10 Things 2B Thankful For!

Pawsibilities Are Endless recently celebrated our one year anniversary. In doing so, we reflected on the first 12 months as a rescue and everything we had to be thankful for.

 

Top 10 list:

 

 

1) Our Families: Rescue is very difficult and time consuming work and often times the dogs see us more than our families' do. We appreciate our families' unwavering support. 

 

2) Our foster family: Yes, I said our foster family. Pawsibilities Are Endless is a very very tiny rescue in Rural Missouri. Pegge and I met by complete chance at a pet fair event; from there we communicated a bit online and not long after Pegge, Paul and Tim were fostering for us. Since that time this amazing group of individuals not only foster dogs for us but also host Pawsibilities' Pet Fairs, donate items, dog food and funds and even gave Sheba a loving home!

 

Fostering a homeless animal can be a very trying but very rewarding experience and through all the fosters we've seen come and go, this foster family has stuck by Pawsibilities' side and saved many animal's lives in the process. Thank you, Pegge, Paul and Tim!

 

3) Colorado Animal Rescue Express at Caretransport.org. With the help of Jake's Fund, we have been able to save more animals this year than we could have ever dreamed of. They have assisted us with funds for medical expenses, medical supplies and additional supplies needed for our foster dogs. They also help us by spreading the word when we have a dog in need, transporting our dogs out of Missouri when needed and spending time with us over the phone answering questions and giving us much needed advice when we come up against tough decisions. Thank you Lisa and Linda!

 

4)  Stacy's Pet Boarding at: http://www.stacyspetboarding.2freedom.com/ Stacy graciously donates a minimum of 1 kennel to us at a time; with out her 13 less lives would've been saved this year alone! Stacy also helps when I have medical questions and her wonderful family plays fetch with our foster dogs and keeps them socialized, giving us updates on our dog's personalities. Most of the dogs that Pawsibilities brings in to our rescue are in poor physical shape from ear infections, skin conditions, malnutrition and the list goes on. Stacy is absolutely wonderful about offering to take these dogs in to her care and throughout their healing process. Thank you, Stacy!

 

5) Jennifer C and her family!  Jennifer is gracious enough to keep up with Petfinder, list our dogs online, creating Chip In pages and still makes the time for her and the kids to host pet fairs with Pawsibilities! Oh, and did I mention, they also gave Big Jake a home? We had an 80 pound chocolate lab come into the rescue with an ear infection, skin allergies and more. Jennifer met him at his first pet fair and adopted him at his second! What can I say? He was a charmer! Thank you Jen and family!

 

 

6) Our Furry Foster Dogs: Most of the dogs we rescue have been through hell and back, yet at the end of the day once they get in to our foster homes, warm, safe, loved and (their favorite) well fed, most of these dogs tend to "let it go" and become the most loveable, appreciative and well behaved dogs you could dream of. Thank you to our wonderful, warm-hearted pups!

 

7) Pawsibilities directors Kim and Monica. Thank you for everything you do from fielding phone calls, texts and emails to keeping up with our Pawsrendless.org website! I could never do this with out you!

 

8) Jennifer M and Joy M: Thank you SO much for the fundraisers you have done for us!! With your support we will be able to continue saving lives into 2012!

 

9) Petco in Blue Springs, Mo: This Petco has allows us to do Pet Fairs at their location long before Pawsibilities Are Endless was even formed. Even though we only take sometimes 1 or 2 dogs to an event; this Petco welcomes us with open arms any time we feel like showing up! Thank you to the managers and staff of Petco off of Adams Dairy Parkway in Blue Springs!

 

10) The rescue community at large! When I first started fostering in rescue I had no idea the scope and reach rescues had. I thought we were just a little rural area and wondered how the dogs I would be fostering were ever going to find homes in such a small and over populated area. I soon learned that rescue is a massive, international web consisting of directors, fosters, transporters, crossposters, fundraisers, donors and the list goes on and on including volunteers to walk dogs, to rescue Tweet buds on twitter and even Facebook Friends! I was soon seeing my foster dogs from rural Missouri being saved by fabulous rescues in Colorado, Nebraska and Minnesota! There are groups fighting to stop Breed Specific Legislation to stop Bully Bans and even groups focused on education.The rescue community is a very devoted and passionate group of animal lovers and I thank the entire rescue community at large for their love and dedication for every animal saved every day of every year.

Thirty Things I'm Thankful For

I know it's very cliché (and early) to do this at this time of year; however, I have been so blessed lately, yes, I said blessed; I just had to do this. For those of you who know me, you know I am a self-pronounced pessimist. I very rarely think positive and if something good happens; I am always thinking, “How can this go wrong,” because I’m actually expecting it to go wrong.

So, when things started looking up for me lately, I was tentative to believe it, and still am. However, I have realized I am not as stressed out as I usually am and have even caught myself smiling a few times. So, I have decided I must thank everyone around me who has helped me smile lately.

I don’t know if I can come up with thirty, but I sure will try. I may surprise myself.

