A few more puppy pics

This cat needs a home and has super personality! She loves the kids, attention and even tolerates pups chewing on her tail!

Beautiful boy with the white snip.

Sweet little girl with shy eyebrows.

This was something else to try and orchestrate!



Aw-they love each other.

Today black with tan and white stripe female was adopted by a very sweet couple and awesome pup-dog named Scooby.

And two very nice boys and their dad came down to adopt the tan female with black fading.

Thanks for adopting and giving these guys great homes!

Tomorrow someone is coming to look at possibly two puppies to adopt! Woohoo!

Puppy video 7.6 weeks old

The first pup was just adopted...the Black female with tan markings and the white stripe down her face.

2 tan males left

2 tan females left

2 black with tan/white marking females

1 black w/ tan male (little white)

Everybody loves puppies!!!

We received a call from a repeat offender telling us she again had a litter of puppies she needed us to take. My husband went to check it out and was appalled at the conditions they were living in. They were separated from their momma already (too early in my opinion) and shut on a dirty, stinky porch. Mom was tied out with no food or water and you could see every bone in her body. We fostered puppies out from the litter the momma dog came from but this woman was unwilling to give this dog up-now here she is creating more unwanted dogs for the world.
When my husband went to get the puppies she again refused to give one up. The director at the shelter tried to talk her into bringing in the mom and pup for vet care and spaying but the woman refused. She also admitted her mother's cat is dying of cancer and they don't have enough money to put her to sleep. The shelter is hoping to seize mom and pup but for now 8 of these little guys are safe.

There are four mostly tan pups and four mostly black pups(with tan and white markings).

Aw, look at that face.

Look, Tage the Border Collie can roll his tongue.

Stay tuned for a slew up unsorted puppy pictures.
I tried to get one of each pup but then lost track...so they are just random shots.





Nice eyes Tayla.

There are six little girls and only 2 boys.

I think this is the one Dessa calls Little Ann (Red Fern Grows).

Aren't those cool black markings?

Mom is a German Shepherd/lab mix? She's super sweet and would only be about 50-60lbs if she was fed.

No one knows who dad is. The woman thought it was the neighbor dog...who is thought to be a hound(coon?)/pit mix...but who knows. When the woman complained he got her dog pregnant the owners of that dog tied him up on their balcony with too long of a line. He fell off and hung himself :(

I'm not seeing any Pit in these pups yet...but their little barks are pretty cute and hound like.

Their personalities are very lab like. Sweet, gentle and so happy to be with people. When you pick them up they snuggle their little puppy nose into your neck and just sigh--oh it's euphoric.





Meeting one of the foster cats.

Puppy fanny.

Awwwww

Isn't her color beautiful?

Dinner time.

We are fostering for the local humane society so adoptions will be through them when they are old enough.

Do you need a puppy?

Know anyone who does?

These guys are going to make great dogs!






Couple quick videos of nothing exciting.

A zoo

There has been a sudden influx on the number of pets needing homes. I've been getting calls and emails for animals in desperate situations.
It makes me sad as we can't save them all.
We've taken 12 death row cats for the local Humane Society--some are really really nice cats. I can't believe they didn't get homes---so if you know of anyone who needs one or two or three or more....
We are supposed to be fostering some kittens for another Humane Society because they currently have 15 different litters that can't yet be adopted but haven't picked them up yet.
And...we took 8 puppies from a bad situation. The woman who had them is a repeat offender and dealing with her is beyond frustrating.
Mom is currently tied out in a yard, so skinny you can see every bone in her body and the woman insisted on keeping one of the puppies as a companion for her....though she keeps them separate.
The shelter is going to try to seize them....but for now 8 are safe.
They are 6 week old German Shepherd mixes. The mom is a German Shepherd-y type and very sweet--I can't get an idea about who dad might have been at this point.
Pictures to come.... :)

How to trim a dog's nails

I've been meaning to post this for some time as I often (and surprisingly) come across people who feel like trimming their dog's nails is a difficult job that can only be done by a professional (vet or groomer). Having been both a Vet Tech and Professional Groomer I can tell you that our hands are the same as your hands...so you can save yourself a trip and the money if you have the minor ambition it takes to do this on your own.

