tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3467651906227987572024-03-19T07:15:36.866-05:00Great Plains Pointer Rescue - Dog TalkN. Bachmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11752713825292178793noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-346765190622798757.post-77053628337092298522016-09-22T19:29:00.000-05:002016-09-22T19:32:49.765-05:00Who Knew??So you're thinking you want a Pointer to join your family. Like any wise person, you are pondering what you need to know about pointers. You're researched the breed characteristics, but still, you are curious. I polled some of the foster homes for Great Plains Pointer Rescue on your behalf. After all we know all about them, or we've learned along the way. At one point (no pun intended) we were just like you....ready to love a pointer. <br />
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In no specific order here is the scoop. Now, not <i>all</i> pointers will do these things. Some will, some won't. Some will add new things to the list. No two are alike. <br />
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Your new family member may be a sneaky counter surfer. And, again your new family member may have the good manners not too. Knowledge is power and we want you to be aware these things can happen. I had one foster dog sneak a piece of bacon right out of the pan. Bacon can be really tempting, right?<br />
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They love their people, and the closer they can get to their people is important. Your lap may be full of your new family member. You may have company when you go to the bathroom. They like to cuddle...at least most do. Those that do have no concept of personal space. Trust me, it's not a bad thing!<br />
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Their ears may disengage when their nose is fully engaged. When the lure of a squirrel, rabbit, bird or even a butterfly fills their head, they can become hearing impaired. Proper recall training is critical. <br />
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No two pointers are the same. Some may have a desire to hunt, some may have a low drive to hunt. Some learn quickly, some are more of a challenge. Some are food motivated, some not. Some are very sensitive and some can be stubborn. Make no mistake, they are smart. More than once I've been outsmarted by one. They will train you, if you don't train them first.<br />
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They love a job. It works their brains, as well as their body. It may be hunting, it may be fetching and carrying, it may be pet therapy work. Don't forget a tired dog is a good dog. Pointers are intuitive...they can read your mood. They know when you need a good cuddle, they know when there is excitement and they can be sensitive to drama. <br />
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And, then there is the couch potato phenomenon. Your smart, active, engaging pointer morphs into a complete couch potato. See my comment about laps and personal space. Not just a couch potato, but even in sleep they are entertaining and endearing. There is never a dull moment with a pointer. But if a pointer is the right dog for you, you won't want it any other way.<br />
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<br />N. Bachmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11752713825292178793noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-346765190622798757.post-41409949305105990372016-03-21T21:11:00.000-05:002016-03-21T21:11:24.350-05:00Kendrick's Healing Journey - Part 3<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
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Kendrick and Angie want to apologize for the delay in writing part 3, they’ve been a little busy with everyday things. Kendrick is acting more and more like a puppy which requires regular supervision when said puppy is feeling good! </div>
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The weekend prior to Kendrick’s scheduled skin biopsy, he had a flare up. His nose, hind legs and chest broke out in red sores. He hurt enough that he was no longer jumping in the chairs to sleep, and didn’t want to take the 3 steps to go outside. It was around this time that my internet searching finally led me to the condition of exfoliative cutaneous lupus erythematosus (ECLE for short). I cried as I read the symptoms, treatment, and life expectancy of those afflicted with the condition. The pictures of the dogs with this condition were so like Kendrick I was really struggling to not jump to conclusions.</div>
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Kendrick went to the vet on Tuesday 2/23/2016 for the skin biopsy. They took 3 samples, and sent them off for testing. We went home to wait, hoping for an answer by the end of the week. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_595550714" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">On Friday</span></span>, the vet had not yet received a report, and called the lab. He spoke with the technician doing the testing, who confirmed we were dealing with some sort of auto-immune condition the type testing was not yet finished. We decided to go ahead and start a steroid treatment that <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_595550715" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Friday</span></span> while awaiting the final results. Please remember that we couldn’t start those while he had the secondary skin infection, and we did not want to impact the biopsy results, so had to wait.</div>
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Th<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">e transformation in Kendrick was amazing. By Sunday he was jumping in the chair again, far more alert in his surroundings, and perky. He pranced when he got excited, started jumping over small obstacles (dogs, toys, a book) that were on the floor in the house. He no longer protected himself from being bumped by the resident dogs when they played.</span></div>
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We got the formal diagnosis on Thursday March 3<sup>rd</sup>. By Friday 3/4/2016 most of the sores had healed, and only a few scabs remained. The next week was a slow progression of his personality emerging. He does actually play a little fetch. He pounces when he gets near the ball, and enjoys chasing the resident dogs up and down the hallway even if he doesn’t get the ball. Kendrick loves all his squeaker toys: balls, stuffed animals, Kongs – doesn’t matter, he likes them all. We only get those out when his foster brother is not around to protect them from being 5 minute toys. </div>
