Who Need Four Legs Anyway?

By Amy Meyer, SRC Fundraising Coordinator

In the summer of 2009, Patrick and I began searching on Petfinder for a new fur face to add to our family.  Our faithful female schnauzer, Nikki, was failing fast at age 17 and we knew the time for her to cross the Rainbow Bridge was not far away.  To help us deal with the grief of losing her and to provide a playmate for our other rescue dog, Ringo, we decided to begin looking for that special fur kid to bring home.

 

Zippy at the shelter with his bad front leg

We looked at many different dog bios but kept going back to one in particular.  There was just something special about him.  His name was Zippy and he was a three-legged schnauzer/chinese crested mix in the care of SRC.  He had been found as a stray, with his leg still intact (right front) but badly broken.  It was suspected that poor Zip had gotten his leg caught in a steel trap.  The leg had healed together wrong and it was determined that Zippy would have a better quality of life if the leg was amputated.  Oh how sweet his picture was!  And his story so touched our hearts.  We just knew that Zippy needed us as much as we needed him.  After going through the standard SRC adoption process, Zippy came home to us on June 6^th. 

Zippy loving life in his furever home

Although his handicap didn’t matter to us, we weren’t sure what to expect having a three-legged dog.  Would he need special care?  Could he interact with us and Ringo like a “normal” dog?  Well, we quickly found out that Zippy is just like any other dog.  Just because he is missing a leg doesn’t mean he isn’t happy and doesn’t mean he is limited in any way.  As Zippy settled in with us, we became amazed a little more each day.  He quickly showed us he could jump on and off the furniture, play a mean game of tug (which he always wins!) and even jump a standard size baby gate we had up to block off part of the house.  He was eager to take walks, often almost pulling us off our feet as he tugged on the leash.  He and Ringo became fast friends.  They were soon playing with toys, wrestling on the floor and chasing each other around the house.  Zippy amazed us with his energy, his flexibility, his balance, his attitude in general.  If you didn’t notice his leg was physically gone, you’d never know he was any different.

 

Winston is quite the dapper fellow

We also answered the “foster call” and began fostering for SRC.  One day, we got an email from Pat Miller, SRC founder, asking us if we would be willing to foster a tripod named Winston.  Absolutely!  We could think of nothing better than having another tripod in the house.  Our hearts now had a special spot for them.  When we met Winston, he was so pathetic!  He was at least 5-6 pounds overweight, not good for any dog, especially a tripod.  And he was a matted, filthy mess.  His previous owners had not bothered to have him groomed in quite some time.  The first thing we did was give him a haircut and a bath. It took three hours to shave off the hair!  But you could see that it made him feel so much better and he was so grateful for the love and attention.

As the next couple days went by, we fell more and more in love with Winston.  He was a little gruff and growly, but he had a really sweet side and seemed starved for kind words and love.  He seemed amazed to be in a place where he was getting attention and good care.  It didn’t take us long to decide that we could not bear to adopt him out, he had to stay with us!  And so we adopted him, making him our fourth rescued dog and second tripod.
 

"I love hanging out with Winston"

Winston was not as active and eager as Zippy.  Part of the problem was him being overweight but he also didn’t seem to realize he could still play and do lots of other doggie things with a missing leg.   Soon we realized he was watching Zippy and imitating him.  He seemed to be saying “If Zippy can do it, so can I!”  It wasn’t long before Winston was lifting his leg to do his business, quite a feat when one front leg is missing!  But he watched his tripod brother do it and followed right along.  We put Winston on a diet and in no time he slimmed down.  Getting the extra weight off made a big difference in his personality and mobility.  He started being less gruff and grouchy and more loving.  Soon he was running around the house giving chase to his fur brothers and playing with toys.  When the leash would come out, he would be the first one at the door, anxious to be off on a walk to explore the neighborhood.  While not quite as fearless as Zip, Winston doesn’t let anything get in his way or keep him from living a happy, carefree life.
 

Best buddies

Owning tripods does not require any more responsibility or care than having a four-legged dog.  The only real concern is ensuring they don’t get overweight, a concern though with any dog, especially schnauzers.  Extra weight on a tripod is sure to cause them even more joint issues as they age.  And we try to prevent them jumping off and on the furniture as much as we can too, again ensuring there is not extra strain on the remaining good legs.  Fortunately, both Zippy and Winston are fairly young yet but we will need to watch for joint strain and damage very closely as they get older. 

