Sir Gus

Adopted!!!  Thank you David and Family for giving Gus, now called Samson a great home!!!!

"Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe. We are the focus of their love and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made." - Roger Caras

Howdy, my name is Sir Guster but they call me Gus.  My Foster Mom says that I am absolutely gorgeous!  I was out in the rain one night wandering around when a sweet, young Lady came to my rescue.  She took me home, dried me off and served me a wonderful meal.  She couldn't keep me because her landlord said she couldn't have a dog.  So she brought me here to 4 Toes Up so that I could find a forever home with a nice human.  I don't want much but a place that I can call home would be really nice.  I am quiet and gentle.  I am young and I love to learn new things.  I also love spending time with my human,
it doesn't matter what we do just as long as I am with you .  I like everyone but sometimes I am a little shy around new people.  I would like a home where my human would want to include me in things.  I had my first Hamburger the other day and would like to have many more.  We went to a place called Sonic and it was tassssty!  They say I walk well on the leash and ride well in the car.  I am learning all the rules of being in the house so I can be good when my human comes to adopt me.  I would really like to have a home before Christmas because I heard you get presents to open.  I have never had a present but I bet I could open one and make you smile.  I am waiting for a good human because I am a good dog; come and meet me today!
If you would like more information on Gus, please email us at 4toesup@live.com

Red Rusty...

Look at this beautiful boy!  He is coming to us all the way from Los Angeles.  He was a stray that was found by Animal Control in Southern Los Angeles.  We were fortunate for his sake to be able to take him in.  His time was up this evening and he would have been euthanized.  He is friendly and loves all people.   Look at his sweet face!  He is a little under weight at this time but we have him on a good diet and he will be back up to a good weight soon!  He has been fully Vetted and ready for Transport.  Rusty is up for adoption, if you would like more information about him, please don't hesitate to contact us.  4toesup@live.com  Thank you for stopping by!!!

Our beloved Isabel...

I know well enough that there have been dogs so loving that they have thrown themselves into the same grave with the dead bodies of their masters; others have stayed upon their masters' graves without stirring a moment from them, and have voluntarily starved themselves to death, refusing to touch the food that was brought them. 

                                                                                                     Miguel de Cervantes

Sweet, beautiful Isabel crossed over on Rainbow Bridge recently.  She was a huge part of our lives and of the Sanctuary.  We now dedicate this blog to her and all others rescue babies that have passed on to be with God.

Isabel didn't have much of a life.  She was taught by humans to fight at a very young age.  She went from being taught dog aggression, to the high-kill shelter where she was rescued before being euthanized, and from that shelter to be here with us.  We are a Rescue and Sanctuary for dogs like Isabel.  We are the ones that give a home to dogs like Isabel.  Belle (as we called her) wasn't a fighter because she was born with the desire to fight. Her desire was to always please her human.  Belle was dog aggressive because her previous humans wanted her to be a fighting dog!  Her life was not a life you would brag about.  She lived alone because she couldn't have a dog friend to share things with.  She wasn't able to be adopted because no one wants a dog that is dog aggressive.  So she lived here in our Sanctuary.  Its not a bad place but its not a home with a family either. 

I will never understand what people get out of seeing dogs mutilate each other.  Isn't there better things to do than to teach a dog to fight?  The worse part is that most people get away with mistreating a dog.  But the second a dog shows any aggression towards a human...it is destroyed. 

We were blessed by having Belle in our lives.  We were the lucky ones to be able to wrap our arms around her to steal a hug.  I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to know and love her!   She is truly missed and will be for the rest of my life!

Pitbull Attacks

The true Pit Bull revealed....

I am speechless!  How can such a great creature have a bad reputation?  As the video shows...Pit Bulls do what they are taught.  In my experience with Pits; they are loyal, committed and one of the most loving breeds I have ever come to know.  Sorry to keep posting videos but this one is important! It shows the true Pit Bull and how they take care of us. Love a Pit and they double the love back!  Please give a Pit Bull a chance!  Your local shelters are full of them...take the time to get to know one.  They will love you for it!

An entertaining SIN

A great dog!  Really goes to show the intelligence of the Pit Bull.

