Paws and Prayers Rescue Blog

There is no way to tell the story of Russell from beginning to end as a short story. His story is far too long; and far from over. So I will do my best to keep it as short as possible. I'll divide it into chapters so it doesn't have to be read all at once. The 7 chapters of Russell's Story will be posted semi-monthly.

Melanie, victim of BB gun shot wounds

From August of 2011 to September of 2012 our family fostered fifteen dogs for Paws and Prayers. Most of them, ten to be exact, were Beagles or Beagle mixes. Each had its own level of affection that made it easy for us to get attached to them. From the extreme response of jumping in your lap and licking your face, to a simple nudging of your hand for a gentle pat on head, each had their own distinct personality. Each also had challenges that needed to be worked out. These included, but were not limited to: two “diva” Beagles that barked loudly at every dog they saw, a Beagle puppy that only pooped in his cage, a Beagle that had to spend hours a day hiding and retrieving toys all over the house, a German Shepherd mix that needed to sit in your lap every minute, a Redbone Coonhound that was scared of me and most likely had never been in a house, and a small Beagle with a dislocated hip and twelve BB’s from a gun scattered throughout her body (including one in the neck). Each dog was adopted to a loving home.

On Sunday, September 23, 2012, the Paws and Prayers voicemail system received a message from Russell’s owner. Most voicemail messages are sent out to a group e-mail system that transcribes them into print for easy retrieval. Every person in the group can see the transcribed messages. Most never apply to me and I delete them after just a glance. As I was glancing through a transcribed message, I saw Russell and S’s name. I stopped immediately and was shocked to read that Russell was in the care of the Humane Society of Greater Akron. S wanted to know if I could get him out. I called her and found that Russell had been staying with a friend of S’s. That friend, who lived alone, needed to be taken to the hospital and Russell was taken to the Humane Society for care. S wanted me to get involved because the Humane Society needed proof of her ownership of Russell and how she had adopted him. She had never gotten him a license for 2012. S also told me that she had been living with her daughter because of frequent hospital admissions and recovery periods that prevented her from taking care of Russell properly. Her daughter could not have pets at her house. I told S I would help her any way I could.

On Monday morning, September 24th, I called the Humane Society to inquire about Russell. I was put on the phone with a Humane Society Officer who related to me a story I was not prepared to hear. It seems the Humane Society Officer was involved in removing Russell from S’s neighbor’s home because of “deplorable conditions." The neighbor also had two other dogs, two cats, and a bird that also needed to be removed. The Officer stated that there was little chance any of the animals would go back there.

When I told the Officer that I had fostered Russell last year, his first question, much to my dismay, was: “How much did he weigh the last time you saw him?” I told him that Russell weighed about 33lbs, but should have weighed about 25-30lbs The officer told me he weighed about 60lbs now! I could not believe what I heard. They hadn't weighed him yet, but I could hear a woman in the background over the phone telling the officer that she could pick up dogs up to 50lbs and she could not lift Russell. The Officer said that Russell could hardly walk, had trouble breathing, and could barely get up after laying down. I wanted to rush right out there to get him, but I was at work, so I told the Officer I would pick Russell up the next day.

Russell, just over 60lbs, back at Beagle Bob's home

I called S and made arrangements to meet her with Russell on Tuesday at the Banfield Pet Hospital that Paws and Prayers takes their dogs and cats to. I also contacted Jen, the Paws and Prayers Executive Director, and asked her to come with me. I wanted someone to help me get to the bottom of what happened to Russell.

Early in the afternoon of September 25th, I arrived at the Humane Society to pick up Russell. I was both excited to see him and scared of what he might look like. I felt that his weight might have been somewhat exaggerated. It seemed impossible that a dog that small in stature could weigh 60lbs. When they brought Russell out to see me, my jaw dropped. He was huge! As I approached him and called out his name, his tail slowly wagged as he strained to lift his head up to look at me. The face, the ear, and especially the eyes were the same, but the rest was practically unrecognizable. I bent down and let him smell me as I gently stroked his head. He seemed to remember me. Most dogs that I have fostered usually don’t remember me after being adopted, especially if they were only with us a short time. Russell seemed to have at least a little memory of me. The scene must have been somewhat comical as I struggled to lift Russell into the back seat of my truck. He was very heavy and very awkward to lift.

