Ch. Gridiron Affair of the Heart 9/11/94 - 3/9/10

Just a few days shy of her 15 1/2 birthday, my heart girl Hannah peacefully drifted away in her sleep during the wee hours of Monday morning. She was in my arms and was surrounded by her best friends, Chico and Madison. She had just recovered from acute kidney failure in January so this was a huge shock.

Ch. Gridiron Affair of the Heart (Hannah) was not a rescue. This sweet mini BT with a huge heart rescued me and helped me heal from the passing of my first rescue BT, Ripley. Hannah loved everything on this earth and was always the first to greet the hospice and retirement dogs that came into our home. She, Hazel and Hayley loved showing the new dogs the ropes! Hannah was my constant sidekick and loved going on home visits and evaluations. In the 10 1/2 years that she owned me, her sole mischievous moment was sneaking into the breakfast nook and almost finishing off a Costco rotisserie chicken.

We brought her to Bubbling Well in Napa to be cremated. If any local folks haven't been, I highly recommend a visit there. It's near the Silverado County Club and sits high on the hill with a beautiful view of the Napa Valley. Deer and other wildlife are welcomed there and the sight of baby deer playing in the cemetery is now etched forever in my memory.

Thank you, Lora Eggleston, for letting me have one of the BEST dogs in the universe.

Sweet dreams, my little princess. I'm so lost without you...thank you for all the love and companionship you've given me.

Your loving mom,

Suz

Fire At Bundocks

The house owned by Sharon Curry (of Bundocks) was destroyed by a fire Thanksgiving night. Sharon and her dogs are fine, but she lost her birds and all of her personal possessions. The kenneled dogs are fine as her house is set a distance away from the kennels. Running a busy kennel remains her first priority but she and her staff are toughing it out as they are running on generators and are without appliances. An emergency Sharon Curry Fire Fund has been established at the Sebastopol branch of Exchange Bank: 720 Gravenstein Hwy N, Sebastopol, CA 95472-2808 (707) 823-3800. A blog has also been set up so that friends and supporters can keep tabs on the latest Bundocks information and needs: http://bundockskennels.blogspot.com/.   Sharon's heart is the size of Texas. She's a true animal lover who will never think twice about rescuing any animal in need. She's been known to pick up stray dogs and house them at her kennel until their owners are located. Without her help, we wouldn't be able to save the number of Bull Terriers that we do. It's no wonder that a caring community has banded together to help her get back on her feet. A reserve of doggie linens and bedding is always needed so I'll be starting a towel and blanket drive on Craigslist soon.

Happy Halloween!

Any Bullysitters Available?

Harvietta (Harvi) is a delightfully bouncy and affectionate 28lb girl who needs to be babysat this week so that I can bring her to Silverwood Friday to meet her hopeful new family. She's very submissive to other dogs and had a blast playing with Chihuahuas and a Shih Tzu when I took her in for her vaccinations yesterday. Harvi gets along fine with my crew but the ancient ones are getting upset that their daylong slumber parties are being interrupted. Harvi is 2 years old, spayed and UTD on her rabies and bordatella vaccinations. She gave a playbow to a huge cat that was crated but I don't know how she fares with the kitties in general. This silly girl enticed Busefalo to play but ran off when the big guy got excited. A cuteness item: her nose and ears get really pink when she's all warm while cuddling with you.

Since she's been an outside dog 24/7 her only challenge might be some housebreaking issues but she's been fine so far with frequent walks (she walks nicely on a leash). She's reportedly an escape artist but she hasn't shown much interest in being outdoors ever since enjoying the Great Inside World.

Let me know if you can help!

Big bully wags,
Suz
415/672-7391

Silverwood Schtuff: Dog Show Etiquette

Since I've received questions on event explanations and proper Silverwood etiquette, I wanted to share the below link for general awareness:

http://www.silverwood2009.com/res/Default/silverwoodetiquette.doc

Suz

Silverwood Schtuff - Parade of Rescue Dogs

The national Bull Terrier Specialty, Silverwood, is right around the corner. The Annual Bull Terrier Club of America Club (BTCA) Rescue Parade will be held Friday, October 16th, 2009 at the Doubletree Hotel in San Jose. The rescue parade will begin at 6:30 pm in the main ballroom of the hotel. All dogs will receive a special Rescue commemorative from the BTCA. Registration is free. Deadline to register is October 9th, 2009. If your Rescue egghead has become a bit reactive to other dogs, contact me and we'll see what can be arranged.

If you don't mind driving to San Jose, you and your Rescue Bull Terrier are invited to be a part of this parade! To register, please complete and send the form located at http://www.silverwood2009.com/Downloads.htm to:

Gail Harlamoff
3490 Maplethorpe Lane
Soquel, CA 95073

or email to: soquelkiwi@sbcglobal.net and cc: suz@bullyhaven.org

Hope to see everyone there, you're all invited attend all the Silverwood events! It'll be good to see you all again (and meet new friends!). I'll be manning the Rescue table Thursday through Saturday. Come hang out and meet Big Bad Busefalo and other Rescue alumni!

