UPDATED 07/17/2010: Meet Marley---I just picked him up Friday night after receiving a call from a shelter in Ionia, MI that a bulldog needed help. I called the vet clinic in Lowell, MI where he was staying to find out his story. Again---this is another sad story that may jerk a tear or two. Marley’s owners, John (69) & Ruth Kiefner (56) were killed tragically in a car accident in Ionia, MI on 07/10/2010 when a car crossed over the line and hit them head –on. You can view the news coverage for yourself (below).
For those who cannot view the story, let me give you some background information. Marley’s parents had no children. They were very private people that lived in a modular home park. They moved from Philadelphia to Lowell, MI to care for Ruth’s mother who was ill. Apparently, she lived 2-doors down in the park. Marley’s dad was a carpenter and his mom worked at the Secretary of State. They were very simple people (having just purchased their 1st television recently) that spent a lot of time ‘giving back’ to society by volunteering their time at the Mel Trotter Foundation ad Gilda’s Club of Grand Rapids.
How a couple with this lifestyle obtained an English bulldog like Marley is beyond me. Since the couple really had no friends or close family, poor Marley had no where to go. He was taken to the local vet clinic that boarded animals in hopes of finding a new home. The vet gave him to a client, but this transition lasted only hours before Marley bit their son who was older than 10-years of age breaking his skin. The family returned him to the vet clinic where he was forced to live in a kennel. The workers at the clinic thought Marley was very handsome, but everyone was scared of him. The vet felt bad euthanizing him as he knows Marley has been thru a lot since the fatal 07/10/2010 car crash. I received the call for help and was up to the challenge.
UPDATED November 2011: For those of you wondering whatever happened to Marley we want you to know he still lives at the rescue as a 'sanctuary' dog. He went through a PetSmart training course that he aced with flying colors, however; he bit a groomer shortly thereafter and could no longer be trusted there. He saw a behaviorist for a few sessions who said his aggressiveness was being mistaken for reactiveness to certain stimuli. In order for Marley to have a quality of life and still exist in society, it was up to ME to reduce the factors in his environment that may cause him to 'react' in what appears to be an aggressive manner by others. It all made sense to me, but I would never expect the average dog friendly person and/or owner of a dog to know this. So, we have been slowly introducing Marley to various types of environments where people are present to help him overcome his reactiveness and insecurities. We just have him wear a jacket that reads 'dog in training, please do not pet me' to keep everyone safe. He is doing real well and we are very happy about his progress. He has been a truly great companion; however, it took some work on our part to make him this way.
He has found his place within the pack, always being the one who stays behind as he is the most sensitive of the dogs. He is the 'protector' of the pack that alerts his pals of dangers that maybe lurking around them. He continues to go for daily car rides and walks at the property where the dogs run free on 200-protected acres of land. He still has the life of a 'rockstar' just in a different setting...
Click to read more about Marley!
For the past few years, we have been removing dogs from a shelter in KY that would otherwise have been euthanized due to space. Until a trip there in June 2010, little did I that the shelter was located up in the hills behind a Walmart & Tractor Supply Company that many locals never knew existed? After a 500-mile trip there, I got lost in the last 2-miles of the trip as this place was so difficult to find. The one lane drive to their building went over a set of railroad tracks then behind a water treatment center where customer parking was limited. Since it was so difficult to find, I now understood why they needed our help.
At the shelter, I could not believe the number of puppies and dogs living in such a small area. There were 6 to 8-adult dogs in each kennel run that could not have been larger than a 10 X 10 area. There were anywhere from 15 to 25 puppies in one of these areas also. You could barely see the floor when all were lying on the cool cement. I felt bad for both the animals and shelter workers as their space to accommodate such an overwhelming number of animals was not sufficient enough, thus resulting in them having no other choice but to euthanize so many animals.
I was very impressed by the shelter staff as they were doing the best possible job with as few of resources as supplied to them. Since I was late from being lost, I was forced to make the shelter stay off-the-clock helping me load all the canines we planned to transport back to MI on this run. Conditions were sweltering and the 5 X 8 utility trailer had limited ventilation. So, we were unable to pack it full of abandoned dogs this trip as we had hoped. Knowing the dog’s could become extremely stressed and overheated if I packed the trailer too tightly made it far too risky to chance. I just hoped the opening of their new shelter in July 2010 would help these babies find a home.
