You know that saying that goes something like, "It's the dogs who find their people, not the other way around." Well, nothing could be more true in Star's case.
Please click on Star's photo below to read more about her.
April 21, 2010
April 19, 2010
Things are looking up... literally!
Last weekend, NMDR's kennel received something a lot of us may take for granted... a roof over our heads.
The middle room of the kennel holds the special needs dogs. It's usually a little warmer and a little quieter in there. Post-surgery dogs and those that need careful attention reside in the middle room. Up until Saturday, this room didn't have a ceiling, just the tall tin roof above it. NMDR is proud to announce that we now have a sturdy ceiling over the special needs pup's heads. This will keep the room much warmer in the winter, cooler in the summer and save NMDR hundreds, if not thousands, annually on utility bills. Hooray!
Photos of the hard working crew on Saturday:
Special thanks to The Colorado Four Wheelers. Members of the Colorado Four Wheelers volunteered several days worth of time and effort at the kennel to put up the ceiling. Thank you to Brad Cook, Bob Zupan, Gary Alvino, Dan Stevens, Carlos Sanchez, Gina Iken, Michael Iken and Stephanie Iken.
Huge thanks to dedicated volunteers Marcy McReynolds and Tom Johns for coordinating this project and just getting it done. Tom, we all know you spent A LOT of hours on this one!
And, last but not least, you know we couldn't have a blog post with out photos of dogs. :-)
Despite all the construction noise, the resident Iggys slept through the whole thing....
The kennel keeps improving, in little ways, every day. The entire organization of NMDR could not be more proud of our clean, efficient, heavily utilized facility. Thank you to all who donate, volunteer and take pride in caring for dogs the way we do.
April 16, 2010
It's not just the dogs who inspire us...
If something happened this week that has you going into your weekend lacking faith in mankind, please do all you can to let it go. National Mill Dog Rescue would like to show you a photo of our future...
Last week, a very generous young lady had her 9th birthday party at National Mill Dog Rescue's kennel. Instead of asking for presents, she asked for donations for NMDR. Katie, the birthday girl, is in the middle of the photo, holding Pippi the rescued Shih Tzu.
We would like to share a quote from Katie's Dad, in reference to the facebook post that occurred at the moment that Katie's birthday party was going on at the kennel...
"Thank you so much for having us at the kennel, we have been checking in and reading the comments. They are priceless and have confirmed for Katie she did the right thing. Complete strangers praising her actions can not be beat and it is better then any gift wrapped package she might have received. Being a proud parent is an understatement."
The kids enjoyed socializing with a few of the furry residents at the kennel. Here's a pic of the kids lovin' on Cady the Boxer....
National Mill Dog Rescue would like to thank Katie, not only for her generous donation, but for inspiring our whole organization and our readers to be better people. If a 9 year-old can keep the love of dogs first and foremost in her heart, then we know there is hope that dogs can and will be treated as loved family members, now, and for generations to come.
Thank you Katie.
April 13, 2010
Rescue is not always a story of triumph
Thank you for following the past 5 days on our blog as NMDR has taken you from the beginning of our rescues, all the way through the intake at the kennel.
Although many, many furry souls were saved, unfortunately, rescue does not always end in a story of triumph. We are sharing this with you because tonight, we are heartbroken. Rather than be frustrated, angry, sad and run the gamut of emotions alone, we wanted to say goodbye to Kiki with all of you. In your hearts, you were with the rescue teams as they made their journeys this weekend and you are with us now, as we nurse 70+ dogs back to health and happiness. As Kiki's rescue was shared with followers, we believe she would want the same in her departure.
Kiki was rescued three days ago from a puppy mill. She was a 6 year-old Pomeranian who weighed a meager 4 lbs. Kiki was transported by Rescue Team 3 (Theresa, Dayna, Amiee) and they cared for her tremendously from the minute she was surrendered by her breeder. Sadly, after 6 years of neglect and a complete lack of vet care, Kiki was suffering from tracheal stenosis and her lungs were severely damaged. Upon intake at NMDR's facility, Kiki's heart was failing and she was having difficulty breathing.
