Spring 2008 - Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus

The Dober Dispatch
The Newsletter of Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus
Wanted: A doll house for Muneca
Spring 2008: Vol. 4, No. 1
Letter from the BOD
With spring blossoms emerging
everywhere, we find ourselves
celebrating our own “blossom”
with the 5th anniversary of IDR+.
We have changed so much over
the last five years–we’ve grown
in volunteers and resources, and
hopefully our good reputation has
also continued to grow and spread
even wider.
We find the many opportunities
to help match orphans with their
forever families a true joy, and the
chances we have to educate people
about Dobermans have been
equally rewarding.
However, while IDR+ is enjoying
success, this has been a more
difficult year than others due to
the struggling economy. Adoptions
seem to be slower than previous
years, and unfortunately many
people have lost their homes to
foreclosures.
Times are tough for people and
pets alike. IDR+ is doing its best to
be there to pick up the pieces when
needed. In addition, we have had
more seniors needing help from
IDR+, and we open our arms and
doors to them as we always have.
We could not be at this 5th
anniversary without all our amazing
volunteers and adopters. Together,
we’ll get through this challenging
time and continue our work to find
homes for orphan animals.
So pause a moment to pat
yourself on your back for all you
have contributed, and never forget
the lives we save end up saving us
in the end.
Pam Abare-Newton
IDR+ President
“She should be dead,” the vet said
to IDR+ President Pam AbareNewton as they looked over the
bloodwork of a 25-pound adult
female Dobe IDR had just picked
up. Her name was Muneca, which
means “doll” in Spanish. In
January, Chicago Animal Control
notified IDR+ about a two-year-old
owner surrender that didn’t look
too promising. She was emaciated,
shaking, weak, and showed signs
of internal bleeding, but IDR+
doesn’t turn down a dog simply
because of medical issues. Once
safely in IDR’s care, Pam called
the previous owner to find out
more information. It seems she was
turned in because she was urinating
blood, and they didn’t have the
money to take her to the vet.
Although Muneca wanted to
eat, drink, and play, the signs of
a healthy dog stopped there. Her
red blood cell count was too low,
her white blood cell count was too
high, her liver wasn’t functioning
properly, and the rest of her x-rays,
ultrasounds, biopsies, and blood
screens painted a very grim picture.
After receiving a blood transfusion
and eating a special diet to help her
safely gain weight, she seemed to
feel better, but she was still in bad
shape. Another visit to the vet revealed
a possible cause of the blood in her
urine—a kidney stone the size of
a peach pit that set a record at the
vet’s office. Her urine improved
after the stone was removed, but
something was still not right.
Another vet visit found the reason
for most of her health problems:
Muneca’s pancreas was almost seethrough, and it was not functioning
properly. By looking at it, the vet
thought she must have Exocrine
Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI),
which unfortunately doesn’t show
signs of damage until 90% of the
pancreas is destroyed.
Without a functioning pancreas,
the body is unable to absorb
nutrients from food, which would
explain why Muneca couldn’t
gain weight despite eating healthy
food. The vet prescribed a dietary
supplement of a pancreatic
enzyme to make up for the poorly
functioning pancreas. By the end
of February, she had gained 10
pounds.
“I can’t see how she will be
Photo by Lauren Kelliher
Muneca acts like a healthy,
playful dog even though she has
several medical problems.
adopted even if we offer to pay
for everything,” admitted Pam in
early March. “People are pretty
scared of major medical issues
and possibly losing a dog so soon
after adoption.” However, Muneca
was enjoying life in a new foster
home. She jumped on the table and
counter, figured out how to unlock
the crate, made friends with five
cats, and hid the squirt bottle her
foster mom used for training.
Muneca is looking for a very
special forever home. Muneca must
have forgotten to read her
bloodwork results as they do not
look good, even after all we have
done. However, if you see her, you
will see a very happy, energetic
dog. Her motto is “live for the
moment!”
