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November 2009

Renaissance Poodles The Newsletter of Poodle Rescue of New England

Welcome Note… by Mahala Beams After a spectacular fall and a glorious Halloween, the Holiday season has arrived once again with its flurry of planning, cooking, and gathering for such occasions as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and the New Year.

We celebrate the beginning of this event-filled time of year with a display of poodles in Halloween garb on the Gallery page of this issue. In addition, we report on the PRNE picnic held in October with an array of pictures of attendees, human and canine, enjoying the festivities. With a reminder that it is not too late to order coffee, we also bring you up to date on the PRNE Coffee Fundraiser.

To keep our poodles healthy, safe, and well fed, we offer several articles. Dr Dallas keeps us abreast of the latest information about vaccinations and titers. We include an alert from the ASPCA about keeping pets safe as we bake for the holidays. And you will find recipes for treats any canine companions are sure to enjoy.

Our feature story on Maxwell illustrates just how far a poodle-rescue can go, even achieving star-status! We also begin a new series on the dedicated volunteers who work for PRNE. In each issue we will shine a spotlight on one of those special individuals. For those of you who would like to learn to groom your poodle, an amateur groomer explains how to proceed. Finally, the memorial tribute to Jack proves that it is never too late in a poodle-rescue’s life to find a home and loving family.

As the Holiday season arrives, please remember that many poodles are still in need of medical care, foster homes and loving permanent families.

If you are able to help in any way, please contact Poodle Rescue of New England at: [email protected]

If you are able, please send donations for poodles in need to:

Poodle Rescue of New England P.O. Box 441447

Somerville, MA 02133-0012 ………

In this issue: Our Champion Maxwell………… page 1 Cooking 101…………………….. page 9 PRNE Picnic 2009……..………... page 3 Update on Marcus……………….. page 9 Update on Coffee Fundraiser……. page 4 In Memoriam: Jack……………… page 10 Spotlight on a Volunteer…………. Page 5 Halloween Gallery: ……………… page 11 Learning to Groom Your Poodle... page 6 Raffle Fundraiser………………… page 12 Dr. Dallas Discusses…..………… page 7

Our Champion Maxwell: From Rescue to Show Biz… by Dicsee and Steve Bridges What an exciting day. . . we were getting ready to adopt our third miniature poodle from PRNE and anticipating his arrival. Maxwell arrived at our house with his foster parents looking a bit pitiful, with a short, scruffy hair-do and a very long tail. He was a bit shy, rather thin, and you could tell from his sad brown eyes that he hadn’t had a very happy life thus far.

We had adopted our first two poodles (Katie and Hank) earlier the same year. They had become best buddies despite their very different personalities and family backgrounds. Katie is apricot color with long skinny legs, and Hank is jet black with short legs. They were close in age – both almost 2 years old. Max’s age wasn’t known, but we guessed he was between 3 and 4 years

Continued on page 2

Maxwell with his groomer, Julie Pantages

The Newsletter of PRNE November 2009

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old. His coat was unusual with black and tan markings that were perfectly matched side-to-side. We learned that’s called a “phantom poodle.”

With Maxwell’s arrival the doggie dynamics in our home quickly changed. We had the Three Musketeers living with us! Max adapted quickly and was extremely receptive to all the love and affection he could get. Quickly he became the big brother and was transforming into a healthy, bright-eyed poodle with the warmest temperament. With time his coat grew in very dense and plush and a new dog was emerging.

It was time to introduce Max to our groomer, Julie Pantages, and inform her that we had a new third client for her. It was love at first sight and that bond continues to grow… you see Maxwell is a star now. Julie recognized his potential and has taken him to National and International grooming shows. At Groom Expo 2009 in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Julie and Max won 1st place in Salon Freestyle and to our surprise, they also received Best in Show! Max seems to love the attention and has brought home several trophies and ribbons. We all miss him while he’s traveling, but Katie and Hank keep us busy and entertained.

What a transformation! Who would have guessed that sad pitiful pooch when Max first arrived has blossomed into this handsome show dog. He walks with affirmative swagger now instead of shy hesitation. From abandonment to Best in Show!

Thank you Julie for realizing Maxwell’s potential!

And most of all, thank you Poodle Rescue of New England for our Three Musketeers!

