Musings about Akitas, rescue & volunteering!

View blog from Sunday 7/18/10

2010-08-22T21:30:00.000-07:00

and then compare that photo there with the one here of Samauri. Can this possibly be the same Akita -- ????

Yes it can - testament to what loving care can do for an Akita who has been badly treated, woefully underfed, never loved & given no vet care in his original home -- he blossomed in ARWNY's care at Joann Dimon's home with her family once he came to rescue.

And happily living now with his family that adopted him, you can see this happy, loving boy has become what all our Akitas should be -- stress-free, happy and beloved!

Thank you to everyone for caring about Samauri. Obviously his original home didn't so I am just happy he ended up with us at ARWNY so he could be cared for properly!!

Work and dreams....

2010-08-20T09:26:00.000-07:00

Work, for good or bad, is a necessity in most of our lives. Its just such a shame that in mine, it interferes with what I want to really do -- Akita rescue. I've been out of work now for a very long time - having both knees replaced was a big deal so I've been on work disability since the first knee operation. Now I'm faced with having to go back to work. Most likely to a day job. UGH!! Most likely to one that will sap all my rapidly draining mental ability so that I'll be a zombie when I leave at nite.

OH NO -- who will answer all the emails I get daily? Who will get "snarky" on facebook on our pages there? Who will find links to help those who ask questions on our yahoo groups or via the website? Who will help Ms. Nancy figure out all the doggies in need & how we can help?

Most of all -- who will do the blog???

If I have to go back to a daytime job & sit in front of a computer all day listening to people whine at me while on the phone in customer service again, when I get home at nite I'll be zoned out and not want to get online after work or on my time off work....whatever shall I do???

If only I could win the lottery or find a fairy godmother to grant me a wish or two -- then I could just do what is more important than WORK -- and that's RESCUE!!

Oh to dream.....

Shelter assessments....

2010-08-14T08:23:00.000-07:00

can be both a curse and a blessing. There are shelters we work with that we know are right-on when they call us about an Akita. If they tell us the Akita is lovely & sweet, we know it is. But then there are shelters that we can't trust, places that change personnel & "testers" too often and have methods of testing we can't rely on.

Take Matheo for instance. This pup came into the big NYC shelter as an owner surrender. That means, right off the bat, he's doomed, because owner surrenders can be euthanized as soon as they walk thru the door; unlike strays, they don't need to be held for any length of time so Matheo's time was extremely limited. The email that came that day about him from the shelter said he was 2+ yrs of age and food/toy possesive -- but not rawhide possesive. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm, that's a bit odd. Possession is possession and usually if an Akita is toy possessive, it follows they would also be rawhide possessive. That got us thinking...

Now, I'll be totally upfront. I will NOT deal with nor rehome any Akita who is truly food possessive or "possession" possessive. Akitas are a tricky breed -- intelligent enough to work around most issues & able to rethink most behaviorists' & trainers' methods. I've known of Akitas to hide these traits while in the shelters & in the care of some rescues until they get rehomed, where they grow comfortable enough to start showing their "true" nature when rehomed in a short period of time -- which is why I don't like any rescue Akita over the age of 6 months to go to a home unless its been in our care at least 3-4 weeks. I want to know everything about the Akita so we push to find out what triggers each Akita has & what will set that Akita off -- because placing a food aggressive Akita is a very dangerous thing to do for any breed rescue but especially with a breed as big & tough as an Akita. Akitas that guard their food bowls/toys/bones are often very upfront about it, snarling if you even walk in the room they are in or walking past them while they eat or chew on a bone. But there are Akitas who act perfectly normal until the day you forgot to add something to the bowl & go to reach for it, or the day the Akita grabs something from the trash or off a shelf or table and when you go to reach for it to ask for it back; you find yourself being badly bitten by an Akita you never knew had any possession issues. Its our job to find these things out before placement, so its why we work with them so much while in our care.

Sometimes, in other breeds, with enough re-training, you can break a dog of food aggression because other breeds have different personalities. In my experience however, you cannot break an Akita of true possession issues. If the Akita has true food/possession issues (and isn't a starved, hungry Akita from some puppymill situation where it never knew when it would get food again) then its a situation I'm not willing to handle. I won't put humans at risk for being attacked over a food bowl or toys on the ground or walking past a rawhide on the floor. There are some good training sites that help people to understand how to raise a puppy properly to prevent this issue
(http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&C=157&A=1462&S=1)
but with an adult Akita, I'm not willing to deal with it because my experience has taught me that humans WILL get bitten, that the Akita will NOT get over it; so I'm not willing to see someone get bitten in trying to overcome these issues. You have to remember -- we are working to make each Akita in our care safe to be rehomed to the greater number of homes out there - humans tend to forget what we tell them, that they can't touch, pet, hug a dog while it has a bone or is eating among other things -- we can't take the risk that an Akita we rehome will end up in a place where it will react badly to the human error factor. So we must keep that human error factor in mind when deciding which Akitas are safe to rehome.

In the case of an Akita who comes in starving & is worried over its food bowl, that sometimes can work itself out; it all depends on the Akita itself, its past situation and what we know of its former living situation. Sometimes, an Akita that has been starved just has to learn food is always forthcoming which often happens very quickly - then the food issues become non-issues because the Akita is no longer starving, hungry or worried about where the next meal comes from. That I can work with, that I feel ok about handling; it shows itself quickly, within days, once the belly is always full and the Akita doesn't have to panic over where its next meal is coming from.

However, in Matheo's case, something about his shelter info just didn't sit right with us here at ARWNY. So Matt Dimon, Joann's wonderful experienced husband, offered to go to the shelter in NYC the next day to test this Akita himself - after all, Matt said, they 'shared a name' -- Matt is Matheo Dimon legally. If this Matheo the Akita showed any hint of possession issues with anything, Matt promised to help ease Matheo "Over the Rainbow Bridge" while at the shelter. What Matt found instead of food possession was an Akita in pain and a shelter system not set up to even notice or examine for pain before testing.

Matt went right into Matheo's run with him and found a very young male Akita with horrible skin issues under his coat -- oozing neck full of pus obviously from a collar left to embed into his skin & just recently removed. A shoulder open and raw, infected with likely staph or yeast infections. Underbelly raw, patches of skin showing thru the thin coat. Underweight at 90 lbs, Matheo wasn't the least bit food possessive or possesive of anything -- but he was against having some huge plastic hand poking his painful shoulder, pushing on his wounded neck. It had nothing to do with the food or the toys - it had everything to do with him hurting.

The 'tester' at this shelter admitted to Matt she didn't get close enough to this Akita to even see this as she was "afraid" of Akitas -- probably all big dogs but definately Akitas. So Matheo was labeled dangerous and not able to be rehomed. He was essentially condemned to death. He was also much younger than his shelter sheet said; within minutes he was looking to Matt for attention - probably the first positive attention he had ever had.

Luckily this shelter was close enough that we could personally evalute Matheo. But what happens when we aren't close enough and must trust a shelter to give us an honest evalution? We can't pick up the phone and call people asking them to go into a shelter near them and try to provoke an Akita to attack them over food. Yet that's what we need to know before-hand -before we take on an Akita whose personality might be in question, we need to know before we make all the effort to bring an Akita into our care in rescue from a long distance.

So what can be done to prevent mistakes like this from happening to other Akitas? Well, as many have discussed over and over -- an entire rehab of the shelter system needs to happen to change the "big picture" overall. Qualified trainers, with no breed-specific agendas of their own, need to be hired and do proper tests - not prod and poke some dog while he's eating, but actually work with the dogs to see if they are food possessive and not just reacting to some foreign plastic object hitting them on the neck, head or shoulders. Shelters need to rethink their personality assessments -- there are often underlying reasons of health that cause some dogs to react negatively to various scenerios. Health should be a primary consideration for any dog coming into the shelter system. Dogs coming into shelters are scared, stressed & terrified -- testing them the day they show up doesn't work and often this standarized test most shelters use doesn't work the same with an Akita as it will a Bichon, for example. Giving them time is the better indicator. I know shelters are overloaded, I realize there often isn't time so don't think I have blinders on or feel this is an easy fix. Its why I say - there needs to be an entire overhaul of the shelter system. We are failing the pets every day and it has to be changed. I just wish every shelter would get on the same page so we could all work together and help the animals. This is a subject for another day because its too big and too overwhelming for this discussion here.....

In addition, to prevent problems -- owners need to learn how to properly raise a puppy so it doesn't become food possessive. Owners often cause this in their puppies, then dump them when they get too big & the owners become afraid of them. So we need owners willing to raise their puppies right or we will keep on seeing these issues (along with a myriad of others!).

Rescues also need to work closely with each dog in their care to test for things like this before they rehome any dog. Taking any dog from a shelter one day and rehoming it the same day or the next day isn't doing rescue -- there are words for that but its not RESCUE. Rescue means we evaluate, work with, vet, properly temperament test and strategize over what home is best for this particular dog -- not just any home for any dog, but the right home for each individual dog in our care. That is what rescue should be about. Unfortunately its not always about that. But that's a subject for another day also.

Today -- I am just happy that Matheo has been saved and will be made healthy with ARWNY so he can grow up into the wonderful Akita we know he is. Hats off to the collective effort that made this happen so Matheo didn't die alone, scared and stressed in the shelter due to a poor shelter assessment.

***NEW NOTE: Matheo has been adopted by a police detective who adores him -- Matheo has shown himself to be a perfectly housebroken, well-behaved boy who has done well in his new home. His adopter could not be happier. ARWNY could not be happier. Thank heavens we did NOT take his initial evaluation at face-value!!***

Sign up NOW for the ACA National Akita Parade!

2010-08-08T07:43:00.000-07:00

The premium list is posted on the Akita Club of America's website! YEAH!! Go to:

http://www.royjonesdogshows.com/PremiumLists/AkitaCOA/Akita%20Club%20of%20America%202010.pdf

Scroll all the way thru to the last page -- page 13. Print it off, fill it in, and send it off with your $5.00 to enter! I've attached a picture of it here so you'll know which page you need to print off and sign!!

We are so very excited -- the ACA's National Specialty, to be held in Gettysburg PA this year, is the 25th Anniversary of the National Specialty. And its being held right here, in our area!!

We want to see as many adopted Akitas as possible in the parade -- so please, plan to join us on Friday 9/24/10 for this PARADE OF TITLEHOLDERS! If your Akita has any kind of title, like CD, TDI, etc by all means, we want you there too!!! The parade is a lovely event and highlights the rescues in a special way; it also shows the wonderful ways Akitas can be versatile!

If you have any questions at all about the Parade, just write me -- kdewees@hotmail.com and I'll be more than happy to help!

So come one, come all -- don't miss out on a chance to see this wonderful National Specialty so close to our area and for sure don't miss out on the parade!!

On a great side note:

See the wonderful ARWNY booth while you are at the National -- our raffles are a sight to behold and you'll definately want to get some tickets -- you can get them ahead of time at

http://www.akitarescuewny.com/Drawing/NationalsDrawing2010/drawing_form2010.htm

or start saving your money up now to buy tons of them at the show!! Either way -- just be sure to buy them as this raffle helps us fund our rescue efforts to save Akitas!

