Friends of Flicka

Matching Fund success

2012-02-09T10:18:00.000-08:00

FROM RED LAKE ROSIE'S RESCUE BLOG:
Red Lake Rosie's Rescue is so grateful!!! In the last month, we have received just over $20,000 in gifts large and small from our loyal supporters. The amount is more than enough to earn the Matching Funds of $10,000 offered by Friends of Flicka and the Lawson Family Foundation.

The money will allow us to pay our vet bills and costs to maintain the shelter and continue our mission of rescue and education through the winter.

One of the special projects we hope to do is to purchase plexiglass for weatherizing some or all of the dog kennels for next winter. That way they would be warmer, the dogs would be able to see out, and we would not have to do the tarping each fall- we would simply install the plexiglass.

We have ten 2/pod kennels so that would be a project. Each 2/pod would need 6 large sheets of plexiglass.

Eventually we will need re-roof the cathouse as we have some leaks.

We would also like to create a little outdoor cattery with lots of windows and places for cats to enjoy the fresh air -- maybe one about the size of one of our dog kennels with lots of shelving and play area.

Red Lake Rosie's Rescue doesn't have money coming in from adoptions, because almost all of the animals we rescue go to other organizations for care and placement. We foster and adopt out just a few animals each year. This system works very well, but it means we need more help from our supporters throughout the year.

THANK YOU for your donations to the winter fundraiser!!! And, Thank You for all the creative fundraisers and donations throughout the year.

Karen, DeeDee & Twyla

Matching Funds for Red Lake Rosie's Rescue

2011-12-14T16:08:00.000-08:00

We are pleased to announce that once again this winter, Friends of Flicka has offered to match donations to Red Lake Rosie's Rescue in December and January. Every dollar donated will be matched up to $5000.

Red Lake Rosie’s Rescue (RLRR) is a companion animal rescue located on the Red Lake Indian Reservation in northwestern Minnesota. The rescue was founded by Karen Good and became a 501(c)(3) non-profit in 2006.

There is an all-volunteer RLRR Twin Cities support group. The volunteers help with animal transport, fostering, transport of food and supplies to the shelter, work at the shelter, and clinic support.

MISSION:

1) Education

RLRR is educating Red Lake residents by teaching basic animal care, which includes feeding, watering, shelter, medical care and spaying/neutering.

Karen is committed to teaching compassion to a society facing enormous challenges. The reservation has a very high rate of poverty and unemployment, so it is no surprise that the most vulnerable population, dogs and cats, would suffer, too. By teaching compassion, and providing an opportunity for volunteerism for residents, especially youth, the suffering experienced by the reservation animals is reduced.

RLRR provides information about animal health care, abuse, overpopulation, and spay/neuter opportunities at Red Lake Health Fairs and at its local spay/neuter clinics.

RLRR is also working on revising the Red Lake Tribal Code regarding animal abuse and neglect. There had never been a case of animal abuse brought before the tribal courts until recently, and this was due to Karen's advocacy for the humane treatment of animals.

Red Lake Rosie's would like to develop a model for rescue, shelter, veterinary care, and reducing overpopulation through spay/neuter initiatives that can be replicated on other Indian Reservations.

Annually, RLRR has booths at both the Twin Cities' and Bemidji Pet Expos. Volunteers educate visitors about RLRR and hand-made, donated items are sold to raise funds. Adopted RLRR dogs are enthusiastic ambassadors the tables.

2) Medical Care

RLRR provides medical care and spay/neuter through private donations and grants at local veterinary hospitals. Each year RLRR holds four or five spay/neuter/vaccination clinics that are free to reservation residents.

The organizations providing services for these clinics are:

Minnesota Spay/Neuter Assistance Project (MN SNAP), Animal Humane Society Mobile Services Unit, Animal Ark Neuter Commuter, Akin Hills Pet Hospital, and The Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association Field Service Program (HSVMA).

3) Shelter and Placement

Stray/surrendered dogs are temporarily housed at the shelter in outdoor kennels with enclosed hay- filled areas for warmth. Small puppies, kittens, and cats reside in an indoor shelter. Most rescued animals are transported to rescues in the Twin Cities area for adoption.

See www.redlakerosie.org for more information or follow the blog at www.redlakerosie.blogspot.com for daily updates.

In Memory of Lee Seidl

2011-07-28T18:53:00.001-07:00

I was so sorry to learn of the passing of Lee Seidl at age 91. She is the mother of my friend Jim who has supported Friends of Flicka as a dream realized of helping animals in the name of his closest animal friends. We are deeply grateful for memorials received in remembrance of Lee.

Leona M. Seidl-Smith left quietly in her sleep for her new place of peace and rest, joining her husbands, Edward H. Seidl (just in time for his July 26th birthday) and Stan W. Smith.

She is the youngest daughter of Gustav and Esther Okerlund, and sister to Phoebe, Reuben, Nathaniel and Orpha all of whom have gone before her. Her sons Steve, Mark (Vicki), Jim, grandchildren Peter (Alli), Katelin (Derek), and Jacob, along with great-grandchildren Mia and Ava (Peter and Alli), remain to celebrate her rich life.

Whether at work or play, she was blessed with a host of friends and was an avid water and snow skier, golfer, bike rider and swimmer; played a mean game of bingo and intertained her grandkids with Monopoly, Pong and assorted other competitive board and card games.

Tusen tack, tack sa hemskt mycket, mormor.

As a lifelong member of the Evangelical Free Church, she was committed to a life of spiritual discipline. And she just may have been the preeminent Swedish Christmas cookie baker ever. She loved to travel and is probably still planning another trip to Hawaii.

Her life will be commemorated at a small gathering of family and friends on Friday, July 29th. A private burial ceremony was held (on Eddie's birthday) at Ft. Snelling. Kindly direct memorial donations in lieu of flowers to charity of choice.

Hooch

2011-07-13T02:18:00.000-07:00

Hooch was rescued by Red Lake Rosie's Rescue, then transferred to RAGOM (Retrieve A Golden Of Minnesota)for foster care. Friend of Flicka has faithfully supported both of these rescues and we're glad to see a happy ending for Hooch.

FROM RAGOM WEBSITE:
Hooch is a 9 month old, beautiful purebred Golden Retriever. This dog is absolutely delightful. Hooch came to RAGOM from a home where he lived outside unfenced and allowed to wander. One day the people came home and Hooch was injured with noticeable evidence in the yard of a scuffle. The owners believe he was attacked, perhaps bear, maybe coyote, wolf, raccoon, or another dog. The owners could not afford vet care and he was surrendered to Red Lake Rosie’s Rescue who in turn called RAGOM. We are so happy we have him and thank Red Lake Rosie’s for rescuing him.

Hooch was immediately transported to a vet office to look at his wounds. Luckily, none are deep and did not require stitches. He doesn’t want to leave them alone however, so is sporting an e-collar and will do so until the areas have healed and are past the stage of possible infection. I’m sorry, but it’s difficult to take pictures of a dog with a cone on his head, so the pictures of him are as good as I can do at the moment. He doesn’t particularly like the e-collar (and I don’t blame him, he bumps into everything and everybody with it on), so it has already taken some serious wear and tear and as you can see, is duct taped to hold it together. Hooch also has ear infections which we are treating and he scratches a lot. He was covered in ticks which have been removed and he was given a flea/tick preventative. I’ve been waiting for the wounds to heal before giving him a bath. I’m hoping that once he gets a bath, he’ll feel better and not itch. He also has numerous scabs on his skin from the ticks. At the moment, I don’t know if he is scratching because of his skin condition or if he has environmental or food allergies. I give him a Benadryl twice a day along with his antibiotics and am feeding him a grain-free food. He is neutered, up-to-date on shots, heartworm negative and clean fecal (no parasites).

He met the other six dogs (three large, three small) at his foster home with his tail tucked between his legs. Once the meet and greet (one at a time) was completed, and he got the nod of approval from the resident dogs, Hooch lifted his tail and has been great with all the dogs. He fits right in. No aggression towards humans or dogs. I can do anything to him. He also of his own accord, appears to be housetrained and for a recently neutered male, I’m happy to report that I haven’t seen him mark anything either. I crated him for a few hours when he arrived to give him some time to rest and relax. He wasn’t crazy about going in the crate, but was quiet while in there for a couple of hours. Since then, I have not had a need to crate him. He sleeps on the floor in the bedroom at night, doesn’t get up on the furniture, doesn’t chew on things, likes to carry around shoes, but hasn’t damaged anything. Has been left home with free roam with the other five dogs for up to six hours with no problems. He has started to play with a couple of the dogs when outside, enjoying running around the backyard with them.

The perfect home for Hooch will be one that wants to help him develop into becoming all that he can be – which is a great dog. He doesn’t know any commands, so priority will be someone that enjoys taking their dog to positive motivational obedience training. His personality is so gentle and calm that developing into a therapy dog to visit children in hospitals or adults in nursing homes would be a very high possibility for him. He is very much the velcro Golden. I don’t have cats due to my own allergies, but I can’t imagine that they would be an issue with Hooch. His previous home had children so he was socialized to kids at a young age.

Will write more after his bath and let everyone know if that helps the itching and subsequent scratching. His wounds are healing nicely. He may have some permanent hair loss on his backend. I don’t know if the hair will grow back there or not. He is a beautiful boy either way.
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UPDATES:
06/22/2011:
I am very happy to report that Hooch has found his forever home. We get to enjoy him for a few more days and he will officially be adopted on Sunday. Hooch will have a loving mom and dad and a teenage brother and sister to love him, train him, pet him, play with him and make his life wonderful. The family is also considering training him in the future to be a therapy dog where he will be able to make many people happy with his so gentle, friendly personality.

I gave Hooch a bath with medicated shampoo and leave in conditioner hoping to help him be more comfortable. While it may have helped a little, it wasn’t enough and he kept scratching, so he visited the vet and is taking a short course of steroids to help him stop itching. We are hoping that once he stops itching and subsequent scratching, that he will heal and not itch in the future. His ear infection is healing up well.
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07/04/2011:
Hooch is officially adopted. He moved to his new home and met the cats in his typical calm, happy manner. He will have a mom and dad and two teenagers to love him. Way to go Hooch (n/k/a Hunter). We look forward to lots of happy updates and stories as Hooch enjoys his new life.

Kindly golden and pirate pup pal

2011-07-06T14:23:00.000-07:00

Our Kodiak award winning Act V vet, Dr. Vickie, has a golden of her own who befriends the injured animals passing through their lives.

DR. VICKIE FROM ACT V RESCUE & REHABILITATION:

I found this picture of my golden with a 1 week old pup from Red Lake.

We named him Warren. He lost his left eye at about 3 weeks old. One of my clients now owns him. Nice pup.

Vicki

Video homage to Act V

2011-03-28T14:25:00.000-07:00

Act V Rescue & Rehabilitation received the 2010 Kodiak award from Friends of Flicka recently and they sent us a video created by one of their faithful foster caregivers who is also a fine photographer. Check it out to learn more about Act V:

Our Fosters from Ms Tori on Vimeo.

In Memory of Rolf G. Ljungkull

2011-03-17T21:06:00.000-07:00

Friends of Flicka has lost a friend with the passing of Rolf G. Ljungkull.