………

Our Champion Maxwell …continued from page 1

Maxwell when first adopted

Did you Know? The term "phantom poodle" does not refer to a specific breed or size of poodle, only to its color and markings. Phantom poodles are bi-colored, with the same markings as a Doberman. That is, they have a lighter color appearing on their "eyebrows," muzzle and throat, legs and feet and below their tail. For a dog to be classified as a phantom it must have all the markings of a Dobie.

Phantoms are now recognized in the UKC show ring.

A Groomer with a Good Eye…

Maxwell’s groomer, Julie Pantages, wrote:

There was something special about that Maxwell that I kept looking at. He just had a great body and coat, and such a cute face. I asked if they [Steve and Dicsee Bridges] would consider letting me take him to a grooming competition and they said sure.

I took him to NEPGP last Fall and he placed 2nd, I took him to Intergroom in April and he took a 3rd. Two weeks ago [mid-September] I took him to Groom Expo in Hershey and he won the Miscellaneous Class and went on to win Best in Show! The judges said they just wanted to squish him, he was so cute.

He will be on the cover of the next issue of Groomer to Groomer magazine!


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Poodle Rescue Picnic, October 4, 2009

Great fun for Poodles and People!

The clouds parted and the sun shone through just in time for the annual PRNE picnic held this year in the lovely Borderland State Park in North Easton, MA. Poodles parading, poodles socializing, poodles playing, and poodles competing in contests provided plenty of entertainment for all. Highlights included a raffle featuring poodle paraphernalia and other doggie items, a sale of PRNE wares, and such contests as “fastest tail-wagger,” “best trick,” “largest poodle” and “smallest poodle.” Poodles and people enjoyed themselves thoroughly! For more photos see the link for Poodle Picnic 2009 at:

http://www.poodlerescuene.org/news.htm


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Thank you, Poppy!

Poodle Rescue is offering gourmet organic, free trade coffee by Silver Bean Coffee. Skier Shannon Bahrke, 2002 Olympic Silver Medalist, founded Silver Bean Coffee Company. Because her sport enabled her to travel all over the globe, Shannon has sampled a wide assortment of coffees in many exotic locations, which inspired her to develop top quality blends for Silver Bean Coffee. Shannon, an animal lover, has generously agreed to help support the mission of Poodle Rescue of New England through the sale of her coffee. Quantities are limited, so order yours today for just $12 per 1 lb bag and help the poodles!

Thank you, Shannon!

Looking for that special gift, holiday present or just a little treat for yourself?

Look no further!

It’s not too late to order more of Poppy’s Blend Silver Bean Coffee!

Choice of Grind: Whole Bean, Drip Grind, French Press, Espresso

Choice of Roast: French, Medium, Light, Decaf (medium), Expresso

Personalized bags featuring your dog/s are available for orders of a case (24 bags). If you would like a personalized order, please send a picture for the front and your special text for the back of the bag.

To order, e-mail [email protected]

Shannon Bahrke, at Chicago's famous Silver Bean in Millennium Park.

PRNE’s recent coffee fundraiser was a great success, raising $896 in much needed funds that will go towards helping poodles like Poppy receive the support and medical care they need to become ready for adoption.

Thank you to Poppy for being PRNE’s “Coffee Pup” and thank you to Shannon Bahrke for generously donating proceeds from the sale of her gourmet organic, free trade coffee to Poodle Rescue of New England.

………

Poppy Coffee Fundraiser


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We are pleased to introduce a new regular column highlighting one of our many dedicated volunteers! This edition profiles Sue Matre, a long time volunteer for Poodle Rescue of New England and current PRNE president. Sue’s commitment and dedication to Poodle Rescue is beyond admirable! We hope you enjoy learning more about her and some of the important work she’s done for Poodle Rescue, not the least of which is “Jack’s House.” We’d love your feedback and suggestions for future profiles of volunteers!

How long have you been a volunteer for Poodle Rescue of New England?

I have been a volunteer for 10 years. We had just gotten our standard poodle and as I was searching on line, I saw that a poodle group was having an event at Borderland State Park that my daughter Ariel and I decided to attend. We had no intentions of becoming involved in rescue. We did not even know it existed, that is until we met Merrilea Agostino and Debbi Baker. They were very convincing!

What’s your favorite aspect of being a volunteer for PRNE?

My favorite aspect of being a volunteer is finding that perfect home for that special dog.

What’s the hardest part of volunteering?

The hardest thing for me is the sadness that I see resulting from abuse and neglect. It breaks your heart.