People can be so cruel...

2010-08-06T23:17:00.001-07:00

and not just to the Akitas. To us too, the volunteers of Akita rescue. Those of us that give of our time as volunteers, getting no monetary reward for doing what we do. Those of us who often juggle 2 and 3 jobs so we can help the Akitas in our care better while in return we have no time for ourselves. Those of us who have no life of our own, because whatever spare time we have is spent doing rescue, don't deserve to be treated cruely when all we are doing is helping -- doing a job no one else wants to do.

Sometimes -- time slips away from us and we don't call someone back ASAP or email a reply immediately and then the nasty comments come, fast and furious. We get overwhelmed by emails & phone calls because we don't get 4 or 5 a day, we get hundreds; we get overwhelmed with spending hours on end with adopters; we get overwhelmed with trips to the vets with our rescues to get them healthy; we get overwhelmed with driving hours each way to get Akitas from one place to another to save them all week long. We all have families who suffer from lack of time with us because we are too often away on long transports, or at the kennel meeting with potential adopters or getting to know the Akitas that were given up so we can do successful adoptions in the future or pouring over applications & doing reference checks on them all. When we are supposed to be asleep, we are often instead loosing sleep while agonizing over decisions we must make; when we are supposed to be on our lunch hour at work relaxing, we are often hunched over our computers while eating something from a machine so we can read emails or catch up the latest veterinary news to help our Akitas; heck some of us have even spent our lunch hours at the kennel walking Akitas or helping water & feed them just so we can feel we are doing our share.

Few people walk in our shoes -- yet everyone wants to be our judge. If we don't answer an email immediately, we are labeled "uncaring" or "rude" or "rotten"; even worse, when we DO answer an email but not in the way the person wanted, we are "stupid", "idiotic" or often we are just plain "@#(*$&#(#*&#" to whoever wanted to dump their Akita on us or refused to follow our advice to help them get their Akita healthy again with the right methods or train their Akita to help it be a better family companion.

Sometimes we make mistakes in adoptions -- we chose someone we "think" is really great only to find out later they aren't what we thought they were. We aren't perfect because we are after all, human. We try our best but that's all we can do. Having an adopter turn on US, the very people they should be thankful for, is disheartening and sad. Everything we say gets turned around, misunderstood, ignored and ultimately things get uglier and uglier -- when all we had was the best interest of the Akita in mind. It breaks our hearts to have an adopter decide WE are the enemy when all we try to do is help. We want to help, we need to help, we volunteer expressly to help. Yet when an adopter turns against us because they don't want to follow our advice, its heartbreaking to us, in ways someone who is not an Akita rescue volunteer cannot understand.

People can be cruel to us, the very people they should be thankful for. We are the volunteers that do the dirty work - the things they don't want to do. We are the people who sob over their Akita when we have to euthanize it because they don't care enough to hold it in their arms and do it humanely. We are the ones that clean up the dog pooh, pee, vomit from their older Akitas they have dumped in a shelter to get rid of it with no feelings of loyalty to our majestic breed. We are the ones that do without vacations or trips because we can't be away from the rescue Akitas too long or we feel guilty. We are the ones that don't have new cars or fancy clothes because all our spare money goes to rescue to cover bills that donations can't reach far enough to cover.

We don't want parades in our honor or plaques hung on walls with our names prominently displayed. We don't want to be called "heros" or have songs written about us. All we ask for is respect. The one thing we sometimes do not get -- respect. Aretha spelled it out -- R E S P E C T -- not to hard to give to the people who do the jobs you don't want to do, refuse to do or just plain don't care enough to do -- just a little respect. Its not too much to ask for -- but it seems to be getting rare for us volunteers to get it from those around us anymore.

Maybe its a sign of the times - people have changed, maybe its to be expected. But I hope not, because its not anything I know I can get used to. So -- go ahead, walk in our shoes for a month, or just a week, even only a day, if you dare to. Do all we do, see all we see, experience all we experience. Perhaps then, instead of disrespect, you might decide we do, as volunteers in Akita Rescue, deserve a bit of respect.

A light might go off in your head and you might bite your tongue next time before spewing out something hateful. You might not write that nasty email or call one of us the names we often get called. You might actually realize we are helping, we are the volunteers needed for this job; that without us, there will be no one to save the Akitas we save, to rehome the Akitas we do rehome or help the Akitas we can help in many ways.

We aren't the enemy - so why do so many people try to make us out to be just that? And lest you think, when reading this post today, that I am just being a whiney, self-righteous b@tch for writing this - you are right. Tonite (its 3am BTW), I am feeling it deep in my soul; feeling that I'm tired of being taken for granted, spit on, yelled at, sick of viscious nasty emails from the very people I set out to help. That I'm tired of crying over other peoples' old, sick, unwanted Akitas, tired of loosing sleep figuring out how we are to care for so many with so few resources. You are right - I am being a whiney, self-righteous b@tch tonite.

But the one thing you can count on -- is that when I wake up in the morning, I'll be ready to start my volunteering all over again and this sad, sick feeling in my soul will pass -- as it always does. For the sake of the Akitas, you can count on that!

I want to quit....

2010-07-22T06:43:00.000-07:00

A fellow rescuer posted this on facebook -- changed the breed to be AKITA so you'd all get the drift of what its like to do Akita Rescue -- could not have said it better myself, so hats off to this author --

I WANT TO QUIT

*I want to quit!*
My health is bad. There are days I feel so terrible that I can barely move. My phone bills are outrageous, and I could have replaced my van with the funds I have spent these last 30 years---on animals that were not my own.

*I want to quit!*
I spend hours and hours emailing about dogs. There may be 500 messages when I start--and at 4 AM, when I finally shut down the computer, there are still 500 emails to be read.

*I want to quit!*
Gosh, I haven't the time left to email my friends. I can't remember the last book I read, and I gave up my subscription to my local newspaper---I used to enjoy reading it, cover to cover, but now it often ends up in the bottom of the squirrel's cage---unread.

*I want to quit!*
I've spent days emailing what seems like everyone---trying to find a foster home, help for a dog languishing in a shelter---but his time has run out, and the shelter has had to euthanize to make room for the next sad soul.

*I want to quit!*
I swear, I walk away from my computer to stretch my legs---let the dogs out---and come back to find another dog in desperate need. There are times I really dread checking my email. How will I find the funds, the help, to save yet another dog?

*I want to quit!*
I save one dog, and two more take its place. Now an owner who doesn't
want his dog---it won't stay in his unfenced yard. An intact male wanders... This bitch got pregnant by a stray... This 3-month-old pup killed baby chicks... The dog got too big... This person's moving and needs to give up his pet. I ask you, friends---what town, what city, what state doesn't allow you to own a pet?

*I want to quit!*
I just received another picture, another sad soul with tormented eyes that peer out of a malnourished body. I hear whimpering in my sleep, have nightmares for days...

*I want to quit!*
I just got off the phone. "Are you *Akita* Rescue? We want to adopt a male to breed to our female." How many times do I have to explain? I have tried to explain about genetics, about health and pedigrees. I explain that rescue NEUTERS! I usually end up sobbing, as I explain about the vast numbers of animals dying in shelters across the country, as I describe the condition many of these animals are found in. I wonder if they really heard me...

*I want to quit!*
It is not like I don't have enough rescues of my own to worry about---but others have placed dogs improperly and aren't there to advise the new owners.

*I want to quit!*
I have trusted the wrong people--- had faith and heart broken...

*I want to quit! AND THEN...*
My dog, lays his head in my lap, he comforts me with his gentle presence---and the thought of his cousins suffering stirs my heart.

*I want to quit! AND THEN...*
One of those 500 emails is from an adopter. They are thanking me for the most wonderful dog on earth---they cannot imagine life without their friend---their life is changed, and they are so grateful.

*I want to quit! AND THEN...*
One of my adopted Rescues has visited a nursing home. A patient that has spent the last few years unable to communicate, not connecting---Lifts his hand to pat the huge head in his lap, softly speaks his first words in ages--- to this gentle furchild.

*I want to quit! AND THEN...*
A Good Samaritan has found and vetted a lost baby, "I can't keep him, but I'll take care of him until you find his forever home."

*I want to quit! AND THEN...*
"Jamie took his first steps holding on to our Akita."
"Joan, you should see this dog nursing this hurt kitten!"
“I was so sick, and this dog never left my side..."

*I want to quit! AND THEN...*
I get an email from a fellow rescuer, "Haven't heard from you in a while---you OK? You know I think of you..."

*AND THEN... *
A dozen rescuers step up to help, to transport, to pull, and to offer encouragement. I have friends I have never seen, but we share tears, joys, and everything in between. I am not alone. I am blessed with family of the heart, my fellow Rescuers.

Just days ago it was a friend who shared her wit and wisdom, whose late night email lifted my heart. Sometimes it is friends who only have time to forward you a smile. Often, it is my friends who forward me the notices of dogs in need.

There are Rescuers who see a failing transport and do everything they can do find folks to pull it together for you. Rescuers who'll overnight or foster your dog while you seek transport. There are Rescuers not used to or comfortable with your breed, but who put aside their discomfort to help. There are Rescuers whose words play the music of our hearts. Foster homes that love your Rescue, and help to make them whole again---body and spirit. Foster homes that fit your baby in, though it may not be their breed. Rescuers whose talents and determination give us tools to help us. Rescuers we call on for help in a thousand ways, who answer us, who hear our pleas. Rescuers who are our family, our strength, our comrades in battle.

I know I cannot save every dog in need. I know my efforts are a mere drop in a sea. I know that if I take on just one more---those I have will suffer.

*I want to quit! But I won't. *
When I feel overwhelmed, I'll stroke my dog's head while reading my fellow Rescuers' emails. I'll cry with them, I'll laugh with them---and they will help me find the strength to go on.

*I want to quit! But not today.*
There's another email, another dog needing Rescue.

This piece is dedicated, with love and gratitude, to all my fellow Rescuers.

The author is unknown

2010-07-18T11:41:00.000-07:00

Lets pretend for a moment that you are about to write a fictional story about an abused & neglected Akita -- so you have to come up some of the saddest situations you can imagine. So for the sake of your fictional story, just imagine a family decided one day not to feed their Akita anymore. Then imagine they let their Akita become infested with fleas & ticks to the point that the Akita has lost its plush fur and instead was covered in scabs & infections. Imagine again the family this Akita would defend with its life, that it still trusts totally, takes the Akita for a ride into one of the most dangerous cities in the USA today, then opens the car door without stopping & throws the Akita's emaciated body out onto the hot pavement. Heartbreaking fiction, right? Sad sad details guaranteed to make the public cry real tears!!

No need to imagine fiction, as this is Samurai's factual story.

Samurai was given a special name by the animal control officer who found this Akita under an abandoned car, fighting to stay alive with his will. Samurai had collapsed during the heat wave after he was thrown from that moving car. He had not eaten, or had water in 3 days. A citizen noticed Samurai's body laying motionless under the car and called for help. Samurai was taken to the vet hospital where he remained for 2 weeks until he was well enough to be released into the warm rescue arms of ARWNY.

