DIXON - AN AMAZING BULLY SUCCESS STORY - POSSIBLY ONE OF OUR LAST

Dixon - now service dog - shopping with his mom

This is Dixon - just another throw-away dog that had the good fortune of landing at the Marion Animal Shelter. Why was he lucky? Because the Marion Animal Shelter gives all dogs - no matter what the breed - an equal chance of finding a happy ending.

Dixon's journey to a happy ending began when he was pulled from the shelter and transported to our rescue partner in New England.

Our rescue partner had been contacted by a woman named Laurie who was specifically looking for an American Pit Bull Terrier to become her next service dog.

Laurie had researched the breed and knew that Pit Bulls are loyal, smart, and determined to please. As a result, Pit Bulls are wonderful candidates to become therapy and assistance dogs.

Would Dixon be up to the intensive training involved in becoming a Service Dog? You bet!

Today Dixon lives in Maine where he accompanies his mom, Laurie, everywhere. He helps her shop, he goes to the office with her where he brings her files, pushes the button for the elevator - you name it - Dixon can do it:)

Dixon's mom works within the State government - and Dixon even traveled with her recently to Washington DC on business!


Dixon learning how to push a button


Dixon learning how to pull

Dixon napping on the plane back from Washington DC

Dixon enjoying some time off on Maine's coast!

As you most of you know - we are not a breed-specific rescue - and we enjoy many happy tails that involve dogs of all shapes, sizes and breeds. But it does make us truly happy and proud when we are able to see an underdog such as an abandoned bully, end up happy, loved and in a successful partnership with a person who needs him as much as he needs her.

Now for the sad part of this story. Dixon may just be one of the last Bully success stories that we are able to share.

We received word this week after Tuesday's City Council Meeting that the City of Marion is considering an ordinance to ban Pit Bull Terriers.

We do not know yet the specifics of the proposed ordinance - but have sent a request to Mayor Fogleman for a copy of the language being considered. We have heard that the existing families with Pit Bull Terriers may be grandfathered - but where does that leave the strays? The abused and neglected dogs? the shelter dogs? the foster dogs? the puppies on the side of the road?

Without going into all of the reasons why Breed Bans are unsuccessful (not to worry -this will be covered in a later post) - what we do know - is that this type of ordinance will take away any chance that the hundreds of "Dixons" that come through our local shelter annually have at a life and loving home.

The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 28th at 7:00 p.m. at the Marion City Hall. The proposed ordinance to ban Pit Bull terriers in Marion, AR may be voted on at this meeting so we need your help right now to make sure this goes no further.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Write a letter, make a phone call, send an email to Mayor Frank Fogleman and the other City Council members. Have you adopted a Pit Bull from us? Be sure to include pictures and share the happiness that your Pit Bull Terrier brings to your life every day.

Attend the next City Council Meeting - make sure your opinion is known.

Share this story with everyone you know. This is an issue that affects all dog lovers - not just the Pit Bull lovers in Marion, AR. Today it may be Marion and Pit Bull Terriers - tomorrow your town and Doberman Pinchers or German Shepherds or...

Go to the shelter and save a Pit Bull's life!

Mac is waiting at the Marion Animal Shelter for a home...do not let her wait too long

As always - thank you for caring about our dogs!

You can make a difference in a dog's life!
Foster a Dog
Donate

Visit us online
http://www.pawsofmarion.org/

UPDATE ON SHANNON! ANOTHER BLACK PUP SAVED

Shannon - one lucky black puppy!

This little cutie headed North at the end of July to go rescue in New England.

Black pups like Shannon are extremely difficult for us to place locally - as they just seem to be overlooked for lighter colored and/or smaller breed dogs.

As a result, it is so gratifying to receive happy pictures and updates such as this one of one of our black rescued pups living the life as part of a wonderful family.

Shannon (Shannon-Belle is her "formal name") is doing wonderfully!

She has grown a bit since I first got her - but the vet said she probably won't get larger then 40 pounds!

She is very smart and is learning "down", "stay" and "heal".

She knows "sit" pretty well too! She sits at the door before it is opened and when she has to "do her business" outside, she sits at the top of the landing and waits for us to notice her.

She has not had one accident inside the house.

She has gone to "doggie daycare" twice - for doggie socialization - and LOVES it!! The first time she didn't want to leave!! She has met quite a few dogs in the neighborhood (and out walking) and is very good with them.

She loves to give kisses.

She still gets VERY excited when we are out and about. I think she believe that everyone was put on the planet just for her!

