Grey Ghost Gazette Grey Ghost Gazette

Grey Ghost Gazette
News
News and
and Notes
Notes from
from the
the Iowa
Iowa Weimaraner
Weimaraner Rescue
Rescue
November2014
2014
Volume4,4,Issue
Issue3 3
November
Volume
E
Special Interest
Articles:
Special Interest
• Message
Articles:from the
Newsletter Coordinator
• Message
the
• Marion
Barnfrom
Story
Newsletter Coordinator
• In Memory
• Marion Barn Story
• Success Story – Linda &
Dan
• InDoggett
Memory
• Save
the Date
• Success
Story – Linda &
Dan Doggett
• Volunteer of the Quarter
• Save the Date
• Training Tip
• Volunteer of the Quarter
• Available Weim’s
• Training Tip
• A Foster’s Story - Amy
• Available Weim’s
• A Foster’s Story - Amy
Message from the Newsletter Coordinator:
Paul and I became volunteers just
a few years ago. Thank goodness
for social media as it led us to the
IWR website. Our first foster
experience was “babysitting”
Maddie. Maddie was such a
sweet girl. We think of her often.
We have since fostered Zoey,
Gabby and now Lilly. We have
met so many incredible people
throughout our journey. While we
weren’t sure what to expect when
we became volunteers this is
certainly a blessing that we are
truly thankful for. We are grateful
to be part of such a wonderful
organization and we are looking
forward to being even more
involved in the future.
The IWR currently has several
openings for volunteers (fosters,
mentors, training assistance, etc.).
Please contact us if you are interested.
Elizabeth, (foster Lilly), Max and Mya
Marion Barn Story
In August IWR was challenged with finding a way to quickly place not one or two more dogs - but 8
dogs (5 of them Weimaraners) into immediate foster homes. An elderly man who had a large group
of dogs in outdoor barn kennels on his property near Marion, IA had become very sick and his family
was unable to care for his dogs so they contacted IWR for help. Usually a rescue of this many dogs
requires a lot of planning and coordination but it was determined that these dogs needed help
immediately and could not wait. On a Saturday morning IWR volunteers Jenny Braun and Steve
Morgan drove from Des Moines to Marion with their empty trailer and 6 dog crates. They were
planning on taking in 6 dogs that day, 5 Weims and 1 German Shorthair Pointer. Since they weren’t
exactly sure how many of the large dog crates would be able to fit in the horse trailer they decided to
bring one extra, smaller, wire dog kennel from home “just in case”. Once arriving at the property in
Marion- Jenny, Steve, and two of the owner’s family members started the difficult task of loading the
frightened dogs into the crates and onto the trailer
Grey Ghost Gazette
Marion Barn Story (continued)
Once the 5 Weims were loaded one of the family members asked,
“Which GSP are you taking?” Instead of the one German Shorthair
Pointer they were expecting, there were two GSPs in a kennel
together. One look at the GSP girls and Jenny determined that they
simply could not leave the unexpected #7 behind and lucky for
Thelma Lou she just fit into the small kennel they had brought with
“just in case”. IWR also arranged to have a local animal shelter take
in the eighth dog which was a mixed breed. Seven of the Marion
barn dogs were brought back to Des Moines where the 2 GSP girls
(Annie & Thelma Lou) were handed off to volunteers with Great
Plaines Pointer Rescue. The 5 Weims (now named Shadow,
Beatrice, Kane, Ivy, & Holly) are placed into temporary foster homes
while they get their vetting done and learn to interact with people and
other dogs. They will also be learning the basics of how to be an
indoor dog. Having been outdoor dogs all of their lives, even simple
indoor tasks must be patiently taught to them such as how to go up
and down stairs and that the beep of the microwave is not something
to be afraid of. In just over a month they have made great progress,
they are learning to walk on a leash and how to play with toys. We
are happy to report that GSP Annie has already been adopted! Once
fully vetted and once we learn the personalities of the Weims they will
also be available for adoption. We would like to thank all of the IWR
friends and volunteers who make “changing the world for Weims”
possible – whether you donate money or supplies, volunteer your
time, or volunteer your home (and your couch) for these Weims in
need – every little bit truly adds up and makes a big difference in their
lives of these Weims.
