Regards,
Jim

Congratulations to Patty & Blade on a nice win at the Racine Kennel Club show on August 9th.  Special thanks to Judge Robert Ritchie for recognizing our boy!

Thanks all and best of luck!!

Brianna was our guide taking us through the facility that was once a quick mart, then a bank, and now a veternary overflow for Dr. Heath Rose from the Raytown Animal Hospital located directly across the street.  The building has a Vet room, grooming area, indoor dog run with kennels, and 2 smaller store-front type rooms along with a nice fenced-in yard in the back.  Dr. Rose had 2 beautiful GSP’s at one time and has great affection for them still, hence when Brianna called the facility was offered up immediately.  Out of the initial 75 dogs (the respective breed parent clubs made arrangements to pick up the Springers and Weim’s), 60 is what we saw.  Several have already gone off to foster homes due to the fast work of this volunteer staff to famaliarize them with people.  Of the adults we saw, a majority of them are still very timid.  There is a pair that’s being sent to a trainer in Colorado - very frightened and still thin - that have a sad face that tells the story of their abuse and abandonment.  We were able to pet ‘Bones’ as Brianna calls him - very immaciated still and a couple of physical deficencies - very shy but if you get down to his level didn’t seem to mind the attention.  There are a couple of females that have either recently had a litter or still feeding one - very thin as well.  And of course the puppies!  Puppies are resilient and outside of being underweight and some facial lacerations you’d never know what had happened to them.

We observed dogs playing in the yard for about 45 minutes while Brianna shared some of the daily miracles of this rescue.  The pup on their website with the facial lacerations and hernia is recovering nicely and running full-speed in the yard after other puppies.  Those that lost their whiskers due to the heat of flames have already started growing new ones.  And nicest to see, 80% of the puppies we watched have already had applications for adoptions completed and will go to their new homes once they’ve passed their final health checks.  We observed someone filling out an application while we were there, his son playing with every dog that would come within 3 feet.  There was an adult male GSP playing amongst the puppies that acting like one himself.  He loves attention and everybody that came into the play yard - just a sweet natured dog.  It’s hard to tell about the other adults inside as many didn’t want to give much eye contact or stayed in the back of their kennel.  You could tell who was coming around by the number of paws sticking out as we walked by them.  It was very hard to comprehend why they had been put in this circumstance (my understanding is that the raided mill owner could also face federal charges in addition to arson 2nd degree), but karma has brought these dogs to a better place and they will get the attention and love they deserve.

A lot of support from the community, the outpouring of donations (goods and funds) and the tremendous group of volunteers make this truely a rescue for these dogs.  These volunteers are so appreciative and grateful - and the most kind-hearted animal lovers with tons of patience.  When you get a moment, check out the photos from our visit and drop Brianna or Galye a message of encouragement for what they’re doing to help.  Thank you!!

This is an updated photo of ‘Red’

The Missouri Department of Agriculture had been monitoring the unlicensed River Valley Kennel since September.  The owner had recently signed over 50 dogs to the state before this incident because he could not meet the licensing requirements.

More from the Columbia Tribune

Here is one of those rescued we have unofficially name Red.

There are a number of people working to pull funds and essentials togeather for MidwestPaws.  There is a list on thier website of the dontation items they need.

In addition several folks have items up for bid on eBay with the proceeds going directly to MidwestPAWS.  Kanga Show Lead by Laura Farrell from Red Rock GSP.  The second item is a Danish German Shorthair Pointer Collector Plate donated by Missy Neal from Slipstream GSP.

If you can help please contact MidwestPAWS.  For those that have been involved already thank you for your continued support and assistance.

The Shorthairs are heading to http://www.midwestpaws.com/ most arrived Saturday with an additional number arriving on Sunday.  As I understand it were 75 GSP’s in all that went to Midwest.  Understandably Midwest needs help.  With limited resources this sudden influx of dogs is going to be a heavy burden.  They have a link on thier site with items they need and as always monetary donations are appreciated. 

I challange Royal Canin and Purina if not publically then privately to help through a matching donation program.

Regards,
Jim

Molly Butterworth sent this out.  If you are able to help please contact or the Franklin County Humane Society.

- E-mail from Molly --------------------------

We were English Pointer fosters until we recently took a break to concentrate on the health needs of our oldest dog, and when we saw a GSP in our local humane society in the St. Louis area, we told the shelter director we would pass along his information to anyone we could.

He is an intact liver and white male guessed to be approximately 2 years old and was found as a stray with both a reflective hunting collar and a shock training collar.  His owner did not come to retrieve him.  He is heartworm negative and passed their health exam but needs to gain weight.  He seems like a very sweet, bright, and affectionate dog who gets along well with other dogs, and the shelter director said he’s one of the kindest and sweetest dogs they’ve had in some time.  Attached are a few very bad quality photos of him; he’s actually a handsome dog.

The local GSP rescue is full, as I’m sure most of yours are, particularly this time of year, but we wanted to pass along his information just in case, as he seems like an exceptionally nice dog.  If anyone has space for him, we would be happy to pull him from the shelter, which is very rescue-friendly, and start his transport in any direction from Union, MO.

------ End of Molly’s message

If you adopt or rescue this pup from the shelter as always will will donate a large bag of Royal Canin with confirmation from the shelter of the delivery address.

Regards,
Jim

Regards,
Jim

Regards,
Jim

Dear Purina Pro Club Member,

Purina is a longtime supporter of purebred dogs through sponsorships of dog shows and sporting events and for 15 years, has provided facilities for outdoor dog shows, lure coursing, agility, obedience, herding and earthdog trials at the Canine Activity Center and Canine Competition Center at Purina Farms in Gray Summit, Mo.

We are happy to announce that Purina is building a new multimillion-dollar, state-of-the-art, 84,000 square-foot, indoor Purina Event Center that will open in the fall of 2010.  The Purina Event Center will accommodate thousands of dogs and their owners and handlers at conformation dog shows, obedience and agility trials. This facility will provide “Best in Show” amenities to help ensure that all-breed dog shows and National Specialties, as well as agility and obedience trials, go smoothly.

Centrally located in the Midwest, the new Purina Event Center will be easily accessible for people traveling from all parts of the country and will be accessible by major highways. Purina Farms is also within 10 minutes of several hotels that accept dogs. In addition to RV parking at the Event Center, there are five campgrounds near the show site.

The Purina Event Center is being announced to the public during NBC’s Thanksgiving Day telecast of “The National Dog Show Presented by Purina,” which airs at noon in all time zones on Thursday, November 27th.

We wanted to share this announcement with our Pro Club members and encourage you to bring this information to the attention of your National Breed Clubs and Show Committees.

To learn more about the Purina Event Center’s amenities and Purina support, please visit Purina Farms.

Sincerely,

Purina Pro Club

Housing - outdoors
Housing should be raised slightly off the ground and be waterproof
Dog houses should face South to avoid North winds exposure
Insulation is very important!  Either use straw or shavings, or blankets if those items are not available and check often for moisture

Housing - indoors
Monitor your indoor dogs’ exposure to the winter elements as their coat may not have had the chance to thicken up

Frostbite and Hypothermia
Frostbite can be indicated by red or gray skin, or skin that sloughs.  Seek Vet attention for your pet immediately if this has occurred.
Slippery ice can lead to injuries for older pets

Travel
Sedation of your animal in not advisable during the winter months as it can lower thier core body temperature

See these and many other helpful reminders for our dogs to have happy, healthy, and safe winter at Vetcetera