Hello Puppers ~
I had the pleasure of meeting up with Luke at Petco today. He definitely seems in better spirits, but does still tire easily. He is such a nice guy. He still has a bit of a cough, but not nearly as bad as it once was (according to his foster Mum). He made the trip to Petco with his foster brother, Zeke. Luke could only stay for a little while before he had to go rest in the car. He will be going to get his chest x-ray and follow up vet visit this week. We’re hoping for good news…

Also, had a chance to check in with Radar. He wasn’t at Petco, but his foster Mum was. She reports that he is doing well. He has a great appetite and is being a very good patient, taking all of his medications. Later this week, he’ll be evaluated to see if he really does have degenerative myelopathy.

Check back soon for updates!

~ Scout

Hello Puppers ~
As we were getting ready for dinner on Saturday night, we got a call from a shelter we have worked closely with for years. They had an emergency and they were hoping that we could help them.

A “rescue” had come to the shelter and pulled 2 dogs. One of the dogs was a pup named Igor who was a senior that was horribly matted. The “rescue” gave Igor a badly needed haircut and took both dogs to the vet. During that vet visit, the “rescue” was told that Igor was unadoptable because he had a giant mass on his hind leg, age related health issues (arthritis and some bad teeth) and had been diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy. What happened next is unfathomable. The “rescue” left the vet and drove back to the shelter to return Igor. Anyone that has ever been involved with rescue knows that returning a senior dog with health issues to the shelter is essentially a death sentence.

As soon as we heard what had happened, we said “how soon can we get him?” Volunteer, Dave C., got in his car Sunday morning and drove to the shelter to pick up our newest family member. He was a wonderful passenger and greeted Dave with gentle kisses.

We could not believe the size of the tumor when we first saw it. We totally understood how the poor guy was having difficulty walking. The pack welcomed him and he even tried playing a few times. We decided that Igor was not a fitting name for this guy, so we chose to change his name to Radar (have you seen those ears???).

After consultation yesterday with the vet, Radar’s surgery was scheduled for today. The mass was removed, as well as his male parts (neuter). We are hopeful that the mass is benign and we should find out in about a week.

The surgery went well without complications and Radar was able to return to the Farm today for crate rest and recovery.

We are so grateful that we were able to give Radar a second chance. Welcome Radar!

~ Scout

On January 19th, Luke and his sibeling Dora made their way to MaPaw foster homes. We had originally been contacted by the shelter where they were residing because both pups were quite shy and the shelter felt rescue would be their best chance. We were making arrangements to bring the pair into rescue when we got the call we were dreading ~ the shelter had an emergency and needed Dora and Luke out immediately. Our volunteers sprung into action and soon were on their way to pick up the pair.

When our volunteers picked them up, it was clear that Luke was quite ill and Dora seemed under the weather as well. Both were taken for immediate vet care. It was determined that both suffered from kennel cough, hook worms and whip worms. Luke and Dora were prescribed antibiotics for the kennel cough and Panacur for the worms.

On Wednesday (January 25th) afternoon, Dora was taken back to the vet because she was lethargic. The doctor administered some fluids and started her on another antibiotic. After the fluids, Dora was in better spirits and seemed more comfortable. Very early Thursday morning, Dora took a turn for the worse. Before she could be rushed to the emergency vet, Dora left this earth in the arms of her foster Mum blanketed by love and tears. We were robbed of the opportunity to get to know her and the joy of helping her find her forever home.

In the few short days we had to spend with Dora, she quickly formed bonds with her foster Mum and Dad. She was shy, yet would sneak a gentle kiss when you weren’t looking. Devastated doesn’t even begin to describe how we all feel. We are grateful that she knew love and knew that people cared for her before she left us so quickly.

Because of Dora’s quick passing, we watched Luke for any change in his condition. Our worst fears were realized just yesterday afternoon when his breathing became labored. He was rushed to emergency care and admitted immediately. Chest x-rays revealed that our poor boy suffered from pneumonia. IV fluids and several antibiotic injectables were administered. All we could do was wait and hope that he would be okay. Finally this morning, the update from the hospital was good news. Luke no longer had a fever, no longer had difficulty breathing and the best news ~ he could return to his foster home! His appetite has returned and he is now resting comfortably at his foster home.

Luke has a long way to go in his recovery, but we are ecstatic that he is making improvements. He will have a follow up in 2 weeks to have another chest x-ray done and to assess his progress.

Dora ~ You left us far too soon. We are so very grateful for the time we got to spend with you. Your gentle, sweet kisses are sorely missed and you have left your paw on our hearts. Wear your silver harness proudly, dear friend.

Hello Puppers ~
We have wonderful news to share tonight… Mason found his furever home!!!

We had originally been contacted about Mason when he was just a little pup of 4 months. The shelter he was residing at didn’t feel he was ready for adoption and felt rescue was his best option. Young Mason needed to learn his manners and understand his boundaries.

His foster family worked with Mason and soon he was ready to begin his furever home search. Mason was adopted to a home with another Sibe boy. Sadly, his family’s lifestyle changed and they felt it would be best for Mason to come back to MaPaw.

