Parting Words

During the last three years, you have listened to our opinions about a few things.  We firmly believe that the best pets are “rescue” pets.  All across the country, millions of animals of all breeds, sizes, and ages are waiting for homes.  Many of them will be euthanized because no one wanted them.  If you are considering a pet, we encourage you to look at your local animal shelter or rescue group. 

We know that some people are adamant about getting certain breeds and really do not like the whole shelter experience.  We can understand that.  Rescue pets might not be for everyone.  PLEASE adopt from a responsible breeder if you do this.  Do not support a pet store, where most of the animals come from puppy mills. 

Visit www.akc.org for a list of breeders for the particular breed you want.  Be sure to thoroughly research the breeder.  Just because they have the AKC designation, it does not necessarily mean they are responsible.  Do your homework.  You are starting a lifelong relationship.

And, for those of you who have pets, please be kind to them.  You are their world.  Your actions define how they see other people and how they will react to similar situations in the future.  Please use positive training methods.  Please provide them with the best food and vet care you can afford; it is an investment that will help them later in life.

If times get tough, we encourage you to seek help from your local rescue group.   Lots of people have turned to them for support.  There is no shame in doing it.  In fact, they would prefer you keep your pet and want to do whatever they can to help you. 

We appreciated the opportunity to talk to you these last three years.  Who knows?  We might pick up again in the future.  For now, we are going to sign off by asking you to hug your pet for us.

Best wishes and furry kisses,

Rescue Mommy, Rescue Daddy, Kiki, and Gracie

Have Lunch Plans Tomorrow?

Doc Chey’s restaurant will host a special fundraiser tomorrow to Brother Wolf Animal Rescue.  A portion of their proceeds will be donated to the group.  If you are in downtown Asheville and looking for a great place to eat, consider visiting Doc Chey’s.

For more information, visit Brother Wolf’s website at www.bwar.org.  Happy spring roll!

Rescue Mommy

BWAR Community Yard Sale Tomorrow

Tomorrow, Brother Wolf Animal Rescue will hold a community yard sale at their shelter.  You can buy a table and sell items you no longer want.  Or maybe you can pick up a treasure for yourself.

For more details, check out the “Events” page on www.rescuepetsrule.com or visit Brother Wolf’s website at www.bwar.org. 

Rescue Mommy

*Breaking News* Two Big Events This Weekend

I wanted to share the news in case you were looking for something to do on Saturday and/or Sunday.

Saturday, May 11.  Brother Wolf’s “Thrifty Paws at the Bywater” event is tomorrow from noon until 4:00 p.m.  BWAR’s Second Chance Thrift Store will have items for sale, and the shelter will bring dogs for adoption. 

The Bywater is located on 796 Riverside Drive in Asheville.  When “The Hunger Games” was filmed here, the director and some of the cast frequented the place.  It has picnic tables and outdoor grills if you would like to bring a picnic or have a cookout.  You can also enjoy food from food trucks that will be onsite. 

Since the Bywater is a private club, a $5 membership fee is required.  All new membership fees from that day will be donated to BWAR.

Sunday, May 12 – Mother’s Day.  In honor of Mother’s Day, Brother Wolf will offer discounted adoption fees to any mother who adopts adult dogs (6 months or older) and cats.  The reduced fee is $75 for dogs and $40 for cats.

The regular rate is great deal.  The reduced fee is even better!  All animals are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped.  Believe me, the cost for those services would be MUCH more expensive through your local vet.

Brother Wolf’s adoption center is located at 31 Glendale Avenue in Asheville.  The shelter hours are 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.  For more information, call 828-505-3440. 

You can also see pictures of available pets at www.bwar.org.  Keep in mind that newly-arrived pets may be at the shelter, yet not on the site yet.  You could be the first to know about a fabulous pet.  Your true love could be waiting for you!

Rescue Mommy

Interesting Conversation

While at Brother Wolf’s Re-Tail Store last Saturday, I met a woman who was adopting a dog.  She spotted Gracie and immediately came over to pet her.  (Standard reaction – Gracie is super cute.)  She told me her 15-year old JRT had just passed away. 

She ruefully admitted she bought the dog from a breeder.  I mentioned that times were different 15 years ago.  Adopting a rescue was not “the thing” that it is today.

I have thought a lot about that conversation.  Affordable opportunities to spay or neuter your pet are readily available in more communities.   Shelters across the country are trying hard to become no kill or partner with local rescue groups to save more lives.  Most importantly, it is very common to hear someone say about their dog or cat that he/she “is a rescue.”  It is cool to adopt, not shop.