Thankfully, the new building and location are drawing quite a crowd from the area. Many more dogs are making it into forever homes. As I know it, this is the first indoor shelter within a 100-mile radius of the city of Pikesville. Praise Jesus---as it is far too hot for these babies to be outside during the summer months!
Our wishes of these dogs having some bit of hope are coming true; however, the ability to get the over-population of dogs under control still presents a challenge. What we have found disappointing is the state's willingness to put into law any type of spay/neuter programs like there are in MI shelters. The operating room for the vet to perform surgeries is all ready to go, but the monies are tight to spay/neuter every dog at the shelter. The expense of housing, food, and shots alone costs the shelter hundreds of dollars daily. Not only is shelter staff limited, but space, funds & resources are tight, as well. Currently, we are trying to figure out a way of helping the over-population of animals in the south, but are having difficulty making it into a law. The easiest solution at this point is to get as many shelter canines out of the south and transported to the north where spaying and neutering will be performed prior to the adoption. This is the ONLY way of helping to control the over-population of abandoned dogs in the south, which is why we are willing to help them.
Below you will find a ‘donate’ button that you can use to help us fund our efforts of traveling south to save these babies from homes where they may never be spayed or neutered. It would be so nice to get them into safe homes in the Midwest where dogs live mainly amongst their family versus in a yard chained to a dog house/igloo or within a 10 X 10-kennel area.
Since our last trip, we have improved the ventilation system in the trailer adding 2-draw fans to help circulate the air within the trailer space. All donations are tax deductible and all monies collected will be used solely for the transport costs of getting the animal from Kentucky back up to MI. Gas cards to Speedway are always wonderful too as that is our gas station of choice during transports. They are plentiful in the south. Thank you for reading about our future endeavors.
There address is: 1170 Walton Blvd Rochester, MI 48307-6916
There phone number is: (248) 650-5385
This location is loacted across the street from Crittendon Hospital in a plaza with Buffalo Wild Wings... major intersection is Walton Blvd (aka: University Drive) & Livernois
A Rally to Rescue Event
PupeLuv Rescue would like to take a minute to greatly thank our sponsor, Purina Pro Plan, for all their support. Our rescue joined their program, Rally to Rescue, which has been an absolute blessing for all the shelters/rescues involved in it. They are consistently trying to find new and innovative ways to advertise the overwhelming need of homeless pets in our shelters and rescues that need 'furever' homes thus broadening the idea of adoption to the public. Plus, they are always providing the sponsored shelters and rescues with materials (i.e. magazines, t-shirts, calendars, food bowls, collars, wrist bands, etc.) to set out for education purposes and/or sell for donations at adoption events that provide awareness to the idea…don’t shop, instead adopt…They have done one hell of a job helping to shape our rescue’s motto and ethics when it comes to the adoption process. We cannot thank them enough for all their help and support! To learn more about the Rally to Rescue program, then please visit the site at www.rallytorescue.org.
PupeLuv Rescue, Inc would like to thank the Pedigree Foundation for all their help and support since 2007. They are a very generous corporation always looking for innovative ways to educate people and find abandoned, homeless dogs new, forever homes. They provide numerous grant opportunities for all non-profit 501 (c)(3) shelters and rescues that participate and support the foundation. Each year we have applied for a grant, they have ALWAYS awarded one to us. The monies are used 100% on the animal’s veterinarian care, shelter costs (gas, electric, laundry, cleaning products, bedding, etc), food, and adoption process (transportation costs to adoption events & materials to educate public about responsible animal ownership). We CANNOT thank them enough for being such passionate rescue advocates by providing such generous grants to shelters and rescues that encourage dog adoption. You may visit their site at: www.pedigreefoundation.org. Thanks again for your support!
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April 2008 - Grand Rapids expo a rousing success!
Rescuing puppy mill dogs from auctions has been our focus for 2007. This all started after we adopted a beautiful frenchie named Bubbles from a rescue in Missouri in January 2007. Her physical health was so compromised breaking our hearts. It is so hard to watch her walk, because she has a spinal deformity from sitting in a cage for 5-years to be used strictly for breeding purposes. It was this eye-opening experience that led us to Wheaton, MO to try and help others in her position.
