Something New, Something Found, Something Green and Blue

Rescue is rewarding  Rescue is exciting.  Rescue is exhausting.  Rescue is sad.  Rescue is joyous.  Rescue is a blessing.  Rescue is a curse.  I maintain all these statements o be factual.  With rescue we take the bitter with the sweets, it is the way of life after all.  There are these moments where even little breakthroughs are so huge that your spirits fly high, and in the same tone you can feel as though you've come so far only to hit some unforeseen stumbling block that makes you feel as though you do nothing except fail.

Kong is starting to show a few "new" behaviours, that we must work on.  Now while they are new, too us; I am certain these are behaviour's that have been an issue in previous homes and developed out of his need to survive.  Like me he can be extremely dosil and just happy to be around most people.  Then there are moments where he's struggling to be kind to even his best friend.  I can narrow down the reactionary events, which is of the good.  Removing triggers and building tolerance is always of the good. 

For the past two years that Kong has been with us, he's never showed any signs of food aggression.  He has ample food, and chew toys.  we can all be around him and handle all those items without issue or concern.  Recently he's show a lacking in response when feeding on a bone.  He does not listen or follow commands.  So now I reexamine his reaction, behaviours and responses to those high valued food items.  Occasionally, like this morning I come across the unexpected bone in the backyard; a remnant from the raccoon's score next door.  At 3:00AM this was not a joyful happenstance.  

It's understandable that Kong didn't wish to relinquish the large T-Bone, but for his own safety, I cannot just allow him to eat everything and anything e finds.  He has allergies and a sensitive stomach so the payback is very real.  There will be puke.  

Oh Joy!

My Mako

Anyone knowing or following me knows that I am a fierce advocate of rescue and rehabilitation of animals.  I loathe backyard breeders and animal abusers with an equal passion.  The devastation, broken trust, and harm they cause is beyond infuriating.  Mako was one such case.  She was my labour of love.  While we taught and showed her trust, respect, and how to be a good canine citizen, she taught us patience, acceptance, love, and just what it means to really start over from scratch.

Forever my girl.

It's been quoted a millions times over, however today it holds so very true:

  “How do you go on, when in your heart you begin to understand... there is no going back? There are some things that time cannot mend. Some hurts that go too deep.”
 ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King

We knew, we understood that this held especially true for Mako.  She gave us her all, and we loved her for it.  We gave her our all and she in turn loved us for it.  She knew how deeply we loved her.  Of that I am sure.  For as vicious as she could be, she wasn't like that with us.  Not after we had earned the right to be her pack.  What am an amazing and beautiful affirmation that was.  How precious and awe inspiring it was to me; I will forever be searching for the words to express.  In the six years that we actively worked at rehablitting Mako never once did we regret it.  We made progress by leaps and bounds, and then we have moments that seemed to take s back to the beginning.  She was our life and we were hers.

All that ended today at 3pm.  Sedatives and sedation made her less likely to attack those whom surrounded her.  We were there and we held her with each laboured breath.  What I wouldn't give to just snap my fingers and take away all those years of abuse before us.  What I wouldn't give to have her here grumbly and growly in my arms right now.  We kissed and hugged and held her.  She was afraid.  I cannot say she went gently into that good night, and I will forever be haunted by it.  It wasn't the way it should have been.  It wasn't what we wanted, it wasn't what she wanted.  It was however the right choice... The "right choice" still sits acidic on my tongue as I whisper and stand by my decision. 

Her pain ended, and took full residence within my soul.  It's mine to carry now.  I owe her that.  I owe it to her to never forget, never remain quiet, to never ever give up or in on my advocacy of animals or of those whom are unable to stand-up and speak for themselves.  I owe her that and so much more.  Today and for all my days, I will remember her just as she was.  Perfectly imperfect.  A beloved member of my pack and a permanent resident of my soul. 

Her eyes in those final moments, will haunt me forever. 

I will see you again Mako.  Over that bridge I know you wait for me, and I cannot wait to see you again.  I so love you for now, and for always.  I am broken hearted by your absence in my life. 

Props

Giving credit when it’s due. Huge props go out to Ty tonight. As I've come to see for myself not only talented he’s exceedingly kind. Meeting Mako as most know is not for the faint of heart or for those without a true love of animals. She’s beyond a handful somedays as any hellhound can be. And let’s be blunt she can be scary AF! She certainly was this evening as she went from 0 to 120 in the blink of an eye and her sights were set on defending her space.