The vets admit they don’t know
for sure how long she will live with
her medical conditions. Although
she is not expected to break any
records in longevity, she will break
your heart with her love.
Photo by Lauren Kelliher
Muneca cuddles with one of her foster moms, Diane Walsh.
Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus • P.O. Box 435 • Barrington, IL 60011
847-277-1082 • www.ILDobeRescue.com • orphandobe@ameritech.net
By Lauren Kelliher
2
The Dober Dispatch, Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus
While these flowers are beautiful to plant,
As spring begins, you may be
thinking of ways to beautify your
yard. Keep your pets’ safety in mind
as you consider various plants.
There are many spring-blooming
bulbous plants that warrant careful
consideration. The clinical signs
associated with exposure to some
bulbous plants may include skin
irritation, mild to severe digestive
upset, or effects on other organ
systems, including the heart and
nervous system.
Bulbous plants that cause skin
irritation include Hyacinthus and
Tulipa species. The sap causes the
effects. Skin irritation is generally
resolved by preventing contact with
the offending plant or bathing in a
mild shampoo. Hyacinthus species
contain calcium oxalate raphides
that basically act like needle-like
crystals that puncture the mucosal
surfaces when chewing or breakage
of plant parts occurs.
Typically, when plants may
have a skin irritation effect, they
generally may also cause vomiting
and diarrhea upon ingestion (just
think: if it is irritating to the touch,
it can certainly be more so upon
ingestion when the plant is chewed
and broken). Monitor pets that
develop vomiting and diarrhea,
and seek veterinary support in
those cases where vomiting and/
or diarrhea is more than mild or
becomes protracted.
Crocus species (crocus, saffron),
Galanthus nivalis (snowdrop),
and Muscari armeniacum (grape
hyacinth) ingestions may result in
mild to moderate digestive upset.
Most exposures to the above
plants would not be expected to
require veterinary assistance. It is
Crocus
Photo courtesy of
Sheila Robbins Campbell
Colchicum
Photo courtesy of ASPCA
advisable to monitor the severity
of digestive signs that develop and
seek veterinary assistance when
vomiting and diarrhea become more
than mild or moderate in severity
and/or dehydration becomes a
concern. It is also important to note
that the common name crocus is
used when describing Crocus as
well as Colchicum genera plants.
Most Crocus species are springblooming but some, such as Crocus
sativus (saffron) and Crocus
speciosus, bloom in autumn along
with Colchicum species plants and
are often times collectively referred
to as autumn crocus. It is important
that the distinction between Crocus
and Colchicum species is made as
ingestion of Colchicum species
plants may result in death. If ever
in doubt, always assume the worstcase scenario so that potential
Colchicum species ingestion is
treated as proactively as possible.
Photo courtesy of ASPCA
Grape hyacinth
Hyacinth
Photo courtesy of ASPCA
Similar to Hyacinthus as
noted above, Narcissus species
may result in skin irritation due
to calcium oxalate raphides.
Although
Narcissus
species
(daffodils, jonquils, narcissus) are
associated with contact dermatitis,
they are additionally potent in that
they may cause severe stomach
inflammation, digestive ulceration,
seizures, below normal temperature
and death. Alkaloids in the bulbs,
leaves and flowers are believed
to be responsible for causing the
clinical signs noted. Trembling,
convulsions and death have been
reported in humans. Death has
been reported in cattle ingesting
Narcissus species. Animals with
histories of seizures are more
likely to develop severe seizures.
Vomiting may even play a role in
triggering seizures in seizure-prone
animals.
Other plants that are likely to result
in moderate to severe digestive
irritation
include
Cyclamen
(cyclamin) species, Iris, Gladiolus,
and Arisaema triphyllum (jack in
the pulpit). Large ingestions of
Cyclamen may also cause heart
arrhythmias and seizures as well as
Daffodil
Photo courtesy of ASPCA
Gladolia
Photo courtesy of ASPCA
development of bloody diarrhea.
It is not specifically known how
much Cyclamen must be ingested
to lead to more severe signs.
