Know the facts.

 The Humane Society of the United States put out a great "fact sheet".

 

For those of you who are "numbers people", it is important for you to know the facts. If you feel bad, but don't know how to help, consider this - one person can make all the difference in the world to one animal whose time is running out.

 

Perhaps knowing this- your next best friend can come from a shelter.

 

 

"I adopted your dog today..."

 

I had to copy this article below, including this photo and poem. This is so unbelievably true, and it sincerely breaks my heart- and it should break yours too if you have surrendered your dog for a reason that was probably ridiculous like (I work 9-5)....so does half of America but we get out and walk our dogs after work?! Unfortunately, a large majority of  people out there are simply uneducated in what goes on behind the scenes and simply do not know these things!

 

The following excerpt, below this poem, was posted and credited to the Montgomery County Animal Shelter in Alabama, a state where "no kill" shelter's essentially DO NOT EXIST!!!!!

 

 

"Owner surrenders or O/S as these poor animals are coded, are those unfortunate animals who have been dropped off at the shelter for various reasons.....These animals, especially are the ones we advocates are scrambling to get adopted or pulled from the high-kill shelters. Why?....

Because Owner surrenders are 9 times out of 10 the FIRST on the list to be euthanized. The shelters by law have to hold strays for an average of 3 days to give owners a chance to find them before they are pts (put to sleep) That means when the shelter is FULL the Owner surrenders are already at the shelter taking up valuable space will be put down.

Sometimes, depending on the shelter these poor owner surrenders are pts(put to sleep) before the end of the day. And heaven forbid, food should be wasted on them. (Insert sarcasm mixed with a lot of sadness here.)
(credit Montgomery County Animal Shelter)"


THINK ABOUT IT.

Extra Extra, read all about it! Nuts For Mutts Rescue's 1st Annual Fundraiser!

So, one of the rescues that I am very involved in is very new- still in our second year of existence. The wonderful thing is that in just two years we have saved so many dogs- the dogs on my site are just the ones that I have been able to document through my own foster experience! With rescue, (especially new ones that are not as established), there are SO MANY EXPENSES that are un-forseen that people do not realize. Since we were blessed enough to have a shelter donated to us- we now have to figure out how to pay to keep it up! This means everything from fixing the broken door at the entrance, making enough keys for all the volunteers to get in.... food/treats/bedding/crates for dogs, even includes things like cleaning supplies for when puppies have accidents or the electric bills for the window air unit to keep the place cool... (another cost).

The beautiful thing is when we ask people to help us in any way that they can, AND THEY DO!!!! We really mean that- anything you can do is appreciated... ANYTHING! We understand that not everyone can foster, or donate money, or do transport ... but other people find ways to get involved! One in particular are two previous Co-Workers (and friend's) that deserve some recognition for their hard work. Kimberly Schwenzer and Nicole Rongo. Nicole was one of the people who started this amazing Rescue and fosters dogs whenever she can. Kim still travels all the time for work so foster is really not an option for her- but MAN does she network. Always spreading the word, always cross posting on Facebook, and one of the sole reasons that this fundraiser is taking place.... She had an idea, she wanted to help, and damn it she is doing it!!! And you have to love her for that. She is persistent, she does not give up- and through any negativity or insecurity about this fundraiser not working- she did not care, and she will make it succeed!

So above, is the flyer for our first fundraiser ever. As you can see, it is Wednesday October 17th, 2012, and the website for our rescue is www.nutsformuttsrescue.com. For $75 a ticket, you are getting a full blown sit down dinner from start to finish and a fabulous place with not only fabulous food, but AMAZING views. It is going to be at a wonderful restaurant in Webster, NY called Hedges Nine Mile Point that people have been raving about for YEARS! This is again an example of how anyone can help in anyway- this amazing restaurant has agreed to participate by hosting this event for us and all of the proceeds for this dinner are going towards our rescue! We are going to be able to take in dogs with special needs, help the dogs we already have, and find ways to do MORE than we have, even in two years!You can check out their website at http://www.hedgesninemilepoint.com/ .
Read about their humble beginnings back in 1928, serving the Rochester, NY area!