....This is something that I ran across on Facebook. Please take a few minutes out of your day and read it...it is a solution for our Pit Bulls. I know its a bit long but well worth it. The more we educate each other about the true nature of the Pit Bull the better the breed reputation will become! Please help me Spread the word.... The Sweetness of Pit Bulls

Written by Lisa Hartman

We don’t have a bad-dog problem, we have a bad-owner problem Recently in the news was the story of a pit bull that attacked a female postal worker. An unspoken part of that story was the dog owner’s grief when his best friend was taken away and destroyed. Then we had football star Michael Vick on 60 Minutes, robotically claiming he felt remorse for beating, drowning, and everything else he did to the many canines in his dog-fighting ring. We also learned that Italy has made it illegal to own 92 breeds, including the pit bull, the Italian maremma, and the Neapolitan mastiff. Just turn on the news. At least once a month you hear of a dog attacking a human. It is usually a pit bull. For those who don’t know me or the rescue work I’ve been involved with over many years, let me say that I oppose breed-specific legislation like Italy’s and Miami-Dade County’s, where pit bulls are prohibited. I also applaud the wonderful efforts of rescue volunteers who work tirelessly for the breeds they love. But one breed keeps coming up in the news doing horrible things -- the pit bull. The pit bull (as the name implies, these are dogs originally bred to fight other dogs in a “pit”) encompasses a few terrier breeds: the American pit bull terrier, the American Staffordshire terrier, and the Staffordshire bull terrier. A pit bull with a normal temperament is highly affectionate with people, even strangers and children; obedient, with a great desire to please; and emotionally stable. In England the dogs have become known as the “Nanny Dog” for their love of and desire to be with children. A member of my extended family had Petey, a white pit who grew up entertaining her five children. He was a great dog and played with the kids for hours each day, loving every minute of it. So if this is proper pit-bull behavior, what has gone wrong? As I said, I am against breed-specific legislation, but I also don’t like the way some groups fight bans on pit bulls -- namely, by pushing the dogs in the public’s face and bringing pits where they are not allowed. This, in my opinion, will only cause more fear and upset, another reason for someone to telephone the police regarding a pit bull, another police report with the term “pit bull” in it. Clearly this is a dog with an owner problem. Even in Broward, where pit bulls are allowed, owners have empowered themselves to break the laws, trying to show how wonderful their breed is my letting them run freely off-leash anywhere. “They’re friendly!” the owner calls out as his pair of pit bulls runs up to you and your on-leash dogs. You hold your breath while cursing him and trying to figure out what you’ll do if his dogs don’t get along with yours (they are animals, after all). And you fume at him for not even considering how you or your pets would feel being accosted by strange dogs. Approximately 1800 pit bulls have been euthanized over the past three years by Miami-Dade Animal Services. Many Miami pit bull owners, complaining in the press, refer to Sara Pizano, director of Animal Services, as the “Pit Bull Executioner.” But it’s highly unlikely that Pizano, a veterinarian by trade, wants to kill as many pit bulls as she can. Unfortunately animal agencies all around the nations are killing record numbers of all dog breeds because people don’t want them anymore, they are found as strays, or they get into trouble doing something bad or living where they are not supposed to. So how are some 600 of this breed ending up there annually if they’ve been banned for years? The fact that pit bulls continue getting into trouble is nothing less than a mark of owner irresponsibility. They know that, in Miami-Dade, they’re not allowed to own pit bulls, but they do so anyway. They bring their scrappy males to dog parks, where they almost get into a scuffle, giving people reason to say, “Pit bulls are truly bad dogs.” Maybe the Miami owner hides the dog most of the day in a apartment, and walks it quickly at night, leaving it undersocialized and overly aggressive. And of course there are still people like Michael Vick, who cruelly train their pit bulls to fight, driven by a kind of macho “gladiator mentality,” as the so-called Dog Whisperer (a pit bull owner himself) once put it. So what’s the solution? Now more than ever pit bulls and other maligned breeds need their owners to be goodwill ambassadors for them. In my opinion, pit bull owners should go out of their way to make their breed not just good canine citizens but stellar examples of well-behaved pets. And with the big personality and intelligence of these dogs, that isn’t so hard to do. The owners must keep in mind what pit bulls were bred for (fighting), manage and supervise their dogs, train and socialize them, follow the rules, and spay and neuter their pets. I would propose a compromise, phasing out the breed-specific ban and replacing it over time with an owner ban. It would go something like this: Pit bull ownership would slowly be reinstated but: • Not to persons with criminal records. • Not to minors (although the younger generation is usually better with animals). • All pit bulls must be spayed or neutered. • Pit bull puppies must attend with their owners positive-socialization classes. • Owners and their young or adult dogs must also take classes to obtain their Canine Good Citizen certificate (CGC), which includes a vow to properly care for their pets and not let them become a public nuisance. • Perhaps a written exam that tests their knowledge of pit bulls and their behavior. • And of course, owners must always obey dog laws under threat of having their pet confiscated. Something like that. At the least, it would be a step toward responsible ownership. My friend and colleague Marthina McClay is a trainer and pit bull rescuer. (Among her rescues is Leo, a former Michael Vick dog now undergoing canine therapy.) She has a wonderful and informative Website on pit bulls and responsible ownership. You can visit it at www.ourpack.org. I hope to see you and your law-abiding, friendly pit bull soon! Lisa Hartman is head dog trainer for Pawsitively Pets. You can reach her at pawsitivelypetsonline@yahoo.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or www.pawsitivelypetsonline.com. You can also keep up with her and her dogs on Facebook at www.profile.to/dogtrainer.

