March 2011

No. 16

GSP logo

MARCH

NEWSLETTER 

St. Patrick's Day 

Greetings!

Flower Power logo 
  
  
  
  
  
Think spring!
  
The snow is finally melting, daylight savings time is upon us, and it feels like spring may really be right around the corner.
  
What better way to celebrate winter's exit than with purchasing spring flower bulbs and helping needy GSPs at the same time?
  
Flower power button

Last year, GSP Rescue New England ran a very successful Flower Power fundraiser - so successful, that Rescue has decided to do it again.

 
Flower Power for GSP Rescue New England runs through April 29 and offers an online boutique of lilies, daffodils, dahlias, and dozens of popular spring flower bulbs available for purchase. For every purchase made on their site, Flower Power Fundraising will give back 50 percent to GSP Rescue.
  Flower Power flowers
Whether used for Easter gifts or for the backyard, these colorful purchases will not only beautify gardens but support a worthwhile mission.
 

For information or to order, go to Flower Power and enjoy the beauty of spring!

TOP 10 TOXINS 

 

ASPCA Poison logoHuman medications have topped the list of pet toxins for the third year in a row, according to a new list released by the ASPCA. In 2010, the ASPCA's 24-hour poison control hotline fielded more than 167,000 phone calls about pets exposed to common household toxins and other potentially poisonous substances.  

Top 10 toxins 

  • To help keep your pet safe and sound in 2011, experts from the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) in Urbana, Ill., have created a list of the 10 most common poisons that affected our furry friends last year. A few highlights of their findings include:

  • Accidental ingestion of human medications accounted for 25 percent of all calls to the ASPCA in 2010. The most common culprits included antidepressants and over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen.     
  • Approximately 20 percent of all calls concerned insecticides commonly used for flea control. Our feline friends are especially vulnerable to the misapplication of spot-on flea and tick products.   
  • Baits used to kill mice and rats can be deadly if ingested by pets. Many rodenticides are grain-based, which attracts not only rodents, but dogs and cats, too, and can cause seizures, internal bleeding or kidney failure.   
  • Some of the most delicious people food, including grapes, raisins and garlic, can be poisonous to pets. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, while onions and garlic can cause anemia if ingested in sufficient amounts.   
  • Household plants may keep your house green and your air clean, but some can cause serious gastrointestinal problems for companion animals. Please visit our list of pet-safe plants before your next trip to the nursery.
  • As always, if you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please call your vet or the ASPCA's 24-hour poison control hotline at (888) 426-4435.  

 THEN THERE'S THOSE TOADS ... 

 
Frog

Have you ever walked outside in the evening and found Spot pawing at his face and foaming at the mouth like he's the most  rabid dog in the world?

  

It could be that he's had an up-close enounter with a toad.

 

Most dogs think toads are pretty fun toys. They come out at dusk, they hop, they try to get away, they're fun to chase. But when Spot licks the toad or picks it up in his mouth, all heck can break loose.

 

All toads secrete mucus through the skin that does not taste good to other animals. Some toads, however, are actually poisonous. These include the tropical toads Bufo alvarius (Colorado River Toad) found in the Southwest desert and Bufo marinus found in Florida and Hawaii. Some other species of Bufotoads in other areas of the U.S. produce a milder venom.

 

The toxin is produced by glands in the skin of these toads. The toxic agent is similar to the heart medication digoxin.

 

 Exposure is usually through oral exposure (the dog mouthing the toad), but the toxin may also be absorbed through wounds or broken skin. There have been reports of toxicities from toads sitting in the pet's water dish.

 

Oral exposure to Bufo marinus can be fatal. The deadly effects can be seen within 15 minutes.

 

The venom is locally irritating causing head shaking, drooling, vocalizations, pawing at the mouth, retching, or vomiting. The mucus membranes may become red. In severe cases, heart rhythm disorders occur which may cause apparent blindness, seizures, collapse, and death. 

 
Very carefully wash mouth with large amounts of water such as from a slow moving stream of water from a hose. Seek veterinary attention. The animal's mouth and other exposed areas will be flushed with large amounts of water. Ideally, this is performed under anesthesia so the entire mouth and throat are rinsed. Activated charcoal may be administered. The animal will be monitored with an EKG and treated for heart rhythm abnormalities with a drug such as propranolol.

