My Fire Hydrant

More Small Paws Sunday reading.

This month, in memory of Bailey, I am working with Romeo the Cat to raise money for Small Paws Rescue.

Robin Pressnell is Executive Director of Small Paws Rescue. She is an incredibly busy lady, but recently she graciously gifted me with some time so that I could interview her by email. She has devoted her life to Bichon rescue since she founded Small Paws in 1998.

BEV: In your own words Robin, could you please give us a brief overview of Small Paws?

ROBIN: There is so much more to Small Paws Rescue than meets the eye. Yes, we do rescue Bichons, nationwide. But we are also a family. Our volunteers and Team Leaders have become close to each other after working on rescue situations, together, for almost 12 years now.

Yes, we are much more than an animal rescue organization. We are also an International prayer ministry, active in 28 countries. With over 6000 members, we want people to know that God loves them more than anyone else ever has and more than anyone else ever will. And that no matter what, they are never alone. We believe in the miracle healing power of prayer and we reach out to people across the world, of all faiths. Small Paws Rescue! It’s a God thing!

BEV: Why is Small Paws important?

ROBIN: Without Small Paws, thousands of Bichons would have died over the past 12 years. We’ve rescued over 8500 Bichons since 1998.

The love that these little ones have shared with human beings would have all been lost. People’s lives wouldn’t have been enriched as they have been by giving and receiving love with their adopted Bichon Frise from Small Paws Rescue.

Many people wouldn’t have the close personal human relationships that they enjoy today, without Small Paws Rescue!

BEV: Where do you fit in the Small Paws organization? What do you do?

ROBIN: I’m the co-founder and the Executive Director. I’m the one who keeps the members informed through our newsletters. We let them know about medical emergencies, foster needs, fundraising needs, and updates on previously rescued and adopted Bichons.

I also deal directly with veterinarians daily, all across the country, discussing various treatment options, and of course trying to get the best price possible.

I’m also the Small Paws media consultant, dealing with the press and appearing on cable shows like Animal Planet dogs 101, and Fox and Friends from the Fox News Network in New York City.

I travel each year to several cities, attending Small Paws functions and raising funds. Our vet bills run $30,000-$50,000 a month so fundraising is always a priority.

BEV: What do you love the most about your work with Small Paws?

ROBIN: I love the feeling that comes, knowing that I have helped to bring love into the lives of people. Once anyone has experienced having a Bichon Frise, they will never ever be the same. And I got to play a role in making that happen!

I also love knowing that our organization is there for Bichons who have no one else to be an advocate for them. Bichons in danger of being killed in shelters, instead, come into a place of love with Small Paws. What could be better?!

BEV: What do you wish every foster dog parent came automatically equipped with?

ROBIN: A veterinary degree. HA!

BEV: I supposed you say that because of all the veterinary bills that Small Paws takes care of. If we could take a photograph of Small Paws right now, with would it look like?

ROBIN: It would look like love. Smiles on all of the people and the Bichons from over the years, living and loving together!

BEV: What is your perfect day?

ROBIN: If one of our foster dogs has gotten away from its foster home, and we find the dog, safe and sound. We have had over 100 Bichons go missing in the last 11 years. All have been found. Two didn’t survive but everyone else is doing well. When I hear the words, “WE GOT HIM!” that’s a great day.

When I learn that a particular Bichon has survived a difficult surgery, that’s a great day!

BEV: What keeps you awake at night?

ROBIN: Two things. Will there be enough money to pay the vet bills and wondering if I have forgotten anyone in a shelter. Did I contact everyone I was supposed to? Did I make sure that no Bichon is going to be euthanized and did I get someone there in time?  Every night before I go to bed I play the day back like a movie. Sometimes I have to get back up and turn on the computer to make sure no one was left to be killed.

BEV: What is the most difficult thing you have to do in your work with Small Paws?

ROBIN: For me, it’s the need for constant fundraising. It’s not easy for me to ask our members for money. I’d almost rather be hung by my thumbs in a major intersection than ask our members for financial help again! But I realize I am their voice. These Bichons in need of medical care can’t type, so I am their advocate, explaining the situation, sharing which vet is caring for the dog, including their name and phone number.