Since Good Friday (4/6/07), we have made 3 trips to the auctions purchasing dogs from closeout millers. We figure that if they are not purchased by a rescue, then they will end-up in the hands of other back-yard breeders, millers, the Amish, and/or Mennonites. It is really hard handing these millers who have treated these pooches so horribly money for physically ill dogs, however, it is the only way to try and give them the life a dog deserves.
This new venture has cost our rescue a lot more money than we anticipated. Since various breeds sell for different amounts of money on the auction block, there has been quite a fluctuation in our adoption fees. I apologize for this inconvenience; however, our costs are trying to be re-cooperated by donations, adoption fees, and fundraisers. This is definitely one hobby that can leave you physically, emotionally, and financially drained. Nonetheless, the expressions of joy brought to the adopter’s faces and pooches demeanor being held by the adoptee makes this well worth it.
I have been doing rescue for 2.5 years now. In that time we have saved more than 230 animals from euthanization. The first years focused on the shelter dogs, which was quite a learning experience when it comes to the behavior issues and psyche of these pooches. As a registered nurse, I have learned that he physical ailments a dog possess’ is something that really interests me the most. I really enjoy taking a physically ill pooch and nursing him or her back to health.
Puppy mill dogs do not exhibit signs of behavior issues, because humans have not ruined them. There are so many people out there who believe they can train their dog themselves, however, it is usually the dog that ends-up training the owner. This is how we get behavior problems. These mill dogs do not know or understand humans, therefore, everything is new to them.
It is so awesome watching them as they explore a life outside of a cage. They LOVE to roll and play in the grass. As they learn what toys are from the other dogs, its so gratifying watching them try and play with the toys too. You would be amazed how long it takes them to figure out what a cheese cube or biscuit is when they are rewarded for good behavior. Most dogs would grab it from you in a second…not these guys though. Everything is new to them much like a puppy only in an adult body.
Below is a BEFORE and AFTER picture of Skweaks a 3-year old male maltese we purchased at the Memorial Weekend auction. He came to us filthy and emaciated. After being shaved at the beauty parlor, you could see the ribs on his 4# body. We had difficulty putting weight on him, but found out the problem was a mouth full of rotten teeth. After Skweaks was neutered, he received a “dental” where he lost all but 4 teeth in his mouth. Little did we know that it was too painful for him to consume dry, small-breed kibble. Since his surgery, Skweaks has put on more weight consuming duck & potato Natural Balance canned food. He now weighs 5.8#. The physical progress this dog has made in our rescue is more than words can say in a profile. Hopefully the picture will give people a better visual.
UPDATED 10/30/2007: Skweaks is doing great in his new home. He now weighs 5# and is a happy-go-lucky pooch. He LOVES his new brother, Cody, who has learned to tolerate him being in the house too. According to his mom, Sherry, Skweaks has to cozy up to Cody every night to fall asleep in bed. Even Sherry's boyfriend has accepted another dog in the bed with them at night. Thanks Sherry for all you love and support. We promise to put your donation to good use.
We would like to personally thank many of our past adopters for generous monetary contributions to the rescue since our first mill auction on Good Friday. We have collected almost $1000 in donations to help off-set the costs of saving these physically compromised pooches with much higher and complex vet bills, then our shelter dogs. We could not have done it without your help.
With that being said, I commend you for taking the time to read this and wanting to rescue a dog. I encourage you to educate yourself about the conditions of these mills and the breeders who carry on their genes. If you must have a purebred dog, then PLEASE research and find a highly reputable breeder.......do not buy from pet stores!
This video link may help you better understand why we are taking part in this type of rescue.
A Tribute
We are a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. We can provide receipts once our application has been accepted to anyone willing to make a monetary contribution. All donations can be made through paypal and a tax donation receipt will be sent to you. Thank You!!!!
You can also help support our cause by purchasing merchandise from our sponsor: ProPlan and their Rally To Rescue Program that helps out many rescues in the USA. Just click on the logo below and it will take you to the Rally to Rescue homepage where you can order items that interest you.