Iris species with bulbs or
rhizomes are toxic to all animals.
Ingestion of minute quantities
of the bulbs or large quantities
of leaves may result in drooling,
vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia,
and intestinal ulcers or bleeding.
Ingestion of Gladiolus, which are
actually summer-blooming bulbs,
may result in similar signs.
Arisaema triphyllum (jack in
the pulpit), which belongs to the
same family as Philodendron and
Dieffenbachia, also causes similar
clinical signs to Philodendron and
Photo courtesy of ASPCA
Jack in the pulpit
3
Spring 2008: Vol. 4, No. 1
some spring bulbs bloom health hazards
Photo courtesy of ASPCA
Lily of the valley
Dieffenbachia. Signs associated
with ingestion are typically
the result of damage caused by
insoluble calcium oxalate raphides
to the mucosa with which they
come into contact. Clinical signs
may include redness and swelling
of the mouth, pain, drooling,
vomiting and diarrhea. If intense
swelling of the oral cavity and
esophagus occurs, animals may
have difficulty breathing.
Colchicum species are autumnblooming bulbs but can commonly
be confused with Crocus species.
Both
Colchicum
autumnale
(autumn crocus, meadow saffron)
and Gloriosa superba (glory lily),
a summer-blooming bulb, may
cause severe multisystemic signs
so are certainly worth mentioning.
Colchicine is the toxic principle of
both plants. Clinical signs become
progressively worse over time.
Diarrhea, which is often bloody,
severe abdominal pain, vomiting,
depression and drooling develop
12-24 hours after ingestion. Within
24-72 hours, weakness, lack of
coordination, paresis or collapse
may occur. Severe cases may
result in death several days after
Cyclamen
Photo courtesy of ASPCA
Tulip
Photo courtesy of ASPCA
ingestion.
Convallaria majalis (lily of the
valley) ingestion often results in
vomiting, abdominal pain, and
diarrhea that may be bloody.
These signs are often coupled
with cardiovascular signs such
as decreased heart rate and other
arrhythmias.
Weakness
and
depression may be noted and
seizures, coma and death may
occur.
There are many plants to
choose from to help beautify the
landscape. Keep in mind that
toxicity of bulbous plants can vary
from mild to potentially deadly. It
is important to know the genus and
species of plants to which pets may
Iris
Photo courtesy of ASPCA
be exposed to in your yard and to
always have an emergency plan in
place in the event a pet exposure
should occur.
Thankfully, most exposures to
Crocus, Hyacinthus, Galanthus,
Muscari or Tulipa may be
managed at home as long as the
signs that develop remain mild
and self-limiting. It is best to seek
veterinary assistance, whether
from one’s regular veterinarian, a
local emergency clinic or possibly
the ASPCA Animal Poison Control
Center at (888) 426-4435 when
signs increase in severity or in
cases of exposure to Narcissus,
Cyclamen,
Iris,
Gladiolus,
Arisaema triphyllum, and especially
Glory lily
Photo courtesy of ASPCA
Colchicum autumnale, Gloriosa
superba and Convallaria majalis.
Please refer to the referenced
articles if you are interested in
learning more about bulb plants.
References:
Lieske, CL: Spring-blooming
bulbs: A year-round problem. Vet.
Med. 97(8): 580-588; 2002.
Van Winkle, E: Bulb toxicosis. Vet.
Tech. 26(10): 728-729; 2005.
Both articles may be viewed
on‑line at http://www.aspca.org/
apcc under Veterinary Resources
then Animal Poison Control Center
Articles
By Tamara Foss
The Dober Dispatch
Chairperson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lauren Kelliher
Email: shoebull2@yahoo.com
Copy editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Gawienowski
Pam Abare-Newton
The Dober Dispatch is Contributing writers . . . . . . . . . . . Victoria Anderson
Nancy Crivellone
published twice a year by Tamara Foss
Illinois Doberman Rescue Dixie
Howard
Plus. IDR+ is an
Tasha Huebner
all-volunteer 501(c)(3)
non-profit organization
Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus
P.O. Box 435 • Barrington, IL 60011
dedicated to finding loving
847-277-1082 • www.ILDobeRescue.com
and permanent homes
orphandobe@ameritech.net
for animals.
