Jacki - A Christmas Miracle

Afer Jacki's owner died last year her remaining family gave her to a dog breeder who put her in a barn, in a cage and there she lived. From a warm home to a cold cage, from belly rubs to fear - how traumatized she must have been.

Just before Thanksgiving, the breeder contacted a rescuer and offered her Jacki. In the process of putting Jacki in the crate for transport, Jacki, who was terrified, bit her rescuer and the nightmare began.

The rescuer, who has a low immune system, ended up in the hospital with a severe infection and Jacki was being cared for by friends. Somewhere along the way, animal control picked up Jacki and took her to the shelter and placed her in quarantine. Since she was originally destined to come into a rescue group one of the members called the shelter to check on her. The person answering the phone said Jacki would be euthanized as soon as her quarantine was up. The subject was closed. It didn't matter there was a licensed rescue who wanted to take Jacki and place her in an experienced foster home where she would live out her days. Jacki would be euthanized. Period. No discussion, no reprieve. Dead - because that was what was best for Jacki. A second call elicited the same response from a second person. Jacki was going to die because that is what was best for her. End of discussion.

Those of us who do rescue understand that we can't save them all, but sometimes, a certain dog will touch us in a way we can't explain. Rescue friends called the shelter asking them to reconsider, polite emails were sent asking for a reprieve and the staff at the shelter was adamant - Jacki would die because that was what was best for her.

Another person called the shelter and a kinder person answered the phone. The call was transferred to the Director who explained Jacki had been badly neglected. She was old, had cataracts, long toe nails, lumps on her body, and she was terrified. He was outraged on Jacki's behalf - no dog should ever be treated the way she had been treated; the family sent her to the shelter and asked to have her put down. Ahhhh, now we understood - so the person explained Jacki's real history and begged to let her go to the rescue where she would stay as a forever foster in one home with one experienced owner - please just let us prove who we are.

And the Director listened. He agreed to research the rescue if they would fax a current license from the state, another rescue person did so immediately. More calls, more emails, more time - a decision would be made on Monday. The only available driver was several hours from the shelter so Monday morning, with an absolute belief that the Director would do what was best for Jacki, the journey of a thousand miles began. A call was made to the shelter to tell them a rescuer was on the way and they were told - "No decision had been made - there's no guarantee the dog will be released to you." Faith, either you believe in miracles or you don't - the driver did, "I'm on my way, I'll call again later." "It's your choice," was the response. Yet is it. The driver kept going.

Two and a half hours into the trip, the driver's phone rang - "Where are you? What state? Your dog is here waiting for you!" said Judy, the kind lady who had originally put the call through to the Director several days ago. "I'm still a few hours away, but I'm coming, thank you, thank you!" Calls went out to fellow rescuers - "Yes! Yes! We can have her! I'm on my way!" Word spread, prayers of thanks stormed heaven!

The driver met a rescue friend closer to the shelter who led the way and the two went inside to pick up Jacki. The Director was unavailable but he had left word to release Jacki to the driver. Robin, the ACO who greeted the two rescuers clearly was not happy the dog was going to be released. Robin was rude, overbearing and insulting. She had nothing good to say about the rescue group or the rescuers who worked so hard to save Jacki's life. The two rescuers listened, one of them was even polite, the goal was to get Jacki out of there, not educate a fool. Papers were signed, a much reduced fee was paid (thanks to a kind Director) and then Jacki was brought out, placed in the driver's vehicle and as soon as politely possible, the two rescue people left. The minute the driver left the shelter property a call was placed to her foster mom - "I've got her, she's safe!" Joy, relief and love came through the phone- "Thank God" said her foster mom. Indeed, Thank God!

Jacki spent a safe, peaceful night at the driver's home and the next morning jumped right into the vehicle when asked. The last leg of her journey began - perhaps she knew she was going home. When the driver and foster mom met several hours later, Jacki put her paws in her new Mom's lap and gave her a kiss. I think Jacki knew - like hearts recognized each other.