#1  (Again, Cliché again, but so true)
My family. Between mom and daughter nights, my husband making special chip dips and my son backing me up every which way he can with the animal rescue; they have given me much to be thankful for. Sometimes we can take these things for granted, and of course we do much of the time; but these small things make a world of difference in our lives whether we realize it or not. I’m realizing it.

Thank you to my family!!!

Help Save One Life

Did you know? At this time Pawsibilities can not accept pregnant mothers into our rescue. Due to Depart-ment of Ag rules: the moment puppies turn 8 weeks they are considered their own dog & our group does not have enough foster homes to comply. We need help.
We need fosters in the Blue Springs, Warrensburg, Higginsville, Sedalia, Windsor, Whiteman AFB and surround-ing areas for cats and dogs. For every foster home we have, that is one or two more lives we can save. Those willing to take on momma dogs/cats, that is one more momma who doesn’t deliver in a shelter where many times puppies, if they survive the whelping process, contract parvo and don’t make it.

If you are interested in fostering for Pawsibilities Are Endless or adopting one of the adorable girls shown above, please contact Lora at Pawsibilities@ymail.com

About us:

pawsibilities@ymail.com or pawsrendless.org to start the application process. Our tiny rescue is located in Central-West Missouri not far from Warrensburg, Sedalia and Whiteman AFB. We specialize in helping animals in need find their forever homes. To assist in these efforts not only do we provide local adoptions but we work with other rescues to find homes for our furry packages across the United States. In Pawsibilities’ mind nothing compares to helping an animal find their happily ever after.

Linda Needs Training

-We would like to thank Colorado Animal Rescue Express at www.caretransport.org for their generous donations towards medical supplies for Pawsibilities dogs in the month of May!

-Linda, our German Shepherd/Lab mix is in desperate need of obedience training. If you would like to assist us in this cause we are accepting donations. Donations can be made by Paypal to Pawsibilities@ymail.com or checks can be mailed directly to Post Oak K-9 Training Center 341 SW County Road BB, Warrensburg, MO 64093.
Please note "Dog: Linda Rescue: Pawsibilities"on  your donation.

Classes are $30 each.

June Featured Pet

Sheba is a sweet Chihuahua/Shiba Inu mix. She loves attention, cuddling on the couch, and going to the dog park. This is a sweet dog who just wants to find her forever home.

Her adoption fee is currently $100 and she has had all her vaccinations and a full dental cleaning. ****************************************

view at http://www.pawsrendless.org/

Tornado Preparation for Animals

We have emergency plastic kennels in the basement already set up with blankets. We also have an extra container of dog food, extra bowls and their dog bathing supplies/toothbrushes, etc. Of course their vetting paperwork, etc. All of this is being stored in the basement just in case.

What are we not thinking of ??

No Kill Rescues- Education Could Mean Everything

http://youtu.be/YoMOTXLWDrw   Please take the 3 minutes to watch this video. If you like it, please sign in and click on the "like" button. If you agree, please take the time to use the many "share" options available.   A great way to help your local no-kill rescue/shelter is by helping educate your peers.   See our "how you can help" page on pawsrendless.org to see how you can assist our tiny rescue or a rescue/shelter in your

Obedience Training

Many dogs that are come from shelters/pounds have personality issues and may be difficult to adopt out. Basic and obedience training with a professional may be an option to not only improve the dog's well being, but also to give them a higher chance of adoption.

Thank you to all rescues/fosters who take these dogs in to your home.

Disappointing Day for the Dogs

No one found their forever home today. I'm sad for our foster babies.

Don't Give Up Your Principals

Almost everyone I know in animal rescue have volunteered for at least two and many times several groups before finding one that fit for them. Some even started a group of their own.

If you are working with a rescue you don't feel comfortable with, there are great rescues out there who would love your help.

If working with a particular rescue is causing nothing but stress for you, there are plenty out there that will work with you and your needs.

Above all, remember you are the volunteer; don't go against your heart and your gut. If you find that you are being asked to do that, maybe it is time for a change.

http://www.pawsrendless.org/

Foster a Furry Friend

Why foster?

You see it in shelters all over the country; they are full, overflowing. Some have to put several dogs in one kennel to prevent euthanasia. Often times dogs who come to the shelter sick, even with very minor illnesses, are put down because shelters barely have the resources to care for the healthy.

Many shelters have rescues that work with them, so you would think the rescues could take in all of those sick and over-abuntant animals; but then the rescues fill or the finances deplete,  then what happens?

Many rescues have the flexibility to allow you to foster anywhere from 24 hours to long-term, healthy dogs or dogs with medical problems. Many rescues provide all vetting, food, etc. You could even foster a cat.

If it breaks your heart when you see the commercials of animals in cruel and depressing situations and you haven't done it yet, contact your local rescue or shelter and open your home up to an animal in need. It may be cliche to say you could save a life, but you could, by simply opening your home to a dog or cat in need.

http://www.pawsrendless.org/

What you can't tell dogs

or maybe you can, I just haven't figured out how yet:

There is a very sweet basset mix named Katie in the Windsor Pound in Missouri. The only problem is that she doesn't like other dogs. She had 2 families interested in giving her a new home today and she couldn't go home with them because they already had dogs.

