Tag Archives: Dog

Foster Feature: Butch Part 4

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Foster Feature from Shellie!

Butch the Dachshund – Part 4: Part of the Pack

Even though Butch had been able to see my other three dogs through the dog gate for ten days and seemed anxious to meet them, he was rather intimidated when it finally happened. He stuck pretty close by my side.

I had put Oliver’s old collar on Butch, which happened to be the same color as Oliver’s current collar. They are both black and tan dachshunds, so once they started running around together, it was clear that having the same color collar was NOT going to work – I couldn’t tell them apart without looking closely! I’d call out, “Butch, no Oliver…no Butch.” Oh my!

My three dogs really wanted to play with him, but he didn’t seem to know what that was. When he finally got to come in my room and pile on the bed with everybody, once they all settled down he jumped down, went to the toy basket, grabbed a knotted sock, jumped back on the bed, and dropped it on my tummy. He didn’t want to play…but it was like he was bringing me a gift! And once again, my heart melted as I looked into his expectant eyes.

I found out from the Animal Control Officer that Butch had been abandoned behind a motel in their small town…probably not a good area, based on how he related the story. They left his metal kennel there with a pillow in it. He would run out and bite people and run back to his crate for safety. The police were called, and they closed the crate door when he ran inside and then called the ACO. He spent the next month or so in their city pound.

Butch hasn’t shown much aggression, but he still has triggers that set him off. We’ll be working on those areas and getting him used to strangers. Over time, he’ll learn to trust that he is safe around people.

We worked on food aggression when he was in isolation, and now when they all eat together, since he is the slowest eater, my three gather around close to his bowl in case he walks away and leaves something behind. He has not growled, raised his lip, or shown any signs of aggression toward them! Makes a momma proud!!

He’s also learning to play! He will get excited and run and get a toy and bring it near me and chew on it for a short time. And he’s getting a little less intimidated by my three and will run around with them a get a little playful. Slowly but surely, he is coming around!

Butch will continue through rehab and, when he’s ready, will be available for adoption through True Blue Animal Rescue. Please go to www.t-bar.org and complete the adoption application if you are interested in adopting him or any of the other great animals at TBAR.

I’d like to give a special shout-out to this kind ACO who genuinely cares about the animals in his care and does things others won’t to help them! Through his kindness to Butch and allowing TBAR to rehab him, he has given Butch the opportunity to heal both physically and mentally and have a chance at a happy life with a great forever family. Thank you ACO Butch Schmidt of Columbus, TX! Your namesake will make you proud!

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Foster Feature: Butch Part 3

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Foster Feature of the day by Shellie Bellinghausen
Butch the Dachshund – Part 3: Isolation

When we finally left the vet clinic, we headed home. I took Butch straight to the back yard and put him in his crate. Only he would be allowed to use the back yard for a couple of weeks; my other dogs would have to use the front/side yard.

After getting my three dogs fed and settled, I moved the crate upstairs to the spare bedroom, which I keep blocked by a dog gate. The rabbit cage was in the same room, so the two had to be placed on opposite sides. My dogs were, of course, excited about the new “stranger” and got rather upset that they couldn’t meet him.

When I brought Butch inside, it was straight to the bathroom for his first anti-fungal bath with the special shampoo the vet provided. I wasn’t quite sure how he’d react and was still well aware he could attack if he got to scared. But he was an absolute angel and very patient, as I had to bathe him FIVE times before the water finally ran clean when rinsing.

Isolation was tough for Butch. He really wanted to be with me and to interact with my other three dogs. I kept counting down the days for him, but it seemed to pass so slowly. And every time we walked into the bedroom and he saw his crate, his head hung low. He was always so good to go inside, but he was equally saddened.

He could hear them barking when I came home from work and let them out. He could see them playing in the hall when we’d come upstairs. But most of all, he felt left out of all the activity. He wanted my affection and time so badly, but he could only have it for a few minutes at a time.

