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The TLC Canine Center in Northwest Iowa provides shelter and responsible care for abandoned and homeless dogs, caring for these frightened, displaced animals until we are able to re-home them in forever, loving homes. We are a designated 501c3 not-for-profit organization, with no public funding, so we must operate in the most cost-effective way. We rely entirely on volunteer help. There are NO paid staff members.

Our goal is to enhance community attitudes about responsible pet guardianship. We conduct classes in area school classrooms and also offer instruction for adults. We encourage greater levels of respect, responsibility, and compassion toward both the humans and the animals with whom we share our lives.

We realize that we can’t save all the homeless animals, but we help those we can, working within the framework of the civil laws to protect both the dogs, and human parties involved. We require that all TLC animals be spayed or neutered, and receive any needed medical attention. Potential homes are screened very carefully before placing a canine, always stressing the fact that a long term commitment is involved.

Why do we do what we do? Simply for the love of animals.

COMPASSION, KINDNESS, GENTLENESS, AND PATIENCE… toward our fellow humans, and toward all the voiceless creatures that are so dependent upon us…

We would love to hear from you because we believe that by working together, we can make the world a safer, healthier, happier place for needy furbabies!!

The TLC Canine Center is located at North Fulton and Chaney in Newell, Iowa. Mail may be sent to Box 373, Newell, Iowa 50568 . Due to the nature of our work, communicating by telephone is sometimes difficult. Thanks to e mail, we can stay in touch at odd hours., so e mail is our preferred mode of communication.....send e mail to plarsen@rconnect.com.

We love visitors, but since we are a totally volunteer organization, it is important to schedule an appointment rather than just dropping in at the Center. If you are interested in one of our furbabies, please contact us by e-mail, and we will e-mail you our basic questionnaire which is the first step in our adoption process. If you choose to proceed, we will have an associate in your area contact you, and set up a convenient time to visit with you about a TLC adoption. Once approved, a time will be scheduled for you to come spend some time with your pawtential adoptee. Hopefully, you will be returning home with a new addition to your family and home.

I am not involved with many upscale social affairs, and my name seldom appears on VIP guest lists. However, last week, at a special dinner, I was privileged to be seated next to a VERY IMPORTANT PERSON.

When asked, “What do you do?” I replied that I worked with animal rescue. There was an expressionless, “Oh,” and the rest of the meal she visited with the person on her left.

Later that evening, for some reason my introduction to the group included educational credentials, specific accomplishments, and various honors including recognition in the area of animal rescue. I’m not sure but apparently I was magically “touched by an angel” because suddenly my VIP acquaintance invited me to her “very select weekly study group.” Who knows what opportunities I missed by being otherwise occupied, but it made me realize how thankful I am to be an animal rescuer.

What do you do? I hope that you too are involved in some way with animal welfare. Your work is never done; your home is never quiet, your wallet is always empty, but your heart will always be full, because dogs provide unconditional love, limitless affection, and to-die-for loyalty. They love us, and believe in us, no matter what!

As Roger Caras said, “Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” Hopefully Ashley Hill’s story will inspire you to do more for the animals.

“I am an animal rescuer. Even as a child I would bring home stray dogs. Nurture them. Find them homes. I remember how heartbroken to realize that not everyone was like me. It is difficult to understand why everyone doesn’t share my passion. People usually admit that it is painful for them to witness a case of animal cruelty. However, most people are able to see a dog in need, rationalize to themselves that they cannot help the dog, and go about their lives as if they never saw the needy animal.

But when I look at them, I don’t see anger or resentment or self pity. There is only the desire to be loved. The pain associated with animal rescue doesn’t even come close to the joy it brings. They make me smile, and laugh .With each one I save, my faith is strengthened, and my heart is made whole. What most people don’t understand is: I am not rescuing them…they are rescuing me!

What do you do??? Although credentials and accomplishments are great, years from now they really won’t matter much, but the world may be better because you were an animal rescuer! Be a voice for the voiceless: you may be their only hope.