Do you have any advice for people interested in volunteering?

Volunteering becomes easier the longer you are involved, so if you are thinking about it, just do it. There is a great support system to help you and the rewards are huge.

What are your specific responsibilities with PRNE? Have they changed over time?

My responsibilities are taking care of the dogs at Jack's House, a temporary home for dogs in transition. I am also a board member, and I foster, transport and help with intake.

Do you have a favorite volunteer experience you’d like to share?

There are so many incredible experiences to pick from, but the most recent is the placement of Tika. She had been in rescue for a year due to some behavioral issues that made an adoption more difficult. With a lot of time, patience and help from Pat Wright*, Tika is now living happily in her new home with her new best friend Isabelle, an 8 month-old Labradoodle.

*Pat Wright is a dog behaviorist certified in Jan Fennel’s (The Dog Listener) Canine Communication program. She has over 20 years of experience in dog handling and training. She is also the owner of Baywood Kennels in Willington, CT.

Do you have any poodles and/or other pets?

In addition to my poodles, I share my home with a Doberman, a Beagle and a Shih Tzu, all rescues.

How much time does your volunteer work with PRNE require each week?

The time I spend with Poodle Rescue is probably about 30 hours a week, taking care of the dogs at Jack's House. If I spend time picking up, placing dogs or doing home visits, it is more.

What would you like people to know about PRNE?

I would like people to know that PRNE spares no expense, time or effort on any dog, whether it be old, young, sick or requiring extensive surgeries.

What’s your greatest wish for PRNE?

I would like to see PRNE have no money concerns in the future and be able to continue to give excellent care to any dog in need.

What's the best/most rewarding part of volunteering?

The most rewarding thing for me is to see the dogs with behavioral issues come around with time and patience. Not putting a lot of demands on them at the beginning allows them to become who they are. It’s a pleasure to watch them turn into wonderful dogs over time.

………

Sue Matre - Volunteer Extraordinaire! … by Kim Rosen

This is a photo of Spunky and me, one of my first foster dogs who had severe behavioral issues and who turned out to be an agility champion!


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Have you ever thought about learning to groom your poodle?

After acquiring our second poodle from PRNE, a miniature we named Figaro, I watched my grooming bills go up to $150 every six weeks, not including the tip. I began to consider seriously the possibility of learning to groom. Also the first poodle we adopted from PRNE, Triton, a beautiful apricot standard, has an extremely thick coat that grows rapidly. Moreover, after he developed ear infections a couple of times, despite regular application of a preventative solution, I realized the hair grows so profusely and quickly in his ears that he really needs them plucked every three weeks instead of every six weeks. So I decided to learn how to groom our poodles.

My first step was to take out 3 or 4 books on poodle care and grooming from the library. Ignoring the pictures of fancy cuts, I studied the simpler ‘dos that seemed appropriate and practical and read the advice about grooming. Then I explored grooming-videos on “YouTube,” of which there are many. Several focus on how to groom just one part of a poodle, like the head or the tail. They were especially helpful. (Just google “poodle grooming” or “how to groom a poodle” and see what appears.)

Next was the problem of how to choose the proper equipment. First I needed clippers or trimmers. Luckily, a friend at PRNE, experienced in grooming her own poodles, gave me wonderful advice about what to buy. She recommended a Kim Laube trimmer set (the 305 Speed Feed Trimmer Kit – 30500110) instead of electric clippers. The trimmer is quieter and more versatile since it is cordless. She also provided me with the address for an informative website (Love’s Sharpening: http://www.lovessharpening.com/) that includes a video on the proper care of the Laube trimmer set. Finally, she emailed me guidelines on the blade and comb settings to use on each part of a poodle’s body.

Next I needed scissors, a hemostat (special forceps for plucking ears) and toenail clippers. I picked up a pair of straight edged scissors, the toenail clippers and the hemostat from a local pet store. I ordered a pair of scissors with curved blades from the Laube Company as they are not available in most pet stores.

Ready to take the plunge, I decided to begin with Triton who is a sweetheart, wonderfully calm, patient, obliging and tolerant. I brushed and combed him out thoroughly before bathing him, which the grooming books all said was essential. After the bath and after blow-drying his coat on low heat with more brushing and combing, I began the trimming.

The process took the whole day the first time. I was terribly nervous, especially when using the trimmer blade without a comb. Fearful I might hurt him, I proceeded with the utmost of caution. But all turned out well.