First you need a decent pair of nail clippers from any pet store, Wal-Mart, farm supply company, etc....under $10 is fine (not super cheapies though--think sturdy). Get small ones if you have a small dog--big ones for a big dog--makes sense, right? As far as those electric nail files/grinders....I guess they are helpful to smooth the rough edges...but can't do the job of a clipper unless you have most the day, a patient dog and a good supply of batteries. So...I would say save your money.

Next, get yourself a good dog.

Like Ty here.

You could cut his foot off and he'd just lay there and look at you adoringly.

If you have a bad dog, this can still work.
Here are my tips for naughty dogs.
If they are going to bite you (really bite--not just mouth you as a way of saying please don't do that) then get a muzzle that fits well and put it on before you even get the clippers out.
The biting is not that common...but I've clipped plenty of biters--the worst being a friend's Jack Russell that took three people and a muzzle to clip nails (he weighed like 15 lbs)....If you have a dog that's crazy like that and you have ample money and time--by all means take him to have someone else do it....but know that you can do it if you want to. Or...you can just give them lots of exercise on cement to wear down the nails naturally....
If you have a dog that's just nervous (I have two nervous nellies here) then make sure you hold them securely but not aggressively. There is a difference.
It helps to have two people--but you can do it with one.
I have two Weimaraners that hate having their nails trimmed. They are bigger dogs and I find it's easiest to do them two ways...either standing over them, squeezed between my legs and leaning down like a horse shoer...or with them on the ground on their side--my legs wrapped around them (from behind) keeping their head pinned to the ground (they can't get up without their head). If you have someone to help have them hold the dogs head against them with one arm and their body against them with the other. Holding them in the air helps because then they have nothing to claw at (if you hold them right). Get the hold situated before you bring out the clippers...the dog will likely put up a fight. If he senses right away he is secure he will give up quickly. Your hold will make him feel safe and secure. If your hold is a little loose and can get loose or thinks he can he will fight really hard for a long time. SO much better to get the hold right from the start. Remember--safe and secure--not aggressive. You don't want the dog to feel the hold is scary--keep his eyes and nose free and don't have his body in an awkward or uncomfortable position.
And when you grab his leg to trim those nails keep his comfort in mind--dog's can't lift their legs straight out or up too high--it's painful--they don't move that way.


When it's time to clip the nail pray your dog has light colored nails like Ty.
They are so easy!

See the pink part behind the "clear" nail---that's the quick--think of it as your finger--if you cut it--it'll bleed and hurt.

You can see the quick from underneath too...though not so much in this picture. It's fleshy--where the nail is just, well, the nail.

I angle my clipper a little towards the dog when I cut because that's the way the quick tapers down. Remember--take a little at a time if you are nervous about the quick. The more you do it, the more you will know your dog's nails and where to cut safely.
If you do make them bleed you may lose a little trust...but it's not the end of the world. Depending how deep you cut it might bleed a bit.
You can buy "quick stop" at the store--it's a powder that "clots" the blood and stops the bleeding quickly. I usually just pack in some dirt because it's right there...I know--not super hygienic--but I've never had a problem.


Don't forget to clip those dew claws if you dog has them. Since they don't make contact with the ground they often are grown out more than the other nails and if let go will curl back into the dogs skin--ouch.
The nails on the back feet are often a bit shorter than the front because they naturally wear down faster...so be careful not to just clip the same amount all around...each nail should be evaluated separately...they won't all need the same amount clipped off.

Here's the nail clipped--clear as mud right?
It was hard taking pictures with one hand and holding the dog and clippers with the other.
I really should have just done a quick video.
I also often hold the clippers horizontally for the cut instead of vertically. I trim the sharp edges with the nail clippers too that are left in the corner---lot less doggy scratches that way.





Here's Ruger with a dark nail...he's one of my pansy dogs--he hates having his nails trimmed--so not many one handed picture taking shots here.
You can't see the quick on dark nailed dogs. Instead, see on the bottom side of the nail-where it ends compared to where the top of the nail ends? The quick usually starts just past where that bottom side of the nail ends...so I would start with just a little and work my way in planning to clip about as far as that bottom edge. When you are clipping a dark nailed dog you can often see the quick start from the cut/front part of the nail. You'll start to see a little white dot in the center of where you clipped--that's the start of the quick--go much further and you'll draw blood.