YOUR DOG ATE WHAT????

Finding your dog with his nose in your trash, and garbage scattered all over the floor, is unpleasant to say the least. It is also potentially dangerous. Garbage can be a source of chemical harm (if the dog swallows toxic products), physical harm (if a sharp object cuts his intestinal tract or a foreign object gets lodged), or bacterial harm (from spoiled food).

Why do dogs eat garbage? Dogs are not known for being fussy eaters. Put something in their paths, and they will gobble it up, whether it is table scraps, garbage or a battery.

According to Brian Kilcommons, director of animal behavior at the Center for Animal Care in New York City, dogs are doing what comes natural for them. “ What may seem disgusting to us, is normal behavior for dogs who are scavengers. Garbage probably tastes better to them than most dry dog food. They love to investigate, and may choose to amuse themselves by checking out the trash.”

Garbage isn’t the only thing that attracts dogs. They often chew and swallow things they shouldn’t. Foreign objects such as toys, string, clothing and plastic can become lodged in the stomach and create an obstruction. Just about any household object that your pet chews on can become a problem, and although some small foreign bodies can pass through the gut without getting stuck, the larger pieces can result in serious gastrointestinal complications.

The best way to prevent gastric foreign bodies is to prevent access to objects that could be swallowed…sound easy? NOT! Dogs are naturally curious and some will chew just about anything.

According to Veterinary Pet Insurance, the nation’s largest provider of pet health insurance, the top items that have to be surgically removed are socks, underwear, bedding, rocks, balls, chew toys, corn cobs, bones, hair ties and ribbons, and sticks. Since your dog’s esophagus is larger than her intestine, she is able to eat objects that can lodge in the bowl and cause problems. Other hazards to watch out for include plastic toys, rawhide chews, panty hose, personal hygiene products, batteries, golf balls, shoelaces, string and thread, coins, and human medicines…some dogs will even chew up the medicine containers!

It is important that your dog has enough to do because boredom and frustration almost always lead to trouble. Provide toys such as the Buster Cube or Kong that can be filled with cheese or other tasty tidbits which will enable the dog to forage for food in an acceptable way. Alternate toys to keep up his level of interest, and be sure that he gets plenty of exercise. A tired dog will not be as apt to scavenge for hazardous objects that he can chew apart and swallow.

If your dog experiences a sudden loss of appetite, vomiting, excessive drooling, and abnormal bowel movements (wrong color, consistency, or bloody.) there may be an obstruction and it is important to get immediate care. In most cases traditional or laparoscopic surgery is required, but the prognosis is usually excellent and the vast majority of blockages can be cured with prompt treatment—but without it, many are fatal. The more you control your dog’s environment, the better the chances of stopping problems before they happen!

'TIL DEATH DO US PART

The relationship that you share with your pet should last a lifetime, but what happens to your furbaby if you become ill or incapacitated? As a responsible caregiver, it is important to ensure that your pet will continue to receive adequate care if something unexpected happens to you. Don’t just assume that a friend or family member will automatically accept responsibility. It is critical to plan ahead, because in the confusion that accompanies a person’s unexpected illness, accident, or death, pets may be overlooked.

Find at least two responsible friends or relatives who agree to serve as temporary emergency caregivers in the event that something unexpected happens to you. Provide them with keys to your home; feeding and care instructions; and the name of your veterinarian. These emergency caregivers should also know how to contact each other. Be sure that they are absolutely committed to giving immediate attention to your animal. To ensure long-term or permanent care, make WRITTEN arrangements that specifically cover needed care. It’s not enough that long time ago a friend verbally promised to take in your animal.

Consider partners, adult children, sisters, brothers, and friends who have met your pet and have successfully bonded with him, and have alternate caregivers in case your first choice becomes unwilling or unable to fulfill the obligation. Be sure you choose people whom you trust implicitly and who will do what is in the best interest of your animal. DISCUSS your expectations with them so that they understand the large responsibility they are accepting, and stay in touch with the designated caregivers. People’s priorities and circumstances change, so you need to occasionally discuss the agreement with them.

