The Final Chapter for Zepp - His Very Own Forever!

By Meaghen J.

Why I foster: I foster to help the animals that cannot help themselves. That's it, in a sentence.

Why I failed: Zepp came to us a year ago beginning of August. He jumped out of that little car, came over and gave a very pushy how do you do! He then ran…and ran…and ran… that boy had an intense amount of energy. He also was what you would call a bad dog. Zepp had no manners, he jumped on EVERYONE and EVERYTHING! He would not walk on a leash and he slobbered uncontrollably. He was our first foster with MMDR and I thought to myself a time or two I cannot do this he is too much work and wanted to give him back. It was my father that reminded me that I made a commitment to this dog and that really struck a cord in me - yes I did. I said that I would take care of this dog as long as he needed, so many people had let him down and I was not going to be another one. Unfortunately Zepp had a run in with my daughter who was two years old, which involved jumping and stairs and resulting in her then being terrified of him. We had failed him. He went to a different foster for a while again and when I heard it was not working there we talked it over and asked for him back. He returned to us a short while later and that is when we became puppy wardens. We corrected everything we were really tough with him and he needed it because it was not long before people could drive into the yard without him jumping on their vehicle, then not jumping on kids, then sitting, not running at full speed and into people, laying down, bringing stuff back that he had taken (mitten's etc) and finally walking on a leash. He was our perfect dog; he protected the kids and was with them always going from room to room to kiss them all goodnight and being there when they needed someone to snuggle with in the morning. I had known for a long time in my heart he would be ours to love forever but it became official when my husband went to do some work in the tractor and Zepp was outside waiting for the invitation to jump in and go with (which he never got) and then it came... "Come on pup lets go finish the mix", Zepp ran so fast and jumped into that tractor with such momentum I knew that Zepp had then won over EVERYONE!

One thing I do want to put out there is for potential fosters to sit down and seriously think about fostering. These pups do need someone to be there for them through thick and thin and not to give up on them. Who knows what may come of it!

*Zepp has always been a rescue favourite! The entirely rescue was hoping that Meaghen and her family would Foster Fail with Zepp and they did! Zepp is so unbelievable popular that he needed his own Facebook page:http://www.facebook.com/pages/Zepp/287676631315847?ref=ts&sk=photos_stream

Since the adoption of Zepp Meaghan continues to foster for MMDR - you all will always be part of the Mutts family! 

Let Fix It! Spay & Neuter Your Pet

By MMDR

What It Is

Dairy wants you to keep animal
population control Top Of Mind!

Spay and Neutering is the removal of an animal's reproductive organ, either all of it or a considerably large part. Spay and Neutering is the most common sterilizing method in animals.

Benefits

In Canada and the United States, most humane societies, animal shelters and rescue groups urge pet owners to have their pets spayed or neutered to prevent the births of unwanted litters, contributing to the overpopulation of unwanted animals in the rescue system. Besides being a birth control method, neutering/spaying has the following health benefits:

• Reduces behaviors such as mounting, urine spraying and some forms of male aggression may be reduced due to the decrease in hormone levels brought about by neutering;
• Prevention of mammary tumors in female dogs;

 Treatment

In female animals, spaying involves abdominal surgery to remove the ovaries and uterus or just the ovaries. Spaying is performed commonly on household pets, as a method of birth control. In male animals, neutering involves the removal of the testes

Prevention

Manitoba has a very large dog over population problem. By spaying or neutering your dog you help to prevent more unwanted dogs in our communities. Approximately 250,000 cats and dogs enter shelters each year. Each year in Canada, approximately 80,000 cats and dogs are euthanized in shelters.A fertile dog can produce 2 litters per year. The average puppies in a litter are 6 - 10. One female dog and her offspring can theoretically produce 67,000 dogs in a 6-year period. 20% of dogs that enter shelters in Canada were euthanized in 2008.

Minnie Series - Part 1 "Minnie Gets a Second Chance"

By Mallory F.