Page 2 of 10
Page 3 of 10
Grey Ghost Gazette
In Memory of Cody
Your sweet inviting eyes, and your soft wagging tail;
your head in my lap and the stars as our veil.
I will love you forever, here in my heart,
Your head in my lap, your breath on my hand,
These things I cherish, and Weimy proud you will
always stand.
Playing under the moon, frolicking under the stars,
Jumping and running; this is now how you are.
Sunshine on your fur, gleaming for all to see,
This was our Cody, he is now running free.
Once in a Blue Moon a dog comes along, so special
was he
Forever in our hearts, Cody, you will always be.
In Memory of Willie
We live our lives as if nothing is a MIRACLE.....
Dogs live their lives as if EVERYTHING is a
miracle....
We will all miss you…..
You silly Willie "Wilbur Beans" You truly touched our
lives and hearts while you were in rescue.
Grey Ghost Gazette
A Success Story – Linda and Dan Doggett
We were patiently waiting for a blue female to find
her way into rescue. That's when we fell in love
with Sydney, a six year old who came back into
rescue who was being fostered by IWR volunteers,
Janis and Keith. Sydney seemed like a perfect
addition to our family. Since the night she arrived,
we have been amazed by how well she has
transitioned. Our male Weims, Notch and Pilot
have been doing great with her. We couldn't ask
for a better fit into the pack! And without our
dedicated foster homes, dogs like Sydney
wouldn't have a second chance at finding their
perfect home. Thanks to IWR we found our
adorable little blue Sydney!!!
Linda and Dan Doggett
Save the Date!
Iowa Weimaraner Rescue's "Hearts for Weims"
Date - February 7, 2015 5 p.m.
Location - The Cub Club at Principal Park I Line Dr.
Des Moines, IA 50309
Plans are underway for the 2nd annual Hearts for
Weims Fundraiser Event. Last year we raised more
than $10,000 from event ticket sales, silent, live and
online auctions. Sponsor donations will be needed to
make this another successful event. The funds raised
will be used to provide vet care, medications,
professional training and anything else a Weim may
need.
Remember all donations are tax deductible. Please
help us by changing the world for Weims!!
Your Hearts for Weims Event Coordinators,
Abby Jones, Abby@iowaweimrescue.org & Linda
Doggett, Linda@iowaweimrescue.org
Page 4 of 10
Page 5 of 10
Grey Ghost Gazette
Volunteer of the Quarter
Congratulations to our Volunteer couple of the Quarter Keith and Janis! They foster, train, and do events for Iowa
Weim Rescue! Janis helped out all summer by bringing a foster or her own Weims to Farmer's Market and Keith
her husband took off work every week to help set up! We are so thankful for them and all of our volunteers!
Meet our family...my husband Keith, myself (Janis), Roxi, Riley, Rue, and foster Jersey girl (all female weims),
Branson and Precious (2 female cats)
Hi. Our love for Weims actually did not start out in rescue. Our first Weim love came to us about 7 years
ago. My hair stylist at the time was looking for a home for their 3 year old Weimaraner named Roxi. My initial
thought was "Weim-a-what"? I had family pets throughout my childhood but were smaller breeds - American
Eskimo, mutt, and cats and I have always had a love of all animals. I knew a friend that was looking for a dog
so I told my stylist not to re-home Roxi as I had a friend that would probably take her but if my friend didn't
then I would take her so either way she would have a home. Well, as you figured out by now my friend
changed her mind and decided not to get another dog so here I was about to adopt a dog whose breed
I didn't even know how to say let alone spell. But Roxi, our now 10 year old senior with a ton of personality,
stole our hearts and the more we learned about her and researched the breed the more we fell in love. To
this day we are so blessed that she came into our lives! My husband jokes to his guy friends that guys you just never know what your wife is going to come home with when she goes to get her hair done! So that's
where it all began - with our first Weim love Roxi. A couple years later we decided Roxi needed a
"buddy". Although in reality Roxi was just fine being an "only child". It was me who wanted the buddy. I
started watching craigslist pet section which does have a lot of negativity but we are living proof that there are
also happy endings through it. I saw a 10 month old female Weim posted that lived with a very nice local
family but they just didn't have time for her with their kids’ activities and such. Just keep in mind I had no
formal dog training at this point and that - as we all know - a 10 month old is a completely different scenario
than a 3 year old. So our wild child Riley came into our lives. She was out of control - not yet house trained,
getting in all the trash cans in the house, you all know how it is with Weim puppies. We loved her but realized
she needed something and would destroy the house if we didn't help her so decided to look into what