Jen met me at Banfield about 15 minutes before S was set to arrive. She was as shocked as I was to see Russell’s condition. After I struggled to get Russell out of my truck, I started to walk him into the Banfield building. He could only walked about four or five steps and had to stop to catch his breath. He didn’t really walk. It was more of a waddle. The 30ft. walk from my truck to the door of the building took a solid five minutes. Along the way Russell lost control of his bowels twice. It was pitiful.

Stairs were quite the challenge for Russell

Once inside Banfield, we took Russell to the scale to get weighted. He could not go up the five inch high platform without help. He weighed 60.5lbs! Jen began to tell me that Russell would most likely have a host of health problems from this obesity. She wondered if S was going to be able to afford the type of medical care he would need. We both were very anxious to find out how this had happened. While we waited for S to arrive, I told her I wanted to take care of Russell myself or at least help S get him the care he needed.

When S finally arrived Jen and I were shocked to hear that she had not seen Russell in over six months! Her frequent admissions to the hospital had prevented her from taking care of him and she had entrusted him with her a neighbor. A decision she seemed to regret. S told us that she was glad Russell was not at the Humane Society any longer. As she gently petted his head, Jen and I exchange glances. Both of us knew that Russell should not go back to her. I couldn’t come up with the words, so I was glad when Jen finally spoke up and asked her it she would allow Paws and Prayers to foster Russell again. Without ever looking away from his face, she sighed and agreed to release him back to us.

After S signed Russell over to us and left, Jen had a Vet take a quick look at Russell. His obesity had taken a toll on his body. He would need a full exam and blood work soon to determine how dangerous his health had become.

Because my current foster, Dotty, was being adopted that evening, Jen offered to take Russell to her house for the night and I would pick him up the next day. As I struggled to get Russell into the front seat of Jen’s car, I wondered how this had happened to this poor dog. I was very angry with myself for not following up enough with S to see how Russell was doing. I was, however, determined to do everything I could to get Russell healthy.

To be continued . . .


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Content By:  Beagle Bob

"Beagle Bob" Dietrich is a foster parent for dogs along with his wife Vicki and son Robert.  Bob is a full time Fire Fighter/Paramedic, Vicki is a high school math teacher, and Robert is a full time college student.  They have two Beagles, Mandy and Buddy. 

Images: Provided by Beagle Bob

Did you know, TODAY is National Hairball Awareness Day? That’s right…this special day dedicated to our furry feline friends is celebrated on the last Friday of April.

Now…some of you might be wondering why something so “yucky” gets its own day of recognition. The truth is, frequent hairballs are NOT a normal part of a healthy cat’s life. So, let’s get down to the root of this hairy problem…AND, how to fix it!

It’s no secret that cats shed their fur (one look at my house would confirm it!). What most people DON’T know is how hairballs are formed and what dangers they can cause.

What is a hairball?

A hairball is a collection of ingested hair (caused by the cat’s natural grooming process) which a cat may regurgitate along with mucus or bile. The ASPCA says, “During a cat’s daily grooming regimen, he may inadvertently swallow loose hair, which generally passes through the digestive system into the cat’s stool. Some hair can remain, however, and collect in the stomach or small intestine, causing the cat to hack, gag, or retch until he vomits the offending [material]. The hair that is vomited can appear matted or tubular in shape.” Hairballs are commonly thought of as a normal part of a cat’s life; however, most vets agree that if your cat hacks up more than 1-2 hairballs per year, it’s a problem.

Besides the “yuck” on my carpet, what are symptoms of hairballs?

Hairballs can also cause constipation and decreased appetite. They can also cause upset stomach or general gastrointestinal discomfort, which may in turn cause vomiting of the hairball or of mucus or food.