 

IV fluids will be administered to maintain hydration, and to prevent any seizures. Atropine may be given to help control the drooling if no heart abnormalities are present. Sedation may be necessary.

 

For the most part, the prognosis is good, with treatment; however, exposure to Bufo marinus can be fatal.

JACK: STORY OF A RESCUED DOG

Just about a year ago, on March 25, 2010, authorities seized nine dogs (mostly German Shorthaired Pointers), three horses and four birds from Pleasant Valley Farm in Middleton, NH, in what New Hampshire SPCA officials called the worse case of animal neglect they had ever seen.
  
Middleton Police officers were initially called to the farm to help with a horse stuck in the mud. The SPCA says the mud was actually manure more than two feet deep, and the exhausted horse, which had been struggling for hours to extricate itself, had to be euthanized.
  

When a search warrant was later secured, the visit by the New Hampshire SPCA and Strafford County Sheriff's Department  revealed other animals living in a yard littered with the carcasses of horses, dogs and llamas.

 

NHSPCA liver shorthair

One of the emaciated GSPs removed from Pleasant Valley Farm in New Hampshire.

 

 

NHSPCA Colburn

Albert Colburn, charged with 11 counts of animal cruelty.

The owner of the farm, Albert Colburn, 70, a former Farmington, N.H., school teacher of 30 years and a University of New Hampshire graduate with a biology degree, was arrested on animal cruelty charges. He was released on $11,000 personal recognizance. On June 23, 2010, District Court Judge Susan Ashley found Colburn guilty of 11 counts of animal cruelty and forbade him from owning animals for three years. She said she did not want to bar him from owning animals for the rest of his life since these changes are only misdemeanors.
  

"This is not because he meant to harm any of those animals but his amazing carelessness put them at risk," Velardi said. "Whatever occurred, it turned this farm into a killing ground."   

  
ONE DAY, WHILE ALL THIS WAS GOING ON, writes GSP adopter Brenda Shea, of New Hampshire in a note to GSP Rescue NE, she was shopping in with her 13-year-old GSP in Petco. "I was approached by a N.H. SPCA volunteer who shared the horrible news of the Middleton N.H. cruelty case. The told me that three GSPs had just been put up for adoption at their shelter. After reading the horrible story about this case, I decided to visit their shelter.
  
"After spending Saturday and Sunday at the shelter with both GSPs available for adoption, I decided that Jack (formerly "Dickens") was the right match for my 13-year-old GSP and our family. Jack has been a part of the family since June!
  
"[Jack] is quite handsome and for the most part, a well-behaved young man. We are still working on his fear and anxiety of men.
 
NHSPCA Jack

Jack, months after his rescue. 

 
"His energy level is on the very high side of a GSP so we decided to fence in our entire back of the house which enables him to run through the woods, swim in the brook, and annoy the geese! He loves it! I love it because he burns off a lot of his energy running around and is much calmer when he's in the house. He is extremely bright and learned very quickly all the basic commands. I can get him to do almost anything. It's a different story with other members of the family.
  
"Jack is terrified of men. He's been living with us for 7 months and still growls and barks at my two sons and husband. He will not allow them to get within a few feet of him. He's not at all aggressive, he's simply expressing  his fear and retreats to another part of the house. It is my guess that the original owner, a man, abused Jack. Jack adores women and shows great affection with all, even strangers. My husband and sons are actually thinking of wearing wigs to win him over!
NH SPCA Jack and Brenda

Jack, left, and Brenda enjoying a day at the shore

 with another GSP friend. 

  
"Please continue your wonderful efforts in finding forever homes for all these special dogs.''
  
Brenda Shea
New Hampshire

UPDATE ON "TRISTAN," 

FORMERLY "STEVIE"   

 
Tristan

"Tristan," the dog

 formerly known as "Stevie"

  In a note to GSP Rescue New England, Bill and Susan Wagner write:
  
"The Dog Formerly Known As Stevie arrived at our house late on the afternoon of November 15. He had been on the road a LOOONG time (one night in Rhode Island - with Sam and Francesca Train - preceded by days en route from Kansas, preceded by months in a shelter, preceded by who knows how long abandoned and left to his own devices).

