Ain't Too Proud to Beg!

It's tax time!  Don't forget your contributions. 

For this year, please consider joining our

Ain't Too Proud to Beg campaign (ATPB).  

Mostly Mutts has developed an impressive reputation  for rescuing homeless pets with extreme orthopedic injuries. If we don't step in to help, the only other choice is euthanasia.  We want to continue to help, but without financial support from the community, we will have to start saying "no" to these unfortunate dogs.  Here are a few special orthopedic cases in just the past few months (all surgically performed by specialists):

Bolo - Rear leg amputation

Joe - Femur fractured - Surgically repaired

  Rocky - Two Ulna and Radial fractures - Surgically repaired (both front legs)

Cassidy - Ulna and Radial fractures - Surgically repaired

Cookie - Femur fracture - Non-surgically repaired (casted)

 Doug - Front leg amputation

Pending:  Puppy with fractured femur at an emergency clinic and a Cocker mix at an animal control with a suspected fractured hip.

Our ATPB campaign allows us to pay for these extremely expensive surgeries.  Join this today and at the end of the year you will have a nice tax-deductible donation.  Every one of you reading this can afford to be a Happy Hound :)

A contribution to this campaign makes a wonderful gift for your animal-loving friends and family member. 

Become a:  

Happy Hound ($10.00 a month),

Furry Friend ($25.00)

Tail Wagger ($50)

Best Friend ($100),

True Companion ($500)

and we know you are out there and we

would love to find you...our

Leader of the Pack ($1000.00 a month)

Thanks to those of you who are already participating. 

We challenge you to find one friend to match you!

Everyone from Mostly Mutts appreciates your support, but special thanks comes from the dogs themselves!  

Contact intownadoptions@mostlymutts.org for more information on the Ain't Too Proud to Beg campaign.

Tough Decisions

Being in animal rescue has it’s emotional ups and downs.  Working with Mostly Mutts is mostly ‘up’ because we don’t deal with the families who abuse and neglect the dogs we rescue.  Unlike animal control officers, we don’t meet the families who surrender personal animals because they are an ‘inconvenience’.  We meet the dogs when they come to us, many scared and nervous, but most of them greet us with wagging tails and kisses.  They don’t know us but they accept our help and trust us to do the best for them.  Most of these dogs recover from their emotional or physical issues while with Mostly Mutts and then go on to live happily ever after in their new adopted homes. 

Not all dogs find forever homes though.  Mostly Mutts contract reads that we adopt dogs known to have no aggression toward people, food or other animals, or we disclose the behaviors.   We cannot, and will not,  place a dog into a home if we consider it to be “dangerous”.    

Take the story of Tucker, a Border Collie mix.  Tucker was adopted as a puppy and was returned after one year by his family because he was snapping at people and showing aggressive behaviors. Tucker was about 60 pounds, so when returned he was immediately taken to a trainer who assesses dogs for Mostly Mutts and she agreed that Tucker should be put to sleep after he bit her (fortunately on her boot).  Tucker was picked up from her facility by Mostly Mutts and brought back to the MM shelter.  He was to be taken to a vet clinic to be put down.  However, as he met each volunteer, he showed no aggressive behaviors and actually was a fun, happy and highly likable dog.  We made an assumption that he was not treated well by his former family and now was relaxed and happy.  We gave him the benefit of the doubt.

Even though he now had one ‘bite case’ Tucker went to adoptions every weekend and some of the volunteers grew very close to him.   He did well at the shelter and then found a foster home with a young college kid who adored Tucker.  He told us what a great dog Tucker was and even though Tucker was cautious around strangers, the foster dad had not witnessed any aggressive behaviors. 

As weeks passed and he was not adopted, he started to get a little unpredictable and did bite three people at adoptions.  None of these bites were serious and none needed medical attention, but they were unprovoked and unexpected.  A volunteer was assigned to him at adoptions to supervise him. 

One night the foster dad called me in a panic and told me that Tucker got out the front door and ran over to a lady talking on her phone and bit her on the leg.  At first the woman panicked but once she knew she was okay, she calmed down.  She was extremely frightened, the foster dad was very upset, and I knew MM had to make a very tough decision about Tucker.  That was his 5^th bite case and this one was totally unprovoked. 

In order for a Mostly Mutts dog to be put down, two board members and a veterinarian must agree.  In Tucker’s case, it was unanimous for many reasons.  He’s a large dog, he was unpredictable, he certainly would have bitten again and MM could be held liable if anyone was to get hurt.  If he were a Chihuahua, things would have been different.   We had no choice but to put him down.    

Euthanizing a physically healthy dog hurts deep, deep inside.  Even though the volunteers agreed, it didn’t make it any easier for anyone.  Tucker won his way into many hearts and he is missed very much. 

