Foster Needed for Gracie

Posted on April 5, 2014August 23, 2021 by Alissa

Gracie’s Story

*Warning: This posts contains an image that may be disturbing to some readers*

TBAR received a desperate request for help when a dog was taken to a Houston shelter. This sweet girl, later named Gracie, was found wandering around Lily’s new work and animal control officers were called because they knew this poor dog needed medical attention. She was covered in sarcoptic mange and you could see the desperation in her eyes crying out for help. Despite her discomfort, she was very loving and gentle and she touched Lily’s heart. She needed a vet’s care and Lily was determined to find a rescue who would give this dog a chance at life. The shelter she was sent to does not allow adoptions of bully breeds (to protect the dogs from possibly being used for breeding, fighting or as a bait dogs in a fighting ring). For many who send very loving and sweet dogs to these shelter’s thinking they are helping the animal not aware that the dog’s fate is likely euthanasia, it’s very heartbreaking knowing that the animal will end up put to sleep because it’s not safe for them to be adopted out. Shelters have a very high intake of animals constantly coming and going so they are not able to follow up with adoptions the way rescues can. So adopting out these dogs who are often targeted by people with less than humane intentions without being able to check in and see how the animal is doing could be very dangerous and irresponsible. These shelters may not allow public adoptions for these breeds, but they do allow rescues to pull them to give them a chance at a safe and loving home.

True Blue Animal Rescue responded to Lily’s desperate request and was willing to help this sweet dog. Gracie was pulled from the Houston shelter and immediately taken to the vet office to receive treatment. This is when we learned that not only did Gracie have sarcoptic mange, but she was also diagnosed with heartworms which required immediate treatment.

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Gracie has been doing well at the vet and Lily visits her often. Once Gracie’s mange is under control, she will desperately need a foster home where she can continue her heartworm treatment until she is healthy enough to be listed for adoption. Please consider opening up your heart and home to this beautiful girl. She has been given a second chance at life and you can see how grateful she is to have people who love and care for her. Now all she needs is a foster home where she can blossom into the amazing companion she was meant to be!

If you are interested in fostering or adopting Gracie, please email [email protected] or call (936)878-2349. If you can’t foster or adopt, please share her story with friends and family or donate for her medical care. If you can donate $1, $5, or even $15, every little bit helps and goes towards her necessary medical care.

Feature Foster: Olivia and Patrick

Posted on March 30, 2014August 23, 2021 by Olivia

I didn’t make the decision to become foster Mom to a TBAR foster dog lightly. I had been thinking and praying about it for some time now. While my dogs are a wonderful pack, I do have a corgi mix that seems to live with a lot of fear. But when Melanie informed me that T-bar was taking in two puppies that had been found on the side of the road starving I felt the pull grow. What sealed the deal was a picture of the two puppies side by side looking very thin and scared. Since My corgi mix is mostly scared of anything bigger than him I figured a puppy would be easy for him to get used to.

Our foster dog Patrick came into T-bar care on St. Patrick’s Day, hence his name. I could not help but notice his long legs and soulful eyes when Melanie and Teresa came by with him. Thankfully T-bar provided a crate for me to use for him. His ribs were showing and so were his hip bones. Knowing my dogs, I was right about their reaction to the newcomer. Lucia, my oldest, wanted to check on him non-stop, Chloe our middle dog, could have cared less (Patrick could be a new chair for all she noticed), and of course Jack, the corgi mix, was the biggest hurtle.

Patrick made it clear that his experience on the streets had given him encounters with bigger dogs already. Jack growled once and Patrick bowed his little head and hunched his shoulders. The puppy was going into a submissive stance to try and let Jack know things are ok. This dance has been repeated a lot in just our first week with Patrick, through no fault of the new arrival. Jack has trust issues and Patrick is responding very well. He gives Jack space, he knows not to try and play with Jack unless Jack invites him, which has so far only happened once.

Patrick picked up crate training pretty fast and had only one accident in the house which was mostly my fault because I stopped watching him when a friend came over for a visit. Since I work from home I have my dogs on a set schedule. Having three other dogs to model his behavior after has made things pretty smooth for us in adding Patrick into our pack. If Patrick were an over-eager dog, or insistent on jumping on Jack or our cats this would have required more work on our part. Thankfully Patrick seems to be one of those dogs that is Heaven-sent. He already knows to nap on a dog bed, or sit there and play. If I catch him chewing on something I firmly tell him no and then make sure to give him a toy that is okay to chew on. He is still a pup and is teething. All puppies like to chew but, it is up to those watching them to teach them the do and don’ts of what they can chew on. So far he has left shoes and socks that my cute husband leaves around untouched (which is more than I can say for Lucia, who loves socks).

