Newsletters - The Mosby Foundation

S U M M E R 2 012
Mosby’s Mission
Nationally Recognized for Caring for Dogs in Need
P.O. Box 218, Deerfield, VA 24432 • 540-939-4035 • [email protected] • www.themosbyfoundation.org
NEWSLETTER OF THE MOSBY FOUNDATION
Baxter’s Soft
Place
As a writer for The Foundation, I’ve
written many stories on animal cruelty.
But dog fighting? I wasn’t sure I could
do it. Can you think of anything as heinous as this blood “sport”?
When I began a conversation with
Alyce Urice about Baxter, her voice
was soothing, but her words spoke of a
cruelty so horrific, I burst into tears and
asked to call her back the next day.
I steeled myself for the call, but I
needn’t have worried. Alyce’s kindness
was obvious as she opened her story in
a very unusual way, with her own lifethreatening illness.
“Cancer gave me one big gift,” she
said. “We only have today.” Before
cancer, she had plans to volunteer
more, include more music in her life,
and start a non-profit literacy program. She just never got around to it.
Six months after surgery, she decided
it was time to stop putting life on hold.
Golden, CO
Alyce’s first step was to volunteer
with the Colorado Humane Society
and SPCA. The organization set up an
adoption event at Petco. All she had
to do was introduce adoptable dogs
to Petco customers, tell their story
and encourage them to adopt. “I can
do that!” she said.
One of the volunteers handed her a
full-grown Boxer named Baxter. “Do
you think you can handle this guy?”
continued on page 6
The Mosby Foundation
P.O. Box 218, Deerfield, VA 24432
540-939-4035
This newsletter is
printed on recycled paper
BOARD OFFICERS
President: Carole Adams
Vice President: Bob Holtmann
Secretary: Kathryn Dobyns, DVM
Treasurer: Dan Bowman, CPA
BOARD MEMBERS
Kenny Craig
John Adams
David Fitt
Mollie McCurdy
Curtis Wimer
ADVISORY BOARD
Dianne Burhman, DVM
Jennifer Kirkland, Esq
Terri Sears, DVM
Beverly Faulkenberry
STAFF
Gail Brown, Bookkeeper
Susan Vincent, Office Manager
Jennifer Kirkland, Spay/Neuter Coordinator
Beverly Faulkenberry, Spay/Neuter Intake Coordinator
Angela Brown & Jennifer Kirkland,
Rescue Bank Pet Food Coordinators
Kathryn Dobyns & Susan Vincent, Staff Writers
Marcia Butler, Graphic Artist
Connie Spitler, Calendar Artist
Curtis Wimer, Webmaster
FOUNDING BENEFACTORS
John Adams
Kyle & Alan Bell
Bert Brown
Kenny & Phyllis Craig
Michael Frost
Barbara Grant
Jon Higginbotham
Bonnie Hohn
Dorothea McGay
Libby Nutty
Stacy Reeder, DVM
Sheli Rhodes
Suzanne Kuser
Sue Spivey
Joan Olmstead
Ann Hyden
Christy & Tad Shuey Jane D. Cangalosi
Dawn Blalock
Bill & Karen Adams
Beverly & Bill Faulkenberry
FOUNDING SPONSORS
Henley Gabeau
Harriet Hanger
Emily McGay
Patty Sun
Andrew Taslitz
Bill & Sandy Goodman
Olga Craig
David & Patricia Smail
Cynthia & Pat Fehr
Elisabeth Arvin
Kelly & Andrew Richardson
CORPORATE & SERVICE SPONSORS
Domino’s Pizza
Happy Tails Grooming & Boarding
Moose Lodge #1635
Rebecca’s Well
Chase Your Tail Bakery
NEWSLETTER
Susan Vincent, Editor
Beverly Faulkenberry, Copy Editor
Carole Adams, Managing Editor
Marcia Butler, Graphic Artist
The contents of this newsletter may not be
reproduced in any form or medium without written
permission from The Mosby Foundation.
2
The Mosby Foundation
The 9th anniversary of Mosby’s horrific
death (8-8-03), “a day that will live on in
infamy” for Johnny and me and all of us
who loved him, brings profound sadness.
Still, as life goes on, our grief remains a
hollow ache in our hearts that never quite
goes away.
This date also invites reflection on his
legacy, The Mosby Foundation. The
amazing, compassionate outpouring of support at the time of Mosby’s death
compelled us to honor him in a meaningful way: by helping other dogs in need.
The vision remains an evolving one that has grown from our helping a few
dogs, to helping thousands of dogs in all lower 48 states.
Our primary mission remains providing funding for medical treatment of dogs
desperately in need. In addition, we’ve been able to add complementary services of financial assistance for spay/neuter surgeries, and organize/stock a pet
food pantry, helping animals in a 3-state area. Mosby’s legacy has continued to
grow and benefit more and more dogs.
So on this sad anniversary, by reflecting on what we’ve accomplished, we
have cause for celebration. We are always aware, loyal suppporters, that you
are the ones that have made it happen and also the ones that keep us going
and growing. Please consider a donation of any size to help continue our work.
We could not save Mosby, but through your generous support, we will continue
saving many, many other dogs.
In honor of all dogs,
Carole Adams, President
“In this work,
I found I’ve lost my mind,
but I’ve found my soul.”
Bravo!
To our fabulous BOARD OF DIRECTORS and
ADVISORY BOARD! This is a “hands on”
group who work like “dogs” helping this
organization run smoothly and effectively!!
SHARON MORRIS, who always comes to our
aid with fund-raising events by donating her
time and her talent photographing dogs!
Thank you Sharon for providing the new
picture of Carole and her crew!
JULIAN PARROT from Turtle Lane Gift Shop
who is our BEST fundraiser! Thank you
Julian for selling so many of our note cards.