To make formal arrangements to provide for the long term care of your four-footed companion, seek help from professionals who can guide you in preparing legal documents that can protect the interests and those of your pet. However, keep in mind the critical importance of making advance personal arrangements to guarantee that your pet is cared for immediately if you become incapacitated. You might want to consider a power of attorney which authorizes someone else to conduct some of your affairs if you become incapacitated. Specific provisions can be made to take care of your pets, and do whatever is needed.

For extended care, there are many types of wills and trusts, so it is necessary to determine which is best for your situation. After you and your attorney have created a will, or trust, or both, leave copies with the person you’ve chosen to be executor of your estate, as well as with the pet’s designated caregivers. Make sure the caregivers also have copies of vet records and information about her dietary preferences and behavior traits.

Regardless of what legal devices you chose, it is your personal efforts in thinking and planning ahead that will ensure that your pet receives the love and care that you desire. It is absolutely imperative that you coordinate your own efforts with more formal legal planning. Don’t procrastinate…with a properly prepared plan in place, the future of your precious furbaby…and your peace of mind… are assured.

OUR BEST FRIEND DESERVES MORE THAN LIFE ON A CHAIN

There are many things that you can do to help make life better for a dog that is tethered in a back yard without much human interaction. The first thing to do is to get acquainted with the dog’s caregivers.

Be sure your approach is positive, so you don’t come off sounding critical. Lecturing them about the evils of leaving their dog outdoors will not solve anything. Explain that you are a dog lover, and would enjoy the chance to play with their dog, or take him for walks a few times a week. Be sure to stress that anything you offer is free…everyone loves free stuff.

If the dog has no adequate shelter, you might offer to bring them a dog house. If you are willing to spend some time with the dog, you will probably form a friendly relationship with the dog’s caregiver, and perhaps rekindle a bond between him and his dog.

There are many success stories from this approach, but even if this doesn’t happen, remember that helping the dog a little is better than doing nothing at all. You may not be able to convince the caregiver to take the animal inside, or even convince him to put up a fence.

If the dog was never really wanted in the first place, perhaps an offer to find him another home will be successful, but even if all you can do is get a decent doghouse, some toys, and regular walks, that is a success because the dog’s life has been improved.

Animal control and human agencies receive regular calls from citizens concerned about animals, but until the public understand the problems, and laws are changed, nothing significant will be accomplished. Documentation shows that chaining dogs is not only inhumane treatment of companion animals, but is also dangerous, because chained dogs often develop behavior problems. They become bored, boredom leads to frustration, and frustration leads of excessive barking and aggression. The number of animal bites and attacks by chained dogs will only continue to grow if we do not educate the community and break the never ending cycle of generations accepting this practice.

Most of our communities do not have any anti-tethering ordinances, and realistically they are not likely to pass them soon, but many communities are considering limited tethering laws. To make a positive impact on your community you must convince people that extended tethering is not acceptable, and although it is difficult to change attitudes, it is possible. To learn how you can more effectively help chained dogs in your neighborhood, go to sites such as www.unchainyourdog.org , www.dogsdeservebetter.com and www.parentsagainstdogchaining.org .

Get involved; it is not impossible to make life better for our dogs, and safer for our community.

God put dogs on earth for a reason, and I’m sure it wasn’t His plan for them to be treated so cruelly, and abused so often by man. Why would someone have a dog only to keep him tied to a tree? And why won’t they listen to reason about how cruel that is—why can’t they see? If people would realize this treatment brings their dog pain, they would surely stop this horrible practice, and take them off of their chain. ~Robyn Kirby

I BIT A CHILD TODAY

It is winter time in Iowa and the cold, miserable weather makes most of us a bit cranky. It is not pleasant for our dogs either, especially those that are left outside, often without adequate water or shelter. There are many excuses given for chaining a dog outdoors: he escapes the yard or digs in the garden; she has grown too large to be inside; he has developed a behavior problem.Whatever the excuse, there is no valid reason to keep a dog chained up for extended periods of time.

