The impressive website was so inviting that I simply had to contact them to determine the availability of dogs. Not only was the response almost immediate, but we were put in contact with actual foster homes to discuss various options. We call them our three Angels. Brenda, Heidi, and Piper all contributed to help us determine which dog would be best for us.
 | | Foster parents Brenda and Joe with Eddie |
We wanted a female, 3-5 years old, in good health and close to Maine. Guess what? After interviewing us and determining what we "REALLY NEEDED" we accepted a male from TN, 1 ½ years old, and who tested heartworm positive. Their experience proved correct as it turned out to be a perfect match. Eddie is his name and God, through his angels, sent him to us!
We are and will be eternally grateful for the support, professionalism, and love that these dedicated volunteers put forth every day.
Eddie's Destiny
His life still young, and I'm sure it was hard,
For his entire domain was his own back yard.
Having enough of this he chewed on his chain,
Soon it broke loose, his freedom he did gain.
He must have been guided by someone above,
All he desired was attention and love.
He was lost and scared, but what could he do,
It all seemed so hopeless, then along came ERU.
They nursed him to health and kept the name Eddie,
But they wouldn't let him go until rested and ready.
Form Tennessee to Maryland, to Brenda and Joe,
He was now in a loving foster home and ready to go.
Then Anne and Bill came calling, now he'll no longer roam,
For our special little Eddie has found his "forever" home!
 | | Eddie Enjoying the Snow |
|
Those darn dog rescues with all of their rules and questions - what gives?
by Penny Eims
Dog News Examiner
If you have tried to adopt a dog, you know what I'm talking about. Dog Rescues - so many in-depth, personal questions; just to adopt a dog! For goodness sake - do they really need all of that information? After all - aren't these homeless dogs? Wouldn't any owner be better than being a dog, lamenting in rescue? Than being homeless??
Nope - as a matter of fact, those questions and in-depth applications have a purpose. The individuals who run these rescues have seen quite a bit of dog stuff in their day. They have seen the circumstances that brought these dogs into rescue in the first place. There are a few "real" cases where a dog needs the help of a rescue because the owner has died or fallen gravely ill, but the majority of dogs in rescues are there because they had owners who did things all wrong.
So, why does the application ask the names and ages of those in the household? Because they need to know if there are kids in the house that might be at risk if an inappropriate dog is placed in the home.
Why does the application ask you where the dog will be at night, or while you are away? Because many of the dogs in rescue are there because a prior owner had to get rid of them after neighbors complained about constant barking.
Why does the dog rescue care about training? Really, if it is your dog, shouldn't training (or not training) be your decision? Nope. Many of the dogs in rescues are there because nobody took the time to train them.
The dogs become unruly, hard to own and guess what? Dumped at a shelter or in a rescue. The dogs become somebody else's problem. Unfortunately, at that point, they are often out of control and require considerable work to even become adoptable.
Why should the rescue know about your prior dog-ownership? Is it really their business? Yep. If you had a couple of dogs that you got rid of after they peed in the house, or because you were having a baby, or god forbid - moving, the rescue needs to know.
You see, rescues would not function if dogs were not re-homed. There would be no need for organizations to exist if all owners kept their dogs, no matter what. If all owners altered their dogs and prevented unwanted litters of puppies. If all owners kept their dogs safely indoors, instead of out in a kennel or yard where they might bark, or even get out of a yard and possibly injure someone or something. The questions on the application (and if you're lucky enough to get that far, those asked of you in a phone interview) have been designed to weed out the bad owners. Is the system perfect? No. Nothing is perfect. However, the situations that the rescue organizations have encountered through the years has given them a pretty good idea of what to ask in order to find exceptional homes for the dogs.
Why are exceptional homes needed? So these dogs do not end up without an owner again. So the dogs don't end up at a shelter where they might be euthanized. The rescues aren't able to take in every dog that needs a place to go. Too many dogs are in danger at the shelters.
So the next time you are looking to adopt, be prepared to complete a lengthy adoption application and to spend some time chatting on the phone with a volunteer. Don't be offended or annoyed - be thankful that those rescue-minded individuals care enough about the dogs in their care to ask the questions that need to be asked.