YOU ROCK!!!!
Olivia gets a kiss from another
dog our donors helped.
Mosby’s Mission
The Mosby Foundation is organized exclusively for charitable purposes, to assist in the care
of critically sick, injured, abused and neglected dogs through financial support and public
education. We are a 501(C)3 non-profit organization.
NEWSLETTER OF THE MOSBY FOUNDATION
Scrambling To Pay
It Forward
Currently, there are 45 groups
that are eligible to participate
in our affiliate area. On the last
shipment, 29 animal groups
responded to The Mosby
Foundation’s email call, driving
as far as four hours to pick up
food.
Verona, VA
The Verona Food Pantry was
hopping. A total of 12,000
pounds of canned dog food
had arrived by tractor trailer for
the third time this year. Thanks
to The Mosby Foundation’s
status as an affiliate with the
Rescue Bank, rescues from all
over Virginia and West Virginia
took advantage of the Bank’s
mission, to support the animal
rescue and rehabilitation communities with much needed
supplies and services.
Pet food manufacturers sometimes remove perfectly good
pet food from their inventory
because it is nearing its expiration date, has been re-branded,
or because it may have been
incorrectly packaged. Instead of
dumping it out, they contact the
Rescue Bank for collection and
re-distribution to animal welfare
and shelter groups all across
the country.
Our community partner in
this ambitious endeavor is the
Verona Food Pantry, another
essential non-profit. They act
as the distributor of this much
needed commodity. For them,
the pet food allows struggling
families to keep their beloved
pets, instead of surrendering
them to overburdened local
shelters.
The Mosby Foundation pays for
the freight of the food shipment. Rescue groups then pay
for the shipping for the amount
of pet food they purchase. For
Angela Brown, owner of Happy
Tails and who works with the
Chesapeake Area Alaskan Mala-
mute Protection, the Rescue
Bank’s donation stretches
thin dollars. Angela, along
with Jennifer Kirkland, also
serves as Coordinator for our
Rescue Bank Pet Food.
“The dog food that we are
able to purchase through
The Mosby Foundation for
our Alaskan Malamute Rescue helps tremendously. The
money saved on our food
budget allows us to save
more lives. We’re thrilled
to have this opportunity so
close to home.”
And that statement rings true
for all rescue groups. Every
pound of food received
frees up another dollar for
vet care, spay/neuter services, improvements to their
shelter, or medical attention to animals. But to take
advantage of this generosity,
groups must act fast.
“We never know when we’ll
get a truck in,” Angela said.
“In this shipment, we were
told it would be all cat food.
When the truck came in on
Tuesday, it was all dog food.
Then we have to hustle and
inventory it.”
To make sure it’s fair, reservation of food supplies for
the responding groups are
all based on the time the
email was received. Once
confirmed, rescues have to
scramble to pay it forward to
their communities. Most have
12 hours to arrange a day
off from work, rent a truck
and then drive as far as four
hours to pick up the pet food.
For Floyd County Humane Society president, Cathy Poole,
the food is a welcomed
relief. “This is our third trip
here,” she told us. We get the
call one day ahead and we
scramble to make it because
we don’t want to miss it.”
Poole distributes the food to
other rescues, some too small
to take a whole pallet, and to
food banks so that the whole
community benefits.
Melissa Miller-Piselli is extremely active in the animal
world. She works with The
Chocolate Chip Dalmatian
Assistance League, the Humane Society of Shenandoah
County, her local pet food
pantry, Basset hound and
Pitbull rescues.
Once the pet food has been
inventoried, an email is sent
out across the area. “The first
wave of emails goes to those
who have not received anything,” Angela said. “Once we
receive responses back, and
we have food left over, we
send an email to everybody.
First come, first served.”
The last time she collected
dog food from the Rescue
Bank, a portion of it went to
puppies that were born in a
trash dump. “We really appreciate this,” Melissa said. “It
has just been a godsend. Just
wonderful.”
To us, this event is the definition of “community in action.”
It’s sharing resources to ease
the economic burden so many
animal groups face. But perhaps even more rewarding, is
how it brings so many passionate groups together, helping
one another.
Paying it forward can best be
described as sharing love over
and over again. We’re proud to
be a part of that love.
Here is a list of the animal welfare
groups that took part in the last
Rescue Bank shipment.
Alleghany Humane Society
Augusta Dog Adoptions
Barn Cat Buddies
Cat’s Cradle of the Shenandoah Valley
Chesapeake Area Alaskan Malamute
Protection
Chocolate Chip Dalmatian Assistance
League
Dalmatian Rescue of SW VA
Floyd County Humane Society
Friends Fur Life
Hair of the Dog Rescue
Happy Whiskers Animal Assistance
HOPE
Houlagans’ Rest
Humane Society of Shenandoah
County
In His Hands Small Animal Rescue
Louisa Humane Society
Madison-Greene Humane Society
Monroe County Animal Assistance
League
PAWS
Pet Helpers
PIGS
Reach Out Rescue and Resources
Rikki’s Refuge
Rockbridge Dog Rescue
St. Seton’s Orphaned Animals
Saving Furry Friends
Shenandoah Valley Spay/Neuter Clinic
Siberian Husky Assist Rescue
Tails of Courage
www.themosbyfoundation.org 3
Gimme Shelter
Staunton, VA
We are helping so many dogs, we do not have space to list them all!
Bianca – New Jersey
This young Shepherd mix
had spent her entire life on
a chain, producing litter after
litter of puppies, even though
her family could not afford
to feed themselves. Bianca
and the other dogs (and one
poor horse) survived as best
they could, and Bianca turned
out to be one of the lucky
ones - her family didn’t care
so much for her and allowed
a rescuer to take her and 5
puppies to rescue. While she
flourished in her foster home,
Bianca was soon diagnosed
with heartworm infection and
2 congenital heart disorders.