Mostly Mutts has its highs and lows, and losing Tucker was certainly a low point.  

Tips From the Pros

Mostly Mutts is blessed to have scores of volunteers  who generously give of their time to help our organization.  As you can imagine, working with the many dogs and kitties that come our way, we’ve gathered some pretty valuable learning experiences between us all.  So who better to pass along helpful hints to our blogosphere?  Some of these we’ve learned through trial and error, bad experiences, common sense or just because we had to.  What about you?  Do you have a helpful hint you can share?  Be sure to leave it at the bottom of the post in the comments section.  Thanks to all our tireless volunteers, foster parents, adoptive families and staff who took the time to pass along these great ideas!  (below is the opinion of non-professionals)

TOY BOX:  The one thing we can guarantee from that new puppy of yours is that it will chew.  NEVER correct a puppy for chewing…just teach it what he/she is allowed to chew on.  Find a box that can be used as a ‘toy box’ (wicker baskets not recommened J) and then purchase several different types of toys.  Add to this box a ball, a squeaky toy, a rope, a Nylabone type chewy, and several other types of toys.  When you purchase a new toy, always place it in the toy box instead of giving it directly to your dog.  It won’t be long before your dog learns that everything in that box is his/hers!  Pick up each toy before going to bed and they will all be like new the next day.  Or…rotate the toys in the toy box ever few days.  Adult dogs also like to chew, so make sure they have a toy box!  Toys are important in kennels too so leave your dog with a chew toy or a Kong. 

POTTY TRAINING:  Stay on a good routine, keep your dog confined to an area, and leash walk them to a particular area where you want them to potty.  It may take a week or two but the more consistent you are, the more consistent they will be.  Always bring a very special food reward to give to them after they potty.  Save this special reward for potty only and don’t give it to them any other time. 

FOOD AND BOWLS:

When it comes to pet food, you do “get what you pay for’.  Feed the best food you can afford and look at the first five ingredients.  The first should be food and the others should be healthy. 

Dogs:   Use a huge water bowl so you don’t have to keep refilling it.  Use a very small food bowl so you don’t overfeed.

Cats:  Plastic bowls may cause "kitty acne."  Typically cats do not like to have their water bowl next to their food bowl.

TRAINING:

The number one reason for bad behaviors is a lack of exercise.  For many dogs, a walk is just not enough.  They need to RUN!!   

Wear your dog out with a game of fetch BEFORE you go on your walk.  This is especially important for dogs that pull hard. 

The second reason dogs develop bad behaviors is because they are bored.  Dogs are pack animals and can be destructive if left alone.  They need another dog to play with or their family with them.  Use a doggy day care if your dog does not do well alone while you are working all day.  That will make them very happy (well, at least most dogs). 

Dogs that live in fenced yards may get exercise, but they may still get bored.  WALK your dog a minimum of once a day.

Dogs repeat behaviors that are rewarded.  Therefore, focus on your dog’s good behaviors and reward them when they do something you like . 

TREATS:  We don’t recommend pig ears or cow hooves as they may not be pasteurized and there have been reports of dogs getting sick. 

We recommend COMPRESSED bones over RAWHIDE bones (ask the store assistance to show you the difference). 

COLLARS/LEASHES:  Invest in is a good quality 6’ leather or nylon leash.  Retractable leashes are not used for training.  Nylon or leather collars are best. You should never use a choke chain unless you are trained to use one…they are for training only and not to be used as a collar.  TRAIN your dog to not pull when on a leash (sign up for a training class to learn how).  However, if your dog pulls and you must have more control immediately, here are some suggestions.  Prong collars (or pinch collars) may look bad but they offer the most control when walking a dog that pulls.  Halti and Gentle Leaders are great ways to walk a dog that pulls but the dog must get used to the head halter first.  No-pull harnesses are also successful. 

MISCELLANEOUS: 

A tablespoon of yogurt will stop ear yeast infections and stop diarrhea due to antibiotics.

Turn on a radio or TV when your pet stays home alone. 

Bathing a dog in Dawn Dish Soap is an effective and inexpensive way to kill fleas.  It is safe for animals and kills fleas on contact.

Prescriptions are available for your pets at Target, Publix, Wal-Mart etc.  From one dog owner:  My dog has congestive heart failure and is on Lasix and Enalapril.  I can get both filled for $12 each (for a 100 for him).  Target periodically runs a coupon that if you bring in a new scrip you get a $10 gift card.  The pills by themselves are a great deal but coupled with the coupon, it’s incredible.

Remove a tick safely by applying a glob of liquid soap to a cotton ball.  Cover  the tick with the soap-soaked cotton ball  and swab it for a few seconds (15-20), the  tick will come out on its own and be stuck  to the cotton ball when you lift it away.