Zippy loves to help his Momma in the garden

Having the tripods in our lives has taught us many valuable lessons, like don’t take life too seriously, never let anything stand in your way, and be happy!  It amazes us to see these two guys so joyful and full of life despite their handicap and rough start in life.  We laugh when out with the dogs and someone makes a comment about feeling sorry for Zippy and Winston.  We always say don’t feel sorry for them, they don’t know they are missing a leg and are the happiest dogs we have ever seen!  Of course they both attract a lot of attention being tripods but we take advantage of that and use it as an opportunity to talk about SRC and rescue work in general.  And Zippy tries to help other “tripawds” by blogging about how great tripod life is.  You can read his blog at http:\\ameyer.tripawds.com.  To borrow a saying from Jerry, the tripawd inspiration behind www.tripawds.com:  It is better to hop on three legs than to limp on four!  So next time you are looking for a new fur baby, don’t pass up the tripod.  You may just find the greatest joy of life!

Rescue Angels Make Christmas Dreams Come True

Hi, this is my story and my Christmas dream really did come true. 

My name is Ace and I am so happy to be living in a nice warm home with a foster mom and dad that love me and take care of me.  Up until last month, I had no name; I was just a number living in a cage.  I had no joy in my life, no toys, no warm place to sleep and no human who cared about my well-being.  I only knew neglect at the hands of those that cared what profit I would make them from siring puppies. 

You see, me and my four friends were rescued from a deplorable situation in Kentucky.  The breeder who had us grew tired of us.  We thought we could retire, but we didn’t realize how much danger we were in.  He was going to shoot us to get rid of us, but luckily some angels intervened.

On Our Way to Freedom

Schnauzer Rescue Cincinnati was contacted, and we were brought to Cincinnati to start our new lives with names!

Marjorie was there to help us all get settled at the Animal Ark, and she was so nice to us!  We were all so stinky and matted from living in deplorable conditions; I so hoped they wouldn’t be offended and give up on us.  And they didn’t!  The wonderful rescue angels made sure we all got bathed and groomed. 

Boy, did it feel good to be clean and get the stink of those mean people off of me.  I was really good for the groomer, even though I wasn’t sure what was going on at first (and I was so matted they thought I was a girl till I got groomed – I really fooled them, they even had to change my name). 

At first, I stayed with my friends at the Animal Ark in Cincinnati.  Jan is so awesome, she lets us little rescues stay there when all the foster homes are full up.  I really liked staying there - there are so many cool volunteers that come visit us and walk us too.

I was the first to go to the vet for my check-up, and Sue was so great to come pick me up and get me to Dr Z’s.  I loved my ride in the car!  There were so many new smells and sights to check out.  The people at the vets were so nice too - I wasn’t used to so much loving attention.

I had to have eighteen teeth removed, and got treated for some nasty worms and an ear infection too – but I am better now!  I was in a lot of pain, and Shirley (my foster mom) wanted to watch over me while I recovered so she brought me home with her that night. 

Boy, it is so wonderful at her place!  Even though I didn’t feel really good when I got there, I ran around her yard for twenty minutes!  I loved how soft the grass felt on my feet.

I love napping in front of the fire place at my foster home!

I really love having seven other schnauzer boys to hang out with, being warm and safe, and having lots of good food to eat.  I even have a foster dad who cooks for me and my foster brothers.  How cool is that?  I am learning how to be a pet and not property.  I am interested in toys, but I am still not sure what to do with them.  I know I will catch on fast though, I already learned the doggie door!

I want to thank everyone who helped me and my friends to safety.  I made sure to thank Shirley when she was sorting clothes on the floor, I ran up and gave her a big lick to show her how much I appreciated her taking care of me.  If I could figure out how to send a lick through the computer, I would send everyone one!

I can’t believe how lucky I am, and Shirley always tells me how much I will be loved by my furever parents.  I know the right ones are out there for me (I sure hope they are reading my blog now), and I dream what my new home will be like every night when I sleep.  I know that prayers are answered; mine were to get my friends and me to safety.

Be sure to check out my Petfinder post, as well as my friends Ember, Raven, Ebony and Onyx.  We all would love to have our own furever homes in the New Year.  We are all well socialized and sweet, between the ages of four and six and all have so much love to give! 

I am so handsome all groomed!