Rolf and his wife Elisabeth have supported Friends of Flicka since the organization was created. They have had a lifelong love of animals and were happy to help animals in need. They were truly friends of Flicka and her brother Kodiak and we deeply appreciate that they chose to remember Friends of Flicka at this sad time.

Rolf's obituary as published in the Pioneer Press March 17, 18, 2010:

Born March 17, 1931 - died March 15, 2011, Rolf G. Ljungkull, The World's Finest Mechanical Engineer. Preceded in death by brothers: Herbert, Lars, and Gunnar. Sadly missed by Elisabeth, his wife of 58 years; children, Marta, Gus, Jo, Elisabeth; grandchildren, Kate, Margaret, Robin and wife Elizabeth, Della, and Cameron; sisters, Greta and Rose Marie; sister-in-law, Jean Ljungkull; many nieces and nephews. A service is planned for Saturday, March 19, 2:00, at the chapel in Boutwell's Landing in Oak Park Heights. In lieu of flowers, donations preferred to Friends of Flicka.

2010 Kodiak Award: Act V Rescue & Rehabilitation

2011-02-23T10:48:00.000-08:00

PRESS RELEASE:
Friends of Flicka is pleased to announce that the 2010 recipient of the Kodiak Award is Act V Rescue & Rehabilitation of Bloomington, Minnesota. This annual award of $5000 is given to a charitable organization or individual whose efforts on behalf of abused or abandoned animals are deserving of special recognition and aid.

CHAR: WAITING FOR A FOREVER HOMEAct V Rescue & Rehabilitation is a non-profit, foster-based organization dedicated to taking in and thoughtfully re-homing the most unwanted and neglected animals. Since Act V's founders include veterinary professionals, it is uniquely qualified to treat the specific challenges presented by this group of sick, injured and emotionally neglected animals.

TINKERBELL: INJURED FOOT SAVED FROM AMPUTATIONFormer recipient of the Kodiak Award, Karen Good of Red Lake Rosie's Rescue, shared the following thoughts about her experiences with Act V:

"Red Lake Rosie’s Rescue, Inc. wishes to commend Dr. Vickie Schulz and Act V Rescue for the selfless service to the injured and suffering Red Lake dogs and cats.

LEROY: SKIN GRAFTS FOLLOWING TUMOR REMOVAL In 2010 Act V took in 36 dogs and 2 cats from Red Lake Rosie’s Rescue of which almost all had severe orthopedic and other major medical needs including broken legs, heartworm, parvo, intestinal blockage, neonatal pups, puppy strangles, and others suffering advanced malnutrition and digestive problems.

We relied on Act V and contacted them whenever sick and injured animals arrive at the shelter. They always responded and never turned us down.

RONNIE BEFORERONNIE AFTERWe are so happy to give this reference to one of the best and kindest vets we know. She has compassion and will even overextend herself to help the animals. Thank you from all the Red Lake animals."

CALYPSO BEFORECALYPSO AFTERFriends of Flicka Executive Director Denise Luke added, “On behalf of our Board of Directors, we are honored to contribute to the work of Act V Rescue & Rehabilitation, and recognize the extraordinary care and compassion of the Act V team for needy animals."

LI'L ROUNDHEAD & 5 SIBLINGS SOON LOOKING FOR HOMESCongratulations to Act V Rescue & Rehabilitation! Learn more about the organization at www.actvrescue.org. Click on the names of the animals pictured here to learn more about their stories.

Karen Good of Red Lake Rosie's Rescue

2011-02-09T15:45:00.000-08:00

Friends of Flicka is a long-time supporter of Red Lake Rosie's Rescue located on the Red Lake Indian reservation in northern Minnesota. This amazing rescue is the full-time volunteer mission of Karen Good, a Native woman and elder for her tribe.

Karen and Red Lake Rosie's Rescue were first to receive the Kodiak Award in 2008 from Friends of Flicka. It is awarded to a volunteer or organization whose efforts on behalf of abused or abandoned animals are so extraordinary that special recognition is deserved.

As we wrote then, "Good's work is hampered by the poverty, remoteness of location and extremes of climate at Red Lake. She has rescued hundreds of dogs and cats including some that have been left for dead."

Special thanks for this video which includes an interview with Karen Good to Janet Roper, Animal Communicator for Talk2TheAnimals

The Animals at Red Lake Rosie's Rescue from JanetRoper on Vimeo.

Most recently we donated matching funds for a fundraising effort in the month of December. Over $20,000 was raised to buy supplies and pay medical bills for the animals for the remainder of the winter.

Now Friends of Flicka is happy to join in congratulating Karen Good as a 2011 Eleven Who Care honoree.

"The Eleven Who Care program was created 27 years ago to recognize the outstanding volunteers that serve our community.

Each year hundreds of volunteers are nominated for the award and the Eleven Who Care Board of Governors select the eleven to be honored. The honorees represent the variety of opportunities available in our community. They truly exemplify the belief that one person can make a difference."

Congratulations, Karen!

The Wildcat Sanctuary

2011-01-10T03:58:00.000-08:00

The Wildcat Sanctuary in Minnesota is a very unusual organization that we support. They care for over wild cats, large and small, from all over the country.

The cats come from a variety of situations but have often suffered from abuse or neglect. This Sanctuary gives them the opportunity to live out their lives in settings as wild and comfortable as possible. They do not have visitors like a zoo. Learn more in this video:

Update on Scruffy

2011-01-04T15:16:00.000-08:00

Scruffy is a sweet old dog we sponsor at RAGOM (Retrieve A Golden Of MN).

FOSTER MOM REPORTS:
12/06/2010:
Have I mentioned how in love with Scruffers I am? In case that hasn't come across fully, this dog is a complete lover. I have some pics I'll get up of some of our cuddle sessions. He loves loves loves to cuddle and comes up for pets all the time. He's always kept in the background until last night where I pretended I didn't see him so he kept coming closer until he felt the need to give my hand a kiss :-)

Scruffers loves the snow too. He acted like he didn't quite know what was going on at first but now he's a champ plowing through this stuff.

Scruff gets invited to all the neighborhood parties too. Well, if you call shoveling your driveway a party! A couple of my residents and the neighborhood dogs get to run in the dead end street and Scruffy gets to be on a long flexi-lead and watches, thinking maybe he can keep up with the young whipper snappers...

Scruffmuffin would love to have a furever home to spend Christmas in! He's the easiest foster I've had, and that's saying a lot! He just wants to love you and doesn't expect much in return, just a few scritches, some cuddle time and short walks. (Although he does walk 3 miles a couple times a week!). If you think you have what it takes to give this speical guy a home, contact your placement advisor!

And if you'd just like to come give him some cuddles without the commitment, he'll be at the Stillwater PetCo this Saturday, 12/11! come out and say HI.

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12/07/2010:
I know that all my pics of Scruff show him laying down asleep but he's so darned cute that I can't help not sharing these! He is awake every now and then ;-) But I'm too lazy to try and capture that cuteness... Plus, now you get to see our daily snuggle ritual!

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12/10/2010:
Well, Mr Scruffers is irrevocably spoilt now... no two ways around it. I have picked him up and put him in bed with me the past 2 nights. He is such a snuggle bug and now sits all pretty at the head of the bed at night wanting to come up, so of course I oblige. 4 dogs and me :-)

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12/14/2010:
Well look who is Mr. Popular!! My Scruffers of course ;-) Not only does he have wonderful sponsors, Friends of Flicka and Connie Jendro, but he is getting a page of Christmas tokens now!! A special thank you to Judith Cummings who knows where to send the love... to scuffmuffin. Another special thank you to his Anonymous giver who made a special donation to all the sweet sweet seniors at RAGOM. You are truly an angel.

A special thank you to Scruffy's girlfriends, Jadey-cakes and Maggie-poo... He'll give you some extra kisses on Thursday ;-)

The bittersweet story of Bear

2010-12-17T15:53:00.001-08:00

When this email and photo arrived, I knew I had to help.

My name is George and i am writing to you hoping that i can find a home for an older German Shepherd that i found on a country road in western Minnesota last Saturday.

He was severely covered in matts and burrs and terribly skinny and weak. I brought him back to my place and cut out most of the matts and burrs and gave him a shampoo to clean him up. I then took him to the animal hospital in Hopkins MN to have him checked out.

That is where he is now and he only has a few days left before they cant take care of him anymore and they will put him down. I'm not going to let that happen, he's an older dog they said around 8 years old and he has a really bad bone growth on one of his hind legs so he doesn't walk very well and it looks like its painful to sit or get up. Who knows how long he has been wandering around he was in bad shape when i found him.

I would love to take care of him but i already have 2 dogs. He's a big dog so i have been calling him Bear. He is in no way aggressive at all, he didn't make a sound the whole time i had him and just wanted to be petted and around people. I have contacted the Buffalo humane society and the Annandale police station hoping that someone would have reported a lost Shepherd but no one has, and judging by his appearance he was out on his own all summer.

I will take him from the hospital before they put him down and try to find him a home but i know what its like trying to find older dogs homes. I wish i could care for him but it just isn't feasible.

Please get back to me or call me as soon as you can so we can get this big guy a home.

After many, many emails and phone calls, the organization MARS (Midwest Animal Rescue Services) offered to take him. This was my first report from them:

Just wanted to let everyone know, George has dropped Bear off with us. Our Vet has examined him, and he has a spinal issue that is degenerative. His spine is fusing together down his back. He has a lump on his leg we will x-ray to make sure it is not bone cancer. He has arthritis in his front shoulders, and other than that the BEST personality in the world :-)

We will keep him comfortable in one of our foster homes that deals with seniors and health issues until it is time for him to cross the bridge. He will not be placed for adoption as he just needs to be in one home on a soft bed with lots of love for the amount of time he has left.

I want to thank you all for looking out for this boy, especially George!

We will keep you updated on his condition as it progresses. Unfortunately, there is no fix for his health issues but to keep him comfortable and well-fed until it is his time.

The Vet as estimated his age at 12-14 years old. He has lived a very hard life by the looks of him. He has cataracts in both eyes so he doesn't see as well as he used to, but his nose works great. He likes salmon treats. :0) He is a very sweet boy and Karyn (his foster mom )was getting his room and bed ready for him when I called to tell her he was here.

Sincerely,
Amy
Midwest Animal Rescue
Director of Operations/Intake/Adoptions

I heard from MARS again they received a donation from Friends of Flicka for Bear's care:

I can NEVER thank you enough for your donation to help Bear. I really wanted to call you or send a more formal Thank You card but sadly time kept getting away from me and I didn't want to miss the opportunity to sent my heartfelt thanks.

Bear is doing great. He is resting comfortably in his foster home and he is really enjoying life. Since starting the pain medication, he is doing great. He moves slowing, which is to be expected, but you can almost see happiness and peace in his eyes. We are working on sending you pictures :)

I will never understand how someone could throw away such a devoted and loving pet like Bear. Your donation will help us to keep him comfortable until his time comes to cross the Rainbow Bridge.

Thank you again, with all my heart.

Kind regards,

Heather
Director of the German Shepherd Dept.
www.MidwestAnimalRescue.org

~When I win the lottery, there will be many unhappy relatives, but LOTS of delighted German Shepherds.~

And then the final note:

I am emailing today to let you know that Bear has passed over the rainbow bridge this evening. He was with his foster family who adores him, and held him while he went. We were all there also, so he went with all of us who took over his care.