We post our bills each week in the newsletters so that our members can know where their money is going and who was helped!

BEV: As Robin has mentioned, one of the ways she raises money for Small Paws is through the newsletters that are emailed out to all the members. Depending on how badly funds (or prayers) are needed, sometimes the newsletter comes every few days, sometimes it comes several times a day. Always it’s a message of hope, in Robin’s own ‘stream of consciousness” style. Her personality comes through with every word—you know this is a woman who cares deeply about the Fluffs and about the members of the organization. Robin answered my last 2 questions in one of the more recent newsletters.

ROBIN: The other day, one of our members (Bev!) asked me to do an interview for her Blog, where she is currently doing a really neat fund raiser for Small Paws.

I will send out a mailing about it soon. It’s a very interesting personal blog.

Anyway, one of the questions in the interview was: “What is the most difficult thing you have to do in your work with Small Paws?”

This was my answer.

‘For me, it’s the need for constant fundraising. It’s not easy for me to ask our members for money. I’d almost rather be hung by my thumbs in a major intersection than ask our members for financial help again! But I realize I am their voice. These Bichons in need of medical care can’t type, so I am their advocate, explaining the situation, sharing which vet is caring for the dog, including their name and phone number.

We post our bills each week in the newsletters so that our members can know where their money is going and who was helped! “

It’s times like these when we fall short of raising what they truly need that I dread coming and asking for help again.

I try to think of something new and exciting to say.

I look up and ask Him to please inspire me. HA! (I think He’s probably pretty busy right now with things much more important than sending me something brilliant to say.)

The last question in the interview was this one.

“What inspires you?”

This was my answer.

“The reaction of our members to this organization inspires me! The love and commitment from perfect strangers, willing to help a Bichon in need inspires me! The love they have shown over the years to me, taking me in as a member of their family, touches me deeply.

Seeing a Bichon come from the depths of despair, to being a loving family member, inspires me!

More than anything else though, the miracles we have seen over the years, miracles that happen from what I believe is the power of prayer, inspire me! We have climbed mountains that were too tall! Don’t tell our members that something is impossible! They will prove you wrong! Each new day working with this organization is a total inspiration to me! I love this organization, the people involved, and the little ones we save, day after day, with my whole and complete heart. I am the luckiest person in the world.”

And those of you who know me, know, that really is how I feel.

At times I wish we would win the lottery and never have to ask for vetting funds again.

But then I think, (I know. That can be dangerous.) if we won the lottery and never had to ask for help again, none of you, the people who ARE Small Paws Rescue, would ever have a part in changing the lives of both the Bichons and the people who love them, ever again!

Whether a person gives $5.00 or $5000,00, they are both a part of changing lives, changing the course of events as we know them.

You all are a part of eliminating pain and bringing love into the hearts and homes of those who needed it desperately.

I want for all of you to know that you ARE what makes Small Paws go round and round, over and over again.

In a perfect world, I’d never have to come and ask for help for them.

But in a perfect world, we wouldn’t be in the situation we are in.

Of rushing to keep precious balls of fluff from being killed in a shelter, sometimes, from being shot by a puppy miller who no longer has need for an aging dog who isn’t making much money for them anymore.

I get letters every day from people. People who have adopted a Bichon from Small Paws.

They tell me how much their adopted Bichon means to them and their families.

Sometimes they actually tell me they were so depressed before he or she came into their lives, that they were even thinking of things that are unspeakable.

These little ones have amazing abilities to help, to love, and to heal broken hearts.

You know that I’ve always said that God loves each of us, more then anyone else ever has and more than anyone else ever will.

Well, when we send a formally homeless Bichon, to a new adoptive home, it’s sort of an extension of that Love.

Our hope is that the new adoptive family will share a love with that new Bichon, reminiscent of God’s love for all of us.

Well, I know I’m rambling here and I probably need to start packing.

I’m leaving soon to be attending the Suncoast Bash in Florida. It’s a pretty large Bash and people come from all over with their Bichons. We try to sign up new volunteers for the Florida team, as Florida is such a large state.