 There was no threat to Mako but as those having dealt with red zone dogs, she doesn't perceive things as we do. Ty showed incredible fortitude and didn’t flinch, he completely understood where she was coming from; and why it was that she felt the need to behave like a total menace. That kind of tolerance and compassion is often far too lacking in this world.

So a huge thank you goes out to Tyson from @cashmoremusic This evening Mako and I were gifted with a kindness and understanding that few ever get. You have certainly helped restore some of my faith in humanity. May we one day soon see that logo everywhere. ✌🏼 #Cashmore #CashmoreMusic #subscribe #CashmoreCrew #goals #achievements #youtube#cashmorecrew #subscribe #cashmore #achievements #goals #mako #cashmoremusic #hellhound #youtube

In The Next 4 to 8 weeks...

According to the SPCA and Humane Society, in the next 4-8 weeks, you'll all be seeing the "We need to re-home our pet..." posts. These are the people who went ahead and purchased puppies & kittens as Christmas gifts who are suddenly allergic, moving, having a baby, don't have time, their kids won't take care of it, didn't think they'd get so big, blah, blah, blah. Problem is, almost 90% of unwanted pets, sadly end up in kill shelters.

Allow me to break it down for you.

You didn't know you had an allergy? Oops. Don't let the pet suffer, buy some allergy medicine, if you love your pet, it's absolutely worth a shot.

You're moving? What city are you moving to that doesn't allow dogs? Bullshitville? You have a responsibility to your living, breathing family member to plan ahead to find a house, apartment or condo that will ALLOW your family member. Period.

Oh, you had no idea you were due to have a baby in 2 months? Interesting. Get a dog trainer if you're housing a breed you fear might become an issue. It's also worth a shot.

Don't have time for ONE 15 minute walk, or to have a dog just sit next to you while you're home? Really? So they're better off in a shelter than waiting in your house for you to get home? Ok, perhaps get another pet to keep them company or look for a local dog-sitter.

Oh, you mean your 5 year old didn't step up to the plate to feed, walk and scoop poop? And this surprised you? I guess it's time for YOU to step up and model responsibility for your child.

Wrong size? Not cute as an adult? Not quite the personality you expected? Look in a mirror, how did you turn out? Should we send you back? 😡 

Thank you Satan

Thank you Satan for my hellhounds and all of the unique creatures that I've come to care for.  They are perfect just as they are.

The Ultimate Queen

We whom live for the dance, feel a sense of bereftness when that dance must end suddenly.  Yes even should two have danced together for a great many years.  Those years created a unique rhythm, steps that required no such anticipation of the new partner, these steps were always true and led by our hearts.  Today one dance ended so abruptly that I found myself unable to maintain my footing. 

For The Love of Dog

Mako came to me as an owner surrender. I had been pleading with him for well over a year to relinquish ownership of her to me. He hadn't the time, or willingness to care for her as any pet should be cared for, leaving her crated for upwards of 16 hours a day without food, water, or potty breaks. She sat alone and frustrated in her crate until he came home or was put into the care of a minor child who hadn't the skills to train or deal with a now anxious and neglected working dog like Mako.   Before she was surrendered to me, he attempted to make his money back by selling her to a less than decent human being whom only served to further Mako's abuse before she fought back.   Returned to her origional owner Mako's behaviour was far worse and her trust in humans was at an all time low.

I however fell in love with this block headed girl the moment I laid eyes on her. I've always adored and worked with large breed working dogs and knew I could give Mako a far better life than the one facing her were she was. She was fearful, unsocialized, anxious, and aggressive in a number of respects. Behaviours that would have led to her certain death in a shelter. Yet all of this was due to her lacking in care from her previous owner. This was not her fault and killing her was not the answer. Anyone having owned an American Bulldog (or any dog!) knows what fabulous family dogs they make when raised in a loving home, with proper boundaries and exercise. Sadly Mako had none of these things, that is until she entered into my home and care.

