Throwback Thursday: Hemingway

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We got a call to go pick up a stray horse that nobody wanted and when we got there we found this skinny fellow. Even though he was thin we could see that he was special and had a majestic quality about him so we named him Hemingway. He finished his rehabilitation in his current forever home with Dr.Cassie Schuster. Now he’s back to his full glory and has the run of his new home. He eats healthy foods and treats and as you can see it’s keeping him at a good weight which is saying a lot for a 30 year old horse. Hemi is a great reminder that horses shouldn’t be skinny just because their older. Proper nutrition makes all the difference.

Hemi before and after

Success Story: Grayheart

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Amanda_Eric_Grayheart2

Grayheart was rescued with a large group of horses as a baby. Her foster home worked with her and taught her to trust and love people. Then Amanda and Greg met her and decided to adopt. They work with her and are training her to ride. Hooray for Grayheart and her new family! 

Ace and the incredible Rescue Transport Network

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Angie Hewett is a longtime supporter of TBAR (as she is one of founder Melanie’s sisters!) and recently she adopted her second TBAR dog! Where Angie lives, in Buffalo New York, it is much less common to see animals in need of rescue and adoption due to many factors, one of which is animal overpopulation control with the heavy promotion of spay and neuter programs. In many areas in the North it is much more common for spay an neuter to be enforced (otherwise you have to pay high licencing fees for your animals), and because of this there are many fewer unwanted pets in shelters than there are in the south (some even call it “pet underpopulation”). This with the combination of technology (websites, pet databases, etc) has created a whole new networking situation in the US today – people in the North want our unwanted pets, and a whole bunch of volunteers are ready to pull together to do rescue transport for dogs to get them up to their new forever home! In fact, compared to purchasing a pup up North, the transport option is still less expensive! Keep reading to hear about how rescue transport for dogs brought Jack and Ace together in their new family! 

TBAR Dog Transport (1)Jack and Ace are 2 dogs that we adopted from True Blue Animal Rescue. How lucky we are. We live in New York State and True Blue is located in the state of Texas.

We saw pictures of these amazing Dachshunds on True Blue’s Facebook page. I saw their pictures and really felt like somehow they belonged with me. I also could not imagine how I’d ever get them since I lived so far away from TBAR. I also was a little nervous because what if I found a way to get the dogs here and I found that they really weren’t good fit for our family.

As I previously mentioned Jack and Ace do live with us and here is how It all worked out.

TBAR Dog Transport (1)

Did you know that there is a transport service that will deliver reduce pets to anywhere in the US? Did you know that the fee to do this is not very much and the animals are very cared for and comfortable as they travel?

Well these services do exist, and it is exactly how we got both Jack and Ace

Now for the other concern I had. Both Jack and Ace were with one of TBAR’s foster homes. These people are amazing. They take these dogs in and do whatever they need to do to heal these dogs and allow them to be successfully placed in forever homes. The foster that had our dogs is named Shellie. Shellie is amazing. She started with sending us lots of pictures of the dogs and even sent us videos so we could really get a good idea of the dog’s personality. We also talked to Shellie several times over the phone.

TBAR Dog Transport (2)

We have young grandchildren and wanted to be sure Jack and Ace got along well with little kids. We also have another larger dog and wanted to be sure the little dogs would be ok with big dogs.

Well, Shellie solved this for us too. She took the little dogs to a friend’s house who had little children. Jack and Ace did well with them. She also went to another friends house who had a big dog. Another success.

After the conversations with Shellie and finding out how easy it would be to transport the dogs across the country we decided to adopt Jack and Ace, and I must tell you we couldn’t be happier.

TBAR Dog Transport (3)

I want you to know how worth it that it can be to adopt a rescue dogs. Sure there’s an adjustment period, you have to get used to each other (generally they tell you it takes at least 2 weeks for them to settle a bit and start to show their personality), but once this is accomplished you couldn’t have a better pet. Rescue animals really appreciate it when they feel safe and are finally in their forever homes.

Please don’t ever rule out taking a look at True Blue Animal’s website. If you see the perfect animal listing I promise you that transporting the animal to you will be easier than you could ever imagine, and you will be able to talk to the person fostering the animal to be sure this animal will be a good fit for you and your family.

We love Jack and Ace so much and we are so happy we took the chance. They really complete our family.

If you are interested in any TBAR animal, don’t let distance stop you from inquiring! Email [email protected] or call (936) 878-2349 and we can discuss with you our rescue transport for dogs!

Pet of the Week: Emir

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Emir POW.jpg

How much has anyone dreamed about riding an Arabian horse. Then how many that have not had that dream come through? Well this is your lucky day. Emir is a beautiful Arabian/Saddlebred mix young male. He is up to date with his shots, coggins, and is gelded. He has been started under saddle. He is about 14hh or a bit under. He is 6 years old now with several months of professional training. He has been ground driven, but no rider as of yet. He is level headed and given time to learn to trust his partner and working out for himself. He is beautiful and obvious probably full blood, but no papers. He was a part of a seizure of several of his buddies. He is at the perfect age for someone to adopt him and finish his training. He will be a perfect match to his partner and will give you all he has, as long as you give him TLC.