Why are hairballs dangerous?

The ASPCA stresses hairballs can be indicative of several things. First, it may indicate that your cat may need tweaks to her diet. By improving diet—and thus, coat and skin health—you can help reduce your cat’s ability to efficiently move groomed hair safely through her digestive tract.

Second, hairballs may block the esophagus or intestinal tract, causing surgery to correct. In rare cases, they may be symptomatic of serious disease such as inflammatory bowel disease or even cancer.

Lastly, it can indicate a behavioral issue, such as obsessive-compulsive type activity.

How can I prevent hairballs?

As we’ve already said above, a good diet can make a HUGE change in the amount of hair your cat has a potential to ingest. Look for a high-quality food; some brands have hairball control formulations that may be of benefit. Some pet stores also sell hairball lubricants or food additives which may help lubricate the digestive tract.

Some types of cats are more prone to hairballs, such as long-haired breeds. Brush your cat often—if long-haired, brush daily—to help decrease the amount of hair he may ingest during grooming.

If your cat shows tendencies to groom herself excessively, try distracting her with a new toy or by initiating playtime activities. This strategy has the added benefit of spending quality time with your favorite feline! 


Below are sources and resources containing helpful information and valuable tips for keeping your kitty healthy and hair-free! 

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/hairball.aspx 

http://www.furminator.com/Blog/National-Hairball-Awareness-Day.aspx


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Content By:  Jocelyn Alexander

Jocelyn Alexander is a rescue foster for dogs and cats, as well as a Certified Professional Pet Sitter (CPPS).  She has a 4-year-old black Labrador retriever named Dixie, who is a registered Pet Partners therapy dog and Canine Good Citizen; and Chloe, a 10-year-old tuxedo cat who rules the house with a velvet glove.

Images:  1, 2, 3

Daffodil

Spring is upon us in Northeast Ohio, and with it comes the prime time for gardening (FINALLY!).  When planting your vegetation—or even keeping houseplants or floral arrangements in your home—it can save your furry friend’s life if you know which ones can be harmful or even deadly.

We at Paws & Prayers have compiled a list of common toxic plants for pet parents to be aware of. While the list is not exhaustive, you can find a complete listing at the ASPCA poison control site.


Aloe Vera  

• Vomiting, diarrhea, depression, decreased appetite, tremors, change in urine color 

Azalea

Azalea/Rhododendron 

• GI upset, drooling, loss of appetite, diarrhea, colic, weakness and loss of coordination, stupor, leg paralysis, recumbency for 2 or more days
• Dogs and cats may become comatose and die if medical attention is not sought 
• Also toxic to farm animals such as horses, goats, and sheep

Begonia

• Oral irritation or burning of mouth, tongue or lips; excessive drooling; vomiting; difficulty swallowing

Daffodil

Hosta

• The bulbs are the most toxic part of the plant
• Vomiting, salivation, diarrhea 
• If large amounts are ingested, may cause convulsions, hypotension (low blood pressure), tremors, and arrhythmias

Hosta

• Vomiting, diarrhea, depression

Ivy 

• GI upset, abdominal pain, increased drooling

Tomato plant

• Excessive drooling, decreased appetite, severe GI upset, depression of the central nervous system, confusion, behavioral changes, weakness, dilated pupils, slow heart rate

Tulips

Tulips/Narcissus

• As with other bulbous plants, the bulb is the most toxic portion of the plant
• Severe GI upset/irritation, depression of the central nervous system, drooling, loss of appetite, convulsions, cardiac arrhythmias

Several plants found in floral arrangements can also be hazardous to your pet’s health, causing symptoms such as GI upset, loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. These include carnations, baby’s breath, chrysanthemum, and gladiola. And YES, although the ever-popular holiday poinsettias are a commonly known toxic plant, the symptoms of ingestion are not quite as severe as most people believe, and are mostly limited to vomiting and diarrhea.

