It’s been a long but successful past 8 weeks. Rescues joining together and
working hand in hand with shelters to save many lives. We would like to
take the first few minutes of our newsletter to thank shelters and rescues
within Florida, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina,
Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee for working together to get almost
300 dogs placed into rescues for placement or to live out their lives. It is
only with everyone working together that we can truly overcome the
issues of abuse, abandonment, neglect, and torture. We wish to send a
special thanks to our shelters for working so hard and hand in hand with
the rescues to ensure that as many that can be saved are saved.
July 11, 2009
Sanctuary Animal Refuge July Newsletter Special Edition
April 19, 2009
Sanctuary Animal Refuge 2/2009 Special Needs for the Sanctuary
SPECIAL NEEDS FOR THE SANCTUARY
The Sanctuary is in need of grant writers. 2009 is our Year for a REBUILD. Much still needs to be rebuilt from Katrina. We are looking for a few people who have experience in grant writing that can volunteer their time to us to help make the sanctuary bigger and better. We are in need of the following materials. Should you have any or know contractors that might have please contact us at
pdorsey@sanctuaryanimalrefuge.org Wood products – plywood – 2 x 4, 4 x 6 fence poles. Flooring – tile or pavers for floors Roofing – We are in need of roofing materials for the roofs Chicken wire Paint We can pick up any donations within the Miami, Broward, Palm Beach, Hendry, St Lucie, Martin and Highland County area and are thankful to anyone that can help us attain out goal to rebuild the Sanctuary. We are determined this year to rebuild the anctuary so that we can help more. I am not even sure where to begin with the true success story of a little lost soul named Daisy. When I came to Clewiston in March of 2008 to meet Daisy, I fell in love with this little sweetie from the moment I saw her. I still recall how horribly frightened she was. She was such a lost soul and such a mess. I wanted so badly to give her
a life of warmth and kindness that she so much deserved. This was her time to be happy. The first couple of weeks were hard, almost like having a new born baby in the house. My friends and I worked round the clock to feed her and care for her. poor
thing was so malnourished, had no visible hair on her body, only her head, due to severe mange and flea dermatitis. She slept
in her dog bed for an entire day, as if, she had never had peace before until that moment. Now look at this cutie, she has the softest, most luxurious coat in town! Gained approx 4-5 lbs, is a happy, healthy, little doggy. She has the sweetest demeanor, you can tell how grateful she is to have had a second chance in life. When she wakes up in the morning, she is at her peak of happiness. I am showered with kisses and the prodding of a wet nose. When I got Daisy, Lucy was already in my life, my 11
year old dachshund. She and Daisy are close buddies and Lucy has taught Daisy how to walk on a leash, roll over and ask for belly scratches, taught her to clean her paws, and of course, Beg! Not such a good trait, however, when she does it she actually claps her two front paws together. It is hilarious! They are both my angels and such a blessing to my life. I truly believe that one thing that all people should do before their time is to rescue a loving, helpless, animal and give them the best life the can
possibly give them. It is an amazing feeling and the unconditional love that comes back to you is enormous, and worth every bit of hard work and my heart goes out to Palena and her staff at the sanctuary. You are angels. Thank you the Vigliotti’ s. Daisy was one of our breeder release dogs and a real mess when she came. We are ever so thankful that this family saw in her all that she was to become and helped her to be the dog that she now is. Without their 24/7 care of Daisy her rehabilitation would have been months longer. She is now an active part of a family and knows what real love is. It is so much the families that adopt the breeding dogs and even more so than the rescues that truly help them learn bonding and trust and love.
Sanctuary Animal Refuge 2/2009 The Cats of the Sanctuary
THE CATS OF THE SANCTUARY HAVE THEIR SAY
Loud howls and meows woke up the Director of the Sanctuary in the middle of the night. She jumped out of bed to run out and see what the commotion was. There were the Sanctuary cats protesting the fact that so much attention is always given to the dogs and that they are ignored and have never had to have their own section of the newsletter. Well the hubaloo was loud but Palena sat on the floor and apologized to them all. As the noise quieted she pet them all and said ok you guys are right three times as many of you die in shelters let’ s get busy to educate about you as well. So here we are. This is our very first article in the newsletter and we are excited. Just so you know we issued other complaints too. As a result 2009 is a year of building a huge cat area for us. If you would like to help with a donation or building supplies please
contact Tina at chloemew@yahoo.com
We get a lot of questions about cats and their tearing up the arms of furniture etc. So the felines of the Sanctuary agreed to address this with you.
