A Cooperative Effort to Rescue Homeless Freeway Dogs

Hi Pet Rescue Center Supporters,
We have a very special trio of dogs at The PRC right now.  We have been calling them The Freeway Dogs.  They were living on a center divider on a busy freeway in Long Beach.



Here is their story so far........


I was contacted by a fellow rescuer, Claudia, in hopes that The PRC had the space and ability to take on a very sensitive case that she was already heavily invested in rescuing and seeing to success.  After seeing the pictures of the dogs we couldn't say no.

There are 3 dogs here.  They are living within the leaves, emaciated, homeless and sad for certain.

I agreed to take on these dogs, if they could be caught, not knowing really what we might be getting.  BUT, it's the holidays, and I couldn't really fathom turning a blind eye to a situation like this.  

Fortunately, Claudia's team spent an entire day and trapped each one of the 3.  She was only able to do this because dedicated volunteers had fed these dogs morning and night for a time, to establish a routine that they would trust.  When it came time to trap them, the dogs were receptive to the bait.  

Volunteers like these that helped these dogs while they were still homeless are doing a wonderful and selfless thing for our animal population.  Thank you to all of you who invested care and love in The Freeway Dogs.  Without your help we could not have started this process of help.  Thank you. 

Once they were safely captured, Apollo, Phoenix and Hope began their healing. 

These are the preliminary pictures of their condition and the road ahead of them in our care. 

Former corneal puncture with a severe scarring and lack of vision.

A healing puncture wound. 

They are weak, scared, skinny and feral.

They are all very skinny, but the youngest is severely emaciated.

The day we met Claudia and took into our care Apollo, Phoenix and Hope was Saturday.  It took over 2 hours, after bringing their cages into the center, to coax them out of their cage.  We have never seen more fearful dogs at The PRC.  But, despite their fear we managed to take them in without incident and had them bedded and comfortable by the late afternoon.  Can you imagine what they have been through up to this moment?  The weather, the passers by, the lack of food or shelter, the noise.

Apollo ( the patron defender of herds and flocks ) is a male, possibly the daddy, and the least fearful of the trio.  Which isn't saying much, he was glued to the floor when we took him in and after experimenting w/ all different treats, he finally responded to some food and allowed us to pet him.  In the 4 days we have had with him so far he is making progress with his socialization.  He is eating well, on flea control and is next in line to be neutered.

Phoenix is a female, possibly the mom, she is the most fearful of the trio.  She has so far been spayed, micrcochipped, applied flea treatment, she's been fully vaccinated, ears flushed, and x-rays on old fracture that has healed itself. She is not making any headway thus far, 4 days in with her trust and socialization. She shows her teeth and growls, but is eating and drinking well.

Hope is a female and the baby we think - She was spayed, micrcohipped, applied flea cnntrol, fully vaccinated, and had her eye removed. She is doing GREAT! As soon as she woke up from spay we were able to touch her and she is walking on leash.

We hope once they have made it through the initial week, we have stabilized their health and they are used to a constant level of care and love, we can reassess and work towards easing their social fears.  

We have taken them into The Pet Rescue Center, but they are in great need of YOUR support.  They are unhealthy to start, but we are hopeful with our intervention, we can return them to full health.  Our truest challenge will be socializing them, training them and eliminating their fear of humans, noise and harm.

They have had it rough.  No one deserves to be put out into the world like they were.  

Please help us support The Freeway Dogs to recovery. 

http://www.firstgiving.com/ThePet_RescueCenter/help-the-emaciated-freeway-dogs

The PRC is 100% reliable on the generosity of donors.  

We are 501c3 Non Profit. 

If you have any questions, please contact adopt@thepetrescuecenter.org.

Go to www.thepetrescuecenter.org to donate via Paypal or mail a check to The Pet Rescue Center, 25800 Jeronimo Road, Suite 100, Mission Viejo CA 92691.  