Party with the Mutts!

Want to truly be a party animal?! We have just the idea for you!

Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue needs your help! We pride ourself  in pulling dogs from Animal Control whose time is running out and we've rescued several dogs that have required extremely expensive surgeries and treatments. Our budget has taken a serious hit and we are asking you to help us in a fun and FREE way (yes, you heard right, it won't cost you a dime!). Simply hold a dinner or cocktail party and ask your guests to donate $20-$25 to Mostly Mutts (we won't turn'em down if it's more :-). You reimburse yourself for food and drinks and donate the rest to Mostly Mutts. One of our volunteers had a Lasagna Party and raised $1,000 in one night!!! No matter where you are, you can party anywhere for a great cause! Need ideas? You can contact me here on FB or at meike.babel@gmail.com for more suggestions on this type of fundraiser or others. No matter how much you can contribute, you help Mostly Mutts save lives! Check out www.mostlymutts.org

Update on Melody Victoria

Good news: Melody continues to improve at record speed!  Being out of the vet clinic and with her six new friends at the Mostly Mutt's director's home has allowed her to be a puppy again.  She enjoys playtime but then loves to get into her bed for a nap.  The burns to her nose, mouth, top of the head and back have almost completely healed.  She may always have scars but the hair is starting to cover those areas.  Her belly wounds are improving daily but are still rather red.  The pads on her front feet have grown back but she wears booties because the pads are thin and sensitive to most surfaces.  Her rear legs suffered the worst burns but miraculously, they too, are healing.  She still returns to Cobb Emergency every third day for bandage changes for the left rear leg.  Her feet will have permanent damage and two of her toes have fused together but she’ll be fine in the long run. 

Melody loves other dogs and enjoys companionship.  She is very loyal to those she loves and a little fearful of strangers.  Saturday, she spent the day at Petsmart adoptions and she met many people.  She did well and found a new foster home who will get her to her spay appointment on Monday and her bandage change appointments during the week.  Once she is spayed, Mostly Mutts will be accepting adoption applications for her. 

A heartfelt thanks to all of those who have asked about her and who care about her.  Her previous owner is still in jail and you will see Melody on the news again when he goes for his hearing.

Donations can be made to Cobb Emergency stray fund (they have not charged Mostly Mutts a penny).  

Melody Victoria-What a Fighter!!

Most local Cobb county residents have by now heard the horrible story of animal abuse that recently occurred in May involving a beautiful pit bull mix puppy.  Good news and better news?  She is now with Mostly Mutts and is receiving lots of love and support!

Melody while at the vet 

Melody the day she arrived at Mostly Mutts!

Melody was the victim of one of the worst cases of animal abuse.   She was placed in an oven where she suffered second degree burns to all four paws.  She has multiple burns to her head, tail, tummy, legs and nose.  Not only did she suffer physically and psychologically but she did not receive medical treatment for four days after her injuries occurred.  The doctors and techs at Cobb Emergency saved her life and even though she is not housed there any more, they see her every day for bandage changes.  They also picked up the tab from their stray fund.  (Donations can be made to Cobb Emergency Vet Clinic)
Melody is now with the director of Mostly Mutts and lives in her home along with six other dogs.  She is recovering very well and has started to play.  Even though she is out of immediate danger, she has a long recovery period ahead of her.  Once her wounds have healed, Mostly Mutts will start taking applications to find her a GREAT home.  She has some trust issues that will have to be worked with, and some puppy behaviors that will require training, but she is loving and will be your best friend.   She came to us named Melody but we've added Victoria because she was so “victorious” in overcoming her abusive owner.  He is now in jail on two felony charges…one for causing her injuries and one for not seeking medical attention.
Cases like this can be used for education purposes and maybe Melody Victoria can be the perfect teacher!

A Dog's Last Will

Coming This Saturday...Dillard!

Dillard

Drum roll please.....making his very first appearance at Mostly Mutts adoptions this Saturday will be Dillard!  Dillard is a big, wonderful boy looking for a family who will ooh and aah over him.  He has a heart of gold and will do anything to please his new family but he gets bored if left alone.  He is a Mastiff, a breed known for their calm and gentleness.  They are very loyal dogs and Dillard will be your new best friend if you allow him into your heart and home.  Like most of his breed, he can be a bit stubborn so he will need professional training and someone dedicated to keeping him under control.  Dillard is currently in a foster home and his foster parents say he has two speeds: laid back and goofy.  Dillard will do well with a loving and committed family with another dog but not cats.  If you're interested in seeing Dillard and finding out if he will be a good fit for you, come see him Saturday at the Town Center PetSmart between 10 am and 4pm.