2011 Newsletter.pub

Photo: Kevin Bohl
PLACE
STAMP
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As The Fur Flies
Northern California Sled Dog Rescue News
NorSled
P.O. Box 5784
Vallejo, CA 94591
www.NorSled.org
Northern California Sled Dog Rescue News
As The Fur Flies
Fall/Winter 2011
So Mush Fun
Let’s Go Carting!
Fostering a Special Needs Dog
Show Dog or Rescue?
Memories of Tanner
NorSled Volunteers
President’s Message
Events & Activities
All other photos: Kevin Bohl
Photo: Sharon Nicholas
So Mush Fun!
On October 8, NorSled held its First Annual “So Mush Fun” Dog Carting and
Fun Run/Walk. The weather was beautiful at Lagoon Valley Park in Vacaville. The
lake was very calm, the geese waddled along, birds sang in the trees.
Then NorSled arrived! Approximately twenty mushers and more than sixty
beautiful sled dogs showed up to run in the Dog Carting and the Dog Biking events.
Some mushers ran both events, really giving their sled dogs a workout.
This was an entertaining event and, for some, a brand new experience. Some dogs
had never been through a starting chute so they had their own opinions about where
the start line was. Thank goodness for the great volunteers who got the teams into
the chutes and heading the right direction. There is something spectacular about a
group of sled dogs impatiently waiting their turn to run. Excitement was in the air,
as well as the sound of a pack of sled dogs “singing” to run. Some teams tried hard to
pass the team in front. Other teams tried to haw (left) instead of gee (right).
We finished up the morning with the Fun Run/Walk. Actually, it was the fun
pull! The sled dogs pulled their owners around the lake; we owners are just “human
brakes” for our dogs. Participants took the trail around the lake with their dogs, just
slow enough to enjoy the scenery and conversation with other sled dog owners.
Thanks to Rose Sparks who followed the teams and acted as the chief pooper
scooper for the event. After the dog walk everyone headed to the raffle, great pastry,
by Cathy Sparks
and Peets Coffee, all generously donated to NorSled. The raffle was great, overall a
wonderful fund raising event for NorSled. Many thanks to our photographers:
Kevin Bohl and Sharon Nicholas; the So Mush Fun Committee: Paul Yu-Yang,
Deanne DiPietro, Jane Cordingley, and Cathy Sparks; and an extra special thanks
our volunteers and to all those who helped and participated in various ways.
If you are interested in learning how to mush your dog please contact Barb
Schaefer at [email protected] and UrbanGoDogs.com for a Mushing
Clinic near you. If you already know how to mush and want to join other mushers,
contract Sierra Nevada Dog Drivers at SNDD.org.
Event Results
First Place
Second Place
Third Place
Top Mushers
3-4 Dog Team
Barbara Schaefer
Qualobo Siberians
Carlos Rivera
Nanook Siberians
Cathy Sparks
Driven Spirit Siberians
Top Mushers
1-2 Dog Team
Paul Yu-Yang
NorSled Rescue
Deanne DePietro
Cotati Chargers
Deb & Chris Thorkelson
Double Trouble
Top Fundraisers
Vesta’s Vengeance
($1,400)
Louie Sparks Rides
Again ($555)
Cotati Chargers ($550)
Photo: Kevin Bohl
Let’s Go Carting!
“My mixed-breed
dog is an awesome
sled dog even with
all her physical
flaws because she
has great heart:
she is enthusiastic,
hard-working,
and never gives
up.”
by Deanne DiPietro
How are dogs selected for carting? My dogs selected me! I
have two pet dogs who are my friends first and my running team
second, so we fit in the “Just for Fun” category. I adopted Tess
and Chinook, and our sole purpose is to have fun together. They
also happen to be great sled dogs, but that doesn’t matter to me
as long as we are having fun and it’s good for them.