He was to the point where the pain meds were not working and he was dragging his back end to try and walk. It was time.

I just wanted to personally thank all of you who had a hand in giving Bear a wonderful few weeks where he got to have bacon sunday brunch and pot roast dinners. A soft couch of his own, and fourlegged siblings who loved him as much as the humans.

Friends of Flicka, thank you for the wonderful donation for his care.

Bear gives all of you a big bear hug and loves each and everyone of you!

Amy
Midwest Animal Rescue
Director of Operations/Intake/Adoptions

Having a bad day? Pet your dog, you will immediately feel better.

Bandit has baby twin sisters

2010-12-03T11:47:00.000-08:00

FROM RAGOM (Retrieve a Golden of Minnesota) BLOG:

Bandit #09-132
(Fostered in West Des Moines, IA)

Sponsored by:
Friends of Flicka

12/01/2010:
Hi Everyone,

Sorry it has been soooooo long since I wrote but it has been SUPER busy around my house. You see this fall my foster mom was expecting, not one baby but TWO babies! So FD, my four legged brother Buddy and I spent a lot of time outside working on making sure everything was done before these babies arrived! It sure was a great thing we had some good weather in September & October, we spent almost all of our time outside working on different projects in the front yard and back. But my biggest worry wasn't helping FD it was making sure my FM was feeling OK.

So each time she would leave us "boys" outside to work, Buddy and FD would do all of the work and I would sit by the door and watch Mom and make sure she was OK! I really like my FM she has been very good to me and I reward her by being her shadow! Any where she goes I go, that's my rule, even if it requires a few more trips up and down the stairs I am OK with that.

In October I went in for a 6 month check up with the Doc, she says I need them these days since I am getting old. But I don't feel old, and Doc thinks that I am aging very gracefully! Any dog loves to hear that, she gave me a clean bill of health and I was sent on my way. Little did I know that I would have to come back in a couple of weeks.

Now the story goes something like this! One night, right in the middle of a good dream, I hear Mom get up so I got up with her to make sure she was alright, but I don't think she was, because she went to FD and told him to get up because something broke. Next thing I know Grandma is there, my foster Sis is up, and it is the middle of the night!!!! Doesn't everyone know that I need my beauty sleep to keep aging gracefully!!!! While the next day, Mom still hadn't come home and I started to get real nervous! People would stop by and let me out, give me treats and pet me, but it was no replacing my MOM!! That night my FD parents stayed at our house and I had some accidents in the house! I don't blame them, I just couldn't control myself, so the next day I went back to the Vet to be checked out and to get some fluids.

Mom & Dad came and picked me up! I was so happy to see them, Doc said I was OK, just a little stressed because Mom ran off so quickly. A LITTLE STRESSED, I was freaking out, all I understood was she was broken and that she left, I was her shadow I was suppose to go with. But I am glad to be back home, but there was a surprise when I got there!

TWO more sisters! They are great, sometimes a little loud at night, but I get along with them well. I will lay by them when they are having tummy time, and make sure Mom & Dad hear them when they are hungry. A little bark or two always gets Mom and Dad to snap too! Well, I got to run, promise I will put up a Christmas picture soon, but for now here is a picture of me and my two new sisters!

BANDIT & ELLAThe first one is Ella, while she is having tummy time!

BANDIT & CHLOEThis picture is with Chloe!

Scruffers

2010-10-14T02:31:00.000-07:00

Friends of Flicka is sponsoring Scruffers who just arrived at RAGOM (Retrieve a Golden of Minnesota). Following is his RAGOM blog post:Give a huge welcome to Scruffers! Scruffy came to us today from a "ranch" where he has been kept in a kennel for most of his life. We think he is around 12 years old. Scruffy was set to be euthanized last week because the owner could no longer care for him but the vet sprang into action and got RAGOM involved and look who's here!!

Prior to getting him into the vet today, he got to hang out in a fenced backyard (Thanks Auntie Jen!). He was introduced to another dog with no problems. He was very scared and flinches when you go to touch his head. He warmed up quite quickly however and came up to me for pets before too long (especially when he learned I had some nummy nummy treats).

Scruffers, however, is in pretty rough shape. He went to the vet today (cross you fingers for good blood work!!) and weighed in at 51 pounds, the vet thinks he should be closer to 75 if that gives you any idea of how thin he is right now. Prior to getting to the vets he was given a can of wet food and he ate with gusto so I'm hoping with some regular feedings of some good quality food he'll put some weight on in no time.

Scruffy has 2 broken canines and several incisors that will need to be removed. He also has tremendous pain in his back legs. The vet said that the muscles back there are severely atrophied, likely from spending so much time in a kennel. Since Scruffers is so scared right now, we made the decision to keep him at the vet with his buddy Goldie so he could have his teeth pulled on Monday morning and then I'd bring him to my home.

We don't know what Scruffers needs in his forever home at this point, but his vet bills are going to be quite large so I wanted to get his story out there, you know, just in case you wanted to help him out ;-)

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UPDATES:
10/12/2010:
GReat news! All of Scruffers blood work came back great! How often do you get an older dog who is 20 pounds underweight to have good blood work?!? All that means is some regular feedings of some good quality foods should get him up to a healthy weight!

Scruffers ended up having a total of 5 teeth pulled. His poor mouth was so swollen when he got to my house but that didn't stop him from eating! He got some wet food and was excited to eat it. We are doing a mix of wet food and dry food that's been soaked in water so he gets a little bit of both worlds. We'll slowly switch him to pure kibble when his mouth is able to handle the crunchies.

Scruffers met the resident pack with little fanfare. Granted, he was a little woozy from the drugs but after he was up and about, during the night and this morning everything went great. He's such a little squirt that he fits UNDER one of my resident dogs! He got to meet most of the neighbors who, naturally, fell head of heels for him. He's just got that lovable kind of face :-) He also met the resident pip-squeak, Stella, who is a 9 pound puppy mix. He did just fine with her along with the 2-year-old neighbor girl next door.

We took our first walk this morning and he needed a lot of encouragement. I don't imagine he's ever been on a walk before so he kind of pulled the puppy thing, i.e. if I sit and don't move you can't do anything about it. He did end up doing a pretty good job after lots of praise.

I was happy to know that loud noises to not bother him, but I'm starting to think he might be a little hard of hearing. He doesn't respond to his name, but that's not too surprising considering where he came from. However, he doesn't jump or flinch with any noises which is a little "off" since he is a little bit scared overall. I'll continue to monitor this and keep everyone updated!

Scruffers doesn't exactly go to the door when he needs to potty, however he does cry and pace, which is a very good sign in my book! He slept in the kennel last night and wasn't a happy camper but did settle down after an hour or so. With some consistency he will be a pro at night!

I'm still not sure what Scruffers needs in his forever home. If he does have a hearing issue he will be safer with a fenced yard. He hasn't shown too much interest in the resident pack yet, so don't know if he will need/want another dog to live with. Keep checking back and I'll keep everyone updated on his progress and we'll find out what he needs! In the meantime I'll be sure to give him some extra lovin :-)

Amber

2010-08-04T11:07:00.001-07:00

Amber is just the kind of dog that Friends of Flicka is eager to help. She is getting older and has spent her life, though crippled, breeding in a puppy mill. Read all about her in her RAGOM (Retrieve a Golden of Minnesota) blog:

I am introducing our very sweet, Amber. She is a 7, soon to be 8-year-old, puppy mill mama. She has been with us for about 3 weeks now. Amber is somewhat more social than a lot of puppy mill dogs. For the most part, she loves to meet people, always has a wagging tail and explores things on her own. She is a very happy girl considering her past and thankfully she can now begin a new and much better life.

Amber came to RAGOM with a mast cell tumor and some other major issues. We had the tumor removed a couple of weeks ago and luckily it was in the early stages and it was removed completely. She had her staples removed last week and the incision is healing nicely. She was also spayed at that time. I know after being a "cone head" for a couple of weeks, she was glad to get those staples out. No more cone!
Woohoo!

Amber's back legs are a mess to put it mildly. Both back feet point out sideways to some degree, the left one being the worse. At times, that one is pointed directly sideways. The vet took X-rays while she was there for her other surgeries and the X-rays do not paint a pretty picture. Our vet was amazed at how bad Amber's hips are. Amber's left leg does not have a ball at the top so there is nothing in the socket on that hip. We don't know if she had a surgery at some point to remove the ball, which is done in some cases of hip displaysia, or if she was possibly born this way. Her right leg does have a ball on it, but it is not in the socket either. It sits up above the socket. When Amber walks, both her legs are quite loose and wobbly. She does get around quite well, but we are not sure how much pain she may be in at this point. She has probably been this way for years. The X-rays show
one of her knees is in bad shape too.

Right now we have started Amber on Rimadyl and a joint prescription diet. She does get around and even runs after squirrels, which is surprising. It is amazing how much dogs adapt to their disabilities.

A couple of other things about this girl: Amber has a couple of incisors that are worn down almost to the gum. These may need to come out at some point. She is also has a bad left eye. It looks smaller than the right eye and sometimes turns funny. We are pretty sure she is blind in her left eye. I know when she is investigating new things, sometimes she surprises herself when something is on that side of her. The vet thinks this may be a birth defect of some sort.

Amber discovered marrow bones soon after she came to live with us. At first she didn't know what to do with it. The other dogs were chewing away on theirs and before long, Amber was too. They spent hours out in the yard with their bones that day and she was such a happy camper joining in. We have some clean marrow bones in the house for the dogs and almost every day, Amber would have a collection on her dog bed. She always seemed to go to the same bed and some days I don't know how she found room to lay down. It would be full of bones. I kept putting them back in the toy basket and before I knew it, she would have several bones back on her bed. I had to take a picture of that the other night. She is such a silly girl !

Despite all of Amber's medical issues, anatomy problems and bad teeth, she is so happy to be with her people. Whether it's when you get up in the morning or come walking through the door, she greets you with a wagging tail and some kisses. It's amazing to me how much dogs like her put up with, yet they are forgiving and loving anyway. I am just so glad she can look forward to a life in a home with people who love and care about her. She has had no accidents since coming here and she has had free roam of the house. She met our 4 other dogs (one of which is our RAGOM foster Max 07-493) and two cats with no problems what so ever. Amber has the true Golden personality and it shows every day.

Amber did move to a permanent foster home today. She did well on the trip to South Dakota. I miss her a lot tonight, but I know she is in great hands at her new foster home.

If anyone would like to sponsor Amber or donate anything to her medical costs, RAGOM would greatly appreciate it. She has a high medical bill already with the mast cell tumor removal and spay and she will need to be on her prescription diet for a while in order to determine if surgery will be needed or not. Only time will tell if surgery is in her future or not.

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UPDATES:
06/29/2010:
Miss Amber is now in Sioux Falls, SD. She traveled very well on her road trip here by a great Ragom transport, KG, who was up in the area for an event for her son and generously offered to bring her all the way back to us here for fostering. Of course this was perfect for Amber as she had a great one-person transport the entire way. A big thank you to DP, #1 foster who did such a great job with this mill girl, bringing her home and getting her through her surgery, adjustments, and everything else that goes with these PM rescue girls. She and her vet did and outstanding job.