'It showed. He weighed 58 pounds; his ribs jutted out; and the hair on his chest and belly had fallen out revealing an underside of lurid pink. But he had presence.

"Promptly renamed "Tristan" (Wagner → Vaaagnuh → Tristan - get it?), he sniffed around the house and yard a bit, but promptly seemed to realize he was finally home.

"At first, we were afraid to let him off the leash. Until Tristan, my experience with dogs had mainly been with beagles, who wander off wherever they please, including right in front of cars. So we began carefully with Tristan. I took him swimming on a long leash and he invariably came right back with the tennis ball I had thrown to lure him in the water.
  
"Later, I asked a couple with two off-leash dogs in a nearby conservation area how one would know if their dog could be trusted to come back. They said that it all depends on your relationship with your dog. So, nervously, I let Tristan run on the long leash, knowing I could probably grab it or step on it if I eeded to. Finally, with my heart in my throat, I unhooked the leash altogether. It was such a joy to see him run unfettered, and I do take care to see that he does so in areas as remote as possible from traffic.

"Since he came to us, Tristan has gained at least 10 pounds and is growing hair on his otherwise manly chest. And one thing he definitely learned during his life on the lam is that
snow is cold and wet and that staying home close to Mommy is better.

"He's the best dog we've ever had, best friend, best companion. Bill has graciously ceded his preeminent place in Susan's heart. It couldn't have gone to a better guy."

Bill and Susan Wagner 
In This Issue
TOP 10 DOG TOXINS
JACK: THE STORY OF A RESCUED DOG
UPDATE ON "TRISTAN"
ADOPTIONS
MICROCHIPS
THANK YOU!
CAT FOOD RECALL
WHISKER WALK NEEDS VOLUNTEERS
TOYS FOR HARD CHEWERS
COMEDY CORNER

Quick Links

Facebook

GSP Rescue New England now has a presence on Facebook. Go to: Facebook.com/GSPRescueNE

Look who's been adopted!

Eight more GSPs have found their forever homes!

They are: Layla, Bella, Sophie, Opal, Bruce, Murphy, Gunner and Livy.

Hooray for the dogs! Hooray for their new families! :-)

Microchips

All of the dogs adopted out by GSP Rescue New England are  microchipped with Rescue being the primary contact should the dog get lost.

 

Microchip riceWhen a dog is adopted, instructions are sent along in  the adoption packet on how to the new owner can re-register the dog so that THEY are the primary contact.

 

We suggest leaving GSP Rescue NE as the secondary contact.

 

However, if the new owner makes no changes, Rescue will remain the primary contact and will be the first one called when the lost dog is recovered.

 

If anyone needs to know their dog's chip number or company, we can provide that.  Also, if they want to microchip a dog that isn't already chipped, we will be happy to provide a chip for $10 (shipping included) for them to take to their vet to implant.  (Generally vets will do this for free if the client supplies the chip).  

 

They would then have to enroll the chip with Home Again at a cost of $16.99 which will cover the dog for life.   

Home Again logo

 

Grant writer needed

 Pedigree Foundation logo

 
The Pedigree Foundation (www.pedigreefoundation.org) has grant money to offer and GSP Rescue New England is looking for a volunteer familiar with grant writing to help in the effort to procure some of those funds.
 
The Pedigree Foundation, a major sponsor of the Westminster Dog Show in New York City, is offering two types of grants: 
 
A) Innovation Grants - $10,000-25,000 (They list only 10 recipients and all are Humane Societies or SPCAs)
 
B) Operation Grants: Facility/structure, Medical, Transportation, Spay/Neuter, etc.  Amounts are not specified and are dependent on factors such as donations and number of applications. Hundreds of shelters, breed-specific rescue programs, all-breed rescue programs  have received grants in the past.  All are listed on the Pedigree website.
  
If anyone is interested in helping GSP Rescue NE apply for these grants, please contact Celeste.

Invisible Fence coupons!

 

Small invisible fence logo
If you've been considering installing invisible fencing, GSP Rescue supporter Albert Gerheim may be of some help.
  