If only we could tell her if she played nice she'd have a nice, safe, warm home I bet she'd change her tune, but instead, she's back on concrete with no love and affection tonight.

We need a dog whisperer.

And don't get me started on the fluffy feather pillow named Sampson.

Items your local rescue or shelter may need

Basic Items -Collars, Leashes, Harnesses -Toys -Stainless Steel Bowls -Blankets -Towels and Rags -Cleaning Supplies -Frontline -Interceptor -Peanut Butter/Kongs -Dry Dog Food and Snacks -Dog Cone (cone of shame) -Dog House(plastic only)   Crates/Carriers -Dog Kennels/Dog Runs Grooming Supplies -Shampoo -Ear Cleaner -Toothpaste/Toothbrushes -Flea Spray/Flea Powder Even the small things count, furry or not.

Cleaning Supplies -Paper Towels -Disinfectant Sprays -Dishwashing Soap -Pine Sol/Bleach -Laundry Detergent -First Aid Items -Rubber or Latex Gloves -Green Scratch Pads -

Adopt the Internet Day

Don't forget it's Adopt the Internet Day on Petfinder.com.


If you twitter ##adopttheinternet


Have a great day everyone!

Pawsibilities March Edition2

 

 

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Special Need of the Month:

Pawsibilities is in need of foster homes! There is an application process that includes a home visit and then a final foster contract. If you are interested in giving a dog in need a safe and loving temporary home until they find their forever families, please email us at Pawsibilities@ymail.com. We are looking for fosters in the Warrensburg, Sedalia and Windsor area and farther out towards Blue Springs.

Pawsibilities March Edition

Take a look at Pawsibilities’ website: http://www.pawsrendless.org/

Featured Pet of the Month: 

Sampson’s Story: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNzY_bZt2zE

Sampson, a Great Pyrenees mix, was so weak at first; he had to lean against the ACO to keep from falling over. We took him to an animal hospital where he was treated for a week, placed on a special diet (which he is still on), given antibiotics, had his neck shaved and then the neck was treated daily (from being tied to a tree). http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/18436066

Sampson does have some unresolved issues from his past life and has started a behavioral program to overcome them. He's a very sweet and beautiful dog, but this is something I needed outside help with.  He’s taken two classes so far and has improved quickly.    

   

The one on one sessions are $30 per class. If you would like to help with Sampson’s obedience classes, please send Paypal payments to: Pawsibilities@ymail.com in honor of “Sampson’s New Life.”  Please note that since we are not a tax-exempt organization, donations are not tax deductible.

 

Pawsibilities 5 Month Anniversary

To view Pawsibilities’ petfinder page go to:

 http://www.petfinder.com/pet-search?shelterid=MO568.

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Thanks to all of our adopters who have given our animals new homes!! With out your love and large hearts these dogs may not have been given their second and much deserved chance in life! Waylon, adopted!!

Pawsibilities would like to remind adopters, we never tire of getting videos, photos and general updates on Pawsibilities’ dogs that have found their forever homes. We get very attached to these animals while they are in our care, and love to hear from you on how they are doing in their new lives!

Check out Pawsibilities’ You Tube channel at http://www.youtube.com/Pawsibilities1 to view videos of our adoptable pets, pets that have found their forever homes and videos of our own furry family members.

Does The Gov Luv Dog Breeders?

I have very recently fallen directly from the womb in to the world of dog rescue; when I landed, I landed flat on my face. That may be a dramatic over-statement, but it feels just about right. In less dramatic words; I'm trying to say I was naïve to the tenth degree.


Over the past month I have had a dog breeder contact me on several occasions, giving me jibes about the strict paperwork I keep, among other things. At first I was a bit confused by this, as I assumed we all had to go by the same Dept of Ag regulations; however, the more I read the rules, the more I began to understand why this breeder would take this all in with a sarcastic laugh at my expense, pun intended.

If the rumors are correct, Missouri is the #2 state in animal overpopulation, running 2nd behind Kentucky. However, regulations for running a rescue are much stricter for our state than many other states with very low animal populations, and we have fees many other states aren't required to pay. The rescue I work with was only 3 months old and our directors had already paid over $1000 out of pocket in vet bills and fees required to start the rescue, when we were required to pay the annual fee, plus the per dog fee to renew our license, not due to any error on our part, but simply because that's the law in Missouri.

So, where does the breeder fit in to all of this? As I'm going through the Dept of Ag regs, for my 3rd time, attempting to understand and remember every detail, I become very aware as to why this breeder takes this all in as a joke. If I'm understanding these forms correctly,  if  you want to send a dog to a lab, not only can a person make a decent living as long as they have no consiense, but they also have almost complete freedom from regulation, second to them is the breeder. After that you get in to the pound, shelter and rescue arena, with animal rescues seeming to have the most restrictions, the most records to keep and the highest fees.

Now, I could be wrong about this; and I would love to be proven wrong on this. If you have time, please read The Dept of Ag CSR 30-9 and, if you understand it, post your opinions here.