Can you help foster so we can help even more dogs this coming year?  Schnauzer Rescue Cincinnati has found loving permanent homes for over 900 dogs and we need your help to meet our goal of “No Schnauzer left behind”.  If you can foster or volunteer, please complete our Volunteer form

If you would like to donate to our medical fund, you can do so at Donate Now

A rescue dog. Christmas Gifts that is lasting forever….

A rescue dog. Christmas Gifts that is lasting forever….
By Tracy Dudlik

When people talk about rescue dogs they usually talk about what a gift it is to the dog to choose a rescue.    Too often we forget what a gift these animals give us.    Let me tell you about two such recues and the blessings they brought to me and two special children.   

Years ago my third son James was in second grade and diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome.  His younger brother was a toddler who spent more time in the hospital than out of it, and at 3 years old was only able to walk with a walker, and required a great deal of care.    With all of this happening in his young life, James suffered from serious clinical depression.    By December of that year he was on medication for this, and was still almost to the point of non communication.   He ate little and seemed more than a little lost.    Near Christmas that year our pastor told me about a Boxer Rottweiler mix dog that her daughter had found starving and cold outside a bus station in Washington DC.     The dog had journeyed from there to Cornell where their son was a student, and after Cornell expelled the dog from student housing, had landed in Troy Ohio with our pastor who was looking for a family for him.    Cassius Clay as he had been dubbed was about 18 months old and had never known the love of a family.     My husband and I spoke about him, and about the difference having a friend all his own could make to James.   We decided to adopt Cassius.   Jake (our pastor’s son who the Cornell student) wrote a wonderful letter from Santa, explaining where Cassius had come from and that he thought James and he would be good friends for each other.   It also explained that because the holidays were so busy that Cassius was staying with our pastor until after the first of the year when he would be delivered.   The letter was put with a large box of dog care supplies.    This was given to James on Christmas morning.   At first he was confused but then he read his letter, and a beaming smile came over him as he said “Boy Santa sure knows how to make a kid happy.”  

James and Cassius were fast friends from day one.   He talked to him, played with him; Cassius helped our Stephen learn to give up his walker by holding onto his ears when walking until he could go it alone.   We had that blessed dog for 6 wonderful years until he contracted cancer and had to be helped to the bridge.   Today and depressed and lonely little boy, is 20 years old, comfortable with himself and others, spent his high school years competing on the Academic Quiz Team including three trips to national competitions.    It is largely due to the unconditional love and understanding given to him by a special rescue.

In the last couple of years, I have had Miss Jazz… not only is my little rescue Schnauzer a joyful addition to the family, but she too has proved to be a rescue angel.    Soon after I got her, I had to have surgery on my back.  This meant several weeks of lying flat, no lifting, minimal movement, and confinement to the house.   For me a nightmare sentence of inactivity.    This was the first of two such surgeries I have had now, and during both of them, she has been my constant companion.    She sat with me, snuggled me, kept me company, and in general was my little “Nurse Jazz”.    She has seen me cry, laugh, be a fool and held me up.  Once I started school she became my study buddy.   She sits with me as I study, and when I feel overwhelmed by the load, she just gives me that Schnauzer look that says “you can do anything, I know it.”     When my old lady dog Shadow had to cross the bridge, Jazz was there again.   Just quietly letting me know I wasn’t alone.    

These are just two examples of the gift a rescue can give.   Unconditional love and companionship comes free with every one of them.   We all know how much they give us, make sure others know too.   We give rescues a gift when we choose them, but the gifts they give us, are uncountable in the long run.

Scooby’s Story

Hi, my name is Scooby and I am one happy boy in my foster home.  There was a time not so long ago that I didn’t have it so good, a time before the nice folks at Schnauzer Rescue Cincinnati got me.

My old family could not afford to feed me; and I was really neglected, and even had been hit by a car and not taken to the vet.  I was living in a hot garage with no air and lots of bad smells.  It wouldn’t have been quite as bad if I could move around, but I was confined to a crate.  I had spent most of my life in a crate and I really hated it!  I was scared and wanted out so badly that I dug and chewed at the plastic of the bottom of my crate trying to get free.  I didn’t get free, but I ended up with a sore snout and bloody paws that really upset my foster mom when she got me.  She told me she wasn’t mad at me, but was really mad at the folks that let me get that way.

