The Sheltie Bark - Second Chance Sheltie Rescue

The Sheltie Bark
The Newsletter of Second Chance Sheltie Rescue (SCSR)
Spring 2012
Dedicated to the Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Placement of Purebred Shelties
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2011
SUMMER TRAVEL is just around the corner…
SCSR found forever homes for 13 Shelties in 2011 and
brought 35 dogs into rescue. We assisted with the intake and transport of 16 Shelties to neighboring Sheltie
rescues and 12 Collies to area Collie rescues.
Many of us take trips during the summer months and
it’s important that we consider the safety of our pets
when traveling with them. Here are some tips to remember when traveling with your four-legged friend.
We participated in several community activities and festivals in 2011, as well as hosting a couple of our own
events. You may have seen us at Missouri Tartan Day
in St Charles, the Scottish Games and Cultural Festival
in Forest Park, the St. Louis Pet Expo at the St. Charles
Convention Center, and at the Spirit of St. Louis Canine
Games or the U-Fli Flyball Competition, both at Purina
Farms in Gray Summit.
On April 30th, we held our first Sheltie Spring Fling. The
theme was an old fashioned ice cream social with frozen yogurt treats for the dogs and Ted Drewes for their
people. We had agility jumps to try, rescue trivia contests, and pet photos by Marian Brickner, professional
animal photographer. The event was so much fun, we
are making it an annual event!
We held our annual reunion picnic October 22 at the
AKC Museum of the Dog. We had a great turnout of
Shelties and their people from far and wide. Charley
and his adoptive parents, Allison and Rob, traveled all
the way from Rock Island, IL to join us! We had some
great raffle and silent auction baskets, plus awesome
pet photos by Marian Brickner. Marian is so kind to donate her time and skills to us. We hope to see even
more of you in 2012. It is a thrill for us to be reunited
with our former foster dogs and their families!
Sheltie kisses to all of our wonderful volunteers!!
- ALWAYS crate your pet when riding in the car, or use
one of the travel harnesses available at most pet retailers. An unrestrained pet can easily end up injured in
even the slightest fender bender, or get loose from your
vehicle when doors are opened.
- DON’T harness them in the front seat unless you can
turn off the passenger airbag(s), which if deployed can
result in serious injury or even death to your pet.
- NEVER leave your pet unattended in a vehicle if the
outside temperature is over 70 degrees. The temperature inside a car can easily rise to over 110 degrees
within just a few minutes.
- Pavement, rocks, and sand can get dangerously hot
during the summer months. Be aware of the surface
temperature when walking your dog and keep a few
sets of disposable booties on hand to protect their paws
from burns.
- If going out onto the water, don’t forget a life vest for
your four-legged friend.
- ALWAYS keep ID and rabies tags on your pet!!
- Be especially careful when getting your pet out at rest
stops or any area you stop for breaks. Keep an eye on
your pet and HANG ON to that leash!
- Always carry a recent photo of your dog, even on the
shortest trips. This can be used to quickly get the word
out should he become lost away while away from
home.
Thanks for all of your hard work! We love you!!
Continued on page 3….
Sheltie Rescue Spring Fling!!
Saturday, May 5, 11:30a - 3:00p
SCSR exists solely on donations and fundraising. We
are grateful for donations of any amount. Funds are
used to cover vet expenses and other costs incurred in
caring for rescued Shelties. A form is provided in this
newsletter, or you may donate using PayPal by clicking
the PayPal link on the lower left corner of our website
www.sheltie4me.com.
AKC Museum of the Dog, Queeny Park
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard for the humans, treats
for our dog friends, and lots of Sheltie fun!
RSVP by April 28 to springfling@sheltie4me.com
so we know how many treats to buy.
See the Events page on our website for more info.
The Shelties need us...and we need you.
THANK YOU for your continued generosity.
Looking For a Home…
These Shelties are looking for their forever homes. If you are interested in one of these dogs,
please visit us at www.sheltie4me.com to submit an application.
LILLY
Available!
COLLINE
Available!
MAC
Adoption pending
STARR
Available!
HAVE OLD CELL PHONES?
USED INK CARTRIDGES?