Albert writes, "I have three $50 off coupons for (Moriarty's) Invisible fence (located in Rhode Island and nearby Connecticut) which I'd be happy to share with the GSP Rescue community."
  
Moriarty's offers these coupons towards the purchase of a complete outdoor system.
  
For information, contact Albert Gerheim.

Dog door discount!

 Hale Pet Door logo

GSP Rescue New England is listed among rescue groups and shelters that have participated in Hale Pet Door's Rescue Rewards program. 
  
The Rescue Rewards works this way:  When  customers let Hale know that they adopted a pet (either recently or in the past), they receive a 10 percent discount on the cost of their Hale Pet Door.  And then Hale makes a donation for that same 10 percent amount to the organization that the customer tells them about.
 
In 2010, Hale donated more than $20,000 to rescues and shelters all over the country.  
  
For more information on Hale pet doors, go to www.halepetdoor.com

Wellness Cat Food Recall

 Wellness logo

 WellPet LLC is recalling certain lots of Wellness canned cat food for containing less than adequate levels of thiamine (also known as Vitamin B1).

 

The lots involved in this recall are: Wellness Canned Cat (all flavors and sizes) 14APR13 through 30SEP13; Wellness Canned Cat Chicken & Herring (all sizes) 10NOV13 through 17NOV13 best buy dates.


Consumers who still have cans of cat food from these lots should stop feeding them to their cats and call (877) 277-9587 Monday through Friday, 9 am-7 pm   Consumers with further questions should visit the website at

www.wellnesspetfood.com 

Pet Photography

 Creative Pawtography logo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wouldn't it be nice to show off your pets in imaginative, personalized cards?  Our full line of pet cards featuring YOUR pet is one-of-a-kind, because it's your pet(s), your text, your thoughts personally conveyed!  

For more information, visit Creative Pawtography

 

 

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

An Irishman, by the name of O'Malley proposed to his girl on St. Patrick's Day.  He gave her a ring with a synthetic diamond.   

 

The excited young lass showed it to her father, a jeweler.  He took one look at it and saw it wasn't real.Jokes for St Patrick's Day  

 

The young lass, on learning it wasn't real,  returned to her future husband. She protested vehemently about his cheapness.

 

"It was in honor of St. Patrick's Day," he smiled.

 

"I gave you a sham rock."


  WHISKER WALK NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

 

Whisker Walk Booth

GSP Rescue New England's booth at the 2010 Whisker Walk.

   2011 Whisker Walk logo
  
     Whisker Walk, a fundraiser for animal rescue groups and shelters in New England, will be held Sunday, June 5, at the Lancaster Fairground in Lancaster, Mass., from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  
      GSP Rescue New England would LOVE to participate, however, because of time constraints, none of its Board Members are able to organize the event this year.
  
     We would love to make our booth and fundraising efforts bigger and better than last year, but we need your help.  We need an enthusiastic volunteer to take over the organization of this event (we can give all the info and tips from last year) and to organize the volunteers attending.
  
     Unfortunately, if no one steps up, we will have to pass on attending. 
  
     If you like visiting with fellow animals lovers and spreading the word about the good works of Rescue, and if you like coordinating, setting up and running a booth that will bring much-needed funds to the group, this may be the job for you.
  
     What IS a Whisker Walk?

 

     Well it's a lot of things . . . but mostly its a FREE, fun day for families and their dogs PLUS a dog walk-a-thon fundraiser to benefit  animal shelters and rescue groups throughout New England.    

 

     The 2010 Whisker Walk brought in 100+ animal rescue groups, pet related vendors/manufacturers and sponsors for the first of its kind "event not to be missed" for pet lovers.

     Held at the Lancaster Fairground (Home of the Bolton Fair) there are 50+ acres for Pet owners and animal lovers to walk, visit vendors, see, do and buy PLUS they can lend a paw for the animals shelters and pet rescues they love and support!  
  
     If anyone is interested in volunteering for this job, please email Audrey or Jami. We pay to reserve a spot, so we don't want to pay if we can't be there.
  
     Thanks in advance for your help!