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Tuesday 3/8/2016 Kendrick braved the stairs to the basement for the first time at our house. My office is in the basement, so prior to this he stayed upstairs on furniture or dog beds with his foster siblings while I worked. Once he came down that first time, there was no stopping him. He now runs up and down the stairs, follows me to my office multiple times a day. Kendrick has taken over the dog bed in the corner of my office while I work. Sometime this week he started to show puppy behaviors such as getting in the trash, stealing socks from the laundry, and checking out the food on the kitchen counters. We also saw his tail wag for the first time this week. Previously his tail was up when walking or just hanging out, he tucked it when he was scared or getting ointment he didn’t want. This was the first real tail wag because he was happy!</div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_595550716" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Friday</span></span> night, 3/11/2016 we went to the cabin for the weekend. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_595550717" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">On Saturday</span></span> we took our first walk long walk in the trees on a leash. Sunday we took another walk, this time without a leash and Kendrick did great! He found interesting scents to follow and enjoyed exploring that evening. The nice weather combined with his improved condition allowed him to really be outside for a change. ECLE is a light sensitive condition, Kendrick cannot be allowed to stand in the sun to warm himself and will need to learn what shade is before we can be outside for extended periods of time. The trees give us shelter from the wind and sun which makes it an ideal place to walk.</div>
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Kendrick no longer shows signs of pain when he lies down. He gets up quickly and for every little sound to go explore what it was. He barks at the doorbell, strangers, and when excited. He crawls in the chair with me when I’m reading, curls up and cuddles now. So much progress from his behavior when he arrived in January!</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">We have cut his steroid dosage down twice already, and will do so again next week. Our hope is to get off them entirely, only time will tell. In the mean time I am trying to learn everything I can about his condition, how to catch the signs of a flare up before he breaks out. What works best on his skin to minimize his flaky patches and itching. I was introduced to a wonderful lady who has a 9 year old dog with the same condition. She has shared a wealth of knowledge in her treatment experience.</span></div>
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We currently use coconut oil on his bare patches to moisturize the skin. We’ve stopped the bathing and will be doing so only under extreme conditions now. We are testing various topical ointments on the few remaining hot spots (skin sores) in hopes of finding some that work well to quickly reduce the size and severity of a breakout. With his improved condition come the requirement for supervision, and I am absolutely thrilled! </div>
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Kendrick & Angie</div>
N. Bachmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11752713825292178793noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-346765190622798757.post-45541477628385617812016-02-21T15:42:00.001-06:002016-02-21T16:32:03.978-06:00Kendrick's Healing Journey - Part 2<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
Kendrick's healing journey continues. It is measured in very small steps, baby steps if you will. His foster Mom has been able to move back home with him which makes life easier. Fostering, and the deep love and commitment it takes, is often a day-by-day, sometimes minute-by-minute process. Victories are precious and worth the time it takes to realize them....and so the process continues.</div>
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Kendrick’s Healing Journey – Part 2</div>
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As I reflect on the past 2 weeks this Valentine’s Day, Kendrick is making significant progress in his healing. It has not always been clear he was doing so, nor was it quick. Slow and steady, that’s what we are aiming for now. Kendrick’s own immune system has to do some of the work. I was recently reminded that it took 6 months for it to get this bad, and it won’t heal in a few weeks.</div>
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At the end of our previous blog – Kendrick was just starting to turn around from a setback. It took over a week to see any real progress again. On Monday 2/1/2016 we started a short stent where his medicated baths hurt his skin, and he did not tolerate soaking for more than a few minutes. There were 2 baths where he actually whined to get out. Out of all the time we’ve been doing baths that was a first. So, he got out when he had enough and we switched to more topical ointments for a few days. Thursday 2/4/2016 his bare skin patches had changed from a bright pink, to a yellowish flaky covering the pink. This continues today, and those flakes make my skin itchy when I have extended contact with him.</div>
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At one point, we were concerned that he was fighting some yeast infection (he smells) and he’s been on extended antibiotics. However, the anti-fungal he is on should also take care of the yeast. We started homemade dog food on Friday 2/5/2016 to see if that would help him at all. He really liked the homemade food, and it settled his stomach. We continued this for one week.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Since I was concerned I couldn’t see much progress in his condition, I spoke with the vet again on Tuesday 2/9/2016 about the flaky patches wondering if this was another setback. He asked lots of questions, and we discussed additional medications, food changes, probiotics, and his behavior. We decided to leave everything as is, and continue with his appointment on Friday as planned. The rest of the week was much of the same. </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">The one area we have seen significant improvement over the past weeks is Kendrick’s confidence. Kendrick has grown comfortable enough that he allows his collar and leash to be put on each time we go outside without flinching or backing away. He also hovers around wherever I am rather than hiding in his bed or under the table all of the time. He can go outside without a leash, and will stay near me. We’ve gone for a few walks when the weather is warm enough for him, and he does very well. This is one of the most “dog” like behavior I’ve seen from him to date. He smells the trails, and looks around. He never pulls on his leash and always walks nicely. Kendrick chews some bones, and enjoys treats. Toys are still a mystery to him, we’ll continue to work on that.</span></div>