As you can see it is a stunning location, which makes it all the more magical!

Here are some ways that YOU can help with this fundraiser!

1) If you are a Business Owner, PLEASE DONATE anything you can!  

2)We will have lots of different raffles, 50/50 drawings, prizes, and take-homes so that we can raise even more so get involved when you are there, & DONATE!

3) PLEASE COME! only have 65 seats available @ $75 for a full course dinner!

4) PLEASE spread the word, if you think ANYONE would be interested at all!

5) Cross post this blog , or the rescues website, on your own Facebook/Twitter/Linked-in pages so people can learn about us, what we do, and our amazing event coming up!

6) Please print and hang out flyer's anywhere and everywhere that you possibly can- Libraries, Vet's Office, Groomer's, Pet Stores, Work, Anywhere that would attract attention for us!

All of your ticket purchases and donations are tax deductible!!!

When you purchase a ticket to our event, you will receive a receipt that looks similar to what is posted below, for year end proof.

Nuts for Mutts Rescue, Inc.
P.O. Box 16795
Rochester, NY 14616
585-210-3647

www.nutsformuttsrescue.com

Number of tickets sold: _________________

Sold by: ___________________________

Payment:  cash  check #___________
Payment received: $___________________
Pick up at door or mail? ________________

Ticket #:___________________________

DISCLOSURE: IRS regulations require us to inform you that $48 of your payment may be eligible for a charitable contribution income tax deduction.

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR GENEROSITY & SUPPORT FOR OUR AMAZING CAUSE.

It truly means more than you'll ever know.

***A special thank you Kim, Nicole, Carrie & all the Volunteer Nut's for your hard work and your efforts in getting this thing off the ground, and the commitment you have not only to our overall dream, but this fundraiser and it's immediate success.

....Rescuing dogs... Rescuing each other!

Introducing.... The Muggelton's!

My Uncle Mark is truly a stand up guy. An extremely successful person that is completely content with all he has, and just wants to do great things for his family and other people. Besides a great shot of tequila, there is not much that he pays too much care and concern to in life that can cause any kind of stress. Hes goes above and beyond for his step kids (my cousins), and he is always sending boxes of goodies our way to New York, and all the other locations that his family lives in around the country for that matter.  One thing that's difficult you see is that my uncle lives in Colorado so its very hard to see him often. He attended my own wedding last year, and just recently I finally made it out there again for his wedding! It was the first time since I had made it back to that beautiful state since I was in college back in 2006!

 It was shortly after that college ski trip that Uncle Mark sent me a photo of  who we now call "Jackson"... (I am of course fond of the name since it is my new last name that I took in my marriage to my amazing, perfect, outstanding husband). Now, my last visit was before I got heavy into rescue and was still trying to understand life and who I was. I did not think much about it at the time, but looking back I realize how amazing my uncles choice was that day. He is a simple man with a simple but big heart. He walked into a shelter and knew that he wanted to adopt a dog that's time was "up", and that the first one that jumped up on the cage at him (something people are often scared of), he was taking home. That is how my Uncle Mark got his best friend Jackson, who came equipped with a letter from his previous owner stating how she hoped he could have a better life someday. Lucky for her my uncle came in time, and even more lucky for the both of them that they found each other!

The wedding was an amazing time for me. I was lucky to be a part of the audience, snapping photos with my fancy camera, enjoying the scenery, and mostly enjoying my family. Not only did I finally meet the infamous Jackson, but I was able to have a whole week exploring Colorado like I have so often done before- but this time I got to bring my husband to explore with.  I had the opportunity to get to know my Uncles wife Colly better also which was wonderful. I had only met her once at my own wedding last year. Best of all I got to meet HER rescue dog... Blaze!!!!