A really huge thing I will mention here with Ragom is ‘teamwork’ we have for these golden retrievers who come into our rescue program. Please note that from the time Ragom gets a call for rescue to coordinate all the aspects of actually bringing these dogs into Ragom is pretty impressive.

From the intake procedure, the planning of safe transport, the patience to get the golden on a ‘plea’ for a foster and of course, the immediate foster who opens up their home and hearts to get these scared, hungry, dirty golden’s in, and yes, get them completely checked out and vetted as well. There is a lot of work and effort on these ‘teams’ which work hard for each and every rescue brought in, including the fact the volunteers have full-time jobs, families, commitments and emergencies of our own…………..it is a matter of us all working together, a team, to do this and a really big heart………… ♥

Also the great vetting staff on board who are willing to see and take care of these golden’s in need, of so many various medial conditions, and do the best they can to try to help us try to keep our enormous costs down.

Sponsors

we need you and so very much appreciate ‘your’ help with Ragom in giving them the best care we can. A huge part of the system’ at work. This is how rescue works.

Case in point: I have now, a wonderful foster girl named Amber, who has two hips that are a total wreck, blind in one eye and cataract on the other and scar on her side from tumor removal. This wonderful foster girl is petite, beautiful, and even with all the issues she has/had, was bred over and over…living in a small kennel of unknown condition and we probably don’t want to know. With the team’s help, this girl is on her way to a great recovery. With your help as sponsors, she is getting the vet care AND the emotional care that she has deserved for so many, many years and now, she is one content happy camper! It is hard to believe there are mills/people out there that do this, but we also have kind hearted/generous people who are willing to help us pull these dogs through and get them on their true golden life!

Ok, now the latest scoop on the girl called Amber:

I don’t need to say how beautiful Amber is, inside and out. She is just something you really ‘adore’ and ‘admire’ for all she has been through, for all the love she returns. She is doing so well here. She is currently living in our household which consists of 3 dogs (one 9 year old, two 15 year olds) and 3 cats ( two 9 and one who is 8). She also has a large fenced-in back yard with a couple steps down off a deck. Amber has many different descriptions I think. She is very respectful of the pack we have; she is just beautiful; she has courage, heart, trust, patience, caution, and yes, she is all golden retriever. She is so beautiful, soft, and yes, now trusting. We are still having our ‘scared’ moments as all PM doggies do, but not too bad at all. There are a few noises we are not sure of, but gosh, she is handling things just great. Amber has a face that just lets you fall in love…...that great golden coat, those small eyes, even if she cannot see out of the left one, that narrow butt (no hips to speak of) and nice chest, her soft whiskers and bushy tail.

Amber is very mobile and from being here this past week, we have not seen any ‘pain’ with her whatsoever. She has the ‘odd’ rear end, which we are at this time, contributing to a possible congenenital, birth-type of issue at this point. She has apparently lived with her imparities for some time and adapted very well. She goes in and out of the house, to and from vet, all the routines the rest of the crew does, just fine. She slips around some places here, just like the rest of them do, where the linoleum is and no rug. Her nose sure works good. She is getting the schedule down just fine, is very quiet all night and oh, so very loving. Yes, typically for these mill girls are right by you or ‘velcro’….I have to admit she is a blast. She loves people and just life itself I think. She is happy. Ready to come to you, ready to eat, ready to be loved, ready to be pet, just plain ready…………………

Amber has free roam as do the rest of the pack. At night Amber has her spot on the floor by me with blankets (doggie bed is too warm) and loves her ‘babies!" that she collects---- her soft toys (stuffed socks too) and she is busy taking care of them, oh—so sweet. She settles down for the night and just a quiet little girl. As the first foster described above, you have a lovely little girl, tag wagging, just happy you are home!

So are you ready for:

A beautiful little girl who is about 50#

A girl who has a beautiful coat

A girl who is UTD, spayed and no allergies

A girl who has her ‘quirky’ rear end

A girl who loves people

A girl who needs a dog and a fence

A girl who loves kisses on her nose

A girl who will give her ALL~ unconditional love and attention

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07/04/2010:
Some new photos of this lovely girl. Amber is doing very well. She is on a good food diet, no other medications and just super. Amber is being walked with a harness (as I do most all my fosters) and after a slow start (as in right next to you), she chills out and then does just fine. She was not scared of flags flapping in the wind, or cars going by—that is pretty incredible. We get better each day. There are no physical repercussions that I have witnessed from walks or playing at all. Amber has just adapted to the ‘hand that was dealt her’ in the beginning of her life perhaps, (hips/eye) and just handles life and things in stride. Ok ----- the mushy part: she loves kisses on her nose….and lovin’s all the time. You cannot help it with her, she is such a doll. She is a petite love machine. She of course loves her humans, respects her other furry buddies all around and just a happy camper. A couple more trips in the truck and did just fine. Re-checking blood and other things at the vet Amber is a trooper. Very cooperative and patient….

She is more interested in being ‘your’ pal than another doggie pal. She has our schedule down; knows when dinner times are, bed times are and play times. When we leave for work and when we come back. No problems. This is a girl who will give you unconditional love, soft gentle licks, loves, and good tail wags. Amber is ready to blossom in a new home with someone who will love a companion dog with all her beauty; want a golden who will be there for you no matter what; ready for you to come home from work; loves to be brushed; and loves to see what is new in ‘soft toys’ around the house because she is a ‘mama’ dog! This can include socks, soft doggie toys, slippers, clean dishcloth or towel…..something to carry. Then Amber will give it up to be by you when you call her………..lay at or on your feet, to be loved and reassured/cuddled. And yes, that ‘look’…..such a golden retriever look! She has the total retriever personality. Did I tell you how beautiful/compact and about the best golden companion you could search for!? We adore her. She deserves so much and has come so very far.

FM

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07/08/2010:
Amber either has had a severe injury much earlier in life or was most likely born with deformed hips. Per x-rays, neither of her hips look normal or function properly. However, Amber seems to manage incredibly well. She uses her strong front end and has developed her own unique gait with her rear legs. Her movement is effective and painless enough that she loves to play, chase rabbits, etc. She does stairs without difficulty but definitely has her own rhythm to do them. While she currently has no obvious signs of pain in any of her joints careful care and attention to especially her front end will be very important. Keeping her front legs and shoulders strong (walks and play), trying to prevent arthritis (a glucosamine supplement) and weight control (keeping her trim) will be very important as she ages.

We had our granddaughter who is 5, over for a day, and Amber really enjoyed her company, petting and attention. This was wonderful to see you. We are taking our daily walks and she is doing better each time. Again, a little slow going (steps in front of you and weaves a little) and then she ‘gets it’ and off for a nice normal walk. We are going about 6-10 blocks now and I am not seeing any signs of pain or stress. Amber is just a delight to foster, so gentle, happy, and ready for just about anyone. I think we heard her back ‘once.’ She eats 2X a day like everyone else and takes her supplement (dasuquin chew tab) in the morning as well. There are no other meds. She is on Blue Organic Adult Chicken & Rice and she does like a little cottage cheese mixed in!

Amber acts like about 4 and yes, she does go zipping through the house. Even when she slips on partial wood flooring and linoleum without rugs on, she just gets up and keeps going. She has adjusted to her ‘special needs’ just fine. She does have a cataract on her right eye (left one blind again probably old injury or congenital-deformity). We feel it would be well worth a check with a veterinarian ophthalmologist (Ragom can refer) to have this removed. Amber has many good years left as she is a very young eight-year old and such a golden personality and just the biggest heart ever! Are you ready for a smaller, beautiful, special needs, gentle, fun-loving golden girl? A girl who so much deserves a kind and understanding furever home…..I can sure promise puppy kisses…..amazing how far this lovely girl has come from all the years of breeding in broken down sheds and very poor conditions……
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07/13/2010:
Amber continues to do great. I just had to share more photos of this great little girl! Amber is such a lovely golden retriever. For a dog who had many rough years and her 'special needs', she is just great.

If you would like to help SPONSOR Amber or help DONATE for her or other great goldens, please go to: http://www.ragom.org/donations/ways_to_help.html.

We need YOUR help and/or continuing help/donations/sponsorship in rescuing these great goldens :)

Thank you from Amber and all of us at Ragom. If you would like to consider Amber for adoption please contact your placement advisor.

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07/20/2010:
Our lovely girl Amber is a true joy……. Now some really GREAT news…….she has a SPONSOR. How wonderful is that? This is such wonderful news for her/Ragom! FRIENDS OF FLICKA has generously offered to sponsor our lovely Amber girl. This is huge news and we want to thank FOF so very, very much for sponsoring this great golden girl and stepping up to help a great rescue golden!

Miss Amber continues to do well here. Hard to believe we are blind in one eye, had cancer, and a couple of really weird looking hips which she has managed to live with and gets through just fine. We are taking our small walks to keep her active, healthy, and let her enjoy a world she had never seen or allowed to know before rescue. It is like watching a flower blossom, each day, a little more. She is social and gentle. Of course, one of the more beautiful golden’s we have seen, with a heart to match.

THANK YOU so much FRIENDS OF FLICKA for your help in sponsorship, it is truly appreciated! J

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08/03/2010:
A big hello from Amber girl. This lovely golden girl is about a sweet as they come and she is doing so well. Ragom did have her right eye looked at to see if there is a cataract or not and good news on that. There is not one. Again, we are presuming like her ‘rear end’ and other eye, probably a birth defect. What I have learned is that ‘smaller eyes’ tend to focus better at a distance and larger eyes focus well at close range. Always learning something new. A probable cause in the right eye (blind one) (ruling out a trauma we think) is microphthalmia

Notice the last line: "should not be bred!" (Amber of course is a mill dog) (how sad is that?)

Also:
Microphthalmia is a disabling genetic condition that occurs when a dog's eyeballs are smaller than normal, severely restricting its vision. With this condition, the internal structures of the eye are abnormal as well, resulting in a prominent third eyelid and small eyes that appear to be recessed into the dog's eye sockets.Microphthalmia is inherited in many dog breeds through recessive genes. It also can appear in puppies whose mothers received certain types of medication during pregnancy. Owners of affected dogs will notice that their eyeballs appear smaller than normal for the animal's breed, and there may also be noticeable signs of visual impairment. In fact, most dogs with the problem are either born blind, or else eventually become blind or severely visually handicapped. [...]

Miss Amber therefore is just fine. She is only on "dasuquin’ for glucosamine and chondroitin supplement. Other than good for and this tab, that is the only maintenance she is on. We have been having such horrible weather this summer here in South Dakota….flooding, and major humidity and storms. Amber is somewhat ‘gun shy’ of thunder and lightening and will want to retreat to under a bed or someplace to ‘hide’ until it is over. We just act like everything is normal and keep tv/radio sounds louder, etc. and we get through just fine.

For Amber good food, lots of lovin’ and she is perfect in our eyes! When it is not horrible hot and humid, she will ‘play’ outside and chase after toys and bring back. Short walks as she does enjoy them however again, due to this humid weather, no one is walking very far these days. She is SO CUTE! Such a gentle golden girl.

I want to thank Amber's wonderful sponsors because without you our wonderful RAGOM pups would not be able to get the care they so much deserve. Thank you and here is some hugs and kisses from Amber. xoxoxoxoxo

Amber said she wanted to put her paw print in her update but I told her the x's and o's are just fine.