classes were available. We decided to take a basic obedience class with her at Canine Craze. Classes take
a lot of at home follow through - it's not just go once a week and you're good. We really took the time to
practice everything in our home that we learned through the classes. When obedience class ended I knew
she needed to continue on in something so at the trainer's suggestion we went into agility and to this day are
still taking agility classes with her (she is now 6 years old). We also tried agility with Roxi at the same time we
started with Riley but it just wasn't her thing and we decided not to force it. However, Canine Craze started
up a Performance Team that Roxi and I loved participating in with an awesome group of people. It
also helped continue to build Roxi and I's relationship. The Performance Team is not active at this time but it
created great memories with Roxi that I will always cherish as well as helped me learn even more things
about training. And who knows - maybe we'll be able to start it up again someday.
Fast forward a bit and a couple years ago we came across Iowa Weimaraner Rescue. We decided we
wanted to get involved by volunteering but didn't know in what way. I have heard many people say "oh - I
could never foster - I would just get too attached and never be able to let go". Well, guess what - that was us
when we first decided we wanted to volunteer. We didn't want to foster. The thing is though is there are so
many other ways to volunteer beyond just fostering. We didn't realize at the time how involved rescue is. We
were going to do home visits and take applications but really that never happened. That piece just wasn't for
us, but we sort of fell into a temp foster role. We still thought we didn't want to foster but to take a dog in for a
couple of days until they went to their long term foster home would be ok.
So we temp fostered for a while and helped at events by showing up with our own dogs and talking about the
rescue. After a few temp fosters (which is a great way to gain the experience with little commitment) an email
went out saying Coco Puff needed a foster and all the foster homes were tapped out so who would consider
taking Coco Puff.
Grey Ghost Gazette
Page 6 of 10
Volunteer of the Quarter – (continued)
We discussed it as we knew it would take our commitment together and decided to open our hearts and home to Coco Puff.
She was the sweetest and in her own rights the laziest Weim we had ever met. If you follow the rescue you may recall
Coco's forever family lost her a few months ago due to complications of cancer. Whenever an alumni passes the rescue as a
family mourns. After Coco Puff was adopted to the perfect family we continued long term fostering. It seemed like a good fit
for us. Everything I learned through the classes we took along with what we have learned through the rescue was really
being put to great use with both our own dogs and our fosters. Then several fosters later along came our failed foster. I will
say this, though - we had already discussed wanting to add a 3rd permanent family member and knew we wanted a blue
female younger than Riley. The email went out looking for a foster for Rue and I just knew in my heart it was meant to be.
We asked if we could foster with the possibility of adopting if she was a good fit and that story is history. Along came Baby
Rue. Baby Rue is also now enjoying agility classes and has learned a lot since she's been with us. She has a huge kind
heart and welcomes every single new foster in our home as her new best friend.
Thankfully where we live we can have 4 so we do have our 3 but still foster and I love every second of it and am officially
(and proudly) considered the crazy dog lady in our neighborhood. Let me say this about fostering (and some of you have
probably heard me say this before)...I'm not going to lie and say it gets easy to let them go when it's time to transition them to
their forever families. Yes, we get attached and yes, it's always hard to say goodbye, but the thing is through fostering we
have gotten to meet and help so many great different personalities. When it's time to say goodbye I know there is always a
next one waiting in line that needs our help. If we didn't foster we wouldn't be able to help so many dogs. Each one is very
special to us and takes pieces of our hearts with them. Most forever homes are great about sending pictures every now and
then and our hearts melt when we see the dogs so happy and when we see that it helps us be at peace that we helped them
on their journey to get there and they are exactly where they were meant to be. And some local families that adopt come to
our events and it's always so great to see them and see how the dog has bonded. And some families we become friends
with and even continue on to have dog play dates with and get to pet sit when they go out of town. So not only have we met
so many great dogs and learned so much through volunteering with the rescue, but we have also met a great group of
people and dog owners!