4
The Dober Dispatch, Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus
Get to know an IDR+ volunteer: Alise Carrico
The Dober Dispatch is launching
a new feature this issue: Get to
Know a Volunteer. Each issue, we
will talk with an IDR+ volunteer
about their experiences with the
organization. Our first featured
volunteer is Alise Carrico.
Dober Dispatch: How did you
get started with IDR+ and how
long ago?
Alise Carrico: I got started with
IDR+ before it was even called
IDR+! I had been a volunteer
with an all-breed rescue named
A.D.O.P.T. (Animals Deserving
of Proper Treatment) out of
Naperville since 1998. In 2003, a group of A.D.O.P.T.
volunteers that had a special
love for Dobermans broke off
from A.D.O.P.T. to form IL
Doberman Rescue Plus. I helped
to incorporate IDR+ and secure
our not-for-profit status in 2003.
DD: Are you a “foster” failure? If
so, to which dog & why?
AC: I am, indeed, a foster failure,
but not to a Doberman! I am
also a very active volunteer with
Recycled Rotts, and I kept one
of my Recycled Rotts foster
puppies to become my own dog.
DD: How many animals do you
have, and what kind are they?
AC: I have a female Doberman
named Carly, who is 5.5 years
of age. I also have a female
“Mostly Rott” named Poppy
C, who is also 5, and a male
Rottweiler named Butch Blue
(foster failure), who just turned 4.
I also have two shelter cats named
Lady Marmalade and Houdini and
one spoiled Siamese named Zack.
DD: We know you do agility.
What do all the “letters” mean
after a dog’s name?
AC: My dogs specifically show
in AKC agility; therefore, the
“letters” after their names refer
to AKC agility titles that we, as a
team, have earned by competing
in AKC-sanctioned agility events.
In AKC agility, there are two
types of classes: Standard (teeter
totter, A-­frame, dogwalk, etc.)
Photo ©Renny Mills Photography
Alise Carrico is proud to be a volunteer for IDR+.
and Jumpers. There are also three
levels for each class: Novice,
Open, and Excellent. For a typical agility trial, the
trial hosts a Standard class for all
three levels as well as a Jumpers
class for all three levels. In order
to proceed to the next level, a
dog and handler must run three
clear or “qualifying” rounds.
Carly, my Doberman, competes
at
the
Excellent
Standard
and Jumpers level while my
Rottweiler, Butch, competes in the
intermediate or Open level. The
AX title after Carly’s name refers
to Agility Excellent (for Standard)
and the AXJ title refers to Excellent
Agility Jumper (for Jumpers).
DD: What is your favorite memory
from working with IDR+?
AC: My favorite story is, of
course, the story of our very own
IDR+ Mascot, Melvin B. On the
day that Melvin B entered our
world, I had gone down to Chicago
Animal Control to pick up a blue
female Doberman named Sparkle.
Since the kennel staff knew I was
coming, they had moved Sparkle
into an airplane kennel in the vet’s
office where she was waiting for
me to pick her up. After I arrived, I
said hello to Sparkle and proceed
to hook my leash gently to her
collar. I tugged and tugged, but she
would not come out of the crate.
Excellent 2008 Pet Expo
The IDR+ booth was full volunteers, dogs,
and visitors at the 2008 Chicagoland Pet
Expo at Arlington Racetrack in March.
Co-chairs Lori Glueckert and Kat Loftus
were two of the many volunteers who
worked the booth with their Dobes,
Daisy Mae and Rosie. The booth
generated positive breed awareness with
the well-behaved Dobe ambassadors.