Dylan....A Sad Day

In memory of sweet, sweet Dylan. He was a Pit Bull mix that was rescued from a high kill shelter at a very young age. He spent most of his life at 4 Toes Up and unexpectedly crossed Rainbow Bridge last week. Dylan is survived by his brother Mikey and by many, many friends he had here at 4 Toes Up. Thank you Dylan for coming into our lives and giving us the opportunity to know you. We were truly Blessed and we all miss you dearly!

I am the Reason...

I would've died that day if not for you.
I would've given up on life if not for your kind eyes.
I would've used my teeth in fear if not for your gentle hands.
I would have left this life believing that all humans don't care
Believing there is no such thing as fur that isn't matted,
skin that isn't flea bitten, good food and enough of it, beds to sleep on,
someone to love me, to show me I deserve love just because I exist.
Your kind eyes, your loving smile, your gentle hands
Your big heart saved me...
You saved me from the terror of the pound,
Soothing away the memories of my old life.
You have taught me what it means to be loved.
I have seen you do the same for other dogs like me.
I have heard you ask yourself in times of despair
Why you do it
When there is no more money, no more room, no more homes
You open your heart a little bigger, stretch the money a little tighter
Make just a little more room...to save one more like me.
I tell you with the gratitude and love that shines in my eyes
In the best way I know how
Reminding you why you go on trying.
I am the reason!

My name is Belle and I now have a home. A home in a Sanctuary for Dogs. I have been waiting for a home for years and it seems there isn't a home with humans for me. You see; I don't get along well with other dogs and that causes people to lose interest in me. So I have come to the conclusion that my home is where I lay my head and I lay my head here at 4 Toes Up. Yes it's better than a city shelter but it's still not a home that is all mine.

Stray's Prayer

Dear God, please send me somebody who'll care!
I'm tired of running, I'm sick with despair.
My body is aching, it's so racked with pain,
and dear God I pray, as I run in the rain.
That someone will love me and give me a home,
a warm cozy bed and a big juicy bone.

My last owner tied me all day in the yard
Sometimes with no water, and god that was hard.
So I chewed my leash, and God I ran away.
To rummage in garbage and live as a stray.
But now God, I'm tired and hungry and cold,
and I'm so afraid that I'll never grow old.

They've chased me with sticks and hit me with stones,
while I run the streets just looking for bones!
I'm not really bad, God, please help if you can,
or I have become just a "Victim of Man!"
I'm wormy dear God and I'm ridden with fleas,
and all that I want is an Owner to please!

If you find one for me God, I'll try to be good,
and I won't chew their shoes, and I'll do as I should.
I'll love them, protect them and try to obey....
when they tell me to sit, to lie down or to stay!
I don't think I'll make it too long on my own,
cause I'm getting so weak and I'm so all alone.

Each night as I sleep in the bushes I cry,
cause I'm so afraid God, that I'm gonna die.
And I've got so much love and devotion to give,
that I should be given a new chance to Live!
So dear God, please answer my prayer,
and send me someone who will REALLY care..

That is, Dear God, if YOU'RE REALLY there!

Unknown

Keely

"To err is human, to forgive, canine." - Unknown


Hi,

I am Keely, sometimes they call me Kiki, but I am looking for a forever home. I had a home once and then my owner took me to a boarding place and left me, never to come back! I lived there for 6 months and wasn't able to go outside because they were an indoor facility. Then my Foster Mom that I have now; came and took me from there out to the country where there is real grass and sunshine!! I get to run and play with Katie my friend, but its still not home. I want to have a family that I can watch over and lay at their feet while we watch a good movie. I would want my new family to consider me a part of them and understand that sometimes I am scared of new things. But, that they would love me enough to take is slow. I am about 2 years old now, so I am not a pup, I am housebroken, I don't mind staying in a crate while your away, I like going in the car to pick up hamburgers and I get along with most dogs. I weigh about 50 lbs and I will make you a good, loyal dog. Go ahead and email my Foster Mom now about me, she don't mind a bit, here is where you can find her....Lynn at Bulloxers@hotmail.com

Katie and Mikey

"By what right has the dog come to be regarded as a "noble" animal? The more brutal and cruel and unjust you are to him the more your fawning and adoring slave he becomes; whereas, if you shamefully misuse a cat once she will always maintain a dignified reserve toward you afterward- you will never get her full confidence again." - Mark Twain

Update! Yippie! Katie has been adopted by a sweet, sweet Gentleman! Thank you John for giving Katie such a great home!

Mike and Katie are looking for families to call their own! Both are up for adoption! Here is a bit about them....