With generous help from
many loyal donors, The Mosby
Foundation was able to make
a contribution toward Bianca’s
heart surgery and heartworm
treatment.
Spotty – Hoover, AL
A dedicated rescuer was
able to convince Spotty’s
former owner to release him
to her, and she immediately
took him to the veterinarian,
who diagnosed demodectic
mange. The rescuer reached
out for help, and The Mosby
Foundation responded with a
contribution toward the cost
of treating Spotty’s mange.
We wish him a full recovery
and a forever home soon.
4
Charlie – Elkton, VA
Poor little Charlie, a 3 year
old Beagle/Dachshund mix,
thought he was getting a
great treat when he swallowed a rock. Instead, he
ended up taking a trip to the
veterinarian for emergency
surgery to remove the rock
when it lodged in his intestines, causing a dangerous
bowel obstruction. Charlie’s
family sought help from The
Mosby Foundation, and we
made a contribution toward
the cost of Charlie’s emergency surgery. We wish him
a full recovery - and please,
no more eating rocks!
Hunney – Wendell, NC
Hunney’s family received an
unwelcome surprise when
they took the 4 year old Golden Retriever to be spayed. As
part of the spay visit, Hunney
had a heartworm test, which
revealed that she was infected with heartworms - even
though she had only missed 2
months of prevention. Hunney’s family sought assistance
from The Mosby Foundation
for her heartworm treatment,
and we agreed to pay a portion of her treatment cost.
Hunney’s family now knows
just how important it is to give
that heartworm preventive
every single month!
NEWSLETTER OF THE MOSBY FOUNDATION
Bami – Lexington, VA
This 5 year old Labrador
Retriever mix ended up in
a shelter and was found
to have a very large tumor
growing on her chest. The
shelter director started raising funds for surgery, and
with a contribution from The
Mosby Foundation, Bami
was able to have her surgery.
Bami will soon be completely
healed and ready to find her
forever home.
Buster – Upper Marlboro,
MD
Buster’s family contacted
The Mosby Foundation for
help when the 10 year old
Miniature Schnauzer developed cataracts as a result of
diabetes. Buster’s veterinarian believed he would have
a very good prognosis for regaining his sight after surgical removal of the cataracts.
The Mosby Foundation made
a donation toward Buster’s
cataract surgery, and we
wish him a lifetime of clear
vision!
Ivy – San Antonio, TX
This 3 month old Catahoula
Hound puppy was rescued
form a busy street where she
was found wandering in traffic.
Three days later she was acting
sick, and the veterinarian confirmed that she was suffering
from parvovirus infection. Ivy’s
rescuer sought financial assistance, and The Mosby Foundation made a contribution for her
hospital care.
Georgia – Severn, MD
This 5 year old Boxer had
a rough start in life, cycling
through 4 homes by the age
of 8 months. Then she hit the
jackpot, finding a family who
loved her as a child and sibling.
She was a happy and healthy
dog until around Thanksgiving, when she started collapsing during exercise. Georgia’s
veterinarian diagnosed severe
anemia and a heart murmur.
Having overextended the family finances with her emergency
care, Georgia’s family sought
assistance, and The Mosby
Foundation was able to make a
substantial contribution toward
her continuing care thanks to
a special fund drive and many
generous donors.
Gimme Shelter
More dogs living a better life with the help of The Mosby Foundation!
Ralph – Edgewater, FL
After being diagnosed with
Diabetes Mellitus in August of
2011, this 9 year old Schnauzer
had developed mature diabetic cataracts by March 2012.
Wishing Ralph the opportunity
to see more than shadows,
Ralph’s owner started investigating cataract surgery and began raising funds. She applied
to many organizations, and
along with others, The Mosby
Foundation made a donation
toward Ralph’s surgery fee.
Kirby – Reno, NV
Kirby’s owner admits she may
have missed a dose of heartworm prevention while she
was concentrating on managing her other dog’s illnesses.
She thinks the 11 year old
male Basset Hound contracted
the disease while she was
volunteering with clean-up
efforts after the tornado in
Joplin, Missouri, where canine
heartworm disease is prevalent. Kirby’s owner took care
of his first heartworm treatment, but the second and
third treatments were beyond
her financial means, and she
called us for help. The Mosby
Foundation made a contribution toward Kirby’s heartworm
treatment, and we all hope everyone remembers to give their
canine companions heartworm
prevention as directed by their
veterinarian - missing even one
dose can be costly and potentially deadly.
Cinco & Mayo - Amelia, OH
These two elderly Cocker
Spaniels were found as strays
in a rural area and were taken
in by a shelter. The dogs
were both thin and had ear
infections and eye infections,
but they both had wonderful
happy personalities and the
shelter approached numerous
rescue groups to find them a
home. Homestretch Hounds
stepped up to foster Cinco &
Mayo, and The Mosby Foundation made a contribution
toward their veterinary care.
Kobe – Fairview Park, OH
A 6 month old Pit Bull Terrier
mix, Kobe was found in a city
park unable to walk on one
of her back legs. The woman
who found her took Kobe to
a veterinarian, where Kobe
was diagnosed with a broken
hip. Kobe’s rescuer reached
out to The Mosby Foundation
for help, and along with other
groups, we helped offset the
cost of surgery to remove the
fractured piece of Kobe’s hip.
Charlie – Santa Fe, NM
Charlie, an 8 year old Australian Shepherd mix, had led
a pretty charmed life until
December 2011. Charlie
was a beloved “shop dog” at
the store where his human
worked as a store manager. Then, just in time for
Christmas, Charlie’s owner
lost her job, and Charlie
was diagnosed with lung
cancer. Charlie had surgery
to remove the tumor, but it
turned out to be malignant,
so he needed follow-up
chemotherapy. With help
from loyal Mosby donors
who responded to Charlie’s
special plea, he was able to
complete his chemotherapy
treatments and he is successfully in remission. We wish
Charlie a long and happy
remission!