Don’t be left unprepared in the event of any type of poisoning, whether it be hazardous chemicals, foods, or plants. Make sure you—and every member of your family—know how to reach the closest emergency veterinarian, and have the ASPCA’s Poison Control number (888-426-4435) prominently displayed in a common area, such as your refrigerator.

Being vigilant and knowing what symptoms to look for can help save your cat or dog’s life. It’s always better to be safe rather than sorry, and a consultation fee for the ASPCA Poison Control Center or your vet is worth it to make sure your pet is A-OK! 

Here are some helpful sources and resources to review: 

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/ 

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/?gclid=CJyj_qXnvbYCFc9AMgodSlAA0w

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/24-common-plants-poisonous-to-pets.html

http://www.animalhealthfoundation.net/news/item.html/n/20261gclid=CJ2yxYzqvbYCFY1aMgodZH8ADA


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Content By:  Jocelyn Alexander

Jocelyn Alexander is a rescue foster for dogs and cats, as well as a Certified Professional Pet Sitter (CPPS).  She has a 4-year-old black Labrador retriever named Dixie, who is a registered Pet Partners therapy dog and Canine Good Citizen; and Chloe, a 10-year-old tuxedo cat who rules the house with a velvet glove.


Images:  1, 2, 3

This sweet 9 year old calico was all set to be our Pet of the Month for April.  Just before publishing this post we learned that Brownie had indeed found her furever home at our Petsmart Chapel Hill Adoption Center.  We're so excited for Brownie and her new furever family!

Please take a moment to check out Brownie's friends who are still in search of their furever homes.

Thank you.

Volunteer of the Month for March is Dori! Dori is one of the most selfless people you will ever meet (if you’ve met her you know). While working, taking care of her 3 children and her own pets, she always as 1 or 2 foster dogs. She’s been known to have a foster cat too! She takes the dogs that need us the most whether it is a dog that has severe food aggression or helping a dog through heart worm treatment. She provides not just a place for the animals to stay, but also works with each dog so they are ready to go to their furever home. Dori has become a mentor to our new foster parents. Despite all she does concerning her own fosters she never hesitates to put aside time to help her mentees. She accompanies them to meet prospective adopters, answers question after question and never once acting like it bugs her. Dori always shows praise when a animal has a successful adoption. She continually follows up on animal's adoption, sensing something was wrong, offering to help the family see that animal gets the care that they need, and as a last resort when all options had been exhausted she will got get the animal, She believes and emphasizes how important it is to always follow your gut instinct. Not only are her mentees very fortunate to be paired up with her for guidance but so are all volunteers with Paws and Prayers. Dori is a great advocate for animals and P&P is lucky to have. Congrats, Dori!

We can't reinvigorate our Volunteer of the Month recognition without YOU, our supporters! Have a volunteer you'd like to nominate? (Yes, fosters are volunteers, too!) Click here to complete our quick, easy survey with your nomination and why they deserve to be Paws & Prayers Volunteer of the Month! Please have all nominations in by the 20th of the month you're nominating them for. Winners are announced at the start of the following month. Thank you!

There is no way to tell the story of Russell from beginning to end as a short story.  His story is far too long; and far from over.  So I will do my best to keep it as short as possible.  I'll divide it into chapters so it doesn't have to be read all at once.  The 7 chapters of Russell's Story will be posted semi-monthly.

By August of 2011, Russell had been with us for seven weeks. During that time I had forged a pretty strong bond with him. He continued to progress in his house breaking, but refused to go outside when it was raining. We had to practically drag him down our back steps and make him stay outside until he went to the bathroom. As the summer was winding down, we went on one last camping trip. Russell was now trained well enough to be let loose in open grassy areas without having to be on a leash. My two Beagles can be trusted for short periods of time to run loose, but Russell was, and still is to this date, the only foster we could trust not to run away. It seemed, however, that my wife would return to her job as a school teacher and my son would return to high school for his senior year with us only having fostered two dogs the entire summer.