I dreaded plucking his ears and put it off for a time. However, I found out it’s not as bad as I imagined. After applying ear powder in his ears, I sat on the kitchen floor under a good light with Triton’s head in my lap. I gripped only small clumps at a time to pull, and gave him treats frequently. I am hopeful that the experience was not too terrible for him. If you have ever watched professional groomers pluck ears, you know that they work rapidly (because they have to) and often grip lots of hair at once to pull out. In some dogs, this can cause inflammation and possibly infection, and I suspect it is quite unpleasant.

Now that I am more experienced in grooming Triton, I find it easier to take on one task at a time instead of doing everything in one day, which makes it easier on both of us. For example, I will sit with him on the kitchen floor and trim his feet. I record on the calendar what I have taken care of each time, for example, plucking his ears, so that I can easily keep track of what needs to be done next.

I tried grooming Figaro as well and was partially successful. He, however, is a high-strung and jumpy little poodle who is terrified of having his muzzle trimmed, so I have left him to the professionals for the time being.

If you don’t think you have the temperament for grooming your poodle, but want to reduce the cost, you might check with your groomer to see if you could do the preparatory brushing, combing and bathing for a discount.

If you think you would like to try to groom, here is some advice:

• Inform yourself • Find a mentor if possible • Get good equipment • Start with a poodle who has a calm temperament • Be patient, but persistent • Proceed slowly and carefully • Don’t be upset if you make a mistake; the hair will

grow back eventually!

Good luck and happy grooming!

………

Learning to Groom Your Poodle… by Mahala Beams

Grooming Figaro

Putting the finishing touches on Triton

Drying Triton

Trimming Triton


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Dr. Dallas Dicusses Annual Vaccinations and Titers …by Laura Klein Plunkett

We’d like to share with you some important information about something that you may take for granted—annual vaccinations.

At Poodle Rescue of New England, we strive to provide our dogs with the best possible care. That includes educating others and ourselves about the newest advances in training, behavior management and medical care. PRNE is fortunate to have many dedicated and progressive professionals advising us about the many issues that affect our rescue poodles and dogs in general.

In recent years, the veterinary community has begun to move away from annual “one size fits all” vaccinations to a new approach to canine disease immunization.

Since vaccines for dogs became available in the 1950’s, puppies have been given a series of initial vaccinations for common diseases followed by annual booster shots for their lifetime. This practice was based on the assumption that the immunity conferred by the vaccines would gradually wane, so annual revaccination was needed to prevent the spread of disease. However, there was little research done to determine how long the immunity conferred by the initial puppy vaccines really lasted. Combo vaccines were soon created to immunize dogs with one shot against multiple diseases such as distemper, parvovirus, canine adenovirus, coronavirus, hepatitis, leptospirosis and parainfluenza. You may see these combo shots listed on your vet bill as DHLPP, DHLPPC, 5-Way or something similar. Combo vaccines may contain both live and killed virus as well as preservatives such as mercury, aluminum salts, fungicides and antibacterial additives.

It’s become normal to expect our dogs to develop a fever, loss of appetite and lethargy following these vaccinations. As troubling as these common side effects are, many dogs develop reactions that are far more serious. Some dogs have an immediate life-threatening allergic response to the immunizations. Others may later develop an autoimmune disease or a granuloma or fibrosarcoma (cancer) at the injection site, joint problems, seizure disorders, and thyroid, kidney or liver problems. The risk of adverse reactions is higher for smaller dogs and for dogs receiving multiple inoculations or combo vaccines. Moreover, with a combo vaccine, it’s hard to determine which ingredient caused the problem.

In the late 1970’s some studies indicated that the four most important canine vaccines provide immunity for 7 years or longer in many cases. These studies showed that annual vaccinations provide no real benefit and may increase the risk of adverse reactions. In fact, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Animal Hospital Association and the World Small Animal Veterinary Association no longer recommend some of the vaccines included in the combo shots, and don’t recommend annual vaccines for some other diseases. Rather, they now recommend vaccinating all dogs with the “Core” vaccines for canine distemper (CDV), parvovirus (CPV-2), and canine adenovirus (CAV-2) and the 3-year rabies vaccine required by law, and consulting your vet for recommendations

on other vaccines that may be required for your specific dog and geographic area, such as Lyme disease.