A responsible pet caregiver realizes that an otherwise happy, friendly dog when kept continually chained and isolated usually becomes unhappy, anxious, neurotic and aggressive. In addition, chained dogs may injure themselves by getting tangled in their chain. They are also subject to attacks by other animals and insensitive humans.

If we tried to invent the cruelest punishment for dogs, it would probably be “solitary confinement” or life on the end of a chain. Don’t kid yourself that dogs “get used to” being outside alone. Dogs are pack animals and it is important for them to be with others. They crave attention and companionship from their humans.

A dog on a chain, alone, on his own, exists without hope. He waits and he listens for someone to come to bring him inside to the refuge of home. A dog on a rope suffers through frightening thunderstorms, and suffocating heat. She may whine when she’s hurt; she may cry, but in vain; she can’t run, she can’t hide…a dog on a chain.

Let those with compassion bring an end to the pain of a dog on a rope, of a dog on a chain. Keeping a dog on a chain is just plain cruel, and often leads to disaster Chained dogs DO attack when they are stressed beyond their limitations, as illustrated in this piece by Tamira Thayne.

I BIT A CHILD TODAY

I spend my life at the end of a chain. You got me as a puppy and I misbehaved, so you tossed me outside with a doghouse and chain. You never taught me how to live in your world; yet you expect me to abide by its rules. I’m a big dog. What breed am I? Doesn’t matter. Wait: I know my breed-- Chained Dog. We come in all shapes and sizes, and I’ll tell you one thing: we are not happy dogs.

I am exploding with pent up energy from never getting to run or stretch my legs, and pent up anger from living a solitary life when I’m meant to live as part of your pack. I was domesticated by humans to be a companion, a helper, but you chain me to this dog house and leave me alone. I have no life except to guard my solitary patch of dirt. If you cross into my territory despite my warnings, there is a good chance I will attack you to protect myself and the dirt, the only thing that is mine.

I bit a child today, and now they are taking me away. I am so scared, and I don’t understand what I did wrong, but I will die. Both the child and I have paid the price for your irresponsible behavior.

If you have a dog at the end of a rope, please consider the frustration, loneliness and potentially aggressive behavior that is possible, and make the adjustments necessary to allow him to be part of your family. Report to the authorities if you see a dog at risk, and educate others that dogs are not fit to be tied.

THE DANGERS OF LETTING DOGS RIDE IN PICKUPS

I see dogs riding in the bed of moving pickup trucks on a regular basis, and I am always uneasy. Sure, the dog looks like he is having fun... ears flopping and noses testing the wind, with the freedom to look around , seemingly enjoying the trip. This common practice is NOT safe.

When you transport your dog in the open bed of a pickup, you endanger your dog and other motorists. If you have to suddenly step on the brakes , or swerve to avoid an obstacle, your dog can easily be thrown out onto the road. Tethering the dog with a restraint is not the answer. Documented cases tell of dogs restrained by leashes or harnesses that have been strangled or dragged after being thrown from a truck bed.

The American Veterinary Medical Association conducted a survey of veterinarians in Massachusetts and learned that 71% of those surveyed, reported treating almost 600 dogs the previous year as a result of riding in a truck bed. The AVMA concluded that all 592 dogs could have avoided their injuries had their caregivers had not placed them in the bed of pickups.

Some of the hazards a pet may experience while riding in the open bed of a pickup are:

• slipping around and hitting the sides or slamming into the cab of the truck
• falling or jumping out of the bed
• flying debris can hit the animal

HEARTBEAT MUSIC THERAPY FOR DOGS

Many of the dogs brought to the TLC are frightened and lonely. Some have been neglected or abused. Others are just confused by a strange new place with new faces, new sounds, new smells. There is nothing familiar. With no voice and no choice in their own future, they are totally dependent upon the humans who care for them.