Skipper – Richwoods, MO
A 9 year old Poodle, Skipper
had developed severe dental disease, and a tumor was
growing in his groin. Skipper
was living with his owners in
a homeless shelter and they
were unable to afford the
surgery to remove the tumor
and take care of his teeth. The
Mosby Foundation made a
contribution toward his surgery
fee, and we wish Skipper a
speedy recovery.
Harper – Tempe, AZ
This sweet 6 year old German
Shepherd developed a progressive weakness in his back legs.
Initially misdiagnosed as hip
dysplasia, Harper’s family consulted a veterinary neurologist,
who diagnosed Harper with a
fungal infection and multiple
herniated discs in his spine.
The neurologist advised longterm treatment with expensive
antifungal medications and
spinal fusion surgery. While
Harper’s long-term prognosis
remains guarded, his family
wished to do all they could
and sought help from The
Mosby Foundation. We made
a contribution toward Harper’s
veterinary care, and we wish
him a successful outcome.
Capone – Nashua, NH
A beloved 7 year old Labrador Retriever developed
severe weakness in his back
legs. After consultation with a
veterinary neurologist, Capone
was tentatively diagnosed with
Intervertebral Disc Disease, and
this was soon confirmed with
an MRI scan. The neurologist
was amazed that Capone was
able to walk at all, after seeing
a huge herniated disc in his
neck. Capone’s human asked
for help, and The Mosby Foundation made a contribution
toward Capone’s surgery fee.
www.themosbyfoundation.org 5
Baxter’s Soft Place
continued from page 1
she said.” He’s not really a big draw,
but you might like him.” Baxter was
mouthing his leash, which Alyce
learned as the day wore on, was his
way of calming himself.
Then she asked the question that
all Petco customers would ask her
throughout the day. “Why does his
face look like that?” With a heavy
sigh, the Humane Society volunteer
told Alyce the tragic story. Baxter
had been a bait dog on a farm in
Nebraska.
Baxter was young enough that his brain
continued to form around his crushed
skull, but the vicious injury would leave
him very slightly brain damaged. The
physical result also left a permanent
quizzical look, a forever reminder of
man’s cruelty to his canine companion.
Baxter captured the hearts of the volunteers and employees of the Nebraska
shelter. But after many months there,
his time was up. No one had wanted to
adopt him, and the shelter simply did
not have the heart to put him down. So
Baxter was moved to another shelter.
There he was attacked by a shelter dog
and subsequently moved to the Colorado humane shelter. Now, once again,
Baxter had run out of time. “We have
shuffled paperwork as long as we can,”
the volunteer told Alyce. “If he doesn’t
get adopted today, we have to put him
down.”
His mouth had been routinely taped
shut so that he could not fight back,
while another half-starved dog was
worked into a frenzy. The dominant
dog was then unleashed on Baxter.
No one knows how many times this
happened to him. Usually, bait dogs
just die because the fights are so vicious, but Baxter didn’t.
Upon his rescue by a humane group
in Nebraska, Baxter not only had old
scars indicative of previous submission fights, he had a fresh head
wound with teeth marks under his
jaw. Bait dogs regularly have their
mouths taped shut so that they can’t
fight back. They are rendered completely defenseless, living in constant
fear until their death.
6
All day long, Alyce told Baxter’s story
as he leaned against her leg. Customers
thought his quizzical look was charming until they realized it was permanent.
Politely, they would smile and move on
to the puppies. That’s when Alyce called
her kids to bring their Golden Retriever,
Truman, to meet Baxter.
“I have never heard a dog
make that kind of sound” Alyce
said. “It was a scream, I don’t
know what else to call it.”
Alyce describes Truman as the most
optimistic dog in the world. He immediately wanted to invite Baxter to play, but
Baxter was too fearful. That was all
Alyce needed to know. “I could work
with fear,” she said, “but I couldn’t work
with aggression. I took him home.”
NEWSLETTER OF THE MOSBY FOUNDATION
The young Boxer knew nothing
about being a dog. He was wary of
every sound, running away when
Truman would bring him toys and
posture for play. But the horror of
Baxter’s life came to life unwittingly,
when a neighbor’s dog and Truman were playing in the yard, play
fighting and growling. Alyce heard
a horrible sound in their yard. It was
Baxter, terrified of what he thought
was dog fighting. “I have never heard
a dog make that kind of sound,”
Alyce said. “ It was a scream. I don’t
know what else to call it.”
Alyce immediately brought the quivering dog inside. Completely traumatized, Baxter’s body trembled with
haunted memories of terror. The rest
of that day he slept surrounded by
the comfort and safety of his family.
Who can possibly know what brutal
scenes were played out in his head
as the two dogs were having a bit of
fun?
Alyce and her kids weren’t the only
ones committed to Baxter’s recovery.
The two other dogs also did their
part. Truman’s whole attitude was,
“You’re afraid of me? Are you kidding? I’m a Golden Retriever!”
Gradually, instead of shying away
from Truman, Baxter began to mirror his behavior. If Truman barked
a greeting to his dog friends, Baxter
did, too. If Truman went outside,
Baxter followed.
Moxie, a miniature Dachshund with
her own princess attitude, initially
would snap at Baxter when he tried
to play with some of the dog toys.
Now she only steals the toys Baxter
doesn’t want.
And Baxter began to see himself differently. In Golden, Colorado, small
dogs and cats are prey for coyote,
eagles, and owls. When Moxie
headed outside, Truman always went
with her as bodyguard. Now Baxter
has made it his job, too. If Moxie
goes out, Baxter is right behind her.
continued on page 7
Baxter’s Soft Place
continued from page 6
Not only has he bonded with Truman
and Moxie, for the first time in his life,
Baxter is empowered with the role of
protector for another of his kind.
