AND THE WINNER IS

DONA THOMAS was our "name the dog " winner with the name Autumn being chosen. Dona won a S.A.R.A. Tee shirt. Dona we mailed it yesterday. Hope you enjoy it.

THE SHELTER CHALLENGE.

TODAY STARTED THE SHELTER CHALLENGE. SEMO is asking for your vote so we can win much needed money to help our efforts to raise money for the dogs. Please vote daily for SEMO.You can follow our progress and vote at The Rescue Site  be sure to confirm your vote and ask your family and friends to vote for us also. You can vote on multiple computers. If we place 1st we can win $10,000 . The challenge runs thru Nov. http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/shelterchallenge.faces?siteId=3

NAME THE DOG CONTEST.

IF YOU GO TO OUR FACE BOOK PAGE YOU CAN ENTER A "NAME THE DOG CONTEST" FOR A SWEET DOG TAKEN OUT OF ANIMAL CONTROL. WE ARE LETTING YOU DECIDE HER NAME. YOU CAN SUBMIT ONE SUGGESTION FOR HER NAME . The contest closes Tuesday at 5 pm and you might win a SEMO Tee Shirt.

The Tee Shirts Are Here

SEMO received our Tee shirts today. They really look good. If you would like to order one please let me know. I have a few smalls, more mediumns, many large, xlarge , 2X large and a few 3XXL's . Just let me know your sizes and how many. They are $25 each plus the shipping which shouldn't be much. I will find out tomorrow the cost to mail them.
They turned out nice and are tagless & long sleeves because winter is coming up

See the picture of them on a earlier post below.

LUCKY AXEL AND LUCKY SEMO ANIMAL RESCUE

Here is a email I received from Axel's family:

Good evening-

"My name is Amanda Kirk and about two years ago my boyfriend (now fiancée) and I rescued a dog that was found by animal control in your part of Missouri, and then fostered through your organization.  Axel was his name and he traveled from Missouri to Wisconsin and then came home with us to Minnesota."

"My fiancée Teddy and I are getting married in two weeks.  Because we love Axel so much, in lieu of party favors at our wedding we made a $250.00 donation to SEMO Animal Rescue."

"We wanted to let you know where the donation was coming from and why."

"If it weren’t for people like you, many lives wouldn’t be touched with the companionship of a dog.  Thanks for saving his life and impacting our life forever!"

Check out the photo attached – this will be displayed on the tables with a few words about SEMO.

THANK YOU Amanda, Teddy and of course Axel. You are so thoughtful to think of us and include us in your wedding. We wish you three all the best. Keep the pictures coming." We love happy TAILS"

Poor Starved Pregnant Little Gal

This little ( weighted all of 22 lbs) girl is approx 1 yr to 16 months old. She has had litters before.
I picked her up at the shelter today to go to the vet. He only needed one look to see that she was in bad shape. Really bad.
She has been starved. She looks fat when you first see her but when you look closely you realize she is bloated. Her back bones, ribs, neck bones are all protruding. She is breathing very shallow. She is a "hot" heart worm positive. She has guardia, hook, whip and round worms and she is PREGNANT..
So sad. Dr Williams at The Animal Health Center in Sikeston MO isn't sure she can take a heartworm treatment and of course that would only happen after the puppies are weaned. I am concerned she won't survive that long. Her shallow breathing is not a good sign. Do we abort, do we try to save her or the pups? So many questions. I say we save her. Dr Williams thinks she is only half way through the pregnancy. I am betting two weeks away..no more then 3 for sure.
Why do people let this happen to their dogs? Why don't they know that heart worm preventative is very reasonably priced. One lunch out a month will pay for  preventative and save the dog's life. It is so easy and yet so many people in this area choose  not to use preventative on their dogs.

Owning a dog should require a written test . IF you fail , well better for the animal they not be placed in that home. I am all for it.......same with kids.. would cut down on the over population there too.

"I Want To Quit"

I want to quit!  