His foster family welcomed him back and again, Mason began his search for his furever home. When we were contacted by a family that had adopted from MaPaw before, we couldn’t wait for Mason to meet them. And just as we thought ~ it was love at first sight for everyone!

Yesterday, Mason officially joined his new family. His foster family was very sad to see him go, but they know that he will be one spoiled pup as he deserves.

Congratulations Mason!!!

~ Scout

On January 16th, our beloved Daisy sadly lost her battle with bone cancer.

Daisy had been with MaPaw for almost 2 years having been abandoned at a shelter when her family moved and left her behind. At the age of 14 years, she was confused and longed for her family. When the shelter contacted us, we quickly made arrangements to bring her in.

It didn’t take long for her to get comfortable and make herself at home. Soon, her personality and the attitude we all came to love started to shine through. Nicknamed the “Tank”, Daisy would make her way through without concern of what was going on around her or what she was walking through.

When she was first diagnosed we were devastated, but we knew we needed to make her as comfortable as possible and make the most of the time we had left with her. Near the end, she spent her time resting on blankets and wrapped in towels that were fresh from the dryer. Her canine friend, Chloe, laid next to her most days keeping her company.

She became very tired and her movements became painful for her. That’s when we realized that she was letting us know it was time. Surrounded by love and showered with tears, Daisy passed peacefully and quickly.

Daisy ~ Wear your silver harness proudly as you dance among the stars, free of pain. You are an amazing soul and you will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to know you. You have left your paw on many hearts and we mourn our loss, but celebrate your life.

We love you Daisy!

~ Scout

Good evening Friends ~
I have some very sad news to share. Yesterday, MaPaw lost another beloved member of our family.

Maxie had been found abandoned in a foreclosed and empty home. Our best guess is that her family moved in a hurry and rather than make arrangements for Maxie, they left her behind to fend for herself. Luckily someone found her and she made her way to MaPaw at the age of 14 years.

During her initial veterinary exam, it was discovered that Maxie had a tumor on her liver. The doctor felt that it was most likely cancerous and we chose to make Maxie a permanent resident of MaPaw. Soon after, Maxie moved to her foster home that she called home for the last 2 years.

Recently, Maxie had begun to slow down and her foster Mum did all she could to make sure that Maxie was comfortable. Yesterday, it became clear that Maxie was tired. Surrounded by love and showered with tears, Maxie passed peacefully.

Dearest Maxie ~ you are now free of pain. Dance among the stars and know that you will be missed. You have touched many hearts and we are all so very sad that you are gone. Candles are lit and many are waiting to welcome you.

~ Scout

Hello Puppers ~
It has been some time since our last post, but I have added to my list of New Year’s resolutions to update our blog more often.

Here’s a fun fact (or 2) ~ during 2011, MaPaw brought 62 pups into our foster homes and helped 51 pups find their furever homes! We are looking forward to helping many, many more in 2012.

We thought the best way to begin the year would be with an adoption. Then we decided to top that by doing 3 adoptions in 1 weekend. Sounds great, right? What if 2 of those girls are now sibelings with a wonderful family?

We started the weekend with Luna being adopted on Saturday. Luna joined her MaPaw foster home when changes caused her family to no longer be able to care for her.

Then on Sunday, Meadow and Shelby went for a car ride. Meadow originally joined MaPaw in February 2011 with her sister, Brooke. After Brooke was adopted, Meadow continued her search for the perfect furever home. Shelby came to MaPaw in August 2011, after her family felt that she needed our help with socialization and confidence. Her foster family worked with her for months until they felt she was ready to begin her search. Both girls had represented MaPaw at several meet and greets.

While these girls hadn’t lived in the same foster home, they enjoyed each other’s company. After meeting both girls, their family decided that both girls were home and we couldn’t be happier for Shelby and Meadow!

After all, we all know that Huskies are better in pairs…

Good luck to Luna, Meadow and Shelby! We are looking forward to lots of great updates!

~ Scout

Age: 11 Months
Sex: Male
Size: Average

Congratulations Kiernan!!!

Kiernan is a very handsome red and white puppy who is approximately 11 months old. His owner realized he didn’t have the time and attention for Kiernan that he so deserved and asked us to help him find a perfect home.

Kiernan is a happy and goofy young Siberian who loves everyone and has charmed his way into his foster home. We are getting to know this youngster and would love to tell you more about him.

If you are looking for a new companion that will be by your side for years to come, please ask us about Kiernan. He is looking forward to a new forever family and a fantastic New Year in 2012!

[smooth=id:153;]

Age: 6 – 7 Years
Sex: Female
Size: Average

Congratulations Huli!!!

Huli is a 6 – 7 year old female Siberian Husky mix that is one easy going gal. This sweetheart is low energy and has a very important job ~ keeping the couch from going anywhere!

Huli came in overweight and very low key. Her foster mom has her on a weight management plan and we are proud to say our pretty girl is shedding the pounds. Not only that, but she is also becoming more active and much happier. She now enjoys running for a ball, walks and car rides. She is very well behaved and trustworthy in the house (especially when she tends to stay on “her” couch). Huli loves people and is good with other dogs her size or larger, but no smaller dogs please.

If you are looking for a new friend to share good times and good movies, Huli may be the perfect match for you!

[smooth=id:152;]