In October 2009, our rescue took a full-blown mange case. This poor dog was found at a construction site in Tennessee. A wonderful citizen could not leave the bloody, fur-less dog behind, so he loaded the dog carrying a 10-foot tow chain around his neck into the truck and drove him to the vet for help. The dog was diagnosed with the contagious form of mange and bathed in Mitoban. Shortly thereafter, our rescue was contacted to help.
Wishbone, named for the mark on his head, has now received 3-treatments of Mitoban along with Ivermectin injections and is healing beautifully. He will still need a few more baths before he is completely healed. At which time, we will have to have him neutered prior to adoption.
UPDATE: On April 24th 2010, Wishbone and his story were chosen as one of ten finalists in the USA competeing for $5000 in prizes from Purina Pro Plan. It was a 250-word essay that helped us be chosen as a winner. the essay is below for you to read:
Lonely & scared, dazed from dehydration and pained by a red, itchy rash all over his body walked this dog thru a gravel pit in Tennessee with a tow chain around his neck looking for help from anyone. There stood a man with his dump truck just staring with bewilderment as this weak dog approached him with caution just staring at his water bottle in-hand. The man immediately poured the water into the dog’s mouth as he stood speechless looking carefully at an emaciated body of blood and scabs standing beside him. He put the dog in the truck and drove him home. After numerous calls to local rescues without any offers to help, the acquaintance of my husband called us asking for advice. He explained the dog suffered from contagious sarcoptic mange and needed on-going bathing treatments to heal that the friend could no longer financially provide. He offered to drive the dog to MI if we could help him. We were shocked at the condition of the dog that had nothing but love and kisses to give us humans. What monster could let this happen to such a beautiful soul? We immediately followed-up with our vet who provided vaccines and injections of medications to help treat the dog. The dog we named Wishbone looks more handsome as each day passes. Now, he resides in a safe, warm foster home filled with love that we hope will one day make him an official member of their family.
After the essay, all finalists were asked to make a video and vote for their favorite "Doing More" story in rescue world. The voting took place from June 4th thru October 1st. On November 22, 2010, the winner was chosen and we want to congratulate Jo-Jo and her rescuers for such a wonderful job. You deserve this honor!
PupeLuv Rescue specializes in the rescue and placement of abused, unwanted and abandoned companion animals. We never discriminate on the basis of health, age or breed. PupeLuv Rescue works to raise the public's awareness by involving and educating the community about the number of homeless animals as well as realizing the benefits of adopting an animal in need. Our animals are examined, vaccinated, spayed or neutered and receive any and all medical treatment before they are placed in carefully screened homes. We encourage community involvement through our volunteer programs to better place our canine companions into forever homes.
We are a rescue in Waterford Township that is privately owned and has been in operation since October 2005. It is our goal to provide homeless and/or unwanted dogs with loving "furever" homes. All of our dogs will be spayed or neutered prior to adoption. They will also be up-to-date on all necessary shots, lab tests, etc. All of our veterinary care is provided by Dr. Terri McCormick. She is kind enough to offer rescue rates for all our animals, so adoption fees are kept at a minimum. Please e-mail the rescue directly for questions or an application about the dogs for adoption.
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Please start by contacting us first via email, call, or text to see if the dog you are interested in adopting is still available. If it still available for adoption then the next step is to complete an application. Please click the following link: ADOPTION APPLICATION Submit to Stizoke62@aol.com. Please call, text, (248) 563-9191 or email (stizoke62@aol.com) if you cannot download this document. I will gladly send you one in a different format.
Please allow us 24 to 48-hours or 1-2 business days to review the application. Whether approved or not, you will be contacted either way to let you know the status of your application. If the application is approved, then an appointment will be setup for you to meet the dog. If the animal is a match, then an adoption contract will be signed by the new adopter(s) and CASH ONLY will be accepted by the rescue.
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Unfortunately, we are a small rescue that does not have a true shelter setting. All of our dogs live together at our home or they are in foster homes in the area. Please feel free to call or text us at 248-563-9191 to find out if the pooch that interests you is still available for adoption, then we can move forward with the adoption process. We hope to meet you soon!
WE NEED FOSTER HOMES BADLY!!! PLEASE WRITE TO FIND OUT THE DETAILS OF HOW YOU COULD BECOME A FOSTER PARENT FOR A "FURRY" FRIEND!!!