It’s an honor to train Patrick and house him for T-bar. Many people have asked me questions about him so I will try and answer them now.

How is he with cats? Like all puppies Patrick wants to play. We have only had to get after him twice about the cats and his “chasing” efforts were fainthearted. He took two bouncy steps and then stopped.

Is he hyper? He is a puppy and has the desire to interaction and love. We make it a point to not pet him when he jumps on us, but to show affection when he is being calm or laying down chewing on a toy. This helps him not feel the need to jump on us seeking attention and love. Since he is a puppy I put time aside to run around with him outside and get him to move. Even so, he is a pretty low-energy dog. As I write this he is blissfully snoring on his favorite blue dog bed.

Does he bark a lot? He is not much of a barker. For now other dogs barking scare him a little. But this is a huge improvement from when we first got him. Dogs would bark and he would whine and want inside. He is getting braver day by day.

Is he good with kids? I always want people to understand that kids are high energy beings. They are young and they want to run, play and make noise. That will have an effect on any dog’s behavior, especially a puppy. Patrick is a gentle dog so if a family with kids wants to adopt him he will be safe, but always keep in mind it is up to you and your kids to help a dog remain calm and happy.

Fostering Patrick is something I am so excited to be doing and when a family comes along for him and he has a forever home I know that the amount of pride and happiness I will feel will be huge. Helping an animal get healthy and then find a forever home that fits him will give me joy beyond words. For now though, I am enjoying this new ride. Patrick has been so sweet that I am already thinking about doing fostering again! But I have to ask my corgi mix first!

We hope this story has inspired you to join in our wonderful group of TBAR Foster Homes. TBAR is a 501(c)3 non-profit animal rescue made up of only foster homes. We have no public funding for a central shelter location, so every person that can take in just one foster animal is a big help to our mission of saving lives. Read about fostering, or write to us at [email protected] to find out more!

Success Stories: Scooter

Posted on March 26, 2014August 23, 2021 by Alissa

Meet T-Bar’s Scooter

Last week, we listed Luna as our Success Story of the week. This week, we have the privilege of posting Luna’s brother Scooter as our Success Story!

Scooter was abandoned on the side of the road with Prissy (aka Munchkin) and her sister Luna (PeeWee). This little group of dumped dogs remained where they were – thinking their owner would be back for them and would take them home again. Instead, these three were lucky enough to be spotted by a T-Bar foster who stopped to see if they could be coerced into a crate. Scooter and the girls were very shy and nervous at first, but after a little time and patience, they warmed up to be loving little lap dogs who would do anything for pets and attention.

Here’s what his adoptive mom has to say about him:

“He is great. He loves the babies, my son is connected at his hip. He slept with us in our bed all night long…yes we allow animals in our bed. 🙂 He is great with our other dog and the cat and him don’t really care that each other exist…no issues and very happy momma!!!”

Thank you for giving Scooter a wonderful, loving forever home!

Pyr Story

Posted on March 25, 2014August 23, 2021 by Melanie DeAeth

In February Olivia shared the story of the Pyrenees Dog rescue. We are pleased to follow that up with the happy success story ending for these dogs!

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On March 12, 2012, after their final round of vet care, True Blue Animal Rescue sent Delia and Porthos, two Pyrenees rescue dogs, to New Jersey to be placed in forever homes through Eleventh Hour Rescue. In doing this we learned that northern states have done such a great job of eliminating their overpopulation problem that they currently have a shortage of rescue animals. With this demand for rescue animals in the north the southern states are now shipping hundreds there on a regular basis.

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Delia During Transport

We linked up with PETS, LLC., one of the transport companies that brings dogs all over the country to their new homes. We met with this transport team in Houston, TX where there were another 40 dogs loaded into an air conditioned semi truck by compassionate people who were knowledgable about dogs and how to care for them in a transport situation. We were comforted and happy to receive updates and pictures of our dogs during this three day trip. Then when they arrived in New Jersey we were notified and sent pictures to assure us that they made it safely.

