To our wonderful friends and supporters:
We have reached a point in rescue that is uncomfortable for us and we need your help. In order to move forward and save more lives, we have to pay our vet bills for Sammie (Jack Russell that passed away from diabetes and pancreatitis) and Hershey that are just not being covered by adoption fees. We continue to have to buy adult dog food, a collar (cheap, but quality) for the adult dogs, and tags (we buy off eBay very inexpensively).
We greatly appreciate any amount that you can offer. Just $10 from 100 people and we have it raised. With over 600 friends and if you can share our link to spread the word about our mission, I just know we can do this quickly! THANK YOU!
If you would like to mail donations directly to us or to our vet, here are the addresses:
Stephanie Richardson
Crossroads Dog Rescue
819 N. 7th Street
Lawrence, KS 66044
Eudora Animal Hospital
1905 Elm
Eudora, KS 66025
(Please note that it is for Crossroads Dog Rescue)
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
For the LOVE of Titus!
Probably a rescuers worst nightmare would be losing one of the rescue dogs. Having the dog get out and not being able to find a dog one has just pulled from a shelter only to be picked up by animal control and put back in another shelter...
You see our dear Titus has figured out how to jump the 6 foot gate by using the cross bar! We do not usually let him out back without supervision, and the few times he has gone over, we are right there to get him back in. (Have I mentioned he has GREAT recall?!)
So this morning, Titus wanted out with the rest of the dogs one more time before I ran the girls to school. I let him go and prayed he would not jump. Instantly the kids came to me saying he jumped. *sigh* I run out front and there is no sign of him.
I ran back in, changed a diaper quick and threw the kids in the car to go find him. I drove everywhere in our neighborhood, searched the farms to the North of us, drove a couple streets over... all the while PRAYING people would not see him and call Animal Control. I also called Erica for emotional support. She offered to come drive around. We drove around for over 20 minutes before I had to get the girls to school. *ugh* I hated leaving our neighborhood not knowing where he went!
But I had to get the girls to school, and I did - just barely on time. Then I rushed back home as fast as I safely could and continued to drive around looking for Titus. My little Jeffrey (that has very few words he can say) kept saying "Tidey come home!"
However, Rodman's adopter was supposed to be here to pick him up! So after 45 minutes of driving around, we went home, and I was SICK to my stomach with worry about where Titus was. I called Erica devastated.
I go in the house and look to the back door window - THERE STANDS TITUS! He never left us!
I could swear I checked out back thoroughly before leaving. I guess not.
Yes I am blonde and feel free to get a good chuckle out of this.
You see our dear Titus has figured out how to jump the 6 foot gate by using the cross bar! We do not usually let him out back without supervision, and the few times he has gone over, we are right there to get him back in. (Have I mentioned he has GREAT recall?!)
 |
| Dear sweet Titus |
I ran back in, changed a diaper quick and threw the kids in the car to go find him. I drove everywhere in our neighborhood, searched the farms to the North of us, drove a couple streets over... all the while PRAYING people would not see him and call Animal Control. I also called Erica for emotional support. She offered to come drive around. We drove around for over 20 minutes before I had to get the girls to school. *ugh* I hated leaving our neighborhood not knowing where he went!
But I had to get the girls to school, and I did - just barely on time. Then I rushed back home as fast as I safely could and continued to drive around looking for Titus. My little Jeffrey (that has very few words he can say) kept saying "Tidey come home!"
However, Rodman's adopter was supposed to be here to pick him up! So after 45 minutes of driving around, we went home, and I was SICK to my stomach with worry about where Titus was. I called Erica devastated.
I go in the house and look to the back door window - THERE STANDS TITUS! He never left us!
I could swear I checked out back thoroughly before leaving. I guess not.
Yes I am blonde and feel free to get a good chuckle out of this.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Crossroads Dog Rescue is GROWING!
Great news abounds at Crossroads Dog Rescue!
We have people stepping up and offering to foster. We've had offers of volunteers. Donations of bowls, towels, paper towels, newspapers and food have been amazing!!
We cannot thank you enough! These are much needed so that we can continue to help these precious lives.
We are also growing our network base with many other rescues, shelters, organizations that make products for dogs, and getting our name out by being listed on other websites! This is all incredibly exciting!
With growth comes a need for more money. We would love to begin microchipping all the dogs that come into our rescue. The initial investment with HomeAgain is $500 for 100 microchips and a scanner. Having the vet do a microchip is $40 each - not cost effective for us, so purchasing our own in bulk will save us $35 a chip!!