After a great deal of coaxing, I
finally succeeded in getting Sparkle
to come out. I quickly became
very concerned since Sparkle was
going crazy flopping at the end of
the leash while frantically trying
to run back to the crate. She pulled
so hard that I actually dropped the
leash and Sparkle dashed back
into the crate. “What on earth is
going on?” I asked myself. I then
peeked into the crate to try and
coax Sparkle back out. Well, I got
the shock of my life at that point!
The reason that Sparkle wouldn’t
leave the crate was immediately
clear—she had one tiny little
black Doberman puppy in there
with her! She must have given
birth to this singleton puppy
while waiting for me to pick her
up. It was a wonderful surprise.
So, I gathered Momma Sparkle
and her hours-old puppy into my
car and delivered them to Pam
Abare-Newton for fostering. This
same little puppy has grown to be
our beloved mascot, Melvin B!
DD: If you had one “wish” that
had to do with animals, what
would it be?
AC: My one wish for animals is
for humans to understand that
animals have “no voice and
no choice.” Animals are born
completely innocent and remain
100% dependent on the love and
caring of human beings. I wish
that all humans would develop a
much higher level of compassion
and caring for these wonderful
creatures with whom we share the
world.
Compiled By Nancy Crivellone
5
Spring 2008: Vol. 4, No. 1
Stock up during the IDR+ “white sale”
Photo by Pam Abare-Newton
Stabler enjoys being outside
on a cloudy day.
IDR+ is experiencing a blizzard of sorts.
Seven albino Dobermans are currently up
for adoption: Frosty, Louie, Vanna White,
Stabler, Brianna, Quincy, and Neraku. We
would like to take this opportunity to clear
up some commonly held misconceptions
about albino Dobes.
While the following information might
make an albino Doberman seem like a
difficult dog, rarely does one exhibit all
of the negative traits. Albino Dobes make
wonderful companions for the right person
who is knowledgeable about what to
expect.
Myth: Albino Dobes should be called
“white” Dobes.
Although many dog breeds that have white
fur are classified as “white,” a genetic
mutation causes the lack of pigment in an
albino Dobe, which produces its light color.
Albino Dobermans are not recognized by
the American Kennel Club.
Photo by Lauren Kelliher
Although Frosty is blind, he is
looking for a forever home.
Photo by Lauren Kelliher
Vanna White wants to buy a
vowel: U.
Photo by Corina Boyle
Quincy is a well-behaved and
quiet puppy.
Myth: Albinos only have red eyes and
white fur.
When some people think of “albino,” a redeyed, white-furred animal comes to mind.
But albino Dobes don’t have red eyes or
white fur; in fact, their eyes are a very light
blue and their coat is a cream color.
Just as many humans who are albino
are legally blind, some albino Dobes
have serious vision problems; they are
extremely light sensitive and can become
“snow blind” during winter due to the light
bouncing off of the snow. The creamy coat
is also caused by a lack of pigment, and the
hair structure is sometimes rougher than a
regular-colored Dobe.
Myth: Albinos can’t reproduce.
Albinism does not affect reproduction;
however, albinos should not intentionally
be bred. According to the Doberman
Pinscher Club of America, the first albino
Dobe was born in 1976. She produced
a litter with her son, which yielded two
albino males.
The same son bred with his sister to
produce a litter that yielded two albino
females. The albino males and females
were then intentionally bred together to
produce an entire litter of albinos. This
intentional inbreeding for albinism should
not be encouraged; sadly, several breeders
are intentionally producing albino Dobes.
Myth: Albinos are rare and valuable.
Unfortunately, breeders continue to
produce albino Dobes and market them as
“rare and white” while charging exorbitant
fees—one breeder advertises prices up to
$2000 for an albino pup. Unknowing buyers
perpetuate the demand, and unscrupulous
breeders continue to breed to fulfill orders.
Myth: Albino Dobes don’t act differently
than other colored Dobes.
Because albinism is a recessive gene
trait, other recessive traits often appear in
albinos, including behavioral, emotional,
and intelligence deficiencies. Albino
Dobes are highly emotional and can have
difficulty learning appropriate behavior.