Jacki was neglected, terrified, and miserable yet there was something about her that called out to a little rescue group a thousand miles away. Rescue people from all over the country worked on her behalf with calls, emails, providing requested paperwork and sending prayers. The right person answered the phone at the right time. The Director agreed to listen, he investigated and agreed to release her to the rescue group.

At the end of the trip, the driver added up the miles - 1027 miles in two days. Quite a journey for such a little dog - but not so far when you consider that Jacki's release was a Christmas Miracle given to a little rescue group that steadfastly believes in them.

Jacki is safe, she is no longer terrified. She is home. She is our Christmas Miracle.

A few of my Favorite things. . . .

Ellen DeGeneres, what is there to say? She is smart, funny and quick witted. She keeps me in stitches and I try to catch her show as often as possible. (She's on during the dogs regular outside play time so sometimes I'm running back & forth between the TV & the yard.) Her "O, Yes I can" campaign to get on the cover of O Magazine was hilarious (and successful!) You can watch scenes from the photo shoot on her website this week: www.ellen.warnerbros.com. It is a fun video to watch and Ellen's humor and Oprah's good nature come through. Take a peek.

While watching Bravo's The Actor's Studio yesterday, the audience (including me) was treated to a visit with Hilary Swank - two time Oscar winner and all around nice person. You can see part of the program here: www.bravotv.com/inside-the-actors-studio.

The story of another facinating person is the subject of an upcoming Swank movie - Betty Ann Waters, who was a high school drop out when her brother was falsely accused and convicted of murder. Betty Ann worked her way through college and law school so she could take up her brother's defense. He spent 18 years in prison shile she earned her law degree and helped free him through DNA evidence. Amazing story.

And last but not least, I enjoy a good laugh - I hope you do too - from the Reader's Digest Website, read about the world's dumbest criminals: http://tinyurl.com/y9k6cu6

November Blessings. . . .

I love fall - definitely my favorite season. Today, the sun was out and there was a little nip in the air. The dogs all went outside and played for a bit this morning while I went around cleaning up the yard. I get such a kick out of them when I'm walking around pooper scooping and they line up behind me and follow me through the yard. I feel like the pied piper. lol

The dogs in the photo to the left are Prince, the Devil Dog (Maltese in upper left corner), Gaylin the Yorkie, Mason the Magnificent slightly behind Gaylin, Callie the Chihuahua and Joey, the Maltese in front.

I am so thankful to the rescue that took Joey the little Maltese and when they determined they couldn't keep him, contacted me and sent him back. Joey is a great little dog with a lot of medical problems and to the uninitiated, a disconcerting growly way of talking. I'm not really sure what happen but I suspect the way he talks caught them off guard and they thought he was doing an angry dog growl and that frightened them. Fear is so easy to communicate to a dog and once they know you are fearful, it's difficult to get them to mind.

We have a very stable pack of dogs here and I've gotten used to watching them to see how they react. If no one pays attention to a growl, I know it's Joey's way of communicating and not a threat or warning. If one of my dogs goes on alert, I immediately stop Joey's behavior with a finger snap and a no growl command. He settles down right and gets a head scratch as a reward and off we go to the next adventure. The rescue group who had him is known to euthanize dogs they consider biters so I am glad he was sent back to us. He is not a biter, just a dog who needs positive reinforcement to understand how to behave.

Well, it's about time to feed the pack so I'm off for the next adventure.

Issue 2 in Ohio - Why I changed my mind. . . .

After going back & forth for two months on Issue 2, initially in favor of it passing - I have come to the conclusion this issue needs a resounding NO!

At the end of the day, it has to be about the animals. I am not amused by the politics that took place regarding how this issue came to be proposed - IMO both sides need a crack along side the head.

I often disagree with HSUS, but creating a board to set livestock standards specifically to thwart them is foolish. It it were an advisory board with no specific authority other than to make recommendations, I might be more agreeable. Under the proposed change to the Ohio Constitution no one (not the governor, the legislators or the voters) has direct oversight of this 13 member board and that is a bad thing. All of us need to be accountable and a 13 member board with no oversight is a disaster in the making.