As soon as our 501(c)3 is finalized, we will begin applying for grants. We are soon going to be selling adorable homemade dog toys, house training doggie door bells and homemade doggie treats. Eventually my wonderful husband, Chad, says he would like to make Kuranda-like beds to sell. (There is an organization back East that has all the plans to make them in bulk for around $12 each! ) We would also like to have a "Mom and Pups Reunion" this summer which will include a fundraiser!
While all these plans are great, there is one piece to rescue that will never stop being a need - vet bills. As we have shared in my post "Why does it cost so much?", much of the time our adoption fees do not cover the cost of vetting a dog so that our amazing adopters get the healthiest dog possible. Many of you also know that we recently have been on an emotional roller coaster.
So let me lay it out:
Hershey's vet bill was $220 to have her put down due to needing a rabies test since she had bitten.
Sammie's vet care was $721 for 5 nights in the hospital, glucose checks, IV fluids, antibiotics, and ultimately having to be put to sleep.
Callie's vet bill will be well over $700 for heartworm treatment, all her shots, and spay.
This does not include Titus' shots, Marley's shots, puppies' shots and wormer, any other dog we might be asked to take in, adult dog food (puppy food is once again being donated by No More Homeless Pets KC) and supplies to care for the animals.
So while we are THRILLED that we are growing and able to help more animals, we can only do it with your monetary donations. If you would be willing to donate any amount of money, we are setting up 3 different funds: Sammie Memorial, Callie and puppies, and HomeAgain MicroChip funds. You are welcome to donate to the general fund, or to these specific needs - just leave a note with your donation which fund you would like it to go to. If there is no note, we will put the funds towards our greatest need.
If you would like to mail donations directly to us or to our vet, here are the addresses:
Stephanie Richardson
Crossroads Dog Rescue
819 N. 7th Street
Lawrence, KS 66044
Eudora Animal Hospital
1905 Elm
Eudora, KS 66025
(Please note that it is for Crossroads Dog Rescue)
We thank you in advance. Until every nose has a home...
We have people stepping up and offering to foster. We've had offers of volunteers. Donations of bowls, towels, paper towels, newspapers and food have been amazing!!
We cannot thank you enough! These are much needed so that we can continue to help these precious lives.
We are also growing our network base with many other rescues, shelters, organizations that make products for dogs, and getting our name out by being listed on other websites! This is all incredibly exciting!
With growth comes a need for more money. We would love to begin microchipping all the dogs that come into our rescue. The initial investment with HomeAgain is $500 for 100 microchips and a scanner. Having the vet do a microchip is $40 each - not cost effective for us, so purchasing our own in bulk will save us $35 a chip!!
As soon as our 501(c)3 is finalized, we will begin applying for grants. We are soon going to be selling adorable homemade dog toys, house training doggie door bells and homemade doggie treats. Eventually my wonderful husband, Chad, says he would like to make Kuranda-like beds to sell. (There is an organization back East that has all the plans to make them in bulk for around $12 each! ) We would also like to have a "Mom and Pups Reunion" this summer which will include a fundraiser!
While all these plans are great, there is one piece to rescue that will never stop being a need - vet bills. As we have shared in my post "Why does it cost so much?", much of the time our adoption fees do not cover the cost of vetting a dog so that our amazing adopters get the healthiest dog possible. Many of you also know that we recently have been on an emotional roller coaster.
So let me lay it out:
Hershey's vet bill was $220 to have her put down due to needing a rabies test since she had bitten.
Sammie's vet care was $721 for 5 nights in the hospital, glucose checks, IV fluids, antibiotics, and ultimately having to be put to sleep.
Callie's vet bill will be well over $700 for heartworm treatment, all her shots, and spay.
This does not include Titus' shots, Marley's shots, puppies' shots and wormer, any other dog we might be asked to take in, adult dog food (puppy food is once again being donated by No More Homeless Pets KC) and supplies to care for the animals.
So while we are THRILLED that we are growing and able to help more animals, we can only do it with your monetary donations. If you would be willing to donate any amount of money, we are setting up 3 different funds: Sammie Memorial, Callie and puppies, and HomeAgain MicroChip funds. You are welcome to donate to the general fund, or to these specific needs - just leave a note with your donation which fund you would like it to go to. If there is no note, we will put the funds towards our greatest need.