For me, everything took twice as long, having to do the same thing twice, first with my gang and then with him. I changed his bedding twice a day, washing it daily.

The worming granules had to be given with a couple tablespoons of canned food, and then he refused to eat the dry. I had to mix a little canned with it for a few days, and finally he got used to the dry.

He started to get food aggressive, so I took the food from him, put the bowl in my lap, and told him it was mine and that I would share it with him, but he couldn’t growl or guard. I kept the bowl in my lap and let him eat there. Well, he decided that was a pretty fair trade and, after that, wouldn’t eat unless he could sit in my lap! That didn’t last long…I know that trick!

After ten days, and the mites dying off, I gave him his third anti-fungal bath and cleaned his ears. I told him I had a special treat for him when we were done. And special it was…he got to meet my pack finally!

To be continued…

Success Story: Piper

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This afternoon’s success story is Piper! Remember that mangy little dog that was found in a culvert pipe? He had been hiding there for weeks getting sicker and sicker while people who saw him kept looking the other way. Lucky for him Diane Holt saw him and vowed to save him. She captured him and got him the help he needed. Then she fostered him till he was healthy and ready for adoption. In the end Diane decided to adopt him and even though we call it a foster failure when the foster home decides to adopt it couldn’t have been a better outcome for sweet Piper because he loves the Holt’s as much as they love him and now he gets to live with them forever. Piper is one lucky boy!

Read Piper’s rescue story HERE!

Throwback Success Story: Taffy!

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Today’s Throwback Thursday is Taffy! We had the pleasure of having her visit us during open house last weekend. Here she is with her own little girl in the bluebonnets and a picture of her with her family during our open house! It always makes my day to see one of our rescue dogs with their family!

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Success Story: Pup!

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This week’s Success story catch up is Pup. This sweet dog was rescued by her foster home who couldn’t let her be sold by someone who flips dogs for cash. She took her home after rescuing her and adopted her out through True Blue Animal Rescue to be sure she’d have a great forever home. It couldn’t have worked out better. Just look at Pup’s new Mom’s happy face!

Foster Feature: Butch (part 1)

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Butch_Foster Feature Dog _ True Blue Animal Rescue TBAR Texas

Today’s foster feature is Butch the Dachshund – Part 1 (By Shellie Bellinghausen)

When one of our fosters advised me there was a dachshund at the Columbus city pound, I knew I had to call to see if he was still there. Yes, I’m the crazy dachshund lady…well, maybe a few dogs shy of being crazy.

When I called the city office, the lady I spoke with wasn’t aware of a dachshund but left a message for the Animal Control Officer to contact me. He called a couple days later and said there was, in fact, a young dachshund there, but he was very aggressive. He had bitten the officer, drawing blood on more than one occasion. If this had been anything other than a small town city pound, this dog most likely would have been euthanized right away,

This little guy had been there for over a month, and the ACO, whose name is Butch, was able to get him to at least let him pet him, but he still couldn’t pick him up. I was relieved to find out he was not dog aggressive, as the officer had put him in with another small dog for a little while, and they got along well.

After finding out the requirements for TBAR to be able to pull as a rescue and getting TBAR officer approval, I arranged to pick up this dachshund after our event that weekend. Even though they are closed on the weekends, Butch was willing to meet me there late that Saturday afternoon.

I had no idea how I was going to be able to work with an aggressive dog in my small condo with three other very active dogs (dachshunds, of course). Over the next few days, I kept praying God would somehow cause this little guy to feel completely comfortable with me and remove any aggressive tendencies.

When I arrived in Columbus that Saturday afternoon, I followed Butch to the kennels. As we walked to the gate, we could hear the dachshund barking at us. Once we were inside, he continued barking and growling viciously. Butch told me that several people expressed interest in adopting him, but when they saw how aggressive he was, they weren’t willing to take the chance. To me, there was no choice. This little guy needed help, and at TBAR, it’s what we do.

