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.

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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!