At the TLC, we believe that kindness, gentleness, and patience can work wonders on almost all dogs. We are continually looking for ways to make life more pleasant for the furbabies, and we are bombarded with products and ideas that promise to solve just about any problem imaginable.

Most of these "quick fixes" I label "snake oil". I have a shelf full of "snake oil" products that have been ineffective. I have several shelves full of books on "how to cure any behavior problem imaginable." Most of them are "snake oil"; some contain at least a few good ideas, and once in a while there is a real winner.

We play clasical music throughout the entire shelter. We truly believe it calms the dogs. I discussed this with a well known Veterinary animal behaviorist , and she said there was no documentation to support that. Okay. I still believe it helps. Then I discovered how specific music is being played in hospitals for newborn babies.

It's not just any kind of soothing music that is used. It is lullaby music played to the rhythm of an actual human heartbeat. This music is used by the medical community in more than 8,000 hospitals and special care centers, simply because it works.

Independent clinical research confirms that playing Heartbeat Therapy music calms babies on life support and during painful or frightening medical procedures. It helps children who have been traumatized or abused. Is it possible that music therapy used to calm critically ill babies in a hospital could calm anxious, frightened dogs? Or is it "snake oil"?

I know we have tried dozens of products that are not very effective. Most of the CD's that claim to "make dogs happy" are simply people-pleasers. I became "the pest from the Iowa prairie" as I contacted different groups who had discovered the Heartbeat Music Therapy's impact on animals. I was impressed. It was tested by humane societies and members of the American Boarding Kennels Association. However, personal experience is always the best teacher.

Several dogs at the TLC were driving us all crazy. One poor fellow was so distraught that he would cry/bark for hours. Another one licked himself until his skin was raw.

One evening before I left the Center for the night , I turned on the CD player with the Canine Lullabies Heartbeat Music Therapy playing. I believe in miracles, and the next morning, we were met with miracles. I spent $90. on CD's and bought 6 little portable CD players and we now are truly amazed at the effect this CD is having on our dogs. Seldom do I promote a product, but Canine Lullabies Heartbeat Music Therapy DOES calm puppies and dogs.

If you have a dog that suffers from separation anxiety, barks excessively, or exhibits other inappropriate behavior, I recommend trying it. For whimpering puppies, sick or injured dogs, or just hyperactive furbabies, it is a life saver. For more information go to www.caninelullabies.com or call toll free 1-800-537-7748. Actually, I would suggest going to the web site to get basic information and then call and visit with Terry...you will be glad you did!

You don't need an expensive CD player, but be sure to get one that will repeat over and over again. There are several brands that are compact in size and can be programmed to play continually. and are available in discount stores for about $25.

TLC CANINE COOKBOOKS

GOOD NEWS: we now have the new printing of our TLC CANINE COOKBOOKS, loaded with more than 50 nutritious recipes .....for dogs! We continually admonish dog caregivers to check the ingredients in the treats and commercial dog food that they feed their four-footed friends. There should be NO by-products, NO preservatives, NO dyes in the food you offer your pet. Our cookbook, which was a TLC labor of puppy love, is filled with tasty, HEALTHY, easy-to-make recipes ..just contact us if you are interested in a copy.

PLEASE SPAY OR NEUTER YOUR PETS

The only way to solve the pet overpopulation crisis is to convince people of the need to spay or neuter their companion animals.. We encourage you, if you have an intact animal, to do it before "Oops, another litter" happens. There simply are not enough good homes for all the animals being born.

UNSEEN THEY SUFFER, UNHEARD THEY CRY, IN LONELINESS THEY LINGER, AND IN AGONY THEY DIE. Sad, but true. If you don't have a pet of your own, sponsor one of a neighbor's or friend's, or sponsor a TLC dog. Since we are a non-funded shelter that is totally dependent upon caring, sharing individuals and organizations, donations and volunteers are always needed.