Here are Joann Dimon's impressions after taking Sam to her home to foster:

"Upon meeting this approx. 18 month old male Akita I was taken aback, not so much at his appearance but the manner in which he greeted me. This big boy's fur-less tail never stopped wagging because Sam never stopped loving people despite what his owners had done to him. He has never met anyone of any age that he is not overjoyed to see. Samurai passed all of his temperament tests with flying colors and it does not stop there. Sam enjoys the company of female dogs & cats. He is housebroken, but does need leash work which we are working on now with steady improvement. Samurai has since been neutered and brought up to date on his shots; he tested negative on heartworm & Lymes. Samurai is a heavy-boned large-framed male that will need to gain another 30 pounds. You have to see the head on this boy-he is going to be a show stopper once he gets his coat back. Samurai can go to a home with children 10 and older who know how to treat and respect this special breed."

You can only imagine how sick we are over thinking someone would treat an Akita like this -- that anyone would be so uncaring or unthinking to do this to a magnificent Akita like Samurai. So now the hunt will be on to find the perfect, forever home for this wonderful Akita. Are you the special home we can entrust with loving Sam forever??

When the right home comes along....

2010-07-17T15:51:00.000-07:00

its just perfect in so many ways. Like its meant to be -- no hoopla, no panic, no miscommunications. Just sheer perfection and it does our hearts good at ARWNY. We have those -- perfect homes. Homes I often say "Gee, could you adopt ME too?" Homes that are meant to be, for whatever reason, for that particular Akita, at that specific time. For reasons unknown to us, the specifically perfect home for that specifically perfect Akita finds us -- I don't know how, but I suspect it has something to do with all those Akitas up there "over the Bridge" who are looking out for us!!

There are really good adoptions we have done that I will forever be grateful for; many wonderful dear forever friends we have made over the years from those adoptions and I feel very lucky to have them in my life. Some of those adoptions take time, working out particulars and finding just the right Akita, sometimes having to take one back & work with another because it just didn't work or the folks keep on coming back waiting to find the Akita that they feel will work best. Its not that those aren't great homes -- they are and I applaud every single person that ever comes to adopt an Akita thru rescue -- it takes a special caring person to bring home ANY adult Akita and make it work. Every adoption is a good adoption to me, when it works out wonderfully no matter what -- we love every one of our good adopters!!!

But then, sometimes something just falls from the sky when we least expect it, when we are down in the dumps about an Akita that just seems to not have a chance at a home for whatever reason; and you know when that perfect times suddenly happens -- "Geez, I must have been REALLY extra good this month, cause doG just sent me the perfect home for this Akita that we had so little hope for."

No working out particulars, no showing of two, eight, thirteen different Akitas until one clicks. Sometimes out of the blue, with no warning, when the sunlight aligns on our heads JUST right -- someone just walks up to us at a public education function or finds our website on line and says/writes, "I want that old/sick/specific needs Akita right there on that page, he's mine, because he NEEDS ME." No need to meet other Akitas, no need to counsel on what the home will need or if they can handle this specific age/health/needs issue -- they come already saying, "I have already called my vet, discussed with them this Akita's needs. My trainer is on standby to help me with any issues. I have a crate, I work from home/can come home at lunch every day to walk him. I own my own home, have no other pets, my previous Akita had health issues/was old when I adopted him/had specific needs too, and I understand them so no worries."

Sometimes -- the stars just align right. A particular Akita may sit for weeks, months even, making us worry we will never find that perfect home. We get antsy, starting to question how to ever place an Akita with these issues, or this age, or these needs.
Then the clouds part; the perfect home walks in, and our worries are over. Their vet references are over the moon. Their personal references are sterling. Their home check is sheer perfection. Their attitude is just what we wish to always deal with. And best of all - the Akita they want WANTS THEM TOO!!!

Over the years, I have had those homes -- some are etched in my memory; the Akitas and people have become almost legends in my mind. Some of the adopters have sadly passed on, and I like to think of them up there, over the Rainbow Bridge, playing with the Akita they bonded to so magnificently that had so many issues that they were happy to overlook.

And over the years as part of ARWNY, we have been blessed again and again like this. Some special needs Akitas have come to us -- and some equally special HOMES have also just walked out of the blue, fell into our laps and we cannot thank the doGs above enough for sending them our way.

Sometimes, when you get to a point of almost giving up on people, they surprise you. I am glad to be part of rescue, so that my faith in humans, while often tested, gets renewed ever so often by wonderful situations like these special adopters.

You know who you are -- I don't need to mention you by names......just know how much you mean to me!!

4th of July Holiday for us -- NIGHTMARE for our Akitas!

2010-07-04T12:37:00.000-07:00

I like fireworks as much as the next person. Safe, handled-by-professional fireworks set off way far from my house. But for some reason, there is always someone wanting to set off fireworks in the street, late at nite, or even all afternoon if they can get away with it in neighborhoods and mine is no different.

In the past, I've lived so far out in the country at the two different kennel locations that we were never bothered by fireworks. But now we are in a neighborhood where people think that New Year's Eve and 4th of July are their own personal holidays during which every conceivable noise MUST be made.

Last nite, not even 4th of July YET technically, at 11:48pm, someone right in front of my house, set off a string of loud fireworks up and down the street. They went on and on -- I don't know who set them off but of course by the time the police showed up, it was all over, no one caught.

Poor Zeus trembled and hid in his crate. Having lived his whole life in a kennel run in the country, then at the kennel out in the country with ARWNY for the last year, he has never likely heard anything like this. HE DID NOT LIKE IT! And neither did I!
So -- a word to the wise! More dogs become strays during 4th of July than any other time of the year -- because they BOLT FOR FREEDOM when hearing these loud noises!

So peruse a few of these websites and get some good ideas for helping your pet to handle the stress - and to make sure YOUR pet isn't one of the statistics this year:

http://www.krqe.com/dpp/news/environment/pets-at-risk-from-july-4th-fireworks

http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/summer_care_tips_for_you_and_your_pets/keep_your_pet_safe_on_july_4th.html

http://animals.change.org/blog/view/fourth_of_july_fireworks_are_no_picnic_for_pets

On yet another 4th of July note -- PLEASE do not expect your Akita to have fun at family picnics. Heck, I don't have fun at them. But its super unfair to expect that your Akita will want to be around a bunch of strangers who will want to thud him on the head, push him around, eat in front of him, possibly tease him or get in his face with their obnoxious behavior. PLEASE PLEASE leave your Akita at home, safe in a crate or locked house area -- do not leave him outside even in a safe kennel due to the noise factor this holiday. PLEASE if you are having the picnic at your home, DO NOT leave your Akita out with everyone milling around. PLEASE -- strange kids screaming and running around with sparklers or food in their hands is just asking for trouble, in the heat, the humidity and the stress of the day. Even your OWN kids doing that might have a bad reaction from your Akita during this stressful time. I can't begin to tell you how many emails and calls we get during "picnic" season due to nips, bites, growls from Akitas. WHY oh WHY would anyone expect any Akita to tolerate a picnic environment? I will never understand it.

So please for the sake of your Akita's safety -- NO FIREWORKS and NO PICNICS -- allow your Akita to have a safe & secure 4th of July!!

2010-07-02T07:14:00.000-07:00

THE AKITA CLUB OF AMERICA PRESENTS
THE 2010 NATIONAL PARADE

for Rescued Akitas and AKC Title-Holding Akitas

FRIDAY September 24, 2010
Eisenhower Hotel
2634 Emmitsburg Road
Gettysburg, PA 17325

All adopted Akitas are invited to attend!

Prior registration is necessary!!

Go to AKITACLUB.org for more information!

Or email kdewees@hotmail.com

Don’t miss out on this great parade – it highlights our breed in a positive way!!

Inundated with sick Akitas!

2010-06-17T08:23:00.000-07:00

Seems 2010 is the year that ARWNY will be inundated with sick Akitas!! From ARWNY trying to help a puppy in CA that was born with no eyes (Thank you TikiHut for ultimately taking on this pup!) to Polaris from the midwest that we took in due to his neurological/malnutrition issues, to little Piper with the hole in her heart, to our little Sparkle who came to us with a tummy full of gravel (as noted in the X-ray above!!), seizures & pneumonia, it seems our role in 2010 is going to be medical saviors more than any other year recently!! This is of course, in addition to the heartworm cases we have (4), severe Lyme issue cases (2), also Kina who was frozen to the ground for days, chipped out of the ice & requiring extensive medical care for her frozen feet & skin, Big Luna's severe skin issues from neglect, Pixie who is still with us who came in with gunshot wounds, stab wounds & horrible skin issues, and the condition our Rice/Kenja was in from his adopter's lack of care when he was returned to us. Then there are the somewhat healthy rest of the bunch with what now seems like "normal" hypothyroid issues....too many to mention!

There are so many ways today to help dogs -- so many organizations out there willing to give care & treatment, help with medicines, especially here on the East Coast -- that I just don't understand why someone would allow animals to get into the conditions we are seeing in today's modern world.

I find it horrible to think that a puppy would come to us from a VETERINARIAN'S office thru a foster home, with pneumonia, gravel in her tummy & already at 12 weeks put on phenobarbital. Luckily our ARWNY vets are going to be watching her progress very carefully to see if she even needs this very harsh medicine at her very young age, to treat her pneumonia & empty her tummy of gravel. Carla is fostering Sparkle in Phila right now for ARWNY, thank heavens, so we know she is in good hands!

I find it horrible that owners living in PRIME Lyme & heartworm areas, would not give their pets proper medicines to prevent these illnesses nor get them tested yearly. Lyme can cause so many issues in a dog if left untreated -- we are currently seeing those results in two of our long-term Lyme dogs due to their owner/breeder never testing them nor treating them. As for heartworm, we all know if its left untreated, it will kill a dog -- yet recently we have taken in 4 Akitas that were HW positive & their owners/breeders never bothered to vet them at all for this condition. Its so well-known in our area -- yet people still ignore it & don't prevent it.

I find it horrible that a breeder would dump a puppy she bred after labeling him deaf & blind, when in fact, the puppy was so malnourished he was showing signs of neurological damage, not deaf & blind. When ARWNY stepped in with the help of our wonderful new friend DJ Rotter(http://www.chevyshope.org/) out in Minnesota, we didn't know what to expect but we just KNEW we could not leave this puppy if we could help it somehow. Polaris has been adopted by a wonderful former adopter of ours after being fostered by Carla -- but his fate could have been much worse had he not gotten the proper nutrition at the time he did -- why breed puppies if you aren't going to properly care for them in your home? Its a mystery why this breeder dumped this puppy labeling him deaf & blind without even realizing he was starving right in front of her eyes!

I find it horrible that a petstore will sell a puppy with a very significant heart issue to an unsuspecting buyer then refuse to help with the medical treatment. Actually, I still don't understand why anyone would even BUY a puppy from a petstore but that's a whole 'nother story. Piper's condition is very serious and whoever the vets were that initially passed her as "sound" to be transported across the country to be sold in a petstore should lose their licenses. This puppy should never have been ok'd for transport or sale to the public. Luckily for Piper, she ended up with ARWNY so we found her a wonderful home with former adopters who will care for her & give her whatever is medically needed.