Our Sweet Broken Boxer Margarita

A car accident and an energetic doggy are a potentially tragic combination.
Fortunately for Margarita she was saved by the intervention of rescuers that took on her care and contacted us to consider taking on her case.

 

Margarita the day she was brought to The PRC. Can you see the make shift splints her former family has on her legs?  Crude, but ingenious.  Her former owners have relinquished her  because they could not afford the surgery costs to repair her injuries after being hit by a car.  They had tried to euthanize at their vet and her case was taken on by Boxer Rescue and networked to us.  She is safely with us now.  

Margarita's Xray showing her broken legs :( 

Four days after her surgery she is walking like a champ.  The staff said she sounds like she has high heels on when she walks.  She is a fancy gal.  

I took her outside for a little photo shoot and she was quite a ham. 

She has been shaved where her surgery was and where they place her pain patches.  

Now does this look like she is a girl w/ 2 broken legs. 

So far she is doing great!  We are still fundraising for her care.
She will need 6-8 weeks of rehabilitation and follow up X-rays. 

I will update Margarita's condition as she heals.  Thank you to all who helped make her surgery possible. 

 To contribute to Margarita's care visit her Firstgiving page http://www.firstgiving.com/ThePet_RescueCenter/Help-Boxer10-months-female-hit-by-car-2-broken-leg

Thank you for supporting The Pet Rescue Center!

Sincererly,
Blythe

Why Rescue? What is wrong with buying a puppy from a store?

HI Rescue Supporters and Animal Lovers,

As you know I like to use this blog to educate about Rescue, dispel fear and hesitation, and empower action.  Here are some common questions that might clear up any confusion as to why rescue is SO critical. Adopt a Rescue. 


For those that nay say the harshness of the puppy mill crisis, or how relevant saving "just a dog", there is not much to say except something my mom always told me as a child. 


"Treat people (and animals) the way you would want to be treated." or "Put yourself in their shoes." Thanks Mom :)


Okay, so I will, I imagine I am a puppy mill dog, living in a wire cage on all sides floor included, I have never seen the sky or felt the wind, my boyfriends are all in the same condition and they are all sick.  We are tired and have had so many litters of babies w/ no break in-between litters.  Most of my babies died from genetic defects because of the repercussions from in-breeding my breed of dog. I hear a rumor around the mill that I am not producing well and I will be killed rather than continue to feed me.  


Well, its not pretty.  Its not cute and furry. Its business and the business of selling pure bred dogs and cats is an ugly business.  The real problem is, they are sentient beings, not jars of peanut butter on an assembly line striving for a perfect product and a profit. 

The answer is clear. Support rescue by either adopting a rescue, financially contributing to the cause, educating your friends, and NOT buying a dog from a puppy mill, breeder, or pet store.  

Now I am not trying to say I don't understand when someone has a reason for buying a dog from a breeder.  Actually, I do understand, sometimes there are reasons and I cannot admit to being inflexible to life.   All we can do is educate and try to change the world, one person and one adoption at a time.  




To support The Pet Rescue Center and our Rescue. Rehab. Rehome program go to www.thepetrescuecenter.org to make a donation or learn more about us.  


Thank you for your support, 
Blythe Wheaton
Co-Founder and Executive Director 


This information is also available here - 
http://www.aspca.org/fight-animal-cruelty/puppy-mills/what-is-a-puppy-mill.aspx

What Is a Puppy Mill?

A puppy mill is a large-scale commercial dog breeding operation where profit is given priority over the well-being of the dogs. Unlike responsible breeders, who place the utmost importance on producing the healthiest puppies possible, breeding at puppy mills is performed without consideration of genetic quality. This results in generations of dogs with unchecked hereditary defects.

Puppy mill puppies are typically sold to pet shops—usually through a broker, or middleman—and marketed as young as eight weeks of age. The lineage records of puppy mill dogs are often falsified.

What Problems Are Common to Puppy Mill Dogs?