Its amazing how families can blend and join together as one in all different ways. In this case it was two people, and two dogs whose lives had been saved by them, on very different occasions. In Colorado, it is common to choose a canine companion through rescue and adoption. In fact, out of the 20 plus dogs I met there, I dont believe one of them was from a breeder or a petstore (which basically do not existin Boulder). I think that the way humans treat animals of all kinds are a reflection on who they are as a person, so that is probably a strong reason why every time I am in Colorado, I want to pack up, move, and surround myself with the people, the environment and the lifestyle there.

People so often say that dogs cant get along... or my favorite that "they WOULD" adopt a dog but "rescues" have so many problems and they cant be trusted... perhaps would hurt their breeder born dogs they have now... Well, I say to them, that is a close minded excuse, and we are surrounded by closed minds everyday! I bring this up in reference to Blaze, Collys dog. A purebred Siberian Husky not needed as a sled dog, thankfully picked up by a Siberian Husky Rescue. At 13 years of age, DAMN is he a looker still and such an easy going guy. Colly has done an amazing job of making sure he has the best possible life and he is still so active -even runs with her everyday (yes, thats right, hes 13!). She goes through so much trouble to give him the best & because of his tricky purebred issues that people so commonly don't realize exist, she even makes his own food for him day after day. She boils chicken, rice, & veggies to ensure that he gets the proper nutrients for his hip dysplasia, but not the wrong ones since, as with any big long haired breed, he also has some allergies.

The cutest thing about the dogs is honestly the way they love each of their owners individually still, no matter what. They may be a family now- four parts that make up a whole, but both Jackson and Blaze know who saved their lives through rescue, and who is the reason they live such amazing ones. Blaze follows Colly every where she goes, and Jackson is glued to my Uncle Mark. When the four of them get together, they happily act like pals, and lay side by side begging for food. However they truly stick true to keeping their personalities that are SO completely different, on the forefront of their actions so you always know the difference! Meeting these guys, and watching my Uncle join his new family was just something that I had to share. Since I love photography, I was able to play around and take some great shots of the wedding, (of course incorporating these two amazing animals)!  

Before the Ceremony began and everyone was setting up while my Uncle stayed in the basement so as to not see the bride. They did things the traditional way which was awesome. Jackson just sat there with his soccer ball, staring at him all day, waiting to play. Occasionally my uncle had the chance to toss it around for him, which Jackson took full advantage of, of course. He was Best Man after all. 

One of the best parts for me was getting to see my amazing cousins, Tobias & Kajsa. I never get to spend enough time with them since they live so far away and they are truly unique individuals. That is what I love about them... they are simple, happy and full of life. It must be Colorado folk!

As the men started to line up, so did the family! They have a beautiful setting... their house is on the foothills of Boulder, Colorado looking out over the city, side by side with the mountains. It is truly magical. It spoke true to their character too that everyone gathered on the deck, over looking the ceremony while the groomsmen gathered below- Jackson included. Toasts were already starting, Tequila was already flowing, food was being served and everyone was ready to celebrate this moment my Uncle had waited his whole life to have! It was literally the perfect day for them.

Even Jackson was checking out the gorgous bride as she heads to the alter....

Like I said, Blaze follows Colly everywhere... She made sure to give him a big squeeze before the ceremony, and he made sure he followed her afterward! Jackson was close behind of course... he had to make sure he did not leave his soccer ball anywhere!...... Photographed below, Is my mom and dad (left), followed by most of the Muggleton clan! (Mom's side of the family had all brothers, she was the only girl!)

Congratulations to Uncle Mark & Colly!
It is so nice to be able to incorporate the happiness that comes with rescue in all different ways. Rescue truly is a sad ugly thing most of the time... and I think what happens is people so often forget to remind people of what happens to those that make it out and into amazing families! This is why I do what I do, and I want people to know everything that goes along with is- especially the good! So thank you for letting me share my experience with my family, my uncles wedding, and two sweet as hell rescue dogs I was able to love on while I was there!

Great things truly do happen to great people.

Apprehensive Airie.