Save ‘em for Sheltie Rescue!
Don’t throw away those old cell
phones, used ink cartridges, or
weight circles from Purina products!
SCSR receives cash or pet products
for these items.
Contact us by
phone at 1(888) 873-5443 or email
sheltierescue@sheltie4me.com. W e
can arrange to have one of our volunteers pick up your items.
THANK YOU to the many individuals
and businesses who collect ink cartridges for us, including: QC Financial, Metro Heart Group, Heritage
Veterinary Services, St. Louis Behavioral Medicine, and Edwardsville
High School.
SAVE THE DATE!!
SCSR Reunion Picnic
September 15
GUS
Available!
Rescue Wish List: First class stamps, Interceptor or Heartgard,
gasoline gift cards, gift cards to local pet stores (for food), and someone to sponsor the printing of our newsletter (single edition, or more
if desired). You can do this in honor or in memory of a beloved pet or
person and we’ll note it in the newsletter!
Looking for a new fun activity for your dog? How About a game
of Hide N Seek? Try filling a Kong toy with one of the following
stuffers and then hide indoors or outside for your dog to find!
PHILLY STEAK: Stuff Kong with 1 oz. cream cheese and small steak
scraps. Spread cream cheese in large hole to hold scraps.
BANANA RAMA: In a bowl, mash 1 banana, add 2 TBS. wheat germ and 1
TBS. plain yogurt. Mix all together and stuff a medium Kong with mixture.
Freeze for 4 hrs. Use a cup to contain the Kong while freezing.
FRUIT SALAD: Mush 1/4 banana in large Kong hole to hold fruit in place.
Fill Kong with small chunks of apples and carrots. Green beans are also
good .
VEGGIE KONG OMELET: Stuff I scrambled egg, shredded cheese, and
pieces of your dog’s favorite veggies into Kong toy. Sprinkle some cheese
over top hole and microwave for about 20 seconds or until cheese melts.
Cool thoroughly before giving to your dog.
Do you have a story about your Sheltie or an update to share with us?
Email us at sheltierescue@sheltie4me.com
FIND US ON FACEBOOK! www.facebook.com/sheltie4me
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SUMMER TRAVEL, continued from pg 1…
BRAGS FROM SCSR FAMILIES!!!!
- WATER!! Don’t forget to give your pet access to water when traveling. A trip to the vet
due to dehyration can quickly put a damper
on an otherwise great vacation. In regard to
water, it’s best to bring your own. Drinking
water from an area he's not used to could result in tummy upset for your pet. Opt for bottled water or tap water stored in plastic jugs.
Marley, adopted last year by volunteers Cheryl &
Ken, had a qualifying run at his first agility competition in January. He thoroughly enjoys agility and
loves to go to training class. He makes Ken (his
dad and handler) look like a genius in the ring!
Pretty good for a dog saved from a “free to good
home” ad on Craigslist. (Free ads = BAD idea!)
- Make an ID card and attach securely to
each pet’s crate. Include name, breed, sex,
age, microchip #, identifying marks, friendly
or aggressive, date of vaccinations, your
name and #, vet’s name and #, who to contact in event of emergency, and a recent
photo of your pet. This information can be a
lifesaver for your pet in the event you are injured in an accident. Laminate this document,
or protect it in a clear plastic bag.
Sweet Lottie (formerly Dot) came to us with
many chronic health issues. She now lives a
happy life with her adoptive mom Suzie and
doggy siblings. From one of Suzie’s recent
emails….“Our Little Lottie is doing so well!
She is down to 24 lbs and getting more active
all the time. You should see her run to the
fence and twirl around in excitement when the neighbor’s Collie comes
out in the yard. Her foot is totally healed and she never stands or walks
on three legs anymore. She's been to friends barbeques, holiday gatherings and company picnics. She's such a good little girl...!! “
- When traveling without your pets, have in
your will a stipulation of who takes care of
them in the event something should happen
to you. Where they should go, what medications they need, etc. The designated person
should have a copy of your wishes, as well as
the dog sitter/kennel and your veterinarian.