Illness, disease, fearful behavior and lack of socialization with humans and other animals are common characteristics of dogs from puppy mills. Because puppy mill operators fail to apply proper husbandry practices that would remove sick dogs from their breeding pools, puppies from puppy mills are prone to congenital and hereditary conditions. These can include: 

• Epilepsy
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Musculoskeletal disorders (hip dysplasia, luxating patellas, etc.)
• Endocrine disorders (diabetes, hyperthyroidism)
• Blood disorders (anemia, Von Willebrand disease)
• Deafness
• Eye problems (cataracts, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy, etc.)
• Respiratory disorders

On top of that, puppies often arrive in pet stores—and their new homes—with diseases or infirmities. These can include:

• Giardia
• Parvovirus
• Distemper
• Upper respiratory infections
• Kennel cough
• Pneumonia
• Mange
• Fleas
• Ticks
• Intestinal parasites
• Heartworm
• Chronic diarrhea

How Are Animals Treated at Puppy Mills?

Puppy mills usually house dogs in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, without adequate veterinary care, food, water and socialization. Puppy mill dogs do not get to experience treats, toys, exercise or basic grooming. To minimize waste cleanup, dogs are often kept in cages with wire flooring that injures their paws and legs—and it is not unusual for cages to be stacked up in columns. Breeder dogs at mills might spend their entire lives outdoors, exposed to the elements—or crammed inside filthy structures where they never get the chance to feel the sun or a gust of fresh air on their faces.

How Often Are Dogs Bred in Puppy Mills?

In order to maximize profits, female dogs are bred at every opportunity with little to no recovery time between litters. When, after a few years, they are physically depleted to the point that they no longer can reproduce, breeding females are often killed. The mom and dad of the puppy in the pet store window are unlikely to make it out of the mill alive—and neither will the many puppies born with overt physical problems that make them unsalable to pet stores.

When and Why Did Puppy Mills Begin?

Puppy mills began sprouting up after World War II. In response to widespread crop failures in the Midwest, the United States Department of Agriculture began promoting purebred puppies as a fool-proof “cash” crop. It is easy to see why this might have appealed to farmers facing hard times—breeding dogs does not require the intense physical labor that it takes to produce edible crops, nor are dogs as vulnerable to unfavorable weather. Chicken coops and rabbit hutches were repurposed for dogs, and the retail pet industry—pet stores large and small—boomed with the increasing supply of puppies from the new "mills." Today, Missouri is considered the largest puppy mill state in the country.

Seeking a puppy supply source on the East Coast, puppy brokers—the middlemen who deliver the dogs from mills to pet stores—convinced many of Pennsylvania’s Amish farmers in the 1970s that puppies were the cash crop of the future. Brokers conducted seminars to teach farmers how to operate their own breeding facilities. Thirty years later, Lancaster County, PA, has the highest concentration of puppy mills of any county in the nation and has earned the dubious nickname of “Puppy Mill Capital of the East.”

How Can I Help Fight Puppy Mills?

There are many ways you can fight puppy mills, starting with refusing to patronize the stores and websites that sell their dogs.

• Do not buy a puppy from a pet store—in fact, do not buy a puppy from any place that does not allow you to see its entire facility and meet the mother dog. This includes websites that sell pets online. Anyone can put up a great-looking website boasting the highest standards of breeding and care, but you really have no way of knowing if such businesses are what they claim. Truly responsible breeders want to meet you before selling you one of their prized pups to be sure that he or she is going to a good home. Read more about online scams here. 
• You can also take a more active role in fighting puppy mills by working with the ASPCA to pass legislation that ensures that all animals bred to be pets are raised in healthy conditions. Stay up-to-date about current legislation to ban puppy mills by joining theASPCA Advocacy Brigade . Please also read our Ten Ways You Can Help Fight Puppy Mills .

Long Timers! Give 'em a chance to find a home for the holidays!