Who We Are

The TLC Canine Center in Newell, Iowa, is a shelter for homeless and abused dogs. TLC dogs are not caged. They all have heated and cooled indoor homelike rooms with pet doors giving them access to outside yards. We are a small facility with space for about 24 dogs, so there is never enough room for all the dogs that need care.

The shelter was opened simply because of the tremendous need in this area. It is a registered 501 C 3 facility that is a totally volunteer center. There are no paid employees. The entire operation is run by volunteer workers.

We are thankful for many organizations and individuals that support the shelter. Without them, we could not survive. We are appreciative of good homes, and financial support to help with the day to day care of the animals, and the vet bills which never end.

WORKING TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE THE WORLD A SAFER, HEALTHIER, HAPPIER PLACE FOR NEEDY FURBABIES.

Adopting A Friend

The TLC Canine Center is a busy place. We receive daily requesting that we take a dog. We always have a waiting list and we work with shelters and legitimate rescue groups throughout the area, so that, if they have room, they help.

Our goal is to find a loving, forever home for each one of our awesome furbabies. An adoption agreement must be signed regarding proper care of the animal. We require a home visit before considering any pawtential adoptor. We belong to a wonderful network of dog lovers who will visit prospects living in their own areas.

We send the dog on a temporary basis (an overnighter, or a weekender) to see how the dog and people get along. We do not want an unhappy situation to develop. Since we feel that meeting the animal first is important to a successful relationship, we require that the interested party visit with the animal here at the shelter. (We do not ship dogs).

Usually the relationship works; if not, we gladly take the dog back to the shelter.

We sometimes have a dog for a few days, sometimes for a week, and sometimes for months. If a dog has been abused, or neglected, our goal is to rehabilitate him/her to make a good family dog. There is no time limit on how long we keep a dog.

We have had several dogs for years before we finding understanding, loving homes. Prospective adopters are screened very carefully before an adoption is competed. We want the adoption to work, both for the sake of the people and for the sake of the dog.

We realize that we cannot save all the homeless, abandoned dogs, but we continually remind ourselves of the STARFISH STORY. Many of you are familiar with that story, but we would like to share our version which is based on an incident that really happened to us:

It had been a long, stressful day, and I almost didn't answer the phone...but I did. A man explained that there was a tiny dog zigzagging through traffic in front of his main street store. "If you want to save her, you better come quick!"

When I arrived, sure enough, a frightened little dog was dodging in and out between speeding cars. I took out the hot dog that I had brought along, sat down on the curb, and held it out to the dog, calling softly. She would come close, then dart away; come close; and dart away. Finally, the temptation was too great, and I had her in my arms.

As she gobbled down the hot dog, I realized how painfully skinny she was under the dirty, matted fur. As I gently wrapped a blanket around her, a bystander said, "Why do you do this? For every dog you find a home for, there are a dozen more at the pound, two dozen more tied up and forgotten in backyards around the country, and thousands more being bred by unscrupulous breeders, only to end up unwanted and neglected. Why do you bother? Don't you know that what you are doing doesn't make any difference at all?" I smiled as I looked down into the eyes of the small, dirty dog. "But it does make a difference. It certainly makes a difference to this dog."

We cannot save them all....but we save the ones we can.

It is our goal to deal with compassion...kindness....gentleness...and patience...with humans and furbabies everywhere, and to make a difference when we can! We believe that working together we can make the world a safer, healthier, happier place for furbabies in need!

Come Visit Us!

We are easy to find. We are just 10 miles east of Storm Lake, Iowa. It is almost impossible to get lost, cause Newell is a small rural town. The physical address is North Fulton and Chaney. We love to have visitors, but you do need to let us know you are coming. The best way to contact us is by e-mail--plarsen@rconnect.com.

We operate the TLC simply for the love of animals. WE COULD USE YOUR HELP!!!!

TLC Animal Shelter Canine Center
North Fulton and Chaney
Box 373
Newell IA 50568
e-mail: plarsen@rconnect.com
Click here for a list of pets at this shelter

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