A few words about Kiki from Helen, NMDR's intake coordinator...
"Kiki really loved snuggling. Even though the intake was a crazy day, somehow volunteers managed to take the time to continually snuggle with Kiki, no matter what was going on. She was so very thin. I gave her 100% chicken canned food and she loved it. She may have only had a few hours of freedom but we did everything we could to make every moment count for her."
We would also like to share an excerpt from an email written by Theresa Strader, NMDR's founder and Kiki's rescuer....
"I just had to let a little Pom go that just came in yesterday morning. She had severe lung damage from years of an untreated respiratory condition. She was suffering. Unfortunately, it was her time, altogether too soon. I carried her outside, let her sniff a big ol' pine tree, let her feet touch the grass, let the sun shine on her back and the breeze blow her hair around. These are the simple pleasures she never knew until today.... moments before she passed on."
Kiki finally found her forever home this afternoon. She made her trip over the rainbow bridge in Theresa's arms. Tonight, Kiki breathes easy, enjoys warmth, open space, kind companionship and all the tasty pieces of soft chicken she can possibly eat. What she will remember from her last moments on earth are not cold wires and neglect, but compassion, a kind touch and comfort in knowing that because of her, NMDR's mission only gets stronger.
Sweet dreams Kiki. We loved you briefly, but you touched us forever.
A few photos from the intake last night
What's an intake?
Well, an intake for NMDR means that a systematic approach occurs to put the new arrivals (aka dogs from the last rescue) on record at the kennel. First, each dog is given an intake sheet, a collar, an NMDR tag and a hug. On the dog's intake sheet is where their name, NMDR number, age, medical needs, grooming needs, etc. are written.
As you can see by the photos, an intake at NMDR is organized and quite efficient. Volunteers carry the dogs through the stations to make sure each one receives their immediate needs, like vaccinations, and future needs are written down.
Did you see any particular dog or breed type that you really wanted to help? For just $10, you can change that dog's life, forever. More info
April 11, 2010
52 more rescued and on their way to CO!
Rescue Team 2 (Theresa, Dayna, Amiee) picked up 52 dogs this morning and are making the long haul back from MO to CO. They anticipate arriving around midnight.
A few photos of the newly rescued dogs in transport:
Most of the dogs surrendered by any puppy mill and rescued by NMDR are older, retired breeding dogs. This was the case today. However, it is also not uncommon for breeders to turn over their "misfit" puppies. Which was also the case today. Puppies who have deformities or health issues do not make for good breeders and are also destroyed if not rescued.
So, in addition to the 40+ retired breeders, NMDR's Rescue Team 2 will also be returning with a Pug puppy that has a stage 4 heart murmur, a Maltese pup who's heart murmur is as severe as we've ever seen, a a Shih Tzu puppy that has paralyzed back legs and another Shih Tzu pup with and umbilical hernia. All of these puppies, along with the mature dogs rescued, will find their necessary vet care, human kindness, and eventual forever homes through National Mill Dog Rescue.
Two photos of the pups below.
Dayna, NMDR's medication coordinator, working her magic on a Pug puppy with a grade 4 heart murmur:
Maltese puppy with the most severe heart murmur a dog can have. If there was anything higher than Grade 5, this poor litte guy would have it. :-(
Meanwhile, as Rescue Team 2 makes their way back home, Rescue Team 1 is currently only about an hour away. Gail and Shirley should be arriving at the kennel very soon with their precious rescued cargo of 1 maltese, 4 Italian Greyhounds, 2 eight year-old Japanese Chins, 1 Chihuahua and 1 Beagle. Let's hope this little group is able to settle in quickly, comfortably and sleep soundly through their first night.
Thank you to our rescue teams for enduring a long weekend that most of us couldn't stomach. The emotions of anger, confusion, love, compassion, joy and sorrow, combined with the physical exhaustion of being on the road is unfathomable to most of us. Our gratitude really isn't what matters though.... it's the dogs who thank you and will show it with their unconditional love and loyalty for the rest of their lives.