My health is bad. There are days I feel so terrible that I can barely move. My phone bills are outrageous, and I could have replaced my van with the funds I have spent these last 3 years---on animals that were not my own.
I want to quit!

I spend hours and hours emailing about dogs. There may be 500 messages when I start---and at 4 AM, when I finally shut down the computer, there are still 500 emails to be read.

I want to quit!

Gosh, I haven't the time left to email my friends. I can't remember the last book I read, and I gave up my subscription to my local newspaper--- I used to enjoy reading it, cover to cover, but now it often ends up in the bottom of the squirrel's cage---unread.                                              

I want to quit!

I've spent days emailing what seems like everyone---trying to find a foster home, help for a dog languishing in a shelter---but his time has run out, and the shelter has had to euthanize to make room for the next sad soul.

I want to quit!

I swear, I walk away from my computer to stretch my legs---let the dogs out---and come back to find another dog in desperate need. There are times I really dread checking my email. How will I find the funds, the help, to save yet another dog?

I want to quit!

I save one dog, and two more take its place. Now an owner who doesn't want his dog---it won't stay in his unfenced yard. An intact male wanders... This bitch got pregnant by a stray... This 3-month-old pup killed baby chicks... The dog got too big... This person's moving and needs to give up his pet. I ask you, friends---what town, what city, what state doesn't allow you to own a pet?

I want to quit!

I just received another picture, another sad soul with tormented eyes that peer out of a malnourished body. I hear whimpering in my sleep, have nightmares for days...

I want to quit!

Many of the "Breed People" don't seem to want to hear about these dogs. Breeders either don't realize, or just don't care, how many dogs of their breed are dying in shelters.

I want to quit!

I just got off the phone. "Are you Pyr Rescue? We want to adopt a male to breed to our female." How many times do I have to explain? I have tried to explain about genetics, about health and pedigrees. I explain that rescue NEUTERS! I usually end up sobbing, as I explain about the vast numbers of animals dying in shelters across the country, as I describe the condition many of these animals are found in. I wonder if they really heard me...

I want to quit!                                                                       
It is not like I don't have enough rescues of my own to worry about---but others have placed dogs improperly and aren't there to advise the new owners.

I want to quit!

There ARE some unscrupulous rescues out there---hoarders, collectors, and folks who will short change the care of the animals to make a dollar. The save them all, regardless of temperament, putting fellow rescuer's and adopters at risk but not being truthful.

I want to quit!

I have trusted the wrong people--- had faith and heart broken...

I want to quit!

AND THEN... My dog, Magnus, lays his head in my lap, he comforts me with his gentle presence---and the thought of his cousins suffering stirs my heart.

I want to quit!

AND THEN... One of those 500 emails is from an adopter. They are thanking me for the most wonderful dog on earth---they cannot imagine life without their friend---their life is changed, and they are so grateful.

I want to quit!

AND THEN... One of my adopted Rescues has visited a nursing home. A patient that has spent the last few years unable to communicate, not connecting-- -Lifts his hand to pat the huge head in his lap, softly speaks his first words in ages--- to this gentle fur child.


I want to quit!

AND THEN... A Good Samaritan has found and vetted a lost baby, "I can't keep him, but I'll take care of him until you find his forever home."

I want to quit!

AND THEN... "Jamie took his first steps holding on to our Pyr." "Joan, you should see this dog nursing this hurt kitten!" "I was so sick, Joan, and he never left my side..."

I want to quit!

AND THEN... I get an email from a fellow rescuer, "Haven't heard from you in a while---you OK? You know I think of you..."

I want to quit!

AND THEN... A dozen rescuers step up to help, to transport, to pull, and to offer encouragement. I have friends I have never seen, but we share tears, joys, and everything in between. I am not alone. I am blest with family of the heart, my fellow Rescuers. Just days ago it was a friend who shared her wit and wisdom, whose late night email lifted my heart. Sometimes it is friends who only have time to forward you a smile. Often, it is my friends who forward me the notices of dogs in need.

There are Rescuers who see a failing transport and do everything they can to find folks to pull it together for you.