The day we met Minnie is a day that we will never forget. We watched that wagging tail walk out of the vet office with her belly hanging to the ground. Minnie approached us with all the love she had to offer. Our new foster girl came from a northern community where she had severe burns on her back.... and she was ready to give birth any given day. She settled into her room, and immediately soaked in the love and care we had for her. Five days of sitting on pins and needles we anxiously awaited the birth of the Disney litter. Early morning on April 28th, we heard the first squeak and the long day had begun. After seeing the x-ray of her belly, we knew to expect a handful of at least 7 beautiful babies - however, after a panicked trip to the vet, a box of Kleenex and 12 hours since the first squeak, we now needed to name all 11 happy, healthy puppies! Minnie proved to be more amazing then anyone had ever given her credit for, and gave her 11 puppies all she had to offer even though she was going through so many things herself. The next few weeks flew by, and before we knew it Minnie and her babies were ready to go to their forever homes. It seemed hard to believe - but as we watched those puppies leave the house one by one, we knew we would never forget Minnie. We learned a lot about love and patience from her, and she will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Disney Babies 

Minnie Looking Much Better

Minnie's Burn Marks 

Keeping Your New Pooch Healthy

By MMDR

Just like humans, your dog needs regular medical care in order to stay healthy and happy. Here is a general check list of what is required when owning a dog:

• Yearly Check-Ups. All dogs should visit the vet at least once per year for a medical check. Dogs cannot tell us how they are feeling, so this regular vet visit will ensure there are not any major health concerns.

• Vaccines. Like all babies, dogs require vaccines in order to protect them from illness and help their immune systems develop.
- 6-8 Weeks: Distemper, measles, parainfluenza and deworming
- 10-12 Weeks: DHPP (distemper, parvo and parainfluenza)
- 12-24 Weeks: Rabies and Bordatella
- 14-16 Weeks: DHPP
- 12-16 Months: Rabies, DHPP
- Every 1 to 2 Years: DHPP, Bordatella
- Every 1 to 3 Years: Rabies

• Heartworm Prevention. Heartworm disease is a very serious life threatening disease that is transmitted through mosquitoes. It is life threatening and very difficult to treat, with treatment costing around $1500-$2000. It is however easy to prevent with regular heartworm prevention. For more information on heartworm please check out: http://mbmutts.blogspot.ca/2012/04/protecting-your-dog-against-heartworm.html 

• Spay and Neuter. Help control the animal population in your community by getting your dog spayed or neutered at six months of age. Getting your dog spayed/neutered is quick, easy and  affordable! For more information on Spay and neutering check out: http://mbmutts.blogspot.ca/2012/05/why-spay-or-neuter-you-dog.html

When you are ready to adopt a pup of your own, consider Maholo 

Or Consider Rust

My Foster Story - Poppa Cat meets Luna Dog

By Season Dennis

Luna 

I have always loved animals and have a soft spot for those that are in need. This is why I had looked for my first dog in an animal rescue.

I was introduced to Manitoba Mutts Dog Rescue (MMDR) via a friend’s Facebook page. The more I learnt the more I loved the rescue. I loved the fact that every dog did not get stuck in a kennel all day at the rescue but rather they are fostered in homes, trained and loved as if they were a part of a really family. Hence that is why I have adopted Luna (formally known as Brooke from Dolly's litter).

After this I felt strongly about helping in any way possible. I kept looking at the site and reading the Facebook updates as they had now felt as a part of my family as Luna is! I felt a desperate need to repay their support as they have been there through thick and thin. I not only adopted one of their rescues, they have in turn adopted me into the Mutts family.

Poppa Cat - perched high than Luna can reach!

I had tried to foster dogs and Luna was a little jealous and rough as she is still a puppy. We had to only been able to temp dogs for a short time. My boyfriend was discouraged and no longer wanted to help as he was happy just with our pup, but I felt a strong need to assist in any way possible as MMDR felt like family and they are my puppy support group.

So I bided my time and watched the Facebook page. I know that I would not be able to foster dogs at any point in time soon as my Luna was just too young. But then it came…an opportunity to help. There were a litter of kittens along with mom and dad cats that were treated poorly on the reserves. Momma and kittens would have been a dangerous mix with my pup so that was a no go. It was only when I heard Poppa's story did I really had to help no matter what.