While some albino Dobes can act
“normal” in a familiar setting, they might
become confused and upset in a new setting
or with unfamiliar people. However, for
some albino Dobes, it’s the opposite. For
example, IDR+ President Pam AbareNewton adopted Degas, an albino puppy
she knew would be difficult to place, and
she has made several accommodations for
him to be successful in her home. However,
when a volunteer brings him to an event, he
is easily well-behaved and enjoys meeting
new people.
Myth: Albino Dobes are just as healthy
as other colored Dobes.
Albino Dobermans can be more prone
to some health problems. As mentioned
earlier, many albino Dobes have vision
problems and even blindness. Due to the
lack of pigment, albino Dobes are also
highly susceptible to skin cancer, including
the often-deadly malignant melanoma.
According to www.whitedobes.doberinfo.
com, albino Dobes can also suffer from
increased skin sensitivities and allergies,
bone malformations, organ malfunctions,
and other major health concerns. Albinism
is such a serious health concern, some
Doberman mothers will even cull a litter if
albinism is present.
Photo by Lauren Kelliher
Baby Boo was recently
adopted to a wonderful home.
When she first arrived at IDR+,
she exhibited some typical
albino Doberman issues.
Photo by Lauren Kelliher
Neraku’s natural ears give
him a unique look.
Photo by Pam Abare-Newton
Brianna has received several
applications for adoption.
If you are interested in helping IDR+
dig out from under our recent blizzard of
albino Dobes, please consider adding a
special member to your family.
Sources:
Ione L. Smith, DVM. April 30, 2008.
<http://whitedobes.doberinfo.com/>
The Doberman Pinscher Club of America.
April 30, 2008. <http://www.dpca.org/
albinoinfo1.html>
By Lauren Kelliher
Photo by Lauren Kelliher
Louie is a sweet Doberboy
who wants a family to love.
6
The Dober Dispatch, Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus
are they now? Three legs, one big heart
Dober Desires Where
Dustin came to IDR from a
We try to keep our
adoption fee as low as
possible to encourage
adoptions. Your donations
will ensure we can
continue to help save
lives. Dober Donations are
always accepted for our
orphans:
Dober-Dwellings: a
forever home for everyone
or even a foster home!
Dober-Dens: large or
x­‑large metal or plastic
crates (gently used or new)
Dober-Duds: these cool
collars and leashes can be
donated on our site at
www.ildoberescue.com/
doberduds.htm and some
training collars (medium
weight prong collars)
and coats for our seniors
(Velcro up the back-easier
to put on), etc. would be
great too
Dober-Dozing: large
or x-large dog beds or
comforters
Dober-Doodoo Defenses:
laundry detergent, paper
towels, cleaning fluids, etc.
Dober-Diversions:
rawhides, nylabones,
Kong toys, stuffed toys,
tennis balls, etc.
Dober-Desk: postage
stamps, manila file folders,
copy paper, envelopes,
etc.
Dober-Driving: supplies
for our rescue mobiles
such as gas cards, phone
cards, Starbucks cards
(hey, bodies need fuel too).
Dober-Dollars: used for
the vet bills, phone bills,
boarding, microchips.
shelter in Wisconsin in 2007,
somehow making his way
there from a Doberman rescue
organization in California. Further
investigation led to a vet in Iowa
who had seen Dustin in 2004 for
lacerations across his back feet and
a subsequent severely swollen leg;
apparently, he had been hit by a car
and never properly treated, so he
had to live with a painfully injured
leg until his owners decided they
didn’t want to deal with the messy
injury anymore and turned him in
to a shelter.
By that time, the leg wouldn’t
straighten at all, and a sore led to
a major bone infection in the foot.
Amazingly, despite all the pain
he was living with, Dustin had an
indomitable spirit that captured
the hearts of everyone at IDR. He
would wag his tail and seek out
petting and attention even as he
was limping around on three legs.
