Neglect...In A "Nice" Neighborhood

Cocoa's suffering has ended...he's now on the road to recovery and a new life. Here's how it all started...

Cocoa was "owned" by a family in MD. They had a large yard, but he lived in a small kennel in the back yard. His "mom" teaches piano lessons in her home, and the mother of one of her students had often noticed poor Cocoa, living all alone in the tiny kennel in the yard. One day, she noticed he wasn't getting up. It was cold and damp, and he was lying on the ground. She got closer, only to find Cocoa's leg looked injured, and it was clear he could not stand up. He was lying in his own feces.

She promptly returned home and called the local Humane Society. She thought for certain they would see the conditions and remove Cocoa from the situation.

When she returned to the house for the next piano lesson, Cocoa was STILL there, his leg was STILL injured. So, she questioned the owner/piano teacher about the dog. The owner said that Cocoa had been hit by a car a few weeks earlier. They had taken him to the vet, and the vet recommended amputation as the only option for the leg. He was in pain, and they should act quickly. They returned home with Cocoa, but NEVER went back to the vet. He remained outside in the cold, injured and in pain for over TWO WEEKS! The owner said they really just wanted to "get rid of him" because they didn't want to pay for the surgery.

So, SHE took Cocoa home and contacted rescue. She recounted the story of his living conditions and his pain and suffering. She offered to foster him until he finds a forever home. Time was of the essence, as Cocoa had to have surgery right away. He is warm, dry, safe and COMFORTABLE, thanks to her kind heart and determination!

Cocoa's surgical costs were $2500. We anticipate follow-up care will add to this total. We are attempting to raise a portion of this amount through this online fundraiser. Even the smallest donation will help us reach our goal.

From Beaten To Blossoming

Blossom's story began when she landed as a stray in a shelter in Indiana. We were told she likely had a broken jaw, but she was able to eat and was a sweet, friendly and affectionate girl. She entered foster care last week and was evaluated by a specialist/surgeon. Through various tests, Xrays, etc., it was evident that she had an open jaw fracture. Through all the poking and prodding at the vet, little Blossom didn't put up any fuss. The vet thinks the injury is about two weeks old, and there's a massive infection in there. She also has a bump and hole in the top of her head, which may or may not be related to the broken jaw. The best anyone can guess is that Blossom was hit very hard with a shovel. It was definitely not a car since she has no other external injuries, just the jaw.

She was started on antibiotics for the infection, and underwent her first round of surgery on Friday. The procedure took five hours, and there's still a bit more to do. So, phase two will take place this coming Wednesday.

Initial estimates are that her surgeries and follow-up treatment will reach approximately $1500 - $1700 (and that's with a rescue discount). Tax-deductible donations on Blossom's behalf may be made directly to IL Shorthair Rescue via their website. http://www.ilshorthairrescue.com/Donations.html Checks may be made to the address provided. Or, you can make a donation directly to the vet hospital: Care Animal Hospital, 8989 74th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142 262-694-6515. They will take credit card info over phone and apply to the rescue's account.

The name Blossom is quite fitting. She has left behind a life of neglect and probable abuse, and is blossoming as a result of warmth, love and the feeling of being treasured. Her foster mom adores her! We hope she heals quickly and will soon find her forever home. She sure deserves it!!

The Perfect Pair...Waiting Just For You

Gabby and Porter are special GSPs. They are adored by their family and charm everyone they meet. Gabby is actually Porter's mom, a result of an accidental breeding just prior to her being spayed. So, to say they are bonded would be an understatement.

Their family has fallen on some very hard times. Their "Dad" has bone cancer. Their mom lost her job. They lost their home, so they have moved to a much smaller house with a tiny yard. It is not the set-up for two active GSPs. And, with Dad's illness, it has become increasingly difficult to manage the care of two large dogs.

Their Mom and Dad know they cannot provide for them, nor give them the active life to which they were accustomed. So, they have asked GSP Rescue for help in finding them a new home. They are heartbroken over this decision, but know it is the best thing for their beloved GSPs.

Gabby is eight, and Porter is seven. Those of you who know the breed will realize this is PRIME TIME for a GSP. They are still very active dogs, but settle down nicely in the home (unlike a young, bouncing-off-the-walls GSP). Both dogs are very well mannered. The love to greet visitors, but when told "Go to your bed," they promptly retreat to the family room to lay on their dog beds. They remain there until they are told it is ok to get up. Most of the family's friends say they wish their children were as well behaved as Gabby and Porter. :-)

Both get along well with other dogs, but have not lived with cats, so a cat free home would probably be best. They are crate trained and housebroken, and have always lived inside as part of the family. They are fine in the home alone when no one is home, and they ADORE children.

Gabby and Porter love to play fetch, LOVE getting a bath (now THAT's amazing), love treats and going on walks. Gabby is uneasy during thunderstorms, as the family lived through a terrible tornado when she was young. She gets a little shaky during a storm, and likes to put her head in your lap. They are good watch dogs, in that they will alert you when a stranger approaches the home. They will protect the home with some barking, but once you tell them a stranger is OK, they are fine, and will greet the visitor in a very friendly manner.