Rescuers who'll overnight or foster your Dog while you seek transport.

There are Rescuers not used to or comfortable with your breed, but who put aside their discomfort to help.

There are Rescuers whose words play the music of our hearts.

Foster homes that love your Rescue, and help to make them whole again---body and spirit. Foster homes that fit your baby in, though it may not be their breed.

Rescuers whose talents and determination give us tools to help us. Rescuers we call on for help in a thousand ways, who answer us, who hear our pleas.

Rescuers who are our family, our strength, our comrades in battle.

I know I cannot save every Pyr in need. I know my efforts are a mere drop in a sea. I know that if I take on just one more---those I have will suffer.

I want to quit!

But I won't. When I feel overwhelmed, I'll stroke my Magnus's head while reading my fellow Rescuers emails. I'll cry with them, I'll laugh with them---and they will help me find the strength to go on.

I want to quit!

But not today. There's another email, another dog needing Rescue.

This piece is dedicated, with love and gratitude, to all my fellow Rescuers.

Some are familiar with the writing, and the rescue work, of Joan Fremo, founder of the PyrAngel Rescue Network. Joan died about eight years ago. The world lost a fine writer and a dedicated rescuer. This is one of her pieces.

Author: Joan C. Fremo

Published on: May 16, 2001

Up Up and Away

Here's Basil and Canalou with Mark preparing to fly off to their new lives. Thank you again Mark, Leah, Elana and Nadia for making it happen.
Basil is a bit reluctant to get on the plane it appears. Thank goodness for wing walk.

I wish I knew what they were thinking looking out the plane window. You are a couple of the lucky ones Basil and Canalou and we wish the best homes for you . Special thanks to Placing Paws in Libertyville IL for taking them.

Thanks to Mark with Pilots n Paws

Thanks to Mark , Basil and Canalou will fly out this morning for a trip to Libertyville, IL. where they will be fostered till they are adopted. These two lucky Yellow Labs were both in a tiny all outdoor shelter with no electricty. Now they will get adopted and live the good life thanks to Placing Paws Rescue.
 
Thank you Mark for offering to fly these two. We really appreicate all you do for us.
We would love to see a picture if you take any.

Leah drove the dogs to Festus, Nadia was nice enough to overnight these two in Festus and Elana offered to drive them to the airport.. Without everyone's help, none of this would be possible. It does take a village to rescue these dogs.
If you are not presently volunteering with a rescue group you might want to consider it. Help can be offered in many ways, from walking dogs , bathing, brushing, cleaning but also paper work , phones, and driving dogs are all ways to help. We  need volunteers to drive dogs to the vet and pick them up plus taking pictures of dogs at  shelters is another way to help. Contact your local rescue and see how you can volunteer.
Canalou and Basil's pictures aren't they nice looking dogs.

Bye Little Buddy

Little Senior Buddy is finally going to his rescue up north. Buddy has been waiting for many months now. Thank you Small Animal Rescue of MN for taking Buddy. While his years have been many, this little guy has a lot of love and affection left to give his special family.
Buddy is small but he is a giant here in this house, just ask the other  dogs he keeps in place on a daily basis.
We wish you well old friend. You will be missed here in MO.

Quote for the Day

My dog, she looks at me sometimes with that look, and I think maybe deep down inside she must know exactly how I feel. But then maybe she just wants the food off my plate.”

S.A.R.A 's Tee Shirts (SEMO Animal Rescue)

I often use SARA instead of SEMO..so when you see that you will know.
Now..Ta Da..........here's our Tee Shirts. I hope you like them enough to buy one or two or three. They are Hanes quality Tee's. Cost will be $25 per Tee plus Shipping charges. I can ship however you prefer UPS or USPS. I will check on the actual cost for the shipping. What do you think? Do you like them? Will you buy one ? I hope so they aren't cheap and  we will make a few dollars off of them and you can show your support by wearing it.