Mako has made tremendous strides and overcome a great many issues. My daughter and I work with Mako daily, and have gained her love and trust through a long laborious process. But it is a labour of love. We do love her so very much. It took us a great deal of time and patience to have Mako accept the other dog in our home as pack, but we did it! We taught her to eat from our hands as she had severe bowl/food aggression; and we've overcome that too! Mako has worked with a behaviourist, in further efforts to allow her to relax and just enjoy being a beloved pet. Once again she had made great strides! 

To my complete shock and utter sadness a week ago Mako's forward momentum into being a happy dog seemed to be regressing. With no outside changes in our home, or the constant care we provide for her we are now having to face the reality that this regression into antisocial and anxious behaviours is something more physical. Mako has been failed by too many humans in the past, I cannot fail her as they have. 

While she trusts myself primarily, she is not trusting of other humans. This includes the vet and vetting staff. As such Mako must be given strong sedatives and muzzled before we can even get her into the vets to ensure everyone's safety. I am extremely realistic about her limitations and always take every precaution necessary to protect everyone who must interact with Mako. Just as I cannot fail Mako, I will not fail my fellow humans by allowing her to cause harm to another. 

Mako and I have bonded. She knows and accepts my love and leadership, trusting that I will do her no harm. Through that trust, I know of her love for me. There are no external sources for Mako's regressing behaviour so I must now do what we continually dread, taking her in for numerous tests at the vets. 

I have already taken steps to aid in this by taking a job which allows me to work night shifts, so that I may be home with Mako during the day while she is at her most alert. Doing so allows me to work more with her during the day and keep her on a routine that gives her consistency and structure, as we try to assess with the aid of the vet just what is going on. Our biggest fears are that it is something neurological or tumor-wise. As my suspicions mount in that direction I am preparing for the long and costly battle ahead, which is why I am reaching out to you... The last time I went through this with a beloved pet my costs ran upwards of 15,000 dollars. I am prepared to take on the majority of those costs but know I will also now require some help from others as well. 

It would mean the world to both Mako and I if you could find it in your hearts to help us give her the fighting chance at just being a beloved happy family member as she was born to be. 

Any funds not used in Mako's vet care will go towards the rescue and rehabilitation of another deserving furry soul,  be it by me or through another organization.  For I firmly believe in doing my all until all the cages are empty. And what an amazing day that will be for human and animal alike. 

From the bottom of my heart I thank you!

https://www.gofundme.com/makos-vet-care

Good-Bye Old Friend

After an evening in the hospital, it was time.  Time to say those final good byes.  Our hearts hurt.

The Champions: A Must Watch

Champions Documentary

Running With Wolves

The beauty of being in the north is the wildlife.  There is such a variety of natural beauty that surrounds us at any given time, be it summer, winter, spring, or fall.  Today was a day for the wolf.  Running full tilt, along the side of the road showing the world the beauty in power and grace.  I cannot express how pleased I am that nary a soul panicked calling out for the destruction of such a stunning creature.  All went along their merry ways, smiling and in total awe of such wonders.

Run free my friend, you will forever make me smile just that much more.

My rescue has me encountering so many different animals, domestic to wild.  My three wolves are not as human friendly, at least not with those outside of us whom work with them daily.  I like it that way.  I am still a firm believer that wildlife should remain wild.  I am not now, nor have I ever been pleased with those whom take animals whom are meant to remain wild and making them pets.  We have truly screwed with their natural habitats enough, and to add this insult of trying to make them pets...it's unconscionable.  Almost as unconscionable as those who partake in the culling of wolves, also known as the slaughter of wolves.  A special place in hell awaits those people. 

Rough Waters

They say tough times don't last but tough people do. I like to believe that to be the case, but I also realize that everyone has their breaking point too. I haven't come close to my breaki g point to yet, but damn could we just have a bit of a break? Just a little one? Esme and I have been fighting our way through another setback with Mako. She's been out of sorts for about two weeks now and with that come her regressive behaviour.

Between her moodswings, and our work schedule we've had our hands very full. We'd love to see her come round that corner and be happily wagging her tail. When will that day come? Or come on a consistent basis? She has moments of great peace and happiness,  we are so very grateful for those moments. We are amazed at how far she has come, and we will continue to work with her everyday to further reinforce the behaviours we want to see her display.

We had to sit down and take a hard look at her recent setback. It was quite sobering. We certainly aren't blind to any of her behaviors. We never have been nor will we be. Yet this latest setback was much more troubling than any of the others. I wish we could see into her brain and truly unique derstand what it is she is thinking when these things occur.  What an amazing gift that would be for any of our bad rap pups.

