Located at North Fulton and Chaney in Newell, Iowa. Mail may be sent to this address or 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 send you (via e-mail) 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 convenient 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.
Our pet of the month is Ramona. Mona is a mature adult dog with a broken heart. She spent her entire life with an elderly single man, and they cared for each other. Now he is gone, and she is lonely and confused. She is a quiet, rather reserved, well behaved furbaby, who would be a loyal companion for someone with a slow-paced lifestyle.. A fenced yard would be super.
News
IT SHOULDN’T HAPPEN TO A DOG
It shouldn’t happen to man’s best friend, but it does…in my community and in yours. I can’t think of a crueler punishment for dogs than isolation! I did some traveling this past week, and sadly, I saw them everywhere—dogs living in “solitary confinement”, trapped at the end of a chain or in small pens. Forcing a companion animal to live outside alone goes against the dog’s two most basic instincts—the needs for a pack and for a safe den. Don’t kid yourself that dogs “get used to” living outside. Dogs kept chained suffer great psychological damage. Lack of socialization and isolation can turn an otherwise friendly, well mannered animal into a neurotic, anxious, unhappy, and often aggressive dog. They are also easy targets for other animals, humans, and biting insects. Chaining dogs is a safety hazard for both dogs and humans; it is not only detrimental to the well being of your animal, it is also dangerous to the public, especially children. According to Karen Delise, author of Fatal Dog Attacks, chaining a dog is the single most dangerous condition in which to maintain a dog. She asserts that “statistically, chained dogs are more dangerous than free-roaming packs of dogs. Chained dogs account for a substantial portion of serious bites.” The United States Department of Agriculture determined that “continuous confinement of dogs by a tether is inhumane. A tether significantly restricts the dog’s movement. A tether can also become tangled around or hooked on some stationary object, further restricting a dog’s movement and potentially causing injury. Chaining dogs also makes them feel vulnerable and increases their aggression.” Please don’t make your dog live on a chain, because it is no life at all, and if you know of dog living this way, get involved. Your best option is to befriend the dog’s caregivers. Many people are unaware of the loneliness and deprivation that a chained dog feels, and are decent folks who are willing to do the right thing. Using anything other than a polite approach will probably make them angry and lessen your chances of helping the dog, but if you avoid being confrontational, you may be pleasantly surprised at the response you get. Encourage them to find a place indoors for him. If the dog has housetraining issues, offer training tips and if there are behavior problems, suggest dog obedience classes. Offer to help build a fence, take the dog for walks, or simply visit the dog regularly. Fill a kiddie pool with water for the dog to splash around in during the summer, and give him toys such as stuffed Kongs or Buster Cubes. Don’t just say, “I feel SO SORRY for that poor dog.” Anna Sewell emphasizes, “If we see cruelty or wrong that we have the power to stop, and do nothing, we make ourselves sharers in the guilt.”
I wish someone would tell me what I’ve done wrong
To have to stay chained up and left alone so long?
My humans seemed glad to have me when I was just a pup.
There were so many things we’d do while I was growing up.
But now they complain that they “haven’t time” and that “I shed.”
They don’t want me in the house anymore, not even to be fed.
No one ever walks me; they always say, “Not now.”
I’d love to please them; won’t someone show me how?
I wish they would explain why they ever got me, just to leave me on a chain.
FREE TO A GOOD HOME
People usually have good intentions when they advertise an animal as “Free To A Good Home.”
They really do want to find a nice family who is willing to give the pet a responsible, loving home. However, people tend to place little value on what is “free.” Pets obtained for free are more likely to be abused or discarded, since “we didn’t pay anything for him, it’s no big deal if it doesn’t work out. There are plenty more where that came from.” Certainly some are responsible pet caregivers, but many—perhaps even most—are not. Often a free animal is put into a situation where it is neglected, abandoned, abused, or even sold for lab experimentation. A typical recent account tells of a dog that was a much loved, pampered pet. Then his caregiver was transferred to a different state, and he couldn’t find housing that would accept his dog. Whatever, the reason, he placed an ad in his local newspaper: “Free to a good home, friendly, lovable black lab.” Someone saw the ad, and called, saying, “That’s just the dog I’ve been looking for. Can I come over and meet him?” The new person was nice to the dog, talked to him, rubbed his ears, and convinced the caregiver that they were a great match. However, the new caregiver’s idea of a good home was at the end of a chain tied to a rope collar, in a garbage-filled back yard, with no water dish or food bowl anywhere in sight. This sweet, trusting dog lost 20 pounds, suffered from dehydration, malnutrition, fleas, intestinal worms, mange, fly-chewed ears, heartworm, and worst of all, neglect, before neighbors finally called the authorities. He was treated by a vet and then taken to a rescue facility to recover. He is now well and happy , greeting everyone with nose kisses and paw hugs. Please remember this story every time you see an ad that says, “Free to a good home.” There are many dishonest people across the country who routinely obtain animals by answering ‘free to a good home” ad, and have no intention of providing a loving, forever home for them. Others simply impulsively take the animal without considering the cost and work of caring for a companion animal. These animals usually end up neglected or abandoned. There are specific steps you can take to help end this practice.
