Help Them Heal Fund

Brother Wolf spends a fortune each month caring for the animals who have found a place at their shelter.  Even if nothing is medically wrong with the animal, each cat and dog must be vaccinated and spayed.  Unfortunately, many animals require care far beyond the basics.

They currently have two special cases.  Tyson is an Old English Sheepdog.  He is gorgeous.  His owner showed up at the shelter with the dog in the back of his pickup truck.  He said he was moving and could not take the dog with him.  Tyson tested positive for heartworms.  His treatment is estimated to cost at least $500. 

Sassy is a Jack Russell Terrier mix.  She has previously undergone hip surgery.  Now, she may have additional medical issues.  We will find out what’s happening sometime this week.

Brother Wolf does not receive any funding from the government.  They rely strictly on donations from the public and grants from organizations like the ASPCA and PetSmart Charities.  They need funds for the daily management of the shelter.  They also desperately need money every month for the medical needs of the animals in their care. 

You are a responsible pet owner.  You know how expensive the vet bills can be.  If you could spare a little money for Brother Wolf’s “Help Them Heal Fund,” they would greatly appreciate it.

Don’t have spare funds to give?  Your time is valuable.  The dogs and cats at the shelter could always use a cuddle – and that does not cost a dime.

What if you do not live in the area?  I am sure a shelter or rescue group in your area could use your support too.  All charities struggle with these issues; sadly, they are not unique to Brother Wolf.

Good luck to Sassy and Tyson – and thank you to Brother Wolf for being there to care for the thousands of animals who need a little TLC.

Rescue Mommy

An Experiment

Gracie has been acting rather depressed lately.  I wondered if it was indeed time for another dog.  I have asked this question so many times that Gracie and Kiki usually leave the room – and Rescue Daddy’s patience must be wearing thin.

I constantly preach about the need to provide your furry friend with lots of exercise.  It occurred to me that this could be the problem.  It rained for many days then we had an ice storm on Friday.  We have had frigid weather too. 

Yesterday, the weather was tolerable, meaning it was not raining or snowing.  I spent as much time outside with Gracie as I could.  We took several “walkies” instead of a couple of long walkies, as we normally do on weekends.  Rescue Daddy tossed toys and played tug with Gracie.  We both talked and cuddled with her.

Gracie seemed more engaged and excited than she has been in a while.  We think Gracie’s “depression” is just plain old cabin fever.  She is sick of being stuck in the house during this dreary winter, just like us!

If your buddy is acting differently, be sure to look at the whole picture.  Gracie’s appetite has been fine.  Her ”potty breaks”  have been normal.  Her coat looks good.  Her gums are not pale.  If she had anything out of the ordinary occurring, we would have taken her to the vet. 

Gracie just informed me that it is time for a trip to Kiawah.  Well, Gracie, use that keen sense of smell to find us some money, and we will go!

Rescue Mommy

Brother Wolf Online Auction

Brother Wolf is holding an online auction of items donated by local artists, gift baskets, and stays at hotels.  Proceeds benefit the “Help Me Heal Fund.”   Brother Wolf spends thousands of dollars each month on care for pets that are surrendered to them.  Remember, they turn away no animal, so they have seen some very, very pitiful creatures.

If you are interested in the auction, please visit their website:  www.bwar.org.

Rescue Mommy

Trial Adoption at Brother Wolf

On Saturday, I visited Brother Wolf Animal Rescue.  I found a great deal on Christmas clearance toys.  I thought the little bribe might help me if I spotted a dog I liked.  (That is a joke.)

I spent some time with one of the dogs, a Poodle mix named Maggie.  As I was exiting the meet-and-greet room, a couple approached me.  It turns out they had looked at her too when she was in her kennel.  Long story short, they decided to take her home for a trial adoption.

When I spoke with them, they did not appear to be aware of the free trial.  I thought it worth mentioning in the blog.  At Brother Wolf, they want to place animals in a forever home.  It is very difficult to know if a potential pet will be the right fit.  Animals in shelters are usually frightened and confused.  When you take them home, the true personality emerges. 

You must complete an adoption application and go through the same approval process as if you were adopting the pet.  In most cases, they let you keep the animal for about five days.  At that end of that period, you must either return the animal or complete the adoption process.

We love the idea of trial period and have used it with two of BWAR’s dogs.  The experience was enlightening.  The first time, we learned that Gracie absolutely did not want a puppy.  The second time occurred about a year later, and we realized that Gracie still was not ready for another dog.

I noticed that the Avery County Humane Society has also begun offering trial periods for adoptions.  If you do not leave in the Asheville area for BWAR or near the Avery County Humane Society, check with your local rescue group or shelter.  They may offer a trial for their available animals.

Good luck to the couple who took Maggie for a trial.  I really hope things work.  She is a frightened dog desperately in need of tender loving care.

Rescue Mommy

Bark and Wine Fundraiser

On Saturday, Saint Paul Mountain Vineyard in Edneyville will host an fundraiser, "Bark and Wine."  The event will benefit Animal Compassion Network.

Cats and dogs for adoption will be available at the event, which is from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  The Bill Altman Trio will perform from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The vineyard is located at 588 Chestnut Gap Road in Edneyville.  To learn more about the promotion, call 828-685-4002 or visit saintpaulmountainvineyards.com.

Purebreds Galore

Much to Gracie and Kiki's disappointment, I regularly visit various rescue group websites.  I have been surprised at the number of purebred dogs on the sites lately. 

At Brother Wolf's shelter, they have a Giant Schnauzer (unless someone has scooped him up by the time you read this).  In the last few months, they have had an Eskimo Spitz, Cocker Spaniel, and Pug.  At the Avery County Humane Society, they had two Boston Terrier mixes that sure looked like the real deal to me.  At the Yancey County Humane Society, they had a cute Pug over the Christmas holiday.

The point is, if you are determined to have a purebred dog, cruise rescue group websites.  You might be surprised. Also, visit akc.org for breed-specific rescue groups.  With patience, you can find the purebred dog of your dreams and provide a wonderful home for a dog in need.

 

Rescue Mommy

Dine to Be Kind Coming Soon

Animal Compassion Network's Dine to be Kind Event is coming on February 26.  More than 50 Asheville-area restaurants will contribute a portion of the day's proceeds to the Network's spay and neuter assistance program event.

Local restaurants who are interested in participating should contact Ann McMartin at 828-647-9722.  If you would like to learn more about the event, check ACN's website at www.animalcompassionnnetwork.org.

Rescue Mommy