There are resources out there today to help -- shelters do low-cost spay/neuter today, most towns hold Rabies Clinics yearly & many towns now also hold VACCINE clinics for other needed shots -- all low cost. Many vets will work with you to give discounts if you need them financially -- just ask. Many shelters have vet clinics associated with them that give low-cost vet care also. There's no excuse today for any Akita to NOT be properly taken care of, medically.

This is prime LYME & Heartworm season, with summer being here so please use monthly heartworm & all-natural flea/tick products to keep your pet from getting Lyme. There is no excuse in today's world for any dog to suffer from heartworms. None. And Lyme can be easily treated if contracted; and prevented safely with all-natural products to keep the fleas & ticks away.

Instead of allowing your Akita to suffer with any diseases or not to give them proper medical care for any reason, check out http://www.petassistancenetwork.com and see if you can find help in your state. You may have to drive a bit -- but isn't your Akita worth it? Or reach out to us in rescue -- we will help you find resources that will allow your Akita to live its life healthy.

No Excuse for This!!

2010-05-01T14:59:00.000-07:00

Here at ARWNY, we trust the adopters we choose to do right by our beloved Akitas when they leave with them at adoption time. We do as much as we can to follow up with our Akitas -- we email, we have a yahoo group for adopters, we hold a yearly Akita Picnic for our adopters to attend, we send out newsletters, we are available 24/7 on email, our website is visible at all times. Yet sometimes -- sometimes we find even with all our efforts, the one of our Akitas falls on bad times without our knowing it. It breaks our hearts, upsets us all so much, and the financial and emotional burden it adds to rescue is inexcusable.

Our little Kenjai was adopted out from the litter we called the "Mommy & Daddy" litter in 2008 -- the two Akitas found together in NJ in the parking lot of a hotel, who would not leave each other's side nor leave the parking lot. We renamed them Mitsu & Shugo. ARWNY took them in, and Mommy/Mitsu gave birth to a very sweet, lovely litter of purebred puppies at ARWNY volunteer Carla Boyd's house. They were lovingly raised for 8 weeks by Carla, and we screened new homes very carefully. As each puppy left, they went with a thick booklet put together for each new home, with tons of help in it, along with all our contact info.

So it was devastating to us to get an email recently from a neighbor of the adopter of Kenjai, saying what bad condition he was in, how thin he was and that he needed to be taken back into ARWNY. Her story was that the adopter didn't have the means to reach out to ARWNY so she did it for her. We rushed into action that same day, contacting the neighbor, then the adopter, to set up a transport up to his region in the next several days so he could come back to ARWNY. Then, in a surprise move, Joann Dimon, another ARWNY volunteer, receives a phone call that next morning at 6am from his adopter, saying "He has to go NOW" and describing a dog that sounded so much sicker than we were lead to believe that we were sure he was on death's doorstep. (Hmmmm one minute we couldn't be reached by the adopter, next minute the adopter called Joann at 6am to demand he leave ASAP????) Our vets at Willingboro Vet Clinic agreed to have him come directly to their clinic and our volunteer Deb Karfs immediately made arrangements to get Kenjai to the clinic that same day despite the distance.

See the picture of Kenjai when he was surrendered back to ARWNY that is posted here? NO Akita adopted out should come back to any rescue in this condition -- there is NO excuse on earth for it, NONE. ARWNY is always available to help, we are ALWAYS willing to do whatever it takes for our Akitas. Once we got his vet records, it was quite clear Kenjai hadn't even been vetted in well over a year; he was sadly lacking for any care, being fed grocery-store dog food and this was NOT a recent situation -- poor Kenjai has been suffering a long time!! Whatever the adopter's excuses, none of them added up -- ARWNY is always easy to reach -- if you can't reach Nancy, you can reach Kathy; if you can't reach Kathy, you can reach Joanne or Carla. The adopter was given our very thick adoption packet, and all contact info was in the package. It was obviously NEVER used. We would never have allowed one of ours to end up like this.

Well he's in our care now and Dr. Larry Wolf at Willingboro Vet can't say enough good things about Kenjai and his wonderful temperament, despite his horrid condition. He is still at the Vet's office, where he has been undergoing tests, being treated medically for a number of issues and we are thrilled to report he is responding well to all the attention he is getting 24/7 from the staff!!

Its disheartening to think that one of the people we trust the most -- our adopters -- could care so little for the Akita they adopted. Its really made me rethink my trust in people. And its made me become even more protective in my feelings about the Akitas in our care. We aren't mind-readers & we certainly can't predict the future to be able to prevent this from ever happening again. But somehow we all need to figure out a way to do just that. These Akitas count on us to protect them and protect them we do -- now we will have to become even more stringent in our methods to find great homes.

You know what -- 2010 is certainly so far showing to be a very sad year for rescue....I can only hope the 2nd half changes my perspective!

April is HEARTWORM PREVENTION MONTH!!

2010-04-21T14:57:00.000-07:00

This month is devoted to preventing a VERY serious and VERY preventable disease called HEARTWORMS that our dogs suffer from when their owners do NOT use monthly Heartworm Preventative.

Heartworm disease is very serious for your Akita to deal with. Its becoming more and more prevelant as owners are looking for ways to cut costs due to financial issues -- medicines like this are the first to go when the budget gets tighter. But if you live in a heartworm-ridden area like the Northeast or the South, you absolutely cannot forgo Heartworm Preventative given monthly!!

Read the following websites -- there is a LOT of good information on each site and they will help you understand this disease a bit better and why its important that you prevent it from happening to your Akita.

http://dogaware.com/health/heartworm.html

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18930598

http://www.critterology.com/articles/wolbachia-and-their-role-heartworm-disease-and-treatment

http://www.adoptarott.net/heartworm.html

http://www.capcvet.org/recommendations/heartwormdog.html

Heartworm infection in the dog induces or may induce pulmonary endothelial damage, villous proliferation, and activation and attraction of leukocytes and platelets due to live worms as well as thrombosis, granulomatous, and villous inflammation due to dead and/or dying worms. Microfilariae appear in circulation 6 to 7 months after introduction of infective larvae. Infection and successful development of heartworm larvae in mosquitoes is dependent on mosquito feeding habits, mosquito longevity, and ambient temperatures. Heartworm infection and/or disease is confirmed or ruled out using laboratory tests, radiography, echocardiography, and/or electrocardiography. These tests may also be used to identify appropriate therapies, monitor the course of the infection or disease, and determine the success of any treatment.

HWs can be prevented. Sadly too many people fail to keep their pets on monthly HW preventative which puts their pets at risk. The American Heartworm Society conducted nationwide surveys of heartworm test results from veterinary clinics in calendar years 2001, 2004, and 2007. Results of these surveys indicated that heartworm infections now occur in areas where they were not previously recognized and some endemic areas are reporting higher numbers of heartworm-positive dogs. And as rescue groups bring in dogs from areas other than their own on a weekly/monthly basis, we are seeing the number of HW positive dogs growing for that reason also. Areas that never had HW previously, now have it in their areas, along with many other diseases we never saw before in certain areas.

In the old days, there was a daily HW medicine known by its trade name of Filarabits or DEC which was Diethylcarbamazine, very easy to use, easy to remember -- you feed your dog daily, you give him the pill daily. But for some reason, they stopped manufacturing the daily medicine and now its only monthly medicine. Personally I wish the daily were still in use, as I preferred it and liked how it worked. However, monthly is now the standard so we use the monthly medicine. ARWNY recommends INTERCEPTOR for Akitas.

Many breeders, to save costs, use the horse wormer Ivermectin. However, there can be very serious side effects of using this wormer due to the inconsistencies of giving the proper measurements needed and the fact that it was never developed for use in DOGS. Its a horse wormer, period. To be safe, use the medicine developed for dogs only -- use Interceptor.

The Akita pictured above came to us with Heartworms, her name is Sacha. She is currently being treated at Willingboro Veterinary Hospital and will be completely healthy when her treatment is completed. The Akita she came in with, Bear, also has Heartworms and also is being treated. Treatment is close to $500 per dog. You can imagine the drain on a rescue group's finances when they have to treat dogs over and over for Heartworms as they come to us. If everyone that owned a dog would simply prevent this disease -- everyone would be better off. The dogs wouldn't suffer, rescue groups wouldn't operate in the red for lack of funds due to treating HW positive rescue dogs, and if the owners keep the Akita safe, they will never have to spend so much money for treatments like this themselves. We get emails asking us to take on an Akita due to it being HW positive by owners who can't afford or aren't willing to spend the money to treat the HW -- had they just kept their Akita on the monthly HW medicine to begin with, it wouldn't be an issue!!

If money is the reason you are skipping or considering skippping your Akita's monthly HW medicines -- consider this instead: Skip that daily coffee at some speciality shop, or skip eating out & cook at home one more night every week, or stop smoking & save your cigarette money, or shop at Target or Walmart instead of department stores, or buy your clothes at TJ Maxx instead of from some designer store -- do anything to save yourself at least $40 per month so you can keep on buying monthly Heartworm medicine for your Akita -- it saves you more money all the way around in addition to keeping your Akita safe!!

2010 AKITA NATIONAL!!!

2010-04-15T10:48:00.000-07:00

This picture is from the Akita National held in KY -- these adopters attended the RESCUE PARADE that day!!! So I posted it here to get you all in the mood!!

PLEASE keep these dates in your head: SEPTEMBER 21 to the 25th 2010. Those are the dates of the Akita National to be held in Gettysburg PA -- http://www.akitaclub.org/

ARWNY is very excited that this very big, very important, Akita-only show is being held so close to us here in our neck of the woods! We want ALL our Akita Adopters to participate -- we want them ALL to consider walking their Akita in the RESCUE PARADE and there will be more info coming -- the date of that parade will be the afternoon of September 24th, 2010. Once the forms are put up, I will post the exact location of the paperwork to be filled out -- no cost to be in the parade and trust me, its SUCH a wonderful thing to have everyone clapping and cheering for the story of your adopted Akita that you are walking around the ring! AND you get a rosette, ARWNY is going to have a bandana for every rescue to wear in the ring and YOU get to feel on top of the world -- where of course, you belong for being a great adopter!!

So please please --- keep those dates in mind and consider coming to the National to see ARWNY, see our great booth, participate in our great raffles & fun things we do ONLY at a National show, and to be part of the BIGGEST & BEST RESCUE PARADE EVER!!!

Did you miss me? Its been a while....

2010-04-14T18:29:00.000-07:00

but here I am, back with some new thoughts and hopefully some things for you all to seriously think about!!! Hope you like this picture of our Taki -- he's in a great home in NJ and I just love this photo that Joann Dimon took of him!!

Right off the bat for my first blog since my 2nd knee surgery, I'd like to discuss something serious -- after hearing of a friend's dog (not an Akita) that died after ingesting too much chocolate, I'd like to put a list of foods NOT to allow your dog to have -- in any amounts, up here as a blog for you to have -- print it off, put it on your refrigerator! Better to be safe than sorry, eh?

Then I will do some other blogs later in the week about Akitas, about puppies, about adoption, about some things very upsetting and other things very wonderful, I promise!