- Pack these essentials for pet travel:
 Pet food
 Clean water
 Pet medications
 Tags with current information
 Leash
 Bedding
 First aid kit
 Pet ID card
 Pet’s shot record
 Current photo of your pet
 Travel bowls
 Poop bags
- Lastly, have FUN! By following these tips to
help keep your pet safe when traveling, the
trip will be easier on everyone involved. You
and your pet can leave the worries behind
and enjoy your time with 2-legged and 4legged family alike. Have a great summer!
Prefer to get your newsletter via email
and save us the cost of mailing it to you?
Send us an email at
sheltierescue@sheltie4me.com
and we’ll put you on the list to receive all
future newsletters by email only.
Kaitlyn, a pretty sable adopted in Nov 2010 has
really blossomed since finding her forever home
with Claudia. Claudia and Kaitlyn have become
quite a team in Rally and Obedience, winning
several ribbons along the way, including two the
first time competing! Congratulations Claudia and
Kaitlyn!! We’re so proud of you!!
Cooper, adopted in 2005, participated in his first herding trial at
the 2011 ASSA National Specialty
at Purina Farms and earned a
qualifying leg. He also qualified at
his next trial two months later to
earn his HT in herding! Cooper’s mom, Darci, says Cooper is turning
into quite a nice little herding dog. Atta-boy, Coop!
Angels walk among us…
Pictured are special donors Rose and her handsome tricolor Sheltie, Frankie. We first met them in
2010 at Purina Farms, where they were competing
with a flyball team from Dallas. They stopped by our
booth to say how much they appreciate our rescue
efforts, and then they surprised us by donating
money they collected at Frankie’s birthday
party...TWO YEARS IN A ROW!! We can’t thank
you enough, Rose and Frankie!!
Thank you to Little House of Dogs in Kirkwood (314) 909-7833 for
donating their grooming services for our dogs in foster care.
You ladies are THE BEST!!
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These special Shelties found their forever homes with wonderful families in 2011 and early 2012:
Tiger - adopted by Caitlin and Sheltie sister Eisley; Tucker - adopted by Rosemary and Jack; Jody - adopted by
foster parents Cheryl and Ken; Angel - adopted by Maryanne; Juke - adopted by foster mom Angela; Lottie
(formerly Dot) - adopted by Suzie and Sheltie siblings Meggie and Cooper; Copper - adopted by Mark, Darla, and
Sheltie brother Ricky; Kipper - adopted by Rosanne and Marianne; Morgan - adopted by Angela and Jon; Trixie adopted by foster parents, Connie and Richard; Molly - adopted by Robin, Kim, Neal, and four canine sisters; Ricky
(formerly Dallas) - adopted by Chris, Tyler, and Sheltie sister Lucy; Beary - adopted by Tracy; Charley - adopted by
Allison, Rob, and canine sister Maddy.
Tiger (on R)
Jody
Angel
Tucker
Juke
Lottie
Kipper
Trixie
Copper (on R)
Molly
Morgan
Ricky (on R)
Beary
Charley
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Quick cure for Spring Fever:
Share a little love with the Shelties in our program!
DONATION FORM
I would like to make a donation to help Second Chance Sheltie Rescue!
Enclosed is my donation of: $10 _____ $25_____ $50_____ $100_____ $500_____ Other $______
Name:______________________________________________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________________________________
City:_____________________________________________State:_______________Zip:______
___
Phone: ________________________________Email: ________________________________________
MAY WE INCLUDE YOUR NAME AS A DONOR IN OUR NEXT NEWSLETTER?
______YES.
_____ NO
MAIL TO:
Second Chance Sheltie Rescue, PO Box 1791, Maryland Heights, MO 63043
Thank you for your kind support!
SECOND CHANCE SHELTIE RESCUE (SCSR) IS RECOGNIZED AS AN EXEMPT ORGANIZATION PER SECTION 501(c)(3) OF THE
INTERNAL REVENUE CODE. DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE AND 100% OF YOUR DONATION IS USED TO HELP SHELTIES
XYLITOL WARNING!!!
Did you know that Xylitol, a prevalent sugar substitute found in everything from cupcakes to toothpaste, is currently
considered the most canine-toxic "human food" on the planet? Just one gram of Xylitol can kill a 10 pound dog.