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Porthos during Transport

Porthos and Delia in NJ

Delia in New home

Since it means saving more lives we plan to try and place more dogs in homes in states that have less rescue dogs than we do but we also know that this is not the answer to ending our overpopulation problem. Thirty years ago these states had the same overpopulation problems that we see in the south. I worked in an SPCA in New York State and experienced this first hand. Since then They enforced licensing laws, developed spay / neuter programs and educated the public in order to become no kill states. Knowing this gives me the assurance that we can do the same thing here in Texas, and other states who are still working to decrease and then eliminate their euthanasia rates.

TBAR is a 501(c)(3) non-profit no-kill animal rescue organization. If you would like to help animals such as this one please consider donating to TBAR, volunteering, fostering, or adopting. Donations go directly toward care, feed, and veterinary care of the rescued animals and 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!

Success Stories: Luna (aka Pee Wee)

Posted on March 19, 2014August 23, 2021 by Alissa

This little girl was abandoned on the side of the road with her sister, Munchkin, and another small black dog named Scooter. This little group of dumped dogs remained where they were – thinking their owner would be back for them and would take them home again.

Instead, these three were lucky to be spotted by a T-Bar foster who stopped to see if they could be coerced into a crate. Pee Wee, now named Luna, was very timid, but had nowhere to go, so she let the kind soul who found her come near. Even though she didn’t want to be picked up, this hungry little girl and her companions couldn’t resist the canned dog food they were offered, and they ran into a crate when they smelled it. Luna, Munchkin and Scooter were then brought to T-Bar to get the vetting and care that they needed. Luna was spayed, vaccinated, de-wormed and began her search for her forever family.

With a face as cute as Luna’s, it didn’t take long for a family to fall head-over-heels for this sweet girl. After filling out their adoption application, the Allen family got to meet Luna and decided they could not let her go. Now our little Luna has a wonderful forever family and two other fur-kids, Ike and Tucker, to play with and love!

T-Bar would like to thank the Allen Family for giving Luna a loving, forever home

Dog Rescue: Summer

Posted on March 18, 2014August 23, 2021 by Olivia

*WARNING: SOME PICTURES BELOW ARE OF A GRAPHIC NATURE AND MAY BE UNSETTLING FOR SOME VIEWERS*

On March 8, 2014, True Blue Animal Rescue was asked to step in and take custody of a dog in Somerville, Texas. T-bar founders Dale and Melanie DeAeth were accompanied by Somerville police to respond to reports that a dog was being severely neglected. Thankfully the dog, later named Summer, was not completely emaciated since a kindly neighbor had been attempting to give the dog food.

On approaching the house they saw that the dog was living in a fenced off area that was about four by three feet, and surrounded by debris. Before going into the cage Melanie and Dale looked Summer over and decided she was most likely a Staffordshire Terrier mix, but the dog was friendly and extremely happy to see people. Summer was not wearing a collar, so Dale made a makeshift one so that he could get her to the car safely.

While waiting on Melanie and the Somerville police officer, Chris Ruttrell, to exchange paper work, Dale DeAeth spoke calmingly to Summer. Summer loved the attention and responded with kisses. Summer twice attempted to make the jump into the DeAeth’s vehicle, but was too weak to make it inside. So Dale picked Summer up and placed her in a kennel to transport her back to T-bar.

Once at the T-bar rescue center, Melanie gave Summer a treat with worming medicine inside. The dog began rolling in the green grass and Dale held her on the leash waiting for Melanie to get more medicine. While waiting Dale notice she had sores on her rump from being forced to be in a sitting position almost non-stop. She also has a cyst or some other type of growth on her hip and cuts on her front legs. Next Melanie gave Summer a shot for Distemper, Parvo and Lepto before leading Summer to her new home near the other T-bar dogs.

Summer settled into her new home nicely and was treated to a new toy along with her new dog house and fresh food and water.