Rabies vaccine poses special risks with documented adverse reactions including behavior changes, autoimmune diseases, increased aggression, obsessive or destructive behavior, muscular atrophy, epilepsy and chronic digestive problems. Like other vaccinations, rabies immunity lasts far longer than the current vaccination requirements indicate. Many experts believe that immunity can last 7 years or longer. There is a study underway to prove this scientifically so laws can be changed to reduce the mandated frequency of rabies vaccinations. Until the study concludes, it’s up to us to reduce our dogs’ exposure to unnecessarily frequent rabies vaccinations. In Massachusetts and most other states, both one-year and three-year rabies vaccines are available. A rabies vaccination must initially be given at 12 to 16 weeks of age with a booster given 9 to 12 months later. If you miss the 12-month deadline by even one day, the next shot will only be good for another year. Once your dog has received two rabies vaccinations within 12 months, the dog will be eligible to receive the three-year vaccine for life as long as you don’t let the vaccination term expire and can prove the date of the last vaccination. Be sure to check your dog’s rabies certificate so you can schedule a booster before the current vaccination expires.

You may wonder how you will know that your dog is protected from disease without annual vaccines. Happily, there is a test that your vet can administer, called a serum vaccine antibody titer test, that can help determine your dog’s immunity status. From a small blood sample, a lab can measure the level of antibodies your dog has to specific diseases. The two most important diseases to test for are parvovirus and distemper. There is a definite correlation between a high titer level and the degree of immunity or protection from a disease. If your dog shows a strong titer response to these parvo and distemper, it is strongly suggestive that the dog’s immune system is functioning properly and that a booster vaccination is not needed.

If you take your adult dog to the vet for annual vaccinations and/or your vet routinely administers combo shots, you may want to reconsider your options. Here are some guidelines that may help you decide how to protect your dog against disease without exposing him or her to the unnecessary risk of over-vaccinating.

1. Don’t automatically vaccinate your dog each year. Ask your vet to do titer tests for parvovirus and distemper. If titers are high, don’t revaccinate.

2. Watch your dog’s rabies vaccination expiration date. If your state has approved the three-year vaccine, always schedule a rabies booster within the three-year window to avoid annual rabies vaccinations.

Continued on page 8


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SAFETY TIP FROM THE ASPCA

BREAD DOUGH,

A NO-NO for DOGS and CATS

According to Jill A. Richardson, DVM, of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), when bread dough is ingested, an animal's body heat causes the dough to rise in the stomach. As alcohol is produced during the rising process, the dough expands. Pets who've eaten bread dough may experience abdominal pain, bloat, vomiting, disorientation and depression.

"We once had a case in which a Labrador retriever ate several rolls that the owner had placed on the oven to rise," Richardson recalls. "The owner didn't think much of this, and was just upset that the dog ate part of the holiday feast. But a few hours later, the owner noticed that the dog looked very lethargic. He was resistant to move, uncoordinated and was retching."

As the dog's symptoms worsened, his owner brought him to an emergency clinic, which contacted the APCC. Unfortunately, the dog's stomach was so severely distended by this time that the only option was to surgically remove the dough; he was also treated for alcohol toxicosis, caused by the fermentation of the dough. The canine was kept at the clinic for the weekend and fortunately recovered.

So as you begin your baking for the Holidays, be especially alert about the possible dangers for your pooch and other pets.

For more safety tips, visit the ASPCA poison control center website:

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/

3. Don’t vaccinate for leptospirosis, coronavirus or hepatitis unless special circumstances require it. Consult your vet about the need for Lyme, bordatella or other vaccines rather than routinely administering them.

4. For all puppies or a dog with low/weak antibody titers, ask your vet to use “monovalent vaccine” which is a one dose single vaccine vial, and not a combo shot.

5. If your vet doesn’t have monovalent vaccines, ask if they can be ordered. If he or she refuses, seek another vet that will provide them.

6. Space vaccinations at least two weeks apart. Do not administer rabies vaccine with any other vaccine.

PRNE is here to help you, so if you have any questions or want more information, just ask. Here are some resources you can also consult for more information. You can even print copies for your vet!

Considerations In Designing Effective And Safe Vaccination Programs For Dogs (5 May 2000)R.D. Schultz

WSAVA Guidelines for the Vaccination of Dogs and Cats; Rabies Challenge Fund

Dr. Jean Dodds’ Minimal Vaccine Protocol

AAHA Canine Vaccine Guidelines, Revised

………

Have you thought about fostering?

