Rocky Mountain Lab Rescue Newsletter: November 2009

Hope everyone had a safe and happy Halloween and is enjoying the early onset of winter. October was a very active and successful month for the Rocky Mountain Lab Rescue. We had two great adoption events and found homes for 27 dogs! Also we had the pleasure of attending a chilly, but incredible event at Stapleton Central Park. Some volunteers and some RMLR Alumni bundled up and came out to walk/run the K-9s Against Cancer 5K. It was a great event and we thank everyone who came out for such a great event that raises awareness about Canine Cancer, as well as supports the Bow Wow Buddies Foundation, Komen Denver and CSU's Animal Cancer Center.

Stuff The Turkey, Not Your Dog!

We all know how hard it can be to resist those begging eyes and that furry face you can deny nothing on any given day, and on Thanksgiving – with the fragrant smell of that really rich dinner swimming throughout the house – the temptation can be that much worse. But this year, do your dog a favor and keep him/her away from the items listed below. Pookie Dearest might be miffed for the evening, but her stomach will thank you the next day.

1. Turkey Skin – On its own, turkey skin can be fatty and hard to digest, but on Thanksgiving it’s particularly bad (just think of the butter, oils and spices rubbed into it).  If you must share the turkey with your dog, do peel the skin off and cut the meat up into bite-sized pieces. And consider choosing the white meat over the dark for your pooch – it’s a little blander and easier to digest.

2. Cooked Bones - Whether your bird is duck, goose or turkey, do not give the bones to your dog. Any dog cartoon features Fido carrying a bone around in his mouth, but the reality is that a cooked bone is often brittle and sharp pieces can get lodged in your pet’s intestine. And bird bones are hollow and break easily.

3. Gravy/Buttery Side Dishes - This one goes hand-in-hand with the turkey skin. Fatty foods and trimmings can cause pancreatitis in dogs at worst and diarrhea or vomiting at “best.” ThePoop.com suggests substituting gravy with a little turkey broth if you really want to give your pup a treat.

4. Aluminum Foil and Plastic Wrap – Dispose of these when you’re done with them. There are two risks here: one, your pet will be licking the fatty substances off the wrappings, and two, swallowing these can cause an intestinal obstruction.

5. Chocolate - Not that we think that you would intentionally feed your dog chocolate (which we all know can be toxic to our canine friends), but since candy is often left out on tables for guests during the holidays, it made the list. Be sure to keep bowls filled with chocolate out of reach.

6. The Garbage Pail – A frustrated pet who can’t get a scrap out of his usually-generous parents may be tempted to dig around the trash bin and find a good number of the items listed above.

7. The Kitchen – Thanksgiving can be the busiest day of the year for the kitchen, and you’ll want to keep your pup out of there. With hot dishes being whisked from one counter to the next, there’s a chance a dog that’s under foot could be burned or cut if something were to shatter.

8. Holiday Plants – Sure it’s Thanksgiving, but a good number of people have already decked the halls with holly by this time. Know that Poinsettias, holly berries, mistletoe and Cedar Christmas trees are toxic to dogs.

9. Decorations – Glass ornaments and candles are just begging for trouble. Like the chocolate, keep these out of reach.

10. Guests Who Mean Well – Educate your less pet-savvy visitors (and hey, maybe even send them this list). A child may accidentally feed a dog some chocolate and your great aunt might think she’s being nice by sharing her turkey skin.

Instead of all the above terrible temptations, buy your pup and extra tasty canine-safe toy or treat to chew on during the human feast. They'll be joyfully occupied and not give a thought to that turkey. Be careful with your pets this holiday season, and be truly thankful for them by keeping them healthy!

Like Labs? Love This Book!

“Lost Souls: Found! Inspiring Stories about Labrador Retrievers” is a MUST-READ for Lab lovers! The book is full of great short stories, and is available for pre-order at http://happytailsbooks.com/buy.htm. By pre-ordering, you can receive a $2.00 discount per book OR have Happy Tails Books donate double to RMLR. This is a limited time offer so pick up your book soon!

A portion of the proceeds is divided among Labrador rescue groups, including ours!

The book was compiled with stories from people who have adopted Labs from rescue groups and shelters around the country. The stories are happy, sad and educational; and are meant to encourage pet rescue and paint a clear picture of life with a rescued Lab. Three RMLR Alumni are in this book - so you know we're getting our copy!

Review of the Lost Souls: Found! Series:
"Lost Souls: Found! Inspiring Stories About Labrador Retrievers" is now available for pre-sale! Get either $2.00 off per book, or we'll make a double donation to rescue!