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Friday 2/12/2016 we went back to the vet. Several office staff commented on how much better he looked and how he was behaving compared to the previous two visits. Kendrick did not shy away or cower from the staff moving about the office. He wanted to greet the other dogs in the office, and explored the waiting area smelling all the foods and treats.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">The vet was happy with his progress over-all, but we are concerned with the pinkness of all his skin. There are only a few scabs left on his legs and belly, most are gone from his head and back. He got another dose of antibiotics, did another skin scrape to test for yeast (negative), and the following continuing orders:</span><br />
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<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Topical ointments daily</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Antifungal daily, ordered a 30 day extension</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Medicated bath every 2 to 3 days</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Food – No beef, chicken or corn. Switching to Lamb and Rice temporarily.</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">No steroids of any kind, including hydro-cortisone shampoos or creams</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Skin Biopsy tentatively scheduled for <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_240206124" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">2/22/2016</span></span></li>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">The biopsy is set for the end of the first 30 day anti-fungal dose, and is dependent on rather he has healed enough by then. Vet would like to see more of the scabs healed over, and less pink skin. We don’t know if he has any food allergies, but want to avoid the most common. Some of the directives are to avoid messing with the biopsy results, and limiting the number of variables leading up to the test.</span></span></span><br />
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Kendrick spent a couple of hours outside recently at the lake, and seemed to enjoy himself. He is currently curled up asleep in the recliner, comfortable and content. We’ll let you know what we hear from the biopsy results as soon as we <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">get the results.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">We were able move back home. The vet said he is probably not contagious to our dogs. However, we need to be cautious of being around animals, as he will be very susceptible to picking up things from others.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">We thank you for the support, both financially and through Kendrick's wish list on Amazon. It touches our heart to know you deeply you care and are pulling for us. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">More soon. ~Kendrick and Angie</span></div>
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N. Bachmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11752713825292178793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-346765190622798757.post-33205616061970433522016-02-02T13:39:00.000-06:002016-02-02T13:39:24.050-06:00Kendrick's Story - The Journey to HealingFostering takes an incredible sense of dedication, a commitment to love, and the patience to see the process through. No two foster dogs are alike, and Kendrick is a special pup. He doesn't know this, he doesn't know how far he's come and how lucky he is. Mostly he's known misery, and lately he is learning the comfort of gentle touch and healing. This is the first of chapter of Kendrick's story.<br />
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Kendrick’s Healing Journey – From Foster Mom’s perspective<br />
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As I begin this story, we are on day 16 of his time with us. The request for a foster home, the research into his condition of Ringworm, and the planning/decision to take him was actually a week or 10 days. I’ve had dogs for most of my life, and even had some previous sad cases as a foster parent for GPPR – but nothing like Kendrick. Kendrick arrived at GPPR as an owner surrender, due to his condition not being manageable. We only knew he had ringworm.<br />
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Research taught me that this fungus (not a worm) was highly contagious to other animals and to humans. People posted about cleaning regimens, laundry, pet bedding, no sweeping, only vacuum or wet mops, etc. I prepared by going to the cabin, 35 miles from my home, and removing all of the rugs, toys, shoes, and anything else that was not needed or easy to clean. I stocked up on Clorox wipes, Swiffer sweeper dry cloths, wet cloths, bleach, paper towels, and athlete’s foot cream. I plan to stay at the cabin for as long as Kendrick is contagious. <br />
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His diagnosis was quickly confirmed, plus a secondary skin infection, by an emergency trip to a Minnesota vet on Friday 1/14/2016 before he was transported to Nebraska. Kendrick was so in so much pain, he wouldn’t lay down to sleep when he arrived Friday night. He made his first visit to the Nebraska vet on Saturday 1/15/2016. Since he was not eating well after his transport and changes in his life, we decided to go with an injection for his antibiotic which should last about 14 days. He received another injection for his pain, and was sent home with me with the following instructions:<br />
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Pain medication, up to twice a day<br />
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Anti-fungal daily<br />
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Medicated baths every 2-3 days<br />
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Topical ointments as needed<br />
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Lime Sulfur Dip once a week<br />
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Rest<br />
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The first couple of days, Kendrick hurt so bad I used his kennel as I carried him in and out of the cabin. Kendrick rested for a full 5 days. He wouldn’t get out of his bed, the bottom half of a plastic kennel, unless I picked him up and carried him outside to go to the bathroom. I picked him up to put him in his bath. He would only eat if his food bowl and water dish were reachable from his kennel. Nothing enticed him to get up or come out, and I tried all the good high value treats including hamburger and steak. So, I would sit next to his kennel and talk to him. I would apply some ointment, and pet his neck and ears which were the only areas he didn’t cringe when I touched.<br />
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On day six, Kendrick came out of his kennel when I called with a treat a few feet away. He stood next to me and allowed me to rub/massage his tender shoulders and a small portion of his back. I stopped every few minutes at first, allowing him a chance to back away. He inched closer each time. We stayed like this for 1.5 hours. This became our regular routine, twice a day. I would massage and rub any area he could tolerate for as long as he would stand and request it. It took almost a week before I could touch some areas of his body. <br />