If you would like to mail donations directly to us or to our vet, here are the addresses:
Stephanie Richardson
Crossroads Dog Rescue
819 N. 7th Street
Lawrence, KS 66044
Eudora Animal Hospital
1905 Elm
Eudora, KS 66025
(Please note that it is for Crossroads Dog Rescue)
We thank you in advance. Until every nose has a home...
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Wordle - fun new site!
Is this not cool?!?
Fun site to play with words and even print them!
Best of all - it's FREE!
Gotta check out Wordle!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Emotional Rollercoaster of Rescue
Unfortunately rescue is not all about playing with puppies. There are the highs of finalizing an adoption, seeing a sad dog become happy, and getting a clean bill of health from the vet. Then there are the lows...
Crossroads has experienced a few lows lately in the midst of all the wonderful puppy adoptions. In the age of social media, it is difficult to not be almost completely transparent, so we have some news to share with our fans, friends, and amazing supporters.
First: Beautiful Hershey
In a horrible sequence of events, Hershey is no longer with us. Since she came to us, she bit two children. My hope was by moving her here, I could help rehabilitate her. I kept her away from my children from some time and slowly started socializing her with our family. She did beautifully.
However in the back of my mind, I kept thinking "where is her personality?" It did come out some and I was getting excited that our investments were working. Until her relationship with my yellow lab went downhill... Something snapped and we had to keep them separate.
Then she met our new cat, Jessie. For four days she sniffed around the cat and would then go lay down and ignore her. One morning, I took my daughter to school, and when I came home Hershey was in Jessie's bedroom (that I know I shut tight) and poor Jessie was in severe distress. Jessie died before I could get her to our vet. Prey drive... I explained it away because of a dog's prey drive.
The next evening when someone came to the door, the sweet, quiet Hershey that never barked went barreling for the front door barking. As my husband reached to stop her, she tried to bite him.
That was the last straw. After extensive talks with everyone on the Crossroads' board and our vets, it was decided that Hershey needed to be put to sleep. Our liability would just be too great so we could not adopt her out. Plus, our energies could be used focusing on adoptable dogs.
Hershey brought us 12 beautiful babies that will be loved and spoiled in their furrever homes. While to a rescuer it feels like we let Hershey down, for the community we know we did the right thing.
RIP Hershey - 4/23/2011
Oh dear Sammie... This adorable little girl came to us very sick. Our board member, Abby, has a special place in her heart for Jack Russells, so we truly wanted to fight for this girl. We knew she had just been diagnosed with diabetes at the tender age of six years old. This could be manageable.
We got her to the vet the morning after she came in, and the doctor took one look at her blood work from the previous vet and said, "She is REALLY sick." Diabetes AND pancreatitis. He believed we could try to save her, but also laid out how difficult it might be due to the pancreatitis. Abby and I wanted to fight. My daughter had bonded with her too, and she quickly became a special little girl to us.
As updates came in through the weekend, we gained hope that maybe she would make it. Monday morning the vet re-ran blood work - not good. Her white blood cell count was still through the roof after two and a half days on IV fluids and antibiotics. She was vomiting again, but again... Dr. Shain was willing to fight.
Today I took our newest momma dog in to be checked out. One of the other doctors laid it on the line for me regarding Sammie - plain and simple: There is no way we could ever take her home. She would die a painful death within a couple days. Her blood sugar this morning was 480 (normal is between 80-120). White blood cell count was 28,000 and amylase was 18,000 (high end of normal is 950!).
We needed to let her go.
Again, after talking with my incredible rescue team, we let Sammie go where she would be pain free and able to run and play again. Dear Sammie-girl, you will not be forgotten.
RIP Sammie - 5/3/2011
Finally there is a sweet Callie - our newest momma. No she is not dying. However at her vet check-up today we found that she has an old break in her back, left leg that didn't heal right. She does not seem in too much pain, but does not put much weight on it. We will do an x-ray during her spay to see if there is anything we can do. Then there was the heartworm test... Positive. Ugh. Crossroads has never had a heartworm positive dog yet... our luck ran out. This is treatable, but it is a long, expensive road.
For now there is nothing we can do while Callie is nursing. She will start on antibiotics once the puppies are weaned. A month later she will be hospitalized for 3 days for injections. Then she will have to be kept very calm and quiet - no running, jumping, or excitement for more than SIX weeks. She won't be very happy with us, but it will be necessary as the worms leave her heart/lungs and are absorbed by the body.
Lesson to be learned? PLEASE keep your dogs on heartworm prevention!!!
