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!

Halloween Treats for Dogs & Humans!

PAWS of Marion is selling Halloween Bags and Suckers!

Featuring:

-- Homemade Dog Treats

-- Bags of Chocolate Pumpkins & Spiders

-- Homemade Chocolate Suckers

Everything just $2!

To Pre-Order call Leanne at 901-489-2470. Orders must be in by Friday October 22nd.

100% of proceeds go to our many wonderful rescued pups.

Thank you for caring about our dogs!

http://www.pawsofmarion.org/

GOOD NEWS/BAD NEWS ON PROPOSED PIT BULL BAN

Alyssa - former Marion Animal Shelter pup - now beloved family member

We want to send out a big "thank you" to all of the dog lovers that attended the Marion City Council meeting last Tuesday to speak out against the proposed ban of Pit Bull Terriers. You really made a difference!

The meeting was a little confusing to say the least. The input from tax-paying constituents that were in attendance was not received with the enthusiasm that you would hope for from public service representatives. But that said - hopefully the door is now open to better communications between the tax payers of Marion, AR and the people they have chosen to represent their interests.

The good news is that Mayor Fogleman and City Attorney, Jimbo Hale, stated that a ban on Pit Bulls would not move forward. There were several other council members that stated they would like to pass the ban which apparently had not even been drafted (?) Just one of the more confusing aspects of the evening.

What we took away from the meeting was that a ban of Pit Bull Terriers in Marion is off the table.

The bad news is that the council is now looking into revising the current Dangerous Dog ordinance. That alone - of course - is not bad news - as it is important for every community to have strong rules regarding dangerous dogs - individual dogs with a proven history of bite incidents and aggression. Holding irresponsible dog owners accountable is critical to creating a safer community but there are more effective options than BSL to accomplish this goal.

The negative part of this revision is that the City is considering imposing the same restrictions placed on dogs in Marion with a history of aggression - on all Pit Bull Terriers (with or without a history of aggression).

Meaning that even if you have a Pit Bull Terrier that has done nothing more than give big kisses, or that is a certified therapy dog - you, as a dog owner could be subjected to the same restrictions as a dog owner whose dog has bitten someone.


Dixon - Former Marion Animal Shelter resident - now service Dog

Some of the proposed restrictions mentioned in The Evening Times article (9/30/10 - Marion revises breed-specific ordinance) - include requiring owners of a dangerous dog or of a Pit Bull Terrier to have a fenced in yard and to purchase an expensive insurance policy.

Despite the fact that the Evening Times article makes it sound as if these changes to the Dangerous Dog ordinance are already in place - communication with City Attorney, Jimbo Hale this week (thank you Shaunnah) revealed that the changes to the ordinance have not been drafted or voted on yet (more good news!)

Punishing responsible dog owners just because they may own a dog that is classified as or looks similar to a Pit Bull Terrier is unfair and discriminatory. As with all "breed-specific" legislation - by restricting one breed the door is open to include other breeds in the future. This is not an issue that solely impacts people who own and love Pit Bull Terriers - it is an issue that all dog owners need to take a stand on.

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/mix from us? Be sure to include pictures and share the happiness that your Pit Bull Terrier brings to your life every day.

Write a letter to the Editor of your local newspaper. Education is the key to making Marion a safer community.

Attend the next City Council Meeting on Tuesday, October 26 at 7:00p - 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 Dobermans or German Shepherds or Chows Chows or ...

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

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 THE "HEARTWORM" PUPS

As usual - we have had a good number of Heartworm positive dogs come through lately. Thanks to our guardian angels - many of the pups have raised the funds to get the life-saving treatment they need. Here are some updates on a few of our "heartworm" pups.


Daisy Mae - This sweet momma dog has finished her treatment! She is fully recovered and will be heading to rescue shortly to start her new life!


Miss Bella - Bella the Beagle started her second round of treatment this past week. It will take her approximately 4 weeks to recover and then she will be ready for her new home or rescue!


Chloe & Mandy - These sisters have been waiting forever - but their patience paid off. They are now in a wonderful indoor foster home that they share with other dogs and have both started treatment. They have about another month to go and then will finally be ready for their chance at a new beginning.


Beautiful Bob - Has raised the funds for his Heartworm treatment, has moved to an indoor foster home (that he shares with Bella the Beagle) and will be starting his treatment shortly! Please keep your eye on this boy - he is very special and deserving of a wonderful home.


Darlin' Darla - Darla is another girl who has been waiting and waiting for her chance. It is just around the corner - not to worry. Thanks to you all - Darla has the funds for treatment and will be moving to Daisy Mae's foster home to begin treatment - once Daisy Mae heads to rescue (Thank you Susan!)

Thanks to your support - these pups are well on their way to their second chance at life.

Of course - We still have a few cuties that need your help though (that will never change!)


Sweet Susie - is in a loving foster home and just waiting for sponsorship funds to help her pay for Heartworm treatment. She is a very sweet girl who deserves her chance to find love and a family of her own. Please "Chip-In" for Susie's treatment.


Eskimo - is living with Susie. What a big lug! He is four times her size - so it is going to cost quite a bit more to put him through treatment. He has already received $70 from two doggie angels (you know who you are) - but has a ways to go before he can afford Heartworm treatment. If you can even chip in $5, $10 towards his care - we would so appreciative.

As always - THANK YOU for caring about our pups. Without you all contributing in different capacities (fostering, donating, cross-posting) - we would not be able to continue to help the dogs in our community.

www.pawsofmarion.org