I came into rescue with a female friend that has already found a home.  Baby was pregnant mostly all of the time, and she was always sad about her puppies being taken away.  I miss her even though I have other playmates now.  I would love to be adopted by a family that has another fur kid for me to play with – I would really like a girl to hang out with.  Girl fur kids are fun and I need to have a job to do.  Having a sister to protect would make me feel like I was doing something important. 

Don’t I look handsome in my picture?  Boy, I gave the groomer a hard time the first time I went to see her.  I had not been groomed before, so I was a little scared of all of the new sounds and smells.  Speaking of smells – boy did I smell like something not nice!  But now I am clean, and I like it.  I am getting really good with the groomer, and she talks to me really nice and pets me while I am there.  I like being talked sweet to and getting lots of attention.  I missed out on a lot of it when I was kept in a crate all the time.

I am such a smart little boy, and I am always learning new things.  My foster dad works with me a lot and has taught me how to say “mama”.  I love to play fetch, and I bring the toys back in the house that my foster brothers have left out in the yard. 

I won’t ever be ignored again, I talk to you until you give me love and attention and I reward you with kisses.  I like to know where my people are at all times in the house.  I am very alert and as soon as I hear your car door I will be waiting to greet you when you get home.  I am also a really good protector while you sleep – and would love a new family where I get to sleep in the “big bed” and be close to my people and snuggle before we all fall asleep.

I love people beds - and want a family who will share theirs with me.

My foster mom and dad just love me, but they really want me to have a great home of my own.  They tell me all the time I deserve a good home because I had such a bad start to my life.  I am not bitter about my bad start (us dogs are like that) and I am looking forward to starting a new chapter in my life with my own family… could that be you?

You can find me on Petfinder at http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/21045122

Be sure to check out some of the other great fur kids looking for homes too when you are there.  We are all dreaming of homes of our own for Christmas, and stockings from Santa Paws with our names on the front and new toys inside.

Barkaritaville 2011 a Success!

The third annual Barkaritaville, SRC/F’s annual fundraiser, was a huge success!  The day started out rather gloomy, with a chill in the air and some drizzle.  But that didn’t stop folks from coming and it being a fantastic day.  By 8 am, Gil Lynn Park was buzzing with activity as SRC members arrived and began setting up.   Pretty soon the Gil Lynn shelter house was full of goodies:  loads of raffle baskets, sales tables stocked with lots of cute things for both dogs and humans, and some really awesome items for our silent auction and special raffles.  And soon the sounds of people socializing and dogs barking could be heard as folks began arriving for the official start of the day.  How neat to see so many schnauzers in one place, all colors and sizes, each one special and unique!

The event kicked out with official announcements and soon everyone was having fun.  SRC members strolled around offering raffle tickets for purchase and a chance at the Split the Pot raffle.  Lots of wonderful baked items were also available for purchase and folks enjoyed some sugary sweets to kick off the morning.  The smell of JTM BBQ began filling the air as the crock pots were fired up to prepare for lunch.  A big thank you to our food donors, JTM Food Group, Frisch’s, and PepsiCo/New Bern Transport Corporation for providing a wonderful lunch that could be purchased for a $5 donation.  And also to all the members or adopters who provided all the baked goods to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.



Charlie Hurt demonstrates grooming

 Throughout the day various events went on.  We had wonderful demonstrations by Ann Briggs and her dogs Daisy and Cappy, who showed off their obedience skills and tricks.  They were amazing and it was obvious to see Ann has worked hard with them.  Ray Ford and his friend Kathy cut some rug and wowed us with their ballroom dancing skills.  Some of us were jealous because we have two left feet!   And Charlie Hurt showed us how to make our dogs look beautiful by doing a grooming demonstration.  We all know those crazy schnauzers have to be kept groomed to stay looking snazzy and it was nice to get some tips for those of us who groom our own dogs.

Blessing of the animals and rescuers

As the afternoon went on, the sun decided to grace us with its presence and shine down on our day!  And we were literally blessed, as were all the dogs, when Brother Robert Wooten from Florence Baptist Church made time out of his busy day to stop by and do a Blessing of the Animals.  People and dogs alike gathered in a circle and reflected on our lives and faith as Brother Wooten said his prayers.  After that, it was time for contests, one of the most popular parts of the event.  Diane and Paul Blankenship did a fantastic job of running the contests and making sure each winner received a framed certificate to hang on their wall at home.  With so many wonderful and talented dogs, it was tough to decide who the winners were.