You can’t tell by looking at a dog whether it will be good at
carting because they have to want to do it. My mixed-breed dog
is an awesome sled dog even with all her physical flaws because
she has great heart: she is enthusiastic, hard-working, and never
gives up. Her body won’t get her through the Iditarod, so my
job is to be realistic about what I ask of her.
What basic behavior/social skills does a dog need? (Just for
Fun vs. Serious Carting) To get started, your dog should be well
socialized and not overly reactive to the things you will
encounter in the area where you’ll be carting. Watch how they
react to distractions, such as people with their dogs on leashes, or
cats, or wildlife.
For carting events, dogs need to feel comfortable with other
dogs and a lot of noisy activity going on. They also need to be
patient for long periods while waiting their turn to run. They
will most likely be handled by strangers, so of course they should
be okay with that. A dog who is fearful in these situations would
not have fun and could pose problems.
What commands must the dog know? You can get started
with a dog that knows nothing, but pretty quickly you’ll want
them to learn the Gee and Haw direction commands and to go
On-By which means to pass things or go straight ahead. Line-Out
(or something similar) is used to remind the dog that he should
stand straight with the line taut while waiting to go. Most
commands are spoken by the driver from about 8’ behind the
nearest dog, and it can be a new experience for the dog to pull
ahead while listening for instructions. You know your dog is
listening its ears are pointed back at you.
Teaching the commands is done with a training leash
attached to the harness and also the collar, with the trainer
walking alongside the dog at first. Running with experienced
dogs is also a great way to show a new dog the ropes. I use the
direction commands and On-By all the time when we’re walking
through the neighborhood, which helps reinforce the lessons.
As the driver, what is required of you? When handling dogs
your body language is important. Dogs notice everything about
their person’s posture and movements, and can tell by watching
us if we are confident and focused, or if we are confused and
worried, and when it’s time to get to work or relax. Dogs reflect
our feelings whether we realize it or not, so our most important
job is to lead the team with calm, positive confidence. When
running, your dogs must take your cues without seeing you, and
your tone of voice will convey your emotions. As for my hands,
their job is to hang on tight and then give my dogs treats and a
good rub-down when we’re all done.
In general, what positions are there for dogs in the line up,
and what physical traits are needed for carting? With only two
dogs side by side, my dogs are both leaders, which means they
must judge the trail ahead and take the initiative while listening
to my directions. With a bigger team there are point, team, and
wheel positions, which are behind the leader, in the middle of
the team, and in the rear position nearest the cart, respectively.
Lead dogs need to be confident and focused, and the others need
to be strong and follow the leaders.
Physical traits for dogs doing carting are: big enough (30 lbs
or more, approximately), long enough legs (Corgis would have a
hard time), and healthy. Overweight dogs will have a harder
time and can overheat, so dropping extra pounds will be
important. Serious mushers have lots of criteria and opinions
about traits that make a good sled dog, but these three are all
that’s required to just have fun.
Photos: Jane Eagle
Fostering a
Special Needs
Dog
by Jane Eagle
We change our lives with small actions.
Over the years, I have fostered several
sick dogs; but this past summer I was
asked to foster Atka (“guardian spirit”), a
Siberian puppy with a broken foot. The
break was consistent with being thrown
from a moving vehicle; all her metatarsals
were snapped.
She is one of the cutest puppies I have
ever seen, and so well behaved I could
hardly believe she was a real Siberian! I
still cannot wrap my mind around the
fact that no one ever came to claim her;
she was so precious. Before coming to
NorSled, Atka had been fed and
sheltered, but her foot had not been
attended to for over a month.
The first thing NorSled did was to take
her to the vet and get her leg in a splint.