Why Do Cats Scratch?
Although some people think a cat’s scratching behavior is a reflection of his distaste for their owner having anything nice, or they want to show that they really are the owners of everything in the house, the fact is that cats scratch objects in their environment for many perfectly normal reasons. For instance, cats scratch To remove the dead outer layer of their claws or to simply work off energy. Because scratching is a normal behavior, and one that cats are highly motivated to display, it’s unrealistic to try to prevent them from scratching. Instead, the goal in resolving scratching problems is to redirect the scratching onto acceptable objects.
Training Your Cat to Scratch Acceptable Objects
1. You must provide objects for scratching that are appealing, attractive, and convenient from your cat’s point of view. Start by observing the physical features of the objects your cat is scratching. The answers to the following questions will help you understand your cat’s scratching preferences:
Where are they located? Prominent objects, objects close to sleeping areas, and objects near the entrance to a room are often chosen. What texture do they have—are they soft or coarse? What shape do they have are they horizontal or vertical?
How tall are they? At what height does your cat scratch?
2. Now, considering your cat’s demonstrated preferences, substitute similar objects for her to scratch (rope-wrapped posts, corrugated cardboard, or even a log). Place the acceptable object(s) near the inappropriate object(s) that she’s already using. Make sure the objects are stable and won’t fall over or move around when she uses them.
3. Cover the inappropriate objects with something your cat will find unappealing, such as double-sided sticky tape, aluminum foil, sheets of sandpaper, or a plastic carpet runner with the pointy side up. Or you may give the objects an aversive odor by attaching cotton balls containing perfume, a muscle rub, or other safe yet unpleasant substance. Be careful with odors, though, because you don’t want the nearby acceptable objects to also smell unpleasant.
4. When your cat is consistently using the appropriate object, it can be moved very gradually to a location more suitable to you.
Should IPunish My Cat for Scratching?
No! Punishment is effective only if you catch your cat in the act of scratching unacceptable objects and have provided her with acceptable scratching objects. Punishment after the fact won’t change the behavior, may cause her to be afraid of you or the environment, and may elicit defensive aggression. Used by itself, punishment won’t resolve scratching problems because it doesn’t teach your cat where to scratch instead. If you do catch your cat in the act of scratching inappropriate objects, punish her in a way that prevents her from associating the punishment with you. Try using a water-filled squirt bottle. If you use other, more interactive techniques, she’ll learn to refrain from scratching in your presence but will continue to scratch when you’re not around.
How Do I Trim My Cat’s Claws?
To help keep them sharp, cats keep their claws retracted until they’re needed. As the claws grow too long and become curved, they can’t be retracted completely. You should clip off the sharp tips of your cat’s claws on her front feet every two weeks or so. Clipping your cat’s claws will also help prevent them from becoming snagged in carpets and fabrics, not to mention your skin! Before trimming your cat’s claws, help her get accustomed to having her paws handled and squeezed. You can do this by gently petting her legs and paws while giving her a treat. This will help to make it a more pleasant experience. Continue with the treats until your cat tolerates this kind of touching and restraint. It may take a little longer if she’s not used to having her legs or paws handled. Apply a small amount of pressure to her paw with your thumb on top of her paw and your index finger underneath— until a claw is extended. Don’t cut into this pink portion, as it will bleed and be painful for your cat. If you cut off just the sharp tip of the claw, the “hook,” it will dull the claw and prevent extensive damage to household objects and to your skin.
WE DO NOT support the practice of declawing felines.