I'm Airie, a 5 year old Shih Tzu/Poodle mix. I honestly can say, after 5 years in my home I never thought I would be one of the dogs in this originally depressing situation. Email's about me had been going through www.nutsformuttsrescue.com for quite some time explaining that I was in need of a foster family, and urgently. My owner wanted to surrender me, at the time stating that she was sick and could not care for me. Unfortunately (yet fortunately for me in the long run), people respond faster to the emails of dogs in shelters that have an "expiration date"on their lives.... I mean I cant really blame them, I don't want anything bad to happen to my friends either- besides, I was REALLY REALLY happy in my home. I did not want to leave anyways... or so I thought at the time.....

.... That's when Kailey & Corey finally read my bio, and saw that my owner was "sick".  They felt badly for my owner, and they had successfully found fosters for the "expiration date pups" that week so they decided to take me. The picture above was the day I met Kailey & Corey, my new foster family. I only knew them for a short time, but boy was it packed with excitement. They have 3 crazy dogs, and I was an only child in my previous home! My original dad passed away last year leaving me with just my mom.... She liked me, but she certainly could live without me. This is the only reason why I ended up in foster care.

I had accumulated a lot of toys, and apparently my first dad had names for each one. He would say "Go get Squirrel" and every single time I would run and get the right toy just to please him! You can tell he loved me, and I was his dog when he was alive. My mom continued to let me sleep in the bed (like I had my whole life) but she decided to move, and not take me with her. Again, Kailey & Corey thought she was sick, so at first they felt sorry for her- that was until I was dropped off to them at the shelter. They realized she wasn't exactly forthcoming in her surrender application and when asked about being ill they found out about the move, and that being sick was not entirely true. In fact, it wasn't true at all, and nonchalantly she explained that she just did not want to take me with her and couldn't fess up to that through email.

I was all over my first mom the day she left me. I had a bad feeling and kept trying to jump up on her, snuggle her, and whimpered a little, then a lot when she finally walked out. She was not mean to me, but she did not care either. She just kept saying "oh stop Airie you'll be fine, good luck finding a new home" and she walked away from me without even looking back. My foster parents tried to pull information about me to help me transition but that proved difficult too. My original mom just did not care, that's all there was to it. I was crushed.

I spent the afternoon at the adoption center that day, since my foster family was volunteering until 4pm. Sad and confused, I  really did not do much that day except stare at them... afterwards, they brought me home. Corey & Kailey were a little baffled by me because they are use to dogs that need 24/7 attention and are full of curiostiy and life. Immediately they gave me a bath (I smelled of smoke) which surprisingly I enjoyed. This picture to the left was taken right after I got out so fresh & so clean clean! Although I was being really good, again, I was just exceptionally quiet & reserved. In fact I would just sit there beside them, staring of course, before me wondering why the hell I was here? I am 5  years old after all... I was pretty set in my ways, thinking my life was all figured out! Hoping that I was just being babysat, I behaved very well for them..

In fact, that night they took me to their own parents house where there is land so I got to run around with the other dogs .... this helped me get to know them more. They stopped sniffing & exploring me like I was a science project, and instead attempted to played ball with me ( I was still skeptical). I even got yummy treats from my foster parents like fresh veggies and organic meat based bones (not the icky processed stuff that gets recalled every other day in pet stores that my first family left with me). Corey did have to teach me some manners though since I got REALLY excited for these and kept jumping up on him! Roxie growls a lot when Corey is trying to teach me things, I think sometimes she thinks she is the boss. I learn quickly though, plus I'm an old soul so it was no problem for me to ignore her, sit with the other doggies and take treats like the easy going pup that I am.

 Even though I began to explore more... I still just did alot of staring... at everyone... taking them in.... still wondering what the hell was happening! All in all though I had an AMAZING first day. I am so easy, so it was that night that Kailey posted a photo of me to Facebook, wondering who would surprise her this time with interest in adopting me!  Like all the other dogs she has fostered, she was just hoping for one real honest inquiry about making my life better in someones home.  Boy was she in for it...she got TONS of messages that evening about me! In fact, I was only in foster care for a total of 5 days!!! Their second fastest adoption to date!

