Saturday, January 22, 2011

MEET OSO (BEAR)


This is Oso (Spanish for "Bear"). He is a big 'ol baby just begging for attention! Oso currently weighs 83 pounds (could use a few, but it won't take long at our house!). We think he is either a Lab/Great Pyrenees mix or a smaller version of a Lab/Newfie mix. He is 2 years old and knows basic commands (sit, down, roll over, etc.). Unfortunately, we just found out today that Oso is heartworm positive. We were hoping for a miracle, but no such luck here... Due to his size, Oso's heartworm treatment will be very expensive so we will be setting up a "Chip In" soon and hope you find it in your heart to help this big baby.

He just loves his toys!

Oso's family has fallen onto hard times. They live in a not-so-great neighborhood in Memphis and have been burglarized several times. In August, his owner, Kim, was held at gunpoint, but thankfully the gun did not work. Oso will definitely alert you to strangers, but he is just a big baby so he wasn't much protection. So now Oso's family is moving (thankfully), but the transitional housing they are moving to does not allow pets. Kim has been left to care for her adorable 4 year old granddaughter, Asia, so re-homing Oso has been especially difficult for both of them (Asia not only does not have her parents around, but she is losing her home and her dog). Asia also has a kitty named Snow that we are hoping to find temporary housing for until the family can get on their feet again (that way Asia can at least have her kitty back). Kim is expecting that may take anywhere from 3-6 months. If you can help by fostering Snow, please let me know and I will do my best to help provide food and supplies.
Gorgeous Snow...can you help her out?

Snow was an indoor/outdoor cat but would need to stay indoors in her foster home.

Kevin and I had originally offered to take pictures of Oso, but upon meeting him and hearing of the family's situation, we decided to go ahead and take him. His personality is like a big puppy! Oso gets excited and would probably knock a toddler over on accident so a home with older children would probably be best. He is working on leash skills. Oso is just a big goof ball. At the vet clinic he tried to play with any dog that came in (and did a play bow with the vet clinic cat too!). He absolutely loves to play fetch too! Kim reports that he is housetrained as well.


Still playing with toys!


Come play with me!

It's bathtime for this baby!


Definitely smelling better!

Almost finished Oso!

Goodbyes are tough- we will take good care of him Kim and Asia!

What a good boy- even sat for Kevin the first time he met him!

Waiting to go to our house

Look at that precious profile!

What a goofball!
If you would like to foster Oso through his heartworm treatment, please let us know. We currently have another dog undergoing heartworm treatment along with several other foster dogs and would love for Oso to get more personalized attention. Right now this precious boy is living in a pen in our garage (heated of course) and we want much more for him. We will provide whatever you may need (crate, food, etc.) if you would open your heart and home to this big boy. We cannot do this alone so please think about saving a life.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

RUDDICK NEEDS A HOME!


Meet Ruddick! I received a call from one of my co-workers, Cassandra, that this precious little puppy followed her two boys home. He was sitting on her porch with a wet shirt on that said something about being a "Princess" (yes I know...he's a boy!). It was very cold outside and she was asking what she should do because her landlord does not allow pets. Well I had her send me a picture just to help determine whether he would have a chance if she took him to "the pound" (you have to understand, Kevin and I were trying to take a "break" from new dogs...). Well one look at this cutie and how could you resist!? So I had her text a picture to my hubby...he's a sucker too...

Within minutes, I was on my way to pick up our new puppy (lol)! He was the most precious little chub...albeit very stinky (so off to the bath we go)! As you can see from his face below, he was not sure about the whole bath thing (he did great though)! Ruddick has been with us now for 10 days today (a few more days and he will be out of "quarantine" which is when he can finally meet some other 4-legged friends and finally get to go run around the yard). He has been a wonderful little guy so far.

No one knows what breed(s) Ruddick is really. People have guessed Boxer mix, English Bulldog mix, etc. No matter what he is, one thing is for sure...he's ADORABLE! He is approximately 3 1/2 months old according to the vet and appears very healthy. He will likely be a medium-large sized dog (~50 pounds or so if we had to guess). Ruddick has been de-wormed and is up-to-date on shots (will receive second puppy shot this week; given bordetella and rabies). He will be neutered very soon so all he needs is a FAMILY! Please share this little guy. We can email his adoption application to interested parties! We will take new pictures in the next few days!

Ruddick right before his bath...he is not amused!

YEP...you are getting a bath boy!
He was such a good boy though!

You are going to smell so much better!

This is AFTER his bath...still not convinced!

Saturday, January 15, 2011

OUR LAST DAY IN WI....BITTERSWEET

On our last day in Wisconsin, we just had to visit a few our babies at Amy's and Steve's house (Jewel, Gracie, and Anna) and stop by the Adoption Center. We are so incredibly grateful to our friends in Wisconsin for everything they have done to help our fur-kids and for making us feel at home. What a wonderful group of people you all are! Thank you so very much for the "hook up"- our vehicle was PACKED with goodies (thanks Russ and Denise for braving the frigid temp to help us load it)! Here are some pictures from our last day:

Kevin and Russ at the Adoption Center

We were so happy to see Linda there before we left!

The "other half" of the Russ team, Denise!

Kevin saying good-bye to Gracie (she wasn't buying his speech apparently)

Now he's trying to convince Gracie AND Anna!

Anna is one lucky girl!

We are so happy for Jewel...she is fitting in with the others so well!

Jewel even tried to play for a minute! She is well on her way :)

Oh boy...miss her so much

Jewel checking Anna out

So great to see Jewel relaxed! Love her!

Jewel hanging out in her crate- Amy and Steve say sometimes she has visitors in there too!

Gracie trying to get attention from Steve- AGAIN!

Amy scratching Anna's back...SPOILED!

Pretty girl Anna- we will miss you!

Amy's and Steve's foster kitty (available for adoption)

Too funny...Amy is trying to convince her foster doggy Phoebe that she is the boss!

I just love Jewel

One of the hardest good-byes for me...

A NIGHT OUT WITH SOME OF OUR NORTHERN FRIENDS!

We were able to meet with some of our friends at our favorite restaurant so far, Victoria's Italian Restaurant, in Appleton. OMG...the BEST food! It is AS good as my favorite Italian in St. Louis (Cunetto's on The Hill) and it takes a lot to get me to say that! It was so good that I had to take a picture of what Kevin and I had (mine was better...hee hee). I know...I'm a dork! Check out our dinner guests below!

Tim and Nicole

Their daughter Sarah (their son, Nate, also joined us but unfortunately no picture....)

Shawn and Bryan (they adopted Sterling- yeah!)

Amy and Steve
Russ and Denise

Kevin's meal at Victoria's (Cheese Tortellini something...)

Can you not tell how incredible this is- LOL. Oh I wish I could order some now!

Monday, January 10, 2011

A VISIT FROM OUR WONDERFUL FRIEND BETH!

Beth came for a visit at Pet Supplies Plus and Anna gave her a very warm welcome (lol). Beth is the reason we are able to send any of our furbabies up North (we LOVE you!) Kevin and I enjoyed having lunch with you Beth- thank you for taking the time to visit us! Here are some pictures from Beth's visit to the Pet Store for another Meet and Greet!

Kisses from Anna...it's a MUST!

Oh no Beth....I'm not finished yet!

Daddy with our precious Gracie...how we miss her.


This makes me tear up just posting...we just LOVE Gracie and miss her terribly.

Anna has lots of love to go around- this time it's Steve's turn!

Amy sporting the new shirts- definitely draws attention!
Gracie meeting another furry friend
Ok now Gracie wants some lovin' too!