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!

Foster Friday: Oscar

Oscar the Almost Boxer

When I applied to foster for SCBR, there was a beautiful white boxer in a Central Florida shelter they were trying to find a place for.  Well, to make a long story short, another rescue pulled that guy, Bill came and did my home visit and a few days later Oscar showed up.  I knew Oscar was a hound-boxer mix and heartworm positive and good with other dogs but that was about it.  I had never fostered dogs before but I thought it would be a good way to test the waters before jumping in and adopting.

When Oscar came to me, he sort of knew some of his basic commands, but he's really good at picking up new things.  It was only a few weeks before he knew he needed to sit before I would put his leash on to go out, that he wasn't allowed out of the garage without me, sit, stay, lie down, and box (the command I use when I want the dogs to go in their crates).  He's a super sweet boy and also now knows his leash manners when we walk.

 Oscar LOVES kids!  He couldn't understand why my friend's daughter thought 'in and out of the box' was the best game ever, but he played along anyway and had a great time.  He is the happiest, sweetest boy when the kids come over to play.

Who remembers the 'More Dogs More Happy' picture?  Oscar is definitely a happy guy and all of that happy can be a little infectious!

While Oscar was with me, I learned a lot.  I learned why SCBR rescues boxers, almost boxers and honorary boxers (Oscar is an awesome almost boxer).  I learned heartworm treatment really isn't as scary as it seems.  I learned some dogs really just don't like to be up on the furniture.  I learned Oscar likes food.  ALL sorts of food.  I learned all sorts of new training methods and discovered some hands-off approaches for correcting behavior.  I learned how completely awesome foster dogs are.  I learned that I fall in love with any dog that comes into my home within a matter of minutes and I will be simultaneously heartbroken and over the moon when that dog finds a new home.

Oscar is spending the weekend with a great family in the Tampa Bay area this weekend and they have decided they really like him.  For a heartworm positive guy who had very little hope in a central Florida shelter, Oscar sure has come a long way.  It's hard to let a foster go, but knowing this loving (and incredibly loveable) guy wouldn't be here without the foster homes he stayed in before he came to me makes it a little easier.  I am incredibly happy for Oscar and he has come such a long way it's impossible not to be proud of him.

He will always have a place in my heart and in my home if he should need one ever again.

But I doubt he will.

Wellness Wednesday: Have a Hurricane Plan?

Hurricane Ivan, 2004

Here in Florida, we got a very early reminder that it's hurricane season.  Not quite two weeks in and we've been through the first tropical storm of the season.  This is the time of year when everyone is supposed to get hurricane supplies together and have a plan.  For pet owners, that plan involves a little more...  Over the next few weeks we're going to cover severe weather safety for pet owners.  There are plenty of things to take into consideration when making your plan and we'll try to cover as many as possible here...

KNOW YOUR EVACUATION AND FLOOD ZONE

Knowing which zone you live in can really help with planning.  If your front yard floods every time there's a bad thunderstorm, it probably isn't safe to stay for a tropical storm or a hurricane.  Check with local emergency management websites if you are unsure about your evacuation zone.  These sights can also help you prepare for any emergencies that might occur during or after a storm.

SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO?

Knowing your evacuation zone can help you make this decision.  Your decision to evacuate may be dependent on how strong the storm is as well.  Will you be able to keep yourself and your pets safe if you stay home?  Will you evacuate to a shelter or make other arrangements?  If you do decide that evacuation is the best plan, make sure you have supplies ready and leave early.  It's no fun to have anxious pets in a car during a stressful situation and leaving early can help ensure that you make it to your evacuation destination safe and sound.

REGISTER FOR A PET SHELTER

Many counties now have pet-friendly shelters but most require you to register well before a storm and space is always very limited.  Pinellas County has three, Hillsborough County has two, Pasco has one, Polk County has three and Hernando County has one.  Priority is given based on evacuation zones and to those living in mobile homes.  Almost all require pet owners to provide proof of immunization when you register.  Contact your local emergency management to see if a pet-friendly shelter is available in your county.

Always follow directions from emergency personnel.  Having a plan helps to keep you and your pets stay safe during an emergency.  If it isn't safe for you to stay, it isn't safe for your pets either!  Never leave your pets behind!

Weekend Wrap Up

Today's weekend wrap up is short and sweet!  We had a new addition of the newsletter go out last week and that covered a lot of what we've been doing lately.  If you missed it, you can find a copy here.  If you'd like to receive future newsletters, there's a tab on our Facebook page to sign up.

This past weekend, we welcomed Babas to the SCBR family. When we first heard about Babas, the story was his last vet suspected he had cancer.  Our vet's preliminary findings suggest he does NOT have cancer (great news!), but we're running more tests to be sure.

Summers are always rough for rescue groups.  We need the most help with fosters, adoptions and fundraising during this very busy time of year.  If you're interested in fostering or adopting Babas (or any of our other wonderful dogs), fill out an application.

FUNDRAISING UPDATE:

Our big push right now is fundraising.  We will quickly find ourselves so far behind, it will be almost impossible to catch up.  Right now, we have YouCaring fundraisers running to treat Lucy's heartworms and pay for vet care she and her puppies have already received, for Buster Brown's surgery to remove some lumps on his side, and for JR's skin condition vet care.  Please share these fundraisers with your friends and family members.

We are also very excited to announce a fundraiser with Pampered Chef that's running through the month of June!  Our consultant, Christine, has set up an online party for us.   When you're on her homepage, click on 'shop online' and enter the word 'second' where they ask for host name.  Click on the Second Chance Boxer  link (Tampa, FL is the location) so our party gets credit for your order!

WHAT WE NEED RIGHT NOW:

If you have any contacts in the hospitality industry, we are looking for old mattress pads to use as crate liners for some of our compassionate care dogs and some of our fosters going through vet treatment.  We can also always use more towels, blankets, old sheets, etc. for our fosters as well as for dog washes, transporting animals, etc.  If you have any you'd like to donate or know of a contact in the industry, please email us here at secondchanceboxers.florida@gmail.com.

We can't do what we do without our supporters in the community.  Thank you all so much for your continued encouragement and support!  Please continue to share our fundraisers and donation drives with your friends and family!

Feature Fosters!

Our foster homes provide us with a number of invaluable things: a place for a dog to live while he gets healthy, training, a really good idea about a dog's personality... Today we have two very special ladies.

Adeline is SCBR's best kept secret.  She is one of the sweetest, most even tempered dogs we have ever met.  Adeline loves kids, dogs and thinks cats are pretty interesting.  She's a very friendly 2 year old girl looking for a forever home.

Unfortunately, we don't know much about Miss Roo here.  This poor little girl has been hanging out in our boarding facility for over a month.  We need to find her a foster home ASAP.  She is young and has lots of energy.  She's a boxer/lab mix and desperately wants a foster home (Roo is going a little kennel crazy...).  We can't wait to get her out and find out more about her!

If you're interested in adopting or fostering, please fill out an application.  We know both of these girls deserve forever homes and need some help finding them!