A cast would not work because Atka was
only three or four months old and
growing rapidly. The splint had to be
changed once a week to accommodate
her development. The most challenging
task was keeping her resting, as she was
just a pup. I had to tranquillize her most
days, because as a puppy her job is to
play, play, and play. Atka, being a
working dog takes her responsibilities
very seriously! Of course, I really wanted
to watch her play and learn. It is so
exciting to watch a puppy learn through
new experiences. But unfortunately for
Aka, she didn’t have four good feet so she
had to be kept quiet and crated. While I
worked on my computer, she liked to lie
by my side, so I allowed it as long as she
didn’t try to play. This lasted six weeks,
an eternity for a puppy.
One Saturday evening, after having
Atka for a month, she managed to pull
off her splint entirely intact. Terrible
pressure wounds had developed. I was
ready to run her to the emergency room
but first called my incredibly wonderful
vet on her cell phone. She was able to tell
me how to treat and bandage the wounds
every eight hours until her office opened
on Monday.
During the following month, Atka had
more quiet time which allowed her
wounds to heal, and I became an expert
at bandaging dog feet. Before we could
adopt Atka to her forever home, NorSled
took her to a specialist who decided that
the best therapy for her was to run and
play, preferably on sand. With this
directive, we were able to find Atka a
wonderful family. Atka now lives near
the beach, has two other Siberians to play
with, and hikes daily. Just what the
doctor ordered.
In some ways, this special needs pup
was easier than most young dogs that I
have fostered because she had to be kept
quiet. But in other ways, it was harder
because of the intense way we had to
relate on a daily basis. It was very difficult
to let her go after all the care I had given
her. But heck, her new family is so
terrific I wish they had adopted me!
And there have already been several
more pups needing a place to stay until
they found their true homes. I wouldn’t
have had room for them had I kept her.
So it was completely a win/win situation:
she has a wonderful home, more dogs got
saved. And my soul grows with each one.
“We change our
lives with small
actions.”
Why would anyone
want to a have
Photo: Dolores Willet
purebred Siberian
Husky when there
are so many Siberian
in shelters that need a
home? For love of the
breed. The history of
the Siberian is
believed to have
originated from the
Chukchi Tribe, off
the eastern Siberian
peninsula. Siberians
also served in the
Army during World
War II with the
Search and Rescue
Unit. ) .
In 1999, I found a
Siberian at Burger
King. I knew nothing
about the breed. A
friend told me about
NorSled, and twelve
years and several
huskies later, I still
blame her for my crazy Siberian habit! I started with rescued dogs and
then realized how much I loved the breed and wanted to do other
things including showing. So I researched breeders, met one I liked,
and bought Louie. Next to my husband, he is the love of my life.
What do judges look for at a dog show? When you first go to a
dog show, you think, “The dogs all seem to look alike!” They are the
same breed, but what the judge seeks is which dog is closest to the
breed standard.
My opinion is that judging is subjective. We all have our own ideas
about what is important, and so do the judges. Some judges focus
heavily on the dog’s gait. Siberians should be light on their feet. They
should not prance or lumber. Other judges look at size. Standard
weight for a male is 45-60 pounds and female is 35-50 pounds. Judges
will also evaluate bone structure, ear placement, cleanliness and
positioning of the teeth, facial expression and eye shape. Any color
goes for Siberians, and this includes eye color.
Husky males should be between 21-23½” high and females 20-22”.
In the show a judge can ask for the dog to be “wicketed.” An
impartial person will come to the show ring and measure the dog to
make sure it is within standards. If the dog is too short or tall it will
be disqualified from the show. Crystal is exactly 22 inches tall and just
meets the standard – but has been wicketed a couple of times.
Show Dog or Rescue Dog?
by Cathy Sparks
What is the
difference between
a NorSled dog and
a Show Dog? In a
word – papers. A
show dog has
American Kennel
Club (AKC)
paperwork that
proves the dog’s
heritage. Rescue dogs
don’t come with
papers; they can only
come from qualified
breeders.
A couple of negative traits for a Siberian. First is what we call
“woolies”, in other words, a Siberian’s fur can’t be too long.
Trimming a Siberian’s coat is not permitted and is cause for
disqualification. Owners can only trim the whiskers and the fur
between the toes. Also, a Siberian’s tail is not supposed to curl tightly.