*DON’T advertise free pets; DO convince others not to. If you see an ad posted, take the initiative and phone the owner of the advertisers and politely express your concern. Warn them of the dangers, and suggest options. Often people who have an immediate need to “get rid of an animal,” act impulsively without even thinking about the consequences involved.
*DO spay or neuter to keep from creating more Free To Good Home situations, or condemning a pet to a miserable life. If your furbaby is already altered, perhaps you could offer to pay to have someone else’s pet neutered.
*DO contact rescue organizations or area animal welfare groups for help in placing unwanted pets; if you purchased the animal from a responsible breeder, he will take the animal back, or help re-home him.
*DO interview a prospective adopter carefully before you consider entrusting the future of a companion animal to anyone. Interview the prospect carefully. Ask for vet and personal references, and check them, and then visit the new home where your pet might be living.
*DO call police or animal control authorities if someone is neglecting or abusing animals, or seems to be “collecting” cats or dogs. Be ready with specific details, and be willing to identify yourself and testify in court if necessary.
*DO write letters to attorneys, judges, prosecutors, and newspapers if you hear of the arrest of someone charged with animal endangerment, and urge them to prosecute the offenders to the full extent of the law.
*DO contact your state and federal representatives in support of animal protection legislation, aimed at regulating puppy mills, cracking down on animal fighting, and doing away with Class B dealers who sell animals obtained from “random sources” to research facilities. Iowa laws are really inadequate to protect the welfare of our companion animals, and it is our responsibility to change them. Currently, a puppy mill bill is being considered by the Iowa legislature and it is in serious trouble. If you live in Iowa, it is important that you contact your legislators NOW about HF486/SF265. Tell them to PLEASE stop stalling and pass the puppy mill bill. As John Carlson said in last Sunday’s Des Moines Register, “It hasn’t been a very impressive few months at the Iowa Capitol. It would be nice if they took a half hour of their valuable time to do the right thing before they adjourn.” Be sure that YOU DO THE RIGHT THING, and contact your legislators NOW!
I seldom watch Oprah, but because we work with so many puppy mill survivors, I was thrilled when she did a documentary on the plight of puppy mill dogs that are forced to live in horrible conditions, continually bred until their bodies are worn out. Many of you watched the program and were inspired to join our fight to eliminate these terrible places. The puppy mill dogs that we were privileged to help this year found healing, both physical and emotional. Most of them are now enjoying good lives with forever homes, and those still at the TLC are blossoming into loving, happy furbabies. Jackson, one of our senior residents, is totally deaf, almost blind, and suffers from dementia, but his tail wags most of the time, and he happily accepts snuggles or short walks. He is contented. Rosie, another senior resident, is a survivor. Filled with infection when she arrived at the TLC, she endured four necessary surgeries, but is now enjoying the love and attention she deserves. Because of your caring and sharing, we are privileged to help make life better for the dogs. Working together, we really do make the world a safer, healthier, happier place for many needy animals. Without you, the TLC could not survive.
YOU ARE APPRECIATED!!!
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 have 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.
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. We are always overwhelmed with the number of animals to care for. We appreciate even partial sponsorships.
Who We Are
We are a non-funded, non-profit animal shelter that is totally dependent upon caring, sharing individuals and organizations. Donations and volunteers are always needed.
The TLC Canine Center in Newell, Iowa, is a shelter for homeless and abused dogs. It is the only registered shelter of this kind within a 50 mile radius. 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.
I personally spend at least 5 hours a day at the shelter, usually more. We have faithful workers, and organizations who help. We have committed volunteers!!
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 average about five calls a day 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 unless there has been a meeting between animal and person). Usually the relationship works; if not, we gladly take the dog back to the shelter. Our goal is to find caring, loving homes for all of our TLC residents.
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 had one badly abused dog for over two years before we found him an understanding, loving home. 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.
Everyone works very hard at the TLC. We often become discouraged. It seems we never have enough money to even pay for the necessities, and we always need volunteers.
We operate the TLC simply for the love of animals. WE COULD USE YOUR HELP!!!!