If you have thought about volunteering but just aren't sure I highly encourage you to sign up to volunteer and to find your
volunteer niche. If you are creative we can always use help with newsletters. If you're sales oriented we can put your talents
to use through marketing. If you're great talking to people we can use application processors. If you like driving and have
extra time we can use transporters. Whatever talent you have, if you have a passion for Weims and have a heart to
volunteer, I'm sure we have a need for you! And if you have considered fostering but aren't sure - I encourage you to give it
a try. We weren't sure starting out either but over a year later we are still fostering and loving doing it. Fostering does take
time, commitment, and consistency but is also fun and rewarding knowing how much we are helping one Weim at a time.
Keith, Janis, Roxi, Riley, Rue and
foster Jersey
Page 7 of 10
Grey Ghost Gazette
Training Tip – Leader of the Pack
You may have heard that the only way to have a well behaved
dog is to “be the pack leader,” but is it? That assumption is
based on the theory that dogs are wolves at heart and wolves
defer to the alpha in the pack. In order for you to be the “alpha”
of your pack certain rules should be followed:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Your dog shouldn’t walk in front of you.
Your dog shouldn’t go through doors before you.
You shouldn’t feed your dog before you eat.
Your dog shouldn’t be allowed on the bed or on
furniture.
You shouldn’t play tug with your dog.
You shouldn’t respond to your dog’s attempts to initiate
play, to ask for attention, or to be petted.
The theory assumes status means everything to your dog
and he’s always thinking of ways to climb the social ladder.
If you’re not careful your dog will take charge, do as he
pleases, and attempt to control you. Sound familiar? Now
let’s look at what those actions really mean:
•
•
•
•
•
•
A dog that walks ahead of you is one that is capable of
walking or running faster than you. It means he’s
motivated to get to the next bush or tree to sniff and
pee when you had a leisurely walk in mind. If your dog
were trying to be dominant what would he do if you
caught up to him and tried to pass him? Common
sense would say your dog would growl and possibly
snap at you warning you to stay back. Instead your dog
would likely be excited to have you catch up and move
faster.
Why does your dog go through the door first? Not
because he’s competing with you, but because he’s
more motivated to get out, and let’s face it, he can
move faster than you.
Feeding your dog first does not create a competition
between you and your dog for food.
Cuddling or sleeping with your dog contributes to
cohesiveness and has nothing to do with social status.
Tug of war really isn’t about competition or war, but
instead is about cooperation. Both participants must
cooperate in order for the game to continue.
Barking and pawing may not be the ticket to your
undivided attention – but teaching your dog to sit
quietly just might be. If you never let your dog initiate
play, ask for attention or petting you would create a
hostile environment that would take away the
affectionate and playful behaviors we love about our
dogs.
So how do you have a good relationship and a well behaved
dog?
• Do things together and enjoy playing and spending
your time together.
• There are often disagreements and conflicts in any
relationship – don’t be too big to make up and
forgive. You can bet your dog won’t hold a grudge.
Grey Ghost Gazette
Page 8 of 10
Dogs Available for Adoption
Visit iowaweimrescue.org for more details on these dogs and to learn more about our rescue!
Smokey, 11 years young
Lilly, 6 years old
Senior Smokey is a loveable 11-year-old that found himself in
rescue after his family disintegrated and he was surrendered to a
local shelter. Smokey has some anxiety issues but he is doing well
in his foster home. He can be trusted at large with stable pack
mates to keep him company. He currently lives with a pack of
seven and he loves to snuggle with the baby of the family. Smokey
has quite a few lumps (which add to his character). They have
been biopsied and have been confirmed to be fatty tumors.