Buy The Book I Preview The Book

Dog of the Month: Ranger

Soft golden eyes accented by a warm golden coat...meet none other than RMLR's "Golden Boy"...Ranger! Ranger is estimated to be about 2 to 3 years of age but has not lost that happy go lucky puppy attitude. He  would be an excellent companion for hikes, to take running or to just hang right by your side. Ranger gets along great with other dogs, enjoys frolicking in the snow and can often be seen walking around the house with one of his stuffed toys in his mouth. Ranger is the epitome of a "pocket lab" who adores being right by his people. Ranger arrived here in Colorado after being treated for Heartworms. Happily we can say that he has finished his treatment and is off all his play restrictions...he is ready to run with the best of them! At his foster home Ranger enjoys playing with the two resident dogs and is working on refining he leash manners. He "comes" when called, is house trained and sits nicely for his breakfast and dinner. Ranger is looking forward to starting a new chapter in his life, one that includes lots of new outdoor adventures with a family that loves him as much as he loves them!   

Ranger came to us from Emporia, KS. Ranger tested positive for heartworm and has already received treatment. Ranger has no exercise restrictions at this time. As recommended for all dogs he will need to continue on his heartworm preventative year-round. Heartworm is curable as well as preventable. 

Check out more information about Ranger and our other Labs for Adoption under Adopting

Success Story of the Month: Jasper

Jasper came to RMLR in March of 2009 from Witchita, Kansas. He was adopted by a family in Colorado Springs!

So here is the skinny on the "big dog", as he is becoming affectionately known around here. Jasper has fit in with our family as if he has been here all along. Our master bedroom is on the upper level, and our Black Lab "Bo" used to sleep up stairs with us at the foot of the bed. Jasper has adopted Bo's dog bed and sleeps there every night. He bounds up the stairs skipping every 3rd step. He does have a very long stride. The Blue Heeler, "Christian" was a lonely guy after we put Bo down. He quit playing tug-o-war and chewing on his rawhide bones. It was within 2 days of Jasper coming into the house that Christian is now back to himself. Both dogs enjoying us spoiling them. Jasper and Christian play with each other, Jasper is very docile and just stands there and wags his tail, occasionally pawing at Christian, while Christian nudges him. They sleep together on the main floor by the front door when we leave. Both peering out of the front window, Jaspers tail sweeping those stupid little knick-knacks off the tables. Last night they both enjoyed new rawhide chew bones and worked them over while laying next to each other.
We are happy to admit being proudly owned by these two dogs. Thank you for all you do to make adoption possible for families like ours.
 Thanks again,
 Jasper, Christian, Jim and Nancy

Happy Birthday To US!

The Rocky Mountain Lab Rescue was founded in November 2007! So Happy Birthday to us! Two years old and 396 dogs later - we want to thank everyone that's helped out a long the way! We've come a long way from when we started.

We wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their many hours of dedication, tanks of gas, endless love given to our foster dogs - and of course every donation from a quarter to thousands of dollars. You all are really what keep this rescue afloat. Without everyone's help we could not rescue these deserving dogs.

We wanted to let you know where your money goes. 93% of last year's revenue went directly to the dogs. Revenue consists of adoption costs recieved, donations and grants. 7% of last year's revenue went to administration costs (internet costs, computer costs, paper copies, telephone, etc). 66% of our revenue went to vettings/surgeries! The remainder went to fuel for transports, the cost of insurance, and into our bank account to save for future doggy saving. 0% went to salaries!

Brand NEW RMLR Gear!

We have a TON of brand new Rocky Mountain Lab Rescue Gear. Sweatshirts, water bottles, tshirts, picnic blankets, fleece vests, and DON'T forget the 2009-2010 Rocky Mountain Lab Rescue We Love Our Recues Calendar! Stuff your stockings this holiday season with RMLR Gear and give to a good cause at the same time!

All the profits go right back to the dogs!

The calendar highlights some of our favorite RMLR Alumni and show off some of our best success stories (surgeries and great stories)! Buy yours today!

A Call for Foster Parents

Attention potential foster family:

Daily, we are forced to turn away great dogs, mostly from high risk shelters, because we don't have enough foster homes to accommodate them.  We feel that many of the dogs would be highly adoptable and would probably be placed quickly, but without the foster openings we must turn them away.

So many dogs are in jeopardy right now because people are losing their jobs and their homes.  Please consider fostering, and please help us to come up with ideas for getting new foster homes. Please fill out a fostering application today on our website and give one of these pups a second chance!

VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE RMLR!!!

It's time for the Animal Rescue Site Shelter Challenge! VOTE VOTE VOTE daily for the Rocky Mountain Lab Rescue! There's a chance for us to win $100,000, plus weekly winners and state winners! So vote and cross your paws!