Katie is a fawn and white Staffordshire terrier/ Boxer mix. She was dumped by her owner to a shelter at the age of 13 months. She was rescued and has been in foster care ever since. She is approximately 2 years of age and about 45 lbs. She is crate trained, rides well in the car and is house broken. She does need a little work in walking on the leash. She gets along with all dogs and is very sweet and loyal!!


Mikey is a rare Blue-Fawn Pit Bull. He looks fawn until he is outside in the sunlight and then he looks blue. Mike was rescued from being on death row in a high-kill shelter here in North Texas. Mikey is very, very sweet and sensitive, as he doesn't like to be in trouble with his human. He is a poodle in a Pit Bulls body! He walks well on the leash, rides in the car good, he is crate trained and working on house breaking. He gets along with all dogs, but we suggest that he be the only male dog in the house.

Both dogs are excellent dogs and would make great family pets. Neither dog has ever shown any aggression or would know how to be aggressive. If you would like more information on either dog or on our adoption process, please email Lynn at Bulloxers@hotmail.com

Pretty in Pink.....Rega

"Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring--it was peace." - Milan Kundera


This is Rega, as her name was changed from Rage. She is an 8 year old, female Pit Bull. Rega was a bait dog, which means someone used her to taunt other Pits into fighting. Her previous owner dumped her at a shelter here in the DFW area. She was rescued within minutes of being put to sleep. As I was sitting with her in her shelter pen a shelter worker came to take her to the back, where they euthanize them. She was somewhat aggressive with the shelter workers and with some others. Rega had a case of fear and depression that was released as a bit of aggression. She never tried to bite but would run and bark. I wasn't in her pen 30 seconds squatting in front of her, face to face, when she gave me many kisses. She has not been aggressive with me or has she shown any aggression since she has been here at 4 Toes Up. I tested her aggression on the way home with a hamburger. She was very sweet and waited for me to tear it in pieces for her, my hand never left from the hamburger or from being close to her face, absolutely no aggression whats so ever! Her face is quite scarred from all of the bite marks, but her heart is healing and she is learning to trust again! She is quite the little lady with a very polite demeanor and her sweet personality. Her face has cheered up and her tears have now dried up. In fact she is playing ball and kicking up her heels like a young pup! With her past, we recommend Rega have a home without other dogs. She would be great with a single person or a couple that would spend some quality time with her and consider her a part of their family. She is full of love and wants to share her love with someone that will love her back. If you would like more information on Rega, please don't hesitate to email Lynn at Bulloxers@hotmail.com

What is a Shelter Walker

In the rescue world, we have what are called Shelter Walkers, they walk the shelters on a daily basis to take pictures and write bios of the dogs/cats. Then they put in hours posting them to rescue groups on the internet, in hopes of saving just one. Their work is tireless and for the most part no one knows what it really takes to do such a job. They are faced with death of many sweet, innocent animals that are either found as strays or surrendered by their owners. Sometimes they are very successful and the animals that they have worked hard for get rescued or adopted. And the animals surpass euthanasia getting a second chance. Shelter walkers go into a shelter knowing that the dogs that were there yesterday will not be here today, for they were euthanized this morning. A Shelter Walkers work is endless, depressing and is an emotional roller coaster for the person doing it. It takes someone very special person to be that dedicated and kind hearted to take on the task of being a shelter walker. Please watch the video and see for yourself what Shelter Walkers and Rescuers are faced with in our constant battle of trying to save those that cannot save themselves. As a rescuer, we depend on shelter walkers and their postings in order to be able to rescue the ones we can, they are our eyes and ears in the shelters. There is a very small amount compared to the numbers of animals in the shelters that actually make it out.

As for the Shelter Walkers, I thank you for all that you have done and for all that you have gave of yourselves. And, for you Russell Posch, I have to thank you personally for helping me with all my babies that came out of Irving's Shelter. You go out of your way to help with any dog at Irving and its remarkable! I have talked with you on days that you feel you can't return to the shelter because of the pain, but some how find the strength to go on. All of you have made a difference and continue to do so daily and many lives have been saved because of you!

The video is about our shelters and shelter walkers here in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, but the situation is nationwide. You will note in the video as to how many Pit Bulls there are in the shelters. Please help us put a stop to the breeding of Pit Bulls. One person cannot do it alone but as a army of people, we can help the Pits by spreading the word of how many die daily and that breeding them is devastating to the breed. The shelters get the blame for the dogs they have to euthanize, but really who is to blame? The blame goes to the ones that breed and allow breeding to continue. Most dogs and puppies end up in a shelter on death row. There are more Pits in the shelters that die, than any other type of breed. Two decades ago, our Pit Bulls were the number one family dog. They are sweet, sensitive dogs that love the companion of their humans and its bad breeding and bad dog parenting that has caused our Pits Bulls to become aggressive. Just because they are a strong, physical dogs doesn't mean they like to be treated as such. And, when a Dog has had enough of bad treatment and it fights back just as humans do. But when a dog does it, then it gets labeled as aggressive and that, doesn't have a good ending to it. Respect your dog and your dog will respect you more!