Smokey loves all people and it is important for him to be a part of
the family. He enjoys going for car rides and walks. He gets rather
excited to be out and about and he may pull on the leash initially
but he settles down quickly. He knows the commands sit, down,
come, and shake. He is currently working on his stay command.
Smokey is surprisingly agile for his age and he loves toys,
especially squeaky ones, and balls; however, he doesn’t like to
relinquish his toys and he will need continued work on the trade or
drop command. Smokey is a true Velcro dog. He is most content
when he is at your side touching you. He would love a family
where someone is home most of the time. If he will be left alone it
would be advisable to have another stable pack mate in the home.
Smokey is fostered in NE Iowa and his adoption fee is $100.
My name is Lilly and I am very well trained, and I know many
commands. Some of my favorite things are long walks along the
golf course and doing recalls. I like to go on the far side of the
yard and then run as fast as I can when I am called. I’m the alert
dog in my pack and I will be the first one to tell you I heard
something by barking. I am not very fond of loud noises and I will
try my hardest to get as close to you as possible. I am a typical
Velcro Weim; wherever my foster mom goes, I go. I even go so far
as to supervise bathroom activity. I was raised with two labs and a
cat. I liked the cat; the cat didn’t like me. I am crate trained but I
quickly earned the privilege of being “at large” with my foster
brother and sister. When I was 2 it was determined that I have a
shallow socket in my left hip. Since then I have been taking DGP
(Dog Gone Pain, an all-natural supplement specifically formulated
to support healthy joint function, reduce inflammation and relieve
pain to improve mobility). Don’t let this fool you! I love running
along the golf cart with my foster family and I am very active and
playful. My foster parents tell me every day how special I am. I
would love a home where someone is home more than they are
gone and I would do best in a home that had at least one other
canine friend. I am fostered in the Des Moines Iowa Metro area
and my adoption fee is $150.00.
Page 9 of 10
Hunter, 6 years old
Grey Ghost Gazette
Hello, my name is Hunter Dean but the ladies call me Hunter for
short. I’m a 6-year-old male. When I’m indoors, I’m an easygoing,
lounger but don’t let my calm nature fool you. I can open gates and
run like the wind when given the opportunity! I have a tendency to
be distracted when I’m outdoors, so a fenced yard would be
preferred. An owner who is willing and has the ability to take me to
professional training classes would be ideal. I have learned ‘’sit”
“shake” “down” and “lay” which consists of rolling onto my back. I
am trying really hard to perfect my “wait.” I get along with other
dogs, big and small, but I do not depend on them for
companionship. However, no cats or small furry critters for me!
When I want attention I will lean up against you. I don’t get up on
furniture but after breakfast I disappear and sometimes can be
found on the bed. I would do fine with children, but please know
that I may bolt out an open door if given the opportunity! I rest
comfortably in my crate and have been trusted at large for short
periods of time. Like most Weims, when given an opportunity I will
counter surf! I enjoy relaxing and chewing on my Nylabone,
rawhides, and Kong toys. A nice walk around the neighborhood
and playing fetch are enough to satisfy my exercise needs. I can
get a little barky when meeting new dogs on my walks, but my
foster family is helping me curb my excitement as well. This
behavior has improved but I will need additional training. I’m trying
to master my walking skills on a leash but I still want to drag you
along. If you are looking for a laid-back boy and want a little
training challenge to perfect my manners…then look no more! I am
your man. Hunter is fostered in Waverly, IA and his adoption fee is
$150.00.
A little bit sweet, a little bit salty, and a whole lot of spice….that’s me in a
nutshell, Peanut! I’m a middle aged female estimated to be between 4 to 5
years old. Until coming into IWR I lived my whole life tied outside on a chain. I
tested positive for heartworms and with IWR’s help I have been fully treated
and I’ve recovered like a rock star. It will be very important for me to receive
monthly Heartgard year around. I am fully house trained, wonderful in my
crate, and I love to go for walks and runs. I cannot be trusted off leash yet as
everything is just too exciting for me! I do have some reactive barking when I
am tied outside or when I am on a leash but if I am introduced to people and
dogs slowly, I do just fine. I am a submissive girl by nature, however, when I
was chained outside all I had to do was to bark and chase things, so that is
still my default behavior. I am not the best car traveler; I just get too ramped
up and excited. I do fine with short trips if I am leashed in the car.