Make a difference in a dog’s life.

Become a Fosterer!

If you can help PRNE in this rewarding work of preparing a dog for adoption, please email:

[email protected]


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Do you enjoy cooking for your dogs? Here are some recipes for homemade dog treats courtesy of Diane Nash that your canine companions will surely find delectable. And you can be confident that the ingredients include no artificial preservatives or artificial colorings.

Cooking 101… Recipes by Diane Nash

Snickerpoodles 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1/2 cup shortening 1 cup honey 2 eggs 3 3/4 cups white flour 2 teaspoons baking soda 1/2 cup cornmeal 2 teaspoons cinnamon Mix oil, shortening, honey with eggs. Beat well. Add flour, soda, and cream of tartar. Knead dough until mixed well. Shape dough by rounded teaspoons into balls. Mix the cornmeal and cinnamon together in a bowl and roll balls in mixture. Place 2 inches apart on a greased cookie sheet. Press the balls down with a fork. Bake for 8-10 minutes at 400 F. Cool on a rack. Store in airtight container.

Liver Brownies 2lbs chicken livers 2 cups cornmeal 2 cups wheat germ 2 eggs 2 1/2 tsp granulated garlic powder 1/2 cup dried parsley Liquefy livers in food processors, pour into mixing bowl and add other ingredients. Mix until smooth like a brownie batter. Spread on a cookie sheet, (1/2 sheet cake size). I use parchment paper to line the pan. Bake at 350 F for 35 minutes. When cool, cut into squares or whatever shapes you prefer. Keep in a zip-lock bag.

Beefy Biscuits 2 cups whole-wheat flour 1 cup cornmeal 1/4 cup wheat germ 2 tsp. beef bouillon powder 1/2 tsp yeast extract

Mix above ingredients in medium bowl. Add 1 large egg, 1 TBLS cooking oil, 1 cup hot water. Stir well. Roll out on well-floured surface. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 275 F for 2 hours. Let stand overnight to dry thoroughly. Makes 10 big bones and 14 puppy bones.

Bowser Biscuits 1 package dry yeast 1/2 cup warm water 2 cups flour 2 cups warm chicken or beef broth 1 cup corn meal 1/2 cup powdered milk 1 cup wheat germ 1/4 cup margarine 2 cups cracked wheat 1/4 cup honey 4 cups whole wheat flour 1 egg beaten

Dissolve yeast into warm water in small bowl. In large bowl combine broth, powdered milk, margarine honey, and egg. Add yeast/water and mix well. Stir in flour, cornmeal, wheat germ, and cracked wheat, Mix well. Add whole-wheat flour, 1/2 cup at a time. Mix well. Knead in the final amounts of flour by hand and continue kneading for 4-5 minutes until dough is not sticky. Pat or roll dough to ½ inch thickness and cut into bone shapes. Place on greased cookie sheet, let set for 20 minutes. Bake at 350 F for 45 minutes. Turn off heat. Leave in oven for several hours. Makes 3 1/2 pounds.

………

Marcus was found in deplorable condition, tied to a fence on a farm. Now in foster care, much happier and healthier, he is a sweet and lovable poodle who will soon be ready for adoption. Stay tuned for more news on his progress. Marcus when found

Marcus after rescue

Marcus


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Our brave little Jack of Jack’s Guest House fame has had a wonderful year following his stroke in Sept. of ’08. He flew to Florida with us last winter several times and enjoyed being out in the warmth. Despite his failing eyesight, he took daily walks with us as he has done since we first had him. Also he continued to follow me all around the house, hoping perhaps for a little extra “dessert.”

His last trip to the groomer, though, was too much for him. Our excellent groomer works on Jack in the shortest of time. Because Jack likes to bark a lot of the time he is there, he usually comes home exhausted. This time Jack came home with a breathing

After adopting Jack, formerly known as Doodles, the Halpins generously donated to Jack’s House, giving the facility its name and making the completion of this special refuge for poodle-rescues needing long-term rehabilitation possible. We reprint the story of Jack’s adoption below as it appeared in the November 2008 issue of the PRNE Newsletter.

Poodle Rescue of New England is very grateful indeed to the Halpins for their special support.

In Memoriam: Jack – Our Fearless Little Guy

issue that didn’t subside. We took him to the Tufts Vet. E.R. It was determined that Jack had too many health issues and it was best to put him down. Our vet thought Jack was close to twenty years old!

