Build confidence in your ability to rescue
I created this blog to help build your confidence in your abilities to adopt a rescue animal or, in my case, rescue animals.
I’ve been working with animals my entire life. My first job was working with a general practice veterinarian and then I expanded to specialty veterinarians (emergency medicine, internal medicine, and oncology). I briefly owned my own pet bakery called Sawyer’s Pet Bakery specializing in treats for dogs with food allergies. That lead me to join the world’s first dog food kitchen, JustFoodForDogs for several years. I’m currently back in the specialty veterinary field and continue to see a need for more people to rescue animals.
I’ve witnessed many “potential adopters” decide to hold off on adoption because they fear they can not handle the commitment it takes to offer a forever home to a deserving animal. The purpose of this blog is to tell you stories about the experiences I’ve gone through with each of my rescues. I share these stories to help build your confidence in your own abilities to rescue any animal. No matter the breed, age, temperament, or medical history. You have the skills to welcome a new member into your family.
While in the process of writing many of these blog posts, I realized there are other ways to help encourage rescue adoptions. I created a storefront for digital downloads and pet accessories called Critter Digital. Check out the Shop section to get access to Nursery Art, Pet Task Sheets, Veterinary Task Sheets, Photography, and other pet accessories.
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My Pack
You can learn a lot about a person by the pets they have. I’ll let you make up your own mind about me based on my pack of animals.
Chloe
Chloe came to my pack as one of the first rescues. She had a fractured jaw, we assume from a coyote attack. Her previous owners could not afford to repair her jaw so she was relinquished to the pet hospital. Her jaw was repaired, but it meant her jaw would have to be wired shut while it healed.
How would she eat? you ask… Well, it required for her to have a feeding tube inserted into her stomach (also called a PEG tube). Since she could not eat on her own, she needed to be tube fed every 4-6 hours. That was very time consuming, most people do not have the time for that. I fostered her while she needed the tube feedings so she would not have to live in the hospital.
Eventually she got her tube removed and was able to eat on her own again. The only sign of her fractured jaw is her tongue hanging out. Granted she can close her mouth completely, she just chooses to stick her tongue out. One of her many quirks I’ve come to love. Since then, we decided she should stay a part of our family and she thrived in my pack as the alpha. She passed away at the age of 21 in 2021. She has passed on her job as alpha to Ruby.
Sawyer
The opposite of the “Pit Bull” stereotype, Sawyer is the poster child for the breed. He was rescued as a puppy when he had kennel cough and a skin condition called Demodex (Skin mites caused his hair to fall out, he looked naked!). He required weekly medicated baths to recover from the skin condition, but as you can tell by the picture to the right, he has a beautiful coat.
Sawyer grew to be my laid back “surfer dude” who hates water. hahaha. Since he had to endure the weekly baths as a puppy, he hates water nowadays.
What I’m most proud of about Sawyer is he hasn’t got a care in the world. He loves everyone and everything. He will lay down on the ground if a little dog wants to say hi so as to be at their level. He loves walking in crowds because he gets lots of attention. He may look intimidating because he is a bully breed, but he is the biggest love-bug you will find.
Sawyer passed away at the age of 12 in 2022. He leaves behind a long legacy of friends from all of his adventures.
Ruby
While most of my rescues are medical cases, Ruby was a different story. She had behavioral issues that resulted in her being returned to the shelter and rescue 4 times. Knowing that Ruby is part Australian Shepherd explains a lot of her behaviors. As a working breed, Australian Shepherds require lots of activity and for their brains to be challenged. Ruby was not getting these things in her previous homes so she developed aggressive behaviors. She would bite family members and charge at friends and family who came over.
Realizing what Ruby needed was training and something to focus all her energy on, I decided to foster her in the hopes to find her a forever home. She has a huge ball obsession so that became the tool used to channel her energy. She was such a character, that she became a “foster failure” and I couldn’t be more proud of it. She still has some behavioral issues we are working through, but she has come to be a huge part of the family. After the passing of Chloe, Ruby has taken charge of the pack and is now Queen Bee. She is not afraid to tell you when you are out of control (in her eyes). Her “herding” personality definitely shows during these moments.
Kylo is the newest member of the pack who joined us during COVID in 2020. He was rescued after his lower jaw was fractured and required pins to be placed. He has recovered well and is growing into a strong and energetic puppy. With puppyhood in full bloom, Kylo will be providing me with lots of material for this blog. He is reminding me of all the different aspects involved in rescuing an animal.
Kylo
Rey
Rey is the newest addition to the pack. She was rescued in December 2022 at 3 months old. The picture to the left was taken on her first night home.
She, like Kylo, is full of energy and will be providing a lot of inspiration for upcoming blog posts. She likes to play and loves to be on your shoulders. She is still learning her place in the pack, but she is having fun while creating chaos and havoc.
This blog is meant to help build your confidence in your own ability to adopt rescue animals. Every animal comes with their own challenges and personality. This blog will help you know what steps to take in order to overcome those challenges with confidence.
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