For those of you that know me, note the third dog in the video, the big fawn that is barking at the camera, that is Louie, the big guy that I saved from Irving, that was adopted from me last spring. Yippie yi yay for you Louie!!!

Life with dogs

Properly trained, a man can be dog's best friend. ~Corey Ford


A dog's greatest love is his human!

He shows you his unconditional love, by greeting you at the front door with a wagging tail, an excited jump and sometimes with your favorite shoe in his mouth.

He relaxes quietly on your kitchen floor while you cook dinner and conveniently drools on the floor as you enjoy dinner.

They search for the wounded after a disaster and sniff out things that are of a harmful nature.

They lead us when we are handicapped and alert us of impending danger.

They listen to our problems and they advise us to love more.

What would our lives be without dogs, as we have all been touched by a dog at some point in our lives that we will never forget.

Dog's truly are man's best friend and we should never forget how they take care of us!

4 Toes Up!

Spencer

A dog is the only thing on earth that will love you more than you love yourself.
-Josh Billings

This is Spencer, a happy-go-not so lucky guy. Spencer is a 25 lb. Shepherd mix that was put to sleep on Thursday because no one wanted him. Its a waste of a good dog. Have dogs become disposable to us? Is it right for people to continue breeding so they can pocket a few dollars? There is no reason that this dog had to be euthanized, other than there is so many dogs in the shelters that they have to kill them to make room for more. How awful is that? How can we as humans hold our heads high when sweet, innocent dogs are dying on a daily basis?

If you are looking for a dog, please adopt! Go to your local animal shelter and just look around, the shelters are full of fine dogs, there is even puppies. If you are in the D/FW area, email me and I will send you a list of the shelters for this area.

Don't Breed, Rescue Instead! Thank you
Bulloxers@hotmail.com

I am an Animal Rescuer

I am an Animal Rescuer.

My job is to assist God’s creatures.

I was born with the drive to fulfill their needs.

I take in helpless, unwanted, homeless creatures

Without planning for selection.

I have bought dog food with my last dime.

I have hugged someone vicious and afraid

I have fallen in love a thousand times

And I have cried into the fur of a lifeless body too many times to count

I have animal friends and friends who have animal friends

I don’t often use the word “pet”

I notice those lost at the road side

And my heart aches.

I will hand raise a field mouse

And make friends with a vulture

I know of no creature unworthy of my time

I want to live forever if there aren’t animals in Heaven

But I believe there are

Why would God make something so perfect and leave it behind?

Some may think we are master of the animals,

But the animals have mastered themselves

Something people still haven’t learned

War and Abuse make me hurt for the world

But a rescue that makes the news gives me hope for mankind

We are a quiet but determined army

And we are making a difference every day

There is nothing more necessary than warming an orphan

Nothing more rewarding than saving a life.

No higher recognition than watching them thrive

There is no greater joy than seeing a baby play

Who only days ago, was too weak to eat.

By the love of those who I’ve been privileged to rescue

I have been rescued.