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This also turned into our bath routine. The cabin only has a shower, so I’ve got a plastic storage tub in the shower stall. Fill it with 3-4 inches of luke warm water and some of his medicated shampoo to create a tub. The medicated water helps his feet/pads while I wash the rest of him. The first few baths were little more than pouring the medicated water over his body and letting the suds sit on his skin for 10-15 minutes. He couldn’t tolerate much of the massage in the beginning. Baths now are a 1.5 hour process, as we do the dry massage first, then the bath, then another massage with the towels. He is no longer afraid of his baths. We were so concerned when he first arrived, I actually had a muzzle just in case he couldn’t tolerate them, and I needed to bathe him anyway. I am so glad we never had to use that!<br />
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Monday January 25th was the height of his improvement progress. Most of his scabs were gone, the pink skin that showed through his fur looked healthy, and his nose was visibly healing. Tuesday Kendrick stopped making progress. Wednesday he had new sores on his nose. Wednesday I called the vet again. We decided the 14 day antibiotic shot may have worn off, and we should start the oral antibiotics we had. They were started at noon that day. His anti-fungal medication was a custom compound from out of state, and only available from one lab. Those meds ran out Friday, and the new ones didn’t arrive until Tuesday.<br />
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On Friday we realized the oral antibiotic were not well received by Kendrick. He stopped eating again, had an upset stomach, was back to sleeping all day, and not wanting to get out of his bed. Back to the vet we went. While the two medication changes should not have been a big deal, in Kendrick’s case they were. The vet immediately began thinking auto-immune. Only if the area was already compromised would a med change like this have such drastic results. <br />
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New plan: 30 days of anti-fungal (started Tuesday 1/26/2016) and 30 days of antibiotics. Clear up the infection completely, then do a skin biopsy to confirm the auto-immune diagnosis. If it is auto immune, then Kendrick will need a low dose medication the rest of his life to help manage the condition. No, we can’t start the treatment for auto-immune without waiting for the 30 days. If they sent the biopsy now, it would come back as ring worm, and secondary skin infection – which we already know. Treatment for the condition is usually a steroid. Again, can’t start that now because while it may help in the short term – in cases like this the infection will come back with a vengeance once the steroid treatment ends. We have to treat the current condition completely, then look at the long term plans. This was the low point of our treatment to-date. Much of the health pink skin was now red and angry looking, or scaly and itchy again. While we don’t have the scabs this time, it was like stepping back a full week in his treatment.<br />
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Saturday, Kendrick started to show some signs of improvement again. No new sores, and slight visible progress on his nose and Sunday is a little better yet. The weather was warm, and we spent an hour outside today since he could tolerate the temperature with his missing fur.<br />
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My family have been very supportive, and visit us at the cabin a couple of times a week. While we visit them each time we make a trip to the vet. Kendrick was introduced to our resident dogs on Saturday the 23rd, and he shows us more personality when they are around. They visited again last night and today. We will continue to take it one day at a time.<br />
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More Progress notes to come as we continue this journey. … Angie & KendrickN. Bachmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11752713825292178793noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-346765190622798757.post-50476817785627303742016-01-11T21:20:00.001-06:002016-01-11T21:20:31.111-06:00Power To The Powder FacesI may be biased....I've said it before and I'll say it again. Senior Dogs Rock. They sure do. In so many ways.<br />
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Puppies are darling, don't get me wrong. But a senior brings so much to the table. Maturity, a laid back temperament, lower exercise needs. They love a nap, a cuddle and the soft touch of a loving hand. They may enjoy a run, but don't have to run all day. They get straight A's in companionship!! Mostly, your shoes are safe from getting chewed on! Plus, potty training is not a new concept. <br />
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Sure everyone melts when they see a puppy, but puppies are a lot of work. Seniors, not so much. Seniors have as much love to give as a puppy at a more relaxed pace. They are grateful and mellow. Give them a soft bed, or a pillow, and odds are it will stay intact (some exceptions may apply)!<br />
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Sadly, seniors get overlooked in the adoption process. People think a younger dog is better, that they don't want to get attached to an older dog, that seniors are fraught with health issues. Not necessarily so. Seniors want a soft spot to land, just like we do. They long to be loved, just like we do. They have oodles of love to share. Hopefully, just like we do!<br />
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Seniors have so much to offer. Wisdom, patience, love. Perhaps that is exactly what an adopter needs to love one. Wisdom, patience and love. Adorable doesn't always come with sharp puppy teeth. Often it comes with a gray face, a powder face. It grows in the heart of one who loves selflessly. It brings blessings and joys one could never anticipate. Think about it, there is a senior pointer in our program who needs you, who needs your love. Show them the good life. <br />
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<br />N. Bachmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11752713825292178793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-346765190622798757.post-3936170300164876102015-03-01T18:45:00.001-06:002015-03-01T18:45:06.948-06:00Won't You Be Our Partner AKA How You Can Help!<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The good news is 100% of the funding GPPR receives goes to the dogs. You read that right, 100%. Now I wish I could say our funding needs are 100% met, but they aren't. However, you can help.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You can sponsor a specific dog and be a <i>Pointing Partner.</i> Your donation goes to your partner's food, vet care, toys or anything else needed to help in the journey to a forever home. You can have a direct impact on the second chance your Pointing Partner has in our program. In doing this you support the dog, the foster home and GPPR. Gotta love that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sometimes we have dogs in our care with special medical needs. They are not adoption ready and are listed under the title of Sponsorship. Lila and Pete are both examples of Sponsorship dogs. They need lots of love and financial support to assist in the healing process.</span><br />