So for now -- here is a list of things to AVOID to keep your canines safe:

Potentially Fatal Foods for Dogs

Grapes and Raisins. These contain an unknown substance which can cause acute renal failure in some dogs. Even a handful could cause death. Dogs have died after ingesting 0.41 to 1.1 ounces per kilogram of body weight. (1 kg = 2.2 lbs.) Early symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea, followed by signs of kidney failure starting about 24 hours after ingestion, which may not be noticeable for the first 3 to 5 days. If you notice your dog ingested grapes or raisins, seek treatment immediately. It is unknown why some dogs seem not to be affected at all, while others react to a small amount and die. "Grapeseed extract" is safe for dogs, and is used in dog foods as a rich source of powerful antioxidants called proanthocyanidins.

Chocolate and Cocoa. Theobromine is a methylxanthine compound similar to caffeine, but only 25% as effective as a stimulant for humans. Both can be fatal to dogs and birds. Do not let your dog ingest types of chocolate that contain the highest levels of Theobromine, which are pure cocoa powder, baker's chocolate, and dark chocolate (in that order), since ingesting even smaller quantities may be toxic. Just two ounces of baker's chocolate can kill a small dog! Be aware that cocoa bean mulch used in gardens may get eaten by dogs, and it also contains high levels of Theobromine (300 to 1200 mg per ounce). Ingesting over 9 ounces can kill a 50 pound dog. Early symptoms of chocolate toxicity are: hyperactivity, sudden excitement or "manic" type of behavior, muscle tremors, rapid heart rate, and increased urination - similar to an overdose of caffeine in humans. If chocolate or caffeine ingestion was observed, inducing vomiting within two hours may help. Get veterinary treatment IMMEDIATELY, for ingesting a high dose can cause death within 12 hours. See more details below.

Caffeine. Ingesting caffeine raises a dog's heart rate to a dangerous level, and has been known to cause seizures, and sometimes death. Early symptoms of caffeine ingestion occur quickly and include: hyperactivity or excitement, rapid heart rate, muscle tremors, and increased urination. Note that coffee beans, instant coffee powder, coffee grounds, guarano beans, tea, "energy" drinks, weight loss pills, colas and many clear and colored soft drinks contain high levels of caffeine which can affect a dog's central nervous system and heart. (Colas and soft drinks also contain way too much sugar, which could cause pancreatitis, or could contain Xylitol which is also toxic to dogs.)

Later symptoms of caffeine ingestion are: vomiting, restlessness or hyperactivity, muscle tremors, heart palpitations, and even death. Give lots of water and take your dog to the vet immediately. Note that both caffeine and nicotine are narcotic drugs which affect the brain and nervous system, and less than a drop of pure nicotine or caffeine could kill a large human or dog as quickly as a heroin overdose.

Nicotine and Tobacco. Nicotine found in cigarettes and cigars or their butts, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, nicotine patches, and nicotine gum can be fatal to dogs, cats, birds - and human babies - if they are eaten. Early symptoms of nicotine ingestion may appear within an hour, and include: hyperactivity, salivation, panting, vomiting, and diarrhea. Advanced symptoms include: rapid heart rate, muscle tremors or twitching, muscle weakness, collapse, coma, and cardiac arrest. Give lots of water and take your pet to the vet immediately.

Alcohol. When a dog ingests alcohol it can cause disorientation and lead to injury, sickness, urination problems, or even coma or death from alcohol poisoning. Just one ounce can sometimes be lethal. Alcohol is present in beer, ale, hard cider, wine, liquor, spirits, liqueurs, vodka or rum "cooler" drinks, vanilla extract, and some herbal tinctures. "Denatured" alcohol used to fuel fondue and food warmers is a deadly poison to dogs, cats and humans.

Nutmeg. This is a brownish spice often used in eggnog and mulled cider. It affects the central nervous system of dogs and may cause tremors or seizures. If larger amounts of nutmeg are ingested it can cause death (in humans too).

Raw Salmon and Trout. These two tasty fish can be infected with a parasite called Nanophyetus salmincola, a type of trematode worm which itself is often infected with a type of bacteria known as Neorickettsia helminthoeca that only affects canines, not other animals. Dogs can show symptoms such as: weakness, loss of appetite, vomiting, swollen glands, and fever - and 90% of untreated dogs die. Thorough cooking kills the both the worm and the bacteria. Note that sushi may contain raw salmon.

Raw Eggs. RAW chicken and chicken eggs can be infected with Salmonella bacteria which cause food poisoning in dogs and humans, and cats are the most susceptible. Symptoms of Salmonella poisoning include: fever, diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Egg yolks are generally safe, but raw egg whites contain a protein called avidin which can deplete your dog of biotin, one of the B vitamins (though some research indicates that it would take large quantities of egg whites to cause this condition). Symptoms of biotin depletion are: weakness, hair loss, retarded growth, and deformity of the skeleton.

However, cooked eggs are safe, very nutritious, and make a fine doggie treat. Thorough cooking at a temperature above 180 degrees Fahrenheit kills Salmonella bacteria and destroys its toxin, so hard-boiled eggs make a safe and healthy dog treat.

Peanuts and Sunflower Seeds. These, and peanut butter, are not normally toxic. But the sunflower seeds or peanuts and particularly the hulls are too often contaminated with Aspergillus fungus mold that produces Aflatoxin which can cause liver damage and death for dogs, the mammal most sensitive to Aflatoxin poisoning. Field corn and wheat are also very frequent hosts for this toxic mold that is especially deadly to dogs and birds.

Levels of Aflatoxin too low to harm pigs or people can be fatal to dogs and birds, who are the MOST sensitive to it. Even the U.S. FDA "acceptable" concentration of aflatoxin contamination in peanuts fit for humans - a maximum of 20 ppb - may not protect your dog. Note that cooking can kill the fungus, but will NOT deactivate any of the poisonous aflatoxin which it may have already produced. Thus feeding sunflower seeds, peanuts or peanut hulls to a dog may seem too much of a risk for Aflatoxin Poisoning.

Moldy foods. If it's a mold like Aspergillus which produced aflatoxin it can be severely toxic or fatal to dogs.

Cooked Chicken Bones. Raw chicken bones are flexible and not usually a problem, but when cooked they get brittle and can splinter into sharp little daggers that tear your dog's throat or intestines. Some other types of cooked bones like ham, pork chop, pork ribs, and veal can also get brittle and may pose a danger to your dog. Feeding RAW, uncooked bones like chicken necks and beef knuckles are the safest choice, and may help clean plaque from your dog's teeth. Rawhide "bones" sometimes cause choking when hard pieces break off, so keep an eye on your dog while he chews them.

Corn Cobs. When swallowed in chunks can lodge in your dog's throat or intestines, with sometimes fatal results. Do NOT feed your dog corn on the cob or allow access to corn cobs. Also note that dogs cannot digest corn, and it may cause a food allergy. Corn is also a frequent host for the white fungal mold that produces aflatoxin which is deadly to dogs.

Raw Bread Dough and Bread-making Yeast. The yeast which causes bread and pizza dough to rise will ferment and expand and produce alcohol in a dog's warm stomach, which can cause alcohol poisoning, disorientation, discomfort, vomiting or unsuccessful attempts at vomiting, bloating, and even rupture of the intestines - even in small amounts, since the raw dough expands to many times its original size. Small dogs are most at risk. If a large amount was eaten or you see the stomach swells significantly - a condition called "bloat" - EMERGENCY TREATMENT is necessary. Do not waste time! Get your dog to the vet right away, because bloat can quickly cause serious problems and even lead to death. See more on "bloat" below. ("Brewers Yeast" is different than baking yeast, and is a safe nutritional supplement.)

Raw Cookie Dough or Cake Mix. The baking powder which creates carbon dioxide gas bubbles to expand the cookie or cake mix can create gas in the warm stomach and intestines of a dog which eats the unbaked mix. The expansion of the raw mixture can cause flatulence, discomfort, and bloating. Ingesting large amounts could possibly cause a rupture of the intestines, so in this case, inducing vomiting as soon as possible may help. If significant swelling of the stomach or "bloat" has occurred, take your dog for emergency treatment IMMEDIATELY!

Fruit pits. The seeds, stems, and leaves of apples, apricots, cherries, peaches, pears and plums all contain cyanogenic glycosides - which can produce cyanide poison when metabolized in the dog's body. While these glycosides are not harmful to humans, some have the potential to cause vomiting and loss of appetite in dogs and cats. Ingesting large amounts can cause these symptoms: dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, hyperventilation, weakness, staggering - or even shock, coma, and death. The flesh or pulp of these fruits is not toxic and can safely be fed to a dog.

Apple Seeds, Stems and Leaves. See Fruit pits above. The flesh of the apple fruit is safe, and many dogs love to eat apples. Just remove the toxic stem and pips. Keep stored apples out of reach of your dog, who may eat the whole apple with stems and seeds.

Potatoes. The starchy white flesh inside raw or cooked potatoes is not harmful, but potato skins which are still green and any green sprouts or "eyes" contain the alkaloid solanum which is poisonous to dogs and humans. You should store raw potatoes out of reach of your dog, for they often grow little green sprouts which are toxic if the dog eats them. And don't let your dog get at potato peelings from the garbage bin.

Avocado. The fruit, leaves, and bark contain a toxic compound called persin - especially in the skins - which can damage the heart, lung and other tissues of a dog. If larger quantities are ingested, the high fat content of avocado fruit can trigger vomiting or even lead to pancreatitis, so keep your dog away from guacamole dip made from avocado. Symptoms of avocado ingestion include: difficulty breathing, enlarged abdomen, and abnormal fluid accumulations in the chest and abdomen and around the heart. The hard pit inside is also toxic, and can cause choking or intestinal blockage if swallowed.

Mushrooms. The mushrooms normally eaten by humans are safe, but feeding mushrooms to your dog might encourage your pet to eat wild mushrooms which may be poisonous enough to cause sickness or even death. If your dog goes outside, you should remove all wild mushrooms in your yard, and don't let him eat any mushrooms he may encounter while on a walk or hike with you.

Milk & Dairy Products. About 50% of dogs, like some humans, are lactose intolerant, i.e. unable to digest Lactose, which is also called "milk sugar". Their bodies do not produce the enzyme lactase which can break down lactose. This can cause stomach cramps, gas, foul smelling excrement, and diarrhea. Cheese, cottage cheese, and plain yogurt (with no sugar added) contain less lactose, so most dogs can tolerate small amounts of these dairy foods which many dogs love as a treat. Note that cow milk is quite often contaminated with aflatoxin produced by Aspergillus mold, but at very low levels considered safe for humans. Yet that level may be unsafe for canines, who are MUCH more sensitive to this poison than any other mammals.

Onions and Garlic. In dogs, cats and other mammals, ingesting large quantities at once or the continual consumption of raw onions, garlic, chives and leeks (members of the Allium family) which contain thiosulphate, can cause red blood cells to rupture and result in Heinz-Body Hemolytic Anemia. Ingesting 2.5 grams of dehydrated onions per pound of body weight causes hemolysis and anemia in dogs, especially in Akitas and Japanese Simbas. Small puppies have died of hemolytic anemia after being fed human baby food containing onion powder, and it can make kittens sick. Garlic has a lesser effect than onions, and only larger amounts of garlic cause problems. To stop eating onions and garlic can reverse the anemia.