Finally, the day began to wind down and it was hard to believe it was almost over.  Silent auction, special raffle and raffle basket winners were announced.  Many folks went home with some nice items and I am sure there were many doggies who made out like bandits with all the goodies their owners won or purchased for them!   Folks began to pack up and say their goodbyes, each of us promising to stay in touch and meet again next year.

This event, our biggest fundraiser for the year, could not take place without the effort, time and money from many, many people.  I would like to first thank our business donors.  Without them, we could not save so many wonderful schnauzers and we are very fortunate to have such wonderful businesses supporting our cause. 

This year’s business donors (THANK YOU!) were:  JTM Food Group, Frisch’s, PepsiCo/New Bern Transport Corporation, Animal Ark Pet Resort, Towne Square Animal Clinic, Animals Ink, United Pet Group/Dingo Brand, Four Paws Design, U.S Bones, Thankful Paws Donation Coats and Apparel, www.doginyard.com, Designs by Hubbard, Bell Rock Growers, Merrick Pet Products, Coastal Pet Products, CloudStar, TinkerBell Paws and Amanda Evans Photography.

And of course, the event would not be possible without the efforts of many SRC members and adopters.  Whether you donated an item for sale or raffle, made baked goods or brought other munchies, volunteered to set up and help for the event or just showed up and participated, it is much appreciated!  SRC/F is so very lucky to have such wonderful members, past adopters and general supporters.  I would like to say a special thanks though to Diana Umstead, Michelle Andrews, Jody Porter and Pat Miller for being the core planning committee.  We made a great team!  So many went above and beyond to make Barkaritaville 2011 another great success.  Many more fur faces can be saved with the money we made and the fellowship and camaraderie we all experienced made it even better.   Now, time to start thinking about next year! 

Amy Meyer, SRC/F Fundraising Coordinator

Amy and Zippy

The Littler crew adjusting their leashitude

Tye Blankenship enjoys his ride

Be sure to visit our website at: http://www.schnauzerrescuecincinnati.org/

Consider making a donation to Schnauzer Rescue Cincinnati/Florida for the holidays.  We are a 501(c)(3) that is run by volunteers and all donations go directly to the care of foster dogs being housed by our volunteers.  You can make a donation at (please scroll down to our PayPal link): http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/OH447.html

Tri-Paws Rock - Just ask Sampson

Hi!  I am Sampson, and this is my story….

When I was a small puppy, I had something horribly tragic happen to me.  I was hit by a car, and my back leg was injured really badly and no one took me to the vet to have it fixed.  It eventually healed on its own – but, I was in constant pain and I couldn’t use it.   I held it up so it didn’t get in the way of me moving.  And boy did it slow me down. 

I was on the streets fending for myself until the county dog catcher found me and took me to the Clinton County Humane Society.  I made sure all of the nice folks there could see how sweet I was and how happy I was to be off the streets.  They just loved me and knew I needed some extra help and medical attention to get back on my feet again, so they called Schnauzer Rescue Cincinnati.

I couldn’t believe my luck!  A rescue just for fur kids like me!  Life was getting good!  I got a foster home with five brothers to play with – and a doggie door to use to do my business (boy was my new foster mom Shirley surprised I knew how to use it on the first day!  I am so smart!). 

After I got settled in, I went to see SRC’s vet, and he took x-rays to see what needed to be done to help me.  He was so sad for me, the scar tissue was really bad from my injury – and he couldn’t imagine how I dealt with all the pain.  He thought I hadn’t used my leg for almost two years and knew I would be happier and healthier without the leg slowing me down.

I had my procedure done on October 10^th, and my stitches are out already!  Don’t you dare feel sorry for me one bit, as you can see in the video my foster daddy took of me I zoom around so much better without it slowing me down!  I am so happy to not be in pain and dragging that dead old leg around!

When my foster mom came to get me after my surgery she brought a blankie for me to cuddle with on the car ride home (I love car rides, but I was a little out of it that time so I didn’t enjoy it as much as I normally do).  I was so happy to have something of my own to snuggle with.  I love my blankie and carry it around with me at home.   When it is time for bed I grab it and take it to bed with me.  My foster mom is so awesome!  I know she was really worried for me when I had my surgery, so I was a really good patient and followed the vet’s orders so she would know it was the right thing to do for me.

