NVSR logoThe Sheltie Spin

 

Northern Virginia Sheltie Rescue 
March 2014 

 

"Giving Shelties a
New Leash on Life"

In This Issue
Come and See Us!
Are these the same Shelties?
News and Notes
Dog Treat of the Month
Wonderful Dog Poems
Donate to NVSR through CFC
NVSR is on Facebook ...
Come and See Us
Information about all our upcoming events is on our website "Events and News" page.

March 24-April 5: Dog Wash Fundraiser at Weber's Fox Mill (Herndon) Location

Last year during our 2 weeks with this fundraiser, we earned $600+! If you live near Herndon-Reston, save that doggie bath! We get $10 for every self-serve bath March 24 to April 5.

Weber's Pet Supermarket at Fox Mill has a 3-station self-serve dog wash.  They provide tubs, water (temp controlled), shampoo (different types), conditioners, towels, dryers, and treats. You provide the dirty dog.  Open Mon-Sat (closed on Sunday). Click here for more about the store and directions.

April 5: Adoption Day at Weber's Fox Mill store, noon to 4pm (see above for info and directions).

Volunteers will be there with foster dogs and their own Shelties.  Weber's has a nice quiet space outside and room inside - a great place to shop for high quality food and other pet items.  We appreciate their support of NVSR, so please support this independent local pet supply store. 

April 13: Winery Day at Notoviva Vineyards in Purcellville, 11am to 3pm.

We've been invited to show off our wonderful dogs at this beautiful venue.  Come "talk Sheltie" with us while you sample their great wines.  Here's the info about Notaviva Vineyards.

May 3: Reston Pet Fiesta, Reston Town Center, 11am-4pm.

Reston's (and GoodDogz.org's) Pet Fiesta is one of our favorite events. We NEVER miss it!  Reston's Town Center is turned over to dogs of all stripes and their people, doggie vendors, and almost 50 rescue groups.  We'll be there, of course, with as many of our foster dogs as possible.  NVSR volunteers will be there with their own Shelties to "talk Sheltie."  We'll have some Sheltie items for sale, too.  Click here for more Pet Fiesta information.
 
Could these be the SAME Shelties?

So well behaved until ... that last snowfall of the winter!  Look out - it's Archimedes and Merlin!

 

News and Notes

Looking for one of our e-newsletter articles or links from past issues?  You can find them in the e-Spin archives.  
Here's the link. 

Our 2014 NVSR Calendar sold out, but we're already planning for our 15th anniversary 2015 calendar.
We are collecting photos now for the 2015 edition, and your Sheltie might be Mr. February or Miss July.  We're looking for photos with a seasonal theme, action shots, cute shots with toys, etc. (no people, though, and at least one dog in the photo must be a rescue).  Here are the complete rules.  Get your photo(s) in by June 30!  We'll have the new calendars ready for the picnic in late September. 

Are you up to date on what to do if your dog is poisoned?  Here's a good summary of what to do and whom to contact if this happens.  Remember, dogs should never get these human foods: grapes, raisins, chocolate, onions, garlic.  Be careful, too, when you plant your landscaping to avoid plants that can be poisonous.



We sound like a broken record sometimes, harping on how to feed your Sheltie to keep him or her healthy.  We care! We often are asked "what is the best food?"  Here's a good website to check on that very question. Most Shelties love veggies, too, so include some green beans, pumpkin, squash, etc., in their supper dishes. 




Do you love those senior dogs?  They have a quiet dignity and wisdom about them and rarely require much in the way of exercise, toys, or even attention.  But, they give back love in huge quantities. Check out this project and images of "old" dogs. 

  
 
The new Red Cross Pet First Aid app helps iPhone and Android users provide emergency care for their pets. With access to step-by-step instructions, videos and images for more than 25 common first aid and emergency situations, users learn to treat wounds, control bleeding, and care for breathing and cardiac emergencies. Additional topics include burns, car accidents, falls and what to do for cold- and heat-related emergencies.  
  

Looking for a new martingale collar? This style collar is important to use on Shelties.  Their necks are often larger than their heads, and they can't back out of a martingale collar if it's adjusted properly. (Make sure that the two metal loops that hold the smaller fabric loop do NOT meet when the large fabric loop is pulled tight.) We have them, and we're happy to sell you one.  Or, take a look at those offered at The Artful Canine.  If you don't know how to adjust your collar, let us know, and we'll help you.   
Dog Treat of the Month
Low Fat Carrot Treats

 

1 medium-sized ripe banana
1 c. finely shredded carrots (leave the "skin" on for more nutrition)
1/4 c. unsweetened apple juice
1/8 c. water (maybe more, as needed)
1 1/2 c. whole wheat flour
1 c. rolled oats

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray or grease a cookie sheet, and flour the surface you'll use for rolling out the treats.  Mash the banana and mix in the carrots. Add the water and apple juice. Stir. Next add the oats and flour. Stir all of the ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined.

 

Using your hands, knead the mixture until a dough forms. Roll it out about 1/2" thick. Using a cookie cutter (bone shapes are fun!) or the rim of a small glass, cut into 3" pieces. Place the pieces on the baking sheet.  Bake for 25 minutes.

 

Cool completely before "serving." If your dog likes more crunch, turn off the oven and let the treats cool there overnight.

New Arrivals!
These beautiful Sheltie newcomers are on our website.  Check there for updates about them and when they'll be available for adoption.
 

Bella, F, 12 weeks
  
Cody, M, 1 year
  

Journey, M, 7 years
Wonderful Dog Poems
Love poetry? Love dogs?  How about poetry about dogs?  Here's a book that is lovely to read yourself, and a thoughtful gift for other dog lovers. Mary Oliver is a very perceptive poet, and when her talent is focused on dogs, it's magical! Here's more about this book.

Little Dog's Rhapsody in the Night
 
He puts his cheek against mine
and makes small, expressive sounds.
And when I'm awake, or awake enough

he turns upside down, his four paws in the air
and his eyes dark and fervent.

"Tell me you love me," he says.

"Tell me again."

Could there be a sweeter arrangement? Over and over he gets to ask.
I get to tell.  
Donate to NVSR through CFC
CFCLogo
NVSR is listed with the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC).  If you work for the Federal government, please consider signing up to give to NVSR through payroll deduction. Our designation number is on the logo above. Many thanks!
Keep in Touch!
We contact our adopters regularly for updates on how the NVSR alumni are doing. If you want to send us news and even photos, please do!  Here's where to send them:

shepherd@nvsr.org

Our "shepherd" volunteers would love to hear from you!  
Quick Links
Wondering about Sheltie Colors?
 
Help NVSR with your online purchases through iGive, GoodSearch, and Helping Udders.
 
Check out The Whole Dog Journal  for great tips on training, quality dog food, canine health and dog activities. No advertising, only solid, reliable information that really makes sense! The February issue includes their annual survey of dry dog foods.  Don't miss it! WDJ has lots of excellent e-books, too.
NVSR is on Facebook, LinkedIn, and NOW ... Pinterist!

 


Thanks to our volunteers, Gregg Bender, Theresa Jackson, Kathy Hook, and John Winslow, for setting up and updating these sites.
Donate to Help NVSR
NVSR is a 501(c)(3) organization, and your donation is fully deductible.  Donate through PayPal or send a check (address below). We appreciate every dollar we receive - and every dollar goes to help our Shelties!

Join Our Mailing List!
Contact us ...
703-912-4002