Remember this beauty? She was at a kill shelter in Georgia and Smiling Dog Farms was trying to raise the money to get her sent to them in Texas. And they did! She's there and life is good again! If you'd like to help this wonderful sanctuary, please go to their donations page and make a donation. Remember we have 2 of our girls, Laila and Traer, there and the sanctuary needs funds to continue their support as well. You can make monthly donations of as little as $5 a month.
Matthew Szechenyi is a film student who visited Puerto Rico last spring and interviewed many rescuers for a piece on the horrible animal abuse taking place there. This is just a 5-minute version and I believe the full version will be out soon.
Here is a sweet new puppy, siblings Phoebe and Peggy, and Gail's new puppies. Sandra says Gail is not taking care of her puppies and they are only about 4 weeks old. Right now there are 11 puppies that really need to be taken from the beach, especially Gail's 5 little ones. I am still paying down vet and boarding bills, slowly but surely, but I can't leave these guys at the beach any longer. I'm going to work on finding foster care for all 11 of them and to have them come to the states in about 4 weeks. The average cost per puppy is $200-250 from beach to new home - that's well over $2,000 so we're going to need some serious donations. I'm nervous taking on more debt before I get everything paid off but I just can't bear to leave them there any longer.
I decided to give myself a present that would last for a long long time. Her name is Delia! I adopted her from the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast, a shelter that takes many of our Puerto Rico dogs for adoption. She had been found all alone in a subdivision and was so scared that she had to be trapped to rescue her. Delia is a beauty, as you can see, of about 6-7 months with the softest fur and the sweetest purr. She is a total cuddler and snuggles next to me whenever I'm stationary. Delia is my first tiger and has gorgeous markings and a delicate little face. She'a the perfect addition to my house and the other 4 - Harley, Tango, Lucia, and Ellie - adjusted very quickly to her. The only negative thing is that I have to add a litter box!
Rachel wants to know why she is unable to eat and why she's getting so skinny and why the horrible wound on her side is getting bigger every day.
Tyler wants someone to fix the mangled ligaments in the wound on his leg before it gets so infected that the leg has to be removed.
Adriana wants to know why someone threw her and her sister away with no food, love, and water or even a soft place to sleep when they were only 2 months old. And more than 29 other dogs who call Dead Dog Beach their "home" want to know why they weren't good enough to deserve loving pats on their heads and a full belly at bedtime.
But even with all that sadness, all of them want to thank Santa's most gracious elf, Sandra, for coming to see them every day and giving them food and fresh water and love and letting them know that they are special and dear to her. They know that without Sandra - and without other angels like Mary and Yolanda and Liz and so many others - they and thousands of other dogs would go hungry every day, would die of thirst, and would suffer even more than they already do. Being the pessimist that I am, I have a hard time believing in "Santa" and miracles and the goodness in people and the joy of Christmastime wanes very quickly as soon as I check my email and see all the people begging for help for stray animals they have encountered and want to help. If it weren't for those people, there would be no joy at all and there would be no hope. I am thankful for those humans with kindness and compassion and goodness in their hearts who do what they can for these animals. My "letter to Santa" would be that he bring more Sandras and Sabines and Ginas and Jessicas in his sack and take all the dumpers and beaters and poisoners back to the North Pole with them and set them out on an ice floe! Maybe next year....
There is not a dog on this whole planet more deserving of a great home than Drake. He lived at the beach for over a year before he was scooped up one day in a beach sweep by the City and taken to animal control where he would have been euthanized if we hadn't rescued him. Then it was found he had a transmissible venereal tumor - cancer - that had to be treated with a course of chemotherapy. He finally came to the states a few months later and was at my house until he decided one of my foster kittens would be a tasty snack (he didn't really hurt him but could have) so he was "banished" to boarding (yeah, it's like the Ritz-Carlton for dogs so don't feel too bad for him!). It took over 2 months before the perfect family came along for him - but they did and just in time for Christmas! He has a mom and dad who adore him and a sister, Brandy, to play with and a big back yard to romp around in. He will be a very loved and happy dog. Drake is finally - FINALLY - a lucky lucky dog.