Sanctuary Animal Refuge 2/2009 James’ Picks of the Month
James’ Picks of the Month
Boy do I feel like a movie star. Mom asked if I would like to do the picks of the month this month. Since we decided to concentrate on some of the big boys and she loves my eyes so much she asked me. I am my own first pick for this months stars who need homes. I am about 1.5 years old– I love to sing and talk to you and follow you all over. I even like my nose to rest in your hand as we walk along and enjoy the day. I am playful and love everyone. I sure hope that I can find a home. Many large dogs are at the Sanctuary in need of a good home. I have chosen my favorites to show you. Should you want any information on any of us (me included, did I mention I would love to have my own home?) please contact Tina at chloemew@yahoo.com. This is Bartles, he came with me from Darla’ s shelter. He is very friendly and gets on well with other dogs. He is about two years old and loves attention. He loves to run in the yard and is one of the first to greet anyone when they are at the gate. This is Samis. He is just a baby about 7 months old. He came from the same shelter as we did. He is a Rottweiler mix and a real ham. He does have prey drive although he has gotten along with Cheekie the chi. He is very friendly and very BIG – we all love him though because he is such a silly dog. He would love a family with children over 10 to play with. He has a tail but it gives him personality. He is a very good dog. This is Katie – she is the sweetest girl around. All the guys have a crush on her. Its not a good picture of her but it shows how loving she is. She helped raised puppies without moms at the shelter we were from. When the puppies ran out there was nothing for her to do so she came with us. She is sweet and loving and is a bullie. She loves people – gets on with animals – is a bit shy and timid – she just wants to be loved and allowed to be who she wants to be. Not a mean bone in her body. For any of us please contact chloemew@yahoo.com Well I have had my moment of glory and thank you for looking at all of us. My next moment of glory is when all of us get our own homes.
Sanctuary Animal Refuge 2/2009 Protective, Territorial and Possessive Aggression
Protective, Teritorial, and Possessive Aggression
Kiki has this issue. I laugh when I hear stories about how she is in the house as Palena told me about her and she is only 2 pounds 8 ounces. Not even as big as my head. But even tiny dogs have control behavior issues and Kiki is very protective and territorial about Palena. But she is learning that’s its ok to share with others. Protective, territorial, and possessive aggression is all very similar and involve the defense of valuable resources.
Territorial aggression
is usually associated with defense of property, and that “ territory” may extend well past the boundaries of your yard. For example, if you regularly walk your dog around the neighborhood and allow him to urine mark, he may think his territory includes the entire block.
Protective aggression usually refers to aggression directed toward people or animals that a dog perceives as threats to his family, or pack.
Dogs become possessively aggressive when defending their food, toys, or other valued objests, including items as peculiar as tissues stolen from the trash.
Dogs become possessively aggressive when defending their food, toys, or other valued objests, including items as peculiar as tissues stolen from the trash.
Redirected Aggression
What You Can Do
First, check with your veterinarian to rule out medical causes for the aggressive behavior. Seek professional advice. An aggression problem will not go away by itself. Working with aggression problems requires in-home help from an animalbehavior specialist. Take precautions. Avoid exposing your dog to situations where he is more likely to show aggression. You may need to keep him confined to a safe room and limit his contact with people. If your dog is possessive of toys or treats, or territorial in certain locations, prevent access and you’ ll prevent the problem. In an emergency, bribe him with something better than what he has. For example, if he steals your shoe, trade him the shoe for a piece of chicken. Spay or neuter your dog. Intact dogs are more likely to display dominance, territorial, and protective aggressive behavior.
What NOT to Do
Punishment won’ t help and, in fact, will often make the problem worse. If the aggression is motivated by fear, punishment will make your dog more fearful, and therefore more aggressive. Attempting to punish or dominate a dominant-aggressive dog may actually lead him to escalate his behavior to retain his dominant position. This is likely to result in a bite or a severe attack. Punishing territorial, possessive, or protective aggression is likely to elicit additional defensive aggression. Don’ t encourage aggressive behavior. Playing tug-of-war or wrestling games encourages your dog to attempt to “ best” you or “win” over you, which can lead to a dominance aggression problem. When dogs are encouraged to “ go get ‘em” or to bark and dash about in response to outside noises or the approach of a person, territorial and protective aggressive behavior may result. If you are working with puppies and you are playing tug-of-war or other games like this ALWAYS make sure you are the one that end up with the toy in the end. Again I have to say if you have a dog with behavioral issues and are not confident call someone who is. You can do as much damage to a dog that could be retrained, as not by trying to handle a dog that you have no confidence in handling. CALL for help. Ultimately we want everyone to live in a safe and peaceful pack like our animals here. Every year hundreds of dogs are killed in shelters. I would have been if Darla had not called Palena. They are killed because they are deemed “Aggressive” , many rescues like the Sanctuary are trying to stop that killing by working with dogs like me. Over the next few months I have been allowed to have articles on dogs like me. Please read them and help these rescues on their mission to help us.