More information on Silverwood can be found here: http://www.silverwood2009.com/

Suz
415/672-7391

Silverwood Schtuff - Rainbow Bridge Table

From Janice Frostick:

Mary Ann Martin has graciously consented to take care of the Rainbow Bridge Table at Silverwood this year.

Please bring your framed, approximately 5X7 photo(s) of your beloved deceased bull terrier to the Rainbow Bridge Table when you attend Silverwood. Remember to bring it back with you before Saturday night. A donation of $10 is suggested to give to the AKC Canine Health Foundation Research. The BTCA's Donor Advised Fund supports health studies and research for Bull Terriers. Please make your check payable to BTCA Donor Advised Fund. $300 is usually collected for this cause each year.

If you are 'sending' your picture, you must find a friend who is going to Silverwood, who would be so kind to take your photo for you. It is traditional to write a few words about your bully...name, dates, personality, activities, etc. to accompany the photo.

For your convenience, checks may be given to Mary Ann or mailed to:

Janice Frostick
1 Maple Street
Farmingdale, NJ 07727

There'll be plenty of Kleenex at the table.

Zoey

10/2: Happy Update - Zoey has been claimed by her owner! Thanks, Jennifer & Dorey - for offering partial transport! And, the Upland girl has been rescued by our Southern CA group!


Our Southern California rescue folks are absolutely overwhelmed and some of shelters there have been bursting at the seams due to pets displaced by the wildfires. Since we have great homes waiting for the right dogs, two Southern California girls are being considered. Information is pending on the 5yo white female in Upland but here's a picture of a sweet and scared 7yo girl named Zoey.

Zoey is in San Diego. Would anyone be able to help with interim fostering/partial transport for her if she evaluates well? If she has major health issues, she may be a candidate for our hospice or compassion program.

Quick Updates!

• Izzy's safe and going for a test drive today
• Holly's been on a test drive for a week and is doing wonderfully!
• Mochi from Hayward is extremely sweet; she's charming the socks off of our kennel staff
• Nicky from Mendocino is a TOTAL goofball...he may be renamed Squeaky because he doesn't bark, he squeaks!

Bedridden Since Tuesday (9/22)...

For anyone who's emailed or called me, my apologies for not responding. I've been bedridden with a horrible flu and hope to be recovering soon. ~Suz

Mochi - A TLC Case

According to the shelter staff, Mochi (pronounced "mo chee") lives up to her name! This super sweet little girl was surrendered to the shelter as her skin issues could not be resolved. She'll be evaluated at the shelter tomorrow and likely to be sprung. If anyone's up for fostering a very affectionate girl that will likely need a special diet, please contact me. More information on her will be posted tomorrow.

Meet Nicky

Nicky is the dude from Mendocino County who's a major goofball. We think he's no older than a year as he's still full of puppy curiosity and exuberance. So far, he has not been reactive to the dogs walking around his kennel at his interim lodging. Nicky will arrive at our kennel on 9/20; stay tuned for more information on this very happy boy!

Modesto Girl Saved!

Thanks to Alissa & Micah, this little girl will be pulled tomorrow and evaluated for our program. Thanks also to Lianne for helping me stay sane after receiving the shelter's rescue request this morning.

Please stay tuned for more news on this little one!

Good Night, Dear Hayley

It is with great sadness that I write of my Hayley's passing. This gentle little flower was surrendered to the shelter at the age of 9 because her owner couldn't deal with the accidents caused by Lasix (a diuretic used to treat her heart condition).

What an angel Hayley turned out to be! My late Hazel welcomed her with open paws and Hayley subsequently did the same for each Bullyhaven newcomer. She was especially adept in calming the hospice dogs and making them feel immediately at home. The picture below shows her hanging out with late hospice girl, Ursula.

Although Hayley's been in heart failure for the past 1.5 years, it was cancer that finally took her away from us. Her buddy Chico (a min pin x chihuahua) underwent hip surgery yesterday and had a chance to say goodbye to her at the same hospital. He was there to help her peacefully slip away.

Sleep tight, sweet girl. I miss you so much and keep thinking that if I leave your meds on the counter and freshen up your bed, I'd see you walking in from your beloved garden spot. Thank you for almost 3 years of constant sunshine and love.

Spider's Web Plea - Sad Update

6/26: Little Spider is running happily in the big dogpark in the sky. Recent X-rays revealed that the spinal swelling had worsened and had damaged the nerves which impact the breathing, digestive and bladder/bowel functions. As his vet determined that his condition was irreversible, Spider's owner made the painful decision to put him to sleep.

Sweet dreams, little CrazyLegs.

Heartfelt thanks go to Tina W., Alissa & Micah, Jennifer W., Dorey C. & Michael, and Lupe for your offers to foster/transport this sweet little boy. The kindness within the bully community is astounding.

With sadness and gratitude,
Suz


Sometimes a dog (or two, or three, or...) just takes hold of your heartstrings and won't go. Spider is a 16-week puppy that is in San Diego. He won't do well at our kennel so we'll need to secure a foster home before we can put out a call for transport help.