T-BAR is 501(c)3 non-profit no-kill animal rescue. Save a life and adopt instead of buying a pet. If you are looking for or would like more information on Emir, or another animal you see, please call 936-878-2349 or email,  [email protected]  to make an appointment – read about the adoption or foster program guidelines and download an application.  Fill it out and send it back (email or regular mail) and once you are on file as an approved adopter or foster home, you can meet any animal you want and take them home for a sleepover – try out. Please remember to have all your pets spayed and neutered. It is the right thing to do.

TBAR Foster Feature: Kassy Part 2

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TBAR Foster Feature Dog Kassy (3)

On day three I was outside with the dogs because I wanted to make sure Kassy used the potty so she could be loose for an hour before crating her again. I admit I was sleepy; it was 7:30 and too hot for coffee. I heard Jack make a funny noise. I looked to see Jack and Kassy playing with each other. It was amazing! What was even more shocking was she was instigating the play. She happily bounced over to Jack, raised a front leg, smacked him in the face and then began to run around him. Her tail wagging, she then bowed with her front legs stretched out and her hind quarters still up. This is the classic body language that my dogs use with each other meaning, “Let’s play!” Jack, who for some time I always have thought of as a puppy, looked at her like she was crazy. He barked once at her and I sat up and took notice. But Jack’s bark did not stop Kassy from her quest to play.

TBAR Foster Feature Dog Kassy (1)

In fact she wanted Jack to bark. His bark triggered in her the desire to run in circles around him and then come back and smack him again. Jack had a new best friend and he wasn’t sure what to do about it. He acted like a gentleman and played as long as he could stand, but once done he headed for the back door and then sat down.  Still, watching Kassy play was huge. Seeing a dog that was so full of fear when I first got her that she messed herself twice, now have a big doggy smile on her face was staggering. I began to understand that Kassy had no clue how to be a dog and now more than ever I was going to be relying on my pack to help this dog in need. I just wasn’t sure they were up to helping sort out such a backward little girl.

Day seven I was in for a surprise yet again. Kassy at this point still wanted to only be in her kennel. It was her safety spot. The cat’s basket that was in the same room as her crate also became a “safe zone.” Kassy enjoyed cramming herself into the beautiful Garden Ridge Pottery basket my mother had gotten the cats. For days our foster dog would transfer herself from the kennel to the basket, non-stop. Almost like she had no control over her actions. Then day seven happened.

TBAR Foster Feature Dog Kassy (2)

I should point out that at this time we also took in another Corgi mix named Bacon, from a rescue group in Nixon, Texas. Call me crazy, but when I saw her picture and plea for an adoption for a special needs dog I just had a hard time saying no!  My dogs before this have always been solid colors. I am not sure if that was by choice or fate. But Bacon was a black and white Corgi mix and she looks a lot like Kassy, only a bit shorter. But back to day seven. On the seventh day, I was on the couch and I saw a dog sleeping in the middle of the room I was in. At first glance I thought it was Bacon, who came to us a very socialized dog that slid into our home with ease, now asleep. I then looked at my feet and saw Bacon napping there. (She is like my shadow and I love it!) Kassy was sleeping in the middle of the room. Not under something, or in something, but in the middle of the room with nothing to shield her from me! Not only was she napping but she seemed to be at peace. I was so excited I started to cry a little. I didn’t think the dog would grow this fast but things were looking up. Her accidents when we touched her had started to disappear. Everything seemed to be going so well.  But then week two knocked us for a loop and we had major steps backwards.

To Be Continued…

We hope our “Foster Features” help to inspire others to open their homes to animals in need. If you are interested in becoming a foster home for a Texas animal rescue, please visit our info page, email [email protected] or call (936) 878-2349. It is because of foster homes like Casie that TBAR is able to save more lives!

Community Spotlight: Wal-Mart

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TBAR Donations from WalMart

Today we want to thank our community supporter, Wal-Mart, for their regular donations of animal food! It is the wonderful workers at the store that find the bags that are eligible for donation and put them aside for us, and then call us to come pick up the donation. These food donations are so valuable to us because they really make a huge difference in our costs. This regular donation allows us to feed more animals while keeping food costs low so we can and put donated and fundraised money toward medical care for all of our horses, dogs, and cats.

Thank you Brenham Wal-Mart and associates for making a difference in the community by donating to TBAR and helping to save more lives!

Friday Fluff: Dream Big

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True Blue Animal Rescue Dream Big Puppy

Little Moose knows he’s going to be a big dog – if not in size then at least in attitude!