**Update on Summer. March the 11 Dr. Lee Panko of the Brenham Veterinary Hospital came out to T-bar to give shots to a few horses and dogs. Dr. Panko also gave Summer a check-up and took some blood samples. Summer tested positive for heart worms and he noted that she is heart worm heavy. He also pointed out that Summer was missing most of her teeth and he believed it was because she was gnawing at anything she could reach trying to get nutrients to survive. Since Summer is close to five years old these teeth will not grow back. Aside from her malnutrition, Summer’s biggest hurdle is the heart worms. Treatment will be expensive, but her case is so bad that her other surgeries will need to wait until the heart worms are taken care of. If you would like to donate to Summer’s rehab please click on the “Donate” button. Your donation, no matter what size, can make a difference in her life.

Pet of the Week: Meeko

Posted on March 17, 2014August 23, 2021 by Loretta

Meeko is a long-haired Chihuahua looking for a loving home. He has always been an indoor dog so he is fully potty trained and extremely lovable. Meeko is good with other dogs and cats and he even does great with kids too! He loves getting attention and being around people. Won’t you consider bringing this sweet boy home with you?

Pet of the Week: Polar Bear

Posted on March 10, 2014August 23, 2021 by Loretta

Polar Bear is a Great Pyrenees. He is an adult male, neutered, up to date with routine shots, house trained. You can tell by his picture why he was named Polar Bear.

This sweet Great Pyrenees dog wandered up to a kind person who couldn’t turn him away. This poor dog had a large, infected cut on his leg that needed medical attention so he contacted TBAR for help with the vet bills and help finding Polar Bear a forever home.

Polar bear is very friendly with children and adults and does well with the smaller dogs in his foster home. He loves to run and play all day long and would do well with a big yard or some land to run on. Polar Bear gives lots of hugs and adores getting pets and belly rubs. He walks well on a leash. All he needs now is the perfect family to take him home and love him!

For more information on how to adopt Polar Bear, please email [email protected] or call (936) 878-2349.

IWD2014 Inspiring Change

Posted on March 8, 2014August 23, 2021 by Jess

Today is International Women’s Day, a day for celebrating the positive achievements and strength of all women, everywhere.

The theme of 2014 IWD is “Inspiring Change”, and that is exactly what the ladies of TBAR strive for everyday! Our amazingly powerful group of women has been the driving force of this nonprofit in Brenham, Texas. Without them, TBAR would not be what it is today.

We would like to thank all of the women officers, staff, and volunteers that work hard to make this organization a success in its mission to stop animal cruelty. It takes great courage AND great heart to face the realities of animal abuse and neglect, and it also takes strength and determination to continuously give your time to a higher cause while maintaining jobs, homes, families, and other life situations. We encourage everyone to honor the women in your life whom you most admire, and remember the International Women’s Day vision: “make a difference, think globally and act locally!! Make every day International Women’s Day. Do your bit to ensure that the future for girls is bright, equal, safe and rewarding”!

Pet Sitter Appreciation Week

Posted on March 4, 2014August 23, 2021 by Jess

This week is Pet Sitter Appreciation week!

From all of us at TBAR, and all of our personal and foster pets, we want to THANK everyone who steps in when we have to step out. Sometimes it’s for fun things, like a vacation, sometimes it’s for sad times, like a funeral, but no matter the reason your pet only knows that you are gone. Some pets get sad and confused, and even might refuse to eat. Sometimes our pets may be old or sick, and our pet sitters make sure they get special love and their medicine on time. That is why we have to pick certain special people whom we know can be there for our pets. So for all those people that we trust to come into our homes, or to take our pet into their own, we thank you for being responsible and also loving to our pets.

Having a pet doesn’t mean you can’t get out and travel if you want/need to, it just means you’ll have to find someone who can take great care of your pet while you are gone! Visiting Pet Sitters International is a great way to locate a sitter. One of our TBAR volunteer staff members, Amy, is a regular pet sitter and offers the following advice to those looking for a pet sitter, or looking to become a pet sitter:

“I chose to take on pet sitting as secondary income to help pay surgery bills almost 2 yrs. ago. I wanted something with flexible time & didn’t want PT work after my FT job and something in retail or fast food. I love animals so sought out to get my name out there. I’m registered on care.com & sittercity.com Most of my success has come from care.com & word of mouth. I have a few regulars right now and love all their animals as if they are my own.

Always make sure to meet the owner & animals before the job starts to learn the routine, get emergency contact #s including their vet, trusted neighbor or friend, etc. Interact with the animals so you can get to know them & vice versa.

