Wellness Wednesday: Compassionate Care

Recently, we've been posting a lot to the Facebook page about our Compassionate Care dogs and we've gotten a lot of questions about them.  Right now, there are compassionate care dogs out at the SCBR ranch for some very different reasons.  Some are too aggressive to be trusted in a new adoptive home, some have ongoing health issues, some are extremely anxiety-prone and can be destructive (to themselves and their surroundings).  All are being given the best life possible on a ranch designed especially for dogs in need and are very much loved by those of us here at SCBR.  Today, we're going to introduce two of our favorites: Buster Boy and Layla.

Like any true gentleman, Buster insists we introduce Layla first.  Miss Layla stays at the boxer ranch now due to her extreme separation anxiety.  Layla's anxiety is not something she's been able to work through, even with training and vet help, and does very well on the ranch.  Recently, she had surgery to remove a tumor directly behind her eye and she's comfortably recovering at the ranch.

Buster Boy will spend the rest of his days on the ranch because he has Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (the doggy equivalent of dementia or Alzheimer's).  Dogs suffering from CDS exhibit many symptoms similar to those in humans suffering from dementia including disorientation, forgetting learned behaviors, and not recognizing familiar people or objects.  It is extremely important to provide dogs like Buster with a secure environment since symptoms usually get worse as time goes on, since they may not recognize their name or other verbal commands.  For now, Buster enjoys life on the boxer ranch and we are glad to give him a quality life there.

As anyone can see, the SCBR boxer ranch is a special place dedicated to dogs with no other options.  When we rescue a dog, we promise to care for it and provide a loving home throughout the rest of it's life.  On the ranch, compassionate care dogs get plenty of playtime, love and attention but best of all, someone's always there with them.  Some would call these dogs spoiled but we wouldn't have it any other way.

Weekend Wrap Up: New Additions

Happy Monday everyone!  We hope you all had an awesome Fourth of July weekend.  Here at SCBR, we were super busy.  All of our fosters and recently adopted dogs did really well with the fireworks and excitement, but there's no such thing as a quiet weekend in rescue.  We have three new additions to the SCBR family.

Meet Gabby!  Gabby came to us from a shelter in the panhandle this weekend.  When animal control received a call about an injured dog, I don't think anyone could have imagined what this poor girl had been through.  Gabby had a dinner plate sized hole in her side where she had been shot.  The animal control officer didn't even notice it at first because she was so happy to see him.  Gabby went to see a vet who was able to clean up her wound and mostly close it to allow it to heal.  Everyone who's met her says Gabby is the sweetest girl!  She won't be available for adoption until her wound is fully healed, but we have started a fundraiser to help cover her vet costs.  If you're able, please donate and share Gabby's fundraiser.

Ranger was one of two owner surrenders we took in over the long weekend when his owners decided they couldn't keep him.  His foster mom has let us know that Ranger is a good boy who even does well in the bath and is now 5 months old (as of July 6 we're told).  We are working on raising money to cover the cost of vaccinations, heartworm testing and preventative, neutering, etc. but once Ranger is fully vetted, he will be available for adoption.  If you're interested in adopting Ranger, you can fill out an application here and please donate toward his vet expenses.

Last, but certainly not least, is Tessa.  Tessa came to us on the Fourth of July when her original owner moved out of state and left this little girl with a family member.  The family member was not able to keep her because the landlord would not allow pets, so this little girl met her new foster family before the barbecue and fireworks started!  Tessa's foster dad says she's an absolute joy and does well with both of his dogs and both of the cats.  She knows basic commands, is housebroken and crate trained.  Even though this little girl needs some work walking nicely on the leash, she's smart and has an infectious personality.  It's very hard not to love Tessa!  If you think Tessa is the new addition you've been looking for, fill out an application to adopt.

In addition to our new additions, we are still looking for new foster homes.  Right now, we need a place for Ino, Roo and Lucy.  Fosters are vital to any rescue's success and it's one of the most rewarding things anyone could ever do.  If you would like to foster, fill out an application and if you would like more information about fostering you can email us at secondchanceboxers.florida@gmail.com.  SCBR has the best supporters and we'd like to thank each and every one of you!

Wellness Wednesday: BOOM!

It's everyone's favorite summer holiday here in the States.  The Fourth of July at my house usually involves a great day of barbecue and beach or pool time and of course I love to involve my four-legged friends in all of that fun!  But later, we always make sure we're packed up and home long before the sun goes down.  Unless your best friend is deaf, chances are he doesn't like what comes next...

Virtually every source I found mentioned that an estimated 50% of all dogs and cats are terrified by loud noises, whether it's thunder, fireworks or from another source.  The Fourth of July weekend lands lots of pets in shelters or pets get lost after escaping yards and running from noises.  There are lots of precautions you can take to make sure your pets stay safe during all of the celebrating.

• ALWAYS make sure your pet is wearing identification information (license, tags, etc) and get your pet microchipped.  In the event your pet does run away or gets separated from you, microchipping is the best bet for a safe return.
• Do not feed pets table food.  It takes very little to upset pets' tummies and this can heighten anxiety and add to stress.
• Only use bug repellant and sunscreens specifically made for animals on your pets.  Sprays and sunscreens made for humans can cause severe stomach upset, irreversible neurological issues and even death.  Same goes for citronella candles and other insect deterrents.
• Likewise, alcohol can be fatal for pets even in very small doses.
• Make sure your pet gets plenty of exercise before the fireworks start.  Tired pets (dogs especially) are less likely to have excess energy and get wound up as easily.
• Give your pet a safe place to go if they want, like in their crate.
• Turning on the television or radio can help drown out the noise from fireworks.
• Don't coddle a frightened dog or give an anxious dog attention unless there is a risk that the dog could harm itself.  This sort of attention reinforces the anxiety and fear response.
• Try playing with toys to keep pets distracted once fireworks start and keep pets inside.
• Lastly, but certainly not least, pay attention to the heat index.  Daytime temperatures can soar and some breeds simply aren't able to handle the heat.  If you do take your pets out during the day, make sure they have access to shade, clean drinking water and pools or hoses to cool down.

Here at SCBR, we hope everyone has a happy and safe Fourth of July!