Spider was a 7-week pup when his doggy mother stepped on his back. A series of X-rays determined that a bruised spine was the cause of his paralysis of his rear legs. With the help of steroids, Spider is slowly using his rear legs again. Spider got his name due to the way he initially tried to walk after his accident. He is now 16 weeks and can wobble for about 5 feet. As his condition is improving, the vets are hopeful that will some guidance and exercises, Spider will be able to walk and run again. There is no corrective surgery for this condition; just treatment with steroids to help the bruising and swelling in his spine. His owner will be going back to work and with extended hours so she won't be able to give Spider the care he needs.

This little guy is quite the sweetheart. He still tries to run and play with the children, cats and other dogs in his family. His front legs are strong so he'd be an excellent candidate for a doggie cart, if need be. For now, he needs a nurturing foster that can help strengthen the muscles in his rear legs, and put him on feeding and potty schedule so that we can help with his housebreaking. At 16 weeks, he is just beginning to have control over his bowel and bladder.



He's a mellow pup who has a certain routine. He loves lounging around in his doggie bed, have his meals, then retire for the evening in the tent that he feels secure in. He's reportedly all of only 12lbs and will max out at 30-35lbs when fully grown. The muscle tone in his face and body, and any urinary accidents should improve once he's off the steroids.

Please contact Suz if you can give this little trooper a temporary/permanent spot in your heart and home.

Adorable Commercial!

It's been hectic at work and rescue so the blog's been a bit neglected. I was chilling with my dogs when this commercial came on the screen. Always had a thing for JRTs...maybe because my Shay kinda looks like she might have some JRT in her family tree.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3sxsGiH5Gw

Enjoy!

San Diego Area BT Needs Ride - HAPPY UPDATE

5/31 UPDATE: Thanks to a most awesome bully community, we have Plans A, B & most of C in place to bring this sweet guy up north. I am deeply touched by the ongoing support...thank you, everyone, for helping us help these very deserving eggheads. ~Suz

6/15: Busafelo is doing wonderfully in his foster home! This sweet boy enjoys co-owning a few sofas and beds with a bevy of bull terrier and pit bull girls.

...................................................................................

A lovable and larger than life Bull Terrier in La Mesa is losing his home due to foreclosure. Can anyone help with getting him to Northern/Central California? If we can get him as far as Fresno, Bakersfield or Santa Maria/San Luis Obispo he'll have rides the rest of the way. We have about 30 days to work with this hopeful hitchhiker.

Busafelo (named after Alexander the Great's horse, Bucephalus) is intact but has lived peacefully with an intact Pit Bull male and 3 Brussels Griffons. He's 4 years old, black and white, and is reportedly a big teddy bear who's also great with children and adults but not with kitties.

Please contact me at suz@bullyhaven.org or 415/672-7391 if you can help with any legs of his trip.

His potential homes up here and I thank you!!!

Sweet Dreams, Miss Pearl

It is with much sadness that I announce the passing of Miss Pearl on May 22, 2009 at the age of 12. This beautiful and active girl entered our program in 2007 when her loving family lost their home and had to move to an apartment. Although any dog could fit into Hank's home, he chose Pearl as he knew she'd overlooked due to her age. Hank saw to it that Pearl was pampered and added Mortie (formerly Blue) to his family in 2008. Pearl and Mortie adored each other right away and remained inseparable until her last day. Mortie was the son that nurturing Pearl doted on, and Pearl was the anchor that Mortie needed at that time. When Pearl's health started deteriorating earlier this month due to an inoperable nasal tumor, Mortie was always by her side and ensured that she was comfortable. If Pearl moved and wasn't covered by her blanket, Mortie would grumble to let Hank know. The normally playful Mortie became a couch potato to stay by Pearl's side for an entire month. The bond that forms is truly amazing.

Thank you, Hank, for giving this lovely old girl a wonderful home. We are all sharing your and Mortie's grief. Night night, dear Pearl.

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all who love and nurture our furry, feathered and scaly gems:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_dQsV7Ba-A

Check out Sharky's adventures (Pit Bull who snores and mothers chicks and bunnies) while you're there!

Stanislaus County Boy - HAPPY UPDATE!

5/1 Update: Words cannot express my gratitude for all the transport offers for this old guy! The shelter reports that this sweet old geezer is going to be fostered at the shelter level; and that the family intends to make him a permanent family member! It's so awesome that an older dog will be given a second chance at happiness.

Thank you all...what an honor it is to be part of such a caring community!!!


I don't know much about this 8yo guy, only that he's in an overcrowded and understaffed shelter in the Stockton area. His available date is this Saturday (5/2). Can anyone help with pulling him and/or transporting him partially to our kennel near Santa Rosa? His picture is so pathetic; he's worth a save and may be a candidate for our Compassion Program.

Please call me at 415/672-7391 or email me at suz@bullyhaven.org if you can help. Thanks in advance for any consideration, and for any good thoughts you can send his way.