For the love of animals...

Why I do what I do:

I could sure use your help! 

I apologize for the NEGLECT!

I realize that I have not been very consistent at posting on here as of late.  Truth be told, I had NO idea how incredibly time consuming setting up and running a canine rescue would be!  I did have some idea of how rewarding it would be and I was definitely right about that!

Here's a little video that may give you some idea of how adopting a shelter or rescue dog can change the world for that animal...

If you watched that without getting a tear in your eye
you're a lot tougher than I!
Wouldn't it be wonderful to make a homeless dog's dream come true?
Consider adopting a dog before the year is over.  You'll start the New Year with more love than you can imagine!

Did you happen to notice the "Chipin" gadget in the sidebar?

I am SO grateful to everyone that's made a donation to help me help homeless dogs!  There are only seven more days left of this fundraiser so if you've been thinking that it might be a worthwhile cause, maybe now is the time for you to pitch in.  I realize that not everyone wants ~ or is in a position to have ~ a pet.  Perhaps adoption isn't an option for you.  You can still make a difference!  You can be instrumental in making a lonely dog's dreams come true.  Your donation to Bluff Country Canine Rescue helps me to rescue a dog that is scheduled to be euthanized, and give it a second chance at a life where it can experience kindness and love.  A life where it can do what dogs do best:  shower someone with unconditional love and affection and devotion that isn't found anywhere else but in the heart of a dog.

OK
I hear you.
It's time for this blog to get back to being about sheep & shepherding!  You may be happy to know that I just finished a blog specifically for Bluff Country Canine Rescue.  Now, I won't have to do all the posts related to rescue on here.  If you'd still like to know what's going on in my world of Rescue ~ just follow along on the new blog!  I even have a Facebook Page devoted to the world of Canine Rescue!  The blog is still a work in progress and I have much more to add but I feel like it's a good start.  The new blog will be the "Official Home" of BCCR.  Once the initial set up is completed, it shouldn't take up too much of my time ~ just updates on new rescues and promoting dogs that are available for adoption.
(and of course, the never ending plea for money to make it all possible!)

Thank you all for your patience, your encouragement and your contributions.  I am truly blessed and...

Live is GOOD in the Bluff Country!

Mixed Feelings...

It is with very mixed feelings that I am announcing  the adoption of my very first Rescue dog.

 I got a call the other day from a friend of mine who moved to Rochester, MN. a while back.  She had seen my blog and FaceBook page with the pictures and stories about Jazz and Jethro.  

Apparently, Virginia did the same thing that I had done:

She fell in love with Jazz the first time she saw her!

Virginia said that she had been thinking about getting a dog for quite some time.  We talked long and hard about what a commitment getting a dog is.  I want Jasmine to have a home for LIFE!

She deserves a Forever Home, where she is part of the family and could no more be discarded or left behind or chained outside than a young child could!

Virginia called me back a couple of days later to tell me that she had dreamed about Jazz.  That she knew, in her heart, that Jazz is meant to be her dog!

Now, that's all well and good and I should have been rejoicing,  Right?  Then how come I felt so SAD???   Because I  love Jazz!  She wormed her way quite deeply into my heart the very first night that I had her at my home.  I really did think that perhaps I would keep her forever!

Virginia and her significant other and his young daughter came to see Jazz yesterday.  She adored them and they her.  When Virginia walked to the front door, as if she was going to leave, Jazz eagerly accompanied her and stood happily at the door, wagging her tail as if she was going with Virginia.

And so she did.

Good bye my Beautiful Jasmine!  I know that you will be loved and cherished as you so deserve.  You'll be the star and get all of the attention.  It's what I want for you.  Just know, that if there is ever ANY reason why things aren't working out for you with your new family, you will always have a home, here with me!

I love you, you big, beautiful, goofy hound!

Don't worry.  I'll be OK.  But I do miss Jazz.  A LOT!

I know that I did the right thing by placing her with Virginia.  And I'm doing a follow-up home visit in two weeks ~ just to make sure that it's a 'good fit.  I'll do home visits (as I will with all of the dogs that I place in adoptive homes) at one month, six months and one year.  Part of the adoption contract states that if for any reason Virginia is  ever not able to keep Jazz, she is to be returned to me.  I'm pretty sure that's not going to happen but it's good to know that Jazz will never have to worry about be left chained outside again.

Now I  have room to rescue another needy dog!

We interupt this Blog...

For this VERY important, commercial message:

I've got FIVE dogs coming!

(don't worry, six is my limit)

(for now, anyway!)

They will all need to be vet checked, wormed, tested for heartworm & put on preventative, updated on shots and a couple even need spaying or neutering!  I think most of my blog readers know the kind of situation I am in financially.  ie:  NOT GOOD!  I'm hoping and praying that my Dear  blog readers will help me by donating to the cause...

A  $100.00 donation lets you chose which dog you would like to sponsor.  You would then be listed on the BCCR webpage  (on Facebook until I get another website built) as that dog's "HERO" until it is adopted to it's forever home.  I know that not everybody can afford $100.00 so please know that any amount that you can donate is GREATLY appreciated!  Wouldn't it be amazing if one person donated the entire $1000???  Which reminds me, just in case, by some miracle, we do manage to reach our goal, the expenses will be ongoing so please don't stop donating just because it looks like we've reached our goal!  It would also be great if you could share this project with everyone you know...

Stay tuned for PHOTOS of the lucky dogs that will have another chance at finding their "forever homes".

I've got some VERY hopeful news on the job front. 

Something that will allow me to work from home and still take care of the animals.