We did end up saying a sad good bye to our Jack. He was an amazing dog with a ton of energy. The last four and a half years of his life after his adoption, were a joy for us and a delight for him. Jack bonded with all of the family, but was really my shadow. Perched on the back of a chair, he’d wait for the first person home and would bark and twirl as if to say, ”What took you so long?”

We thank Poodle Rescue of N.E for all of the fabulous work you do. We thank the volunteers who take these rescued dogs into their homes and their lives. We thank you for bringing our Jack to us.

The Halpin Family October 2009

………

In February of ’05 we contacted PRNE after the unexpected death of our 5 year-old toy poodle. We loved her so much that we just had to find another poodle close to her age.

When a PRNE volunteer came to our house to conduct a site visit, she brought Doodles. Doodles was very thin and had very short ears. However, he was quite curious and had a cute stance with one foot turned out.

After hearing Doodles’ story, we decided to keep him. We changed his name to Jack after Jim’s dad who had the same color hair and a birthday in February. Jack has been a pure delight. His hair has grown into a beautiful soft coat, thick and curly on his ears. Unfortunately, all but one of his teeth had to be extracted (due to neglect), but that hasn’t slowed him down one bit.

Jack likes to sit next to people - the closer, the better. He has traveled on planes and is quite the hit in the security line. Although Jack doesn’t like to play with toys, he can twirl and bark simultaneously. He loves his daily walks with his dog

friends, all of whom are much, much bigger than Jack. At home he follows me everywhere I go.

Sadly, one day Jack was listing to the left. The vet determined that he had probably had a stroke. We learned also that Jack was much closer to 20 years than the 11 we had thought previously. We were very sad thinking Jack wasn’t going to make it. However, steroids seem to have given him a new lease on life. He’s quite the lively old man right now.

We don’t know what the future will hold for Jack. He knows he is loved very much by all of us. He’s been given the attention and nurturing that every pet deserves. He was a very lucky dog to have been saved by PRNE. We are grateful to PRNE for bringing him to us and for all of the work they do to help these helpless dogs. In Jack’s honor we’ve made donations to make Jack’s Guest House a place where more dogs can find safety.

PRNE is truly making a difference in the world. Thank you for caring so much!

………

JACK of Jack’s Guest House Fame… by Jim and Joanne Halpin Reprinted from the PRNE Newsletter of November, 2008

Jack


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HALLOWEEN GALLERY

Scrap and Louie, two cool dudes

Lilee, Charlee, Dallas and Ace, the joggers

Bongo, the Construction Worker

Silly, the Queen of Hearts

Lilee and Dallas, contestants for So You Think You Can Dance and American Idol

Lily, ready to trick-or-treat

Gretta, the witch


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WHO WE ARE Newsletter Committee: Mahala Beams, editing and layout, Amanda Lion, Alice O’Connor, Laura Klein

Plunkett and Kim Rosen

Board of Directors: Merrilea Agostino, Amanda Lion, Sue Matre, Alice O’Connor and Laura Klein Plunkett

Please let us know if you have a topic, a question, a suggestion or a story to share for the next issue of the newsletter. Also, since we plan to email you when the latest issue of Renaissance Poodles is available on line,

please send your email address to:

[email protected]

For more information on Poodle Rescue of New England, please visit our website:

www.poodlerescuene.org

2010 POODLE RESCUE OF NEW ENGLAND FUNDRAISER!

ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT POODLE RESCUE OF NEW ENGLAND

Raffle Tickets $10 each or 5 for $40

Drawing will be held on April 18, 2010

Contact us at [email protected] for tickets

1ST Prize

7 Nights at Summertime Cottages Bar Harbor, Maine

3 bedroom, 2 bath, getaway. Short walk or free shuttle bus to town. Acadia National Park in your backyard. www.summertimebarharbor.com

2nd Prize

7 Nights in beautiful Barnstable MA on Cape Cod

3 bedroom, 2 bath home sleeps 10, 100 yards from beautiful pet friendly beach, walking distance to marina, shops, restaurants. Off season, Labor Day to Memorial Day.

3rd Prize

Poodle Pendant by Artist Laura Klein Plunkett

Michael Nani

november 2009 renaissance poodlespoodlerescuene.org/prne2017/wp-content/uploads/... · dog...

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