LOOK AT SNOWBALL NOW:)

As some of you may remember, Snowball was recently rescued by one of our foster parent's who saw Snowball being kicked in a parking lot. She was very thin and a bit timid (understandably).

As you can see from these new pictures - Snowball is looking much better! She still has some weight to gain - but is a pretty active girl - so burns off the calories as fast as she swallows them (don't we wish we all had that problem!)

Snowball has come right out of her shell and loves all of the humans in her foster home (big and small). She also gets along very well with other dogs and would love another active canine companion in her new home.

Snowball is only about 10 months old - our vet feels that she is a purebred Pointer.

She would make a wonderful addition to an active family. Won't you consider making her a part of yours? Help Snowball start her new life in the new year!





Adopt Snowball

Donate to Snowball's care

HAPPY TAILS FOR WHITEY (AKA GUS)

Whitey - now "Gus" - living large!

The holidays bring us many happy updates on our previous residents. This particular update just warms our hearts and souls.

Whitey sat in boarding for almost a year...as nobody answered our pleas for help and step up to foster him. We thought he would never find his way to a new beginning...and look at him now!

Please enjoy this wonderful happy ending for Whitey (now named Gus). Yet another Bully saved and living happily ever after as a beloved family member.

I am sorry it has taken me so long to write and update on Gus. He is wonderful, makes us laugh everyday, and has provided our other pit bull, Lilly, with a best friend.

As winter has approached, we have found that Gus has a love for wood stoves, as he and the other dogs spend most of the day laying in front of the fire snoozing.

That being said, Gus is always up for a good romp outside with Lilly, where they run around like crazy dogs and wrestle until Gus is tired and ready to get back to the heat!

He is truly a love and loves being around us people- he has established himself as part of the family and we adore him. He has been super respectful of the rules in the house until yesterday when I went into our bedroom to find him laying on our bed, head on the pillow, and only looked up for a moment as if to say, "oh hey, welcome home". What a devil!

We are also working with him on leash manners, and he is getting better, sloooooooooowly :-) Gus has also graduated out of the crate, and only rarely goes in when everyone needs a "time out".

If both Chris and I have to work, he now stays out with the other dogs and gets to enjoy sleeping in front of the wood stove all day. Also- just to let you know, we are expecting a baby due March 1, so we will see how all the pups react when we bring home their first human sibling! (We have our little nieces over often, and all the dogs are great with them, so we aren't too worried).

Hopefully Gus will enjoy getting to grow old with a human pal that I'm sure will adore him as much as we do already!

Keep up the great work, happy holidays, and THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! Quinn and Chris


Gus and his family:)

Lucy & Gus soaking up some sun

www.pawsofmarion.org

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM REX!

Rex thinks he is a present:)

We just received this update and very festive picture of Rex - enjoying his first Christmas in his new home!

Rex either is convinced the Christmas tree is real (maybe as he was an outdoor dog at one time?) or he wants us to know he is our Christmas present this year. Whenever I am in the kitchen cooking this is where he lays, right in front of the tree!

Rex came to us in horrible shape - he was skin and bones. On top of everything else - he was Heartworm positive. We feared that he would not be able to survive treatment in his condition. Thanks to super fosters, Lisa and Leanne - Rex not only came through his treatment - but turned into a GORGEOUS pup after months of intensive love and care.

Thank you so much to our rescue partners for finding Rex such a wonderful home! Pictures like this one remind us why we do what we do:)

www.pawsofmarion.org

CHECK OUT MANDY & CHLOE!

Mandy would love a forever home!

Check out the new pictures of Mandy and Chloe! These two girls have been through the ringer and made it through to the other side!

Mandy and Chloe came to us over a year ago - both pregnant - both heartworm positive. Their litters went to rescue while the Momma's stayed with us to undergo heartworm treatment.

They are now healthy, happy pups thanks to their doggie angels! All they need is a forever home to call their own!

Mandy and Chloe are nice, medium-sized girls with gorgeous coloring. They are sweet with humans and get along well with the other dogs in their foster home.

These two have been waiting way to long for a family to call their own....please consider opening your home and heart to them in the new year.


Mandy chilling on her dog bed

Chloe and Mandy snuggling

Chloe

www.pawsofmarion.org

MEET COOPER - THE LATEST PUP IN NEED!