(I'm thinking I may have already told you about this?)

But I'll tell you more about it once I know for sure...

I could use your help...

I am working on a document that I can give to potential sponsors of my canine rescue.  It's purpose is to inform them as to what exactly we are asking them to subsidize.  I would be very grateful if you could look this over and offer (as comments or email me) suggestions or advice.    Please note that the format is somewhat jumbled.  It wasn't happy with being copied and pasted from the "Open Office" document I've been working on!

BLUFF COUNTRY CANINE RESCUE

(A rescue, rehabilitation and adoption facility for dogs)

MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to stop the flow of unwanted animals into shelters that euthanize pets.  Bluff Country Canine Rescue is committed to partnering with the community to provide safe shelter to lost, abandoned, surrendered and neglected or abused dogs and to care for and rehabilitate them until they are able to be placed in loving, adoptive homes. 

 VALUES & GOALS

 We believe that all dogs deserve to be loved and treated with kindness and respect.

 BCCR is partnering with the community to:

 * Educate the public about the fate of unwanted dogs, puppy mills, and unscrupulous breeders.

* Promote and provide humane protection and shelter for abandoned, abused, and  homeless dogs.
* Seek adoptive homes for dogs under our protective care.
* Promote the principles of responsible dog ownership and care through community education.
* Advocate the spaying or neutering of all dogs not intended as breeding animals.
 BCCR does not euthanize except on the advice of a veterinarian in the case of critical  injury, terminal illness, debilitating pain, or severe behavioral problem in which the animal is a danger to themselves, other animals or humans.

 POLICIES & PRACTICES

• All dogs will be spayed or neutered and micro-chipped
• All dogs will be examined by a veterinarian and pronounced healthy or information regarding special needs will be provided. 
• Dogs will be personality tested, including reactions to other dogs, strangers, cats,
• children, etc.
• Every dog will be bathed and brushed and treated for internal and external parasites.
• When possible, dogs will attend obedience training classes. 
• Adoption fees will be waived for all military personnel (past and present) Because of the service and sacrifice that our military men and women make to serve our country, BCCR feels that they each deserve to know the unwavering, unconditional love that a canine companion will provide. 

VOLUNTEERS  NEEDED

 FOSTER FAMILIES NEEDED!    If you love dogs and would like to become involved with helping loving companions find new homes, won't you consider being a foster home?  Our foster providers will bring the dog/dogs into their home, where they will live as part of the family. The foster families will be expected to give the dogs a safe and loving place to live until they find the perfect “forever home”. A thorough evaluation will be done to identify the dogs' strengths and weaknesses and to determine what type of home/owner will be the best match. If possible, we encourage the foster family to enroll (at BCCR's expense) the dogs in obedience training. BCCR will provide all food, veterinary care, crates, food dishes, collars and leashes needed to care for the dogs placed in foster care. Foster families will be asked to socialize the dogs under their care as well as attend fundraisers and adoption “events” when ever possible.

  If you would like to make a huge difference in a lonely dog's life, and are willing to invest the time, money and most of all, love needed to best serve these wonderful creatures, please call BCCR to arrange for an interview to determine if fostering will be right for you. If it is, we will put you on our mailing/phone list to receive information on dogs that need to be fostered. For these dogs YOU might be their only chance before they enter a shelter that euthanizes healthy, adoptable animals, or are shot or abandoned to fend for themselves.

  Please CONTACT US to offer your services as a foster care provider for a dog in need.

 MORE VOLUNTEER POSITIONS 

•  Kennel helpers/dog walkers:   Assist with exercising and socializing the dogs.  As well as help keep the kennels and community areas clean and sanitary.
• Website creation and maintenance  . Creating and maintaining the BCCR website with photos of adoptable animals as well as information regarding how the community can get involved. Maintaining a calendar of upcoming events and a current list of sponsors (“Heroes”) 
• Fundraisers.   We'll need people willing to contact area businesses and/or individuals to ask them to help support Bluff Country Canine Rescue financially. It's going to take a lot of money to keep this Rescue going if we want to provide adequate care and support to the dogs that need our help. Finding sponsors and creating public fund-raising events will be a vital part of the success of BCCR.
• Transports:   We'll need volunteers with safe vehicles willing to pick up strays and/or surrendered dogs as well as take dogs that we are caring for to veterinary appointments, adoption events and fund-raising events.
• Legal  adviser/s.   We will need the advice of an attorney to guide us in legal matters ranging from establishing a non-profit (or 'not for profit') organization as well as liability issues and adoption/fostering agreements.
• Advertising support:   We're going to need to do lots of advertising! Everything from printed brochures and posters to articles in local newspapers, to appearing on area Television and radio stations. Hopefully, we'll find printers, newspapers and TV and radio stations who will support us by offering free services or exposure.
• Dog Trainers:   I will seek to enlist the services of professional dog trainers who are willing to help us work with behavioral issues with dogs that are under our care as well as to assist foster families prepare their charges for placement in an adoptive home. My goal is to have each of our dogs, at the very least, started in basic obedience.
• Board Members:   In order to become a non-profit organization, we will need to establish a Board of Directors ~ People who care about dogs and want to help alleviate the pain and suffering of homeless animals. I am looking for people who are willing to get involved in any number of ways. Perhaps in an advisory capacity or as a resource for information or advice. If you feel that you may have ideas, abilities or access to something that could benefit BCCR and/or the dogs that we serve, please consider joining our Board of Directors.     

I also typed up a "Wish List" of things that we'll need but I can't find it right now.  I'll look for it tomorrow...  HAPPY DREAMS!