I'm not prepared to give up my right to demand humane treatment for animals in this state because the Ohio Farm Bureau and the HSUS got into a p*ssing contest. It's not about HSUS or OFB - it's about the animals - and that's why I'm voting no on issue 2.

Three mom's view of Kayne West. . . .

I'm a Mom and a Grandmom. Until yesterday, I had never heard of Kayne West. I'm not big on rap and I rarely pay attention to who's who in the current young people's music scene. But Kayne West's interuppting Taylor Swift the other night at the VMA awards is something even I heard about.

Foolish, rude, poor judgement - those descriptions all fit. Intentionally unkind or hurtful? No, I don't think so.

I think a young man who apparently has made a name for making outrageous comments about those big enough to not be hurt, made a foolish mistake. I think his desire to praise Beyonce came without thought that he was being hurtful to Taylor Swift. It was only after he handed the mircophone back to Taylor Swift that the impact of his actions seemed to hit him.

I watched him on Jay Leno last night and he fumbled, he seemed unsure of himself, but he was very clear that what he did was wrong and that he was sorry, and that he is ashamed. He apologized for his actions and said he hopes this will help him to become a better man. And you know what? I believe him. I don't know him from Adam, but I am a Mom and a Grandmom - we are pretty good at recognizing when someone is sincere. I think he is. I hope he reaches out to Taylor Swift personally and apologizes.

She has already shown what a gracious young lady she is, I think she will accept his apology. As my youngest daughter said earlier today - Ms Swift's Mom raised her right. After watching Leno last night, I think Mr. West's Mom did too. Kayne - call her - you'll feel better and so will your mom.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvR8lFfYdDw

Why Animal Welfare folks are still angry with Vick. . . .

The Philadelphia Eagles signed Michael Vick. The NFL will give him a second chance to play football. The HSUS, hoping to profit from the vicious, brutal way in which Vick killed the pit bulls in his care has worked out a supporting role in Vick's "rehabilitation." HSUS would be the same group that solicited funds on behalf of the remaining dogs while demanding they all be killed. Of course HSUS will advocate on behalf of Vick. They understand the general public donates money to them because they think those funds are actually going to help dogs in their local humane societies. HSUS knows it doesn't matter if the publicity is good or bad - the more times their name is in the paper or reported on the news the more dollars flow to their bank account.

I'd guess the Eagles feel pretty much the same. There have been hundreds of news reports regarding their signing Michael Vick, lots of free publicity and they are probably holding to the belief that the general public will forgive Michael Vick once he scores a touchdown or two. Sadly, they may be right but I hope that the ticket sales for the Eagles plummet. I hope that football fans decide a man who tortures animals and shows no remorse is not a fit role model for them or their children.

Vick served 18 months in a federal penitentiary, he feels he paid his debt to society. He said: "For the life of me I can't understand why I was involved in such a pointless activity. Why did I risk so much at the pinnacle of my career?" He went on to state, "There was a point in my life where I felt it was wrong and I knew it was wrong. To this day I live with the shame and the embarrassment." In response to a question about those who are angry and not ready to forgive him, he said: "I understand to a certain degree, but our country is a country of second chances. I paid my debt to society, I spent two years in prison. That was a humbling experience. I can't explain how deeply hurt and how sorry I was."

So why, after Vick served time and made these statements, are animal welfare advocates so angry? I can't speak for others, but I can tell you why I am angry.

Every statement Michael Vick makes is about himself, how he was hurt or embarrassed or humbled. He talks about what he lost, what the impact was to him. Me, me, me. When has he acknowledged that he tortured and viciously brutalized the dogs who did not live up to the standards imposed on the dogs he used in dog fights?