Poppa Cat is very friendly and because of this it appears that he was taken advantage of and hurt. Apparently Poppa Cat would go up to humans to get comfort and pet. They would pick him up by his tail; and swing him around. I could not let him endure this and I knew that the momma and kittens would be saved but it was touch and go for Poppa.

As soon as I told my boyfriend Poppa's story and how sweet he was he was in. We made a plan to keep Poppa separated from Luna for a week or so as he was to be fixed just before we got him. That way he could get used to his surroundings without being chased and so that he could heal. Luna was very interest in him. After the week had passed we allowed Luna into Poppa's room (our computer room) but she had to lie down and go slow. If she stood up I took her out of the room until she lied down again. This went on for a bit. Then we opened the upstairs up to Poppa and had a baby gate at the base of the stairs so that Luna could not go up and Poppa had a bigger get away spot.

He started to come down on his own as he wanted to be pet and snuggled. But almost always Luna would chase him, and no matter how hard I tried I could not stop it. So I watched, "saved " Poppa when I could and let him come to us when he was ready.

I soon put Poppa's stuff in the basement so that he could have a bigger cooler space. Again we put up a baby gate. We kept his food on the main floor in a higher spot so that he would have to come up to feed. We let him on our dining room table and a microwave stand as an area to get away from the dog.

Poppa made the choice to test Luna more and more. He comes into our bedroom to snuggle at night, Poppa by our head and Luna by our feet. Our bed seemed to be home free, a neutral zone. Luna took the submissive roll as this is what I encourage her to do. Trying to give him toys and bones and following him. Finally after leaving them to do their own thing Luna was fed up and took a dominate roll. She took on a more motherly roll. She started cleaning him first thing in the morning in our bed. We would state "gentle" and make sure that she would not hurt him. After a while we encouraged Poppa stating in calming voice that it was okay and pet him while Luna cleaned.

Poppa still didn't want much to do with Luna and I thought for sure that this is as good as it will get. Poppa gives low growls bats (no claws) at Luna but she does not give up. Eventually one day to my surprise Poppa plopped himself on me while Luna was right at my side. I gave him snuggles and he was very comfortable. He started to come around more and more and sleeping closer and closer to Luna. Now he will sleep in Luna's spot when she is not there. I am hoping one day that they will snuggle side by side. For now I will settle for regular cleaning and being in the same room. The progress they have made has been great but they will have a way to go. If Poppa keeps this up we may just foster fail, lol!

Update: After I had written the above Luna and Poppa continue to make great progress with no interference except for a friendly reminder to Luna to be gentle. They have now twice cuddled with each other for an hour or so in the morning. The animals are making great progress on their own as we really have not done much except to make sure they don't hurt each other. Given some time I'm sure that they will be the best of friends!

Save the Best for Last

By MMDR
Running from Thursday, August 9th until Sunday August 18th, Manitoba Mutts Dog Rescue is launching our first Save the Best for Last campaign. Eleven of our adorable mutts will be featured in this campaign with the hopes to find them perfect forever homes. These puppies and dogs in particular are special as they are the last remaining from their litters. As a kick off for the campaign MMDR will be offering a special one time savings of $50 off the adoption fee for any of these dogs adopted during the span of the campaign. (Adoption process details http://manitobamutts.org/adopt.html) If you are interested in meeting any of our featured dogs they will be wagging their tails on Saturday at the St. Norbert Farmer's Market Adoption Fair http://www.facebook.com/events/222916574492852/ along with several other dogs and puppies looking for their forever homes.

In addition to featuring our Save the Best for Last feature dogs, we also will have merchandise for sale and Foster information on Saturday at the Adoption Fair. 

Featured Save the Best for Last Dogs:

Dylan Saunders, female Shepherd X born 4/1/2012, apx 60lbs full grown. 
Hi, I'm DYLAN SANDERS! I am such a super happy and sweet puppy that loves to cuddle and to just be by your side!