She is the "talk of the town" at the condo development and the people I work with love her too. She enjoys going to work with me and socializing with them.

She and Simon (the cat) are doing better and better every day. The cat has been very timid of Shannon - but Shannon is very patient and for the most part just ignores the cat.

Russ and I are very happy that she came into our lives. She is the perfect dog for us. So smart and loving and good. Thanks for letting us adopt her!!

I have attached some pictures... I will keep you updated.-Sandra

Thank you Sandra and Russ for making such a big difference in the life of a homeless pup!

CHECK OUT BEAR - LOVING LIFE!

"B" pup, Bear, has arrived!

We just had to share these cutie pictures of Bear - one of the "B" pups who headed North over the weekend. Bear has made it to New England - and thinks that living outside in the heat for weeks and three days on transport was worth it:)



A big "thank you" to our rescue partner for saving Bear and the other 13 deserving dogs!

If you enjoy reading our dogs' happy endings - please help us to create more. Without your support - we are forced to turn away dogs that need our help due to lack of funds and foster space.

You can make a difference in a dog's life!
Foster a Dog
Donate

Visit us online
http://www.pawsofmarion.org/

LOOK WHO WAS RESCUED THIS WEEK!

Gabe is headed to a new life!

This was a GREAT week for rescue! We were extremely excited to have 14 dogs leave on transport this week - headed to rescue in New England!

11 puppies total headed North (the "B" puppies and the "D" puppies) which we are thrilled about as they were living outside in the heat due to lack of fosters.

Also on board was Gabe - an adorable Beagle teenager (pictured above). Thank so much to Julie and her family for fostering this boy. We know it was tough to see him go!

The final dogs rescued, Scout and Skylar, were cause for celebration for us - as they both have been waiting sooo long for their chance at a new beginning. Seeing adult dogs that have been long term residents finally get chosen is the best feeling in the world!

BIG Thanks to Lisa, Leanne and Bobbie for fostering Skylar and Scout. Kudos to Leanne, who ran around like a crazy woman caring for the "outdoor" puppies, setting up fans and kiddie pools for them and ensuring that they survived the heat.


Skylar is ready to go!


Scout, is a little worried, as usual

You are going to a good place - we promise!

One of the "D" puppies

Another "D" pup - not so worried

Bear - on of the "B" puppies

Beauty - another "B" pup

"B" puppy - Brent is on his way as well!

If you enjoy reading our dogs' happy endings - please help us to create more. Without your support - we are forced to turn away dogs that need our help due to lack of funds and foster space.

You can make a difference in a dog's life!
Foster a Dog
Donate

Visit us online
http://www.pawsofmarion.org/

HELP RESCUE DOGS BY GOING SHOPPING!

Saturday, October 16, 2010 find the magic of giving back!

Since 2006, Macy’s Shop For A Cause Event has partnered with non-profit organizations nationwide to raise more than $34 million for their ongoing charitable efforts. This is your chance to be part of this monumental event on Saturday, October 16, 2010.

Shop For A Cause gives you the opportunity to give back to your community and to help our dogs at the same time.

Purchase a $5 Shopping Pass for exclusive savings in every Macy’s store and online at macys.com on Saturday, October 16th, and we keep 100% of the proceeds from the ticket sales. It is a win-win!


20 tickets sold pays for basic vaccinations and spay/neuter for a dog.

60 tickets pays for lifesaving Heartworm treatment for a dog! So please share this opportunity on Facebook and with family and friends.

Shop for a Cause tickets have two offers: Macy’s guests are entitled to exclusive 20% or 10%* savings in most departments all day long plus an additional 25%* off a single purchase (*Exclusions and restrictions apply. See savings pass for details.)

Shop for a Cause is special because you can save on most items throughout the store and online (for those who like to shop from home). Plus, you can enter to win a $500 Macy’s Gift Card!


Find the magic of giving back, as Macy’s celebrates a national day of support for our community.

For more information or to purchase a pass contact:

Leanne, lnbslacker22@yahoo.com, 901-489-2470.
Checks for tickets should be made out directly to PAWS.

Thank you for helping our dogs!

HAPPY ENDING FOR SWEET REX!

Rex and his "sister" Chloe

Some of you may remember Rex. This sweet boy came to PAWS exactly a year ago when his time ran out at the local shelter.

Rex was with us until May of this year. He came in underweight, sickly and of course, Heartworm positive. He was in such bad shape that we were scared that he would not survive Heartworm treatment. Thank goodness he did!