This man did more than participate in a dog fighting ring. He tortured and brutalized the losers. He laughed and joked while they suffered horribly by his hand. He participated and enjoyed the torture of dogs that were restrained and couldn't break free to run or to protect themselves. The reason so many of us are so angry and do not believe he is sorry is because he actively chose to torture and brutalize these dogs. He has never acknowledged the horror of what he did. His words always refer back to the impact on his life, the money he lost, the embarrassment he felt, the time he spent in prison, the fact that he believes he is entitled to a second chance. He is sorry he was caught, but is he sorry he tortured helpless, restrained dogs and clearly enjoyed their suffering?

I was raised a good little Catholic girl. I was taught not to judge. I really have tried to forgive Michael Vick. I will keep trying. I will try to get the images of the torture he inflicted on those dogs out of my head. Sadly, it seems to be more difficult for me, who only read the police reports, to forget what Michael Vick did to those dogs than it is for him - the person who committed the atrocities. And make no mistake - that is the crux of the matter - Michael Vick personally and with great relish inflicted atrocities on the dogs in his care. How could he? Perhaps even more important is: Why did he?

Michael Vick is partnering with HSUS, the same group who solicited donations that never went to the survivors of his brutality. Instead they actively promoted killing the remaining Vick dogs. He continues to make bad judgements with regard to animal welfare. Michael Vick and HSUS both see this as an opportunity to line their pockets and increase their bank accounts at the expense of the tortured, brutalized, murdered dogs in his care and that is why animal welfare people are so angry! Once again, the innocent dogs are being exploited. Second chance my *ss!

Michael Vick - In the best of all possible worlds . . .

I don't like Michael Vick and I abhor the abuse and cruelty he inflicted on the dogs in his care. He fought dogs, he horribly tortured those who did not meet whatever sick standards he and those who participated in the whole mess had for these dogs.

I don't excuse him, I don't think it was right, I don't forgive him. Let's get that clear right up front. I don't care if he gets drummed out of the NFL (although in fairness, I could care less about any sport activity so that also plays a part in my thought process), I don't care if he never touches a football again. I thought it was good and proper that he went to prison and would not have objected to him still being in prison. The man tortured dogs in the most horrible way before they finally died. Inexcusable does not begin to cover it.

I should also mention that I'm none too pleased with the HSUS and PETA who both staunchly wanted all the remaining dogs put down and fought against giving them a chance. That becomes important because in the best of all possible worlds - I think they need to keep out of the remaining controversy of Michael Vick and his infamous treatment of the dogs on his property.

That said, here's what I would like to happen "in the best of all possible worlds." I would like to see Michael Vick get it. I don't think he does yet (but maybe I'm wrong as it is hard for me to be objective.) I would like to see Michael Vick talk to the good ole boys who did not think what he did was so bad and tell them why he was wrong. I would like to hear him say that dog fighting is wrong and why he now believes that. I would like to hear him discuss the torture and abuse he inflicted on the dogs and acknowledge the horror of it, the wrongness of it, the evilness of it. And I want to hear him tell those who still think dog fighting is okay why they are wrong. I want to hear him say - I was wrong.

I understand he went to prison, paid his debt to society, lost his endorsements, is now bankrupt, lost his home & his money & his career. I get that. But he committed a crime and criminals lose or should lose the "high life" lifestyle. Supporters may consider it unfair, I consider it justice.

I'll even buy that in many areas of the country dog fighting is a way of life and people grow up thinking it is acceptable - I'll buy that as an excuse (true or not) for Michael Vick - if he can convince me that he now understands the horror of what he did. And if he really gets it, then I want him to use his voice and whatever influence he has with the red-necks and other good ole boys to educate them. They won't listen to people like us, maybe they will listen to one of their own. But he can only get through to them if he really gets what he did. I don't want to hear content prepared by a speech writer or PR person or marketing representative.

I want to hear Michael Vick stand up and say: "I was so terribly wrong and I am so sorry. Regardless of what my future brings, I will work to end dog fighting, animal abuse, animal cruelty and testify at legislative hearings detailing how low mankind can go and why we need laws to protect the animals. I can't undo the harm I did to the dogs in my care but I will work to prevent it from happening to other dogs."