In the midst of all these challenges, we have seen 17 puppies go to their furrever homes!!! Congratulations to our babies and their wonderful adoptive families! One more little girl will probably go home Thursday, leaving three of Hershey's babies left - 2 boys and a girl.
Thank you to every single one of our adopters, supporters, friends and fans. We cannot do this difficult, yet extremely rewarding business without you.
Crossroads has experienced a few lows lately in the midst of all the wonderful puppy adoptions. In the age of social media, it is difficult to not be almost completely transparent, so we have some news to share with our fans, friends, and amazing supporters.
First: Beautiful Hershey
In a horrible sequence of events, Hershey is no longer with us. Since she came to us, she bit two children. My hope was by moving her here, I could help rehabilitate her. I kept her away from my children from some time and slowly started socializing her with our family. She did beautifully.
However in the back of my mind, I kept thinking "where is her personality?" It did come out some and I was getting excited that our investments were working. Until her relationship with my yellow lab went downhill... Something snapped and we had to keep them separate.
Then she met our new cat, Jessie. For four days she sniffed around the cat and would then go lay down and ignore her. One morning, I took my daughter to school, and when I came home Hershey was in Jessie's bedroom (that I know I shut tight) and poor Jessie was in severe distress. Jessie died before I could get her to our vet. Prey drive... I explained it away because of a dog's prey drive.
The next evening when someone came to the door, the sweet, quiet Hershey that never barked went barreling for the front door barking. As my husband reached to stop her, she tried to bite him.
That was the last straw. After extensive talks with everyone on the Crossroads' board and our vets, it was decided that Hershey needed to be put to sleep. Our liability would just be too great so we could not adopt her out. Plus, our energies could be used focusing on adoptable dogs.
Hershey brought us 12 beautiful babies that will be loved and spoiled in their furrever homes. While to a rescuer it feels like we let Hershey down, for the community we know we did the right thing.
RIP Hershey - 4/23/2011
Oh dear Sammie... This adorable little girl came to us very sick. Our board member, Abby, has a special place in her heart for Jack Russells, so we truly wanted to fight for this girl. We knew she had just been diagnosed with diabetes at the tender age of six years old. This could be manageable.
We got her to the vet the morning after she came in, and the doctor took one look at her blood work from the previous vet and said, "She is REALLY sick." Diabetes AND pancreatitis. He believed we could try to save her, but also laid out how difficult it might be due to the pancreatitis. Abby and I wanted to fight. My daughter had bonded with her too, and she quickly became a special little girl to us.
As updates came in through the weekend, we gained hope that maybe she would make it. Monday morning the vet re-ran blood work - not good. Her white blood cell count was still through the roof after two and a half days on IV fluids and antibiotics. She was vomiting again, but again... Dr. Shain was willing to fight.
Today I took our newest momma dog in to be checked out. One of the other doctors laid it on the line for me regarding Sammie - plain and simple: There is no way we could ever take her home. She would die a painful death within a couple days. Her blood sugar this morning was 480 (normal is between 80-120). White blood cell count was 28,000 and amylase was 18,000 (high end of normal is 950!).
We needed to let her go.
Again, after talking with my incredible rescue team, we let Sammie go where she would be pain free and able to run and play again. Dear Sammie-girl, you will not be forgotten.
RIP Sammie - 5/3/2011
Finally there is a sweet Callie - our newest momma. No she is not dying. However at her vet check-up today we found that she has an old break in her back, left leg that didn't heal right. She does not seem in too much pain, but does not put much weight on it. We will do an x-ray during her spay to see if there is anything we can do. Then there was the heartworm test... Positive. Ugh. Crossroads has never had a heartworm positive dog yet... our luck ran out. This is treatable, but it is a long, expensive road.
For now there is nothing we can do while Callie is nursing. She will start on antibiotics once the puppies are weaned. A month later she will be hospitalized for 3 days for injections. Then she will have to be kept very calm and quiet - no running, jumping, or excitement for more than SIX weeks. She won't be very happy with us, but it will be necessary as the worms leave her heart/lungs and are absorbed by the body.
Lesson to be learned? PLEASE keep your dogs on heartworm prevention!!!
In the midst of all these challenges, we have seen 17 puppies go to their furrever homes!!! Congratulations to our babies and their wonderful adoptive families! One more little girl will probably go home Thursday, leaving three of Hershey's babies left - 2 boys and a girl.
Thank you to every single one of our adopters, supporters, friends and fans. We cannot do this difficult, yet extremely rewarding business without you.
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