Rescued Dog

by Arlene Pace

Once I was a lonely dog, just looking for a home.

I had no place to go, no one to call my own.

I wandered up and down the streets, in rain, in heat and snow.

I ate whatever I could find, I was always on the go.
My skin would itch, my feet were sore, my body ached with pain.
And no one stopped to give a pat or to gently say my name.
I never saw a loving glance, I was always on the run,
for people thought that hurting me was really lots of fun.

And then one day I heard a voice so gentle, kind and sweet,
And arms so soft reached down to me and took me off my feet.

"No one again will hurt you was whispered in my ear."
"You'll have a home to call your own where you will know no fear"
"You will be dry, you will be warm, you'll have enough to eat."
"And rest assured that when you sleep, your dreams will all be sweet."

I was afraid I must admit, I've lived so long in fear.
I can't remember when I let a human come so near.
And as she tended to my wounds and bathed and brushed my fur,

she told me about the rescue group and what it meant to her.

She said, "We are a circle, a line that never ends".

"And in the center there is you protected by new friends".

"And all around you are the ones that check the pounds,

And those that share their home after you've been found"

"And all the other folk are searching near and far.

"To find the perfect home for you, where you can be a star".

She said, "There is a family, that's waiting patiently,

and pretty soon we'll find them, just you wait and see".

"And then they'll join our circle they'll help to make it grow,

so there'll be more room for more like you who have no place to go".

I waited very patiently, the day they came and went, today's the day I thought, my Family will be sent.

Then just when I began to think it wasn't meant to be,

there were people standing there just gazing down at me.

I knew them in a heartbeat, I could tell they felt it too.

They said, "We have been waiting for a special Dog like you.

Now every night I say a prayer to all the Gods that be.

"Thank you for the life I live and all you've given me,

but most of all protect the Dogs in the pound and on the street,

and send a Rescue Person to lift them off their feet".

Arlene Pace September 18, 1998

Low Cost Vetting Resources

Atlanta Animal Alliance - Chamblee, GA
Contact Info: Atlanta Animal Alliance -5342 Peachtree Rd, Chamblee, GA 30341- (770) 455-1011
The Atlanta Animal Alliance is a Georgia nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization. It was formed to alleviate animal pain, suffering and pre-mature death. The Atlanta Animal Alliance serves to relieve animal pain and suffering by operating low-cost medical services thru it's PetWell Humane program targeting indigent animals and low-income owners.

The mission of WellPet Humane is to offer low-cost medical services to stray or abandoned pets or to those pets whose owners are experiencing financial difficulty. The staff sets appointments based on financial capacity.

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Atlanta LifeLine Project - Decatur, GA  
Contact Info: Atlanta LifeLine -129 Lake St, Avondale Estates, GA 30002 - (404) 292-8800
LifeLine Animal Project is a non-profit organization working to reduce pet overpopulation. By only offering spay/neuter services at our clinic, they keep overhead costs low in order to keep prices affordable.

LifeLine's Spay & Neuter Clinic provides low-cost, spay/neuter services for metro Atlanta since 2005. Performing more than 25,000 spay and neuter procedures, the LifeLine Spay & Neuter Clinic is vital to reducing the number of unwanted pets entering Atlanta area shelters.

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Fulton Spay/Neuter Assistance Program - Atlanta, GA
Contact Info: FCAS - 860 Marietta Blvd. NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 - (404) 794-0358 
Fulton County Animal Services (managed by Barking Hound Village Foundation, Inc.) It is committed to decreasing the number of unwanted pets in Fulton County . Low cost spay/neuter is available as well as vaccinations. If you cannot afford to contribute a portion of the cost of those services, and need free services, they will assist you anyway.

To obtain services an online application can be located and submitted here. They will also process applications  quickly over the phone at (404) 794-0358. (Applicant must be a resident of Fulton County).

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Crossroads Veterinary Services - Lexinton, GA
Contact Info: Crossroads Veterinary Services - 210 W. Main St., Lexington, GA, 30648 - (706) 743-7614
Crossroads Veterinary Services, LLC, established in 2008, is a mixed animal practice located in Lexington, GA.  The practice is owned and led by Nicole Ferguson, DVM, MS. Dr. Ferguson is intent on providing valuable veterinary services to the community and educating clients as well as diagnosing and treating their animals. Her goal is to promote preventive medicine in all species and provide early detection and treatment of disease.

Crossroads Veterinary Services offers low cost vaccination and spay/neuter programs to reduce pet overpopulation every Wednesday from 8 am until 5 pm. They are located approximately 14 miles past the east Athens Wal-Mart in downtown.
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Peach Pets Animal Hospital - Johns Creek, GA 
Contact Info: Peach Pets - 6955 McGinnis Ferry Rd, Johns Creek , GA 30097, (770)814-9000

Peach Pets Animal Hospital is a high quality, affordable place to bring your pet for annual visits, surgery, medical conditions, and preventative care. We have seen a need in the community for a low cost alternative in veterinary medicine. The hard economic times have made it difficult for many pet owners to provide the care needed for their pets. We believe that no pet should have to suffer or be denied medical care due to an owner's financial status. We receive no funding from the government or grants from individuals, as such everyone qualifies for our prices.