And if he actually does that, if he actually shows that he gets it, and he actively does what he can to protect other dogs from people like him (or how he says he used to be) - then and only then will I believe he is entitled to another chance to play football or whatever he wants to do in the public eye. I don't begrudge him making a living, I begrudge the lives lost because of his cruelty. Michael Vick gets a second chance - the dogs he tortured, mutilated and killed died horrible deaths. While that can't be undone - in the best of all possible worlds, who better than Michael Vick to tell the story and champion the dogs still held prisoner as fighting dogs through out the country?

A Tale of Two Graduations. . . .

We attended two graduations in the past few weeks. One with over 200 students graduating high school, the other with 29 students receiving their GED. Both were attended by family, friends, and well wishers. Both were composed of graduates glad to be through with the requirements and relieved at completing this part of their life's journey, graduates in both wore caps, gowns and huge smiles.



Students at both ceremonies had faced adversity. Some came from a homeless environment, some fought drugs and alcohol - either themselves or dealt with it in their families, some struggled to comprehend the material they needed to master, others breezed through barely cracking a book. Some were financially comfortable, others barely had food on the table. Most of us really don't know what goes on behind closed doors.



Speakers at both ceremonies spoke of the future, the possibilities, they tasked the graduates with going forward and finding their dreams. One ceremony included the class valedictorians giving short speeches, the other gave each student a few minutes to speak. Each, in their own way, recognized the hard work, the effort, the desire, by the graduates to reach this milestone.



Was one ceremony better than the other? No, they were both a celebration of the graduates, a recognition of their accomplishments, an affirmation that by hard work and perseverence, success was obtainable. We enjoyed both ceremonies, celebrated the accomplishments of the graduates and wish only the best for all of the graduates.



The ceremony that touched my heart the most, was the Godman Guild GED graduation. As each graduate was called to receive their diploma, a few words were spoken about each person - then the graduate made a few comments. Each of these folks, for one reason or another, had dropped out of high school and did not graduate with their class. Some had no choice - their home life did not permit them to continue with school, some simply did not fit into the academic environment, some did not think school was important when they were teens - the reasons vary but the end result was the same, they all became high school drop outs. The class of 2009 beat the odds, they went from drop outs to graduates. One of the graduates said "I'm so proud of myself today." I didn't know her, but I too am proud of her accomplishment. So was everyone who attended. Watching all of these young people bask in well deserved success was a pleasure.

The 2009 graduates at both ceremonies have a right to be proud, they all set a goal to graduate and they all succeeded. Congratulations!

The Obama's Puppy. . . .

I rescue dogs. I prefer to work with puppy mill dogs, but I'll help any that I can. Sometimes I transport from one place to another. Sometimes I foster until a forever home can be found. Sometimes I hold a dog until a rescue can be located to help it. Most times I am genuinely proud of the rescue community. They do amazing, loving, essential work. Overall, rescue people are good people. But every now and again, I am saddened by behavior in the community.

The announcement this week regarding the "First Dog" is one of those occassions. The Obama family did everything right, they researched the breeds that were considered least likely to create problems for a daughter with allergies, they checked shelters and rescues, they talked to owners of the breed, and they accepted a puppy as a gift from Senator Kennedy when the puppy was returned to the breeder.

Yes, it is a purebreed and no, they did not adopt from a shelter. This is a nice family who have added a rambunctious dog to their family and their active lifestyle. A local shelter received a donation from the Obama's and the public will get to watch the trials and tribulations as the family works with a trainer so they all learn to help Bo be the dog he is meant to be. The discussions that have occurred about adopting from shelters or rescues will help lead the public to adopt dogs from these havens. Watching the exploits of Bo and the first family will help others learn to be responsible pet owners.

Like most in rescue, I would have loved to see the Obama's adopt a dog from a shelter or a rescue group. It would have sent a strong message to the public. As sometimes happens, what we want and what we get are not always the same. It's time for rescue to get over their snit.