Baby Food. Do not feed human baby food to puppies, especially if the formula contains onion powder or certain vegetables in this list. Refer to "Onions and Garlic" above.

Broccoli. This vegetable is nutritious for dogs in small amounts, but if the amount exceeds about ten percent of their daily food intake the substance isothiocyanate can cause gastrointestinal irritation.

Tomatoes and Rhubarb. The stems and leaves contain oxalates, which can cause bladder stones.

Xylitol. This natural-source sweetener is often used in sugar-free candy and gum. Eating large amounts can cause a drop in blood sugar for dogs - but not humans - which can lead to weakness, staggering, and other symptoms of hypoglycemia). A sudden drop in blood sugar could result in loss of coordination and seizures, sometimes less than 30 minutes after your dog ingests enough Xylitol.

Macadamia Nuts. Eating as little as six nuts can cause elevated body temperature, accelerated heartbeat, anxiety, weakness, muscle tremors, and paralysis of the hindquarters of a dog, which usually ends in a few days. The cause is not known.

Walnuts. Eating walnuts can cause gastroenteritis in dogs

All tree nuts. These nuts contain high levels of phosphorus which can lead to the formation of bladder stones in dogs. Tree nuts like Brazil nuts, pecans, pistachios, and walnuts sold for human consumption are often contaminated with very low levels of poisonous aflatoxin from Aspergillus mold which the U.S. FDA considers safe for humans. Yet that same low concentration may be toxic to dogs and birds, which are the animals MOST sensitive to this poison.

Turkey Skin or Ham Fat. Any high-fat meal can cause acute pancreatitis in dogs that have a fixed diet like commercial dog food and are not used to high-fat foods like these. Symptoms of pancreatitis include vomiting and pain in stomach. Emergency treatment is needed.

Liver. Eating this animal organ is safe and nutritious in small amounts. But it contains high levels of Vitamin A, and ingesting large amounts or feeding liver to a dog already receiving Vitamin A supplements can lead to Vitamin A toxicity (hypervitaminosis A). Feeding your dog three servings of raw or cooked liver a week could lead to bone problems. Symptoms of hypervitaminosis A are: weight loss, anorexia, deformed bones, and excessive bone growth on the hocks and spine. If untreated, hypervitaminosis A can result in death.

Deli Meats. Processed and smoked meats such as sausages, pastrami, prosciutto, pancetta, pepperoni, bacon, and various "cold cuts" contain high levels of sodium and nitrates which may cause kidney and digestive problems in dogs.

Tuna fish. Canned or cooked tuna which has been deboned is a nutritious food and a good source of Omega 3 fatty acids, but much of the tuna caught in the ocean is now contaminated with unhealthy levels of Mercury. A steady diet of tuna can lead to a build-up of Mercury, which is toxic to dogs and cats and humans. Albacore or "white" tuna contains the highest levels of mercury, as do shark, swordfish, and king mackerel. Lower levels are found in the "light" type of tuna fish, so avoid "white" and choose "light". Tilapia and salmon are fish with low levels of mercury, but uncooked salmon can be toxic to dogs (see "Raw Salmon" above).

Carrots. Many dogs love this vegetable as a healthy treat that also helps clean a dog's teeth. But be aware that carrots absorb more pesticides from the ground than all other vegetables, which is why farmers often plant a carrot crop to remove excessive pesticide build-up in the soil. It would be safer to feed your dog (and yourself) organic carrots grown on farms which use no pesticides at all.

More on Chocolate... Compared to cocoa or dark chocolate, milk chocolate contains much less Theobromine - which is similar to Caffeine but only about 25% as potent as a stimulant. Cocoa powder and dark chocolate actually provide many health benefits to humans, but Theobromine can cause cardiac arrest in dogs since they simply lack the enzymes necessary to metabolize quantities of Theobromine in excess of 100 to 150 mg per kilogram of the dog's body weight. It can also cause pancreatitis.

So you should avoid feeding your dog cocoa powder, bakers chocolate, or chocolate candies, or leaving them where your dog might find them and eat a large quantity. Ingesting sufficient amounts of chocolate can be fatal to a dog. Occasionally sharing a SMALL quantity of MILK chocolate (like a few "M&M" candies) as a treat is not likely to harm your dog, but the smaller the dog, the less chocolate it would take to kill your dog. And feeding chocolate will condition your dog to seek and eat chocolate. "White chocolate" contains little real chocolate or Theobromine, for it is made from cocoa butter, but it is very high in fats and refined sugar. Remember to avoid using cocoa bean mulch for landscaping or gardening, because your dog may be attracted to the taste and ingest a potentially dangerous dose of Theobromine.

Rescue knows no boundaries..

2010-02-14T13:28:00.000-08:00

luckily, so that when we have a situation in Minnesota needing our help, we have the volunteers who say "just tell me when to get on the plane to help". And we have people willing to donate miles to defray the cost of the plane trip. And we have rescue people in that part of the world willing to help with saving the life of a special little boy!!! Its what makes doing rescue with ARWNY so wonderful -- we have such a devoted group of people willing to help in almost every way possible -- without them, we couldn't do all we do here to help the Akitas in need!!

It started out by ARWNY being contacted by a "breeder" about a puppy she bred that she stated was deaf and blind. Carla Boyd contacted her back immediately asking for more info. Carla, who is very involved with the blind dog organizations since she owns a blind Akita, Pawlee, wanted very much to help this pup who was only 5 weeks old when we were contacted. Seems others closer to her were not wanting to save a deaf and blind puppy; but while we knew this would be a challenge, Carla felt she was up to the task.

Then the "breeder" (btw, I use the term breeder VERY distastefully because she is obviously NOT an ethical nor educated breeder by any standard) writes back that she had already dumped this little guy on a sanctuary, www.thesanctuaryforanimals.com in MN because she no longer wanted to deal with him.

The wonderful lady that runs the Sanctuary, DJ Rotter, was happy to care for this little boy, naming him Polaris and taking him immediately to her vet for consultation. It was found he was starved, dehydrated & probably has cerebellar hypoplasia http://www.upei.ca/~cidd/Diseases/nervous%20system%20disorders/cerebellar%20hypoplasia.htm but most likely only partially deaf and not blind!! Now, I still wonder how anyone that is breeding dogs cannot know a puppy in their care was starving, not feeding correctly nor getting hydrated carefully enough? That alone makes me sick -- but her continued correspondence with Carla in which she calls herself a good breeder who does NOT intend to stop breeding nor feels there is anything wrong with her breeding program is the worst part -- she will continue doing breedings and we wonder how many other poor puppies will suffer in this way?

Anyway -- it all has a happy ending for this one puppy -- Polaris will be coming to us here at ARWNY as soon as our volunteer Deb Karfs flies out to bring him back to ARWNY -- if he has any neurological issues as he grows a bit, we can work on them through our army of wonderful vets, trainers and behaviorists. We have a geat home lined up for him already with lots of Akita experience to foster him, our wonderful Heather & her new hubby Julius along with big sister Tasu. So with Carla's help & experience with this disease and Heather's wonderful care, this pup will be in fine hands!! Once he is here and thriving, I will post more including updated pictures of the little guy!!

*****NOTE**** I may be off line for about a week, due to having my right knee replaced on 2/19/10 but will post more about this baby as we get to know him better!

2010-02-08T19:43:00.001-08:00

Its freezing cold in many places in the USA today. Has been for weeks. Below 32 degrees most nites, with snow and or freezing rain covering the ground. So can you imagine yourself sleeping outside, without any shelter, a huge chain connecting you to a wall or a tree stump, nowhere to get out of the cold wind, rain or snow?

Well that's the fate of many dogs out there today. Not just Akitas -- but many breeds -- breeds whose coats cannot handle the cold weather as our Akitas often can. Dogs should not live on chains. Dogs should be inside with their families, being loved and cared for as the family members they are meant to be.

Dogs on chains suffer in many ways -- not just physically but mentally too. Dogs on chains have no socialization, no chance to know love and kindness. Dogs on chains become frustrated, territorial and fearful.

Here is a link to a very sad situation that could have been avoided had this dog not been on a chain:

http://www.kmov.com/news/local/7-year-old-girl-mauled-by-dog-during-snow-ball-fight-83829752.html

Speak up if you know of a dog living on the end of a chain -- call your local shelter, leave a note in the owner's mailbox. Call Tammy at http://www.dogsdeservebetter.com/ and find out what you can do to help or ask her for help with a certain situation.

By not doing anything, it makes you as bad as the owner in a smaller way -- by turning our backs on a situation like this, it lessens our humanity. Please please speak up -- and always make chained dogs a priorty when voting for upcoming legislation because the right politicians can make a difference in getting laws upheld, changed and updated to prevent this kind of animal abuse.

2010-02-03T09:57:00.000-08:00

When those special, wonderful great adopters come along, they work miracles! Spirit (on right side above) sat in rescue with ARWNY at his foster Mom's place (bless you Greta!) for a year. He was a "real" Akita, and he was a long coat -- not so much demand for either one -- everyone today wants those "Labs in Akita coats" pretending to be REAL Akitas but actually more like silly Labs than Akitas, looking like Akitas but acting pretty much anything but. Yeah, we all want easy, right? Luckily, not everyone because Spirit got VERY lucky the day Linda did some checking on the internet to find just the right male Akita for her home -- he had to be a REAL Akita and he had to be a LONG COAT!! Well Linda spent months making sure Spirit was the right boy for her thru ARWNY, and after a home check, reference checks & her visit to PA to be sure all the way from her home in CA, Spirit knew he had found a home. Read this wonderful email from Linda -- she has made 2010 a better year already for me!!

Hi -

Just wanted to let you know that Spirit (new name 'Tenjin', which is the Japanese translation for the word 'spirit') is doing just great in his new home with me in the San Francisco area!

He has adjusted very well, and now has adapted to 'house rules' and a routine - he is such a smart dog! It is very evident that Tenjin was raised well by his previous owner, and continued to do well under Greta's care over the last year. Tenjin is now accomplished in all of the basic obedience commands (he still needs work on his 'stay' command, but we're working on that). We walk twice a day, with long hikes on the weekends. He loves meeting new people - and everyone praises him on how handsome he is!

Tenjin gets along very well with my female Akita (Yoshi). By the end of the 2nd week, the two of them no longer needed to be separated and now play together all the time. Yoshi has accepted him fully, and is very helpful to me in teaching Tenjin, as he copies her every move (he is sooo smart!).

I could not have asked for a better addition to my family - Tenjin has indeed found his forever home with me. Thanks to you both for taking such great care of Tenjin over the last year and for not giving up on him - he is a pleasure (he is the sweetest boy - but fierce when he needs to be!).

Here are a few pics of Tenjin in his new home with me and Yoshi - enjoy!

Best regards,
Linda
-------------

Thank you Linda -- for giving this special boy a warm place in your heart forever!!

2010-01-31T15:09:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of an Akita with a disease known as VKH-like Syndrome or UDS. Uveodermatoglogical Syndrome (UDS) is an immune-mediated canine disease characterized by inflammation of the eye, depigmentation of skin and whitening of hair. Morbidity is related primarily to the eye inflammation, which can result in secondary ophthalmologicl disorders that lead to blindness.