I love the interaction with the animals especially after a hard day at work. There is nothing more relaxing than talking to “someone” who is happy to see you, listens, & loves you unconditionally.”
– Amy Hemsell, TBAR Staff (and TBAR Pet Sitter)
Amy pet sits for the 10 mile radius from downtown Brenham and can be reached at 713-992-4700 or email [email protected]

And here is some advice (and notes of appreciation) from some of the TBAR Officers and Staff!

“As an owner of multiple dogs and cats, vacation time can either be stressful or not considered at all. We ask ourselves ‘how can we afford to go anywhere?’ A ‘Pet Sitter’ who comes into your home to care for your animals is the best way to go. Especially if you have large animals like horses or donkeys, someone who can come to your home twice a day to feed and check on your extended animal family is the best way to go. Be sure to provide a safe environment for each animal as the care taker will only be checking on them twice a day. Supply all medications, food, access to water and emergency phone numbers for your care taker. Planning ahead will make your vacation time away from home much more enjoyable.

My friend Harriet Patrick does “In Home Boarding” for limited number of dogs. She temper tests her boarders because they must get along with her own personal dogs. She likes to meet your dog in her home before you leave on vacation. There are certain advantages to an “In Home Boarding” environment over a professional kennel. Dogs are in the house interacting as a family. This situation causes less stress on the dogs. Harriet provides Pickup and Delivery if you are in a rush to get to your appointment or airline flight. Don’t worry about coming home to a dirty dog that has been in a small kennel while you are away. Harriet will also bath and groom on request. Harriet has 30 years training and showing dogs, and she has experience with older dogs and those with special needs.

Larriet Spaniels, Home Environment dog boarding: 11818 Beinhorn Dr (Houston, TX 77065), 281-705-0364, [email protected]”
– Linda Taylor, TBAR Marketing and Events Director

“I’d like to thank my sister and future brother-in-law for pet sitting my little furry man, Archie. Knowing I was going to be leaving him for two months was difficult enough, but having family there to care for him while I was gone was a huge relief.

Being trusted with someone else’s fur child is a big responsibility, but being able to bond with animals you don’t see every day is always a joy and can hardly be considered work! That is unless you’re pet sitting for TBAR. That’s hard work and all of the furry friend love you could handle in a single day!

You wouldn’t leave your children in the hands of strangers and neither should you for your pets! Always check references from previous clients for potential pet sitters.”
– Alissa Cannon, TBAR Secretary

“Finding a sitter that you can rely on is hard. But finding one that you know can take care of all your pets needs is even harder. My pets are my children and all have different little needs. I am grateful that I have a friend that is taking the time to try and bond with all my pets, even my most shy dogs.”
– Olivia Moore, TBAR Photographer & Journalist

“In our last city we had a great pet sitter. He loved his dogs and loved all dogs. Our dogs loved going there, and even used to stare out the back window and whimper when we took them back! I learned from his facility that a good pet sitter should be willing to let you visit them and show you where your pet will be staying. This will help alleviate YOUR stress, which will make your pet more at-ease as well.

In our new city we have not found a new pet sitter, so the pups have been staying at camp – that is, my parents’ house, and home to about 35 TBAR foster dogs! My dogs have so much fun running around with all the other dogs! Thanks Mom and Dad for taking in your ‘grand-dogs’ so I can take a break!”
– Jessica Ripley, Webmaster

“True Blue Animal Rescue is a volunteer organization made up of foster homes. We don’t have a facility with staff to take care of the animals. They are all cared for by the families who foster them. Foster homes usually have more pets than most people, making pet care a challenge. As the largest foster home in Tbar I know this first hand. I also know how important it is for us to take breaks from caring for the 30 or more dogs and over 35 horses that my family fosters at our home. To us, a good pet sitter is very important. We love and care for all of our pets and foster pets and we couldn’t leave and relax if we didn’t feel comfortable with our pet sitter. For us a pet sitter is someone who will not only feed and water the pets but will also be observant and look around and see how they are all doing. If they have any questions they can call and we can make sure that our pets are getting everything they need whether we’re there or not. With that type of dedication and communication we get to take the breaks we need so we can continue caring for this many animals and that’s what keeps Tbar going. So, on behalf of all the animals we help in True Blue Animal Rescue I want to say ‘thank you’ to the pet sitters we’ve had here and to all the pet sitters everywhere. I hope you know how important you are!”
– Melanie DeAeth, TBAR President