What is most important about any dog, and something a judge
rarely if ever knows about, is the dog’s temperament. A Siberian is
intelligent, and will find out if you are smart or not. They are great at
testing their families. Siberians should be friendly and gentle. Some
portion of temperament is passed down genetically, the rest begins at
birth. Training should start as a puppy. The more exposure a puppy
gets to other dogs and people, the better it will behave. Introducing a
puppy to different people, people with hats, mustaches, glasses, etc. all
help in socializing the pup.
How does a breeder determine if a puppy is a show quality dog or
a pet? Show quality dogs are usually determined between 8-10 weeks
of age. Basically the breeder looks at all the same traits that a judge
looks at in the ring to make their choice. Pups that don’t meet the
standard are sold as pets and are supposed to be altered so that no
breeding takes place. We know that this doesn’t always happen.
Many breeders have contracts that state the dog is to be altered, but
people often break the contract and the breeder really doesn’t have
much recourse.
How do you train a dog for confirmation? That’s “prancing
around the show ring” according to my husband, and should occur
when the pup is 3-4 months old. Each owner or handler has their own
style. Some use hand signals, or verbal cues, some “bait” their dog
with treats, and some do a combination of all three. One important
thing to remember is not to teach the pup to sit; sitting in the show
ring is a big no no. So dogs are trained to stand and stay. The dog is
also taught how to be “stacked,” which means that their feet are
evenly placed and the topline (the area from the shoulders to the base
of the tail) is level. (This picture shows Iria, a new Champion.) The
dogs learn the same way we do, by repeating what they are supposed
to do, being rewarded or given a small correction when needed. They
have special show collars that they wear; it is a limited slip collar like
the NorSled dog collars – just smaller, making it easy to correct them
when needed.
One of the best places to train is at a fun match where the dog
actually gets to run around the ring and be in the ring with other
dogs. NorSled has fun matches that all dogs are welcomed to
participate in.
How does a dog become a “champion”? The AKC has sanctioned
shows that allow a dog to accumulate points to become a champion.
This is a long process. What this says is that the quality of this dog is
outstanding and the dog is a good representation of what the breed
should be.
So which is better, the papered purebred or the rescue dog?
Neither, the best dog is the one that you own and love.
Memories of a NorSled Dog
TANNER JOHNSON
September 20, 1999 to August 24, 2011
by Kathy & Mark Johnson
Mark’s mom and dad made it possible for us to move into a new home.
The first thing we both needed was a dog. I went online to Petfinders.com and
came across a husky named Mishka who had been rescued by NorSled Dog
Rescue and was being fostered by Gail in Yuba City.
Mishka started nipping me the minute I walked in the door; she wasn’t
making points with me. We spoke awhile with Gail and then, walking slowly
around the corner, came a malamute shepherd named Tanner. It was love at
first site for me! We sat at the table, and Tanner walked over and plopped
down between us. Mark said where do we sign, he’s coming home with us.
Gail had been concerned that Tanner would never be adopted. He’d been
in the Salinas Dog Shelter for almost eight months, misdiagnosed as a vicious
dog, and was on the list to be euthanized when he was rescued by NorSled.
Tanner followed us to the car, jumped in, put his head on Mark’s shoulder,
and we drove home. We were both completely in love with him.
Tanner was loved by everyone who met him. He would go to the Dog Park
and talk to the people first, then the dogs. He loved dogs of all sizes and
shapes and was also great with cats. Our household consisted of four dogs
(Tanner; Lucy (black Lab-terrier); Lucky (chihuahua-dachsund); Jazmine
(chihuahua-fox terrier); and four cats: Benny, Susie, Cleo and Runt Runt. The
whole “family” loved Tanner. The other dogs would emulate whatever Tanner
did. He was definitely the King of the house. As far as vicious - Tanner never
had a vicious bone in his body.