I need to tell the Team Leaders and foster parents of these four babies, Gideon, Serena, Prissy and Scarlett,that we can go ahead and authorize their vetting or not.

Thanks for reading the ramblings of a sometimes silly, blond woman in Oklahoma, who loves each of you more than you will ever know. All My Love, Robin

BEV: Robin, all my love right back at’cha. You are an incredible woman and one of my heroes. Thank you so much for all you do for the Fluffs.

Bailey was born on March 11, 1996.

We did this birthday video last year. I think, in my heart, I suspected it would be the last time we celebrated Bailey’s birthday. I have very fond memories of the day we shot this. It’s pretty silly.

In memory of Bailey, join our online Bichon Bash by clicking and donating to Small Paws Rescue. No donation is too small, and every donation will make a difference in a dog’s life.

BICHON BASH?

A Bichon Bash is when you get a bunch of little white fluffy dogs together and have a party. Just imagine a sea of white pooches! OK, if you’re into Labrador Retrievers you might not appreciate the cuteness factor. But if you like little dogs, it’s an overdose of cute!

Over the years, Bailey and I attended several Bichon Bashes here in Dayton. And that’s where we first learned about Small Paws Rescue.

This month, I’m working with my friend Romeo and we’re having an online Bichon Bash to raise money for Small Paws Rescue.

WHAT’S SMALL PAWS RESCUE?

Small Paws Rescue was started by Susan Sebring and Robin Pressnall (Executive Director) eleven years ago when they were turned down by an already existing Bichon rescue group because they were “not been suitable for rescue work.” Robin and Susan decided they would form their own Bichon rescue and Small Paws was born.

SOME NUMBERS

• Over 800 volunteers, over 6,000 members in 20 countries: Small Paws is the largest Bichon Frise rescue in the U.S.
• Available to take in Bichons in need 24/7/365
• Since September 1998, has rescued, vetted and re-homed over 7,500 Bichons
• 18 experienced Team Leaders oversee rescued Bichons and volunteers regionally
• Typically, 150 to 200 Small Paws Bichons fostered all over the U.S., are available on Petfinder every day
• Typically, 50 to 100 Small Paws Bichons are in various stages of quarantine, heartworm treatment, surgeries, or permanent hospice care every day
• Over 5,000 Small Paws Bichons have been flown to their forever homes without incident
• 25 adoption processors to thoroughly screen each applicant
• Typically between $25,000.00 and $50,000.00 per month is paid out in vet bills (posted publicly on the site)

HOW DOES SMALL PAWS RESCUE BICHONS?

Small Paws is entirely supported by donations and fund raisers. Donations are generated mostly from the membership though a newsletter. Small Paws also raises money through an eStore and on eBay–both great places to shop if you’re looking for Bichon-oriented clothes and accessories.

Small Paws is totally volunteer-driven. It is virtually an army of  foster parents, pooch transporters, shelter-watchers, prayer circle participants, blanket-makers, eBay suppliers, auction attenders, financiers, and emotional supporters. Every member is connected to the group through the newsletter, emails, phone calls, and a shared urgency to help Bichons.

A SIMPLIFIED VIEW OF THE SMALL PAWS PROCESS

• A Bichon–or “Fluff”–enters Small Paws through owner surrender, from commercial kennel auctions, from shelters, or any other avenue that results in a homeless Fluff.
• Each dog’s health is evaluated by a veterinarian, and a medical plan is made.
• For major medical expenses (for instance, surgery), a call goes out to the membership for donations.
• Once the Bichon’s health issues are taken care of (also spay/neuter if needed), the Fluff is placed in a foster home with a Small Paws member
• Often, the foster home is a learning and socialization environment for the orphan Fluff
• Photos are taken, and posted on Petfinder
• A prospective pet parent fills out the application form on the Small Paws site
• Each applicant goes through an extensive and proven screening process that includes an interview with the applicant’s veterinarian.

Small Paws takes lifetime responsibility for the Bichons who enter the Rescue. If an adopted Fluff is ever orphaned, it is returned to Small Paws and a new home is found. The Small Paws Bichon is carefully matched to his or her new home–at a high rate of success. And there are followups done on every adoption.