This is a relatively common type of aggression but one that is often misunderstood by pet owners. If a dog is somehow provoked by a person or animal he is unable to attack, he may redirect this aggression onto someone else. For example, two family dogs may become excited and bark and growl in response to another dog passing through the front yard, or two dogs confined behind a fence may turn and attack each other because they can’ t attack an intruder. Predation is usually considered to be a unique kind of aggressive behavior because it’ s motivated by the intent to obtain food and not primarily by the intent to harm or intimidate.
We wish to thank Pets For Life for some of the material in this article. Next month we will begin the ideas I and many others have on how to work with dogs like me.
Sanctuary Animal Refuge 2/2009 Fear Motivated Aggression
Fear-Motivated Aggression
This is Rusty. He used to fit into this category. He was abused by people for years. He was so abused he was afraid of not just people but other dogs. It took a very long time to make him feel safe. Fear-motivated aggression is a defensive reaction and occurs when a dog believes he is in danger of being harmed. Remember that it’s your dog’s perception of the situation, not your actual intent, which determines your dog’s response. For example, you may raise your arm to throw a ball, but your dog may bite you because he believes he’s protecting himself from being hit. A dog may also be fearfully aggressive when approached by other dogs. We see this behavior in many rescue dogs that have been abused. They know nothing of human kindness and simple react to what they have been “ taught” . Because humans and dogs have different communication systems, misunderstandings can occur between the two species.
Sanctuary Animal Refuge 2/2009 Dominance Aggression
Dominance Aggression: Yep that’s me. I want to be the boss; you see dogs are social animals. They like a pack structure and there is always the issue of who is the “pack leader”. Based on the outcomes of social challenges among group members, a dominance hierarchy or “pecking order” is established. If your dog perceives his own ranking in the hierarchy to be higher than yours, he’ll probably challenge you in certain situations. Because people don’t always understand canine communication, you may inadvertently challenge your dog’s social position. A dominant aggressive dog may growl if he is disturbed when resting or sleeping or if he is asked to give up a favorite spot, such as the couch or the bed. Physical restraint, even when done in a friendly manner (like hugging), may also cause your dog to respond aggressively. Reaching for your dog’s collar or reaching over his head to pet him could also be interpreted as a challenge for dominance. Dominant-aggressive dogs are often described as “ Jekyll and Hydes” because they can be very friendly when not challenged. Dominance aggression may be directed at people or at other animals. The most common reason for fights among dogs in the same family is instability in the dominance hierarchy. As a dog owner, whether of power dogs or 3 pound yorkies you must be the pack leader. This will be addressed in the next issue.
Sanctuary Animal Refuge: 2/2009 Toosa’s Training Tips
TOOSA’S TRAINING TIPS: WORKING WITH POWER DOGS WITH ISSUES
Hi. My name is Toosa. Darla, the Director of a shelter that Palena has worked with in the past, contacted her and told her that she had a boy that she needed help with, that would be me! She said I was beautiful, and yes I am, but that I had issues. alena said yes. Well the transport was long and I was irritable when I got there. I growled and asserted myself from the first second, but it did not faze either Palena or Holley, the transporter. Instead the next thing I knew I had a leash on my neck and was walking through a yard with lots of dogs and was in my own kennel. All before I could let them know how tough I as. Well at that moment I did not feel so tough just kind of confused. All the dogs in the yard were all running around Palena and she was kissing them and loving on them and they were talking to her. I surely did not understand that at all. Well the next day Palena came into my yard and as you can see above I let her love on me and did everything she asked me to. But then she left my yard and went to the other dogs. When she came back I decided to show her that I was the boss and lunged at her – I could have hurt her but I only gave her a few bruises, I just wanted to make a point. But like the day before I did not make it. She told me that was unacceptable there and that she would not have it and then of all things she turned her back on me and began to walk to the gate. I felt silly. She had shown me nothing but kindness and I only wanted to show her I was the boss, that is what I had been taught, and I had hurt her, not her body but her heart. Those were the last words she spoke to me for two days. I tried my best to get her attention, I would whine and give her my biggest smile and jump around and act silly. Each day she said not today Toosa here is your food but today I will not play with you, you think about things and then we will talk. Well I have been thinking and I asked her if I could help her with her newsletter and write a bit about dogs like me. I am now out of the holding pen and now in my own yard. Palena works with me daily and I am learning to trust her but still my old habits come back and she will tell me that my behavior is unacceptable. She is patient with me and I know she loves me. I am learning to love and trust. So how does one work with dogs like me so we are not killed at the shelters? I am