Yes, more work is needed to save the millions of animals who do not find homes.  Let’s take a moment to focus on the positive, though.  Tremendous strides have been made in animal care and rescue.  Just imagine what more we can do in another 15 years.

Rescue Mommy

Spay-Ghetti and No Balls Dinner

The annual Spay-Ghetti and No Balls Dinner will be held tomorrow evening from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Mayfel’s Restaurant at 22 College Street in Asheville.  The event raises money for Brother Wolf.  As you probably gathered from the name, the focus is usually spay/neuter.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $7 for children ages 5 to 13, and free for kids under 5.  There will be a silent auction, cash bar, and raffle.

For more information, call 828-505-3440.

Cinco de Mayo Adoption Event

Brother Wolf Animal Rescue and over 15 other rescue groups are holding a “Cinco de Mayo Fiesta” adoption event this weekend.  The event will take place on Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at PetSmart at 150 Bleachery Boulevard in Asheville. 

Banfield will provide discounted $20 microchipping for your pets.  At the event, you can also learn a lot about the organizations in our area who help animals.

For more information, call Brother Wolf at 828-575-2699.

Rescue Mommy

Run for the Paws a Huge Success

Congratulations to Brother Wolf Animal Rescue! 

Yesterday afternoon, they held the 4^th annual “Run for the Paws” at Fletcher Community Park in Fletcher, NC.  The event offered participants to either run in a 5K race or walk in a 1-mile fun walk.  You could bring along your canine companion for either event.

From both entry faces and individual fundraising efforts by participants, Brother Wolf raised more than $15,000 for its shelter.  The money will be put to good use as they are a no-kill shelter who does not turn away any pet. 

Congratulations!

Rescue Mommy

Run for the Paws is Sunday

Brother Wolf’s “Run for the Paws” event is coming up soon.  It is not too late to register!

The event will be held Sunday, April 7.  You can run a 5K race or participate in a 1-mile walk.  Proceeds from the race benefit Brother Wolf.  After the run/walk, they will have a pet wellness fair. 

For more information, check out Brother Wolf’s website at www.bwar.org.

Rescue Mommy

Pet Planning Workshop on Wednesday

This Wednesday, April 6, Brother Wolf will hold a pet planning workshop at their Re-Tail Store on 38 Glendale Avenue in Asheville.  The workshop is presented by a local attorney, Dennis Gibson.  The time is from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

We spend a lot of time creating wills and ensuring that our physical property will be disposed of as we wish when we pass away.  What happens to your pets?  So many animals end up in shelters every year because their pet parents did not have adequate arrangements in place.

Also, don’t forget that a serious illness could also create problems.  Recently, I have read a few very sad stories on BWAR’s website because owners fell ill unexpectedly and could no longer care for their beloved pets. 

If you are interested in attending the workshop, you must reserve a spot.  Contact Mr. Gibson at dennis.gibson@bellsouth.net or call 828-669-0375. 

Rescue Mommy

Hungry for Pizza

If you are in the mood for pizza tonight, Brizz Wood Fired Pizza in Biltmore Park, Arden, has a special fundraiser for Brother Wolf. 

Go to Brother Wolf’s website (www.bwar.org/events) and download a special coupon.  You must present the coupon!  Brixx will donate $3 per 10” pizza and $1 per kid’s pizza to Brother Wolf.  The offer applies to both dine-in and take-out orders.

Enjoy!

Rescue Mommy

In Sickness and In Health

I succumbed to a nasty cold last week.  Its effects still linger.  You cannot lay about forever.

Even though you feel awful, your pets need you.  It was nice that Rescue Daddy could help.  I eventually had to drag myself out of bed and take Gracie for some walkies.  She is definitely my dog.  She will take short walks with other people.  She prefers to walk with me and will quickly “do her business” then dash to the house if she is with someone else. 

As I do with every illness, I think about what would happen if I had a debilitating illness.  We treat our pets like children.  The law, unfortunately, does not recognize them in the same manner.

You can take steps to protect your pet.  Brother Wolf Animal Rescue regularly offers a class with an estate planning attorney who reviews your options.  (Check the Events page on their website at www.bwar.org for dates and times.) 

If you do not live in the Asheville area, you can find a wealth of information on the Internet.  Start with the ASPCA’s website.  They have an entire section devoted to pet planning.  Here is the link:

http://www.aspca.org/Home/Pet-care/planning-for-your-pets-future

In further searches, I learned that mentioning your pets in your will is not the best option.  What happens if you have a car accident or serious illness?  Wills apply to the dead, not the living, so no one would check your will for instructions about your pet.  Pet protection agreements and pet trusts offer better legal protection and cover more events besides your death. 