Cooper is a handsome, young, Black Lab mix who came wandering up to the door of one of our foster homes (it is amazing how dogs always know where the rescuers live - isn't it?)

We estimate him to be about 12 months old. As you can see from these pictures - he is a doll - who has soulful eyes and a loving personality!

Sadly - Cooper came to us limping. The vet discovered that one of his rear legs is broken and has been for some time. Can you imagine walking around for months with a broken leg?

Cooper will need to have his leg surgically repaired before he can go to an adoptive home or rescue. The surgery cost is estimated to be $800. If you would like to donate to help Cooper receive this much needed surgery - we sure would appreciate the help and so would he!

You can donate via his chip-in campaign - or snail mail by visiting our website: www.pawsofmarion.org/donate.html

Cooper is currently sharing his foster home peacefully with other dogs. He also loves human companionship! He is a very sweet boy and deserves a chance at a loving home.

Thank you for helping Cooper find his way to a new beginning!

UPDATE ON SWEET OXFORD

Sweet Oxford is a wonderful older pup who has been with our rescue for way too long!

He came back to us in September from his out-of-state foster home to meet a prospective adopter. Our hopes were for the best - that Oxford would finally find the forever home he deserves.

Sadly, the adoption did not move forward as the adopter was understandably put off by Oxford's health issues at the time. We had prepared her the best we could, as we knew prior to his arrival that he was still battling skin challenges - but reality of the moment was that Oxford needed more medical attention before he could go to a new home.

Oxford was having much more serious skin issues than we anticipated - resulting - we thought, from his thyroid condition. Poor boy could not stop itching. He was missing all of the fur around the base of his tail - the vet was not sure it would ever grow back.

Oxford was up all day and all night scratching. He was also showing signs of arthritis. He just seemed miserable.

Oxford's thyroid test results showed that his medication dosage was too low. Thyroid issues are easy to treat in a dog (inexpensive daily pill that costs $10-$15 month) - but making sure that the medication dosage is correct is critical to the long term health of the dog. If a dog is still showing symptoms of an under active thyroid once on medication for a fair amount of time - it may be a sign that the medication level is incorrect.

PAWS volunteer, Leanne put a gallant effort into getting Oxford back into good health over the last few months.

Oxford's thyroid medication was increased. He was also put on flea/tick prevention, antibiotics for his skin, a vet-issued medicated shampoo, a grain-free diet, fish oil, and Dasuquin supplements for his joints.

Leanne's hard work has definitely paid off! Today, Oxford is feeling and looking like a new dog!

His itching has stopped, his fur has grown in (even around his tail!) and you can tell by his energy level and playful spirit that he is feeling soooo much better!

Oxford's foster mom, Leanne, recently reported:

Oxford is feeling so much better and his hair is almost completely grown back in around his tail The vet said it will probably take another couple of months for him to be 100% but he is definitely headed in the right direction. He is starting to "run" around inside the house and outside. He also enjoys some playtime and toys.

Oxford's follow-up thyroid tests came back and his levels are in the normal range!

Oxford is a wonderful dog who would make someone a fabulous companion. He gets along great everyone and everything (dogs, cats and children). He is a friendly, loving pup who has waited way too long for his forever family to find him. If you have the love in your heart and room in your home for this cutie pie - please drop us an email.

Please consider donating towards Oxford's vet bills and maintenance
http://www.pawsofmarion.org/donate.html

If you prefer to make in-kind donations - please contact Leanne, lnbslacker22@yahoo.com

Oxford's ongoing wish list includes:
- Salmon Oil supplements
- Natural Balance Limited Ingredient dog food
- Dasuquin supplements

As always - thank you for caring about our pups!

http://www.pawsofmarion.org/

STATUS UPDATE ON THE PROPOSED DANGEROUS DOG ORDINANCE

I am not dangerous...I promise:)

Last Tuesday, the Marion City Council met again to discuss the breed-specific changes to the existing "Dangerous Dog" ordinance. Once again - ONLY ONE CONCERNED CITIZEN attended the meeting to speak up on behalf of the dogs.

This is a very poor showing for an ordinance that will negatively impact MANY dog owners in Marion and possibly beyond.