Sometimes a Bichon will enter Small Paws as half of a bonded pair–two dogs who have bonded emotionally (and often they’re not both Bichons). Bonded pairs are never separated, but are offered at the adoption fee of a single dog. Senior dogs’ adoption fees are always reduced. And puppies are reserved first for people who are grieving for a lost loved one. A home is found for all–no matter what the special needs.

The volunteers of Small Paws operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. They are tireless and creative in their missionto help orphaned Bichons find furever homes. At first, they appear to be a loose  gathering of do-gooders. But on further examination, they are a refined organization motivated and motivating people to work together to make this world a better place.

That’s why I love them!

Angela (Pet Care R&D) with Cheech, Asanya, and Samson (AKA Bubba). 

Today is SPAY DAY! Why should you get your pet spayed or neutered? 

Spayed females won’t GO INTO HEAT. This means:

• No need to deal with pet-sized sanitary napkins or stains on furniture or carpets (gross!).
• No worries about Fife running away to find her Rover or attracting unknown male suitors to your yard.
• No more noisy late nights. There are few things more calculated to keep you from getting a good night’s rest than the plaintive meow-yowl of a female cat in heat. The pacing alone totally gets on my nerves. Have you HEARD the noise they make when they actually mate? And they always do it at 3 AM.

Neutered males won’t ROAM FROM HOME. This means:

• No more one-night stands. Intact males often go looking for one-night stands—they have a strong desire to escape and roam (like the bad boy in a trashy romance novel.) This “pets gone wild” attitude can increase his chances of injury by other animals or cars.
• It also provides opportunities for him to eat bad garbage or drink contaminated water.
• And then there’s the time and the legwork you’ll have to invest in creating and distributing “have you seen?” posters when you have to go look for your roaming Romeo. Not to mention the natural stress you’ll feel because he’s lost.

There are HEALTH BENEFITS for spayed females, including:

• Prevention of uterine and, ovarian cancer and a possible reduction in the risk of breast cancer.
• Prevention of pyometra, an infection in the uterus common in older, unspayed females.
• Don’t use the risk of weight gain as a reason NOT to spay or neuter. Pets get fat because we give them too many calories and not enough exercise. There may be a link between hormone changes and weight gain, but we are the gatekeepers on calories and without an over abundance of calories there can be no weight gain.

Neutered males get HEALTH BENEFITS too. They include:

• Prevention of testicular cancer.
• Can help prevent development of perianal tumors and some diseases of the prostrate.
• See bullet point above about weight gain.

Pets can get time off for GOOD BEHAVIOR:

• Your unfixed male furball will probably become increasingly protective of his territory as he ages. This can include aggression towards other animals–especially other males, and especially when the other male enters your furball’s territorial boundaries. Territorial aggression can cause fights, which can lead to injury and vet bills and possibly a legal summons. Neutered males tend to be less aggressive.
• That same unfixed male furball likes to mark his territory with pee. Females will also mark turf—especially when they’re in heat. Spaying/neutering reduces hormone levels which can reduce territorial marking.  
• A “false pregnancy” can cause an unsprayed female to go through behavioral (and physical) changes associated with pregnancy—which can sometimes be very unsettling for the pet’s human.
• Neutered males tend to be less likely to exert dominance over your friends and family members. So you don’t have to apologize as often for Rex humping your neighbor’s leg.
• IMPORTANT: Just because you neuter him or spay her doesn’t mean you still don’t have to teach them good manners. Spaying and neutering is not a replacement for training.

It’s a GOOD NEIGHBOR policy:

• Spaying and neutering reduces number of animals on the streets.
• Roaming pets can prey on wildlife or other pets, can cause car accidents, and can frighten children (or adults—have you ever come face-to-face with a Great Dane looking to get laid?)
• Roaming Romeos get into your neighbors’ garbage and use your neighbors’ yards for potties—when you’re not there to pick up after them (as all responsible pet owners do). The noise they make with their late-night one-night stands keeps hard-working folks from getting a good night’s sleep. Invoke the no-roaming clause: roaming behavior can be effectively stopped with neutering.

