An Unwelcome Stowaway

A few weeks ago, we went to Kiawah Island. Unfortunately, Gracie brought home an unwelcome stowaway: fleas.

This is the first time she has had fleas since she came to live with us. I just thought she had itchy skin, which she has during certain times of the year. While combing her, I found the little menace in her fur.

I had to wait a few days before I could apply a dose of flea medicine. In the interim, all I could do was bathe and comb her every night. As soon as I could apply the medicine, I did. I am happy to report that the fleas seem to be dying. She is scratching less each day.

You may wonder why I did not apply the medicine right away. Read the box carefully before applying the medicine. Most topical treatments can only be applied once every thirty days. Take the warning seriously.

When I was a new pet owner, I did not understand the seriousness of flea medicine. I applied a topical treatment to my Dalmatian Perdy. It was not working, so I decided to give her a bath in flea shampoo.

Well, that was just stupid. She stopped eating. I had overdosed her on flea meds! The vet told me to give her a very thorough bath to remove residue from the flea shampoo. I gave her boiled hamburger (gross) and rice because she would eat that. In a few days, she got better. Sadly, some pets are not so lucky.

Now, I am super diligent with flea medicines. While I was not crazy about waiting a few days, I would rather have an itchy dog than a dead one.

Rescue Mommy

Hope for Horses

While we tend to promote rescue groups that help dogs and cats, we do support groups who help all animals. “Hope for Horses” rescues horses from terrible situations, rehabilitates them, and finds loving homes for them. Here’s a link to their website: http://www.hopeforhorses.org/.

This Sunday, October 16, they will have a 5K run, 1-mile fun walk, and dog parade in downtown Asheville. The race starts at 35 Woodfin Street (across from the YMCA) at 2:00 p.m. Registration starts at 12:30 p.m.

If you want to enjoy a nice fall day and help a rescue group at the same time, come on out for the race.

Rescue Mommy

Greyhound Friends of NC

This group is dedicated to finding homes for retired racing dogs. Every third Saturday each month, they hold a “meet and greet” at PetSmart in Arden. The event is from noon to 2:30 p.m.

I have seen this group at adoption events. The dogs are always so sweet. I spoke with one of the “rescue moms” who informed me that they were very laid back dogs. Some greyhounds can live with cats. Others cannot, so keep that in mind.

If you adopt a greyhound from Greyhound Friends of NC, your buddy will be spayed/neutered, have his/her teeth cleaned, vaccinated, heartworm tested, dewormed, and groomed. How cool is that?

If you would like to learn more about the group, call 828-692-4986 or 828-230-2917. You can also contact them via e-mail (sherryc@morrisbb.net) or visit their website at http://www.greyhoundfriends.com/.

Rescue Mommy

Clumber Spaniel Rescue

This week, I wanted to devote some time to a couple of breed-specific rescue groups in this area.

According to the group’s website, the “Clumbers in Need” rescue group seeks to rescue Clumber Spaniels from puppy mills and backyard breeders. They do not accept owner surrenders or pull Clumbers from rescue groups. Their mission is very narrow in focus.

Never heard of the breed? I confess I had not. I visited the AKC website and learned that the Clumber was one of the original nine breeds that registered by the AKC. According to the AKC, the Clumber is a playful, loving dog who would be good for a family. Here is a link to the AKC site: http://www.akc.org/breeds/clumber_spaniel/

It is horrifying to think anyone would abuse a Clumber or any animal, for that matter. If you would like to learn more about Clumbers in Need, here is a link to their website: http://www.clumbersinneed.com/

This Saturday, October 15, “Clumbers in Need” will be at Pet Supermarket on Tunnel Road in Asheville from noon until 4:00 p.m. They do have a few Clumber Spaniels available for adoption. I am sure they would be happy to answer any questions you have about Clumbers too.

Rescue Mommy

World Rabies Vaccination Day

Saturday, October 8 is World Rabies Day. Brother Wolf and Pfizer are holding a rabies vaccination clinic from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. that day at the Biltmore Veterinary Clinic at 932 Hendersonville Road. Vaccines will be free to the first 250 dogs and cats whose human companions bring a pet food or supply donation for Brother Wolf.

If you need other vaccines or mirco-chipping, those services will be offered at a reduced cost too. For more information, call 828-808-9435.

Rescue Mommy and Daddy

Brother Wolf Needs Your Help

Brother Wolf is in the final stretch of the ASPCA Challenge. They could use your help both through adoptions and fundraising. According to a recent e-mail from them, their funds are a bit tight around this time of year. If you can spare a few dollars, they could use them.

Anyone who is looking for a new friend should definitely check out Brother Wolf’s website. I have a sampling of friends looking for homes. You will find more on the organization’s website.

Good luck, Brother Wolf!

Rescue Mommy and Daddy

White Noise App

We live in the country. Consequently, Gracie is not accustomed to a lot of noise. When we travel, she has a problem with all the noise around the condo. She barks and growls at people entering/exiting their condos or driving through the parking lot. She hushes when asked and has never been a nuisance. However, it can be rather startling to hear her growling at 2:00 a.m.

The first night we were in Kiawah, our next door neighbor arrived late and spent an inordinate amount of time banging up and down the stairs, hauling in stuff. This set Gracie on edge the whole night. We did not get a lot of sleep that night.

The next day, I had an idea. I downloaded a free, Android app called White Noise. One of the sounds was crickets, just like home.

When we went to bed that night, I set the app to play for 3.5 hours. Gracie fell asleep about 10 minutes after the app started. It worked like a charm.

No one wants to be a nuisance and get ejected from a vacation destination just because the dog is doing his/her job. If you are faced with a similar situation, give the app a try. Maybe I will try it in the car. Who knows? This might be the car travel solution we have wanted.

Rescue Mommy