August 1, 2004 

This is my first e-mail newsletter to give family, friends and new supporters of 7 Bells Sanctuary an update on what is going on here.

First of all, our sympathy to Russell and Robyn on the loss of Butch, 14 years old. They made the difficult decision to send him over the Rainbow Bridge as he was unable to get up any longer and was filled with tumors. He had a wonderful life. Robyn and her mom, Patty, were with him during last rites so he passed over hearing their voices, feeling their touch and tears and seeing their faces to the very end. They have donated their food, dog bowls, leashes, collar, treats, and toys to 7 Bells Sanctuary and we are deeply grateful for their generosity.

Lil Otto is back at 7 Bells Sanctuary for his final days. Whitney did a marvelous job of getting him to eat, drink and gain almost 2 pounds. With the veterinarian's report this week and with Whitney's recent surgery and recovery, she felt she was not up to the emotional challenge of his death. We certainly understand that and had encouraged her to call anytime she felt it was just too overwhelming for her. Thankfully, she had the courage to call. She still wants to foster a senior dog, just not one so near Death's door.

We have a new foster mom, Marti, that lives in Cole Camp Senior Housing. While she is not able to foster 24/7 due to the lease and deposit requirements, she is able to foster a dog for short periods of time which will be a huge help. She has already watched Lil Otto for an hour, took him around the senior village, people love to talk when they see a dog, especially one as cute as Lil Otto.

Wonderful news on adoptions this past month. Cammie, aka Lily Shay, a City of Cole Camp city pound matted mess, is now a beautifully groomed Daddy's Girl, living in Lincoln, Nebraska. Colette, the City of Cole Camp city pound dog due to die, has a new home in St. Louis. Banjo now lives on a farm in Cole Camp with a senior dog and a cat, plus he sees lots of children all week long as the farm also has a day care facility. Near death at 16 years of age, Banjo runs and plays like a pup again! Max, a swmok9s 12 yr. old yorkie adoption transported by 7 Bells Sanctuary, now lives with a senior citizen in Cole Camp.

The City of Cole Camp is now referring callers inquiring about lost/found dogs to us. We take names, numbers, descriptions, try to match up callers. We also give out telephone numbers of area shelters they may call, plus have them call radio stations, and post flyers. It is amazing the number of lost pets that have not been altered or have any type of identification on them. Please encourage pet owners to spay/neuter and have collar ID on their pets.

Please keep www.7bellssanctuary.petfinder.com in your thoughts. If you do not want a senior dog, please keep www.swmok9s.petfinder.com in your thoughts. We all work very hard to find the right home for each pet.

Thanks for your support.

Judy