We know the holidays are upon is and that everyone is busy - but if this passes as is - there is no going back.

It is critical that dog owners and lovers get voice their opinions on these changes before it is too late.

These are some of the changes proposed that will be implemented for Bully breeds in Marion even if:

-- they are well-trained,
-- well-behaved,
-- friendly,
-- service dogs,
-- therapy dogs,
-- never done anything more than give lots of big kisses and butt wiggles,
-- beloved members of your family,
-- not actually a Bully breed at all but could be mistaken for one depending on the knowledge of the person looking at your dog...

If this ordinance is passed with the breed specific language intact - you as a dog owner may be required to:

-- Build a fenced enclosure for your dog
-- Muzzle your dog at all times when out in public
-- Post "Beware of dog" signs on your property
-- Not let anyone under the age of 14 handle the dog (including your own children)
-- Hold a liability insurance policy of $100,000
-- Must report to the authorities if your dog dies, moves to a new location or reproduces.

Does that seem like a fair way to treat responsible dog owners that have non-aggressive, non-dangerous dogs? Should responsible dog owners and their dogs be held to the same restrictions as irresponsible dog owners that have not cared for, socialized or trained their dogs?

If you think this does not concern you as a dog owner because you do not own a bully breed - please take the following test and see if you can identify which dog is the Pit Bull terrier (keep in mind that this proposed ordinance is not specific to Pit Bull Terriers - but includes other "Bully" breeds as well - "American Staffordshire Terriers," "Staffies, '' etc ...)
http://www.pitbullsontheweb.com/petbull/findpit.html

Then think about how well trained the authorities are, who will be enforcing these restrictions, at breed identification.

Additionally - once this door is open - it will be easy to add more breeds to the list as incidents of aggression occur in the community.

Mayor Fogelman and City Attorney, Jimbo Hale are ready to vote on this ordinance without changing any of the language - unless they hear some significant feedback from you - their constituents. If it was not for one intelligent councilman who insisted on due process - this ordinance would have been voted on this past meeting.

As it stands now - the next city council meeting is at 7:00p on January 25, 2011. PLEASE attend and let your voice be heard before it is too late. The December meeting is canceled unless something critical occurs.

Stand up! Tell the Mayor and the City Council that breed-specific restrictions are unacceptable. They need to punish the deed - not the breed.


Please do not muzzle me or take me away from my sleeping buddy!

CHECK OUT BELLA!

Bella with her new human "brother"

As noted in our last blog entry - Miss Bella finished up her Heartworm treatment at the end of October and was scooped up by a wonderful local adoptive home.

We just received the following update and pictures from her new family and had to share!

She is wonderful! We had a few adjustments to get use to with going to the bathroom inside at first but she is slowly getting adjusted to the outdoors for that.

Other than that, she has gotten very attached to me and my mom said she walks around looking for me when I leave the house. She is so loveable and sweet.

My son and I are so happy to have her in our lives. Thanks for all you do.

I have attached a few photos of her and I have more! Thanks! Melissa



Bella posing for family photos


Bella was a lobster for Halloween:)

Thank YOU Melissa for making Bella a true part of your family. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing one of our dogs being loved and spoiled after coming from a life of neglect and abandonment.

http://www.pawsofmarion.org/

UPDATES ON THE HEARTWORM DOGS:)

As many of you know - we have been slowly raising money to treat the many Heartworm positive dogs that come through our rescue.

It is a slow process as Heartworm treatment is expensive ($250 - $500+ depending on the weight of the dog and stage of the disease) and it also take 4-8 weeks to treat each dog once funds are raised.

We have been making great progress though!

Here are the updates on our Heartworm babies:


Bella - Bella completed treatment at the end of October and was immediately scooped up by a wonderful family! Yey for Bella!


Chloe and Mandy - after over a year with our rescue - these girls have FINALLY completed treatment and are ready for their forever family to find them! They are awfully sweet pups that live peacefully with other dogs. We hope that someone out there can see how special they are. They deserve a family to call their own.


Bob - Bob just started his second round of treatment this past week. He will be ready for adoption or rescue in 3-4 weeks!


Eskimo - This gentle giant has also raised the funds for his treatment. He started his treatment this past week and will be ready for adoption or rescue in 8 weeks.