Pet protection agreements do not necessarily require assistance from an attorney.  You can even buy versions on those legal websites they advertise on TV.  Pet trusts, which are recognized in 46 states, require an attorney’s assistance, so they could be costly. 

Each year, thousands of animals find themselves dumped in shelters all over the country because their owners either passed away or developed serious health problems.  It is important to have a plan for your pets.  You made a commitment to care for them for their entire lives.   With a little advance planning, you can be sure that commitment will be honored after you are gone.

Rescue Mommy

Neonatal Kitten Care Seminar on Sunday

Friends 2Ferals and Brother Wolf Animal Rescue are sponsoring a unique kitten care seminar on Sunday.  Held at the Humane Alliance Spay/Neuter Clinic, the seminar is taught by Susan Spaulding.  Ms. Spaulding is co-founder of the Virginia-based organization, Feline Outreach, Rescue, and Education. 

Ms. Spaulding will teach you proper bottle feeding techniques, nutrition, basic care, and more.  The seminar is perfect if you ever wanted to learn how to care for orphan kittens or would like to become a foster parent.  The event is free, but the organizations would really appreciate a $10 donation.

Reservations are required.  To enroll, e-mail kittenmom@centurylink.net with your name, e-mail address, telephone number, and rescue organization (if applicable).

Rescue Mommy

Brother Wolf Tips

If you are expecting a juicy piece of gossip, I hate to disappoint you.  It is no secret that I am a great supporter –and frequent visitor – of Brother Wolf.  Over the years, I have learned a few tips when visiting the shelter and want to share them with you.

When you visit the shelter, do not expect all the animals on the website to be at the shelter.  (Ok, maybe this is not a big secret, since they disclose it on the website.)  The shelter environment is very stressful.  The dogs and cats are confused about their noisy surroundings, the change in routine, the loss of the family, et cetera.  Brother Wolf has foster families who take some of the animals for a night or a long-term visit.  If you are interested in a particular animal, it is best to call the shelter first and see if he or she is at the shelter.  The staff can provide you with contact information if the animal is in foster care.

The next tip is that there are better times than others to visit.  Look on the website before you go.  On Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, some of the dogs are out for hikes with Outward Hounds.  They seem to be gone for a couple of hours when they do.  A particular dog in which you might be interested may be out on a hike, so call before you visit.

The hikes are great for two reasons.  If the dog is not on the hike, you will find the shelter to be much quieter while the other dogs are gone.  On the other hand, if your dog is on a hike, find out when he/she will be back.  The dog should be much more relaxed after all that exercise.

Also, if you are counting on meeting dogs at an adoption event, consider the weather.  They tend to send fewer dogs, if any at all, on cold, snowy, or rainy days.  It might be better to visit the shelter instead.  This seems to be more of an issue in the winter time, as you would expect.

The last tip involves your interaction with the animals there.  They have hand sanitizer everywhere; use it after touching every animal and/or surface.  You will help prevent the spread of disease between animals.

You will see treat buckets attached to some kennels.  Even if you are not interested in a particular dog, it teaches the dog manners so give him/her a goodie.  The dogs know that they are supposed to sit for the treat and will oftentimes do it without you having to ask.  A gorgeous pit bull named Miss Piggy will even stare at the bucket, reminding you to give her a goodie.

I hope these tips help you find your buddy.  Good luck!

Rescue Mommy

Valentine's Day is Tomorrow

If you are looking for a last-minute gift and live in the Asheville area, check out Brother Wolf’s website.  Once again, they offer Puppy Grams.  They will take a puppy to your sweetie for a few minutes of cuddling, along with a flower, card, and some chocolate.  Their website is www.bwar.org.

Another reminder – keep the candy out of reach of your furry friend.  Chocolate is highly toxic.  You would not want to spend Valentine’s Day (and a small fortune) at the emergency animal hospital because your buddy decided the heart-shaped box was meant for her.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Rescue Mommy

Puppy Gram

Don’t forget – Valentine’s Day is next Thursday, February 14.  Once again, Brother Wolf Animal Rescue is selling “puppy grams.”  Your sweetie will receive a visit from a cute puppy (or adult dog, by request) at the time of your choosing.  He or she will also receive a flower, card, and chocolate.   It is all about the dog, though; who are we kidding?

You will definitely score points for originality.  Flowers die.  Chocolate makes us fat.  Puppy breath and sloppy dog kisses are unforgettable!  Make sure someone snaps a pic with your sweetie and the dog.  You may need it in the future during an argument.  ;-) 

Reserve your Puppy Gram early.  For more information, visit www.bwar.org.

Rescue Mommy

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

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

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