Saturday, June 6, 2009

AARCS - our new family in the garage


Do you see these sad eyes?!! This is why we foster rescue dogs! Let me tell you about the last 24 hours...

Our rescue organization, AARCS (Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society), respected our request to have a break from rescue dogs for the last 2 weeks. This is such an amazing group of people I am honoured to 'work' with. I have spent much of our break resting. We love what we do, but I get fatigued and I really needed this rest so I could get back to stamping and fostering.

When we were down to the last puppy from the 'J' litter, the president of AARCS told me about a spay/neuter clinic they, along with the other rescue organizations in our province, were sponsoring about 3 1/2 hours south of our city. Last year, 75 dogs were surrendered at this event. I don't have the numbers for this year yet on this event, but I was told the numbers were significantly higher. I was told 2 weeks ago, odds were we'd have a litter again this weekend.

Yesterday evening, I received a call asking if I might be comfortable getting a litter of 12 and their mom. That's our main purpose, so we said, 'Bring it on!' I received more details today as we were firming up details. This mama dog had 16 puppies and all are in extremely bad shape. They decided to split the litter since the puppies are 3-4 weeks old by keeping the sickest, most emaciated with the mom and bringing them here. We have the mom and 8 of her puppies here now. No one is quite sure if all these puppies are hers, but they are all the same age and were all found with her, so it is safe to assume they are all hers.



We've named the mom Sweet Violet (Violet). This tiny, little puppy is Sweetpea (sorry I caught her peeing!). Her legs are as big around as my pinkie. She is completely emaciated and her little face tugs hard at my heart! The wonderful woman who brought this family to me was afraid that this little girl died in the crate on the journey. I absolutely believe if she hadn't been rescued, she would have only had a few more days of life left. I'm not exaggerating or fear mongering.



Just to give you an idea of how ill she is, this is Sweetpea next to a littermate who is emaciated as well, but gerally healthier. Now for what we are breathing through. We were told at drop off that they may have been in contact with Parvo. We are claiming all God's promises for His creation for this litter - from what He told Job about knowing when deer birth to knowing when a sparrow falls. These little guys won't survive Parvo. They are too little and too sick to be vaccinated. Their bellies are full of round worm (visual confirmation already!) and they may have tapeworm as well. If you are a praying person, please pray for this little family. They have had such a hard time of it!



Even emaciated and sick, puppies will be puppies! This little brown guy is a roaming adventureer and has already decided he likes me. When I come in the pen, he wags his tail which is already more than any of the others do. Violet is such a patient mom with all these babies. They sleep all over her - in a dog pile! She keeps her tail tucked between her legs though and is very timid, and just looks so sad. She has massive burrs in her fur and so do the puppies. We'll start to work those out tomorrow. Tonight is for food,water and rest getting used to their new home.



Yup, one little white boy. Good golly where did he come from?!! Sweetpea is the little black back beside the white puppy and the fuzzy brown adventureer is on the right. Puppies should be chubby! This is just not right. The last litter we had were in so much better shape and this difference is always alarming, even though I know what it will be like!



At the top of the picture are two little Sweetpea eyes looking over the siblings. She watched me the whole time I was in the pen taking photos. I expect they will mostly sleep for the next few days. We'll check them over thoroughly tomorrow for fleas and lice and remove all the burrs. I'll check them over for tapeworm as well. I hope the vet will be able to see them on Monday so we can start deworming. They will show dramatic improvement as soon as the worms are dealt with.

I want so badly to see Violet with her tail up and wagging. I want to see happiness in her eyes. I want to show the love of the Creator for His creation - this is my motivation.

12 comments:

Jennifer Meyer said...

Awww Loretta, what sweet pictures! Those little puppies are so blessed to have you, I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

LOTS of hugs, Jennifer :)

Marja Sch said...

What a sweet pictures and movingstore about these dogs. What a good work to save them. I hope to see more if them later. The card below is gorgeous. I love these Ketto stamps. Hugs Marja

cardsandacuppa said...

Poor little loves, how cruel people can be, They are lucky to have you and will be thinking of you all in the coming days, keep us updated. I agree with Marja too, your Ketto card is stunning!
Hugs Sarah-Jane xx

Kerry Piader said...

I am praying for these sweet sweet dogs. The world is such a better place because of caring people like you and your family.

kerry2

i {heart} papers said...

Awww...I wish I lived closer!!!

The mommy looks a little Rottie.

You've got such a huge heart...thank you, for the pups.

Joanne Travis said...

Oh Loretta, bless your heart for taking care of these sweet animals that need care so desperately. I wish I was closer I would come and help you and I'm sure I would bring one of these cute little guys home as part of my family. I will keep you and all of the puppies in my prayers, especially little Sweetpea.
Hugs,
Joanne

A Walk With Faith said...

Oh Loretta, they are so precious. I don't think I have ever seen sadder eyes than Violet has. They speak volumes. Little Sweetpea is adorable. I will be praying for all of you.
Hugs, Faith

{pam} said...

i'm not a religious person . . . but GOD BLESS YOU for what you do. reading this post brought tears to my eyes . . . i so wish i could help these poor little guys. will totally keep you and this wonderful little doggie family in my thoughts!

Elena said...

Poor little puppies... What yo uand your family do is very amazing and important! Thank you so much for putting a difference in our world! Thank you for saving little lifes!

Jenny Gropp said...

Ohhhh Loretta... what a wonderful soul you and your family have to open your house and hearts to these pups and Mom. I love the pics.. can't wait to see more when they are plumped up and the Mom has a sparkle in her eye. Where in the world did that white pup come from????
Who could harm an innocent animal and neglect is harm. Geez, it just breaks my heart.

Joycelyn Pelkey said...

Thank you so much for taking the time and beautiful compassion to look after these sweet little beings! I hope they are still doing well and on the road to recovery! Hugs to you, your family and those sweet dogs! Sending prayers!

Silke Ledlow said...

AWWWW - these puppies are cute!!
I can tell you have your hands full...LOL!!! I missed you today, but I know that live is super busy these days...I almost didn't make it either. My girls are wearing me out - LOL!!!

Have a great weekend!!! Hugs ~S~

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