Dustin came through his leg
amputation surgery with flying
colors, and the next step in his
long journey was perhaps the most
important one: being adopted by
Sue Ransom, who notes that Dustin
fell into her family’s lives as if he
had been there all along.
In his new life, Dustin gets
to enjoy the Friday night poker
Photo by Lauren Kelliher
Dustin stands proudly on three legs shortly after his amputation surgery. He is
now in a loving home with the Ransoms.
nights—not playing cards himself,
but taking advantage of all those
people by soliciting pets from them
all night long. And he’s quickly
learned that he gets a treat when he
comes back inside the house after
being let out to pee; naturally, he
now asks to be let out as often as
possible, even if he just steps out
and then turns around to be let back
in. Clever Dustin!
The mere fact of having three
legs hasn’t bothered Dustin at all—
in fact, as he hops up on the couch,
runs around the house, and plays
with everyone who will join him,
he doesn’t even seem to notice that
he’s missing that pesky leg that
gave him so many problems. After
being treated like he wasn’t worth
any effort for so long, Dustin has
now become part of a home where
he’s loved and cherished just as we
all always knew he should.
By Tasha Huebner
Whistlin’ Dixie’s Extraordinary Treat Ideas
Ranch-Style Beef Bones
1 lb. lean ground beef
2 eggs, beaten
3 cups all purpose flour
1 cup quick cooking oats
1 cup water
1. In a blender or food processor, combine beef and eggs until well
blended and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and rolled oats. Gradually
mix in beef mixture with your hands, until well-blended.
3. Add water and stir to form sticky dough.
4. Divide dough into 2 balls, so it is easy to work with.
5. Knead each dough ball on a well-floured surface for about two
minutes, adding flour as needed until the dough is no longer sticky.
6. With a rolling pin. Roll dough to between ¼ and ½ inch thickness.
7. Cut with biscuit cutter and place on a lightly greased baking sheet.
8. Bake 1 hour at 350 degrees.
9. Cool on a rack and store at room temperature in a container with a
loose fitting lid.
7
Spring 2008: Vol. 4, No. 1
Once neglected, Kimber is now loved
Kimber is a recent adoptee whose story may
be familiar to many, as she was IDR’s “featured
dog” for quite some time. Her tale was rather
horrific and truly speaks to the dedication of
the many volunteers who worked to bring her
back to health. Just getting Kimber to IDR was a
challenge—she was a young stray in Kentucky
and the people in the neighborhood watched
her run around for six full months as she grew
increasingly emaciated and developed a severe
case of mange.
Unfortunately, her health continually
deteriorated to the point that someone was going
to simply shoot her rather than try to help her.
Luckily, a woman from a rescue organization in
TN was in touch with a woman in KY who knew
about Kimber, and the woman from TN worked
with IDR to arrange her transport up to Chicago,
a feat that involved numerous volunteers driving
many hours.
From the beginning, we all knew that Kimber
(named after the person in TN who rescued her
initially) had a tough road ahead of her. Without
a doubt, she had the worst case of mange
anyone had ever seen. It was painful to even
look at pictures of her and hard to think that
she had been running around in that condition
for so long, which could have been avoided if
someone had called Animal Control to pick her
up early on.
Her mange was so advanced that her eyes were
swollen shut and blood would fly from her ears
when she shook her head; given her young age,
she had basically spent her entire puppy life in
an increasingly advanced state of pain.
With all she had been through, no one would
have been surprised to hear that Kimber had
trust or temperament issues relating to people.
However, one of the first updates from IDR+
Photo by Lauren Kelliher
When Kimber first entered IDR+, her mange was
painful to look at. After several months of special
care, Kimber recovered and was adopted by the
Chen family. They submitted an updated photo of her
(right) to show how happy she is in her new home.
President Pam Abare-Newton noted not only
had her health already improved significantly
after a week on medication (in that blood no
longer flew everywhere when she moved), but
Kimber was perfectly crate-trained, gaining
weight, and best of all, constantly wiggling her
little tail nub all the time. As one IDR volunteer
put it, “All this poor girl wants is love.”
