Yes, I'm alive!

It's been awhile.

It's not that I haven't had time. Well, I really don't have time, but like I've said before I make time for blogging. It's hard enough trying to organize all the thoughts in my head right now, let alone get them out and on paper so to speak.

Anyhow, where did I leave off here? Well, the end of January saw another Big Fix. We fixed 224 animals this time -- an all-time record for us. I was at intake/discharge as usual with my trusty companions, A and T. What would I do without them? So that was January 29.

The pups and I had a snow day on February 4! The whole town shut down - roads, businesses, everything. I didn't have to go to work - yay! We had about an inch of snow in our backyard, and the dogs played in snow for the first time. It was too cute. Pretty sure we just cuddled on the couch all day.


Snow in Texas!

In other news, my husband got orders to...Hawaii. Nothing we ever expected or planned for. In fact, we thought it was out of the question for him. Apparently not. Anyway, I'm getting the dogs ready for the adventure of their lives. Everyone needs two rabies certificates, a working microchip, a rabies test, and a health certificate. This will be quite a time-consuming and costly process. But they're worth it, of course!

I was bitten pretty badly on Valentine's Day. Not by love, but by a dog while breaking up a big fight outside in the morning. I don't even know who bit me, but all the dogs were ok. There's no nerve damage and no infection, just really gnarly bruising. It looks awful. I called in sick that day, because it was so painful to walk.


OUCH!

Tyler has been pretty ill this week. His appetite is back now, and he's holding his food down. He never had a fever, so I'm not sure what was going on.

Benny is up for adoption and waiting for his forever home. I think Eddie, Clara, and Geneva are going to Hawaii. Suzy is waiting for her forever home; she is with a new foster now, and they love her to bits. Freddie is officially official in his new home. Tyler and Stan should be going to their forever homes in the next month or two.


Ben Rufflisberger AKA "Benny"

Wow, a lot happens in the space of a month...!

Welcome to 2011

Puppies! January 2010.


I am currently down to TEN dogs. Yes, JUST ten dogs. We've not had such a low number in quite awhile. Sad that this is a low number for this house.

Freddie's visit went well; I think it's going to stick and be a fabulous home for him. AND she is very interested in Stanford. It's like a new year's miracle. I literally cried like a baby after that visit out of sheer happiness and relief.

Clara is currently on a trial visit. It could go either way depending on how long they try it out. We really think if someone gives it several days it would work out. But we'll see...

I am basically down to two "cycles" within the pup shuffle - Tyler and then everyone else. Like I've been saying we hope to get Tyler to a better place ASAP. Sigh.

Going from 14 to 10 makes things much more manageable for me. Ha, I remember when 8 was overwhelming! They are starting to seem more like pets/companions and less like a part-time job. Part of me is terrified that all who have gone will come back, and I'll be back at 14 dogs all alone.

Hoping this momentum continues in 2011!

Teddy Bear got Adopted!

Teddy was adopted by the perfect family last Tuesday. He makes the fourth dog in the pack, and everyone loves him. He has learned to use the doggy door, and his new parents are extremely patient and loving. We could not have dreamed up a better home for him. Adam misses him terribly, but we know we gave him the chance at the best life possible.

Dash

I am so happy to report that Dasher went to his forever home on Sunday. We are so happy that he is going to have a wonderful life out in the country. We will definitely be visiting our gentle giant in his new home!

Home Visits

Dasher & Teddy


Both Teddy and Dasher had home visits this week. Together with their "animal communicator", Teddy's applicants decided their cat household was not ready for a dog. However, Dasher's visit was successful and he will be going home this weekend. Hooray!

Odds & Ends

Lola finally found her forever home. Hooray!!



Frederick, a stray that Adam brought home after the last Big Fix.



Saying goodbye to Nacho.




Saying goodbye to Sammy boy.

In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb

Joaquin the day he went home


Perhaps this is true for the March weather, but with our schedule getting busier it seems we are going out like a lion.