In May, Rex headed North to our partner rescue. We just received word that Rex has FINALLY found his forever home! He waited a long time - but from the above picture - his wait paid off.

Rex is sharing his new home with two other rescued dogs. He lives in the country with lots of room to explore. Both of his parents work from home - so Rex has all of the attention and love he could ever want!

Here is the first update from his new mom:
Rex is starting to play and picked up the tuggy rope last night and shook it around! My dog Buddy has been trying to get him to do a tug-o-war with him and I think he is finally going to. He is a great little dog and everyone thinks he is very special. :) Sara

Thank you Sara for giving Rex the life he deserves.

Kudos to PAWS volunteers/fosters Lisa and Leanne for making room for yet one more dog and for spending months nursing Rex back to health.

If you enjoy reading our dogs' happy endings - please help us to create more. Without your support - we are forced to turn away dogs that need our help due to lack of funds and foster space.

You can make a difference in a dog's life!
Foster a Dog
Donate

Visit us online
http://www.pawsofmarion.org/

PAWS OF MARION PROFILED ON DOGTIME.COM

PAWS of Marion was honored to be selected last week to be August's Featured Animal Rescue Organization on DogTime.com!

As many of you know - rescue work can be overwhelming, expensive and heartbreaking. Sometimes you feel like nobody is out there listening to your pleas for help and that the list of dogs needing rescue too great for a few volunteers to make a difference.

To receive acknowledgement of the work that we do brightens our spirit and gives us the motivation to continue making a big difference to a small number of dogs that would not otherwise had the chance at life they deserve.

A big "thank you" to DogTime.com Editor, Leslie Smith, for helping to bring exposure to the plight of dogs in our area of the world.

Read about PAWS of Marion on DogTime.com

UPDATE ON PRINCESS

This past Sunday we put out a plea to save Princess - who was on Monday's euthanasia list at the Marion Animal Shelter after living at the shelter for over two years.

Read the original plea for help

The response was overwhelming! You all really stepped up for this girl and we cannot thank you enough.

Princess has recieved multiple offers from adoptive homes and rescues. Most heartwarming was an email from the rescue that stepped up for her two years ago - stating that they would honor the original offer to save Princess. That is a true rescue.

Although we do not yet know where Princess will land - we do know that she is safe. We are anxiously awaiting an update from Tracie (our contact at the Marion Animal Shelter) as to where and when Princess will start her new life. We will let you all know the outcome as soon as we hear from her.

Additionally - at least five of the other dogs scheduled for euthanasia yesterday were spoken for by adoptive homes, foster homes and rescues!

We are not sure if that was enough to grant a stay of execution for the six dogs not spoken for - we hope so! If you are able to save just one of these remaining dogs - please contact Tracie Benetz, traciebe@gmail.com, 901-647-8267 - or via Facebook - Immediately. If they are still available -it will not be for long.

Again - as soon as we receive an update from the shelter - we will pass it long. Thank you all for caring, calling, emailing and cross-posting to help Princess. As you can probably tell - this girl is very important to us. It means the world that she have the opportunity at life and love that she deserves.

Foster a Dog
Donate

Visit us online
http://www.pawsofmarion.org/

YEY FOR BOB - ANOTHER ONE OUT OF THE HEAT!

Thank you for taking me inside! Love Bob

More good news came over the weekend in the form of an indoor foster home for Bob!

Bob was rescued from the Marion Animal Shelter several months ago when his time was up - but due to lack of foster space - has been living outside - until now!

Saturday, Bob was delivered to his new foster home. When PAWS volunteers, Lisa and Leanne, went to pick him up - it was as if he knew his time had come. When they opened the car door - Bob jumped right in - eager to go to his new foster home.

As you can see from the pictures below - Bob adjusted immediately to indoor living. He is currently sharing his foster home peacefully with other dogs of all gender and size. What a sweet boy!

Unfortunately - a trip to the vet revealed that Bob is Heartworm positive and will need to undergo treatment before moving forward to rescue or an adoptive home. We will be posting a Chip-in fundraising campaign for him shortly. It never ends does it?


Sitting pretty for the camera

Loving the couch!

Aren't I handsome?

Fostering saves lives....
Foster a Dog
Donate

Visit us online
http://www.pawsofmarion.org/

BILL & JOYCE - OUR HEROES!

Our heroes

You all may remember us begging and pleading for foster homes last week for three litters of abandoned puppies - living outside in this heat.