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Other Low Cost Spay and Neuter Clinics 

• Athens - Paws of Athens
• Atlanta Humane Society
• Paws Atlanta
• Pet Vet Low Cost Spay Neuter North GA -400
• Santa Low cost spay & neuter in Marietta
• West GA Spay Nueter(Villa Rica) 

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Trooper's Story

No, it wasn’t a dog’s life! Not for the 115 lb. chocolate lab pinned under the rear tire of a SUV in his owner's yard. Just days before Memorial Day, the dog was hit by a car. There he was with a fractured left forepaw when Connie Rice, an Atlanta Lab Rescue volunteer, stopped her car and tried to help hoist the vehicle off the dog. Even through all the pain, the dog never whined, whimpered, moaned or growled. His disposition remained calm throughout the ordeal. After numerous unsuccessful attempts to lift the car, Connie stood at the roadside waving down passing cars in an attempt to solicit more help. Finally, enough good samaritans stopped to help lift the vehicle while Connie pulled the dog from underneath.

As Connie rushed the dog to Cedarcrest Animal Hospital, she contacted several board members who had faced these traumas before. When Atlanta Lab Rescue learned that Paulding County’s animal control division was contacted, everyone acted quickly to retrieve the dog, now aptly renamed “Trooper” to prevent him from being euthanized. Connie returned to the owner who subsequently relinquished ownership and (surrendered) released the dog to Atlanta Lab Rescue.

After the initial vet care Trooper returned home with Connie who tried to keep the dog comfortable with limited I.V. medication. As luck would have it, a remarkable vet volunteered to perform the critical surgery, hoping to save the leg, on Memorial Day.

During this, the first of many surgeries, Trooper received a steel plate and several screws to set the leg. He was also neutered to eliminate the need for a second anesthesia for the procedure. At the same time, due to neglect, he was found to be heartworm positive. Unfortunately, five days after the surgery, the leg became infected and had to be cleaned up and re-sutured.

Meanwhile, Atlanta Lab Rescue concentrated on raising funds that would finance the surgeries to save the leg. While over a thousand dollars has been raised through the Labrador Retreiver Chat Board, ALR will continue to need financial support for Trooper’s eventual rehabilitation.

Three weeks later, a second infection ensued, and the steel plate and screws were removed and a cast was set. In an effort to keep Trooper quiet valium became a part of his daily routine.

By mid-July, although not out of the woods, Trooper improved with the addition of medicine and food supplements to help strengthen the bone. Now it was time for a hard cast – and a foster family.

As it turned out, there was such a family with three girls who fell in love with Trooper, instantly.

So during his convalescence Trooper, now weighing in at only 98.9 lbs., and after $5,000.00 in veterinary care, is being cared for and loved by the Moorse family who is ensuring that Trooper has every luxury and will no longer suffer the abuse, neglect and abandonment from which he came.

Trooper will require therapy, rehabilitation and possible surgeries at an additional estimated cost of $2,000.00. Contributions of any amount will help stabilize Trooper. It takes so little, but accomplishes so much.

If you would like to contribute to Trooper’s future, please click on the following link:
DONATE ONLINE or make a doanation through the ChipIn application at the top of the blog.

If you prefer to mail a check, please send it to:

Atlanta Lab Rescue
PO Box 250206
Atlanta, GA 30325

Thank You Camp Woof

Service organizations can’t and don’t operate in a vacuum. Most, if not all, incorporate the generosity and contributions from many community members. Atlanta Lab Rescue is no exception. Through the on-going support of “Camp Woof” in Norcross, we are able to rescue wonderful dogs from a less than pleasant ending.

While Atlanta Lab Rescue continues its on-going search for foster and forever families, Camp Woof is the weigh-station for many of the dogs. Hans VollmerGeneral Manager says the dogs become part of the family and are able to develop some of the social skills that may have been lacking in their previous situations.

Even though they love having the dogs, says Hans, he’s always happy to see them get adopted into good homes.

"It’s nice to see a rescue dog come in and we are able to provide care for them, but when they leave us, they become different dogs and we feel liked we’ve
played a part in helping them get adopted.”

Opened for business for only 6 months, in Norcross, Camp Woof provides twelve spots for daycare and boarding of rescue animals. With 20,000 sq. ft. of air conditioned space and 15,000 sq. ft. of outdoor space, the animals have plenty of room to play and romp about freely. There’s even an outdoor “kiddy” pool in which both large and small dogs can be found splashing around.

Cots are available for nap time and rest periods. The dogs are safe and well cared for. Vollmer says that it’s important for Camp Woof to give back to the community of which they are a part. We, at Atlanta Lab Rescue, are grateful for their support.

As part of our special relationship with Camp Woof, Atlanta Lab Rescue adoptive families get discounts from Camp Woof as well as a first night of boarding free. Becky Cross, co-founder of Atlanta Lab Rescue expressed her gratitude to Camp Woof and its staff,

“We are so lucky to get free boarding at Camp Woof. It’s the nicest facility that I’ve ever been to. I have never boarded my dogs but would have no problem with sending them there. It’s immaculate and the staff is knowledgeable and helpful. The dogs seem to really like it there and they get plenty of play time.