The Pet Rescue Center is a temporary sanctuary for homeless and at-risk dogs and cats.  We would never euthanize because we couldn't find a home for a dog or cat.  BUT, the longer a dog or cat stays with us, the less we can rescue because that space is filled for any other dog or cat.  So we endeavor to promote and encourage the adoption of our rescues as much as we can to ensure the public knows about all of our sweet and deserving rescues, to speed along the process of finding a forever family.  


There are a few rescues that seem to take an extra long time in finding that perfect match. They are no less deserving and no less desirable though.  I would like to take a moment to suggest these little loves to you, tell your friends and keep them in mind.  The holidays are the perfect time to add a member to the family.  


Introducing "Moe" or as we call him "Moe Moe" ... 

I LOVE to go for walks, I sit on command, I take treats with great manners, and I respond very quickly to directions. Im very playful with toys, lazer pointers or just you! I love to play tug-o-war and go for long walks. I am a great boy that needs a forever family. Moe has some special needs, and we would like to waive his adoption fee and offer a 15% discount on medicines needed for the life of Moe. 

Introducing Ruby....

Ruby was intentionally shot 3x, her leg was shattered.
She came to us an amputation candidate that after evaluation was deemed a savable leg.  

 I am EXTREMELY sweet! I love to kiss and get cuddled. I am good with men, women and children. I have a very good disposition and kind personality. If you want a lot of kisses in your home and you want to give a second chance to a special girl like me, come meet me!!!!!

Here she is! 10 weeks of recovery later! 

Introducing Cooper....

Look at those soulful eyes! Hi, my name is Cooper. I am 1 yr old, Male, Dachshund/Terrier mix. I was saved from the OC Shelter on July 7th. I am truly one of the cutest dogs ever. The staff thinks I would make a great cartoon character. What you can’t see from my picture is how loving I am. I need a person to cuddle at night and give kisses to in the morning. I can play very well with toys and I play well with others.  Come visit! 

Introducing Miley......

Hello! My name is Miley. I am a 1yr old, female, lab/Sheppard mix. I was given up to The Pet Rescue Center on August 29th.  I have hip and elbow dysplasia which constantly needs to be medicated. With pain medications on board I am a very happy girl. I just need to find a family that is willing to take me in and continue to care for my special needs. (The PRC will waive my adoption fee and discount meds 15% for my lifetime) I am a very quiet girl. I would prefer a calm household with light exercise. I am so cute and so deserving of a good life.

Miley loves to relax! She is an easy going gal that needs a companion to share life with. 

Introducing Artemis....

Hi! My name is Artemis. I was rescued with my brothers and sisters (Mac, Sweet Dee, Frank, Charlie, and Dennis) by a very nice lady who loves cats. She took good care of us, but 6 kitties got to just be too much work. Happily for us, the Pet Rescue Center stepped in and helped us all!

I am a gorgeous young lady that really wants a lap to be on. I can be very affectionate and loving. I get along with cats, kids and some dogs. More than anything I need a window to watch the world go by from. I love to sun-bathe.

Introducing Romeo....

Hi! My name is Romeo. I am a 5 month old, male, orange tabby. I was rescued with my Terrier friend Tybalt from an LA County shelter on September 19th. I had a pretty bad respiratory infection when I got to the Pet Rescue Center but I am all better! I am an extremely handsome young man. I don’t let you walk by my cage without sticking my little paws out to get your attention. I am full of love and energy and am looking for a family. I get along very well with other dogs.

Of course, we have so many loving and friendly rescues to choose from if any of these little ones do not appeal to your needs.  Please support rescue by always adopting a pet, whether from us, a shelter, a friend, another rescue group, whomever.  


There are approximately 4 million dogs and cats euthanized each year in the shelter systems nationwide.  These dogs and cats euthanized are not rabid, mean, biting, undeserving pets.  They are lovely dogs and cats like these above and so much more. 


Thank you for your support! 