Symptoms occur rapidly, within 30 minutes of consumption, and severe liver damage can occur within 24 hours. Immediate veterinary care is necessary for survival. Take it from Jan, who wrote to us about her Sheltie’s close call...
“We rescued Buddy in 2002. He's the best dog in the world, but he has a bad habit of getting into everything. Friday
night was the worst night of my life. Buddy found an unopened box of sugar free Tic Tacs and ate the whole thing. He
vomited within 10 minutes and as soon as we saw the Tic Tacs, we thought nothing of it. However, in a very short
time, he started shaking and couldn't stand at times. We took him to the emergency vet clinic and it was touch and go
for a while. He's 90% out of the woods now, I'm happy to say, but will need follow up liver tests. He was in the clinic
for 2 days, and not knowing if he would make it was horrible. All because of Tic Tacs.
Please post or send e-mails to all of your people. I'm sure some have heard of this, but I had not, and if my story
helps anyone else avoid the torment, it'll be worth it. I don't know what I'd do without my best Bud!
Thanks, Jan”
A few sugar-free Tic Tacs, a pack of Trident gum, a spilled tin of Starbucks mints, a sugar-free Jell-O dessert cup. It
takes only a little of this toxin to send a dog into hypoglycemia-induced seizures and sometimes fatal liver failure.
If you think your dog has consumed sugarless gum or any other product containing Xylitol, call your veterinarian immediately. Most likely you will be instructed to bring your pet in to have vomiting induced and IV fluids started, but if
you live more than an hour away from a vet, you may have to induce vomiting at home.
Veterinary treatment generally involves 24-hour hospitalization and infusion with intravenous fluids containing glucose. Your dog's blood sugar will be monitored every few hours and the dose of glucose being fed to him by IV adjusted as needed. If liver values are normal after 24 hours, your dog may be sent home.
To prevent such poisonings, recognize that dogs have a sweet tooth. Do not leave tasty items lying around. Put
sugar-free gums and candies where dogs can't get them. Keep chewable vitamins out of the way too. If you bake
with Xylitol, store the resultant goodies well out of your pets' reach and do not hand-feed them bits of Xylitol-laced
muffin as a treat no matter how much they beg. NEVER rely on the presumption that what is safe for a human to ingest is equally safe for your pets.
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Second Chance Sheltie Rescue, Inc
PO Box 1791
Maryland Heights, MO 63043
www.sheltie4me.com (888) 873-5443
FIRST CLASS MAIL
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
We Need Volunteers!!!
Love Shelties or dogs in general? Have a few spare hours from time to time? If so, we could really use
your help. We are in need of volunteers to fill a variety of needs. Every contribution, no matter how
large or small, is vital to our organization. We have no minimum requirement—YOU get to decide how
much or how little time to give. To join our list of volunteers, fill out the volunteer application on our
website, or for more information email sheltierescue@sheltie4me.com or phone 1 (888) 873-5443.
These are just a few of the volunteer opportunities that exist within our group:
Foster Homes This is always our greatest need. We currently need both short and long term foster homes. They
are an absolute necessity for us to bring new Shelties into our program. Without foster homes, we have nowhere for
these dogs to go. Fostering is one of the most rewarding aspects of rescue, and a great way to get started is to volunteer as a short term foster home who fills in by taking a dog for a few days while its regular foster is out of town.
People often ask, “Doesn’t it hurt to give them up?” Yes, sometimes it does. But not as much as it hurts to know a
Sheltie was put down in a shelter because we didn’t have an open foster home for them. We often shed a tear when
saying goodbye (more like “see you later”) to our foster dogs as we leave them in their new forever home. But the
tears are mixed with tears of joy in knowing that a foster space has opened up for a Sheltie in jeopardy somewhere.
Events We always need volunteers for meet-n-greets, parades, and events like Tartan Day and the Canine Games.
You can bring your own Shelties to many of these events and it’s a lot of fun to visit with the public, answer questions, and educate people about the wonderful Shetland Sheepdog breed. Volunteer as much or little as you’d like!
Fundraising We do fundraisers each year, such as selling the Entertainment Book. We can always use additional
people to help with these endeavors.
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