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You can also donate in the memory of a loved one, either two footed or four footed. It's all good and goes to helping our dogs find wonderful forever homes. Maybe you are the family looking to adopt and maybe you can't adopt, but still want to help. We love you for your support. Just like we love the dogs in our program. In whatever way you can....won't you be our partner???</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>N. Bachmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11752713825292178793noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-346765190622798757.post-25910863566997520372015-02-04T12:54:00.000-06:002015-02-04T12:54:12.683-06:00Love Is In The Air At GPPR<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A few words about love and GPPR. I may be uniquely qualified as I am both a volunteer for GPPR and an adopter from them. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Right now I am Buddy's foster Mom. In the past I was the foster Mom for Layla, Chukar, Addy, Wallace, Snowflake and Jesse. It's a revolving door of fosters here and we wouldn't have it any other way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Valentine's is just around the corner and we have some real sweethearts looking for love on our website. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It takes a special person to adopt a rescue dog. We find they are people full of hope. People who embrace second chances. People who are willing to love a new dog, and the special quirks they come with, into their lives. Quirks you say? Yup, we have them and dogs have them. Quirks, idiosyncrasies, baggage, history. I mean that in the best way!!! Rescue dogs are grateful, loving, adaptable. Some do best with experienced owners, some may have special needs. All are waiting for that perfect forever home. Are they adoptable - absolutely. Are they fabulous - completely. Do they have a whole lot of love to give - totally. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We understand that adopting a new pet is a commitment, and we are committed to helping your new family member adjust into your home and heart.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Think about the love you have to offer, and the dogs waiting for their forever home. Let's do a little matchmaking. Love is in the air.</span>N. Bachmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11752713825292178793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-346765190622798757.post-43089842351339445042014-12-08T21:00:00.000-06:002014-12-08T21:00:37.249-06:00Labor Of Love<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What does rescued mean to you? It can mean "saved", "helped", and even "sheltered". It can also include working through issues, past traumas, re-adjustments and healing. It involves change.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rescue is becoming more and more popular. Great Plains Pointer Rescue loves that. While many who rescue have good intentions, some don't see the whole picture. Are rescue animals always broken? Of course not. However they may come with baggage, or a hidden history if you will. They may have experienced a past mishap, harsh training, no training or a lack of love overall. Luckily animals are forgiving creatures. While they cannot tell us what has or has not happened, they can show us what they know or don't know. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes, there are folks that have adopted and in turn been disappointed. "This is not the pet you described, you didn't tell us about this behavior, and this is what they do". But first things first....rescue saves the animal. With the use of volunteer foster homes, animals are evaluated, aided, healed and placed in forever homes. All of this is part of the labor of love.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Too many times people live with false expectations. If the newly adopted animal veers away from what they were told, or begins to change within the new environment, anxiety and disappointment unfold. While most people treat their pets as family members, they can also forget they are still animals, not humans. Animals cannot read minds. They require guidance, structure, training and security. They need to know what humans expect from them. This too, is part of the labor of love and where some people give up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have you ever heard the story where someone had a nightmare pet? They struggled, cried and were generally ready to give up...but in the end it turned out to be the best pet of their lives. This is because they let go of expectations and worked with the animal. A bond was created, trust was earned and an understanding developed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is not a perfect world. Animals, like people, are not perfect. It's not always sunshine and rainbows (or dog treats raining from the sky). Environments change, people change, families change, and yes, animals can change. When you bring a new rescue into your home, let go of expectations. Enter with open arms and an open mind. Be prepared for an imperfect member to join your family. With time and love they may become the most perfect companion you have ever known. You will love your pet, and yourself for this investment, this labor of love. Then the meaning of rescue will become personal and you will have been changed because of it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>N. Bachmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11752713825292178793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-346765190622798757.post-22362182845438316692014-10-05T21:14:00.001-05:002014-10-05T21:14:59.869-05:00Scrap-paw-looza <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You could say we are cut ups over Great Plains Pointer Rescue. Scrappy, crazy, talented, silly, fun loving...and totally dedicated to the pointers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What does Scrap booking have to do with dogs? With rescue? Well, it is one of our yearly fund raisers that benefit the dogs that grace our program. Our 3rd annual scrap booking event is coming up October 10th & 11th, 2014 at Scrapping Studio. Scrapping, food, fun, shared creativity and some pointer loving! Sound like fun? Ask us for more details!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You may also find us in parades, at rescue events, and at the dog park. See us in our GPPR t-shirts at the store? Ask us about those shirts and watch our faces light up. We love rescue and love to share our stories. Plus, we're not shy at all about talking dogs!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For us, every day is a Pointer-paw-looza. A day to save dogs and help them find a forever home. If that journey takes us scrap booking, so be it. Sharing our talents and loving the dogs. It's what we do. </span><br />