Sincerely, 
Blythe Wheaton
Co-Founder and Executive Director


If you are interested in any of these dogs or cats, please contact Casey at adopt@thepetrescuecenter.org. 


To learn more about us, www.thepetrescuecenter.org

A Photo Journal of a Trip to the OC Shelter

Photography by Amy Boring, www.aboringphoto.com

We assess our numbers currently in our care and determine how many spaces we might be able to fill.   

On the road to the shelter...

...the shelter is a very busy place.  In order to make our visit as expedient as possible we call ahead to their Rescue Coordinator to announce our intentions.  Though this gives us a leg up on information and access to the various areas off limits to the public (medical holds), the shelter is not a place to go in a hurry.  If you ever go to the shelter to adopt, please be prepared for a slow process.  Go in the early morning, right when they open to avoid lunch breaks and crowds. 

Asking for Tammy, our Rescue Coordinator

One of the 1st faces we saw...

We tour the aisles with pen and paper in hand.  We get down and meet as many animals as we can, take notes and compile a list of 1st choices.  Our 1st choice isn't always what you would think.  We try to look for ones that have been there a little too long and might not have much time left, have a treatable medical condition that might make the general public shy away from adopting them, or not traditionally "pretty" (the labs, the Llasa Apsos, the Jack Russells are easily adopted).  We try to make sure we are taking those that need us most. 

I personally love this little guy, he has explosive eyebrows and what looks like a toupee.  Can't go wrong!  

Roni Trinidad, from Pimco, asked a few months ago if she could ever come along on a shelter trip.  We had never done this before but thought we'd like to have her along.  Having her come with us inspired me to do this specific blog.  As a rescuer, you forget that the public might not know the details of "the process".  Demystifying "the process" is very important to education and to impacting our goals of reducing unnecessary euthanasia.

Roni has been integral in creating a partnership between The PRC and the Pimco Partners Volunteer program. We are very grateful for all of our volunteers that help The PRC!

This is Peggy Sue that we featured in a previous blast.  

We really wanted to rescue this guy, but he was unavailable for adoption the day we were there.  Blythe went back on Monday for him to find out he'd been adopted by a family already.  Yeay! 

Our List of possible rescues and back ups in case.  And of course, those we can't take on this day that hopefully we could come back for, assuming we make room by any adoption successes we complete.  

After we compile a list of our potential rescues. we have to wait for paper work to be completed, files to be pulled, vet records to be collected.  

This is my favorite moment.  It's like watching someone win the lottery.  When the dogs we are taking with us are brought out to load into our van, they are so happy it brings tears to your eyes.  

The team, we saved 7 dogs on this day.  -Tammy, Roni, Casey and Blythe-

We recruited Amy Boring, one of The PRC's volunteer photographers, to come along  and photograph the shelter rescue process.  Thank you Amy!
www.aboringphoto.com

The second half of the day is at The PRC's facility.  

We bring in our rescues one at a time and give them a thorough exam, and determine a course of treatment for any issues they may have.  

They are vaccinated, given flea/tick and heart worm treatment. 

Their age is verified through a dental exam. 

How much do they weigh?

This little doggy was so excited he was overflowing with kisses and enthusiasm. 

Kisses for everyone! 

Some dogs w/ skin parasites require a skin scraping to diagnose the parasite. 

Diligent files are kept on each rescue. 

A long, emotional day, but worth every second.  

We get right to work.  Once we have the medical exam completed we work to get them happier and more comfortable.  In this case, ridding Peggy Sue of her prison of mats of fur was a top priority.  

At the end of the day, Happy Faces and Happy Tails!  

Please support our Rescue. Rehab. Rehome program. The dogs featured in this blog will begin to be available in the next week or so.  Please send any inquiries if you would like advance information to adopt@thepetrescuecenter.org.

Donations from our supporters are how we keep our programs going, there is always a need. 

 www.thepetrescuecenter.org


Thank you for your support,
Blythe

adopt@thepetrescuecenter.org