It can be more COST EFFECTIVE. Spaying and neutering:

• Costs less than the cost of having a litter.
• Costs less than vet visit due to pet fighting while roaming.
• Can help keep municipal animal control costs down due to reduction in orphaned pets.
• Can’t afford the cost of spay/neuter surgery? Did I mention that today is national Spay Day? Many animal welfare groups have programs providing reduced cost spay/neuter services to celebrate. Check with your local groups to see what’s available to you.

SEX ED? The BIRTH module is on YouTube:

So many people say they want their dog or cat to have a litter so they can show their kids the miracle of life. There are lots of videos on YouTube showing the miracle of pet birth, so there’s no need to breed puppies or kittens to provide this lesson to your kids. And a video is so much less work for you!

Help fight OVERPOPULATION in your own backyard:

• There are different estimates as to how many pets are euthanized in shelters each year due to lack of homes–the number ranges from 6 to 12 million. That’s 16,438 to 32,877 orphan pet euthanized EACH DAY. Do you want to be part of this terrible statistic? Spay and neuter your pets. Talk to your family, friends and neighbors and help them to understand why this is so important to do.
• Two really great tools illustrate how an unspayed female pet and her mate can be a population explosion waiting to happen. Check out “Did you know?” (for cats and for dogs) on SpayUSA. Get educated about pet overpopulation!

IT’S YOUR CHOICE

In my opinion, people have a right to decide whether to spay or neuter their pets. But when you decide not to do it, I firmly believe you also take on the responsibility of not adding to the population of orphaned pets.

And if your four-legged female is pregnant, then as that female’s human partner you are responsible for providing:

• The best possible nutrition for mom and the babies.
• The best possible veterinary care for mom and the babies
• Mom with help and care during all phases of the pregnancy.
• A consistently clean and warm space for mom and her babies.
• Proper socialization for the babies according to their needs
• Homes for the babies with people you are certain will properly care for them and for re-homeing them, if things don’t work out. 

In my opinion, it’s easier and more practical to spay and neuter. 

Lastly, it’s NOT JUST DOGS AND CATS!

Spaying and neutering is not just for dogs and cats—rabbit reproduction speeds are no joke! Talk to your veterinarian about spaying and neutering for other pets too.

MORE INFORMATION

Each month, we (Iams) invite people to vote for their favorite Iams Home 4 the Holidays organization in our Feed Pets in Needcontest. At the end of the month, the two groups with the most votes will win a month’s supply of Iams Pet Food.

This program was launched this past November, and ANH is our first of two winners for that month.

ANH (Animals Need Help) of Bear Lake is located in Montpelier, Idaho. On their very sweet, very musical web site, I found beautiful images of some of the dogs and cats they have available for adoption. I also discovered a truly wonderful video that brought tears to my eyes. Good tears.

My contact at Animals in Need is Lorrie Jensen, and she kindly consented to be interviewed by email:

Please tell us about how ANH operates—do all the pet orphans live under the same roof?
We have a very small facility. When we are full we rely on foster homes to help us out. We work totally on donation and fund raisers. We require a reference to adopt and check every reference to make sure our furkids will be safe and happy. Everyone is spayed/neutered, up to date on vaccinations and socialized before they go home. We are not an open shelter but meet the adopting families at their convenience.

 

What is your job at ANH? What do you do?
We are all volunteers at ANH. We each take a turn every day caring for and playing with the animals. Between us we are out to the shelter about 5 times a day. Each of us does something different with the animals. Some just go for a walk, others go for car rides and runs. We try to get them used to as many different experiences are possible. We all help with the cleaning, laundry and daily chores. I do the Petfinder site and our website. I answer calls and emails and screen new potential families to make sure our furkids have the very best homes possible. I also do deliveries when needed. Lots and lots of fund raising time. From vet runs to eye meds, toenails and removing stitches. We are all available for whatever is needed. We have the most dedicated group of volunteers you will find anywhere.

What’s the most important thing that ANH does to help animals?
We make sure our animals are healthy and socialized before they go to a new home. We also care that it’s a good match when we place one of our kids with a new family. If there is ever any problem, we are always very happy and willing to take them back. I think the very most important thing we do is love them. When they leave our shelter, they know someone loved them. They are happy wonderful little guys who are ready to be family members.

