Lost and Found
Everyone has a story about the big one that got away--although if you are a Pyr owner, you probably don't mean a fish! Given the opportunity to take off, most Pyrs will. Samson (at right) is shown recuperating after he jumped out of a volunteer's car during a transport and spent a week in the woods before he was recaptured. We've learned a few things through our transports and transfers of dogs and want to pass this information along to you--so your big one doesn't get away.
Make sure that a name tag, rabies tag and all other information is securely attached to your dog's collar. Get your dog microchipped and properly registered online if he/she is not. Be sure that your dog has a strong, well-fitting collar. The type of collar you use will depend on your dog's temperament and life-stage as much as the dog's neck measurement. Traditional collars come in adjustable buckle or snap models--although once you've had a snap collar give way at the wrong time on a 100 lb. dog, you may revert back to using the old-fashioned buckle.
 Like everything else today, there are more choices in collars. Harnesses and halter-type collars (left) have become popular lately. They offer greater control over standard collars but a good fit is important and professional help can ensure that the collar is adjusted properly.  Martingale collars (right) are another choice to consider because they offer a another alternative to choke collars and traditional collars. They are based on a double-loop system where the large loop is placed around the dog's neck and adjusted to fit loosely. The leash is then clipped to the D ring on the small loop which can be either chain or fabric. Tension on the leash pulls the small loop taunt, which makes the large loop smaller and tighter on the neck, preventing escape.
Drs. Foster and Smith offers a quick guide to collar choices. Keep in mind that It may be necessary at times for your dog to wear two collars--a traditional collar and a choke (training) collar specifically for walks, transports and training exercises.  For under $10, a slip lead, which is a combination collar and leash in one piece, is a good choice for quickly controlling a skittish dog. These can also be helpful when grooming, so if you remove your dog's collar to brush underneath, you can still maintain control of the dog. We hope these few tips can help you keep control of your dog and help avoid the worry and heartache that comes with a Disapyr.
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Ice is O.K.
Ice was hit on I-65 outside of Montgomery, AL on Mother's Day, May 13. A carload of ladies from KY and Greg and Phyllis, a couple who lived nearby stopped to help her. She was loaded onto a blanket and put into a truck. One of the ladies from KY rode in the back with her in the pouring rain to Montgomery. Her daughter, Holly, was the first person to contact NGPR about Ice--she knew about Pyr rescue because of the rescue calendar. Ice was brought to a local vet and after x-rays and an initial assessment, Ice was transferred to an orthopedic surgeon where her injured hip and leg were repaired. Greg and Phyllis were kind enough to see Ice through her initial recovery. On June 12, when Ice was ready to be moved, she was transferred to Holly, who has now adopted her. Ice's vet bills total $3500. We have raised $1200 through Ice's Chip-In and another $1,000 through a generous donor. The remainder of Ice's bill is being paid on monthly installments until payment is complete. We would like to pay this off so we can be there for the next hit and run. You can help with a tax-deductible donation to Ice's Chip-In. Thank you.
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Love Letters to Rescue
Scout was adopted from NGPR in 2011 and Buddy in 2012. Dorthy, their Mom, writes "I just wanted to catch you up on the adventures of Buddy and Scout. They are absolutely best of friends, even though Buddy is a Type A and Scout is a Type B. Both have had their checkups within the last few weeks and both are doing very well. Buddy is still on his heartworm regimen for a few more months. Then, he'll be tested for, hopefully, a clean bill of health. Otherwise, he's his same feisty, skittish self and has reached 100 pounds. I guess that means he's content and likes his food. Scout is just as mellow as ever and doesn't let Buddy push her around - not that he could. She's reached 140 pounds, so he couldn't push her if he wanted her. As a matter of fact, when they wrestle out on the back deck, she routinely pushes him over to assert herself. They love to wrestle, and I love to watch them play. The vet isn't particularly concerned with her size and says that she's just a big girl .... OK. Here's one of my favorite photos of them together."
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The Helping Paw
Ten-month old Quincy (above) is shown on a therapy visit June 21, the day he received certification from Therapy Dogs, Inc. He also passed the test for Good Canine Citizenship, following in the pawprints of his older brother, Ward, who is qualified for both. Quincy and Ward's Mom Addie, who volunteers for NGPR, wrote about the benefits of doing therapy in the current issue of Therapy Dogs Inc. magazine: "After recovering from being in the intensive care unit at my local hospital and having a visit from therapy dogs, I realized this is one of my volunteer callings. Therapy work is actually saving me. I realized that none of the articles in the magazines were about handlers. I visit an assisted living home once a month but I also give myself therapy. I am also a volunteer for National Great Pyrenees Rescue. I explain to people that it is possible to do therapy work with the breed." Addie is a foster for NGPR, answers calls on the Shelter Hotline and is currently caring for a Mom and two pups rescued from a North Carolina shelter. If you can foster or volunteer, please click here to learn more. |
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