Porter and Gabby are both fine alone in a fenced yard, although their Mom suggests a 5ft or higher fence for Porter (or invisible fencing), as he has jumped a shorter fence in the past. Anything over 5 ft has been fine for containing him.

Both dogs have received a clean bill of health. They are spayed and neutered, heartworm negative, and have received all vaccinations. We would LOVE to rehome them together, but their Mom and Dad say they think they would be OK if they were separated. However, the ultimate goal would be to keep them as a pair.

Imagine if you were in a similar situation with serious health issues, loss of home, loss of job, and the day-to-day worry of an uncertain financial future. Wouldn't YOU want to know your dogs were happy, healthy, provided for, and most of all, loved? That knowledge would ease the pain of parting with your pet(s).

If you are interested in more information on Gabby and/or Porter, please e-mail Michelle Salyers, msalyers@gsprescuene.org.

Peggy's Senior Success Story

Peggy's story, as told by her loving foster mom, Tammy Regenthal...Peggy is an approximately 12yr old female that was surrendered to an upstate NY shelter along with two other senior GSPs. Volunteers from the Eastern GSP Rescue Group pulled Peggy from the shelter in May 2009 and had her evaluated by a veterinarian. It was apparent Peggy was not well cared for and was diagnosed with lyme disease, hookworm and had a large, ulcerated, tumor on her on her hind leg approximately the size of a large egg.

Upon evaluation, the vet was almost certain the tumor was malignant and her foster family prepared themselves for the worst and decided they would provide her the best life they could no matter how long this old gal had left. The rescue group opted to use their proceeds to have the tumor removed and biopsied to enhance this girls quality of life! Upon removal, the tumor was deemed benign and in the following months Peggy made a full recovery. (Pic of Peggy's tumor is to the right...)

It was astounding to watch Peggy through her recovery and the removal of the tumor opened new doors for her. At one point in her life peggy had difficulty doing the most routine tasks such as walking, laying down and going up and downstairs now thanks to the efforts of the rescue group and her foster family she was jogging, swimming, camping, hiking etc. and she was experiencing many new things life had to offer!

I am proud to annouce Peggy found her 'forever home' on September 5, 2009 in Marlton, NJ with a loving family who has two other 4-legged companions and in just a matter of days Peggy was adjusted to her new home. She is doing amazing and for an old gal we have been told she has a lot of 'spunk'!

Betty Will Steal Your Heart

Hi, my name is Betty! I'm a sweet and sassy little gal. By little, I mean I'm quite petite, and weigh less than 40 lbs. I'm a very lucky girl to have found a wonderful foster mom in Arkansas. My former owner brought me to a rural MO shelter, and asked the folks to put me down. He said all he wanted from me was a litter of pups, and I delivered. Once my pups were weaned, he decided I was of no use to him.

Well, the folks at the shelter could tell I was a very special girl so they refused to put me down right away. At first, I was very depressed at the shelter, and was looking all around for my puppies, but couldn't find them anywhere. My new friends at the shelter got in touch with GSP Rescue, so now I'm safe and happy in my foster home.

I get along with everyone I meet. I absolutely ADORE the company of other dogs, and would love to have a canine companion in my new home. I love people too, and never meet a stranger. I love to take long walks in the woods and my foster mom says I have a lot of energy...it takes a while to tire me out. So, an active playmate would be a great match for me.

I am learning house manners, and haven't had any accidents in my foster home. I'm quiet and well behaved in my crate also (I try so hard to be a good girl). My foster mom doesn't have any cats, so she's not sure if I could live with a cat or not. Probably better not to take a chance, as I might like to chase cats.

I'm up-to-date on my vaccinations, spayed and I'm heartworm negative. The rescue has some great contacts for transportation, so don't let my Arkansas location deter you if you live elsewhere and you'd like to learn more about me. I'm hoping to find my forever home soon, so please write to Michelle if you would like more information on adoption: msalyers@gsprescuene.org.

Cody...In Search Of...A Soft Bed And Someone To Snuggle With

Hi, my name is Cody. Please excuse me, I'm a little confused. I used to live with someone, but I got lost or maybe they didn't want me anymore so they just turned me loose. They cared enough to neuter me, but didn't care enough to keep me or to find a home for me. Lucky for me, a kind person found me and let me stay with her and her family. She was sure that my folks would be looking for me. They weren't. She was really nice to me--she let me sleep on the couch in the daytime and I had a warm bed to sleep in at night. I even got along with a small dog that lived there. I wanted to chase the cat, though. I probably should not do that, but I'm a bird dog, ok?

So, I got all settled in at this house, and then one day I go on a road trip. I was kinda scared, cuz I didn't know what was going on. Well, there was nothing to be scared about, cuz I was going to GSP Rescue! I am now in a foster home with other GSP's just like me--they have had bad luck but we are safe now and looking for homes. My foster mom thinks I am handsome, sweet, and a good buddy. I am about 7 years old or so. All that means is that I am not super silly like one of my foster brothers. I like to have my ears scratched and I give good hugs.