It took 18 months of Truman play
posturing, Moxie sharing her toys, and
Alyce’s family giving him all the love
possible for Baxter to finally believe
that this grand life wasn’t going away.
For Alyce and her kids, the real turning point came when the family was
grilling hamburgers. Each of the dogs
got a little piece...and then Baxter
wagged his tail.
The whole family stopped and stared.
Baxter did a completely normal dog
thing. He wagged his tail! It was proof
positive that love was winning out
over brutal memories.
For Baxter, love means sleeping on
anything soft and eating anything
sweet. “When he discovered he could
lay on a bed, his eyes got liquid. I
don’t know how else to describe it,”
Alyce said. Any kindness is met with
a liquid look of appreciation for what
most pets take for granted.
“Baxter isn’t a hero,” Alyce stresses.
“He is a dog that survived. I don’t
expect him to be anything but a dog,
and he gets to be a dog. He’s a member of my family. And I mean that in
the truest sense.”
Grateful to have the ordeal behind
them, Alyce and the kids were ready
to get on with life with Baxter solidly
in the middle of it. But then a few
months later, Baxter started limping,
and he wobbled when he jumped
off the couch (another soft place).
That’s when Alyce knew something
was really wrong.
Due to previous damage and a congenital condition, Baxter’s knee joint
popped in and out. A second surgery, which was far more expensive,
was needed to repair it. That’s when
Alyce contacted us for help.
“Baxter was my first step toward
getting back into life,” Alyce said
quietly. “Because of him, I now have
more music in my life. I volunteer
more and I have begun the steps to
start a non-profit literacy program.
He was the start of my recovery.”
And that’s the gift of adoption. It’s
hard to say who is actually rescued.
Each day, Alyce and her family fill
up a place in Baxter that can’t easily
be expressed. And in return, he fills
them up. That’s the way it’s supposed to work.
For me, the horror of Baxter’s life
seeped into my bones. And you, our
dear readers, certainly understand
that because you keep us going with
your generous donations.
When Baxter developed a growth on
his hindquarters, Alyce immediately
took him to the vet. Because he was
an adult the vet cautioned that it was
most likely cancer. The thought of
cancer left Alyce reeling. “I just didn’t
think I could deal with it again.”
Baxter’s eyes would forever bear the
pain of those days as a breathing
piece of meat, alive only because
of his will. And it was to that will
that we proudly donated, but what
we wanted to do was take away his
fear.
But as Baxter’s story shows, he was
a dog who was meant to live. The
surgery was performed and the veterinary technician called Alyce with the
news. “You know, if this dog could buy
a lottery ticket, I would take him with
me to buy one before he leaves here
today. His test results were negative.”
At least now, the cruelest moments
of unspeakable horror are slowly
overwritten with unconditional love.
Thanks to dog toys, best dog buddies, and human family surrounding him, Baxter is recuperating well
following surgery, and from a life no
one should ever know.
www.themosbyfoundation.org 7
In mid-February I contacted
your organization regarding
my now 2 year old Lab mix,
Bella. Because I had lost my
job a few months prior, I was
in desperate need for help
purchasing her required medication for Addison’s disease.
After explaining the details
of my situation and Bella’s
diagnosis, I was informed
that even though The Mosby
Foundation does not typically
purchase animal medication,
they may be able to help with
one vial of this time. She is
doing well right now thanks to
all of you!
I’m writing to thank you for your
contribution made to MedVet
Cincinnati for Samantha, the rescue
Labrador I am currently fostering.
Thank you for your support and for
all that you do to provide assistance
to wonderful dogs in need and their
families. Samantha is recovering
well from surgery and will begin
curative radiation therapy in the
coming weeks. Please feel free to
call, write, or e-mail if you learn of
anyone wishing to provide a loving
home for a wonderful canine!
I want to thank everyone who
helped Floppy on her way to a
new life. Bonnie watched over
her, got her off her chain in
the pouring rain (picking up a
litter of kittens on the way)
and brought Floppy to me in
New Market. The spay and
neuter clinic sponsored her spay
and rabies shot and took good
care of her during her stay, the
Mosby Foundation sponsored
the rest of her vetting, and
Barbara watched over her at
home until I could get her.
I am taking her to her new
home on Saturday and as long
as the home visit checks out
and she gets along with the
family’s dog and cat, we are in
good shape!
Thanks,
Melisa Miller Piselli
Strasburg, VA
Sincerest gratitude,
Tracy Ison & Sam
Cincinnati, OH
Thank you for everything you
do! My first experience with
your group has been wonderful. Every question I have
had, every little simple detail,
your group is on it! Thank you
again for keeping me in the
loop and THANK YOU for the
food and treats!!!
Jodie Warlitner, Board of
Directors
Alleghany Humane Society
8
Truth be told, last night I called my
best friend who works for a veterinarian in Oregon and discussed Shady’s
situation. Although she is a little hardened to cases of this nature because
she deals with it regularly, she was
more worried about the financial burden that it would place on my family
and the fact that although the prognosis is good, there are no guarantees.
I was seriously thinking about giving
up and just making sure that Shady
had a great life with the time she had
left. You changed all that this morning
with one phone call. Thank you so very,
very much for helping Shady!
Sincerely,
Melanie Gudgeon
Encinitas, CA
From the bottom of my heart,
I want to thank The Mosby
Foundation!
Sincerely,
Jennifer & Bella
I can’t thank The Mosby Foundation
enough for the generous support! I love
the flyer, whoever put it together did
a great job! I apologize for losing it
on the phone this morning. When you
told me how much you were donating, I
knew that Shady would be able to get
her surgery. It was just an over whelming feeling of relief that my time spent
trying to find funding had finally paid
off, my worry about the surgery and
my excitement about the surgery.