Despite our numerous pleas - intially we only received one response (for which we are very grateful). Unfortunately, that person could only take 2-3 puppies - which meant splitting a litter and choosing which sibblings got to go inside and live in air conditioning and which sibblings remained in 105+ heat. There was no way for us to choose.

We were all starting to become depressed - wasn't there anyone out there that would open their home to these innocent babies before it was too late? The news stories of humans collapsing and dying from heat exhaustion only made us worry more.

Finally - on Saturday came the following email from Joyce and Bill - our heroes!

We would love to help foster you puppies so that they could stay out of this horrible heat. You may contact me anytime. Please let us know how we can help.

After reading this email -it was hard not to cry tears of joy!

We called Joyce and Bill immediately. They told us that they had a den that was being used for storage - that could be transitioned into a puppy room!

On Sunday - PAWS volunteers, Lisa and Leanne - delivered the "S" pups to their new, indoor foster home. As you can tell from these pictures - these pups are more than grateful to be inside and cool - finally!


Thank you Bill & Joyce!


We love it inside!

Joyce stated that she almost did not inquire as she figured by now people must have stepped up to help. Thank goodness she inquired anyways.

Joyce and Bill are heroes. Because of them - these puppies will be able to move onto rescue and then the loving homes they deserve! We cannot say "thank you" enough.

Sadly - we still have two litters living outside in the heat. Please do not assume that someone else is going to help these puppies. The person they need help from is you.

If you can help these sweet innocent souls - that have done nothing wrong - and deserve their chance - by fostering...please contact Leanne ASAP, lnbslacker22@yahoo.com. They do not need much - an enclosed porch, a kitchen, a garage - just some place cool to get out of the sun.

Thank you for caring about our dogs!

http://www.pawsofmarion.org/

URGENT! PRINCESS MUST BE SAVED

Princess's story is frustrating and heartbreaking all at the same time. This girl has been let down by humans at every turn.

Princess came to the Marion Animal Shelter in April 2008 as a stray. Princess was found in a nearby town practically starved to death.

As if being a starving stray was not enough - During her travels, Princess wandered up to a house where a lady was scared of her and threw hot grease on her.



Unfortunately, Princess will wear the scars of ignorance for the rest of her life - her hair will not grow back in the places she was burned.

In 2008 - After living at the shelter for about a month - we were told by the shelter manager - that Princess's time was "up." We put out a plea - and the response was overwhelming!

Princess had offers from multiple quality rescues that would offer Princess the life she deserves. It was heartwarming.

Unfortunately - when push came to shove - for reasons we cannot understand or explain - the shelter manager decided that she would not release Princess to rescue - but, instead insisted on keeping Princess as her personal office dog.

Okay - better than death we know - but still - spending your life in a shelter office instead of a home...just does not seem fair.

For the last two years - Princess has been the official Shelter Mascott - sharing her office with an ever changing cast of dogs and cats. Greeting visitors as long lost friends.

Then - this past Friday - it happened - the shelter manager that insisted that Princess give up her opportunity at a real home and family to live in an office - left her position at the shelter - and at the same time left Princess.

Initially this might sound like wonderful news - as Princess is finally free to find a family to call her own. Then the other shoe falls...

The shelter is full. To make room - it has been decided that the 12 dogs that have been at the shelter the longest must die on Monday, August 9.

Guess which dog has been there the longest? Princess! Princess is on the list for euthanasia for tomorrow. It seems insane - she is not even taking up kennel space.

This sweet girl gets along with just about anything in her path. She is one of the most affectionate dogs and loves everyone she meets. She deserves much better than to lose her life after waiting and waiting for her opportunity to become a beloved family member.

This is a dog that MUST be saved. Do not let her die because humans have failed her.

If you live in the Memphis area and can offer Princess an indoor foster or forever home where she can live as part of the family or know of a quality rescue to take this girl in - please contact:

Tracie Benetz
traciebe@gmail.com
901-647-8267 ASAP.

To see more dogs on Monday's list - visit the Marion Animal Shelter's Facebook Page

***Please restrain from sending critical emails and/or making negative phone calls - this is an upsetting enough situation - we are looking for a solution - not looking for bashing. We are trying to save this dog***

Thank you for caring about Princess.


Foster a Dog
Donate


Visit us online
http://www.pawsofmarion.org/

GREAT UPDATE ON LADYBIRD!