I brought hot dogs with me (bribery might work, I thought). But when I tried to give him a piece, rather cautiously so as to keep my fingers in-tact, he wasn’t interested. So I gave a little to the other six or eight dogs impounded there. I decided to give it one more shot with the dachshund, and this time he very gently took it from my fingers. That was a good sign, and I was encouraged. Still, I wasn’t sure how I was going to work with this little guy.

Butch was able to get him into the metal crate he had been brought in with, and I had him put a collar and leash on him that I brought with me. I figured this way I’d at least be able to control him when getting him out of the crate later. Into the backseat he went, and we started on our way.

I decided to call him Butch, after the ACO, who was a tough ol’ guy with a kind heart. This little dachshund was definitely tough, but I wasn’t sure how kind he’d be.

I immediately called the vet we use in Bryan, Dr. Thurstin at CCC Animal Clinic, and she graciously agreed to meet me at the clinic as soon as I got back to town that evening. I needed to make sure he didn’t have anything contagious before bringing him home. But how in the world was she going to examine him?!

To be continued…

Success Story: Roy!

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Today’s Success Story is Roy. He had been with us for years. He had separation anxiety and needed to be inside with people or he’d worry and pace. Being a large dog that made him hard to adopt. Then, a few months ago he met his special people and they knew it was a perfect match. Now Roy lives in a house and sleeps on a bed and has all the comforts he deserves. I ran into him and his owner at the vet for a checkup not too long ago and was amazed at how calm and content he is now. This adoption gives us faith that there is the perfect person for each of our rescue babies! Happy tails Roy! You deserve it!

Pet of the Week:

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Who doesn’t love puppies and a yellow lab puppy at that? This six week old puppy is looking for a family of her own! Her mother is a lab mix and little Carina looks like a beautiful yellow lab baby. She is healthy, up to date on shots and worming and ready to give love and puppy kisses. If you’d like to meet Carina or one of her black lab siblings give us a call or send an email.T-BAR is a no-kill rescue. Save a life and adopt instead of buying a pet. If you are looking for or would like more information on any animal you see on our website at www.t-bar.org and see all the animals that we have available and to learn 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. Or give us a call at 936-878-2349 and you can email us at [email protected]  to make an appointment.   Please remember to have all your pets spayed and neutered. It is the right thing to do. pet_6168_2 pet_6168_1

Foster Feature: Piper

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This weeks foster feature is Piper. Here is his story written by his Foster Mom, Diane Holt, who didn’t give up on this little guy. Please like and share his story until he finds a home!
Melanie

 

Piper’s Story:

My husband and I were traveling down FM 1155, in Washington, Texas on Sunday afternoon July 20th, 2014. I see this little thing on the side of the road. I wasn’t sure what it was at first so I tell my husband, STOP. I jump out and see that it’s a tiny emaciated dog on the side of the road. He starts to run from me and he goes under the road into sewer pipes ones about 3-4’ big with 4 in a row. I follow trying to help him; he was in the worst shape of any animal I have ever seen alive. My husband and I try for over 2 hours to get him with no luck at all.

We leave very frustrated, upset, and sad. This little guy didn’t have a chance in the heat. It appeared he might be living on a sticky smelly dead deer by the road and hiding in the pipes for safety. It was getting dark so we had no options but to give up for now. I vowed that we were stopping just for now because we certainly were NOT giving up on this little life that desperately needed help. I kept wondering how he had come to be tossed out on the side of the road and left there like garbage.

I didn’t sleep all night thinking about him being out there. The next morning I asked my husband to call me on his way past there to let me know if he saw him. He didn’t see him. So I headed back down there around 1pm with food-hot dogs, ice water and towels to try to find him again and if nothing else leave the food and water for him to find. When I got there I see that there was another good hearted couple that also saw him and had stopped because he and his wife had been seeing him for weeks. He wouldn’t let them help him either. The man said he ran behind him this time and he didn’t see where he went. We spent about an hour looking for him but couldn’t find him. His wife called Tbar rescue from the road. I put out the food and water for him so at least maybe he can get something to eat and drink and I’ll check back.