My foster mom often calls me her sparkling firecracker as I am a hyper
excitable gal who often times gets the zoomies and bucks like a little bronco!
Due to my excitement I am seeking a love able, calm home that can help
contain my inner diva energy. I have been working really hard on impulse
control and Karen Overall’s relaxation protocol. I am a quicker learner but I
am also very persistent in trying to get my way. I may be best suited for a
previous Weim owner as I truly am a Velcro Weim! I have space issues,
meaning I am a space invader…if you sit down I want to sit on top of you, if
you lay on the floor, well then, I must lie on top of you! Oh, and I should
mention that I LOVE to give you kisses!
I am seeking a home that can provide me with the structure I need, reinforce
the rules, enjoy my over the top silly excitement all while working to keep me
calm. I am fostered in Decorah, IA and my adoption fee is $250.00.
Peanut, 4-5 years old
Foster Highlight – Amy’s Story
Contact Us:
Contact Us:
Iowa
IowaWeim
WeimRescue
Rescue
906
W
906 WPearl
PearlSt.
St.
Decorah,
Decorah,IAIA
E-MAIL:
E-MAIL:
director@iowaweimrescue.org
director@iowaweimrescue.org
To
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forthis
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storiesplease
pleasecontact
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Sarahatat
Sarah
sarah@iowaweimrescue.org
sarah@iowaweimrescue.org
In December I took a leap of faith and decided to become a foster mom to a wonderful
Weim Mix. I picked him up from a rural animal shelter where the conditions weren't the
best...concrete floors with nothing for him to lay on except cold concrete, dogs hysterically
barking, and the smell of urine and feces was overwhelming. There was really no
information about him, he was a stray and had been at the shelter for almost 2 weeks and
no one came forward to claim him. IWR called him John Doe and I decided to name him
Chance. Chance was very thin and his fur looked dull. He had not been eating well in the
shelter and I believe he was dehydrated. When we took Chance out of the shelter and into
the car, his demeanor immediately changed and it may sound strange but I actually saw joy
on his face. We got him home and he was very comfortable. It was obvious that he had
been in a home previously, he immediately jumped on the bed and was like "finally...things
are back to normal!" He never had an accident in the house and knew several commands.
As a first time foster, I thought I would share my "Top 10 Reasons to Foster" in hopes that
sharing my experience will encourage others to take a leap and become a foster.
10. Making a connection - the first night home, I saw a look of gratitude in his eyes when he
looked at me. He was in a warm, comfortable home and he appeared to be grateful.
9. Sloppy puppy kisses whenever I came home - Chance would show so much joy when I
came home and always greeted me with sloppy kisses.
8. Celebrating small successes - we would do training sessions and he really wanted to
please and learn.
7. Having a wonderful playmate for my dog. They quickly became great friends.
6. Seeing him blossom, he gained his weight back and his coat began to show the color
and sheen of a beautiful weim.
5. Laughter - learning how silly dogs can be and how they can make you laugh as their
personality shines through!
4. Reflection...seeing the dog calm, warm, and happy - knowing that you got them out of a
shelter and brought them into your home when they may have been euthanized.
3. Opportunity - sharing your experience with others in hopes that they may consider
fostering and saving other dogs.
2. Reviewing adoption applications and being able to share input on which home would be
the best for Chance. Having a "say" in which home would be the best gave me comfort.
1. When I brought Chance to his forever home on adoption day, it was both a happy and
sad day for me. Driving away on adoption day, I had tears in my eyes, sorrow in my heart,
but also the feeling of joy in my heart - knowing that I made a difference to this wonderful
dog and now he is in his forever home. Chance has left a permanent paw print on my heart,
but I know that he will have an amazing life and when I look back on that awful place I
picked him up from, I know what I did truly changed his life, his new owner's life and made
me a better person!
Visit our website to learn more about all of the dogs that are available for adoption.
Also, find us on facebook (search for Iowa Weim Rescue) to see
additional photos and read more about our foster dogs.
www.iowaweimrescue.org