Little Andrea, one of the four new puppies at the beach, was adopted by a family today. They renamed her Maggie. Hopefully they will give her a wonderful forever home. Now we just gotta get the other three little ones safe.
I had the pleasure of dining with the families who adopted the beautiful Ruth and June (the Pointer Sisters). They were adopted separately but the families get the girls together often for play dates! It's just magical!
The first 2 babies appeared at the beach yesterday - the other 2 have been there for a few days. Sandra says they are little, only about 6-8 weeks old. She found them while she was looking for Frances' puppies. Frances gave birth recently but Sandra hasn't found the puppies yet. And she hasn't found Stephanie's puppies either.
Remember the beautiful Laika who was adopted out a while ago? Well she's visiting me for the holidays while her family is away. She's the same sweet and loving girl I remember but I didn't remember her being so scared of cats! She will sit at the end of the hallway and whine like a little baby if there is a cat in the way between her and me - and she won't come near them! It's so funny! But here she is playing with Ellie who she is obviously NOT afraid of.
These pictures are the opposite of what we like to see with our dogs. This is Rachel before and current - however the second picture is how she looked originally and the first picture is sadly how she looks now. Rachel has been at the beach since - unbelievably - 2001 and is probably around 10 years old. She has somehow kept herself alive amidst all the poisonings and shootings and other cruelty and even managed to be healthy for most of those years. Lately though the hard years at the beach are showing graphically on her. Sandra says she's not eating or drinking water very much and her mange has come back. She also has a large and growing wound on her side that we don't know the cause of. Rachel won't let Sandra get close enough to pet and love on her but she does know that Sandra is there to feed and attend to her. Rachel is much like Riley and Lannie, two other "oldies" that were finally were able to get off the beach and into loving (actually PERFECT) homes. Could this be possible for Rachel? We don't know how sick she really is and won't know until she's taken to the vet. And it will likely cost quite a lot to get her healthy and transported to the states for adoption. And due to her age and general health, she probably won't be around for a long long time so it will be difficult to find a home willing to take on a dog that is in her "golden years". But I know that person is out there! Unfortunately we don't have any money to do rescue right now - I'm still paying off past vet and boarding bills - but if we could get commitments from the right people and a potential for a permanent home (or at least long-term foster home in the states) - we could get this lovely, sweet, completely deserving dog rescued and safe. Is there anyone who would be able to grant Rachel her Christmas wish?
He was enjoying this toy so much that I dragged him all the way into the kitchen to get them camera then filmed all this of him as well! Note his feeble attempt to hang onto the table leg as he gets pulled by!
Can you see the big change in this beauty's eyes from the beach to her new home!!!??? This is Paris - who is now "Punkin". She was adopted over a year ago and she is just as spoiled and happy as she can be!
Sandra has done a great job with Freddy - here are his before and current pictures. Sandra says he's a really sweet boy and would be a great companion for someone.
I received this plea for help from Jay at Smiling Dog Farms in Texas. This is the sanctuary that took Laila and Traer in. If you can help, please go the their donations page and give what you can. They do a great service for all their dogs, including our two little beach girls.
This special dog is in Athens, GA...
We have a sponsor to cover his monthly cost here at the farm, until we find him an adoptive home...
Seasons Greetings. I am the luckiest pup in the world, though my story does not start off that way.My name is Big Red, or Red for short and my story really begins when an animal control officer found me tied to a tree. I had about 3 inches of chain to run around on and not a drop of water to be found. Temperatures were rising in the deep south and things did not look good for me. The nice lady took me back to a place where it was cool and I was able to get a drink. My owner came and promised to take care of me but that wasn't the case. One day while me and my friend were off running around. I got picked up again by that same nice animal control officer. My owners were given a chance to take care of me but didn't want to be bothered.
Things looked pretty grim for me when my time was up. I couldn't understand. Everybody said I was cute and friendly but no one wanted me...Thanks to Smiling Dog Farms I got a reprieve and now here I am. Even though life has not been good to so far, I want to show the world that I am worth a second chance. Forget the mean, aggressive pitbull stereotypes. I'm the BIGGEST lover around! Laps are just completely irresistible for a good snuggling. I already know "SIT", "SHAKE", and "LAY DOWN". I promise if you help me, I'll show you that I can be the best dog in the world. I am very submissive and I love other doggie friends. My house manners are a little rusty but with some guidance, I know I can do well. No cats please!