We were devastated when Tanner was diagnosed with prostate cancer on
August 20, 2011. Gail said, “It never ceases to amaze me what human things
these dogs get. I guess they truly are just humans in a different package.”
We chose to have Tanner put to sleep, rather than prolong his suffering.
Tanner went peacefully on August 24, 2011, to be with his Grandma Susie.
Susie had been ill for sometime when she met Tanner. Whenever Tanner
went to visit Grandpa Dave and Grandma Susie, he would walk in the house
and immediately go to Susie and wait for her to pet him. After Susie left us,
Tanner would still walk in the house and go looking for her for months later.
Tanner was just an all-around awesome dog. We had an absolutely
wonderful six years with him. Tanner went everywhere we went. He loved the
beach, dog park, long walks and riding in the car. He pretty much never left
our side. Tanner was the most mellow, loving dog we have ever met. We will
miss him terribly, as he was so much a part of our lives.
A special thank you to NorSled Dog Rescue, without whom we would
never have met Tanner.
Photos: Wendy Wilde
Volunteers of America, NorSled Style!
The lifeblood of NorSled is, and always will be, our volunteers. Without
them, none of the 1,500+ dogs NorSled has helped find homes for would
have been pulled from shelters. They would not have been feed, groomed,
housed, trained or treated. In some cases, they would have ended their lives
never knowing what it is like to be loved.
Our volunteers make rescue happen. From Gail de Rita – who works
tirelessly 24/7 to pull and place the dogs and everything in between (and here
she thought she had retired when she left her paying job!) – through the
board and webmaster, to our adoption fair volunteers who schlep crates and
dogs in good weather and bad, answer questions of potential adopters,
exercise the dogs, and do meet and greets with family pets to help the dogs
find homes. We even have a team of high schoolers who are volunteering at
the fairs! NorSled’s fundraisers who set up So MUSH Fun, Fall Furry Flurry
and Photos with Santa among other activities, the e-mail coordinators,
database inputters, newsletter writers, photographers, and artists who make
our events look good. There are transporters who haul dogs from all areas of
the state to get them to vets and adoption fairs.
And then there are the foster homes. Without foster homes we could only
save a few dogs a year, not the 200+ we have seen each of the last four years.
These families accept the dogs into their homes - dirty, scared, sometimes
by Jane Cordingley
abused, sometimes sick – all needing love and assurance. They work to help
the dogs learn what it is like to be a part of a family, and make them
adoptable.
In the last six years we have seen a new group of volunteers, members of
almost every branch of the military. What an asset! Many are from Travis Air
Force Base, but also reservists and even West Point grads, have rolled up their
sleeves to help NorSled dogs, doing everything from working the adoption
fairs, to transporting the dogs, through fostering. Why did it happen? I spoke
to a few to find out.
First, the military is strong on community involvement and volunteering,
and count this activity in job evaluations. An individual in the military can
choose where he or she volunteers, so we are lucky that a group has found
NorSled to be an organization they enjoy volunteering with! Second, while we
see a lot of single military people helping out, we also have a core of military
families who volunteer to help NorSled. I talked to one Air Force wife about
this, and she pointed out that volunteering with NorSled gives her young
boys and herself more time to be with their dad while they are all working
with dogs. Since the family can be together during the adoption fairs, it is a
win-win for the family and the dogs.
So here’s to the Volunteers of America!
Jane Cordingley
Wow, another year gone by! There is so much to celebrate: we passed the
1,500th adoption mark, and for the fourth year in a row we are on track to
adopt out more than 200 dogs. We are now servicing not just our original
eleven counties, but are helping with most of Northern California, some of
Central California, Western Nevada, and even some Southern California dogs
when needed. If you are from the East Coast – think of New England as a
slightly smaller geographic area than where we help sled dogs.