The first person to inquire about me was someone both Kailey & Corey knew pretty well, but had not seen in a while. The Basketball Coach from St. John Fisher College sent her a message saying that his wife saw the photo and wanted to ask about me. Once again that evening, they sat down and talked about how people never cease to amaze them.... you just never know who is willing to step up and help a life in need!!!

After a late phone call, and a decision to meet that week, we all went to bed that night.... I was still very confused, staring at the people before me. Since my foster family was told that I was crate trained, they did what they always do. They set up the crate by their bed so I could see them, and went about going to sleep since they had to work the next day.... This is when I shocked them. I had in fact, NEVER been in a crate my whole life- it was obvious. I had a melt down. I started howling, panting, breathing heavy, whimpering, peeing, screaming, panicking... it was a nightmare. I was terrified. It is SO important to never lie to the people who are trying to save your dog by taking them into rescue, just to make yourself look better, or avoid conversation. They ask these things to help us adjust, and place us into a family that is right for us! This could have had serious side effects on my health because of stress. If I kept that up, I would have gotten dehydrated and sick, and all because my foster family thought one thing, when the reality was another.

Kailey & Airie on adoption day

The next day, they were feeling terrible about leaving for work and knew that no matter what I had to be crated because #1) I did not know my surroundings, and #2) I was the first foster who was NOT smitten with the German Shepherd. Kailey & Corey know better than to leave any dogs alone with each other for an extended period of time that do not completely understand each other. It is like asking for trouble. So, back in the crate I went with my 3rd round of new blankets, and once more, an anxiety attack hit me. I was soaked when Kailey got home so I received yet another bath. As luck would have it- another volunteer that lives alone is close by and was willing to help out big time when it came to having to crate me during the day! She let me roam her house while they were at work, and I settled back into my easy going personality.

By the time I met my potential family I was relaxed again, having no accidents other than my time in the crate. In fact, I would bark at the door and paw it to go outside (plus I got really excited at the thought of a potential walk). Kailey & Corey told my potential family EVERYTHING there was to know about me in the short time they had me, including my crate terror. As fate would have it- they wanted to give me a chance! They were more than happy to let me try to roam the house, perhaps trying to gate off an area first to see how I did. Long story short, I now have a AMAZING new home that my family promises me means forever.

They took me in happily. I'm now adjusting to my gorgeous home with a big back yard, two kids to hang out with, my mom and dad, and another dog that's my sister! I still stare at my dog-sister apprehensively though, wondering what she is going to do next- but she is only a year and a half old after all, so I have to give her a break for being a hyper puppy. Plus she is not jumping all over me anymore now that the allure of me has worn off, and they rescued her too, right before me!

All in all, I am thrilled. I had no idea life could be this good. In fact, it was never very difficult to begin with so I am thankful that I was given another chance. A lot of people would consider me "flawed" because I am a "rescue"... but its NOT MY FAULT that my first family stopped caring, and gave me up! I did nothing wrong. I am finally playing again, showing my personality and really adjusting well. I still have an old soul, and my eyes show it all the time- but my toys have been re-named, and we are finding out that I'm so incredibly intelligent! I even play fetch again - they say the name of the toy, I bring it to them, and all is right with the world! ....



****Thank you to Rob & Leslie Kornaker. Everything happens for a reason- including meeting you two so long ago. Who knew that you would impact the life of this little girl, and that I would be instrumental in doing so. Nothing in the world makes me feel as good as it does to help great people like you, and sweet innocent dogs like Airie.

Teddy the Chuckie Dog... my "Foster Failure"

So my mom says there is a term in Rescue called foster failure. I guess it's not a bad thing, but I suppose it defeats the purpose.... Apparently foster dogs comes into your home and steal parts of your heart in different ways. Mom says once in a while, a foster comes into your home and steals your WHOLE heart. That's when you decide your family is about to grow by one more furry body!