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<br />N. Bachmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11752713825292178793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-346765190622798757.post-72543610889012315672014-07-26T16:09:00.000-05:002014-07-26T16:09:41.284-05:00Moving on After Losing A Beloved Pet<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We've all been in those shoes. Our beloved pet crossed the bridge and we're devastated. Looking at their bed hurts, you want to pick up their bowls and you just can't do it. Tears flow freely and your heart feels numb. You didn't have enough time with them. You think you can never love another one again. It's impossible to replace that special pet. And that's true.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Losing a pet is part of loving a pet. Though that loss is keen, you have the satisfaction of knowing you loved and cared for a precious life. If you are grieving the loss of a pet please know we understand. If you think that nothing good can come of it please think again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Think about adopting a rescue dog in honor of the pet you have lost. It is a pure and simple way to share your love, and the love your pet enjoyed over the years. I have no doubt, as they cross the bridge, that they would say "please love again" if they could. They know us inside and out. Know when we are joyful and when we are sad. They know the comfort of a gentle hand just as we know the comfort of soft fur and a cold nose. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One can't replace a beloved pet, but one can move on and love again. Find a way to honor your pet. Make a donation in his/her name to your favorite shelter or rescue. Foster in their honor. There are always dogs needing foster homes. Or, better yet, adopt in their honor. Honoring the loss, and the love you shared, helps the healing process. </span><br />
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<br />N. Bachmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11752713825292178793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-346765190622798757.post-70837932215419216702014-06-13T22:24:00.000-05:002014-06-13T22:24:12.252-05:00Buddy's Story - How You Can Help<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Buddy joined the GPPR family in March. He was vetted, had some lumps removed and was moved to a foster home. Okay, he was moved to our home. His lumps were mast cell tumors and while at first we thought his prognosis was good, now we are finding his status has changed. He is having an additional lump removed next week. We''ll know more about his status then.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This will sound funny, but we feel pretty darned lucky to love this guy. Sometimes our fosters find their forever homes, sometimes we are that forever home. While our dream is placing them with a loving family, sometimes we are blessed to be that family. We feel bad for him. We wanted him to find a fabulous home and live happily ever after. We always have high hopes for our fosters, and fall in love with them in the process. Seriously, isn't making a commitment to love, honor and cherish what pet ownership is all about? Why would fostering be any different.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The decision has been made to change Buddy's status from adoption ready, to sponsorship only. What this means is Buddy will live out his days with us. Rest assured he'll be loved, pampered, kept comfy, and we pray it will be for many, many days. He'll get his romps in the country, naps in the sun, and we'll work closely with our vet to make sure comfort is his first priority. If you'd like, you can sponsor Buddy, or dogs in situations like Buddy's. Your donation will go directly to the medical needs of that dog. Sponsorship donations are every bit as important as adoption fee's. Your contribution makes a difference. Your donation will help us keep Buddy a happy guy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We love this old boy. We know you would to if you could meet Buddy. Help us care for him. Loving them to a new home, or until they cross the bridge, is part of what we do at GPPR. Please share this journey with us. </span><br />
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N. Bachmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11752713825292178793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-346765190622798757.post-61894518418916708112014-06-07T12:28:00.000-05:002014-06-07T14:38:28.727-05:00Why Dogs Come Into Rescue Programs....the Good, the Bad and the Just Plain Ugly Excuses.<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't get me wrong, we are tickled pink to have dogs come into our program. And while we'd love not having dogs to adopt, and others waiting to come in to the program, we love giving them a second chance in life. We live for that. We understand that second chances are the best possible outcome for dogs in unfortunate situations. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">People often ask why people surrender their dogs. Many of these answers will infuriate you, sadden you, will make you shake your head and roll your eyes. Believe me, that's our response too. Here are the ones we see most frequently.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 1. We had a baby, or are expecting a baby and we <i>just</i> don't have time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 2. Tank got too big for us, too active for us, and he sheds!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 3. Wesson won't hunt. He gun shy and worthless.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 4. Buster is too old and we need space for a new puppy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 5. Spot has accidents in the house, separation anxiety.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 6. Champ goes crazy when it storms.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 7. Fido ate a bird and freaked the kids out. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 8. Sidney's owner died.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 9. Moving, divorcing, relocating, deployed and can't keep him/her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">10. She is to old to breed anymore.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">11. Fence jumping.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">12. Health issues...in the dog. Health issues....in the owner.