UDS is similar to the human Vogt-Koyanagi-Haradi Syndrome, (VKH) which is characterized by uveitis (inflammation of the eye), poliosis (whitening of hair), vitiligo (depigmentation of skin) and a variety of neurological symptoms. Unlike VKH, however, UDS does not normally present with neurological symptoms. This disease is known to be more common in Northern Breeds such as Akias, Sibes and Samoyeds.

Because the eye disease has the serious outcome of blindness in most cases and the skin disease is secondary (but serious also), focus is usually on the eye disease. As with other autoimmune diseases, the primary goal of therapy is to suppress the body's immune response with large (potentially dangerous) doses of systemic glucocorticosteriods such as prednisone. To prevent blindness, on-going immune suppression is needed and more potent drugs like Cytoxan, Azathioprine or Imuran are used if steroids fail. Continued topical treatment is also needed, usually with steroid-containing eye drops or steroid injections. Controlling eye pain may also be required. In cases where vitiligo has occurred, protecting the affected areas of skin with sunblocks may be needed to prevent the sunburn and squamous cell carcinoma that may follow.

Prognosis is poor overall. Even vigorous therapy may not control the situation. The biggest worry is the damage to the body that the treatment may cause. We in Akitas already know the dangers of overuse of prednisone and its dangers to our breed's temperament in addition to the dangers it poses to the Akita's body. In addition, UDS Akitas suffer as a result of this disease with infections on their skin, in their eyes, etc. Is it fair to allow them to suffer just to keep them alive for our own desire?

This poor Akita above came to ARWNY in this horrid condition, suffering from it his whole life. His sire had it and yet was used in a breeding program. Then his son, this poor boy above, followed suit -- being bred despite this pain, this suffering he was living with. Any puppies he has produced are now all at risk for this horrid disease.

Please recognize diseases like this before allowing them to get to this point -- because no dog deserves to suffer as this poor Akita has his whole short life -- with interdigital cysts that were infected and oozing pus, with skin infections throughout his chest and entire head, with blindness, with inflammation of his eyes causing him severe pain. Please do NOT breed affected Akitas carrying diseases like this and if you know of Akitas being bred that do carry diseases like this, please please be brave enough to report them to the Akita Club of America or to any local Akita Club or Dog Club that the "breeder" may belong to, or at the very least, try to convince the "breeder" to not continue the breeding program. The future of our breed depends on healthy Akitas with good temperaments being the ones bred; and anyone that owns one, breeds one, shows one or knows of one is equally needed to do the right thing for the future of Akitas.

Transporting / Stealing

2010-01-19T13:45:00.000-08:00

I want to discuss transporting a dog for rescue here. With the advent of the social networking on the internet, many new people are coming out of the woodwork offering to help with both transporting dogs and fostering dogs. Big problem -- they don't get it, don't understand what we do in rescue, why we do it and how it has to be done. They read about rescue, they suddenly are sure they want to help and then cause big heartaches and headaches for rescues when they pull some stupid stunt.

Here's an example of what I'm talking about: Recently a rescue in New England asked for help in transporting a small dog from a shelter to a foster home they had all lined up. A person jumped up on the internet & said "Yes, I'll do it." This person had transported for another rescue before, so was deemed reliable and trustworthy. What happened was this -- the transporter got to the shelter to pick up the small dog, decided on the way to the foster home that she "might know someone that wanted this dog" and just took the dog home with her. KEPT IT. Won't return the calls from the rescue, refuses to turn over the dog she kept.

Now, there are legal issues here to be considered. First, shelters that release a dog to a rescue do so on legal contracts, stating the RESCUE is now the legal owner of said dog. If the tranporter insteads KEEPS the dog, then they are, by all legal standards, guilty of stealing the dog. No different than if they broke into the rescue's own home, stole the dog from the living room and kept it. STEALING is stealing. IF this dog now bites someone, or runs away & shows up at a shelter (microchipped) or gets into a fight with another dog, the rescue is liable. Yet the rescue doesn't even have the dog. The transporter does.

Rescues don't have tons of money to spend to file lawsuits to get the dog back -- which is what people like this count on.

No rescue goes out on the street to drag people in to volunteer with them -- people offer their help, want to volunteer, come to the rescue and say "Hey, let us help you!"
And rescues are happy for the help -- many rescues out there even pay for costs incurred like gas, tolls and even lunches for transporters. All the paperwork is decided on, set up & legally taken care of, between the rescue and the shelter ahead of time. The transporter simply shows up at the shelter at a designated time, picks up the paperwork and the dog and leaves for the foster home.

So now I'm wondering -- why do people offer to help then cause more issues like this? Why does someone think they have the right to steal a dog from a rescue and keep it or rehome it themselves? Why bother to offer help at all if instead you do nothing but cause serious issues?

The legal issues here just astound me -- I guess I just don't understand why someone would think its ok to steal a dog -- anyone's dog but especially a rescue dog owned by the rescue?? Sadly this isn't even the first time I've heard this -- I've heard stories of people doing it before but now its hitting close to home. And another case happened just last week with someone else in rescue who's rescue dog was kept by the transporter. WRONG, its WRONG to do this.

Have things gotten so out of whack in this world that this is considered by anyone to be an "ok" thing to do??

It is hard enough to do rescue correctly when it all works well and runs smoothly. But to have to deal with this just isn't right. I sincerely hope the dogs in these situations end up in the right hands and that these people STOP thinking they know so much more than the rescues do and STOP thinking its ok to steal a rescue's dog. And I hope that the rescues pursue this, and publicize the people who do these kinds of things.

Its been raining....

2010-01-15T23:21:00.000-08:00

Akitas that is. Suddenly out of nowhere, Akitas in groups are showing up in need -- where are all these original breeders and why are so many Akitas showing up in need? Where is the culpability -- with the owners or the original breeders? Who is to blame for all these Akitas in need?

We were notified of Winter & Lovey when their owner supposedly was moving -- do I sound skeptical? -- and couldn't take care of them anymore. Its doubtful they were ever being taken care of, considering they both are now being treated for Heartworm disease & Lyme disease, in addition to poor Winter's bad arthritis and ear infections. Both are with ARWNY now, at "Chez Dimon" and doing well despite their ages. The owner, when asked, couldn't remember where he got them or who their breeder was. Seems convenient to be that forgetful... ???

Then we were contacted by the Cumberland County SPCA about 2 Akitas, a male and female in need of rescue. After contacting the shelter, we found out there were several other Akitas also confiscated from this "owner" and brought to the shelter that had to be euthanized due to temperament issues. These 2 are the only ones that had good temperaments and deemed safe to be rescued. Joann Dimon, our volunteer extraordinaire, is evaluating them tomorrow so we can see if they will be rehomeable -- then they will come to us in rescue. Where did they come from to begin with and who sold this disreputable person these Akitas to breed & treat so badly?

Now, 3 more Akitas from an "owner" have been surrendered -- this time up in Bergen County SPCA. Katie, who is 6, is a lovely fawn Akita who is reported to be very sweet. Kathy is a 4 yr old dark female who is a bit shy. Maximus is a 1.5 yr old male Akita who is also reported to be sweet if somewhat confused. This "owner" surrendered them due to moving again. Once again, who sold a person like this these Akitas to begin with? And why aren't they keeping in touch with their puppy buyers? Oh, I guess once they have money in hand, there is no need to care about the welfare of the lives they bought into the world. As for owners -- everyone is moving, it seems. And no one wants to take their Akitas with them.

Most likely - the truth is that the bottom has dropped out of the Akita puppy market and selling puppies is no longer the cash-cow it once was. So people are now dumping these Akitas rather than feeding them. They certainly weren't bothering to vet them, socialize them, or care for them either. But what about the original owners -- why isn't anyone caring enough to follow up on the Akitas they brought into the world? Is it that hard to do a once a year follow up? I think not -- if RESCUE can do it, so can breeders.

Then there were 2 sisters turned into a shelter in MD -- one was adopted but the 2nd one, Princess, that is coming to ARWNY, has possible juvenile cataracts coupled with another health issue called nystagmus. Their "owner" I suspect was also their breeder -- unable to sell the last two from a litter, they grew up together and were terrified at the shelter. Obviously no health checks were done on the parents and of course, the owner is not being held liable for anything since he surrendered both girls. And these are only a few of the many doubles, triples and more that are showing up all over the country in shelters. Rescue is overwhelmed, underfunded, and just simply tired of trying to do other people's jobs - mainly taking care of Akitas bred by those who should be held accountable.

Then add to that -- all the single Akitas we see daily in shelters. Akitas with no history we can trace, no way to prove where they came from, no info on the intake forms - just "moving" or "no longer can afford" or some such nonsense.

Just today, a show breeder's Akita (who was confiscated from the home the Akita was sold to several years ago), was all over the news when he got loose from the person trying to transport him to get him to a rescue facility. The big question should be: why wasn't the show breeder picking up this Akita - yes the show breeder was aware, yes the show breeder could have been the one to rescue this Akita, yes the show breeder had offers of help to get the Akita to her state; but eventually she just ignored the situation & others had to step in to save this Akita from being unfairly put to sleep. What is happening when even the supposed "good guys" aren't helping our breed?

Its so sad what is happening to our noble breed.

I've long been known to lay the blame for Akitas in rescue on the shoulders of the owners who let these Akitas down, who did not do their research, who did not care enough to continue to love them until their time came. But lately, I've been getting increasingly disgusted with the attitudes of these "breeders" who just shrug off any responsibility, as if bringing these puppies into the world was enough, they didn't have to do anything more. Well sorry folks, but yes you do -- from "womb to tomb" as the saying goes. The good breeders knock themselves out to stand by their puppies, then the lackadaisical breeders bring on the bad headlines, which then lumps them all together linking them by that one word: BREEDER.

Again -- this breed has given so much to those that own them, yet where is the loyalty from the humans in return whether from those that bred them or those that owned them? Its sadly lacking and appearing to be disappearing altogether....

She said, he said...

2010-01-13T05:44:00.000-08:00

I thought I had left high-school behind. You know, those days of "Someone said that they were told you said something about me" kinds of days. The whisper down the alley days of childhood -- after all, I'm close to being eligible for social security so playing those games is long gone in my life.

But seems others are still playing them and have no problem accusing someone of saying things that they didn't say. They have no proof, can't even name who told them, yet run and accuse without any evidence. Seems like guilt to me -- got something to feel guilty over maybe, so of course you would jump to the conclusion if someone said something about you, it must be mean or degrading? What, no proof anything was said but just had to accuse anyway? Wow -- seems like you have a lot of guilt on your plate you need to get rid of.

Hearing someone said something about me, I'd like to assume its something nice first and foremost -- after all, I'm nice (honest I am!!) so of course people would want to say nice things about me, right? If you keep positives around you, then more positives will be attracted to you -- good karma and all that stuff.

So here's a tip -- next time you hear that "Someone is talking about you" -- how about assuming its nice things and moving on? Isn't it about time we stop spreading the negatives and concentrate on the positives? That's my life philosophy -- no more room in my life for negatives -- cancer and bad knees is all the negatives this ole' lady can handle these days!!