This year we had great sponsors: Pet Food Express, PetSmart, PetCo and
Sports Basement all supported our adoption fair locations. Our newest
sponsor, Pet Centered in Fairfield, helped with adoption fairs, food and raffle
prizes for our events. Pet Food Express also fed our dogs, helping out when
we asked for more food due to an increase in dogs, and provided raffle prizes
for all our events. PetCo gave us a grant for crates and beds to help us with
adoption fairs. Sports Basement even had a booth at our Fun Match! We also
had major support from Taste of the Wild, Natural Balance, Earthbath, Peets
Coffee, Panera Bread (Fairfield) and the Honest Kitchen, all helping us with
raffle prizes at events. And what events they were!
NorSled continued to host the Fun Match in Danville in June with Bay
Area Siberian Husky Rescue, SHRRCA, Malamute Rescue and Samoyed
Rescue. This year we were honored to have Iditarod Racer Karen Ramstead
for our judge.
Karen also shared her Iditarod experiences and outstanding photos at
NorSled’s fundraiser at Homewood Winery: lots of fun, good food and wine!
NorSled hosted our first ever carting event with over 20 participants,
raising $5,000+ for the rescued dogs. Photos with Santa continues to be a
great fundraiser and a real crowd pleaser.
NorSled has many friends to thank. So here is to all our members who
help out and support, going to adoption fairs, donating, and many other
activities. Also, the adoptors, who decide to take a NorSled dog into their
homes. These families provide the love and shelter that let these dogs blossom
and become the fantastic characters they are.
And of course, the dogs. What wonderful, loving animals. Like Mitzy – less
than a year old, with demodex so bad she had lost over 50% of her fur and
bled when touched. Was being “walked down the hall” when NorSled offered
to take her. Now completely recovered and living with a wonderful new
family. And Sandy, the 8-week old puppy left at night in a shelter drop box
with a crushed paw that had not been treated. He is now playing with the big
dogs in his foster home, keeping up with them and bossing them around.
Let’s not forget – our donors. Without funds and supplies, we could not
save any dogs. Thank you from all of us, and from the dogs, for opening
Photos: Wendy Wilde
President’s Message
Join us at the Husky Club! We meet Saturdays and
Sundays at 930 a.m. at Point Isabel.
your hearts to these wonderful animals. In the last four years alone more than
800 huskies, malamutes, Samoyeds and mixes of these breeds have been saved
from shelters and found homes due to your generosity.
Finally, our volunteers. Not enough room in this paragraph to express my
appreciation, so read the Volunteers article in this newsletter.
Also in this newsletter: Sharon, our newsletter guru, suggested we develop
some articles that talked about common questions: What is the difference
between a rescue dog and a purebred dog? How do you pick a dog for a
carting companion? Sharon developed the questions, and several of our
member experts crafted the answers.
May 2012 be the best year ever for you and your family – 2 and 4 legged
members alike!
2011 Picture Your Pet With Santa & Adoption Events
Saturday, December 3
11:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Pet Food Express, Dublin
Saturday, December 10
11:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Pet Food Express, Walnut Creek
Sunday, December 11
11:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Pet Food Express, Walnut Creek
Saturday, December 17
11:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Pet Food Express, Benicia
Sunday, December 18
11:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Pet Food Express, Benicia
Four Paw Standing Ovation to our Sponsors!
Many thanks to all of the rescue groups that came before NorSled,
including SHRR, MUSH, BASH, Husky Camp, and ARF. Many
of you helped NorSled get started and continue to work with us.
SPECIAL THANKS to PetSmart for donations for each pup we
place from adoption fairs and allowing us to show dogs.
SPECIAL THANKS to Pet Food Express for food.
SPECIAL THANKS to Cottage Kennels, Concord for boarding
dogs and helping us show the dogs to potential adopters.