going to try and tell you from my point of view. Palena is not intimidated by me or any other dog here that is so called “aggressive”. That is the most important thing. If you are planning to work with a dog that has issues and you get to the gate of their kennel or yard and have doubts, please turn away from the gate and do not go in where the dog is. Trust me; we know how you are feeling. If we know we can get the upper hand we will. That is why Palena was so confusing to me; I was used to people being afraid of me as I am very large and she simply turned her back on me after I had jumped on her and grabbed her arm and chest. She did not scream or act afraid she simply pushed me off told me my behavior was unacceptable and turned her back to walk away. It threw me off guard and I did not know what to do. It was the first step to a new life for me. The very first lesson in shedding my old ways I had learned from abuse and the wrong people owning me. The second was ignoring me, yes she took care of all my needs, she fed me and watered me even brought me treats but at the end of two days I was the one begging her to please come and touch me and love me like she was the other dogs. And when she did I was so happy. YES, please understand I have growled again, even thought about trying to get my own way, as that was how I was taught as I grew up. Slowly I am learning that it is not necessary to take control of everything. But these first two steps are so important in working with dogs like me. You have to be confident, not mean, not trying to control through fear – but simple understanding and love and being the pack leader. Dogs like me do not need to be yelled at, screamed at, harshly handled on a lease etc. We just need to refocus the control we have always felt we had to have to the one handling us. Remember to your dog there is a good reason for the aggressive or controlling behavior. He/she will not know their behavior is unacceptable until you show them. For the next three months I am allowed to do a series on dogs like me. This one we will identify the types of control behaviors.
Sanctuary Animal Refuge 2/2009 Newsletter
UPDATE: Vanna turned a year old in December, no one really thought she would make it but there have been few with her determination to enjoy life and show everyone just how strong she is. There are no words to describe Vanna. Her love of life - her ability to roam all over the house even getting over the barriers that are to keep her in certain areas. Thanks to Emily Pigula and JR Carts Vanna now has mobility that she did not have before. She is able to go outside and visit with her friends and strengthen her legs in ways we could not before. We hope that within the next 6 months Vanna’s cart will allow her to become stronger and more agile and allow her to walk more freely. She is well loved here by staff - by all the animals and by me. Vanna loves to cuddle on the bed - loves to give kisses and loves to sing. There is a video you can see of her outside in her chair visiting with all of her friends at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53ThjHJqdI4 Her day started with a bath outside with her friends she was very excited. After her bath her therapy begins. Willard was here to help and it makes it so much easier and of course she had her friends all around her who were encouraging her to stand straight and work her legs - they took the time to give her kisses and stand in front of her to encourage her. She is still learning to get her feet under her and still working on her muscles but we know that soon she will be ripping and running about. She loves being outside with her friends and visiting. She has such a love for life and gives so much to all of us each day.
It’s hard for her as her front legs go to the sides but she is getting better - she enjoys her time out with the others and hates coming in. At the end of her therapy Bartles the Malamute stood with her while she rested giving her kisses and telling her what a good job she had done. I am still amazed daily, even after so years of rescue - the way animals will help each other if you let them - the way they give more to each other so unconditionally. We as humans have so much to learn from them.
Sanctuary Animal Refuge - Dogapalooza 2009
DOGAPALOOZA 2009 What a great day this was. The City of Plantation Parks Department truly hosted one great day of fun and fur babies. Over 2000 people entered the gates of Happy Tails Dog Park to enjoy in the many exhibitions including the Police K-9 unit, agility and fly ball and also to browse the many vendors that were there. Many rescues had some of their babies there and also offered educational and informational brochures to those that were there. From 2 pounds to 200 pounds dogs entered the gates and had a great day. Plenty of treats were on hand and they truly enjoyed their day. Kiki met a new friend in this 200+ pound mastiff and her little 2 pound self enjoyed being a Diva for a day. It was a great time for rescues to see each other and network what has been going on as well as to work with the BSL legislation groups to get updates on the needs they have to end BSL. Dahlia, Jesse, Edel and their volunteers were there with their bullies to educate the public that the breed itself is a loving beautiful animal. That many of them can truly be social together and love their families. It was enjoyable to watch a beautiful blue bully run the agility course. It was also good to get visits from those families who have adopted from us in the past bring their dogs to visit with us and enjoy the day. Note that all pictures will be available on our site at www.sanctuaryanimalrefuge.