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08/16/2010:

More new photos of our lovely lady. Amber is doing wonderful. One line that comes to mind: "good things come to those who wait." Well, I was thinking just maybe, Amber thought/hoped as she was in that icky breeding place in a cage thinking maybe some time she will get out of there if she waits long enough? You wonder……….no matter, she is wonderful now and very happy and well taken care of! We still cannot imagine a dog in this shape being bred over and over. It is so incredibly amazing how forgiving and wonderful these misused/abused/neglected dogs are!

My super groomer here in Sioux Falls, who offers to do a quality grooming for my Ragom fosters (Ronita), really spiffed Amber up on Friday. She smells so sweet and looks incredible. Ronita stated she did very well there. That can be very surprising for a golden with the history that Amber has. Other than slip sliding around on the tile floor, she handled the hub-bub, tub and blow dryer fine for her and Ronita handles these goldens so great. (A big thank you Ronita!) Of course her staff and everyone that walked into her facility loved Amber! Her hair is coming back in very nice from being spayed and the mast cell removal on her side. Amber does really enjoy being brushed (of course!).

She looks forward to our walks, even though they are short, and she really enjoys meeting other people and dogs. Her tail wags, her head is up and she is a happy girl. She is becoming more and more comfortable and happy on them and we both enjoy them. She needs to stay on your left side (as all dogs are suppose to) but especially Amber due to her eyesight issue and being blind in her left eye and she walks by me very well. She has to go down and up about 8 steps to the front (out garage) for the walks, and yes, I use a harness. She does just fine up and down those steps. I gave her a ‘squeeky rubber’ toy (a mouse maybe?)---thank you Rick/Pat for the toys!) and what a hoot to watch her! She chews it, it squeeks, and she tries to jump, nudge, pounce and carry it! It is just a blast to watch! I think it is another of her ‘babies’ like the soft white toy (bear) and a couple socks tied together…..she loves her ‘babies.’

She is such a delight to watch and is a super foster girl. Amber does very well with all the crew. She really enjoyed having the grandkids this past weekend. They are 4 and 6. The kids of course, are very good with dogs (have to be in this family!). ( I do not let the kiddies give her snacks as she is just too anxious for food/snacks) Amber really enjoyed having the children around

Amber of course is a hoot to watch walk and she has a style all unto herself! Amber also will play fetch in the backyard…..so cute to watch and do with her. With such a bad rear end it does not last a long time, but it is sure fun while we can. Again, to her SPONSORS, thank YOU so very much for helping Amber recover and rehabilitate from such a tough beginning for so many years. Such a huge part of rescue and rehabilitation and oh gosh, does Amber and Ragom appreciate it! XOXOXO

If you are ready for a SUPER golden girl, have another dog or dogs (yep, even cats) and a fence, and like a smaller dog, I have a perfect golden retriever for you. Please email your placement advisor with any questions or inquiries about our lovely Amber.

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08/31/2010:
Short note on Amber. She does very well. She is a very ‘confident’ girl. Amber is the first one out the door and the first one in………always. Of course, as with many different dogs, there are loud/different noises which can startle her, or if you set sometime different out (like another big pillow on floor or large ball, etc.) she really has to check it out or walks way around it, because it has ‘changed’ the (her) scenery and she is not sure, so introducing larger new things, and in a gentle way, is beneficial….She really enjoys to meet people on walks and happy. She does fine out in the backyard (you need to pick her poop up right away so she does not eat it…..very typical). She is more a loner and really does not care about the other dogs. She does not need or follow the other dogs for support. She does fine with dogs and cats but does not follow them or interact with them. She prefers to always be by, lay by, sleep by me (people) and yes, follow you wherever you go (true companion girl!)……lives her human!! As stated before, she enjoys her squeaky toy and soft chewie toy……(her babies). If you squeak her toy, she will follow you anywhere and you can lead her where you want just about. Of course will for a snack too. Amber is in good condition and is a happy golden. She enjoys to be brushed. She will come and ‘romp and play’ to come to me when outside in the back yard to play (for a few times………..) I wish I had a video of that. She just arcs her neck and listens, and takes off to me……so her ‘retrieving’ is just a hoot to watch. It is so cute. So with the whole ‘back end’ mess, she enjoys it and has no pain or discomfort at all. Amber is not dependant on other dogs. Again, from the mill she came from she is quite well adjusted/social. She has beat a ton of odds and has done it well---- and again a huge thank you for her sponors. Amber is progressing just great and is ready for her new furever home.

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09/15/2010:
Amber will NOT be attending the Goldzilla event but rather going to her new foster in SD!

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09/27/2010:

Miss Amber is now in her new foster home in Vermillion, SD and some may wonder why she changed homes. Her previous foster, who loves Amber dearly, needed to move Amber for personal reasons and it had nothing to do with Amber's health issues. It was not an easy decision to make, because Amber is one of those dogs that you love from the very first moment. I am very grateful that RAGOM has entrusted me with caring for this extraordinary golden retriever.

Amber has been with us one week and is quickly adapting to her new home. Given that she came from a puppy mill makes her progress that much more remarkable. She met the three resident goldens as well as our other RAGOM foster Hupi 09-430 and everyone gets along just fine. As in her previous foster home, Amber prefers to be with her people and appears rather indifferent to the other dogs. The only time she shows interest in them is when it's time to go out and they are all waiting behind the door. As soon as I open the door, Dylan and Hupi usually lead the charge and Amber runs after them to see what all the fuss is about (usually nothing!). Amber is also fine with our three cats, who are rather indifferent to her! But Amber absolutely adores our daughter, Abigail, who is in second grade. Abigail and Amber were playing fetch in the backyard just minutes after Amber first arrived.

I imagine many people who have followed Amber's story are concerned about her mobility and are afraid of adopting a "special needs" dog. I have to admit that I was a bit nervous about fostering a dog with such severe hip deformities. But Amber made it clear right from the start that I should not underestimate her. We brought her out to the deck, from which there are two ways to get to the yard. One can either go down four steps or one can take a flying leap off the edge where it's a three foot drop to the ground. Well, Miss Amber took the flying leap and I was so horrified that I couldn't even look. But Amber was just fine! She also surprised us with the stairs in the house. Her previous foster mom and I looked at the stairs to the second floor and agreed that there was no way Amber would be able to go up them. And for two days Amber did avoid the stairs. But on the third day, I went upstairs to do some housework and I heard doggie paw steps behind me. I thought it must be Hupi, who tends to follow me around. But when I turned around I couldn't believe it....Amber! Now she goes up and down those stairs without any problem and it's probably good exercise for her. And speaking of exercise, Amber loves to go for walks. At first I was unsure of how far to go, so we started out with short walks. But now we are walking about 25 minutes each time and Amber still has energy when we're done. All in all, I think Amber can do just about anything the other dogs can do, except maybe go running with me.

The only minor difficulty we had during the past week was during the storms. Amber does have some storm anxiety and it took me awhile to figure out how to help her. Actually, Amber is really the one who figured it out. She found her way down to our basement and seemed to do much better there. I also tried playing a lullaby CD and that seemed to help. Nighttime is a little trickier. Our bedroom is on the second floor and storms are much louder up there. So if storms are forecast during the night, I found that the easiest thing to do is sleep with her on the futon in the basement. The other dogs usually join us so we're pretty cozy!

I promise that anyone who is willing to come and meet Amber will fall in love with her. You just can't help it!

Look what I found in Abigail's room! Can I keep him?

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10/10/2010:

Amber gave us a bit of a scare earlier this week. She started vomiting each meal about 7-8 hours after eating. I worried that she had some type of blockage...either a mass or a foreign object. So we brought her to see Dr. M., who took x-rays. I am happy to report that the x-rays indicate no intestinal blockage. Dr. M. suspects that it is a GI motility problem, in which her stomach is unable to move food into the small intestine. So since the food can't go down, it eventually gets vomited back up. He prescribed metoclopramide (to facilitate gastric emptying) and famotidine (to reduce stomach acid). Dr. M. also said that Amber should not eat anything larger than the size of a pea. So for now, I've been making her doggie smoothies in the blender. Amber doesn't seem to mind mushy food and she's been doing great....no vomiting at all now. Dr. M. said it should be sufficient to soak the food and then break it up into small pieces. So I'll try that in a few days and see how she does. I should add that Amber did really, really well at the vet. She brought her squeaky reindeer and impressed the staff with her squeaking skills!

Rosie at RAGOM

2010-04-20T10:27:00.000-07:00

I was very touched when I read Rosie's story on the website for Retrieve A Golden Of Minnesota (RAGOM), so Friends of Flicka decided to sponsor her to help with her extra medical costs.

Rosie #10-077
(Fostered in Dayton, MN)

Sponsored by: Friends of Flicka

Rosie has been in her new foster home for only one week, and she's already making tremendous progress adapting to life outside of a Tennessee puppy mill. Even though she has always lived outside with very little shelter and had never received a bath before coming into RAGOM, she is very well-behaved in the house and loves to be brushed and groomed.

Rosie is 7 years old and was used for breeding. Her front upper and lower teeth are worn down to the nubs from chewing on her wire cage. The nerves are exposed in those teeth, along with two canine teeth, which are broken in half with the roots exposed. She needs to have the teeth pulled, but her blood test results show some problems that must be fixed before she'll be strong enough for dental surgery. After the teeth are taken care of, she'll need to be spayed.

One of the blood tests showed that she's anemic, and we're hoping that will get better now that she's been wormed. The hookworms and whipworms are cleaned out of her system, but it will take a little time for her to recover from that. The vet is concerned about another blood test that measures liver and kidney enzymes. Hopefully, a urine culture will give us the info we need to get back into balance. Rosie also has a staph infection on her skin, which makes her a bit itchy. She's taking antibiotics for the infection.

While we work on building up Rosie's immune system, she's on pain meds for her teeth. She eats soft food, and her appetite is good.

She's got a great attitude -- very affectionate and friendly, and curious about new experiences. Rosie is getting relaxed in her foster home, and she even played with a soft squeaky toy yesterday! She acted like a little puppy, and was able to chew on the toy with her side teeth.

Sometimes she gets bursts of happiness and jumps around in the yard, or rolls around and groans with ecstasy at feeling safe, well-fed, clean, and comfortable. She loves to have her belly rubbed and her butt scratched.

Even though Rosie has great social skills and is adjusting well, she needs some special things as a puppy mill rescue. She has always been with many other dogs, and has never been alone. So she needs to be in a home with other dogs. Her foster mom doesn't leave her and her dog buddies alone without a human for more than a few hours at a time. Also, she needs a yard with a secure physical fence to ensure her safety.

Rosie is great with kids and cats, although she probably shouldn't live with kids under 12 years old. She is afraid of men. She isn't around men in her new foster home. When she first arrived in Minneapolis, she stayed at a different foster home for a couple days, and she was frightened when a young man came to visit. When her current foster mom takes her for walks, she cringes when she sees men or hears them talk. She's also afraid of certain hand gestures and body movements, but she's becoming more relaxed and trusting of people she knows.

She has no bad habits in the house -- she lets us know when she needs to go outside, and she doesn't counter-surf, chew on things, or get into the garbage. As she becomes more relaxed and playful, though, we're discovering that she likes handmade knitted things like scarves and hats. We simply trade these things for a stuffy toy, and she's happy.