And love is certainly what she got. Under
Pam’s constant care and watchful eye, and all the
well-wishes of her many supporters, Kimber’s
truly remarkable progress continued. This was
an arduous process as Kimber’s mange was so
advanced that she had to be kept segregated at
Pam’s house for a long time, not only to keep
her comfortable but also, quite frankly, because
she smelled so bad due to the mange.
However, as her hair began to grow back in
and medical treatment began to work on healing
her raw skin, new pictures showed the amazing
difference—a dog that was once painful to
look at and brought tears to our eyes started to
resemble a playful, happy dog looking for her
forever home.
That home came in the form of Reva Chen,
who came to IDR’s February adoptathon with
her husband; they were looking for just the
right addition to their family. While they took
their time meeting and asking about other dogs,
they realized that Kimber was just right for
them. However, they were a little surprised as
they kept getting stopped on their way out and
told how lucky they were to be taking home
“everyone’s favorite!” Some of the volunteers
didn’t even recognize Kimber until they were
told who she was.
Kimber is now living the good life with the
Chens, according to Reva’s updates. While her
mange isn’t yet completely cured, that hasn’t
stopped Kimber from enjoying life. She loves
going on walks, chewing on rawhides, and
showing off her sense of fashion as she wears a
t-shirt on her walks and sometimes doggy boots
to protect her still-delicate skin.
A quick learner, Kimber has in addition to
basic commands also learned to shake hands
and roll over, especially if there’s a belly rub
in it for her. She also recently enjoyed her first
visit to a dog park, happily playing with the
other dogs for as long as she was allowed. Reva
is looking forward to a time when Kimber can
put the mange behind her so that she can live
her life without limitations as she was meant to
all along.
By Tasha Huebner
8
The Dober Dispatch, Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus
People aren’t the only ones to lose a home in foreclosure
A weakening economy means
our furry friends also encounter
troubled times. Just the word
“foreclosure” can send shivers
down the spine of many
homeowners.
Unfortunately,
foreclosures are occurring at an
alarmingly rapid rate.
A foreclosure generally throws
a family into an emotional and
financial whirlwind. It is not just
the human members that suffer
during a foreclosure; household
pets are suffering as well.
Sadly, many pets are “just left
behind” when the property is
vacated. In this kind of situation,
pets are considered property and
will most likely be taken by animal
control and possibly euthanized.
In many cases, families are
forced to give up their beloved
pets because they are unable to
take them to a new residence. In
some instances, re-homing a pet
is the only solution. There are,
however, options that could allow
a family to keep their pet.
Many apartment buildings are petfriendly. Start by calling various
rental management companies to
obtain their pet policies.
While some may have a weight
limit, many may accept larger
animals with a pet deposit. Craig’s
List has a large rental listing, and
many of the units allow pets.
Another resource is to check with
various rescue groups and shelters.
You may start by searching the
Internet for pet rescues in your
area.
Keep in mind that if you are
going to surrender your pet, your
pet will most likely have to pass a
temperament test to be considered
adoptable.
Since many pets are becoming
homeless due to the housing crisis,
and because many rescue groups
and shelters are full, you may be
asked to continue to foster your
pet until space becomes available.
Ask your family and friends if
they would consider adopting
your pet — either short-term
or permanently. Please do not
advertise your pet “free to a good
home,” as this may be an invitation
to unscrupulous people.
Since January of 2008, at least
six dogs have come into IDR+ due
to foreclosures.
These are very fortunate dogs;
although they have lost their
homes, IDR+ will make every
effort to find them new and loving
homes in the future.
By Victoria Anderson
Photo by Kat Loftus
Mack is another dog available for adoption because his owners lost
their home.
Photo by Pam
Abare-Newton
Lexus is one of
the many dogs
at IDR+ who lost
her home when
her owners lost
theirs. When
times are tough,
everyone in the
family suffers.
The decision
to give up a pet
is extremely
difficult, but
owners might
have some
options in the
future.