We have renamed them Oreo and
Nutter Butter. They are both still
on antibiotics for their eyes and
ears as well as eye medications
and ear medications. Once they are
healthier, they will be going back for
dental work. The girl appears to be
at least a few years older than the
boy. She doesn’t have much vision
and little if any hearing. In spite of
it all, both are just the sweetest!
Thank you for all you do for so many
in need!
Thank you for literally saving
my Labrador Amos’ life. Thank
you does not seem like enough.
God Bless you. I am so very appreciative to you for the money
donated for his surgery. Amos
is SO happy when he walks
across the room the tumor isn’t
dragging around. I love you guys
for having the love you do for
animals. Your kind heart has
given us many more years to
love this precious dog.
Sending tail wags!
Laura
Homestretch Hounds
Thank you again,
Lynette Nieca & Amos
Roseville, CA
NEWSLETTER OF THE MOSBY FOUNDATION
Thank you a 1,000 times over. They
found a growth on Maggie May’s
liver which was removed. About 45
minutes after closing her they had to
go back in to stop internal bleeding.
She had a rough night but she came
through it. I called in sick to be with
her today. Maggie is moving around
slowly but barked at the mailman
which is a good sign. We are waiting
on the biopsy. They removed about
8 pounds of fluid from her stomach
andnow seems to be more comfortable. I am so happy to have my girl
home with me for however long I can
have her. You will always have my
gratitude and a place in my heart.
Darlene
Richmond, VA
THANK YOU!! I really can’t tell
you how very, very grateful I am
for your help. I am close enough
to where I can make a payment
arrangement with my vet to
pay for the rest of the cost. I
am deeply grateful not only for
your financial help, but that
there are kind caring people like you. We are truly
over whelmed with gratitude.
I’ll be contacting you shortly with Buddy’s surgery
date, which will be scheduled shortly. The Mosby
Foundation makes the world a better place. How
can we thank you enough?
I am typing this to you through my tears... happy
tears of course. Thank you soo so much! I am so
very grateful to you and the foundation! Someday
when my situation turns around, I promise I will
not forget the love and help given to Buddy and I
will give it right back to another one in need. Thank
you! Thank you!!!!”
Carmen Gonzalez & Buddy
Amherst, MA
Thank you so much for helping me and my mommy
get my cataract surgery. I am so happy that I can
see again. I feel like I am a puppy again. I thank
God for people like you and your organization. My
mommy had just lost her job when she found out
I was blind due to diabetic cataracts and I needed
surgery. She asked all my family, friends, neighbors
and held yard sales. We were able to raise a lot of
the money but not all until God sent you guys my
way. I especially want to thank Susan from Mosby
for being so kind and helpful in presenting my
case. As soon as my mommy gets back on her feet
I am going to send a donation to help with another
of my four legged friends in need. Again thank you
so much for your love for me and your kindness.
Forever in your debt,
Buster Hubbard & my Mommy---Denise Hubbard
Upper Marlboro, MD
Thank you from the bottom of my
heart! The Mosby Foundation is the
best! What a great day yesterday . .
. Charlie had his 6th and final Carboplatin treatment and staging was
done to see where we stand. Dr. Kelly
reported he is in remission - YEAH!!!!
He will be on maintenance drugs for an
additional four months but, for now,
EVERYTHING IS COMING UP ROSES!
He continues to do very well and aside
from a bad bout with allergies from an
early spring he is still “WOWING” the
crowds.
We will always be eternally grateful
for your help. Please let me know if
there is ever anything I can do for you.
Most sincerely,
Jill Miller and Charlie
Santa Fe, NM
Dr. William Hay, DVM at Airport Animal Clinic in
Charlottesville performed Wrinkles eyelid surgery
on May 10th (my birthday). And, what a wonderful birthday present it was! When I picked her
up, she was wagging her tail and dragging her
“Cone of Shame.” Time will tell whether Wrinkles
regains some vision after years of corneal abrasion, but most importantly, she no longer has to
live with the constant irritation and discharge. It
took a LONG 16 months after I adopted Wrinkles
to finally find a way to get her the surgery she
should have had as a puppy, but I am very happy
and grateful to The Mosby Foundation and Dr. Hay
(and Lauren, his vet assistant) for their invaluable
contribution to the comfort and well-being of this
wonderful dog.
Best wishes and many thanks,
Jane Levin and Wrinkles
Charlottesville, VA 22901
I still cannot believe it. I realize how financially
strapped all organizations are in these hard
economic times, so the amount of your donation
is HUGE!!!! Now Tippy and Patches can get those
nasty worms out of their hearts and be on their
way to finding a forever home. When I get back
on my feet financially, and get a job, I will make
a donation. It won’t be much, but every little bit
helps.
I simply cannot express to you how appreciative
I am. Thank you for all you do to help our fourlegged friends.
Sincerely,
Cathie, Barry, Tippy and Patches
Walnut Cove, NC
Thank you so very much for helping me
with neutering my boxer, Buddy. I live
on a fixed income and never seem to
have the extra it takes to neuter him.
We are hoping this will help with his
aggression issues also. Once again,
thank you, thank you, thank you!
Cathy Miller
Thanks so much for the update. The
food we received was a lifesaver for
our dogs. There aren’t sufficient words
to tell you how much we appreciate
your help.
Debbie Jennings
Houlagans’ Rest
www.themosbyfoundation.org 9
She also loved to sniff around the Gudgeons yard, digging for gophers. “We
can’t grow a vegetable garden because
of the gophers and squirrels here,”
Melanie told us. So they let her dig to
her heart’s content.
But Shady was also stubborn. Melanie
laughed when she told us about taking Shady for walks. When it was time
to come home, Shady would sit right
down on the sidewalk and look in the
opposite direction.