Rosie needs to lose about 10 pounds, which will be no problem with the proper diet and exercise. Her muscles are weak, but she's getting stronger every day as we go on gentle walks. She gets excited at the sight of rabbits and squirrels, but doesn't pull very hard on the leash trying to chase them. She found a big puddle in the park today, and like a typical golden retriever, laid right down in it. Rosie is a gem, and she will be a fabulous family dog when she's ready to be adopted.

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UPDATES:
04/16/2010:
Rosie and Moose sitting in a tree K I S S I N G!!! I love my new buddy Moose.

Hi Rosie here – just a quick update to let everyone know that I am now in Dayton with Moose and I do everything that Moose does so I am learning how to be a BIG dog!!!

I am feeling much better now that my mouth surgery is over-----just one little problem with pulling 14 teeth out of my mouth…….it hurts! And by accident my jaw was broken so I really was hurting. Other than wishing someone---ANYONE would take this thing off my face, I am doing OK.

I was a little bit scared with my move to Moose's house, but now I am barking at the golfers and loving life!!! I even got a walk tonight, and met some new people. I met the next door neighbor, and HE loves me and I was loving him. I am super excited about learning life and am feeling safe and secure more and more each day.

I will give you more after the weekend!! Love and kisses and I do give out kisses to all of you. Also if anyone can help RAGOM with my surgery costs that would be awesome – Plus I still need more surgery for a spay and mammary gland removals and testing.

HI FM here ….I love HER. She is a gem. She is so very fragile and needs some loving hands to guide her and prep her for her FOREVER family!! Stay tuned and you two dogs GET OUT of THE TREE!!!

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04/20/2010:
HELLO to my new sponsors - Friends of Flicka!!!! THANKS so very much for your wonderful sponsorship!!!

Rosie is doing the Charlie Brown happy dance. YIPPIE for her new sponsor's help to get her healed up!!! Really what would we do without amazing and caring people like you???

Foster Mom here: Thank you so much for taking the time to track Rosie's progress and helping RAGOM give her the medical attention that she so DESERVES!!! Being a puppy mill dog is a really lonely sad life and now she can get the medical attention necessary to get her healed and to show her the world is not a bad place, showering her with the love and attention she truly deserves. And that is not possible without help from CRAZY WONDERFUL SPONSORS like you!!! FRIENDS OF FLICKA you are the best!!!! Hugs and kisses!

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Oscar finds a home

2009-09-29T03:34:00.000-07:00

I found Oscar while doing my daily searches on Petfinder.com for animals in need. His sweet face caught my attention and his story stole my heart. I shared Oscar's plight with some friends who share my dismay and disgust when people give up lifelong pets when the pets get old.

My friend Kathy and her husband Dan take a special interest in senior cats and agreed that Oscar should come to live with them. They had extended discussions with the shelter, but everything seemed like a good match so Kathy and I got in the car and drove the 600 miles roundtrip to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and back to get him. It was a long drive, but the fall colors were beautiful and it was worth every minute to bring that sweet cat to a new home.

A big Thank You to the Oshkosh Humane Society that has recently made a committment to not euthanize animals due to lack of space; most organizations don't make an effort for senior cats.

FROM PETFINDER.COM:
How cute am I?

My name is Oscar - I'm a senior citizen looking for a nice, quiet place to retire.

I was surrendered to the shelter after living with my family for 15 years. Could you imagine being torn from your home and the only family you had ever known? I don't understand why I'm here - so excuse me if I act shy when you first meet me. The staff is working to bring me out of my shell...and slowly but surely, it's working.

If you are lonely and looking for a quiet, gentle companion, please stop in and get to know me.

Oshkosh Area Humane Society
Oshkosh, WI

Second Chance

2009-09-28T14:27:00.000-07:00

I just heard from RAGOM (Retrieve a Golden of Minnesota) that they will be able to bring this dog into their foster system to find a new home. He is such a handsome dog and has been so badly treated until now. I will watch for updates.

FROM PETFINDER.COM:
Chance is about 2 years old. This dog lives up to his name...Chance! He was found dumped out in the county...injured and abandoned. He was taken to a local Veterinary clinic as a stray.

Apparently his previous owners tried to do a "home" neuter on him by banding his testicles....unfortunately this is not the proper way to neuter a dog...he was in severe pain and had a horrible infection. The Veterinary clinic took him in and treated him medically and preformed surgery on him. This was one lucky boy!! (Thank You Waverly Vet Clinic!)

Chance is a very nice boy.....but has a ton of energy and may need some work with leash manners. Chance is good with children. He will need to meet any current dog residents living in the home before adoption....he can be a bit bossy with some other dogs.

If you can offer this boy a 2nd chance at life please apply to adopt this boy...he is starting to get a bit stir crazy in the shelter...please consider offering this dog a home and a CHANCE!!

Chance is neutered and up to date on all of his vaccinations including his rabies. He has a microchip and has been wormed and heartworm checked. He has been started on a flea and tick prevention program.

Cedar Bend Humane Society
Waterloo, IA

Bandit is having a great summer

2009-07-06T15:21:00.000-07:00

Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks??

Bandit, the white-faced senior golden retriever that Friends of Flicka is sponsoring at RAGOM is learning all kinds of new things at his foster home and having a blast. He's not likely to win a "Dock Dogs" competition for longest leap, but it's clear from his photo that he is having fun.

Read more about Bandit at the RAGOM website posting dedicated to him.

Another HFL update on Megan & Piper

2009-07-02T15:21:00.000-07:00

A note and photos from Home for Life Sanctuary regarding the dogs we sponsor.

Thank you for your sponsorship of Megan and Piper.

This month we present photos taken by Butch McCartney, a professional photographer here in the Twin Cities. Please see his website at www.photographybymccartney.com to see more photos of the HFL animals, read his blog and see other great photos exhibiting Butch's range and talent. We have enlisted Butch as well as several other professional photographers to help us with the sponsor photos each month. We hope you enjoy the photos and also the difference in their creative styles capturing the personality of the HFL animals.

MEGANBy now we hope you have received the spring newsletter. Please let us know if you are missing your copy or if you would like an extra copy to share with a friend. The "Virtual" Home for Life webcams will be operational soon. The high speed and powerful internet access and connection is a bit elusive in the rural area where HFL is located so we are in the process of working out the technical difficulties to get the system operating consistently to make viewing available.

PIPER
Tour season at HFL has commenced and we hope to see many of you this summer for a visit at the sanctuary. Our tours are scheduled each Wednesday and Saturday at 1:30 pm; please call or e-mail to make an appointment for a visit. Don’t forget about our open house that is scheduled this summer for Saturday, August 22. We are combining the open house with the Ride for Their Lives Motorcycle Run and Memorial Garden event so there will be something for everyone that day.

Sincerely,

Lisa LaVerdiere
Executive Director

Home For Life update on Megan & Piper

2009-04-17T10:11:00.000-07:00

Friends of Flicka sponsors two golden retrievers, Megan and Piper, at Home for Life. We recently received an update from the organization and photos of the dogs enjoying life!

MEGAN
Dear Friends of Flicka:

Thank you for your generous sponsorship of Megan and Piper. We appreciate your loyal support especially during these challenging times. Attached is a recent photo we hope you will enjoy!

Our volunteer photographers will start next month so please enjoy another round of candid photos taken by me and the staff. We want to continue to send regular updates and current pictures as often as possible as we recognize how appreciated they are by our sponsors.

PIPER
With the advent of spring, Home for Life will be celebrating the new season with several festive events:

Sunday, April 26, 2009: HFL's 4th Annual Tiramisu for Tails at 10:00 am at Interlachen Country Club in Edina (http://www.homeforlife.org/pdfs/T4T_invite2009.pdf). This eagerly anticipated and fast-paced morning features a champagne brunch, tasting tables of delectable confections of local vendors, a silent auction with one of a kind items, great getaways and a fun-filled program highlighted by the traditional dog parade, led by the students of the Renaissance Program and the HFL dogs they have trained. Tickets are just $75 per person.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009, Pink Elephant Cocktail hour sponsored by Vita.mn and La Belle Vie, 6:00 – 9:00 pm. Hosted by Johnny Michales of La Belle Vie and Alexis McKinnis, columnist of Vita.mn. Complimentary cocktails concocted by La Belle Vie mixology wiz and urban legend Johnny Michales plus hors d'oevres served in La Belle Vie's elegant lounge. Tickets are just $30 with all proceeds benefitting Home for Life. An appearance by HFL representative animals naturally. http://vita.mn/event_detail.php?event_id=72584.
Saturday, June 6, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. Hope Community Church, 707 10th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55415.
Sapphire Chamber Consort, a non-profit consortium of professional chamber ensembles, will present a free recital on Saturday, June 6, 2009 at Hope Community Church in Minneapolis. This family-friendly, fun and inspiring performance will feature music that is creatively tied to animals and pets. A free will offering will be collected to benefit Home for Life®. Hope to see you there!
Also, Home for Life and our Pet Peace Corps Program, the Senior Outreach Project, will be featured on KSTP Channel 5's Twin Cities Live! airing the week of April 13. For those of you who may not be able to catch the show and for our out of town supporters, the segment will be available for viewing on Channel 5's Twin Cities Live website.

Sincerely,

Lisa LaVerdiere
Executive Director

Rest in Peace, Soldier

2009-02-18T09:26:00.001-08:00

Just wanted to let you know that Soldier passed onto doggie heaven this morning/overnight. When we woke up he had passed on in his sleep. I must say I was rather relieved because we have been discussing euthanizia due to his difficulty in even getting up and walking lately and I was having a very hard time knowing when to make that decision. We gave him a proper burial this morning in our pet cemetary and there were many tears present. He was special and will be missed greatly. One of our personal dogs had really connected with Soldier and used to sleep him, and he seemed very sad this morning.

Thank you for all of your support, it means so much to us and to Soldier. I know he is up in doggy heaven smiling down on us and I am sure he is glad to longer be in pain.

Thanks again for everything.

Amanda Johnson
Rural Iowa Animal Rescue

Soldier struggles

2009-02-11T04:07:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to give you an update on Soldier. We have had a few tough decisions to make over the past couple weeks, and have decided to not allow Soldier to be adopted out. He will live the rest of his life with us.

His hip displaysia has gotten worse and the vet felt that at his age he would not make it through the surgery, so he is on a pain killer for that. We ordered some tests for him to see what was making him so sluggish and he has liver disease. He is on cortecosteroids (sorry if the spelling is incorrect) and an antibiotic to help fight the liver disease. I should have seen the signs of liver disease in him earlier, but he did not get real sluggish until the last couple of weeks.

He continues to live in the house and we have set up an area that he now uses to go potty if he has to. It has a plastic sheeting underneath it and he seems to understand to go potty there when needed. We have started giving him some gatorade and pedialyte daily to help keep him hydrated.

He is a sweet boy and we did not want him to have the stress of moving homes throughout this so we decided to just keep him with us for the rest of his life. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers as he fights this disease.

Thank you so much for your support!

Amanda Johnson
Rural Iowa Animal Rescue
Rowley, Iowa 52329

Update on Megan & Piper sponsored at Home for Life

2009-02-09T15:56:00.000-08:00

MEGAN
Dear Friends of Flicka,
Thank you for your sponsorship of Megan and Piper at Home for Life. Enclosed are recent photos we hope you will enjoy.