There is also a retail section that is a doggy dreamland. They have EVERYTHING. It’s worth the trip out to Norcross to check it out and they give discounts to ALR adopters and volunteers.”

If you’d like to foster or are considering adopting a great dog for your family, check out Atlanta Lab Rescue: http://www.labrescueofatlanta.com/

So thank you Hans Vollmer and Camp Woof for all you do and share! For more information about Camp Woof in Norcross or Camp Woof in Decatur, follow the link, http://www.campwoof.com/.

Many Show Support at Bark for Art

On Saturday, May 16th Atlanta Lab Rescue hosted its Annual “Bark for Art” Silent Auction and fundraiser. More than 400 Atlanta Lab Rescue supporters helped reduce the current deficit. The event raised about $27,000 with attendees bidding on more than 200 auction items ranging from a weeks stay at a beach home to Braves Tickets with so many other wonderful treasures in the mix.

Atlanta Lab Rescue Co-Founder Becky Cross said,

“This was an exceptional event! Our organization truly has many caring friends and special adopters. And we couldn’t have done it without the largesse of those who helped with services and other resources. I’d like to extend a special thanks to our caterer, Endive; and the extraordinary gallery, Mason Murer who made the location vibrant and colorful. No event would be complete without the appropriate wine; donated so generously by Intermezzo Café.”

Over the past two years, Atlanta Lab Rescue has saved more than 600 labs and mixed breed dogs. However, in order for them to continue their rescue efforts, and "draw down their debt," several fundraisers are in the works.. Currently, a motorcycle ride is scheduled for the fall. For updates on volunteer and other support opportunities, rescues, fundraisers and adoptees, check out the website: http://www.labrescueofatlanta.com/.

It Takes a Village

"Ora na azu nwa" is an old Nigerian saying that means it takes the community/village to raise a child. While raising a single child presents certain challenges, raising nine children is a whole different game – especially when the children have a total of thirty-six legs, nine tails, need constant attention and bark and wimper throughout the night. Such was the case for the nine puppies, affectionately known as the Cedarcrest 9, who were adopted by the young villagers (ages 5-11) of the Cascade sub-division in Suwannee,Georgia.

Taken into the care of Cascade residents after the mother needed surgery, the pups were initially treated, given their puppy shots and microchipped at the Cedarcrest Animal Hospital in Acworth. The young charges then took the puppies home where they fed, watched, played with and cleaned up after the mixed breed puppies until they were all adopted into their forever homes. The last one, Stitch, found his permanent family May 30, 2009.

A Puppy's Story

I was born approximately April 3, 2009. My mother was a full-blooded yellow lab and my dad was a mixed ‘lab-looking’ dog. When my 8 brothers and sisters were just 3 weeks old, my mother was taken in for surgery as a result of such a big litter. The nine of us, though, were taken to Cedarcrest Animal Hospital in Acworth where we were bottle fed and weaned. Now living in a subdivision known as Grand Cascades, our foster homes have provided us with food, shelter and family fun.

And boy! Do we eat! Currently, we’ve been fed Exclusive Puppy food by PMI Nutrition. It’s the Chicken and Rice formula which can be found in many specialty stores around the metro area and on-line at http://www.pminutrition.com/.

So my brothers, sisters and I are as healthy as puppies can be. We’ve been ‘dewormed’ twice, ‘microchipped’ (it only pinched for a second, and I was brave) and received our first series of puppy shots. All of this done through the generosity of our fairy Dog Mothers and Fathers at Atlanta Lab Rescue. Not to speed up the process, but spaying and neutering is usually done around the six month mark (that’s around October 2009). Since we’re still puppies, it’s important to stay in familiar surroundings, as we’re very susceptible to parvovirus which is transmitted from infected dogs through fecal material. Sometimes public places don’t always agree with us little guys.

Our foster families provided an abundance of resources to ensure our transition to ‘forever’ homes. Some advice I overheard while playing, is that puppies need to walk every day. It’s not enough to romp in the backyard, we want to exercise and get socialized so that we’re comfortable and calm with other people, pets and environments. It’s a great time to be with our families. When I walk, I get too tired to be destructive around the home. And, I’m much easier to train.

Which brings me to a very important part of puppyhood. Learning where and when to go. I’ll learn much more quickly if I’m taken outside frequently to ‘relieve’ myself. Just let me know where my grassy area is and take me there often – especially when I’m awake. A treat, reward or special playtime (and of course constant repetition) will help me learn the “do’s” and “don’ts” of a puppy’s life.

My brothers, sisters and I can bring our new families a great deal of joy and satisfaction. And now that some of us are transitioning into our ‘forever’ homes, you’ll be hearing and probably seeing lots of us as we grow into lively and spirited pets. Our foster families want to continue to know of our progress so we’ll see each other at dog parks, picnics and an already planned reunion.

And you can join in the fun.