That's what I did to Kailey & Corey. My name is Teddy although Some call me Chuckie dog (grandpa and grandma). I am a purebred Papillion, which actually means "Butterfly" in French.

The photo to the right was taken the day they brought me home from Lollypop Farm. The morning I was whisked away from my original family I had surgery, got shots, my microchip and more. With all of the confusion and terror I was feeling, I was a feisty little thing.

I had a rough start, but it was one of those situations where my "foster parents" felt sad for the people giving me up. My original dad got very sick with Lou Gehrig's disease. It is a sad thing that takes your life away even while you are living. My original mom was so overwhelmed that she basically kept me in a crate day, after day, after day, because she had so much to do taking care of my first dad. A family member intervened and said that it wasn't fair that I was living in a crate. I was not getting fed enough and got really really skinny, and I was also having difficulty with potty time because I did not want to have accidents, but I am only five pounds and 12 hours in a crate was making me really unhappy and sick.

Corey had to carry me inside the house in a cat carrier because I was growling and nipping at him in the car when Kailey showed up. I was terrified and had no idea what was going on. At the same time they decided to foster me, they still had Lucy, the puppy mill Chi, and unlike her they decided instead of letting me wait to come out on my own they would remove me from the crate themselves. You see I was very snippy so they wanted me to know who was boss (even though I still try to be). Corey reached his hands in, and growling and grumbling out I came trying to bite his fingers off but I was just under a year old so my teeth weren't exactly deadly....  and he did NOT seem scared.

I immediately ran to Kailey's lap and stared at Corey in disgust. I did not know what to think of him. As she pet me, I relaxed (but barely) and she kept telling how I was the softest dog she ever touched. Once I realized there were other dogs there, I began to get curious. You see, I had a boxer in my old home that was much older than me and I loved her dearly. So, like all the rest of my parents foster dogs, I was drawn to Roxie...

I loved Roxie so much right away- In fact I still do! I love Bengal too but he ignores all of the fosters and is not interested in them, so immediately he did the same to me. I never got to know Lucy, even though I lived with her for a month, but Roxie made me feel safe right away and I followed her everywhere. In fact I really annoyed her and she growled at me a lot, but I did not mind it because I was still a puppy basically. I knew she was teaching me what to do, and what not to do when she would growl.

Roxie, Lucy (Foster), Teddy(Foster-failure), Bengal

I learned quick manners when it came to food and treats. I always wait patiently and stare up with my big eyes, ears back-. and when I finally get a treat I am very gentle and kind. I am even allowed to eat out of the bowl with Roxie and Bengal now at the same time (although it took them a while to let me)! All things take time... but I was persistent. I followed Roxie everywhere, nuzzled her when she would let me, and bite her lip when I want to wrestle. Bengal has grown on me too. A few days after I got there he walked up to me and took his paw and swatted me. I guess he has never done this before because Kailey did not know what was going on! All of a sudden we started wrestling like we were brothers our whole life and we still play everyday, any game we can! We do love tug of war though with a left over stuffed animal after we have ripped out all the stuffing! This is what got Kailey hooked and she kept teasing Corey she wanted to keep me!

Well, that's when I knew. I wanted to live with them forever.

They would introduce to me to people and I would bark at them, show my teeth, growling - I would even try to bite them. I did not want to go from another home. This is how I got the nick name Chuckie because when I met my Grandpa Wayne and Grandma Donna I hollered at them saying NO you cant have me, just in case they wanted me! Grandpa Wayne said "Hey, that's not a Teddy dog that's a CHUCKIE dog". I was just trying to make sure nobody wanted to adopt me from this place that I loved! Kailey knew she wanted me... but it was Corey I had to impress. I began to follow him everywhere, staring up at him with my huge eyes. He fought it, he did not want another dog.