Joaquin and Nacho went to their forever homes. Sammy is going home today. We have a new house guest, Frederick. He was a stray Adam picked up yesterday at the Big Fix.

We had a successful event at the Big Fix altering 148 animals and vaccinating and microchipping them as well. It was a very long day as usual, but well worth it. Next one is coming up in May.

March Madness

Not the basketball sort. This month is flying by as usual. We had a pretty successful adoption event last weekend. Joaquin went to his forever home, and we have good leads on Nacho, Teddy, and Sammy boy.

We are going to a doggy birthday party this Saturday, which should be a blast. I am excited to take my Mason out to play with new doggy friends. We should probably go get the guest of honor a doggy present for her birthday.

On Sunday we are block-walking to paper the neighborhood where we are doing our next free spay & neuter clinic. We will take registrations if we see people outside; hopefully the weather cooperates and it is not super hot or rainy. The next Big Fix is on Saturday, March 27 at the Beacon Hill Presbyterian church.

I think we are also getting a new houseguest for awhile. Hank the Weimaraner will be staying with us while his mommy is deployed. I'm guessing he will love having lots of new friends to play with.

Dasher had his second FHO to repair his other hip. He is such an incredible trooper and never "complains" about anything. He should be ready to go to a forever home soon.

Finally, Tyler is now in his new foster home. He has regained the weight he lost at the sanctuary, and he is very happy with his foster mommy. We hope to make permanent plans for him soon.

February Farewells

Bauer 2009

As February is quickly coming to an end, I'm reflecting back on the doggy stuff that happened this month. Charlie, Felipe, Bauer, and Elle all went to their forever homes. Charlie settled into apartment life with a very nice bachelor. Felipe found his home with a big family in a big house with a big yard. Bauer lives in a beautiful home with a very lovely young couple. And last, but most definitely not least, Miss Ellie Belly went home home to be a furry companion to another friendly young couple.

Edit: I suppose I should note where all these dogs came from. Charlie was a stray rescued by my husband's coworker. I admitted him into the rescue and helped coordinate his adoption. She fostered him. Felipe was living in a yard on the West side when we picked him up; he was briefly fostered by friends of ours first and then we fostered him. Bauer was a stray that was rescued by my husband in October 2008. We fostered him, and then he was adopted, returned and re-adopted. He was our only return ever, and it was people issues not dog issues. Finally, my husband rescued Elle off a chain. She was first fostered by a lady who also volunteers in rescue. For the last couple months she was with us.

Bye, Bandit!

Bandit went home with his forever family two weeks ago. He now lives in the Dallas area with his mom, dad, two teenagers, and a toddler. He also has a furry brother, Jake, who he loves. Jake is also a Spaniel mix. We are thrilled that he has such a wonderful new family!

2010 Update

Sammy



Teddy


Currently in the house:
the permanent pack (8)
SNIPSA dogs: Camilla, Elle, Dasher, Teddy, Sammy the pup (5)
Special projects Stan & Mama (2)
Grand total: 15 dogs

Bandit got adopted over the holidays and Rudy went back to Shaina's. We visited Tyler out at SARA sanctuary. We brought Teddy home (DDB rescue). We saw Sammy the miracle pup make progress every day towards his full recovery.

We have another Big Fix coming up on January 23. We will be at a new location, so there is much anticipation to see how it will turn out at this new locale. Also, we will be finding out more about the position Adam interviewed for at the ADL in this new year. We are excited to see where this new year will take us in the rescue world.

Pictures of Teddy & Sammy to come.

Goodbye, Jiggy Baby!

Jiggy left us for his forever home today. We only had him for a short time, but he has been one of my favorite furbabies. He is a friend to all, super sweet, and so unique. I will miss him, but I'm glad he has a home where they can spoil him and give him more attention than we can.

Talbot AKA "Jax"

Jax & his momma stopped by for a visit the other day. He looks awesome & is very happy in his new home!

Recent Foster Adoptions

Jack found his forever home with friends of SNIPSA in San Antonio.



Rusty is with his forever family in North Austin.