We want lions

Mizzou researchers sued for blinding, killing beagles in failed experiment

Read the article here

My response is far less eloquent than many. However I've shared it below and a few more of my thoughts on this matter.

Being silent doesn't work. Hoping things will change, doesn't work. 

Waiting for someone else to take the lead... that's for sheep.

We want lions.

- Jade

The University of Missouri purposely blinded six beagles and then killed them after their experiment failed.

Contact University of Missouri on Facebook: Mizzou. And call them at 573-882-2121.

Mizzou, an institute of higher learning has joined the rank and file of the uneducated, and willfully arrogant. It is no shock or surprise to anyone having spoken to me, or read me for even a nanosecond that I am an animal advocate. I strive to be a voice for the voiceless, be they flesh or furred. I rarely if ever debate peoples choices in diet, as I accept we all have choices to make that are, in fact our own to make. I do try to cut out as much meat in my daily diet as possible for my particular situation. Though I am not a vegan. I do chose to live off the land in the most sustainable manner possible, but yes within my home and within my purchasing power I do live cruelty free,

It is not as expensive as one might think. Case in point, I make minimum wage. I work 40 hours a week for a retail pet company and then work about another 40 to 50 hours as a volunteer rescuer. So it is very safe to say sleep and money are two things I have little of at any given moment. So if I can do it, you can too. If you require help in finding affordable ways to be cruelty free, contact me! I will help you to the very best of my ability! I do not expect you to turn your pocketbook inside out or for you to follow my exact path. I do live my life by extremes in many cases, an yes some days it makes me quite the tyrant to deal with, yet it is a life I have chosen. A life that matters a great deal to me. Their lives mean a great deal to me. In some of my darkest moments, where doubt and self pity seemed to be the only voices being heard clearly through my personal din it was a furry four legged baby that cut through the static and pain and gave me hope.

How can I not honour that love with equal fervor?

I am yes saddened by Mizzou's choices to embrace such horrific practices on whole. More over I am livid at their blatant misuse and abuse of the power they wield much like a child would wield a hammer. Animal testing is as barbaric and cruel as the tortures of the inquisition. Yet we humans, highly educated humans still embrace such practices? To what end? For over a decade we have known that the tests performed on laboratory animals is not only ineffectual but insanely cruel. Other countries have rose above and banned many of the tests performed upon our beautiful sentient furred babies. These countries are:

1. European Union
The EU, consisting of 28 member states, became the world’s first set of countries to ban cosmetics tested on animals. The EU also previously banned testing of finished animal products way back in 2004, and animal-tested ingredients were banned in 2008. According to the New York Times, on March 11, 2013 “European Union regulators announced a ban on the import and sale of cosmetics containing ingredients tested on animals and to pledge more efforts to push other parts of the world, like China, to accept alternatives.” These products, though banned from sale in the member countries, can still be sold outside the EU.

2. Norway
At the same time that the EU ban went into effect last year, Norway also announced a ban in their nation. According to the Oslo Times, “Pharmaceuticals are exempted from the new rules, including Botox, although some of them are used cosmetically.” However, as Julie Tesdal Håland of the Norwegian Food Safety Authority explains in the same article, cosmetics which have “already been legally tested on animals will not be taken off the market.”

3. Israel
Israel became the third country to ban “the import, marketing and sale of any cosmetics, toiletries or detergents whose manufacturing process involves animal testing,” according to the website, Israel and Stuff. The Knesset originally passed the law in 2010, but the new regulations took effect on Jan. 2, 2013.

4. India
India became the first Asian nation to ban animal testing for cosmetics. “The decision follows appeals from various quarters, including that from the National Advisory Council Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and campaigner for animal rights Maneka Gandhi, to prevent cruelty to animals,” according to The Hindu. PETA, India also campaigned campaigned for quite a while to end animal testing of household products and ingredients. The article also states that, “violation of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act by any person or corporate manager or owner is liable for punishment for a term which may extend from 3-10 years and shall also be liable to fine which could be Rs.500 to Rs.10,000, or with both.” To avoid loopholes in the ban, non-animal alternative tests were also made mandatory.

Why have we, not followed suit? Better still why in the hell have we not lead the charge?

Lions remember, not sheep.