I know what unconditional love really is

For I’ve seen it shining in the eyes of so many

Grateful for so little

I am an animal rescuer

My work is never done

My home is never quiet

My wallet is always empty

But my heart is always full

~~~Author unknown

Daphne's Story

The dog has seldom been successful in pulling man up to its level of
sagacity, but man has frequently dragged a dog down to his.
-James Thurber

Update....Yahooooooo! Finally Dottie has a home, she was adopted by a wonderful Lady here in the DFW area! Thank you for taking Dottie and giving her a new life!

This is Daphne, a sweet, sweet girl that was rescued within minutes of being Euthanized. Someone or her previous owner dumped her at a city shelter during the middle of the night, which means the shelter staff had absolutely no history on her. They don't know if she had been running the streets and was found by someone that thought they would do her a favor by bringing her to the shelter. Or if the previous owners decided she was too much trouble and did not want the hassle of a dog anymore. Whatever the case may be with Daphne, she did not have a chance to possibly find a new family because she has an injured paw and was not wanting to eat, along with vomiting and diarrhea. City shelters are not equipped to handle sick or injured dog's and most are euthanized immediately. The rescue groups in the area were already over their limits and were having to turn dogs away. Daphne was facing euthanasia because there was no where for her to go.

At the very last minute, an individual stepped up and gave Daphne a second chance at life. She took her into her home and healed her wounds. I'm not just talking about her paw and stomach situation but about the wounds she had suffered mentally, she was terrified, depressed and spiritless. The life and people that she knew was taken away from her. She ended up in a shelter with no one or thing familiar. Daphne then was in the hands of a stranger and in a strangers home. And, again nothing around her was familiar, her new foster Mom, house, yard and other dogs. She didn't have a clue that she was over 100 miles from her previous home. Have ever thought about what dog's go through when they lose the things they love. Dog's feel the same emotions as people. We should keep that in mind when we tire of our dog's.

But what can dogs do when they end up in situations such as Daphne's? They have to trust that we, the humans are going to do right by them. The sad part is, we humans don't trust each other to do right by one another. But, our dogs and the dogs that cross our paths, don't have choices but to put all of their trust and faith in us. But, sometimes we cause them to suffer in bad situations that could have been avoided. I am not saying it always happens but we "the humans", are to blame for the number of dogs that are in shelters, after all we put them there. I apologize for sounding harsh, but dogs don't walk themselves in there.

After everything Daphne went through, she is so ready to give her love with the first touch of your hand. She will literally wrap her paws around your neck and bury her face against your chest. How could she still want to give her love to humans after all she had been through? If only People could be this forgiving and loving towards other's after they had been through an experience such as Daphne's? Until next time, 4 Toes Up!!!

Update on Daphne....Her stomach problems turned out to be Parvo, a severe case. She was unable to eat or drink anything for 3 weeks. She was on continuous IV fluids and many types of drugs to bring her through this awful ordeal. Come to find out after she begin to heal, she was carrying babies. She gave birth to 7 beautiful healthy babies and how, I will never know. Her and her babies are walking miracles after all sweet Daphne endured. All are doing well now and enjoying life. If Daphne hadn't of been saved, that would have been 8 precious lives lost. Daphne's name has been changed to Dottie.

HOT Short-Nosed Dogs

Dogs' lives are too short. Their only fault, really. - Agnes Sligh Turnbull

The lazy dog days of summer, keeping your Bully cool during this time of year, can be a chore. Texas has had now over 40 day's of 100 degree temperature or higher, and with that kind of heat your Bulldog and other short nosed breeds are going to have a tough time. Now, that doesn't mean that long nosed dog's should be out in these conditions either, but that maybe he can stand it a little longer than your Bully.
Short nosed breeds have smaller nostrils and are unable to breathe as well as long nosed breeds, so your Bully will heat up faster than others. Dog's only have two ways they can cool themselves and that is through panting and through the bottoms' of their paws, so when your dog is starting to pant that means he is beginning to get hot, and he needs to be put where it is cool. Now you may think, well my Bulldog pants when he is in the house with the air conditioning running, and yes that maybe true, but his temperature is not going to continue to rise indoors like it would if he were outdoors in the heat. When Humans are hot, they start to sweat and in this process of sweating is how our bodies keep us cool. Dog's way of cooling himself is through panting, it is like a built in fan for them, because it removes the heat that is being produced in their bodies. Have you ever seen your dog place his front paws' in his water bowl during a hot day, and your thinking, yuck, what's he doing, well, he's cooling himself off the quickest way he knows. Dog's sweat only through the pad's of their feet and their noses, and can be cooled off quickly with cool water applied to their paws, so this is the reason why he hangs out in his water bowl. Dog's are less efficient of cooling themselves than we are, so please be aware of your pet during hot days and keep him cool by always having fresh clean, cool water available at all times for him.

If your dog is experiencing any of the following:

Intense panting,

Elevated heart rate,

Drooling extensively,

Lethargy or fatigue,

His gums can become a intense red color at first and then become a pale, grey pink,

He might want to lie flat out on his stomach,

Stagger or become disoriented, and at this point he may start having seizures or collaspe.

