Renewed Hope

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When ASDR began 2 years ago, our focus was small dogs under 20lbs. Throughout these years we have been asked to help with larger dogs and dogs with medical or behavourial differences. As such, we have developed a new division of ASDR. We have named this division “Renewed Hope”. Our mission with Renewed Hope is to help dogs that may be more of a challenge; like Quinn, our first medically demanding boy or Jamie, scared and reactive. These dogs are usually long term fosters. Their challenges are many but their successes are to be celebrated. We hope all of our ASDR supporters will appreciate our new division. Thanks to everyone for their continued help in our growth.

Henry

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Little Henry is looking for new digs. He has the typical bossy terrier attitude. He is neutered, housetrained, and spends his days sleeping on the couch and at night tucked under the covers in bed. This is a private adoption. … Continue reading →

RIP Darling Storm

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Our dear old soul, Storm, was helped to the bridge today. He will very much be missed. Thank you to Nahleen for giving him love, tenderness and peace for the final month of his life. Go with love Storm. May you run free and happy at the bridge.

Melaleuca is here!

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Are you looking for safer household products? Not just safer for you, but for your family, your environment and your pets? How about first aid items that can be used for everyday pet health? Our team works with the wellness company, Melaleuca, to provide non-toxic everyday consumable products at great prices-and guess what?! You can choose to have 5% of all your purchases go to support Atlantic Small Dog Rescue! Contact Susi Spicer, DVM at susi.spicer@hotmail.com or (902) 840-3778 for more information on creating a safer environment and better air quality for you and your pet!

Susi Spicer, DVM will be hosting a Pet Wellness Expo day at the home of John & Karen Gillighan, 6570 HWY #2 Enfield, NS on Saturday March 24th, from 10am-12pm. No fee, no obligation! You will get to learn about many of Melaleuca’s great, pet-friendly products with various uses as well as the option to support Atlantic Small Dog Rescue by having 5% of all Melaleuca purchases donated to them. This Wellness day will cover primarily dogs, cats & horses. Everybody welcome and lots of great prizes! Contact Susi Spicer, DVM for more details at (902) 840-3778 or susi.spicer@hotmail.com.

Canine Diabetes

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Thanks to Joyce Grant-Smith for researching diabetes for us!

Type II Diabetes in dogs is a fairly common disease. One in ten dogs are likely to develop diabetes. Therefore, it is important for responsible dog owners to be aware of the symptoms so that this ailment can be detected early and treated effectively.

Dogs who are at greatest risk for developing diabetes are those who have a family history of the disease. Female breeding dogs, larger breeds, and obese dogs are most susceptible to develop diabetes. Dogs often begin to show symptoms at age seven to nine years.

Diabetes is caused when the pancreas is no longer able to produce enough insulin to break down the sugars in the dog’s bloodstream. These sugars, when at proper levels, feed the body’s cells. When the insulin does not break down the sugars, they cause stress on the kidneys, heart and other organs of the body.

Dogs may show few symptoms at the onset of the disease so it is important to be vigilant about observing your dog’s habits and general health. Some of the early warning signs are lethargy, excessive thirst, increased urination and unexplained weight gain or loss. Some dogs have clouding of the eyes. Any of these symptoms, or a combination of them, are good reasons to make an appointment with your veterinarian to have a blood test done to check for blood sugar levels.

A diagnosis of diabetes is not a death sentence for your companion. Especially if detected early, with proper treatment, your dog will be able to lead an active and comfortable life for years to come.

Your dog will be placed on a high protein/low carbohydrate diet to reduce the sugars s/he has to digest. This may be enough to control the condition. However, depending upon the severity of the case, the dog may be prescribed an oral drug that stimulates the pancreas to produce more insulin, or an injection-type of insulin drug. The medication must be administered as directed by the vet and meals need to be fed at consistent times in order for the dog’s condition to remain stable. This careful regime is not something that can be skipped or forgotten for a day; the consequences could be life threatening.

There are several holistic remedies that may be used to aid in bringing down the blood sugar levels. A few drops of apple cider vinegar in the daily drinking water can help the dog break down blood sugars. A bit of cinnamon (be sure there is no sweeter added) can act as an insulin substitute in the blood. Grapefruit can be used in the dog’s diet to help with weight reduction. Check with your vet as you introduce anything new to your dog’s diet.