Encinitas, California
In Memory of Shady
It was an incredible picture, a poignant
reminder that abuse literally comes
in many different forms. Shady, the
10-year-old Pitbull that touched so
many of our readers, bore her neglect
in the form of an 18.4-pound tumor.
The story began with a teenaged
friendship between two women. Now,
tragically years later, it ended with one
who plunged into drug abuse, veering
sharply away from deeply held convictions.
On the increasingly rare occasions
that Melanie visited Kathy (not her real
name), Shady always gave her big dog
hugs. She clearly wanted attention and
love. For Shady, though, tender words
or hugs from her owner were rare.
Kathy left Shady alone in the house
day after day, with no way to exercise
or pass her time. So Shady invented
a game. She would carry a ball to the
top of the steps and let it bounce. Then
she would scramble down the stairs to
catch it. Over and over again, Shady
would entertain herself until her owner
came home to love her.
Sadly, that was the last thing Kathy
could give. Even as her owner sank
deeper into drug addiction Shady never
waivered. When police finally raided
Kathy’s house, Shady stood in front
10
of Kathy to protect her, the steadily
growing tumor hanging on her side.
After Kathy spent six months in jail
for drugs, she lost her house and the
remaining tatters of her life, which
included Melanie.
That’s when Kathy agreed to let
Melanie take the dog. “It was the last
straw in our relationship,” Melanie
said. Shady had never been spayed,
she was behind in getting her vaccinations by four years, and the tumor
was growing rapidly.
According to Kathy, a 2008 biopsy
of the tumor proved inconclusive
and the vet told her to leave the
tumor alone. If it was removed, it
could possibly grow back faster. But
it wasn’t true. The tumor did need to
be removed.
Melanie and her family were facing
extremely hard times. Her husband’s
work as a contractor had fallen off
and they were on food stamps.
Still, they never gave it a second
thought when they took in Shady.
The Gudgeons were delighted to
find that Shady had a wonderfully
sweet personality. In the three short
months that the family had Shady,
they discovered she loved car rides,
even with all the vet visits.
NEWSLETTER OF THE MOSBY FOUNDATION
For a 10-year-old dog, she had a lot
of energy. Doug, Melanie’s husband,
would take Shady to a place at the end
of their neighborhood and just let her
run. She loved it, even with this huge
tumor on her side.
Melanie went to work immediately
to get financial aid to have the tumor
removed, and she got it. Unfortunately,
the surgery was not successfully completed because the vet was concerned
that she would lose Shady on the table.
When Melanie found The Mosby Foundation, we were horrified at the condition of this dog. By now, the tumor was
literally the size of a basketball. We
were also deeply touched with Melanie’s commitment to give Shady the life
she so richly deserved.
With your help, we raised a significant
sum of money to get Shady’s tumor
removed. Although the surgeon was
confident that Shady would bounce
back from the tumor’s removal, sadly
she didn’t.
The clinic was stumped and the Gudgeons were grief-stricken. They brought
their girl home, hoping it would rouse
the fight in her. But after two days, the
answer was in her eyes. “She just wasn’t
there,” Melanie said tearfully. The Gudgeons made the heartrending decision
to euthanize Shady.
Like every dog in the world, Shady was
born happy, but it wasn’t until the last
three months of her life that she experienced a happy, loving life. No, it wasn’t
enough time, not by a long shot.
continued on page 11
Memorials
IN HONOR OF PETS
IN MEMORY OF PETS
SNIKERS, from Allison Fontana
MOSBY, on the 9th anniversary of your
death 8-8-2003. We miss and love you like
it was yesterday, Carole & Johnny Adams
HUMANS BEST FRIEND – keep on helping!
From Ron & Barbara Dearing
ELLEN SCHAFFER love gift, from Barbara
Terrill
IN HONOR OF PEOPLE
MARY PENN SORANNO, Happy Birthday
from new friends Wikki & Shiloh
MOSBY, think of you often, love Mike Frost
CHIP, ABBY, PATTI & GIZMO, from Bonnie
Smith
MOSBY, from Lois Pitts
NIKKI, from Jane Cangalosi
Honor and thanksgiving to ALL of your
work! From Raymond & Sheila Roeder
MOSBY, love Jan Johnson
OLIVER FLEEGLE, from Thomas & Danise
Elias
RALPH DEY, from Peter Dey
MOSBY, who is sorely missed and always
loved, from Beverly & Bill Faulkenberry
BUTTONS, beloved dog of Kaeli Spencer
and family
RUBY LEE, from Jennifer Lee
MISSY, from Dave & Rebecca Francis
LISKI, my lovely girl. It has been 5 years
now since she crossed over the Rainbow
Bridge. She was my soul-mate. I feel so
lucky to have had her in my life for those
remarkable 15 years. I will always have
dogs in my life, but never another so special as Liski, from Kathryn Dobyns
CHARLEMAGNE, my childhood German
Shepherd, from Bobbi Harmon
HILTON & SANDY, from Erin Armentrout
BEN TAYLOR, beloved Border Collie of Ginger Taylor, from Judianne Rinker
GENTLE BEN, from Ginger Taylor
BEN, beautiful and much loved Border Collie of Ginger Taylor, from Beverly Faulkenberry
LIGHTNIN’, our grand-dog, from Joan &
Jack Ward
KATARINA & D.J., from Marilyn Ross
CHILI DOG SCHICK, from Traci Zimmerman
AMANDA ROSE JOHNSON, always in my
heart, Jan
TEAZER & DOC, from Nancy Burton
PAX & CODY from John & Judy Turner
CINDY, a cat, from Lois Pitts
AMAZING GRACE TURRENTINE, from Henley Gabeau
CHARLOTTE & MAGGIE, our dogs! From
Charles & Mindy Reynolds
LUCKY WITT , of Rebecca’s Well Gift Shop,
from Charlotte L. Kroh
ALL BLACK GERMAN SHEPHERD DOGS!