This beautiful boy had been hanging around my office building for the last month. I finally couldn't take it any more and got donations from my coworkers to get him in and vetted. I named him "Cosa" because I work at CSA, Intl. so I just added the "o". He tested negative for all the nasty stray cat diseases and he was already neutered. We gave him his shots, microchipped him and cleaned him up. That was on Saturday. On Sunday he went to an adoption event with me and by the end of the day had found the perfect home for him! An elderly woman fell in love with him so he is now in the happy loving and SAFE home of his new mom. His name is Charlie now and he will have a wonderful and happy life. Thank you to all my coworkers who made this possible.
One last thing, before he left, Cosa gave me a few moments of insanity by accidentally pressing the automatic door lock button inside the work truck I was using! Luckily for him I had left the engine running with the air conditioner on but there was no spare key for the truck so I had to call a locksmith to bust him out! Never ever a dull moment!
When we first met the 6-pack of puppies at the beach, there was no way of knowing whether they would live or die. Manos por Patas is not able to rescue anymore dogs for a while until we pay off over $5,000 of debt to vets, boarding facilities, etc... so the puppies remained on the beach for over 2 weeks. Then Sandy Saroka made the arrangement to get them rescued, vetted and sent to Chicago for adoption. She saved their lives. And here is the first story of happiness from the event:
Greetings from North Aurora, IL!
I can't even begin to describe the utmost joy my family and I are experiencing, now that our brand new puppy "Buddy" (from the famous 6-pack found on the beaches of Puerto Rico) has joined our family! With arms wide open, Buddy cradled up in our arms and gave us lots of hugs and kisses the evening we met him at his foster mom's home. Ms. Eileen, of the HELP organization, proudly introduced us to the 6-Pack on the evening of Friday, 12/5/08, along with other precious rescues from Puerto Rico. We hugged and kissed them all, including my beloved Ares, but it was Alexander (now known as "Buddy") who stole our heart away. In the words of Ms. Eileen: "People sometimes come here thinking they will choose their dog. But it's really the dog who chooses his family!" And that was the case with Buddy ... he was so friendly and bubbly with our little 1-year Miniature Schnauzer, J.T., and played with my husband and step-son, Jared! He also gave me lots of kisses! After thoughtful prayer, and a deep commitment to take care of our precious new puppy, it was Buddy who was chosen to be part of our family!
Buddy, as expected, is a bit overwhelmed with snow! Of course, there's a big temperature difference between Yabucoa & North Aurora, not to mention the ice and sleet that we had this past weekend. Nonetheless, little Buddy was a trooper, and determined to stick with us despite the frigid climate! I'm proud to say that Buddy now knows the word "potty" because he accompanies our Miniature Schnauzer to take care of potty business outside without a fuss. Buddy also walks 3 times a day for some exercise around the block, and doesn't even need a leash! He follows us no matter what, and is just in awe of the surrounding, winter white scenery!
To keep Buddy warm, we bought him some snuggly sweaters!!! He looks absolutely adorable!!! He and our Miniature Schnauzer are styling and receive so much attention from our neighbors and friends!!! Today, my husband brought Buddy to my work and I showed my new baby off!!! So many of my co-workers said he was so cute, and he just stared at all of them while he was cradled in my arms. I hold Buddy like a baby because he is my baby, and I feel so proud of him! Being introduced to so many people and new surroundings can be overwhelming, but he is handling it perfectly!
He's been taken to the vet this past Saturday, 12/6/08, and he is now on a schedule for vaccinations. His tests were all normal, although we are still working on certain parts of his body that still don't have hair because of the mange. But that's okay! He's going to be just fine! He's perfect in our eyes, and we wouldn't want him any other way! He stools are also getting better - he no longer has the runs!! Way to go, Buddy!!!