April 10, 2010
Team 1 - 9 rescued. Team 3 - 7 rescued. On their way!
The dog auction in Kirksville wrapped up late this evening and NMDR's Rescue Team 1 will be headed back to CO tomorrow morning. They will make the trek with 9 rescued dogs as precious cargo. 1 maltese, 4 Italian Greyhounds, 2 eight year-old Japanese Chins, 1 Chihuahua and 1 Beagle will arrive with Gail and Shirley tomorrow afternoon.
Rescue Team 2 departed the auction to head deeper in to MO and will arrive at their resting point around 1 AM. If all goes well, they will be loaded up with 60 to 70 puppy mill survivors and be able to start the long drive back to CO tomorrow afternoon.
Team 3, Darrell, just crossed over the KS/CO border and should have the 2 Huskies (picked up from Iowa) and 5 Shih Tzus safely in the kennel by midnight tonight. The 5 Shih Tzus where early rescues purchased for a few cents from the auction before they met their fate. The older the retired breeding dog, the less they sell for and the less likely they are to be wanted or purchased by another breeder at a dog auction. NMDR will try to save any dogs they have room to transport. Retired breeding dogs who are not purchased (usually for a penny or 50 cents) are destroyed at the auction.
Lastly, ending your night on a happy note... a few happy pics shared by Hope's new family....
Below is what Hope remembers of the 3 hour drive home from being picked up in Clarksville:
Photo of Hope's first shopping trip:
Quoting from an email received today from Hope's daddy, "This morning our house experienced hurricane Hope. All 43 of her toys are displayed through our house in a way only accurately described as chaos."
Admit it. You're happy for Hope and her new family, but the realist in you is secretly thrilled at this late hour that you're not the one who adopted a 9 week old puppy. :-)
Sleep well with your loyal old dog everyone. Goodnight from National Mill Dog Rescue.
Rescue Teams 1, 2 & 3 are all starting their day together
Rescue Team 1 traveled a total of 721 miles yesterday and finally stopped around 1 AM to get some much needed rest. They stopped with a little over 200 miles to travel to the auction site this morning.
But oh what a day Rescue Team 1 had yesterday. Below is a pic of Hope being picked up by her forever family. Such a moment! We are all SO happy for Hope and her new family.
Rescue Team 1 also was able to drop off the 26 dogs picked up in MO at a shelter in Clarksville, TN yesterday evening. The group of rescued dogs were all ready for North Shore Animal League to pick them up today! Below is a pic of the dogs getting vetted in Clarksville last night. They got their shots and heartworm tests. All heartworm tests were negative. Yay!
Rescue Team 2 (Theresa, Dayna, Amiee) made it to Kirksville, MO late last night and had a safe drive. They are ready to help the team at the auction today and then head deeper into MO to pick up 50 to 60 retired breeders surrendered from a puppy mill.
Rescue Team 3 (Darrell) was able to pick up the pair of young Huskies yesterday from Iowa and then joined the other two teams in MO last night. Darrell will be returning to CO late tonight with the Huskies. Between the two dogs, they only have one good eye. The husky in the first photo was injured when attacked by other dogs and lost vision in his left eye. The husky in the second photo is completely blind.
Both of the Huskies, are in the care of National Mill Dog Rescue now and only better days are ahead for them from here on out.
Please keep all our rescue teams in your thoughts today as they attend the dog auction and then go their separate ways... some to drive deeper into MO to rescue more and some to head back to CO with those already saved.
April 09, 2010
NMDR's rescue teams currently on the road... just grew to 3!
Rescue Team 1 picked up 26 dogs in Lebanon, MO early this morning. Darrell arrived to help Shirley and Gail load the dogs. Shirley and Gail and headed out on the long road to Clarksville, TN, as soon as the dogs were loaded.