One of my favorite things to do is somersaults!  I get up on the leather sofa at my foster home and just do them until I roll off onto the soft carpet.  I also do them to show you how excited I am!  I know all sorts of commands, and love to show off how smart I am. 

I am such a happy guy with my foster mom Shirley - but what I really, really, really want is a family of my own to love.  I love running and playing – by myself, my foster siblings and my humans.  I am just so happy to run and play - I am one quick little guy.   I even know how to drop the toy when I fetch it to bring it back to you!

Check me out on Pet Finder to read more about me and to share me with friends.  Make sure to check out all of the other fur kids that need homes while you are there!
http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/OH447.html

My buddy Zippy is also a tri-pawed like me – and he is quick too.  He already has a home with Amy who is the Fundraising Coordinator for SRC.  Zippy loves to blog - you can read his blog at Zippy's Blog

 

Gypsy Rose Schnauzer - from Mill Survivor to Loved Companion

Gypsy Rose Schnauzer was the first of the Missouri 11 to find a forever home.  The Missouri 11 was a group of schnauzer siblings that were rescued by SRC prior to the large snowstorm that crippled the mid-west last January.  You can read more about their rescue in back issues of our newsletter at http://www.schnauzerrescuecincinnati.org/

Gypsy’s Mom, Linda Pelley, shares her thoughts on her first 6 months with us.

I can't believe it's been 6 months since I opened my home and my heart to Gypsy Rose Schnauzer. She is so beautiful, sweet and smart and I love her so much. She filled the whole in my heart left by the sudden death of my sweet boy, Murphy who died just before Christmas.

Murphy was a Silky Terrier and he had been rescued from a puppy mill in Missouri in 2005. He was in bad shape emotionally and physically and was older than we originally thought. As we know, patience and love can work wonders on these poor dogs and in the short 4 years I had him he bloomed.

When I found Gypsy I knew what I could be in for since she came from a puppy mill in Missouri. Gypsy is my third schnauzer, my 5th dog since 1976. My first dog was a mini schnauzer, my second was a German Shepherd/collie mix, and number 3 was another schnauzer and finally Murphy and Gypsy. (Muffin, Molly, Mac & Murphy, I didn't plan that M theme).

Gypsy is totally different from Murphy. She is out going, friendly and loves everybody. It didn't take her long to win over the neighbors who think she is the cutest dog ever. She made herself right at home the first day. She gets along great with my two cats, Cali and Pattycake. Just recently she and Cali have started sleeping together on the dog bed.

Gypsy is very smart and picks up on things quickly. She goes straight to the kitchen after her potty walk to wait for her treat. I did not teach her that. She sits on command and automatically sits when I put her leash on. If I hide a treat in my pocket she will sniff it and take it out.

She definitely knows about riding in the car. She was nervous at first. I let her ride in the back of the hatchback the first few times then moved her up to the passenger seat next to me. She is harnessed in and loves to go for a ride, especially to Skyline Chili because she gets a hot dog at the window. She knows when I am ready to go somewhere and will sit at the door looking pitiful, hoping I will take her.

Our biggest issue has been house-breaking. I didn't think she would EVER get the idea to go outside. She has ADD outside. She will walk around for an hour or more, even half squat and any little thing will distract her and it starts all over again. I am happy to report that she is 98% trained now! She still has accidents in the house but I think most of that is getting back at me for not taking her with me every time I walk out the door. She does use a pee pad most of the time for those mishaps. Just the other day she went to the door and barked to go out. Major breakthrough.

She has a lot of toys but really doesn't play with them. She LOVES chews. I had her groomed about a month ago and she enjoyed that, except for the hair dryer. She likes baths and loves being brushed. She will roll over on her back so I can brush underneath. The only thing I can't get her to do is go up and down the inside steps. She's never been to the second floor. I've tried treats and coaxing her but she looks up that flight of steps and turns away. She only goes to the basement by using the outside steps. She loves the basement, room to explore and there's an old mattress she lays on with her chewies.

One of cutest things she does is when we are outside she will sit in the yard next to my neighbors porch and "woo woo" hoping she comes out to talk to her or pet her. I hope all the others rescued with her have found forever homes. The pictures are her and Cali on the dog bed. Her by the door looking pitiful so I will take her with me and her first swim with my daughter-in-law.