As with humans who deal with diabetes, dogs can go on leading happy and productive lives. They simply need to have conscientious attention to their daily care and feeding.

Sources:

http://www.diabetesindogs.net/

http://www.diabetes-management-center.com/diabetes-in-dogs.html

http://www.caninediabetes.org/caninediabetespg.html

Introducing Jake!

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Jake just came into our care on the 27th but his foster mom says he’s PERFECT! He loves his walks, greets other dogs well, likes drives and will snuggle if you want or do his own thing if you want.

Jake is diabetic and needs two insulin needles a day. This doesn’t stop this little boy from being totally wonderful!

Give a Dog in Need a Home

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Thanks to Sandra for adapting an article by Fiona Beaty in Canadian Living

http://www.canadianliving.com/life/pets/give_a_dog_in_need_a_home.php

Most of the roughly 250,000 dogs that are admitted to Canadian shelters, rescue groups and municipal pounds each year are potentially wonderful pets that desperately need their luck to change. A lot of people think rescues are where all the reject dogs are, but that’s so not true. We at ASDR have wonderful dogs in our foster homes and it can be so rewarding to know that you’re giving a home to a dog that really needs one.

So why do such blameless dogs wind up in foster care? Most often, it’s the result of a mismatch. There’s a dog for everyone. Dogs can be challenging, and too many people don’t really understand the demands of dog ownership. Some don’t do their homework and choose dogs — purebreds and crossbreeds alike — without learning how they’ll develop. Some dogs in our care are larger crossbreeds who have outgrown the irresistible puppy phase and have needs that overwhelmed their first owners. All dogs need companionship, mental stimulation, activity and training, some need more challenges and vigorous exercise — every day — to keep them happy and manageable. Bored, under-exercised dogs can become unhappy and destructive, and this sometimes lands them in rescue.

ASDR assesses all incoming dogs for problems with health and temperment.and are often the inheritance of poor breeding practices, such as those found in puppy mills. Most dogs, however, arrive with nice, stable natures. Our goal is to help resolve any behavior issues and adopt well stabled, adoptable dogs.

Unless you’re set on a certain breed, rescues are an excellent place to find a canine companion. It’s important to choose a dog that’s appropriate for your lifestyle.

It’s critical for ASDR to learn as much as we can about the dog and what responsibilities come with it. We discourage impulse adoptions and help ensure that people choose a compatible dog. We want people who have thought about it and are prepared to make a lifelong commitment to the dog. When the match works, it’s magic.

It’s normal for an adopted dog to need some time to adjust to its new home. When you make your choice, use your head as well as your heart and do your homework. Spend time with the dog in the foster home if possible and find out everything you can about its history and behaviour. Foster parents can help you. Caring and knowledgeable, they work to ensure a happy lifelong home for every dog.

Rescue dogs may have lacked love, training, socialization and exercise, but once established in good homes, they can be the very best of companions — and extraordinarily loyal. They’re so grateful for anything you give them, because they haven’t had very much. It may be home to you, but to your new pet it’s a strange place. Here is some advice from that will help you get your rescue dog settled in happily.

• Once you’re both home, keep things calm. Let her explore her new home without the distractions of appliances running full tilt. Keep your children quiet and controlled — and never leave them alone with the new dog. Avoid visitors for the first few days, as well.

• Show your dog her bed — a comfortable place that’s clearly her own — and make sure nobody bothers her when she’s there. Bring a blanket or toy that smells like the foster home to put into her bed.

• Make sure she knows where her water and food dishes are. Initially, it’s best to feed your dog the same food she’s been given by the foster parents, then change her diet gradually, if you wish, after she’s settled.

• Don’t abandon your dog once she’s home; get to know each other. Keep things low-key and relaxed, and take her for short on-leash walks. Establishing a routine for sleeping, eating, walks and so on will help her feel secure.

• Recognize that it may take time. Above all, be patient and gentle. Most dogs will adjust well to a caring environment.

Most importantly – show your new companion all the love she is so deserving of.