It's our endeavor to keep letting you know about his progress and, if God permits, be in contact with all the owners who choose to adopt the rest of the 6-pack, especially my beloved Ares! Everything happens for a reason, and I believe these beautiful family of puppies will wind up with fantastic families one day. And those families, in return, will thank Sandra Cintron, Ginny Cornett, Eileen of HELP, Katie of Dog Island, Sandy Soroka and many more volunteers, including the entire MANOS POR PATAS Organization, for their help in rescuing the 6-Pack!
For any one who believes in the incredible work of MANOS POR PATAS as we do, we invite you to thank you them regularly for all their devotion and untiring efforts to save as many satos as possible. They cry for the pain of these dogs, they rejoice when they save them, and they applaud us families when we open our homes & hearts to them. "The righteous one is caring for the soul of his domestic animal." (Proverbs 12:10) All these righteous ones (Sandra Cintron, Ginny Cornett, Eileen of HELP, Katie of Dog Island, Sandy Soroka and many more volunteers) are the important key players AND THE REASON my beautiful Buddy is part of my family today!!!
Muchas gracias y que Jehova Dios me los bendiga hoy y siempre! Thank you very much and may God bless you today and forever!
Here are the images from the Christmas Craft Fair in Jupiter Farms today. We made about $200 in donations and from selling paw-print ornaments and a t-shirt or two. We had Drake, Alyssa, Kepler, and Cosa out for adoption. They all did well (eh, Drake's a bit squirrelly but he's always like that) especially Alyssa who was consistently calm and mellow and sweet. The kitties didn't love being in kennels all day but handled it well. Take a look at the awesome "Adopt Me" vests that were made by my coworker, Meiling - great, right?! The pupsicles were a big hit as well. No adoptions today but some possible leads for the future. And lastly, the best kid's attitude t-shirt ever - "Dear Santa: Define "good".
And a very important big thanks to Courtney, Angel, Chad, Kerry, Darren, Melody and Woody for invaluable help.
The beautiful girls got here last Wednesday and Shakira has already been adopted from Tri-County Humane Society in Boca Raton! Alyssa has been with me and she is an ANGEL!!! She is so mellow and sweet and loving, I know she'll find a great home soon. Look how far they've come from their first pictures!
Update on Kiefer from his new family, ones of Yadira's puppies:
More pictures of Kiefer. His hair has really come in, where it might look like his hair is thin, that is all coming in tan.... He is absolutely a dream. He gets along good with Max (beagle) and Chloe (cat). Although he doesn't seem to want to share too much. Likes to try and hoard everything to himself... he is too cute. Commands he has learned: come, sit, and stay... and of course, give kisses... That one I think is his favorite. He goes right into his crate when told. He really is good and very smart.
Items for sale at Jupiter Farms Christmas Craft Fair
We'll have a table at the Christmas craft fair in Jupiter Farms from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Sunday December 7 and will have a few items available to purchase. The super cute dog biscuit wreaths are the creation of Kerry of The Contented Canine in Palm City and will be on sale for $20 each. T-shirts commemorating our first family reunion are $15 for human shirts, $12 for doggie shirts (truth is, we bought waaaaaay too many and need to find homes for them!). You can make an ornament of your dog's pawprint at the event for $5 (um, yeah, you have to bring your dog with you). We'll have all the supplies to make the ornaments and adorn them with ribbons and wire for hanging on your tree (or wherever you like). Alyssa, Drake, and Kepler will all be there trying to find the perfect home for the holidays. We'll also have pupsicles (frozen chicken stock and water in a paper cup) for sale ($1 each) so the doggies can have a yummy treat as well. The event will be held at the Jupiter Farms Center at the corner of Indiantown Rd. (S.R. 706) and Jupiter Farms Rd. Come visit us!
Remember this beauty? She was at a kill shelter in Georgia and Smiling Dog Farms was trying to raise the money to get her sent to them in Texas. And they did! She's there and life is good again! If you'd like to help this wonderful sanctuary, please go to their donations page and make a donation. Remember we have 2 of our girls, Laila and Traer, there and the sanctuary needs funds to continue their support as well. You can make monthly donations of as little as $5 a month.