You will need act quickly! First, you will need to start, by lowering his body temperature by applying rubbing alcohol to the pad's of his feet, (and keep do it until he is feeling better) and apply cool water to his body. Offer him ice cubes if he is alert and able to lick on them, and if he is not, then place him in an air conditioned vehicle and call your Veterinarian from the car, on your way to his/her office.

Always keep in mind that your dog can experience the same feelings as humans, and does not mean that he can handle situations better (and/or worse) just because he is a dog. You are his human and he is depending on you for protection. Until next time, 4 Toes Up!

Jillian & Kelly

Histories are more full of examples of the fidelity of Dogs than of friends. -Alexander Pope

Jillian is from a city shelter in the Dallas area. She is sweet, sweet but poor Jill has been abused. She has been beaten, starved and abandoned. When I would go to touch her, she would cowl down in fear. The picture of her above is her shelter picture and you can see how broken down she looks. When she was saved from the shelter she was approximately 6 months of age, she wasn't even an adult. She had a nasty cough and was feeling bad, within 2 days she developed a severe case of pneumonia that almost took her life. Thanks to all the care her foster mom gave her, she pulled through it. Come to find out, after all she had been through, she gave birth about 2 weeks later. As a result of her giving birth, she had 11 not so healthy babies. Sadly to say, 6 of her beautiful babies had to be euthanized at birth. They were born with cleft plates and their tummies were severely deformed. Jillian had been given numerous drugs for the pneumonia and that is probably the cause of her babies being born with deformities. Also, she was a very stressed out little girl from being in the shelter. Four of the babies seemed to be healthy and one baby had a partial cleft palate and was given a chance to live.

The four healthiest babes did survive and have all been adopted by very good homes. Other than a couple of them having umbilical hernias, they were fine healthy puppies. The one partial cleft palate babe was unable to nurse do to the hole in the roof of his mouth that went into his nose. He could form a suction around Jill's milk buckets to be able to nurse. Poor baby tried and tried, but never could manage. We ended up tube feeding him until he was approximately 3 1/2 weeks and then started him on a bottle. Taking a bottle still wasn't an easy task for him even though he was older. It took some time but he was finally able to master the bottle and never looked back at that awful tube. We ended up calling him Journey and today he is 6 1/2 months old. My friends and family call him a walking miracle. At the age of 5 months, he had surgery to repair his mouth, umbilical hernia and was neutered, all in one day. His mouth surgery didn't hold and he still has a very small hole but he is doing quite well and eats everything he possibly can. Finally at the age of 6+ months, he gets to be a puppy. Journey had to be taken away from Jill and his siblings because of his size and because he wasn't able to nurse. So he grew up with teddy bears as litter-mates and a human for his mother, so he didn't get to learn dog things that their mothers normally teach them.



This is Kelly, Jillian's Sister. She was also starved, beaten and abandoned. They entered the shelter together and was rescued together. Kelly was fortunate not to end up as sick as Jill but had another encounter to endure. She was wearing a chain collar that someone had put on with a padlock! Well the collar was so close to her skin and tight, we had to cut it off to remove it, we thought we would never get it off without hurting her severely! Her neck was torn up a bit, but healed up nicely. Kelly's emotional state was that of Jillian's. She was scared to be touched, scared to be talked too and coward when approached.

UPDATE ON JILL & KELLY...
As for both of these sweet gals, they are doing well now and learning that people are not bad. They have come along way and are now available for adoption! They are both excellent dogs and will make a great family dogs. As both have wonderful temperaments, a sweet personalities and have learned that my touches are comforting and not of a harmful nature.

If you would like to adopt Jill or Kelly, please don't hesitate to ask for more information on them.
They both have been housebroken, crate trained, walk decent on the leash and like to ride in the car. They are approximately 1 1/2 years of age and Jillian is about 40 lbs and Kelly 45-50 lbs. Contact Lynn at Bulloxers@hotmail.com

Roxy

Update! Roxy has been adopted!! Yippie yay yaaa!!

Sweet, beautiful Roxy, she is a Boxer/Staffy mix. She loves people and get so excited to have attention from people that she gets beside herself. She gets along with all dogs and has a sweet demeanor. She is crate trained, rides well in the car and is working on her house breaking abilities. She will need a little obedience training to learn to walk better on the leash. She would like to have a home where she would have a dog friend to play with and a human companion that she can spend allot of time with. She is already spayed and has shots. She weighs approximately 45-50 lbs and is about a 1 1/2 years old. If you would like more information on Roxy, please contact Lynn at Bulloxers@hotmail.com Thank you!!

"Kibbitz"

Kibbitz is a Catahoula/Am. Bulldog mix. He is friendly and sweet. He would need a home with a female dog or no other dogs in the house. He loves attention and is wanting to learn. Kibbitz was rescued from a kill shelter and has been in boarding for a while, so he will need some positive constructive training. He has had some leash training and been for rides in the car. He would be a great dog for someone that wants a dog to spend allot of time with. If you are interested in knowing more about Kibbitz please contact Lynn at Bulloxers@hotmail.com

Debbie

Debbie is a American Bulldog/Pointer mix. She loves all dogs and people. She would like to have a home with someone that would take the time to teach her a little obedience training because she loves to play and has allot of energy. She is very sweet, loving and a fun dog to be with. She is crate trained, rides well in the car, not too bad on the leash and house broken. She would make a great family dog with a little constructive training. She is spayed and has had her shots. She is approximately 2 years of age and weighs about 55 lbs. If you would like more information on Debbie please contact Lynn at Bulloxers@hotmail.com Thank You!!