When Corey would have a hard day I was give him kisses and curl up with him if he would let me. If he moved I moved, if he went to the bathroom I followed. If he was on the computer I jumped into the chair with him. At night I would wrap my body over his neck around his head when we would sleep. I love Corey more than anyone in the house, and I can tell when he is sad too, because then I put my teddy bear moves on full force. I wouldn't let him out of my sight.

After a while, it was just understood that I was not going anywhere. I had weaseled my way into this family of four, to make it a family of five. My big ears, pleading eyes, and coy way of pinning my ears to the back of my head when I'm in trouble to make my eyes look EXTRA big sold them. They love me ... Even though I am not a dog that they would EVER pick out on a normal day. Thankfully that is not how Kailey & Corey operate.My personality showed through, the way that i would wrestle like a mad man one minute, and gently give kisses and snuggle the next. Even though I am a "designer fu-fu dog"they call it, because of who I am I worked my way into their hearts and I am theirs, and they are mine.

That's the beauty of rescue.

.........Kailey always says that the best way she can describe how it feels for her to Rescue is by comparing it to how she found Corey. She didn't find her soul mate by picking him out of a line up. In fact- Kailey found Corey by pure accident. One day when she was NOT looking, there he was- Just like me. She did NOT want to keep him at first but he was persistent, loyal, and he grew on her and it is the best, most true love she has ever known. So now she goes with her gut and tries to tell people that Rescue is very similar... that cant just buy your best friend's because that never seems to work out quite right. We are already out there, waiting for you, and it's amazing when you find us!

****Thank you to the family, whoever you are, that gave Teddy up that day. I never like to see a dog leave their home, but he was meant to be ours, and we love him with all of our hearts. I pray every day for your family, and for your health. Even though I will never know you- you are special people.





WIKIPEDIA, PAPILLION, DOG,
The Papillon (from the French word for butterfly, pronounced: [papiˈjɔ̃]), also called the Continental Toy Spaniel, is a breed of dog of the Spaniel type. One of the oldest of the toy spaniels, it derives its name from its characteristic butterfly-like look of the long and fringed hair on the ears. A papillon with dropped ears is called a Phalène (French for moth). The small head is slightly rounded between the ears with a well defined stop. The muzzle is somewhat short, thin tapering to the nose. The dark, medium sized, round eyes have thin black rims, often extending at the junction of the eyelids towards the ears. The large ears can either be erect or dropped with rounded tips. The teeth meet in a scissors bite. The long tail is set high carried over the body, and covered with long, fine hair. Dewclaws are sometimes removed. The straight, long, fine, single coat has extra frill on the chest, ears, back of the legs and the tail. Coat color is white with patches of any color. A mask of a color other than white covers both ears and eyes from back to front.

Shayna & Jack find little Charlie.

So I have some really great people out there that I love with everything in my soul just because of who they are as a person inside & out... They may not even know how much I love them! One in particular is my girlfriend Shayna. She has a heart of solid gold.

Meet Shayna & Jack! ...............( I know, They're beautiful)



When I first started getting involved in rescuing I felt alone, awkward, and it was as if no one but my husband could understand what I was doing which kind of made me embarrassed & unsure (at the time). People who barely know me even say things like, "you rescue dogs? you foster?... I didn't peg you for that kind of person.." Like what... I have to be shallow just because I love fashion, design, jewelery & anything that sparkles? Give me a damn break. People also think I am crazy because I feel so strongly about it... but if you dont have passion for something, how can you feel alive?


So all of a sudden I started cross posting dogs in need on Facebook and I got a call from Shayna one day that I wont ever forget because she was the very first person I "affected" by my "passion" to do as much as I could, in this little life I have. Shayna wanted to help! She was really hurting over the things I was putting out there, what some of these dogs were going through. So, she took on her first foster, in her Buffalo NY apartment, with her dog Jack, where she was a full time Nurse, finishing something important in education that goes along with all those smartie Nurses, and deciding whether or not she was moving to Philadelphia soon... but she took her on anyways. Her name was Rosie!


Well, of course Rosie had a great foster mom, and eventually got adopted, but midway during that whole process Shayna took on another life in need. This new lifes (new) name was Vada.