Thank you for your patience as we restructure the sponsorship program. We are trying again to get letters with photos out to you once every 4-6 weeks. Staffing turnover and shortages at HFL, plus two major special events this fall have made keeping up with photos a challenge in recent months when we had to refocus on the basics and give our primary attention to keeping the sanctuary's animals safe, warm, fed, exercised and well. We apologize for not being able to send current photos and thank you for your loyal support during what has been a very trying time for HFL. However, we believe that the changes in our staff have been for the best and we look forward to 2009 with a renewed investment in our mission and dedication to the work of the sanctuary. Several talented volunteer photographers have signed on to help us with the sponsorship program and are committed to helping us keep up with the photos of the animals each month. We are excited to be able to share their work and interest in helping the sanctuary and our animals with you. However, this month, you will all have to bear with us as I took the photos with my 35 mm camera. We hope you still enjoy the pictures!

Happy New Year from Home for Life!
Sincerely,
Lisa LaVerdiere Executive Director

PIPER

Bruce has been adopted

2009-02-04T13:23:00.000-08:00

Bruce was the senior dog I found in St. Cloud whose time was nearly up at the pound. RAGOM had missed him because he was listed as a yellow lab instead of a golden retriever. We were lucky to save him and now he has found his home. Read his whole story on the RAGOM website.

Keeping Soldier Warm!

2009-02-03T11:46:00.000-08:00

NOTE FROM SOLDIER'S FOSTER MOM:
A big thank you to everyone who made it possible for Soldier to get his coats! He stays so much warmer on them! I attached a couple pictures of him in his outside coat! The velcro wouldn't stick when it was below zero temperatures so we were safety pinning it, but now that the temperatures have warmed up it works great! He continues to show signs of hip displaysia despite being in the warmth of the house, so we will be making a vet trip tomorrow to see if there is something else I can do to help him out with this. He is a sweet dog and deserves so much better than what he had before coming to the rescue. Thanks again everyone for your help! It is GREATLY appreciated!

Update on Soldier

2008-12-18T08:30:00.000-08:00

Hello again!

I have some not so good news for dear Soldier. He was groomed today and checked over again by the vet and he is not gaining weight. The vet shaved him because his hair was so matted and there are lumps all over his body. At this point it is unknown if they are cancerous or not. We were also recommended a different brand of senior dog food that would encourage him to eat more, so we are going to try that and see how it goes.

The poor thing must have been a beautiful dog in his day. I will send some pictures in a few days of him now that he is shaved. That way he doesn't have the freshly shaven look to him. hehe.

Thank you so much for your sponsorship! It has allowed Soldier to live the rest of his life in peace and comfort.

Thank you again for everything!

Amanda Johnson
Rural Iowa Animal Rescue

Old Soldier

2008-12-14T12:41:00.000-08:00

When I saw this sweet old dog with the sad eyes today on Petfinder, I just knew we had to help him. I called to get more information and we are sending a donation to sponsor him for his ongoing care. I hope to have updated photos soon. Thanks to this small organization for caring about an old dog that was definitely down on his luck.

Soldier
English Setter
Size: Medium
Age: Senior
Sex: Male
ID: 1001

Notes:
Soldier lived outside with a man that could not keep him. The Rural Iowa Animal Rescue took Soldier in and he is now living in a volunteer home. Soldier has always been an outside dog and is currently living outside in a heated barn. He is a 15 year old English Setter that could use a haircut! Soldier only has a few teeth left and is mostly deaf. He was used for breeding, and due to his age it is not safe to neuter him now. Soldier is very sweet and does excellent with other cats, dogs, and kids.

Soldier will need a home that can keep him in a heated shed or barn and will be able to provide him the proper care for a dog his age. Soldier is in need of sponsers to help pay for his grooming bill as well as for his special senior dog food. He is also on joint supplements. Soldier's adoption fee is $55. Please email for more information or an application!
•
This pet is up to date with routine shots.
Rural Iowa Animal Rescue
Rowley, IA
319-961-4465
ruraliowaanimalrescue@gmail.com

Merry Christmas in your new home, Sno Ball!

2008-12-11T13:39:00.000-08:00

A very happy ending for Sno Ball

2008-12-11T12:55:00.000-08:00

I just received this great news; I'll try to get copies of the photos:

Just to let you know that Sno Ball went to her new and awesome home in Duluth yesterday. Her new Mom has a huge heart for rescue and Sno will have the best there is to offer. Already have photos of her in her new home with her roomie who is going blind and has some deformed limbs.

Thanks for sending her photo along. Another happy ending.

Anne

Fingers Crossed!

2008-12-02T15:14:00.000-08:00

From: anne
Sent: Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:41 PM
To: Luke, Denise (West)
Subject: Sno Ball

Thanks for your concern. A woman expressed an interest in giving this sweet cat a home. Lets hope it works out.

Anne

Sno Ball

2008-12-01T16:20:00.000-08:00

Of course I am always sad to see a post like this for a senior animal on Petfinder. I hope I can help find a new situation; I suggested Home for Life.

Sno Ball*Courtesy
Domestic Long Hair-white

Size: Medium
Age: Senior
Sex: Female
ID:

Notes:
**********************Courtesy Posting**************************

Sno Ball is a senior cat who is in a rescue that is closing. She was born blind and needs a special home. She is accustomed to cats and dogs. She does have a difficult time staying oriented when picked up. Needs a warm spot in a home where it will not matter if she misses the litter pan, as this does happen. Perhaps a more restricted area would be helpful. A beauty of a girl, she will also benefit from gentle brushing to keep her gorgeous white coat free from matting. A little metamucil on her food will help with furballs as well.

Sno Ball is currently fostered in Pepin, WI. Please contact Kandi at 715-442-5301

Lost Found and Fostered
Siren, WI
No phone calls please
lfafrescue@centurytel.net

RAGOM receives 2008 Kodiak Award

2008-10-28T09:30:00.000-07:00

Retrieve a Golden of Minnesota (RAGOM) Receives Award

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota – October 27, 2008

Friends of Flicka is pleased to announce that Retrieve a Golden of Minnesota (RAGOM) is the recipient of the 2008 Kodiak Award. This $5000 award is presented annually to a leading animal rescue organization or individual for their exceptional work in charitable animal rescue.

Friends of Flicka is particularly impressed and moved by RAGOM’s commitment to rescuing and re-homing senior Golden Retrievers and has requested that this award be used specifically for RAGOM’s senior Goldens. “RAGOM clearly lives and works its mission statement; Provide a high quality of life for Golden Retrievers who can no longer remain in their current environments.” Friends of Flicka appreciates RAGOM’s prompt response when they are asked to help a dog that is in danger of shelter euthanasia, often because of its age. Learn more about RAGOM at www.ragom.org.

Friends of Flicka is a 501(C)(3) tax exempt charitable organization created in memory of a beloved golden retriever for the purpose of providing funds to other qualified exempt organizations and individuals engaged in the rescue, adoption and care of animals that have been abandoned, lost, or abused. One hundred percent of Friends of Flicka funds are donated to needy animals; fifty percent are directed to Golden causes. All contributions made to Friends of Flicka are fully tax deductible. Learn more about Friends of Flicka at www.flickasfriends.org.

The Kodiak award is appropriately named for Flicka's best friend, her brother Kodiak. It is awarded annually to the volunteer or organization whose efforts on behalf of abused or abandoned animals are so extraordinary that the Board of Friends of Flicka believes special recognition is deserved. “We don't expect this will ever be an easy decision - there are so many people making daily sacrifices to help animals that have been mistreated. But if, in addition to the other grants we make each year, we can provide special support and recognition to just one, perhaps it will give hope and inspiration to others.” Kodiak was a senior dog when he passed away this summer and it is in his memory that other dogs will be helped.

Bruce has a new home

2008-10-21T11:13:00.000-07:00

Bruce has a very special place in my heart since I made RAGOM aware of him just in time for him to be saved from being euthanized at the pound. I have been checking on him on RAGOM's website and today I found out that he was adopted over the weekend! Congratulations, Bruce! You are one lucky fella and I'm sure your new family feels lucky to have you.

Update on Bruce

2008-09-26T09:12:00.000-07:00

Bruce
Yellow Labrador Retriever

Size: Large
Age: Senior
Sex: Male

Notes:
SUMMER ADOPTION DAYS SPECIAL!!
+Adoption Fee Lowered!

Bruce is a little bit older than the other dogs, but he still seems to have a lot of spunk!

Adoption Fee: $21.40!

In-Shelter Observation:
Visual Health: Good

Central Minnesota Animal Care & Control
Saint Cloud, MN

"$21.40 adoption fee / animal control... I'm guessing this pretty dog doesn't have much time left. I can work on finding a foster home, if necessary. This dog is a golden retriever, not a yellow lab."

When I spotted this dog on Petfinder, I sent that urgent message to Retrieve a Golden of Minnesota (RAGOM). It took a number of phone calls and a couple of worried days, but Bruce was saved just in time! Now his is living with an experienced foster home for Retreive a Golden of Minnesota (RAGOM) and loving life while he waits and hopes for a forever home. Read all about him on his own personal blog!

Remember Simba?

2008-09-25T08:53:00.000-07:00

I discovered that Simba needed a home doing my searches for Friends of Flicka. I not only found a home, but I drove to Eau Claire to bring him back to his new home in the Twin Cities. He is getting along great with his new family which includes a feline buddy, Sparkles.

Love those happy endings!

Eddie

2008-09-17T08:29:00.000-07:00

Who dumps a gorgeous puppy like this out in the country???

Eddie!
Golden Retriever

Size: Large
Age: Baby
Sex: Male
ID:

Notes:
This is Eddie. He is about 4 months old and he is a bundle of FUN! Eddie was dumped out in the county to fend for himself. He was rescued by the local authorities and brought to the shelter. Eddie is very outgoing and loves all! He is doing well with his potty training and will continue to succeed with the use of a crate. Please be prepared for the time and commitment a puppy needs! If you can offer an indoor, forever home that will keep this pup busy please apply to adopt Eddie! NEUTER CONTRACT IS MANDATORY!

This pet is up to date with routine shots.

This pet is already house trained.

Cedar Bend Humane Society
Waterloo, IA
319-232-6887
cbhsadoption@mchsi.com

Simba has a new home!

2008-09-17T08:24:00.000-07:00

I lucked out, or rather Simba did. I sent on his Petfinder notice to just a handful of people, but one of those friends made a connection with a family who wanted Simba.

I actually drove to Wisconsin with my friend to get Simba, so I got to meet his former family who was heartbroken to give him up. Then I got to meet his new family that was so thrilled to have him.

He is getting along well, although the resident cat still has some reservations. Happy ending for Simba and his former family is glad to know he has a good home and that they can get updates.

A little effort can save a life.

Simba--urgent

2008-09-04T09:04:00.001-07:00

This is one of the kinds of postings for which I'm watching when I search Petfinder.com every day for Friends of Flicka. Lots of times I can connect up people and organizations and solve a problem without an expenditure for Friends of Flicka and still save an animal.

Simba is an excellent example of a perfectly adoptable animal that will be euthanized if a home cannot be found. Networking can help with this situation and thank goodness Petfinder.com is out there so the stories can be heard by people who can help.