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">13. Rufus is completely untrainable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">14. My girlfriend/boyfriend doesn't like dogs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">15. He barks. Or, he doesn't bark and I wanted a guard dog. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">16. Daisy killed the chickens, or the cat. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">17. She/he is aggressive when the kids pull, push, crowd and tease.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">18. I didn't expect them to be so energetic. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">19. King doesn't get along with the new puppy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">20. Dog chews on the furniture, the crate, shoes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">21. They are too needy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">22. Sarge gets loose and won't come when called.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">23. They howl, bark, dig holes when left outside all day and night</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">24. We can't afford the dog's food and medical needs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">25. We wanted a lower maintenance dog.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">26. He kept biting the testicles of the other dogs in the house. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So...these are just some of the reasons/excuses we hear. Honestly, you can't make this stuff up. It is what it is, and why the world has rescue programs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We encourage you to know the breed you are adopting and recognize that owning a pet is a life long commitment. It is not jumping blindly into pet ownership. It's not about seeing a puppy and impulsively buying it. It's a big deal and a big decision. After all, the dog you choose depends on you. Don't let them down.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>N. Bachmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11752713825292178793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-346765190622798757.post-65471762482946531402014-05-18T20:33:00.000-05:002014-05-18T20:46:11.517-05:00How Can I Help?<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You've seen us at events. We have our booth, our posters, our dogs, our GPPR shirts. We will talk your leg off about our dogs. Who needs a foster, who got adopted, which dog might be the best fit for you. We talk about puppies, seniors and all the ones in between. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Right now, as the phrase goes in rescue, it's raining dogs. We have 8 dogs waiting for foster homes to open up. We have dogs we have to turn away because of this. We have dogs waiting for that forever home to find them. So many in need that you might wonder how you can help.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That is easy! Here you go:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 1) Adopt! Each adoption opens up space for a new dog to come into the program. You have a best friend and make space for another to get lucky too!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 2) Foster. We have a great support system for our foster homes. Ask us how! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 3) Share/Network. Share the pictures and stories of our fosters on your Facebook page, in your emails, over the water cooler at work. We brag about our kids, so what not brag about your favorite rescue.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 4) Transport. How do you think we get dogs from point A to point B? Volunteers drive them. It might be just across town, or clear across the state. We divide up the miles and take a leg. Easy peasy when a team works together for the benefit of the dogs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 5) Sponsor a dog on our website. If you can sponsor one of our pointers, we apply the donations to all of their medical and food needs. 100% of any money that comes into our program goes directly to the dogs in our care.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 6) Make a purchase from the GPPR store - see our website for details!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 7) Wear your GPPR shirt or sweatshirt proudly! Give one as a gift, buy an extra for yourself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 8) Shop at AmazonSmile and Amazon will make a donation to GPPR.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 9) Have an extra crate you are not using, blankets, leashes? Donate them to us, or your favorite shelter. We do accept toys, food, leashes and treats. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">10) Have some time to help us screen applications? We always need volunteers for special projects and applications. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">11) Cash, did I mention cash? Yup, we are always grateful for cash donations. All our dogs are fully vetted prior to adoption. Every little bit helps. Don't be shy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">12) Remember GPPR in your will. Have a garage sale and donate the proceeds. Make an "in memory of" donation when you lose a loved one. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Everyone has gifts to share...time, talents, treasure...please consider sending a little our way to help the dogs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">P.S. We welcome good thoughts, karma and prayers... We're working with some pretty special dogs here, our volunteers are amazing people and we want the best for them. We couldn't do what we do without YOU! We (that's you and me, me and you, and you and me) save dogs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>N. Bachmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11752713825292178793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-346765190622798757.post-41899828099133823852014-04-29T21:22:00.001-05:002014-04-29T21:24:23.842-05:00How Do We Do It?<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As a foster home I get asked <i>all</i> the time how I do it? How do you let them into your home not knowing what baggage they bring? How to you put up with the challenges? How do you let them go to their forever home?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let me tell you. It's simple. And sometimes it's a little difficult. It's just little acts of love towards the dogs done day-after-day. Think about that, little acts of love X as many days as necessary.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I say that with my feet still wet from giving our foster a medicated bath. A small inconvenience for me and hopefully a huge comfort for Buddy. We take them to vet appointments. Sometimes to work with us. Just to keep an extra eye on them. It's not mandatory to do that when fostering, but nice when a work situation allows that. We try as many cones as necessary to keep them from licking their booboo's. If they need special food, we get it. It's easy to provide acts of love when you dedicate your time to their needs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Many of the dogs have never experienced "the good life". What a kick to be the first to lavish that on them. We do this knowing the goal is for them to leave us. To find their forever home. It's easy, it's sometimes difficult. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But if <i>we</i> don't do this <i>who</i> will? Someone has to step up to the loving plate. Foster homes do just this. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maybe you have thought of fostering. Perhaps it seemed like an overwhelming task. Trust me, it's not. It is just little acts of love, food, shelter, basic training, lots of gentle touch. A sense of humor comes in darned handy too! And a willingness to love them enough to let them go when the time is right. We have a great support system for our foster homes. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have great dogs needing fosters. Maybe you'd like join the team. Ask us how!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>N. Bachmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11752713825292178793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-346765190622798757.post-54623772851119081862014-04-05T08:54:00.000-05:002014-04-05T08:54:44.828-05:00Fostering...An Open Door and Open Heart Process<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fostering is committing to allow an animal in a rescue program to live with you until his/her forever home is found. That's it in a nutshell. But there are many layers to that shell. Much like the fosters who come to live with us. Some are a tough nut to crack. Some are easy, some are short term, some long term. It is a commitment to take what you get and work with it. No two fosters are the same, ever. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You put your love on the line with them, and sometimes your possessions. It's not for the meek of heart, but for those with hearts full of love, optimism and a sense of humor. It's for people who believe second chances are worth some puddles, piles, and/or a few teeth marks on the furniture. It's about letting an animal into your life and loving them enough to let them go. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is the joy of seeing an animal learn what it is to be safe, loved, socialized, well fed, healthy, able to play and to trust. It is saving a life. It's not all glory. There is plenty of trial and error. There are accidents and incidents, hints and allegations. No wait, that's from a Paul Simon song. But it applies! Those of us who have fostered have stories of great escapes, damaged crates, puppies who nibble, fosters in heat, illnesses, spay/neuter procedures, the dreaded cone of horror and surprise puddles in the night. We train them, exercise them, write their bios, run them to vet appointments. We take them out on lead in the rain, the snow, the cold, the heat. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But we balance those stories with the magic of an animal coming out of it's shell, feeling safe enough to be silly, getting healthy and eventually finding their forever home. Some of those golden moments are the result of hundreds of baby steps. Some come in leaps and bounds. They learn sometimes that a couch is a terrible thing to waste and a cuddle is a blessing beyond measure. They learn what a gentle hand feels like, what toys are for and what a treat is. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib58l-nwz2RnZ3aGHHFnkOhOlP3Dk4R8x9TkJiiAbjtFIhzibVBRrP4dhuB33-ckOTVlyLRx80gbzlczmmm0JgM56mJH660Hc1fyoNe3zeLpfyKH7S7RnNxzB8Z3ZmRgkaA3LcxOPwgxDH/s1600/1972320_714989358523621_1807919768_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib58l-nwz2RnZ3aGHHFnkOhOlP3Dk4R8x9TkJiiAbjtFIhzibVBRrP4dhuB33-ckOTVlyLRx80gbzlczmmm0JgM56mJH660Hc1fyoNe3zeLpfyKH7S7RnNxzB8Z3ZmRgkaA3LcxOPwgxDH/s1600/1972320_714989358523621_1807919768_n.jpg" height="305" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fostering, in a family setting, is a team effort. A true commitment. Even the resident pets needs to be on board. Each day with a foster is a learning opportunity for the foster, and the foster home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And yes, we struggle with letting go... We are the half-way house to their forever home. We worry whether their new home will care for them as well as we do. Will they be safe, will they be loved, did their bios tell exactly how great they are and what special needs they may have. We wonder if we have done enough to prepare them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When the time is right we send them off with their new owners. And we long for photos, updates and newsy notes telling how much they are loved. We laugh at the memories and begin the process again. Because there is always another who needs a second chance. It's who we are, it's why we foster. </span>N. Bachmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11752713825292178793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-346765190622798757.post-45870680580612909392014-03-20T21:45:00.002-05:002014-03-20T21:45:42.504-05:00How We Roll<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Great Plains Pointer Rescue has been saving pointers since 2008. Our mission you might ask? Rescue and find adoptive homes for pointers in need in the Nebraska, Iowa and Minnesota area's. There are as many reasons a dog comes into rescue as there are dogs. Some are abandoned or lost, in some cases the owner died, divorced, was forced to give up their dog due to job loss. Just because a dog is in rescue it does not mean it has a lot of issues. It is just in need of a home, and we are here to help.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All of our dogs receive medical care including vaccinations, spay/neuter and microchip. The average cost for medical care is $350. Adoption fees vary by the dogs age. Adoption fee's are like a revolving door of sorts. Each fee helps the next dog in line. In this case what goes around comes around in a great way!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our dogs are in foster homes with unpaid volunteers. They offer shelter, training and love to animals whose whole world turned upside down. They know their fosters and provide valuable information to prospective adopters about the dog's temperament, needs and personality. Foster homes are saints who sometimes border on insanity. Just kidding....reality is foster homes make it all possible. Possible for you to find your forever friend and make an informed adoption decision. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's how we roll at GPPR. We take adoptions seriously. We are passionate about pointers and rescue. You might even say we are passionately crazy pointer people. You could say that, and we'd take that as a compliment!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>N. Bachmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11752713825292178793noreply@blogger.com2