 Shayna found Vada in the streets of Buffalo at midnight, in 4 inch heels, on her way out with friends. To say that my phone started blowing up shortly after is an understatement. She was so concerned she dropped everything she was doing to help this dog, got Vada in her car, left her friends, and went home to figure out her next step, even though she literally had no idea what she was doing.

Vada was thin, looked like she had just had puppies, and was as sweet as can be... to Shayna. We found out later she was NOT good with other dogs, and we assume its because of dog fighting or some kind of neglect of that nature. Shayna was able to get Vada into Buffalo Paws & Claws no-kill rescue in East Aurora NY. You see, being a pit bull, we knew there would be no chance at a shelter.
Vada needed surgery. As you can see above, Shayna made sure it happened & went to visit her after. Vada was bad with dogs. As you can see, Shayna wouldn't accept that, and pictured above is the "aggressive pit bull" that once hated dogs sitting happily with another at obedience classes.

Shayna is a person that makes this world a better place.

Well, over time, Shayna confirmed her move to Philadelphia, PA was going to happen (heart breaking), but that little Nurse has big plans. Not knowing she was ready for another dog, I frantically texted her one day a picture of a puppy that looked just like Jack that was at Rochester Animal Services. Following that was a phone call saying: "I want him, help me".

You see, Rochester Animal Services, although forced with difficult decisions daily, does do great things. A pregnant dog wandered up to the shelter and laid by the doors this year on Thanksgiving Eve. Seeing the state that she was in, a shelter volunteer took her home to take care of her. On Thanksgiving Day, volunteers helped that stray girl have 9 puppies! It was a small miracle that she wandered to the Shelter door step asking for help! The mom got adopted first too (which makes my heart soar with happiness)! A few weeks later the miracle pups were ready for adoption, and I went to go get Jack #2 for Shayna. Luckily he was one of the last two left, along with a little girl that looked NOTHING like him. After two hours of debate over the phone Shayna decided she wanted the little girl even though we loved little Jack#2 (LOTS of people wanted to make him their own).

Meet Charlie! This was the day we  adopted Charlie and brought her home. Corey & I officially became her Aunt & Uncle, and Shayna became her mommy, flying from Buffalo to finally meet her! Roxie, Bengal (and Lucy at the time) got to meet her, and she took to Roxie like all the little dogs did- following her around, trying to snuggle her, and asking "Are you my mom?". It was so cute to see that 2 pound baby paw my 90 pound GSD who rolled over on her back for her. She was so tiny she could fit into the palm of your hand!

We still don't know what Charlie is, and we don't care. All we know is that it was meant to be that day. Now Shayna and her little family are happily settling down in their new apartment in Philadelphia, sending me the occasional picture to keep me up to date on their lives and I would not have it any other way. Charlie is still the cutest thing ever, she and Jack are besties, and she is shaping up to be one of the most adorable, hysterical, and unique dogs I have ever seen!

Its funny how a dog can change your life. Every dog that I help has some kind of impact on me, and to know that one of the miracle puppies is in the hands of Shayna is an amazing feeling to have.

Shayna has gotten so busy with the recent move and all (literally it was last week haha) but whenever she can, she finds a way to help. Even if its just to spread the word. That's all I ask of anyone in this world in regards to what I'm passionate about... Give respect, and at least consider the possibility of adopting. If you want to help, find your own way, anything helps and is appreciated.


 Hopefully there is something that we all have a passion for.... Helping children, cancer research, participating in 5k's for a good cause... anything. This happens to be my something. If you are not making a positive difference in the world for something you believe in, even if it's a small one, then I feel sorry for you because you will NEVER know what it feels like to love the way I do, live the way I do, and be moved to the core of your soul the way I am. You will also never know what an inspiration people can be to you either... Like my girl Shayna.


To Jack & Shayna, Thank you for adopting the bat/monkey/gremlin we call "Charlie". Shes amazing and you guys deserve the best the word has to give for all eternity <3