What’s the most inspiring thing that happened at ANH during Iams Home 4 the Holidays?
It was so amazing how many people helped us in the voting [for the Feed Pets in Need contest]. We are so small and wondered if we even had a chance. We have a wonderful support team and they all rallied to help. The phone call that we won was fantastic too. I felt like we had won the lottery, actually I could barely talk, I was crying so hard. You will never know how much we appreciated this opportunity and how much it helped us.

What is the hardest part of your job?
I can hardly stand it when I see animals that have been abused and neglected. I wish we could help more. We try to stay as positive as possible. We know after they are with us, they are safe. We have made a commitment to keep our site positive and not always talk about the sadness we see. We like to present our furkids like this is a new beginning.

What do you love the most about your job?
Seeing happy pets with wonderful loving families. We keep in touch with so many of our families.We get to hear and see that they are really safe and sound. Oh and who doesn’t love all those wet kisses and furry hugs.

What advice do you have for anyone who wants to volunteer at a shelter?
Do it. People say that they love animals too much and it would just be too hard. That’s exactly the kind of person shelters need. Someone who will never drop the ball and will fight every single day for these wonderful homeless animals. Besides it’s a way we can each save our little corner of the world.

What can people do to help ANH?
Spay and neuter pets. Speak up for the animals who can’t speak up for themselves. When you see something that needs help. Just help.

What is your perfect day?
[This past] Sunday was a perfect day. We placed two sweet animals in wonderful homes, heard from both families later on that night that all was well and The Saints won Yay!

From Bev: The dogs and cats who’s photos appear here were available for adoption from ANH at the time of this post. They’re cuties, so if you’re interested in adopting one of them you better get busy!

Help your favorite Iams Home 4 the Holidays shelter to win free food: FEED PETS IN NEED (Terms & Conditions)!

The folks at the Helen Woodward Animal Center are holding a “best adoption story” essay contest for the participating Iams Home 4 the Holidays organizations. The finalists have been narrowed down to 5. Between now and the end of February, we are all invited to vote for our favorite!

My buddy (and hero!) Mike Arms says:

“These stories all have happy endings but for some of them it was a long, hard battle. Some make you cry, others make you laugh, they all touch your heart. 

We need help from animal lovers worldwide to select the most heart-warming and most successful pet adoption story from this past holiday season. There are so many great stories about pets that were saved during the holiday season. Now they’re starting the new year with a new, “leash” on life.

We’ve narrowed this down to the top five. Between now and February 28 we’re asking people to vote on their favorite story. The animal shelter or rescue group that submitted the winning entry will receive a $500 donation from Helen Woodward Animal Center.

One vote per person. This isn’t about which organization can convince the most people to vote. It’s about which story touches your heart.”

If you love animals, then these stories will make you cry–but in a good way. I just cast my vote–you should too!!

New photos from my friend Daniel! He adopted an Iams Home 4 the Holidays dog in late December.

Truman is a 3-year old Cocker Spaniel mix. In his email to me, Daniel says:

“He’s a fantastic little stray rescue but clearly has a loving owner in his past – he is brave, smart and extremely well behaved and is settling in nicely to his new home. No surprise that our home is an Iams home, and he goes crazy for his Lamb & Rice meals. The shelter described him as ‘the perfect little cocker spaniel with a perfect little way about him’ and I couldn’t agree more!”  

I am so happy for Daniel to have such a wonderful new companion in his life! And I’m thrilled that Truman has found such a loving furever home!

Somewhere my little Bailey is giving a paws up to Daniel and Truman for their good fortune in finding each other.

My friend Emily over on Eukanuba Unleashed posted today about how to throw a “pawty” on February 6 when Animal Planet broadcasts the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship. Em has got all the bases covered–from invitations to decor to drinks. She even includes a scorecard–the Bone Collector Grid–that you can use in a game to keep track of which dog is moving forward for the win. Actually, I think the Bone Collector Grid might be a fun game to play at any dog show–especially for kids who might become a little antsy during the judging.