May 2007 

Senior Pets for Senior Homes www.7bellssanctuary.petfinder.com

April saw the passing of Susan's mom. Our sympathy to her family. Tootsie, Misty & Chigger became Angel Dogs. LOVE made a difference, plus the care given by Susan & Colleen. Lil Poncho became an Angel Pup, his life too short, his death too sudden. Yet, in his final hours, Marti walked the floor with him so he was loved. He arrived courtesy of Connie, swmok9s.

Ringo is in Fur-Ever Foster Care with Colleen & Alex. Snowball is in foster care with Marti, Hopalong Cassidy "Hoppy", Jolly & Lovie are with Susan, Lady Di with Connie, Michelle & Pye, Puppita Venus "Pita" with Sue, Alyssa with Gerry, SammyJoe with Trina.

ReaganRiley "Mouse" visited the Good Samaritan Care Center. She was held by many of the residents, thus lots of social time.

Adoptions were Gypsy, Stella, Freckles. Connie & Michelle failed Fostering 101, adopted Lady Di. The Cole Camp pound dog, Ruthie, was returned to her owner. Then another came in, back to the owner before we even listed that one.

Our rendezvous in Jeff City with Flaw Dogs resulted in transfers of 3 healthy little rat puppies. We exchanged them for the most wonderful old timers on Death Row in a shelter, Dixie & Lucy. As most of you know, Lil Hans doesn't care for healthy puppies. We also returned with Patches who will be evaluated by Trina. He is too young to be here, yet did not show well at public adoption events with Sally & Carol at Arnold Petco. Thus, we asked that he be returned to us for Trina's obedience & behavior modification class.

Our wish list for this month is for large water bowls for our local pound which serves both Cole Camp & Lincoln. The dogs taken there are generally big dogs, thus big water bowls are needed. Garage sales are in full swing so please keep the fur-kids in mind for any gently used items. Feel free to take items to your local pound, shelter or rescue if shipping costs are prohibitive.

Trina came to evaluate several of the new arrivals. We posted her updates on their profiles. Trina's comment after the visit "Everyone of your pack is exceptional! It's not very common for one person to have a pack of 16-17 that live harmoniously! I only have a pack of 7-8 and I still have to take extra precautions with my Rottie. I am positive that your large pack is therapeutic to those who come to you with fear, shyness & insecurities. Dogs react to the reaction of the pack. When you have a calm-easy going, confident pack of dogs, all newcomers pick up on that very quickly, learn from them how to act, resolve fear & to trust not just the others, but the caregiver as well. So you might just keep that in mind next time a scared little chihuahua or weeny-dog comes in. Just let the pack guide her along!"

April 20 a disaster simulation was put on by the Benton County Health Dept. in Warsaw. We were asked to attend, bringing along fur-kids. Marti took Lil Joe, Jo Anne took Kitty, I took Lil Hans. While they did have a lovely set-up to care for the fur-kids as the owners were treated for a major flu outbreak, they still need to work on a place for pets & owners when they refuse to be separated. It was extremely educational, much still to be done. At least our little county is actively working on a plan.

Ron, Dad to Chip, Duchess, Mazee & Sammy asked us to share this with you "Here is a message for all the new fur-friends owners who may not be "seasoned". Many of our fur-kids come from less than perfect backgrounds & along with them come emotional scars & bad habits. These do not change overnight but let me say that with love, consistent training & proper techniques, these fur-babies WILL learn & become the loving obedient pet we desire. It is not always easy & seldom an overnight process but failure seldom happens if we use good techniques & are loving & stern. It has been about 6 weeks for our last 2 & they are like different babies & are now both a pleasure. Don't get discouraged & please give these Fur-Friends a chance to be the loving well behaved pets we know they are capable of."

Petfinder.com Library continues to be a huge source of help for those answers we are unable to provide. Please check for their monthly specials, their Store, & the Kids page. They are celebrating their 10th year! Congratulations! Petfinder.com saves lives!

As temperatures warm up, please remember not to leave your fur-kid in a vehicle. If your fur-kid must be outside, please remember to check the water, provide a shaded spot. Cool water in the AM may be warm water in the PM depending upon the location of the sun. No pet likes to drink hot water.

Your continued support, whether financial, fostering, adopting, donated dog items, is the reason we continue........our deepest thanks as we could not do it without you.