Susie - Thanks to wonderful sponsors - Susie has raised the funds needed and will be starting her treatment shortly!

Thank you to our sponsors and foster parents for helping these pups move onto better lives!

If you take nothing else away from this posting - PLEASE keep your dogs on monthly heartworm prevention. A little prevention can save a lot of money and a dog's life!

www.pawsofmarion.org

UPDATE ON SOME OF THE "S" PUPS

The "S" pups were amongst the lucky dogs transported to rescue in New England on November 6. We just received a few happy updates from the foster parents to Spike, Sparks and Samson - thought we would share:)

Spike



Spike is settling in but he too like his sisters is very skittish especially with men and quick movements. We have to wonder if he was treated poorly by a man. He basically is house trained, 1 accident our fault not his. He is an awesome pup and we know with lots of love and understanding he will fit right in. He at the moment is on the couch snoring away. He and Bj are still getting use to each other. BJ will play for a while and then he'll have had enough and growl. Spike backs right off and respects him. Thank you again and we are looking forward to finalizing his adoption!

Have a great weekend. I am having my Mary Kay open house so a good test for Spike lots of stuff out he already grabbed one thing but gave it right up. He's really good.

Thanks again,
Sara


Sparks & Samson



The pups are doing very well. They are both crate trained now, though they would love to sleep on the bed!


When Steve leaves for work, he lets them out to go to the bathroom. When they come back in, I have started letting them sleep on the bed with me till I get up.

They have both really settled down and no more counter surfing! Both get along extremely well with other dogs and were really friendly when they met Steve.

Someone gave them a good start with dogs and people. They are confident and outgoing. Samson used to bark at unfamiliar things, but now he isn't quite so reactive.

I have yet to hear Sparks bark, but he makes little noises when playing. Sparks has lived up to his name and has found that he loves laying in front of the fire! Sparks is a real cuddly pup. One of his favorite things is snuggling up against me on the couch. He just looks at you with those hound dog eyes and you can't resist him.

Samson has a gait that looks tireless. They both love to run around the back yard, but Samson makes it look effortless. They do very well in the house, but we still have to keep an eye on Samson. He is not totally housebroken, but he has only been here for 4 days. Sparks has been good on that end, but both have to be watched reference chewing.

Deb

HOW MANY DOGS CAN FIT IN A MINIVAN?

Dedicated PAWS volunteers, Lisa and Leanne found out the answer to that question this past weekend when they transported 14 dogs to rescue! As you can see - these were not small breed dogs or tiny puppies - but somehow - everyone fit and are now on their way to better lives! Nice job!

Amongst the lucky PAWS pups to go were Daisy Mae (momma dog), Katie, all 6 of the "S' puppies (who are now teenagers), Autumn and Daisy. Lisa and Leanne also gave a ride to 3 pups in urgent need from the Marion Animal Shelter and one from another rescue group.







All of these pups have safely made it to foster and forever homes in New England and are loving life!

Thank you so much to everyone who supported this rescue effort by fostering, sponsoring Heartworm treatments and donating to the trip expenses.

Another giant "thank you" to our rescue partners for meeting us halfway in their minivan in the middle of the night and for saving so many lives!

http://www.pawsofmarion.org/

TERRENCE HAS TURNED TO A LIFE OF CRIME...

Terrence in the back - avoiding the press!


Terrence's accomplices

This just in from Terrence's adoptive family:)

After a year of evading arrest, Officer Maximum Mcguilicuty has captured two fugitives tonight. Sampson and Memphis T (formerly Terrence), both of Raymond NH, have been suspected in a number of highly sophisticated cookie robberies in Raymond as well as surrounding towns.

Officer Max broke the case late Friday night after following a trail of crumbs back to the duo's downtown headquarters.

Arrested at the scene was also the cool cat trio, consisting of Zachary, Madison and Andy. They are currently being held on charges of receiving stolen property, as well as aiding and abetting known felons. Sampson and Memphis T (Formerly Terrence) are expected to plead guilty to the charges in the hopes of a reduced sentence. Officer Max is expecting a promotion after breaking such a huge case.

More details on news 9 at 11.

Happy Halloween!

http://www.pawsofmarion.org/

MORE UPDATES ON PAWS ALUMNI!