Just a little at a time Ru boy.

So there you have it.

Save yourself $10 every couple months or so.

Once you get good at it the whole think will only take a couple minutes--provided your dog is halfway cooperative.

Is 7 still lucky if we're talking cats?

The local Humane Society is SWAMPED with cats....and they were either going to be forced to put a bunch down...or....we were going to have to take some in.
I'm not much of a cat person...I mean...cats can be nice, I know...but I'm just more into dogs.  We have a couple really nice farm cats here...but a couple is a nice number......7 on the other hand....that's a lot of cats!

Soooooooooo....if you like cats, PLEASE help!!!
They have a lot more cats still at the shelter...plus I am getting a few more cats next week...yes, I said it--MORE cats!!!!
They are destined to a farm cat life here and I know they would much rather be warm in someone's arms and home this winter...so if you or if you know anyone....please pass along the word!
Or...if you need farm cats....some of them might rather take well to the life...and as long as you are providing them with good shelter from the weather and food and water and love...they could help you keep away vermin in exchange for a mere $55.
$55 is dirt cheap people!
Spayed/neutered and up to date on shots---saves you hundreds and no Tom cat worries or deluge of kittens (which are cute...but become a problem when they succumb to disease or multiply and multiply and start inbreeding and then all the sudden you have mutant kittens--not so cute).


So...let me give you some general introductions (they came with names).
Keep in mind these cats were hauled around in tiny crates then set free in a back room in a barn--they may not be at their peak photogenic ability...but I will update as I get to know them more and get better shots.

This is Pattches (yes, with 2 t's and she's actually Pattches 2).

As you can see is she is very friendly.  She came out of her crate calmly and was ready for some pets.

A nice calico short hair.

Meet Felix.

I think he's named perfectly.  He just looks like a Felix.  He seems completely comfortable with who he is-no identity crisis cat here.  He exudes contentment.

He is evidently a Maine Coon which I looked up and is an affectionate and intelligent breed.

I agree--he was out of the "cat room" this morning and waiting for me when I went to check on the crew.

He's such a cool boy I'm surprised he wasn't adopted.

Long hair does not fare well in the country...so I hope he finds a home soon!

This is Stripes.

He's a very nice mellow boy.

Meet Tigger (aka grumpy butt).

He was the most unhappy of the campers as you can see.

I told him that kind of face wasn't very adoptable...but he didn't seem to care.

I hope to get better pictures after he settles in....perhaps he is one of those farm cat types?

This is Henry.  Kind of a scowl here...but not grumpy like Stripes.

Henry is also a Maine Coon.  He was the first out of the kennels and I said to myself, "Oh Henry".  He just looked big and furry and I thought...oh what did we get ourselves into.

Here is a nicer picture of him.

Meet Pyro.  (I don't know if there is some back story with his naming and fires...let's pretend he saved his family from a burning building and then they were separated mysteriously and he has pined for a home of his own since..a silent hero in waiting...makes a better story that way, eh?)

He's beautiful.

And does carry a silent hero sort of air about him.

Pesta--our other girl.

She's cute and the smallest one.  She's so beautiful I'm also surprised she wasn't adopted.

So, there you have it folks.

The newest residents at The Way Home Rescue.

Cats.

Please adopt some...did I say that yet?

Please :)

They are all 1-2yrs of age except Pattches is 5yrs old.

All young and healthy and ready to love you forever!!

I've also had a shelter about an hour away contact me, desperately asking us to take some/any dogs as they are a kill shelter and full--putting dogs down for space.

And the shelter in the city I work is maxed out with kittens and needing foster homes until they can be adopted.  I did sign us up for that....the girls LOVE kittens and since we rarely ever get babies here and...since they only stay a short time..I thought we might manage.

But...with 8 dogs and after this week over a dozen cats, chickens, horses and 3 little girls...we are getting a bit maxed out....

So is the life of rescue.

Please help if you can adopt...if you live locally and can foster I can get you some information.