Austin

This is beautiful Austin. He is a neutered male approximately 1 year of age. He is the sweetest dog and loves to be with his human and dog friends. He was rescued from a kill shelter here in Texas. He would do great with kids and other dogs. He has a gentle demeanor and would love to have a home to grow old in. If you are interested in Austin, please contact Lynn at Bulloxers@hotmail.com Thank you!

Ms. Murphy

Congratulations to Murphy! Ms. Murphy was adopted after spending several months in foster care.
This beautiful girl is Ms. Murphy, she is looking for a home of her own with a nice family. She has a laid back personality and gets along with all dogs. She is sweet and still wanting to learn new things since she is still young at the age of 8 months. She will make any family a great dog, she is doing well with housebreaking and with her calm demeanor she is excellent to have in the house. Ms. Murphy was rescued from a local animal shelter just minutes from being put to sleep. She has been spayed and had all shots. If you are interested in bringing Murphy into your home please contact, Lynn at Bulloxers@hotmail.com

Chad-Adopted!!

Yippeee Adopted!! Chad is a American Staffordshire Terrier. He was an owner release to a kill shelter and he is approx. 7 months in age. He is very sweet, loving and gets along with all dogs. He is up for adoption and would like to have a family to call his own. He is neutered, microchipped and had all shots. He is learning about housebreaking and doing very well at it, he is also crate trained. If you are interested in adopting Chad, please contact Lynn at Bulloxers@hotmail.com

Millie & Sandy--- Adopted!!!

Sandy is a 1 yr. old border collie/sheltie mix (30lbs), kennel trained, loves kids, dogs, and cats. She needs to have a family that will be devoted to her. She has some separation anxiety, which can be cured with a stable, scheduled environment. Adopted together!!Millie, is a 20lb. DEAF 2 1/2 year old cattle/terrier mix. She is kennel trained and knows basic obedience, heartworm negative and spayed, plays fetch and loves to chase shadows, loves kids, dogs, and cats.

Beautiful Blue Eye's, 4 Babies & Chase

Blue Eyed Beautiful Boy, he is in need of a home, he is currently at Fort Worth Animal Control, Please contact bulloxers@hotmail.com This beautiful boy is currently in FOSTER CARE and is still looking for a permanent home. If you are interested please use email provided. Adopted!!

Shar Pei puppies, would like to adopt a puppy, check out these precious Babe's at bulloxers@hotmail.com They are currently in FOSTER CARE and will be looking for permanent homes. In Foster Home, Need Permanent Homes!!

Chase, white Australian Shepherd needs a home, he is currently in foster care, check him out at http://www.lookinforlove.petfinder.org/ or bulloxers@hotmail.com Adopted!!

Pair of cuties, two terrier mixes, are in a shelter and are very scared, looking for someone to take them both and that will have patience with them and that will want to work with them to bring their spirits back at http://petfinder.org/shelters/tx673.html or bulloxers@hotmail.com
Rescued!!

What's it about? Our Focus!!

It's about the Dogs that have ended up in our local Animal Shelters. It's about that young pup that died today from euthanasia. It's about the dogs that have lost their homes, their families and the environment they know. It's about the dog that was delivered to the shelter because his owner was tired of dealing with him. How do you think this affects them? Dog's emotions are the same as ours and they feel pain the same way humans do. How painful would it be for you to lose everything you knew and loved then end up in a strange place with nothing familiar to you? You would feel scared and depressed like you never before. This is what happens to a Dog when it enters an animal shelter.

I would like to clue the public in on what I see on a daily basis. I am hoping that maybe together we can put a stop to an awful situation. Help me break the cycle of innocent animals dying for no reason. That is what this blog is all about. Its about the ones that do survive and some of the stories that come with them. I love dogs and have pretty much gave up everything to save them. I don't believe in killing them because of a space problem. In the U.S. we build more landfills to make room for more trash. We make room for more shopping centers when there are shopping centers that sit vacant. Why can't we build sanctuaries to house unwanted animals? Why can't we as a country care enough about the problem to correct it rather than let it continue and more animals die? Why can't we have laws that regulate the spay/neuter of animals? I might sound bitter but its a serious problem and its a problem we have created. But the solution is simple...stop breeding and animals will stop dying.
Here at 4 Toes Up...Our focus is to save as many as possilbe. We do not believe in animals dying because there is a space problem. We do not believe in animals dying because they have behavior problems. We are not breed specific and do not go by size. We take the ones that need us the most... deaf, blind, big and unwanted. The ones that are overlooked and truly left behind. Take the time to walk through your local animal shelter; get the feel for what I am talking about. If you have any compassion for animals it will change the way you look at animal shelters. If you would like to help but are unable to foster then please consider sponsoring a beautiful Dog on a monthly basis. We are need of sponsors to help out with the dogs that will live out their lives here at 4 Toes Up such as the Pit bulls and dogs with behavior problems or physical disabilities. Please contact Lynn at Bulloxers@hotmail.com if you would like to know more about our sponsorship program. Its easy to make a difference and it only takes $5 a month! An affordable amount with a big results! You will be proud to say that you sponsor a dog in need for 4 Toes Up K9 Rescue!

Thank you for taking the time and looking at the dogs, keep an eye on us because we will be posting different dogs frequently. Please check out our sister blog, http://k-9cross.blogspot.com

Please spread the word.... please STOP Breeding, RESCUE instead!