Lexi & Angel wrestling

We just received this cutie picture of TWO former PAWS dogs. Lexi and Angel were adopted by two related families and now enjoy regular play dates. Below is an update from Angel's adoptive family. Enjoy!

Sorry to have taken so long to report in on Angel, but I've been trying to get a decent picture of her playing with Lexi. They hit it off just great. This is the best I could do.

Lexi outweighs Angel by about ten pounds, but Angel is faster. Angel shows no effects of the heartworm problem of last winter. Can't thank you enough for the help. Through that whole time she was awfully good.

The little ragmop on the chaise is Ricky. He's a two year old Shih Tzu, that my other son adopted from the Animal Refuge League in Westbrook. He holds his own quite well with the other two.

It was really a riot all summer watching Angel, after running around and heating up, just stop and walk down the pool steps, swim in about a six or seven foot circle and come out and start running again.

Lexi and Ricky aren't quite into the pool thing like Angel is. If someone takes them in, they don't panic though. They just swim to the steps and get out.

Now that school is open, Lexi doesn't get here as much as she did during the summer. They have a great time together though. Lexi is doing very well also. Both of them just love everybody they meet.

Angel has been an angel since day one. She gets a little talkative when she wants someone to play with her, but that's to be expected.

Of course she spends her nights on our bed -- usually under the covers. She usually goes out about 7:00, and then heads in to bed. Most of the time she's the last one out of bed in the morning too. Spoiled rotten, but worth it.

Thanks again for a great dog.

Sally and Peter

http://www.pawsofmarion.org/

ANYONE HAVE A CARGO VAN WE CAN BORROW?

We have a load of pups heading North on the weekend of November 5 - and as usual - the list of dogs needing a ride has grown since the planning of this rescue roadtrip!

We started of with 8 dogs and a mini-van to carry them in - and now we are up to 15 dogs and a minivan that does not appear to have grown with the increase in numbers! If we cannot find a larger vehicle - some of the pups will have to stay behind...

If anyone has a large van/cargo van that we can borrow from 11/5 - 11/8...we would greatly appreciate it...and so would the pups who have been waiting for their chance at a forever home. We are only driving as far as Virginia -- so not too much wear and tear.

If you can help - or know someone who can - please contact Leanne, 901-489-2470, lnbslacker22@yahoo.com.

UPDATE ON KALEIGH!

Kaleigh -- loving her new life!

We just posted an update on Kenny - one of Kaleigh's pups - and today we receive the below update on Kaleigh as well!

It is hard to get a good photo of Jenny (aka Kaleigh) because she is not still much. I really wanted you to get to see the amazing tail she grew.

Also, we discovered that she loves to retrieve in water. We are so in love with this beautiful girl! Please feel free to share with folks who knew Kaleigh in the beginning, or her pup's families.

The Oosterman Family







Thank you Oosterman family for giving Kaleigh the chance she needed at a new beginning!

http://www.pawsofmarion.org/

UPDATE ON KENNY - ONE OF KALEIGH'S PUPS!

Look at Kenny all grown up! Kenny was one of Kaleigh's pups.

Mom and pups had a rough beginning - landing in the shelter and then bounced from their foster home because the foster was afraid that her dog would catch Heartworm disease from Kaleigh (that is not how Heartworm disease works - and Kaleigh tested negative for Heartworm...)

Anyway - as you can see - it all worked out in the end. Mom and pups all headed North to rescue.

We just received this wonderful update and pictures of Kenny - who is obviously living the life every dog dreams of!

Things are going great! I've attached some pictures for you!

We are currently going to puppy kindergarten to learn how to be good parents for our puppy! He learned how to "sit, stay, lie down, come, etc". Walking on a leash is still in practice = )

We renamed Kenny to Remington when we got him last April.

He has been a wonderful addition to our home & family!

Best,
Beth

CHECK OUT MOMMA SIDNEY!

Leslie, Sidney and Shep (Sindey's new brother) soaking up the sun

We just received this new picture of Momma Sidney in her adoptive home. Also pictured is another one of our pups, Leslie of the "L-Puppies" who is being fostered temporarily by Sidney's mom.

Doesn't Sidney look happy and healthy! What a big difference a home makes to a rescued dog!