Lizzy Lemon

Russell’s luck changed around the middle of August when I was contacted by a family that was interested in adopting two dogs from Paws and Prayers. The family consisted of a single mom with a twelve year daughter and ten year old son. They came to a Saturday adoption event and met Russell. The son fell in love with Russell’s big brown eyes and floppy years. The quiet, somewhat introverted boy seemed a perfect match for a dog that was in no real hurry to do anything.The daughter fell in love with Lizzy Lemon. She was a Dalmatian mix that was high energy and always eager to get attention.The mom decided to adopt both.

I had mixed emotions as I said goodbye to Russell, giving him a hug and kiss.I was glad he was finding a home, but wished I could have gotten him house broken better and tried harder to see if he had it in his heart to show some of the love I felt was in there.My wife and son were not all that sad to see Russell get adopted. The thought of having to worry about him peeing in the house after the busy school year started was not something they looked forward to. They both knew that I had grown very fond of Russell and assured me I had done as well as I could with him.
Four days later I got an e-mail that Russell was being returned. It seemed that Lizzy Lemon and him had gotten into a short fight and frightened the son. The mom felt that it would be better to only have one dog. They chose Lizzy Lemon.

I had mixed emotions when I picked up Russell at the Paws and Prayers office. I knew that my wife and son would not be too happy, but I was determined that I could work with Russell to make him a better dog. He seemed happy to see me, wagging his tail and running to me when he saw me enter the office. I gave him a big hug and kiss on the top of his head, assuring him that I would find him a better home.

When we arrived back at our house, Russell seemed glad to be “home." As soon as we got inside, he started running around, crying, and wagging his tail. He had never expressed that much emotion about anything. It was the first sign I had gotten from him that he could have an emotional bond with a home. We seemed to have turned a corner.

At one of the first adoption events I took Russell to in early July, I had met a woman who really seemed to like Russell. She told me that she had recently lost her dog after he was ill for a long time. She liked Russell, but was not ready for a new dog. She left me her e-mail address and told me to let her know when Russell was adopted. I let her know of his adoption and subsequent return four days later. She came to the first Saturday adoption event after Russell’s return and decided she was ready to adopt him.

When the woman, who I’ll refer to as “S”, came to see Russell, it seemed like they would be a great fit for each other. S was a semi-retired woman in her sixties that lived alone and lead a quiet life. She rarely traveled, had a fenced-in backyard, and was looking for a laid back dog for a companion. She adored Russell and knew of all his good and bad traits. Once again, I said goodbye to Russell. I felt that this would be a better home for him.

 I followed up with S several times over the next six months. Russell was adjusting well to his new home. He still liked to pee in the house when it was raining outside, but S didn't seem to mind. She sent me some pictures of him relaxing in his new home. I was happy for both S and Russell.

In the early winter of 2012 a few of my e-mails and follow-up phone calls were not returned by S. When I finally got through, she told me how Russell had become a hero to her. S had been battling some health problems and was on some pretty strong pain medicine. A neighbor was trying to call S one day and could not get an answer. When she went over to the house, she found S asleep in bed. She would have left, but Russell crawled up on the bed and started to lick S’s face. She didn't wake up. The neighbor called 911 and S was transported to the hospital after an accidental mild overdose of pain medicine. S told me that Russell had never licked her face before. She felt he knew something was wrong and had to let someone know.

I finally felt that Russell had found his perfect home. He had built a bond with a person and would be cared for and loved for many years to come. I no longer felt the need to contact S on a consistent basis. I let her know to contact me with updates on Russell and, most importantly, if she ever needed anything to add in his care.

I actually felt pretty good about myself and my ability to find forever homes for these lost and forgotten dogs. Many months later I would change my mind about myself and my abilities.

To be continued . . .


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Content By:  Beagle Bob

"Beagle Bob" Dietrich is a foster parent for dogs along with his wife Vicki and son Robert.  Bob is a full time Fire Fighter/Paramedic, Vicki is a high school math teacher, and Robert is a full time college student.  They have two Beagles, Mandy and Buddy. 

Images: 1, 2