Below is an exchange of e-mails I set in motion. I hope Simba finds a home! I sent his info out to a number of selected contacts.

From: Jennifer

Sent: Thursday, September 04, 2008 10:53 AM

RE: Maine Coon needs new home - quickly

I still have him, someone just emailed me about him...I am so glad to hear someone watches for these animals and tries to help, please thank whoever this is...Jennifer

To: jennifer

Subject: FW: Maine Coon needs new home - quickly

Date: Thu, 4 Sep 2008 10:21:04 -0500

Hi Jennifer,

This fellow is making the rounds of Twin Cities/Feline Rescue email thanks to one of our volunteers who keeps her eye out for urgent needs. We have a couple of adoption applicants who might be interested in rehoming this guy, but before we get too deeply into it I wanted to make sure that this posting is current, and that Simba is still looking for a home.

Thanks,
S

PETFINDER.COM

Simba- Needs Help
Maine Coon,Tabby - whiteMix

Size: Large

Age: Adult

Sex: Male

Notes:
Simba's family has been given 2 days by their landlord to re-home him- and Catkins has NO room! He has been raised as part of the family and been around other cats, dogs and kids- he loves everybody! Simba is nearly 15 lbs, not because he's fat but because he's BIG! Simba is 2 years old, all 4 declawed, neutered and up to date on shots. If he sounds like the guy you've been looking for, please contact Jennifer today so he can get to you and to safety!

Email: jennifersue1@hotmail.com

Phone: 715-762-0098

His food, litter box and other personals come with him!

This pet is up to date with routine shots.This pet is already house trained.This pet has been altered.

Catkins Animal Rescue, Inc
Park Falls, WI

(715) 681-0022

catkins_wi@yahoo.com

In Memory of Kodiak

2008-08-22T17:06:00.000-07:00

As he neared the ripe old age of 14, Kodiak had begun to show mild signs of breathing difficulties, so he was taken to the University of Minnesota Veterinary School. An x-ray revealed advanced lung cancer and a blood test showed the cancer was spreading through his body. He came home, but his condition worsened and a return trip to the hospital was necessary. It was a terrible shock because it came on so suddenly, but a blessing because he did not have to suffer. Our thoughts are with his lonely and confused young friend Yogi and the family and friends that loved him.

Dear Denise:

As you may have heard, Gus' beloved Kodiak passed away late last night at the U of M Vet Hospital. Thankfully he rested off to sleep peacefully gazing at Gus, while petted, hugged and kissed by both of us.

The King of Dogs is now reunited with his dear friend and sister Flicka, along with Gus' other Golden family members Bear, Grizzly, and Panda.

As painful as the decision was, as his condition worsened throughout the day and night, when Kody confirmed that he was ready, Gus and I recognized that he had lived his last good day and we knew that it was the right thing to let go before the pain overcame us all.

Thankfully, he left us in the majestic way he led his 14 years of healthy life.

Pure love.

Pure joy.

Pure golden boy.

Pins for Pets

2008-07-30T08:19:00.000-07:00

HELP STRIKE TO PREVENT HOMELESS PETS Friends of Flicka is a member of the Homes For All Pets coalition, a group of Minnesota animal rescue organizations dedicated to working together to reduce pet overpopulation.

Chuck & Don's Pet Food Stores is planning a fundraising event whose goal is to raise $75,000 for spay/neuter activities. The money raised will be shared among participating rescues in the Homes for All Pets coalition.

WHAT IS THE EVENT? The event is Pins for Pets and it's scheduled for August 3rd from 4-6pm at Flaherty's Arden Bowl in Arden Hills. In short, it's a bowling party where up to 216 bowlers will roll strikes, spares and gutterballs to raise money to help spay and neuter animals. Check out http://www.pinsforpets/ for complete details.

Top fundraisers are eligible for some great prizes. The number one fundraiser will receive a $250 gift card and a trophy. Second place gets a $100 gift card; and third place a $75 gift card. There are also prizes for top bowling scores.

Plus there will be guest celebrities like Katie K-9, giveaways to all participants (canvas totes, towels), t-shirts and prizes. Door prizes include Chuck & Don's gift cards, a two-night stay at Madeline Island, puppy kindergarten classes, and a year's worth of free grooming.

HOW CAN YOU HELP? Register to bowl on August 3rd at http://www.pinsforpets.org/. The registration fee is $15 (non tax-deductible) and includes the cost of bowling, shoe rental, lunch and beverages. After registering you will be directed to the www.firstgiving.com/pinsforpets page to set up your fundraising page and start securing donations.

Bowling isn’t your strength? No problem! Social butterflies can just show up for the party. It will be a wonderful opportunity to mingle with other Twin Cities animal lovers. Some of the other rescues involved are; Pet Haven, Red Lake Rosie's Rescue, Feline Rescue, Cause for Paws, MN Humane Society, RAGOM, Animal Ark and Minnesota Spay/Neuter Project.

Can’t make it on August 3? You can still help raise money. Go directly to www.firstgiving.com/pinsforpets to set up your own fundraising page.

NEED MORE INFORMATION?
Check out http://www.pinsforpets.org/. Start watching the media this week for other announcements and promotions for the event!

Rusty needs a home

2008-06-25T08:40:00.001-07:00

I run searches on Petfinder.com every day looking for animals that need help. Sometimes I make a connection with the appropriate group or a person I know who can help. Sometimes Friends of Flicka can help with funding, but other times there is just a sweet animal that needs a home and I try to get the word out there. How do you say no to this dog?
Rusty
Golden Retriever,SpanielMix
Size: MediumAge: SeniorSex: MaleID:
Notes:
Senior citizen looking for retirement home. I am good with small children and other dogs and cats. I had to come to the shelter because my dad is going over seas to Iraq and there will be nobody to take care of me. I am worried that no one will want me because I am older and I will have to live the end of my life at a shelter when I should be in my home basking in the sun and being pampered. Do you have enough love in your heart to take me home for a short time and love me the way I should be? I am housetrained too if that helps. Come up and take me home today.
This pet is up to date with routine shots.
This pet is already house trained.
This pet has been altered.
Humane Society of North Iowa
Mason City, IA
641-423-6241

hsni@netconx.net

Home for Life: Megan & Piper

2008-05-01T09:49:00.000-07:00

Friends of Flicka sponsors two dogs at Home for Life, Megan and Piper. We recently renewed our sponsorship and received this update. Megan is in the first two photos and Piper is in the second two photos.

Thank you for your sponsorship of Megan and Piper. Attached please find a recent photo we hope you will enjoy.
Over the years, Home For Life has been blessed with the support of many compassionate people. These people understand that every living creature has innate worth. They understand that a creature's worth doesn't get smaller just because times are tight, or resources are scarce. Indeed, these humane people see that when times are hard, we must try even harder to help those who are having the worst time of it.

When hard times hit animal shelters and rescues, certain animals always have the worst time of it—the old, the disabled, and those with medical or behavior issues. They cannot compete with the other animals for adoptive homes. Some may wait years, exhausting the efforts of their rescuers, and still never find a home. And many others will never make it to the adoption floor. Instead, their chances will seem too bleak to bother, and they will simply meet an early end, though their lives are every bit as valuable as more adoptable animals.

Hundreds of such cats and dogs have found a happy landing at Home For Life sanctuary. And many shelters and rescues have found in Home For Life a partner and ally in the effort to do what we can for our canine and feline friends. Since its founding in 1998, the sanctuary has welcomed animals from dozens of shelters, vets and rescues in around the country, when all other efforts on their behalf had failed. Seeing a dog or cat that was without options get a second chance inspires hope in all of us who care about animals.

Lately the news has been filled with stories of people who are also facing hard times. More than ever, we appreciate your support as we reach out to help the many disadvantaged people of all ages served by our community outreach program, the Pet Peace Corps. Next month HFL is expanding one of our outreach programs, SIT*STAY*HEAL, to begin work at the Polytrauma Unit, located at the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis. The Polytrauma Unit is just one of four facilities that care for soldiers returning from the war in Iraq who have sustained multiple and severe injuries due to road side bombs and the like. Our volunteers will bring HFL dogs to visit these latest veterans and help reassure them that their fellow citizens are mindful of their sacrifices and care about their futures. We are proud that HFL's Pet Peace Corps programs are reaching so many people in our community, thanks to the support of our donors and sponsors.

We hope you were able to catch the Ron Schara MINNESOTA BOUND feature on HFL, which aired on Sunday, April 20 and Saturday, April 26, 2008 on KARE 11, Minneapolis/St. Paul's NBC affiliate. Please plan on seeing the sanctuary in person this summer. We will be open again for tours to our donors and sponsors beginning the first weekend after Memorial Day and thereafter every Wednesday and Saturday at 1:30 pm by appointment. Thank you again for your kind support!
Sincerely,

Lisa LaVerdiere
Executive Director

Home for Life: Megan's story

2008-04-15T10:12:00.000-07:00

Friends of Flicka sponsors a golden retriever named Megan at Home for Life Sanctuary. Here is her story from the Home for Life website.

Megan in the Fall of 2007 with animal care specialist Liz Zais.

Megan is a Golden Retriever who came to Home For Life® at age 1-and-1/2 through the Golden Retriever breed rescue and a local vet.

The breed rescue did not believe Megan could be placed as she had a bite history. However, the vet who evaluated Megan's temperament detected vestiges of a kind heart and great intelligence, and felt that Megan deserved another chance at her young age. Dr. Petra Mertens, a behaviorist at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Teaching Hospital, evaluated Megan at our request. Dr. Mertens felt that Megan was a dominant dog, but had a good heart.

It turned out that two previous owners had treated Megan very roughly and unfairly in trying to discipline her natural, youthful canine exuberance. Megan bit back in protest. Still another owner, at her third home, had been bitten during the course of play that got out of hand. While biting is never permissible behavior in dogs, it was still felt that Megan could be rehabilitated, and Home For Life® decided to give her a chance.

Fortunately, with gentle and consistent handling, as well as weekly obedience lessons with Jan Tomlinson of Canine Sports and Training, Megan learned novice-level obedience, and has become reliable for our staff to handle. She even participates in the Renaissance Program and was a great hit during the presentation at a nursing home.

Megan talks heart-to-heart with a visitor at the 2006 Poker Run for Paws event.

Kodiak & Flicka

2008-04-13T20:15:00.001-07:00

Kodiak & Flicka were golden retriever littermates who were lucky enough to be adopted together. They made the flight to their new home in carry-on bags and were a big hit with the other passengers.

They were delightful pups and quickly grew up, but their close brother/sister bond never changed

Kodiak was the bigger, handsome fellow with a gorgeous plume tail, a love for fun and attention.

Flicka was the more delicate girl; she was the smart one, but had to deal with some health issues including seizures and drugs to treat them for several years.

Kodiak and Flicka were lucky enough to have a home in the city near a lake where they could go for walks two and three times a day. On top of that they had a weekend place on a lake where they could run loose and go swimming and lounge in the sun.

As they grew older, they got white on their faces, but never lost their zest for life. Flicka broke many hearts when she died of cancer, but Kodiak carries on. He's now teaching the ropes to the new pup in the family.

Friends of Flicka was started in memory of Flicka and includes a special award named for Kodiak that is given to extra special volunteers.

It seems so right to improve the lives of other animals in recognition of these dogs who lived such good lives and brought such joy to those who knew them.