Fritz Paying for His Surgery at the U. of MO

Fritz decided he wanted to help pay the Hospital for his surgery. So he put his feet up on the counter. Here is he is today. I would say Fritz is feeling very well. The additional pictures are Fritz with Ruth who over nighted Fritz and took him to the Hospital. Ruth and Sheila visited with Fritz today. Veronica the 4 th yr vet Student is in the pictures also.Fritz has become very attached to her. I just heard that Veronica will be graduating in 9 mos. We wish the best for you Veronica.

Trixie Is Officially Our Mascot

Here she is all dolled up. She must have a hot date , she always wears pink for special occasions, it is her color and shows off her complexion so well. You're looking beautiful Trixie. We love you.

Ouote for the Day

In order to keep a true perspective of one's importance, everyone should have a dog that will worship him and a cat that will ignore him.




- Dereke Bruce

Cash and Trixie

Cash is another of Trixie's feline friends. She is bigger then Twitch the other blue kitten. Trixie is the protector of kitties and loves them all. However, her favorite I am told , is still the tiny new born Jackson(now 3 weeks old) you saw in the first pictures.

These pictures of Trixie with her best friends will melt the heart of the coldest person. How can you not feel compassion when you view these . I can't get enough of them . Trixie you are the best.

Senior Pit Bull and Disabled Kitten

This is Trixie again the senior Pit Bull who loves kittens. Trixie was a Drug bust dog, used as bait and treated horribly. She is 9 yrs old and whatever happened to her is long forgotten. This gentle ,loving Pittie and her other friend Twitch, a disabled Kitten taken in by our very own SaraH(with a H) and living the good life. Twitch earned his name by his disability. He has twitches and cant' walk normal. He was found by the right person and is thriving. Here the two are doing what they do best,giving love and friendship.

DON'T BAN THE BREED, BAN THE OWNER AND THEIR BEHAVIOR.

Jackson is the kitten that Sarah's grandmother found under her shed. He was a new born so she left him there for a day for the mother to come back to but momma cat never showed up. Sarah took the kitten to her home to nurse and care for. I didnt' think the kitten would live it was so tiny, but hey look at him now with this best friend Trixie the Pit Bull.. yep that is a real vicious dog there isn't it. IF these pictures don't melt your heart you are dead. Trixie keeps Jackson clean and safe. What a pal. This picture is my favorite but they are all great. This is for all those Cities out there that ban Pitties from their towns. You are so wrong to do that. Ban the behavior and the owner, not the breed.

Shannon Elizabeth, Actress and Animal Advocate

Shannon Elizabeth, actress and animal advocate, played in the Madden NFL Pro Am Celebrity Tournament and was on the winning team.  She chose SEMO Animal Rescue to be her charity recipent. We are so thankful to her for the donation. We know she could have chosen any number of charities to donate to, but chose us. Shannon and our friend/supporter Deb K. are twitter friends. When Deb mentioned SEMO to Shannon, she chose to donate to us. What can we say Shannon but THANK YOU VERY MUCH?  You helped save so many animals and we are forever grateful. We invite Shannon to comment on our Blog or FB page when she has time.  Many people are amazed and grateful that she is helping us in rural MO.

Ouote for the Day

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

Radiographs of Fritz's leg before and after Surgery

I can't help it. I am fasinated by these. Sorry if I am boring everyone but I am so excited for Frtiz and amazed at what the surgerons can do. The bandage was taken off Fritz leg and this is how it looks now. Veronica reports he is doing very well. They are adjusting the screws several times a day and will over the next two weeks then Fritz comes home and wears the Fixator for a couple of months. They are sure it will rotate the leg into a normal position. It has already rotated the paw so it is flat to the ground. Before, Fritz walked on the side of his paw.

Fritz Thursday After Surgery on Wed.

Veroncia the 4th year Vet Student called to say that Fritz is putting his foot down about every 3 rd step. She says he is eating and doing well . I know Fritz is getting attached to her already.

Here is a updated Picture of Fritz and a special thank you to Veroncia for her excellent care of Fritz.

Ouote for the Day

"There never yet has been a dog Who learned to double cross, Nor catered to you when you won Then dropped you when you lost."
Mary Hale