Photos sent an hour ago from Rescue Team 1:
Rescue Team 1 is driving through Kentucky at this moment and should be meeting Hope's new family within the hour.
Below is a great pic taken this morning of Darrell holding Hope. Before loading the dogs, Darrell got a moment to cuddled with Hope for a few minutes. In the spirit of the "small, kind, world of dog lovers" that this rescue blog has become, Darrell also has been connected with Hope from her very first breath. He was there when she was born. Hope was breech coming out and Darrell grabbed a hold of her tail to pull her out.
Picture of Hope and the reunion with her proud papa this morning:
Rescue Team 2 (Theresa, Dayna, Amiee) headed out this morning to make it to Kirksville, MO by nightfall. They are driving a huge rented van that can hold 70 to 80 dogs/crates comfortably. The only problem is the wind through Kansas today! Theresa's got both hands on the wheel.
Photo below of Dayna and Theresa stopping to clean bugs off the windshield. Must be spring time!
Rescue Team 2 will be adding two stops on their way back to CO on Sunday. In addition to the planned 50 dogs they will be picking up (released from a puppy mill), they will also be stopping to get another 5 and another 8 (cockers, cockapoos, chihuahuas) from different breeders. All dogs to be picked up by Team 2 on Sunday (the 50, 8 and 5) will all be saved from being euthanized by their breeders.
Now, for great news! A third rescue team has been added to NMDR's mix this weekend. Darrell is currently what consists of Rescue Team 3. After helping load the dogs in MO this morning, he headed straight up to Iowa to rescue two Huskies. Both dogs could not fit in transport from the last rescue a month ago. One of the Huskies is completely blind and the other is missing an eye. Both are young 5 month old litter mates. After picking up the two dogs, Darrell will then head back to MO to help the other 2 teams at tomorrow's auction and will transport back to the kennel in CO late tomorrow night.
This is how it all gets done. This is what happens every few weeks in the world of National Mill Dog Rescue. It takes a team effort 100% of the time.
The big picture is that none of this rescue effort should have to happen at all. However, since that's just the way it is for now.... a huge thank you goes out to our rescue teams and hugs to the furry souls on board.
2 new furry souls on board...
Last rescue update from team 1 for the evening...
Shirley and Gail arrived in Lebanon, MO late tonight and picked up two Cavaliers (breeder surrender) from a small town along the way. The two new rescues were treated to a gentle bath and a tasty dinner. They will join the other 26 dogs that this rescue team will pick up tomorrow morning and transport to Clarksville, TN.
Darrell, good ol' big hearted, Darrell, just happens to be in MO for work and will be driving to meet the ladies early tomorrow morning to help load the dogs for transport. Who says chivalry is dead?
Earlier today on the drive, Hope and Olivia wanted to be up front with their people and were caught in a kodak moment sleeping soundly between the jackets and luggage.
In a heart-warming,"it really is a small world for dog lovers" kind of way, NMDR wanted to share an email from Hope's foster mommy....
"Hope's new parents called this afternoon. They're so excited and can't wait to meet her. They were going shopping this afternoon and wanted to know what kinds of toys Hope likes and what kind of food to get her. They're going to be great parents for her and she will bring much joy into their lives. It looks like they're ready for a new baby!"
Hope's new family is anxiously awaiting her arrival tomorrow and sent a photo (below) with the note, "Just a couple things to make her homecoming comfortable."
The world is full of good people. Despite NMDR's rescues having to occur in spite of a few bad apples, please remember this post when and if you ever wonder if dog lovers can persevere. To all the volunteers of NMDR, our loyal and tireless teams on the road (Gail, Shirley, Darrell, Theresa, Dayna, Aimee), other rescue groups who wait to help in TN, Hope's anxiously awaiting family, those who donated to help this rescue happen, the intake team who awaits the arrival of 80+ dogs at the kennel this weekend, and the caring hearts who read this post... we will not stop until our mission is complete. Your support makes all the difference.
Thank you and goodnight from all of us at National Mill Dog Rescue.
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