Rescue organizations find some phenomenal homes - amazing people are out there. That being said, so many of the dogs in rescue are amazing too. They are worth the time and effort and they deserve the exceptional home. They deserve a home that will keep them until the end of their days. And a final note - a bad owner is not better than getting a dog "out" of rescue. Getting out of rescue, only to be left in a kennel for 10 hours a day or chained in a yard is not better than sitting in rescue. Those "sitting" dogs will eventually get adopted and the new owner will not be keeping them in a bad situation.
Please adopt. Please alter your pets. Please own responsibly.
Reprinted with kind permission from the author. Read original article on Examiner.com here:
http://www.examiner.com/dogs-in-national/those-darn-dog-rescues-with-all-of-their-rules-and-questions-what-gives#ixzz1Cv3ALGqb |
In Our Hearts: Susan McAvoy Contributed by Elaine Hiner Susan McAvoy was a wonderful foster and volunteer with ERU. She left us after a bout with cancer a couple of months ago. Her love and devotion for Eskies was so apparent. She always had a herd of eskies that she fostered and always had room for one more. Her heart was so big when it came to the dogs, she couldn't do enough. I know, because I met her online when I was going through the adoption process to get my Boots. She was his foster mom. She was very protective of her babies, but also very genuine. She and Frank even made the first two legs of Boots transport to make sure he would be okay. She told me she almost didn't turn him over to the next person because she felt Boots was too upset. That is a special dog lover. I know we will miss her and her devotion. Thank you Susan, job well done!!! |
|
Sponsorship Opportunities
ERU is always in need of " Eskie Angels," kind people who help us financially with dogs that have medical issues or are considered to be unadoptable. You may also donate to the general "Medical Fund" to help defray the cost of veterinary care for our rescued eskies. Of course, all donations are TAX DEDUCTIBLE. You may donate using PayPal or by check.
Here are a few of the dogs in need of sponsorship:
 | | Ranger in CA. |
 | | JoJo in MS |
|
|
Rainbow Bridge:
Memorials to Those Who Will Live in Our Hearts Forever
by Elaine Hiner
Zack was Kerri and Chris's foster dog that won their hearts, and he happily became a loving member of their home. Kerri said she wasn't about to let him get away; he was perfect.
Zack was thirteen years young when he came to Kerri and Chris and had some issues with males, but that quickly ended and he Chris became wonderful best friends. Zack loved the entire family including the cats Hobbs and Cali and the other dog Chuck, whom he followed everywhere. His favorite pastime was making Zack angels in the snow. Zack LOVED making angels.
Zack continued his bursts of energy even when he was diagnosed with Prostate cancer. Kerri and Chris were blessed to have their beautiful Zack for four years. Kerri said she misses his sweet and goofy ways and that smile.
Kerri and Chris, I know sweet Zack is running wildly around at the rainbow bridge, chasing everything and nothing. And those Zack angels look so much fluffier in the clouds.
_____________________
Opal was supposed to be a temporary foster for Alara, but after a week it was apparent she was Opal's and Opal was hers. Opal's favorite place was the big bed, inching her way up until she was next to her mommy's head, watching over her even as she slept. When Opal was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, Alara sat on her vet's floor holding her best friend as tightly as she could in her arms, trying to make it better. She and her vet tried everything, but she knew in her heart, her baby was failing. She told how Opal hated her meds and was so sneaky with it that she would even hide it in her cheek sometimes for hours, waiting for that perfect time to spit it out in true eskie style.
 | | Opal Watching Alara's Every Move |
Alara said Opal's last day epitomized her best. Alara, returning home from work, found a very weak Opal. As Alara carried her sweet baby to her favorite place, the big bed, Opal tucked her head into Alara's shoulder and went to sleep. She waited for her favorite person in the whole world , her mommy, before leaving. That was so like her, making sure Alara was alright.
Alara feels blessed to have been chosen by Opal to be her mom for three wonderful years and will cherish her sweet memory forever. Alara, Opal is your sweet guardian angel, watching over you from the rainbow bridge.
|
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: ___________________________
|
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 Lisa at nwsltreditor@eskierescuers.org. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