Grant, male Shepherd X born 3/23/12, apx 55-70lbs full grown.
Hi, I'm GRANT! I’m a little bit of a shy boy but I warm up to people quickly.  

Sugar, female Shepherd/Husky X born 4/13/2012, apx 40-50lbs full grown.
Hi Guys, I'm SUGAR!! I'm a Special girl with Special needs, you see I'm blind and partially deaf... but that doesn't slow me down!!  

RUBY  / Terrier Border Collie X / 40-50 lbs
Born: Dec 29, 2011 / Female
Hi there I'm RUBY! I am house and crate trained and I know how to sit and shake a paw. 

Remi is a fantastic dog who is doing wonderful in foster. He's medium sized collie X (about 55 lbs) who's just over a year old.

Lexy, 1 year old female Cocker Spaniel/Boxer X, apx 50lbs. 

Hi I’m Lexy! I’m a sweet and playful girl, looking for a family to call my own.  

Macey, female Shepherd X born 5/19/12, apx 50-70lbs full grown. Hi, Macey her! I'm a playful home excited to find my forever home!

MAYHEM | Cocker Spaniel/Boxer X | 55lbs
1 year old
I'm a really good boy who is very gentle and loves to give kisses.  

AZURE - Lab Husky X (female)
Born: April 15 / 2012
Hi I'm AZURE a fun loving girl that LOVES to Play and Cuddle!! 

Balu, male Lab X born 9/2011, apx 60lbs
Hi everyone! My name is Ballu and I’m a 9 month old lab X.  I came to MMDR with my brother and sisters from Morden where we were born. 

Anise, female Shepherd/Collie X born 3/20/2012
Hi, I'm Anise I would be a great addition to any family looking for a spunky new lovable member. 

Dior - My "Wild" Dog

By Cheryl J.

Dior Nice and Cozy

On February 13, 2012 a very pregnant an extremely stressed foster dog entered our lives.

She came from Berens River and lived under the Northern Store until it burned down. I was told she ran with a pack of wild dogs, this was her third pregnancy and sadly it was quite possible that sure none of her puppies ever survived. I was surprised at how good she looked for being a wild dog, gleaming white teeth, really clean ears – with the exception of two small spots of mange on her hind quarters her fur was gorgeous and exceptionally soft.
Jennie Davies and a few others from Berens River kept watch on Dior and countless other dogs, feeding and providing shelter, I credit them for her good condition. Jennie had seen Dior pregnant one too many times and since the store which had always provided her pack shelter had burned down she decided it was Dior’s turn to be rescued. 

Dior arrived pregnant and ready to give birth any day. Since I have never witnessed birth I was very excited! I did have quite the scare when Dior when she escaped from my house - I was so worried that I would not find her and that she and the babies would freeze to death and it would be entirely my fault. I drove around the neighborhood bawling the entire time.  I did find her, trotting along the ditch, head held high, tail in the air!   It took many treats to lure her to me and then I had to carry a very heavy dog to the car as she would not walk on the leash.  Layed down in the snow and would not budge! How could I be mad?  Had found my beautiful girl safe!

Four days later we had six beautiful puppies!  I felt her and I had bonded and decided no matter what hubby said we were keeping her. Really, would one more matter when we already have two? And I promised this one will not sleep in the bed! 

We had so much fun with the puppies – it was worth all the work as they provided so many laughs. It was really hard to see them go, I still shed a tear for one (Anna Sui now Sophie) but they all went to really great homes where they are loved.

Dior has been such a great dog!  Too many times I hear people say they would never adopt a rescue dog, too wild, too sick, can you trust them?  It's really too bad they stereotype because they are missing out on something wonderful.
Dior has manners, way better than my other two!  She never chases the cats, always politely waits for them to walk away from their food before she eats it, rarely barks and is a great foster mom to the puppies that come here to be fostered. All she wants is love and that's what she gives in return!  Even hubby has fallen in love with our "wild" dog.

On a side note, Jennie is an amazing woman who has rescued 100+ dogs and sent them to loving homes!    

Dior Babysitting Foster Puppies