Adoption Fair Venues
Pet Centered, Fairfield
Pet Food Express, Benicia, Clayton, and Walnut Creek
PetsMart, Vacaville
PetCo, San Rafael
Sports Basement, Walnut Creek
Kennels
Cottage Kennels, Concord
Happiness Country Kennels, Sunol
Pampered Pets, Brentwood
Veterinarians
Alpine Veterinary Hospital, Concord
Animal Hospital, Alameda
Barney & Russum Vet. Hospital, Fairfield
Bayside Veterinary Hospital, Vallejo
Bishop Ranch Veterinary Center, San Ramon
Bradshaw Veterinary Clinic, Elk Grove
Broadway Pet Hospital, Oakland
Contra Costa Animal Eye Clinic, Concord
Dog and Cat House Calls, Walnut Creek
Empire Veterinary Clinic, Empire
Lathrop Veterinary Clinic, Lathrop
Loomis Basin Veterinary Clinic, Loomis
Dr. Peggy Rusher, San Jose
UC Davis Veterinary School, Davis
VCA Bay Area Animal Hospital (various locations)
Yuba Animal Hospital, Yuba
Groups and individuals who have helped in many ways:
Marilyn Lassagne
SFSR (San Francisco Samoyed Rescue)
SHRR (Siberian Husky Rescue/Referral of CA)
BASHRR (Bay Area Siberian Husky Rescue and Referral), in
particular Randee McQueen
Husky Camp
BuildaSign.com
MUSH (Malamutes Unhomed Seeking Homes)
Noah’s Wishes
PetCo Foundation
ARF (Tony LaRussa’s Animal Rescue Foundation)
Pet Meds
PetSmart Charities
SOS (Save our Siberians)
US Wolf Refuge
24 Hour Pet Watch
Homewood Winery
Diggler Inc.
Easy Canvas - [email protected]
The Honest Kitchen
UrbanGoDogs Mushing Clinics, Barbara Schaefer and Liz
Parrish
Professional Photographers and Artists:
Robert Arbitter
Nicki of Nicki b original oils
Sharon Nicholas
Kevin Bohl
Shelter staff and volunteers all over California,thank you!
NorSled Needs You
One of the reasons we create this newsletter is to ask for donations. We are an all-volunteer non-profit. Our
adoptions fees only cover about 60% of the costs of the
care we provide to the rescued dogs? Why? Because we
don’t just rescue “perfect” dogs, we also rescue many
dogs with special needs and help them recover and find
a family that loves them. Some dogs come into NorSled
with medical needs or behavioral issues which may
require training prior to placement. And when our
foster home system is full, when a dog’s time is up at a
shelter we don’t want to say “There is no room in the
inn,” but try to pull the dogs even if it means paying for
kenneling.
Mitzy
What sort of dogs are we talking about?
Mitzy had demodex so severe that at 11 months, a
third of her fur had fallen out and she bled when touched anywhere on her body.
NorSled pulled this puppy the day she was to be put down. We then discovered she
had a bacterial infection and her foster mom had to give her antibiotic injections two
times a day. Today, her fur is completely grown back, and she is happy and healthy in
her new home.
Sandy, a 14-week old Samoyed mix puppy left in the after hours drop box with a
badly mangled paw. We pulled him, then discovered he had Parvo. His foster family
nursed him through Parvo, and have helped him learn how to get around with the
paw. Today he is doing fine in his new home.
Carson, a two year old beautiful husky boy, with a leg so badly damaged the
doctors could not save it. So fearful of people that for the first four weeks he shook
and cowered if his foster mom tried to touch him. Today, he sits on the sofa next to
his foster mom for cuddles, plays with his fellow fosters, and loves to go for walks.
Success stories like these cannot happen without donations from people like you.
Can you find it to give $10, 25, 50 or 100 to help the dogs? Click www.norsled.org,
and you can use the PayPal link on our website to make a donation.
Please donate to NorSled. All donations are 100% tax deductible. Click here to go
to PayPal and make a donation, or send us a check to: NorSled, P.O. Box 5784,
Vallejo, CA 94591.
Carson
Sandy