IDEAS FOR THOSE HARD-CHEWING DOGS

     It's difficult to find appropriate things that you can leave with an aggressive chewer. There is the concern is that they will chew off a piece of a toy and choke. So, never leave your dog alone with a toy or food that you think can break apart. Allow your dog to chew an item in your presence first before you leave him with the item for long periods. 


     What's good to chew? Here's few ideas:

KONGS

Kong dog toy     Kongs come in different strengths. The black Kongs are stronger but a very aggressive chewer can still chew pieces off of it. Once they have taken the treats out, they may then start to chew the Kong itself and break off pieces. For dogs that do not go to those lengths, you can start by stuffing them and giving them to your dog. Once they know that food can be gotten out of the Kong, you can progress to freezing the Kong and it will be harder for them to get the food out. You can use canned dog food, fat-free cream cheese, peanut butter, cottage cheese, etc. You can mix dry kibble in also. The Kong company also makes a toy called a "Wubba" that is a Kong covered in strong cloth with "tails" that the dog can chew and play "tug' with.



BONES

     Bones that have not been cured or treated in any way are also a good choice. You can buy raw

marrowbones at the grocery store. They usually have a small amount of meat left on them and
dogs love them. Confine your dog to his crate for these or keep him  on a sheet that you can

wash easily. You can also freeze the bones to make them last longer. Once they have removed
all the marrow, you can stuff them in a similar way to stuffing a Kong toy. You can use sterilized
bones but be aware that very strong chewers can chip their teeth on them, as they are much
harder.

 

ANTLERS

  Deer antlers  

These are naturally shed antlers that have been cut up into appropriate sizes. Your dog chews on these, they will slowly wear them down so be sure that they are not so small that they canchoke on them. They do not splinter so they are safe and dogs love the taste!

 

BULLY STICKS AND TENDONS

     These can be purchased in some pet food stores or on the Internet. They will last longer than most treats and are a favorite of many dogs.  

 

TOYS 

Tuffies dog toy     Premier makes a lot of toys that are appropriate for our aggressive chewers. Both Tug-A-Jugs and Kibble Nibbles can be used with dry kibble. Your dog has to manipulate the toy to find out how to get to the food inside. Bristle Bones are a nylabone dog chew that can be unscrewed and rawhide rings can be placed on each end for your dog to chew on. You can also cut slices of Natural Choice Dog Food roll and use them in place of the rawhide. Tuffies (at right) are very strong cloth toys that come in various shapes. They do have squeakers inside but are virtually impossible to get out!  

COMEDY CORNER: LETTER TO THE DOGS

 Dear Dogs:  

The dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain your food.  The other dishes are mine and  contain my food.  Placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically  pleasing in the slightest.

 

The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack.  Racing me to the bottom is not the object.  Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.

 

Dog on bed cartoonI cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed.  I am very sorry about this.  Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort, however.  Dogs can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep.  It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other, stretched out to the fullest extent possible.  I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out on the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.

 

GSP OuthouseFor the last time, there is no secret exit from the bathroom! If, by some miracle, I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, bark, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge in an attempt to open the door.  I must exit through the same door
I entered.  Also, I have been using the bathroom for years - canine attendance is not required.

 

The proper order for kissing is:  Kiss me first, then go smell the other dog's butt.  I cannot stress this enough.

 

Finally, in fairness, dear dogs, I have posted the following  message on the front door:

 

TO ALL NON-PET OWNERS WHO VISIT AND LIKE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT OUR PETS:

 

(1)  They live here.  You don't.
(2)  If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. That's why they call it 'fur'-niture.
(3) I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.
(4)  To you, they are animals.  To me, they are adopted sons/daughters who are short, hairy, walk on all fours and don't speak clearly.
   

 

REMEMBER, DOGS ARE BETTER THAN KIDS BECAUSE THEY:


(1) eat less,
(2) don't ask for money all the time,
(3) are easier to train,
(4) normally come when called,
(5) never ask to drive the car,
(6) don't hang out with drug-using people,
(7) don't smoke or drink,
(8) don't want to wear your clothes,
(9) don't have to buy the latest fashions,
(10) don't need a gazillion dollars for college and
(11) if they get pregnant, you can sell their children ....    

 Laughing dog cartoon