Our Little Moose is a Corgie Mix, but he sure thinks he’s going to grow up to be huge! We won’t dash his dreams, because we know that no matter how short and stubby his legs might be he will fill up the whole heart of his future adoptive parent!

Do you or anyone you know want to give Moose his forever home? Contact [email protected] or call (936) 878-2349 and read all about our adoption process HERE!

 

Throwback Thursday: Tobi

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Poor Tobi was just a baby and had never known a full belly. Her coat was rough and thick and her body was frail and thin. As she gained weight her beauty shined through but in her heart she still had a hard time trusting. Thankfully there are people like Jason and Crystal Hunter who are willing to go the extra mile to help a horse like Tobi learn to trust again. They’ve been working with her on manners and saddling and it’s been a challenge but they’ve gotten further than most people could. We’d love to have an update on Tobi Jason and Crystal! How is she doing?

Tobi before and after

Success Story: Fancher

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This story is one we’ll never forget. This poor skinny dog was rescued by Animal Control in Hood County. This was one of the worst cases we’ve ever seen.

Fancher Before

 

But Fancher’s luck quickly changed and he went from Hood County Animal Control to True Blue Animal Rescue where he gained weight and learned to love and trust again. Then, while at our annual chili cookoff at Independence Harley Davidson in College Station Fancher met his special person. Taylor fell in love with Fancher immediately and adopted him. Then DA Nicole Stratso prosecuted his abuser and the judge sentenced him to 90 days in jail and a $2000 fine. A great big thank you to Deputy Kelly McNab for saving him, finding him a rescue and pushing for prosecution. Fancher is a lucky boy now!

Fancher (2)

How can you work with TBAR to save an animal in need?

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Chibabies

How can you work with TBAR to save an animal in need?

When possible, TBAR works with the community to network animals on our RAIN (Rescue Animals in Need) Facebook page. This posting also goes out to our networking email list, and is normally used for personal rescues when the person is able to pay the vet costs and provide shelter for the animal.

However, we do work with people who choose to volunteer their home (or find someone who is able to volunteer theirs) to take in an animal in need as a personal rescue. Sometimes there is a very time-sensitive window for people to pull animals from a shelter before they are euthanized, and the shelters will only release to an approved rescue. TBAR has the following established procedures to work with community members with their personal rescues (but please note that the TBAR officers must vote and approve the intake before this process begins):

TBAR Community RescueAPPROVED FOSTER HOME: The person agreeing to take in the animal must have a Foster Home application on file and have standing as a TBAR approved foster home. TBAR is a no-kill animal rescue, and this means we have limited space and depend on our foster homes having availability or a new one opening before we can take in a new animal. New foster homes have to be approved by our officers because when TBAR takes in an animal we are committing to said animal that they will go to a good home that is willing and able to give them proper care and treatment while they wait for their forever home.

INTAKE FEES: There is an initial intake fee of $150 for each new dog or cat. This covers the basic vet care (including intake evaluation, shots, worming, and other needed attention). Puppies or litters of puppies cost an additional $50 per puppy for their initial shots and worming. You can donate the fee yourself, or do your own online fundraising event and ask for pledges on sites such as Indiegogo or GoFundMe (and if you raise more than the fee for that animal it can go toward existing bills or future personal intakes). All donations made to TBAR are tax deductible. Those that participate in TBAR fundraising events throughout the year do not have to raise the initial intake fee as they have already contributed.

LISTINGS AND NETWORKING: Animals taken into TBAR will be listed on our website, Petfinder and other Pet Networking sites. They may also be listed as “Pet of the Week” to gain exposure on local radio , in local newspapers, and on our Facebook page. You can also submit photos and story for the pet to be posted as a “Foster Feature” blog on our website and Facebook.

ADOPTION APPLICATION: Prospective adopters for EVERY TBAR animal must fill out and submit an application before meeting the pet so we can check references.

MEET AND GREET: Once an adopter is approved a meet-and-greet is set up. The foster home can work with the adopter to set this up and help decide if it is a god match.

ADOPTION FEE AND CONTRACT: Adopters must pay $110 adoption fee for dogs (and puppies) and $75 for cats (and kittens). This fee covers spay/neuter costs (if the pet they are adopting has not been spayed/neutered then they will be issued a certificate to cover the expense when the pet is old enough). Each adopter must sign a contract promising to care for the animal.

pet_5735_3TBAR operates entirely on donations and solely out of foster homes. In order to continue to make a difference in the community we must adhere to our intake and adoption guidelines to provide the best care for our current and future animals. This ensures that we do not go over capacity and end up creating an unhealthy situation for our organization. As much as we’d like to save them all, we can only do so much, which is why we need community members to step up and become foster homes and help us with fundraising efforts!

TBAR is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is a no-kill animal rescue operating in the Brenham, Texas area.  Please consider donating, fostering or adopting.  Every little bit helps us to help another animal in need of safety and rehabilitation.  Save a life: adopt instead of shop and spay or neuter your pets!