I came back later that day and see him. He ran when I got really close to him and he started screaming because he’s so frightened. He ends up escaping into a 14” culvert pipe at the bottom of someone’s driveway on FM1155. I try everything I can think of to get him to come out. I offered him hot dogs and water and use soft talking but nothing I did would coax him to come out.

This culvert is maybe 14” wide and about 30’ long so it’s a lot better to deal with than the underground sewer pipes. I work with him for hours in 98 degree temps; it had to be well over a 100 inside that pipe. Folks passed by and out of the driveway. No one stopped to help or even ask anything. I tossed him hot dog pieces. He loved getting them and came for water but would never allow me to get close enough to help him.

I decided the ONLY way this little guy was going to get saved is if we can trap him. I was about 4 miles from home, so I try to block both ends of the pipe off with towels and stones to hold him in there. Leaving the food and water for him I head back to a neighbors to get a live trap and a long PVC pipe to reach down the pipe to guide him into the live trap. I return to find he had escaped.

Now I am unbelievably frustrated because I knew this little guy did not have much time to survive these temps. He is very thin, weak and had almost no hair left due to mange. He was in need of rescue badly and now it was late in the day and I couldn’t find him.

Next morning I have my husband look for him on his way to the office and he didn’t see him. I head back down there around 11:30 with troops from Tbar to meet up because I was going to get this little guy today and get him the help he so badly needed. I get there and don’t see him but I’m going to set the trap up by the culvert pipe with food and water and just check it throughout the day.

I get down on my knees to set the trap up and look in the pipe and I see him looking back at me!!! I was so happy to see him. I wasn’t taking any chances this time so I set the trap up and locked it in place and put hot dogs up at the other end with water. Now I’m on one side with a PVC pipe and the trap is at the other end. Just in time Lauren from Tbar Rescue pulls up, I motion to her to get to the other end of the pipe. We toss him hot dogs but he wasn’t coming to us so we had to trap him.

With Lauren on one end and me on the other end Lauren starts to put the PVC pipe in the culvert pipe to chase him the other direction into the trap where I waited for him. Within 10 minutes we had him!!! Lauren and I hugged and thanked GOD for helping us get him as Melanie, another Tbar member, pulls up. Tears of relief after 3 days of trying to get him, it was a joyful event. Lauren says to me, ‘since you’re going to Foster him you get to name him!’ I said, what about PIPE….she replied how about Piper!!! How perfect. So now little Piper is my foster dog. Melanie loaded him up and off to the vets for help.

I will mention that I found out that he had been seen on this road in this condition by many folks over the last month or more. Some stopped and tried some just ignored him as it was someone else’s problem as if he was garbage. Yes, it took time to get him but his life was worth the effort.

Even the day I think I spent at total of six hours at the bottom of that driveway, folks actually drove in and out of that drive way and never even ask me if I needed help or what was wrong as they saw me at the bottom of their driveway in 98 degree weather crawling on the ground they just kept driving by vehicle after vehicle.

So I wonder about where the compassion has gone? If people do this to people no wonder they do it to animals. But if you just try, and keep trying or at least try to figure it out and not give up you might save a life. You won’t stop the problem, you won’t solve the grand issue but if you stop and try to help or at least report it to someone that can you’ll save at least that one life. Doing something is better than nothing, show some compassion and try, DO SOMETHING!

As it turns out Piper is a sweet, gentle and friendly 7 month old puppy who loves to sit in your lap. He also enjoys going for rides in the car, loves kids and gets along with other animals. Most surprisingly he’s completely housebroken too. He must have lived in someone’s house before they tossed him aside like garbage. Now he is mange free, vaccinated, neutered and ready for his forever home. He’s gone from being only 8 pounds to a healthy 14 pounds and he won’t get much bigger than that. He’s perfect for any family! Email [email protected] or call 936-878-2349 if you’d like to adopt Piper!