I am not quite sure about this thing called a crate. I cried the first night I was in my foster home cuz I wanted to be close to my foster mom. She understands that sometimes spotty dogs are so loving and attached to their people that they can't bear to be away from them.. Other than not liking crates, I am perfect! I like other dogs and know not to potty in the house. I point birds in the yard, but am afraid of loud noises, so I don't think I would like to go hunting. I would, however, like to be your bestest friend forever, so email my foster mom at argsprescue@rocketmail.com and tell her you want to adopt me!

Chaz's Chance

Hi, my name is Chaz. At least that is what I go by now. I got lost from my people (they didn't put a tag on my collar, guess they were too busy with other stuff to make sure I stayed safe...) and they never came looking for me. Guess they were too busy for that, too. But don't be sad for me, cuz I am safe now. Apparently the shelter folks thought I was pretty special, cuz they called some folks, who called some other folks, who drove a long way to make sure I got to come to rescue. I am sure glad they weren't too busy to help me.

I am about 5 years old (that's what the rescue people think) and am a stocky guy at about 50 lbs. I am in good shape, but just heavy-boned and short. I think I am very handsome, and my foster mom agrees. I am done with all of that puppy foolishness that younger GSP's have, and I slept in a crate nicely the first night I was in my foster home. My foster mom is still learning about me, and she will help me write more once she knows more about me.

I am good with other dogs and I am a quiet, laid back boy. I like to be petted and do pretty good on a leash (my foster mom just doesn't walk fast enough, that's all...). I think I have lived in a house before, and my foster mom talked about giving me increased freedom in the house. Until next time....Chaz (Written by Chaz's foster mom, Stacy. If you are interested in more information on Chaz, please e-mail Stacy at: argsprescue@rocketmail.com)

Totally Terrific Thomas

Hey folks, my name is Thomas and I'm the happiest GSP boy this side of the Mississippi!! I am very lucky to be alive, as I found myself in a shelter in the country. A lot of rescue people wanted me to have a chance to be a young spotty dog, so they worked together to help me and another GSP boy get a ride to foster care.

When the rescue lady went to the shelter to tell them she was going to help me, the shelter people started crying. You see, I had been at the shelter place for a while, longer than any other dog there, and still no one wanted a happy boy like me. The shelter people didn't understand it either, but they were going to have to make me go to sleep. The day before the rescue lady came they were going to make me go to sleep, but something told them to wait...and then the rescue lady came and I was safe!! The shelter people were really happy, cuz they liked me a lot.

I am almost a year old, and my foster mom says I go, go, go! I am just doing what young GSP boys do...PLAY! I really like to wrestle with my buddies here, and don't mind even that one of my friends is really big.

I am really trying hard to learn from my foster mom (she is really smart). I am very sweet and want to be by your side all the time, except when I am playing, of course...

I think cats are fun to chase, so I need to go live where there aren't any kitties. I like to run with my foster mom on-leash--she is training for something called a mary-thon, and she says I could probably win one...

Email argsprescue@rocketmail.com for an application to adopt me. I'm being fostered in Arkansas, but I can hitch a ride to almost anywhere to be united with my forever family.

It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This...

Hi, my name is Chase. My brother and I are in rescue because no one purchased us from our breeder. I am glad we didn't go live with just anybody. My foster mom and her rescue friends will make sure we get the most awesome homes ever. I am very sweet and just had my first birthday on September 24. I like to point birds in the yard, but haven't been hunting yet.

I am such a good boy that I can stay in the house by myself when my foster mom is gone and I don't even have to stay in a crate. I know that I better be on my best behavior so that a really nice person will adopt me. I am a quiet GSP and really like to be close to my person. I don't jump up, I just nudge you with my liver nose and tell you to pet me, please. I am about 50 lbs and may grow just a little bit more. I'm in Arkansas, but my foster mom has transport contacts that can help me get to my new home. Email argsprescue@rocketmail.com to talk to my foster mom about adopting me.

Handsome Fella In Search of Lifetime Companion...

Hi, folks. My name is Junior and I just had my first-ever birthday on September 24th. My foster mom said as my present I got to be neutered. I don't think that was a very nice present, but she knows best.

My brother and I are in rescue cuz our we didn't sell when we were little puppies, although all of our brothers and sisters found their homes. I am glad we didn't sell to just anyone--my foster mom and her rescue friends will do a good job of finding the very bestest home for me.

I am a bigger boy at about 60 lbs. I like to point birds in the yard but have not been hunting yet. I think I would like to chase cats, so a home without cats would be best for me. I like other dogs, but I really like to cuddle with people.. I like to put my big clunky head in laps. I am working on not pulling on a leash, but I do know how to sit when I am told. I am quiet in a crate and know that it means time to settle down.

Email my foster mom at argsprescue@rocketmail.com to tell her you want to adopt me. Thanks!