Ladybird is a gorgeous hound that waited way too long for her chance to shine. Luckily - her wait finally came to an end last January - when she traveled North to a foster home provided by one of our rescue partners. Ladybird was adopted a few months ago by a wonderful family who just sent in the following update:

Hello Ladybird Lovers! Josh and I want to sincerely apologize for not sending this update sooner. We have both been extremely busy with work and thus all of our free-time has been spent getting to know Ladybird, letting her explore her new world and working on some training. Rest assured she is very well!

She has definitely come out of her shell in the last month and we are finally seeing her fabulous, spunky and sometimes obstinate personality.

We have discovered that she LOVES the water. I was taking her for a walk on a particularly hot afternoon so I thought I'd take her down to the river in the park in Dover. She proceeded to walk into the water until it was half-way up her legs and just layed down! Then she swam out a bit further and started dunking her head in the water, blowing water out her nose. She did this for about 10 minutes while I just watched and laughed. I had never seen another dog do this before; it was truly precious.

Since then, I have been sure to bring her to the river often and have ventured to Rye beach and Wagon Hill Farm/Great Bay Estaury several times.

She is doing very well on our walks. She has gotten better with bicycles and motorcycles, only barking occasionally when they are close up. She still barks and becomes a bit agitated around other dogs, but we're working on it.

She's great with children, sitting docily while they pet and prod her, all the while wagging her tail. Ladybird and Sydney (our roommate's dog) seem to get along fine, so long as neither of them is eating, forcing us to feed them seperately. They walk well together and laze about in the yard.

Overall, Ladybird seems to have settled into her new environment and is very happy, always with the tail wag. She has even become her cuddle-bug self with us.

Her favorite spot is at my feet with her chin resting on me. She also has claimed her role as co-pilot illustrated by the picture below.

We love her dearly, and are thrilled to have been given the opportunity to give her a forever home. She is a truly wonderful dog with an amazing personality.

Thank you,

~Sarah, Josh & Ladybird :-)

Dog is my Co-Pilot

Ladybird enjoying an afternoon Kong

Thank you Sarah & Josh for giving Ladybird the home she deserves.

This success story would not have been possible with out the help of Bobbie, who fostered Ladybird until her chance to shine arrived.

Foster homes are CRITICAL to giving these abandoned, abused and neglected dogs their chance at a new beginning. If you enjoy reading happy endings - help us create more of them by fostering a dog in need.

Without foster homes - dogs die - scared and alone. YOU can make a difference.

HOORAY FOR MISS BELLA!

Miss Bella has reached her goal!

Thanks to her doggie angels - Miss Bella has now raised enough donations to cover her heartworm treatment! Thank you so much to Patricia, Kristy and Silvia for sponsoring this sweet girl.

As Bella is already in a wonderful foster home - hopefully we will be able to start her treatment shortly.

Unfortunately - money is not enough to give these heartworm positive pups a new beginning. They also need indoor foster homes as going through treatment living outside is unsafe.

Please foster Eddie!

Poor, sweet Eddie - has the funds to cover his heartworm treatment - but is still living outside. Until an indoor foster home can be found for him - Eddie will be stuck in limbo. PLEASE consider opening your heart and home to Eddie by fostering him so that he too may receive the medical care and chance at life he deserves.

Thank you for caring about our pups!

http://www.pawsofmarion.org/

RAMBO IS A WINNER!

Rambo the Rescue enjoying a Best Bully Stick

We like to think that all of our rescue dogs are winners - but very few receive an actual award.

Rambo is a black, mixed-breed pup that had the good fortune of heading North to one of our rescue partner's in June.

This week we received an email to let us know that Rambo had been chosen as the August winner of the http://www.bestbullysticks.com/ photo contest! As a winner - Rambo receives a $25 gift certificate for more bully sticks. What more could a chewing pup want?

Of course all Rambo knows is that he is in a great home that buys him yummy treats - and that is reward enough for us. Happy chewing Rambo!

105 DEGREES AND I AM STILL OUT IN THE HEAT...

I cannot stand it out here much longer - please let me stay with you!

Another brutally hot day has come and gone - and we still have 3 litters of puppies living outside in the sweltering heat. How can you turn away from these eyes?

These pups have a rescue to go to - all they need is a little kindness from strangers to get them through.

Isn't there anyone out there who can open their home and heart to foster these babies so that they may safely find their way to the rest of their lives?

If you can help these sweet innocent souls - that have done nothing wrong - and deserve their chance - by fostering...please contact Leanne ASAP, lnbslacker22@yahoo.com.