From Erica & Ted Stoecker
IN MEMORY OF PEOPLE
ADA C. JOHNSTON, a long standing member of our union. We are certain that you
will be able to apply this donation to your
good efforts. From National Association of
Letter Carriers, Northern Virginia Branch
3520, Annandale, VA
BARBARA BREITBARTH AND GUY
HONORE in celebration of your marriage,
from Dalana Ray, Ray Camaioni, Jane Carroll, Tim Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. Earnest
Beaulieu
CAROL JACKSON, thanks! From Sheila
Huntley
ROCKBRIDGE DOG RESCUE, RICHARD
& TRACY TREEN, from Robert & Louise
Moccia
continued from page 10
In Memory of Shady
DR. WILLIAM EDWARD ARMSTRONG,
In memory of my father through whom
I came to know the wonderful love that
only a dog can give. I love you and miss
you Dad, from Deborah Armstrong
CHARLES HUTCHERSON, from Neil Jones
ELLEN E. RIVERS, she was secretary of the
Shawnee Kennel Club and active in animal
rescue, from Bev Grimes
BOBBY KILLIAN, my nephew, from Ann
Zimmmer
ELLEN, Happy Mother’s Day! You are gone,
but not forgotten. I love you. Always and
forever, Mikey
ELLEN, it has been 2 years since you went
on without me and it still hurts like it happened yesterday. You are gone but not
forgotten. Always and forever, Mikey
ELLEN, this is your birthday present to me.
Happy Memorial Day! I miss you. Love,
Mikey
HELEN SAMSELL, from Beverly Grimes
WAYNE WHITACRE, from Bev Grimes
But if the Gudgeons hadn’t stepped
in to embrace her, Shady never
would have had that time at all.
There would be no back yard riddled
with gopher holes, car rides with her
tongue hanging out, and certainly no
loving home to shelter her.
Here at The Mosby Foundation, we
were devastated by Shady’s death.
Like Melanie, we wanted to give
her the life she never had. We’re
left grieving because we know what
Shady is missing.
Shady, however, is too busy digging
gopher holes and running free over
the Rainbow Bridge.
www.themosbyfoundation.org 11
Non-Profit Organization
US Postage
PAID
Permit No. 218
Deerfield, VA 24432
The Mosby Foundation
P.O.Box 218
Deerfield, VA 24432
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
“It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with
them. And every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their
heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I
will become as generous and loving as they are.”
– Unknown
Donors List
Abern, Leslee
Adams, John & Carole
Ambrose, Ralph
Armentrout, Erin
Armstrong, Deborah
Back, Paul and Shirley
Bahr, Sandra
Basmajian, Nancy
Beaulieu, Earnest
Bertrand, Sherri
Blalock, Dawn and Stephen
Bradley, Barbara and Jim
Browning, John and Susan
Burton, Nancy
Byrd, Robert and Melisa
Camaioni, Ray and Dalana Ray
Cangalosi, Jane
Casali, Elizabeth
Coyner, T. Peyton and Carol
Crickenberger, Judi
Dearing, Ronald and Barbara
Dey, Peter Alan
Dobyns, Kathryn
Dull, Nancy
Eberly, Joan
Eisen, Rona and Stuart
Elias, Danise
Elvin, Barbara
Endow, Hideo and Kay
Ensley, Lee and Emily Trapnell
Faulkenberry, William and Beverly
Fontana, Allison and Michael
Francis, David
Frank, Anne
French, Linda
Frost, Michael
Gabeau, Henley
Garver, Jane and Mark
Good, Mary Jane
Grahame, A.W. and B.J.
Gresoro, G.J. and N.E.
Grimes, B.A.
Guenther, Kathryn and Kenneth
Harmon, B.E.
Harris, Bonnie
Hengerer, William and Tonya
Holtmann, Robert III
Hughes, Linda
Hughes, Rachel
Humbert, D.D. and A.L.
Huntley, Sheila
Hutchinson, Andrew and Audrey
Jesielowski, Ronald
Johnson, Alice Mae
Johnson, Janet L.
Jones, Neil
Kite, Paige
Konizer, Jenna
Kroh, Charlotte
Kubalak, Sandra A.
Kuykendall, C.R.
Lee, Jennifer
Link, Linda
Lisle, C.
Lively, Carter and Cathy
Lovett, Tracy and Timothy
Lutz, Webb
Matthews, Pat
McCurdy, Mollie
Moccia, Robert and Louise
Miller-Piselli, Melisa
Norris, S.V.
Olaughlin, Gena and Francis
Olmsted, Joan Adams
Pitts, Lois
Reday, Michael
Reynolds, Charles and Mindy
Riddle, Carrie
Rinker, Randolph and Judianne
Robinson, Tim and Jane Carroll
Roeder, Sheila and Raymond
Ross, Marilyn
Roth, John and Linda Costello
Roya, Joan
Schonbrunn, Gay
Simmons, Rita
Smith, J. Mark and Bonnie
Stoecker, Erica
Taylor, M.H. and G. B.
Taylor, George and Mary
Terrill, Barbara
Turnbull, M.E.
Turner, John and Judy
Ward, Jack and Joan
Warren, John and Carol
Watson, Thomas and Sharon
Whittaker, William and Helga
Williamson, P.G. and J.P. Stidham
Wilson, Joan
Windsor, Victoria
Zimmer, Ann
Zimmerman, Traci and James
Griffin Baker Design
Mary Baldwin College
MERCK PARTNERSHIP FOR GIVING
National Association of Letter Carriers
PETCO
PFIZER FOUNDATION MATCHING GIFTS