It seems counter productive to speculate on what the Obama's "should have done." The First Dog is here, he's adorable and clearly going to be a handful. I look forward to watching the adventures of Bo and the Obama family. From watching Bo's introduction yesterday, it looks like it's going to be a fun year! Welcome home Bo!

When it's too cold to go to the Gazebo. . .

The View From the Gazebo is pretty darn cold today, snow is expected over the weekend. Yuk! Nevertheless, life is good. As you can see from the video, the SR's are happy and enjoying life. Wouldn't it be great if all dogs everywhere were as safe and happy as this crew?

A Tempest in a Teapot

President Obama's new blackberry type phone has the public tittering. The announcement that a small group of senior staff and personal friends would have access to the President's email & phone resulted in status seekers whining they should be included on the list. Some disgruntled Americans are accusing the President of deception - using the device to bypass the FOIA. Others are concerned about the President's safety, the possibility of a security breach, hackers gaining access to classified information.

Is everyone forgetting this is the man who, prior to becoming President, has always used a blackberry? Was his phone compromised when he was a senator and had less security? Do you really think the President is going to send and receive messages that would compromise national security?

Our 44th President has a better understanding of technology than his predecessors and agreed to compromises recommended by the Secret Service and National Security Agency. He wants to stay in touch with personal friends and a few select members of his senior staff. The public is making too big a deal out of this. It has become a tempest in a teapot!

Those who are concerned about the GPS capabilities of the phone should consider that the President and their family members have been tracked via similar technology for years. This is nothing new. The FOIA concerns have been dealt with, all Presidential communications will be preserved, all personal communications will be exempt - exactly the way all other communications are treated.

What surprises me the most is why this is such an issue. Is it a result of the news media making it into a story? Is it the result of segments of our society that just want to fuss and complain? Or maybe it's because the country is in turmoil at the moment. Every day brings news of additional lay-offs, the stock market has not recovered, personal and government debt is high, the war in Iraq and the safety of our soldiers is a national concern, thousands of Americans have no health insurance - the list goes on. The offered solutions are complex, debated and argued and no single plan seems optimum.

Most of us don't have a solution to the global economic crisis or how to put our people back to work or the key to stabilizing the economy. We may have opinions on the problems facing our nation, but answers, solutions - not so much.

Should the President use a secure blackberry type device? The answer is a straight forward yes or no. Maybe that's the draw. . . . finally an answer the American people can understand.

Hope and change - the lesson of the Mill Dogs. . .

It's cold in Ohio, several inches of snow and freezing temperatures are enough to keep us inside. No Gazebo today but the view is pretty good on the inside. We've been watching the events leading up to the Inauguration on TV and are warmed by the message and feeling of Unity and Hope. Change is in the air and it is a good feeling.

Mason & I were chatting - mill dogs make the best listeners - and we think this administration has a lot of challenges ahead but we believe with hard work and the support of the American people solutions will be found. We don't think it will happen in a month or even a year. Turning the economy around, ending a war, providing health care for all Americans, re-establishing America's role as a global leader - all of these will take time, sacrifice and hard work from all of us.

Those of us who work with mill dogs are used to this - we have learned the lessons of the mill dogs. They have taught us that regardless of how bad the conditions are, how sick or injured or afraid they are, with time, patience, hard work and hope, they will turn around. They teach us that progess may seem slow, that sometimes a step forward is followed by two steps back. They teach us what it means to persist, to believe, to accept what is now but to hope for what can be. They teach us that progress comes slowly, sometimes in very small steps sometimes it seems like nothing is happening, but then the hard work, patience, and sacrifice pays off. One day we see a step forward and then another and another and before you know it - a mill dog is rehabilitated. We take these dogs in because we want to give them hope and a better life. In the process they teach us to be better people, more patient, more understanding, more forgiving.

Over the next few years, I hope we all remember the lesson of the mill dogs. They learn to trust, to forgive, to love and they become the best they can be. Mason said he wishes the same for our citizens.