Contracts

2010-01-09T02:56:00.000-08:00

See this Akita to the left? Obviously, this Akita was sold by the breeder to the wrong person. And obviously, this Akita is suffering for it. He has lived his life chained up outside, with no vet care for years. He is suffering now from a myriad of diseases. Where is his breeder? How did he end up like this? Why was there not a contract preventing this kind of life for this poor Akita?

Recently a situation happened in another state involving an Akita who was resold by someone without the breeder knowing about it. The Akita bit, and now the breeder is being blamed for many things. My thought -- the contract wasn't strong enough or else when she found out the dog was about to be rehomed several months BEFORE the bite, the dog would have been back in her hands and never resold. But the person who had the dog wasn't the least bit worried about being sued or following the contract -- because she got away with this type of crap before so she figured she could again -- because the breeder never scared her enough with a tough contract to begin with.

Rescues have tough contracts -- at least they better have or they won't be doing rescue for very long. ARWNY's contract has teeth -- strong teeth, good solid molars with canines to protect it!! We can and have used our contract to force the return of an adopted Akita to us. So I'm failing to understand why a breeder would have such a mild contract that no enforcement like that can be made?

I went online this week and started to read as many breeders' contracts as I could find. Its amazing to me how many of them do NOT address very real issues. Issues like not allowing the dog to be resold, not allowing the dog to be tied out, chained up, kept as an outside-only dog, to notify if moving & give new address & phone #, to do training, to not allow any abusive situations to befall the Akita, etc etc. They use wording like "Please contact us when/if you resell this dog so we can have first right of refusal." WHAT? No, it should read "You cannot rehome this Akita at any time. This Akita must be returned to us if you are unable to keep it." That is how you protect yourself and the Akitas you breed/place. That is how you make someone realize you mean business. Words like "should" and "hopefully" or "please" have no place in a breeders' contract -- yet I saw those words over and over. I saw tough wording about showing but nothing tough about actual living situations that would prevent bad things from happening. I was frankly shocked. And greatly saddened.

Also, how many breeders do actual checks on the people they are selling their dogs too? How about home visits, vet checks, trainer checks, personal reference checks, employment checks? I can't begin to tell you the people we have weeded out before adopting to by doing all this ahead of time. Breeders could easily ask for help in an area they aren't close to for a home check, drive bys, photos -- or else reconsider shipping a puppy across the country if they don't actually know who they are selling to!

People today will say and act any way they know will get them what they want -- so its important to have an air-tight contract, to have a full set of checks in place before allowing any Akita to leave your property. Have it all done before the Akita leaves -- be sure the contract is tight, that checks were made into their personal lives & their dog-owning lives/experience, the home visits done by people you trust if you can't do them yourself. Make sure the people know you mean BUSINESS, that you will take them to court if this Akita is NOT handled correctly. Do not be so worried about finding just ANY home that you let people do whatever they want once the Akita has left your property -- if that's happening, then you are breeding too much with too little care for the breed.

I am constantly surprised in today's world, by breeders who tell me "Well, I didn't make them sign anything because we were friends." Well guess what -- when the friendship is over, its the Akita that will suffer. Good luck then, watch your reputation get trashed. And using a half-hearted contract is just as bad. Do NOT believe a person who tells you that a contract is not worth anything -- it is and you can enforce them -- its just that no one bothers anymore. You must use a contract and you must threaten to enforce it. Its amazing what a lawyer's letter will get you -- and if it does NOT get you what you need, then follow thru with a lawsuit. If you placed the dog, its your responsiblity for the life of the dog!!

Two Seniors are coming!

2010-01-08T06:45:00.001-08:00

Lovey and Winter will be coming to ARWNY on Sunday. They were rescued in CT by Kim Holmes & have been staying at a kennel there until we had room at "Chez Dimon" in NJ. It was just discovered that they unfortunately suffer from Heartworm and LYME. Yet despite not feeling well and even with Winter having an ear infection, Kim their "foster mommy" in CT, has reported these two are special loving Akitas who are still enjoying life and both are affectionate and playful despite their ages of 9 and 11. She reports that Lovey especially has discovered the joy of toys -- playing happily with any toy given to her, throwing it in the air, running around with it in her mouth. Considering the hard lives these two have lived, its doubtful they had toys previously but now, in their senior years, they are enjoying them. We suspect we know who their breeder was that dumped them; the man who surrendered them had them living in a kennel area of his yard with no shelter, no dog houses, nothing but the frozen ground to lay on. Poor Winter, age 11, especially suffered with his arthritis but Lovey, age 9, did the best she could to keep him warm and shield him from the wind with her body. What a loving couple they are -- better than most human couples I know, eh? We could learn a lot from our Akitas' examples, folks!

Now there may be people who would ask -- why take on dogs this age when there are so many younger ones out there in need of a home? We ask ourselves daily this question yet the answer is always the same -- we do discriminate about Akitas with human aggression issues, with unprovoked bite issues -- but we cannot discriminate against Akitas with such great personalities due to their age. As long as they have quality of life -- and both do -- as long as they are healthy enough to enjoy life -- they are - then we feel we can work with them to find them a loving home who will let them live out their lives happily and safely. I'm considered a senior citizen and I would hope no one would want to throw me out the door based on my age (well Jenn probably does often but she never follows thru!) so how can I discriminate against an Akita due to age? We will treat the HW gently, take care of the LYME, clear up Winter's ear infection -- but now what we need is a permanent adopter or even a permanent foster home for these two loving sweet Akitas.

For a look at them and to read their stories, go to:

http://akitarescuewny.com/AvailableAkitas/ARWNYavailable/availabl.htm

Fun Video!

2010-01-03T12:59:00.000-08:00

I created a fun video of Akitas enjoying Christmas -- so hopefully you enjoy it!!

I intend to expand it and have dozens more pictures but for now, this one is fun!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUoYCNUo9sw

Tis cold, windy & yet still...

2010-01-03T12:27:00.001-08:00

ARWNY has managed to get some wonderful Akitas adopted!! Some great amazing homes have come along -- the type of homes that understand the older Akitas (Like Athena above who was adopted just yesterday!) need homes also, and the other type of homes that are willing to do the training necessary for success with these youngsters that we have in our care.

Its easy to bring home a well-trained, well-behaved middle-aged dog -- that walk right in as if they lived there for their entire lives.

But to those fabulous adopters who are willing to give an older Akita the remaining few years of its life a great home, there is a special place in my heart. I love the older Akitas - so sad at having lost their homes in their twilight years, so willing to bond to someone who will love them for the rest of their lives, however short that may be. While its always hard to lose our beloved pets, giving of your home and love to an older Akita despite knowing you won't have many years with that Akita is a very special thing to do --so thank you anyone that does that!! I will never own anything but a senior these days myself!! I just love the dignity, the intellect, the sudden bursts of playfullness followed by complete calm that we have with our seniors! To those who have never adopted a senior - try it, you may find you like it!

And also to those willing to put up with the antics of the young adults/pups in rescue -- bless you also! I am SO over the "isn't he/she cute" antics of puppyhood -- but lately that seems to be all we get in rescue - either oldies or babies!! So to those willing to go thru the housebreaking, the crate training, the obedience work necessary, thank you so much! You will end up with a great pet for many years to come if you just have consistency, patience and discipline -- obviously what their original owners were lacking which is why they ended up in rescue to begin with!!

I am very hopeful for 2010 -- so far, we are off to a MUCH better start with our adoptions and applications than this time in 2009!!

So keep on spreading the word about adopting to all your friends and family out there! And another way for us to reach the public is if all Akita breeders across the country would have a link to the nearest Akita rescue to them, or to the ACA Akita Rescue webpages http://www.akitaclub.org/rescue/resgroups.html so potential homes could see it and consider a rescue. Just as rescue often refers adopters to puppy breeders due to certain needs in the home, so too should breeders refer to rescue when a potential home could and would take on a young adult!!

Lets hope 2010 keeps on being this good to our Akits in rescue - may they all find great homes and not wait very long, sad, distressed and silent, for a 'furever' home to come along!

Happy New Year 2010!!

2009-12-31T11:14:00.000-08:00

May 2010 put a smile on every Akita's face like the one above!!
May 2010 be a wonderful new year for everyone that owns & loves Akitas!!
May every Akita needing a home in 2010 find their way safely to a rescue to be matched up with the right forever home!
May every person that has helped our breed in any way find 2010 to be a properous & healthy new year!
And to all my ARWNY family of friends & volunteers -- May 2010 be the most blessed & happiest of new years for all of you!!

I am already truly blessed to have you all in my life!!

2010 is here!

2009-12-30T10:44:00.000-08:00

Anyone else remember when that date was considered "science fiction" -- so far in the future that we couldn't even fathom it? Yet here it is -- and its another new year with another chance at doing things even better than before!

So use this year wisely, everyone -- don't squander it. Each passing year makes me realize, we can never have that year again, so each new one has taken on more and more special meaning to me.

Think up --- make 2010 the best year ever!!

The madness never ends...

2009-12-28T16:33:00.000-08:00

I can't believe the Eagles, my local football team, voted Michael Vick as the 2009 winner of the Ed Block Courage Award

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/Vick_wins_Ed_Block_Courage_Award.html

Now, even if you take my feelings about anyone who fights dogs out of this discussion, you have to still wonder WHY Vick was given this award especially given his cowardice in handling his whole life up to NOW?

Can anyone tell me what courage it took for him to don a uniform, take a million dollars and go back to playing the sport he wants to play without ever really apologizing or taking measures to make amends for what he did? Yes he went to jail -- on racketeering charges. He went to jail -- and was treated like a hero while in there because he was a STAR and people in jail didn't take what he did to be anything that horrible. He should be made to spend the next 50 yrs of his life having to give 2 days a week at a shelter picking up poop and washing dogs as an addition to his punishment.

I mean really -- how courageous was it to go back to playing football? In fact, he should have had to pay the Eagles to take him on as a player, considering the harm he did to his former team and the slap in the face he gave to the NFL Commissioner when he bold-faced lied to him about not having anything to do with dog-fighting -- its obvious that TEAMWORK and LOYALTY mean nothing to this man. And shouldn't an award about courage in the face of adversity be adversity you didn't cause YOURSELF by being selfish, greedy and vicious?

Take away my outrage over the dogs he killed, maimed and tortured. How about how he lied to his teammates, tried to pass the blame on to other people; how about the shame he bought to his fellow players, his family, to the sport of football itself? And how about his acceptance speech for this award -- still all about ME ME ME and I, I, I -- the other teams' award winners gave wonderful speeches about what team spirit and helping others meant to them -- Vick instead said "I've had to overcome a lot, more than probably one single individual can bear." All of your making Vick, no one's fault but your own!

And more about ME ME ME: "Take a look at what I've been through. You ask certain people to walk in my shoes, they probably couldn't do it -- probably 95 percent of the people in this world. Because nobody had to endure what I've been through.."
The arrogence, the selfishness of his comments show he hasn't changed at all, has no remorse for what he did and the same smugness is still part of his personality. No humility at all.

I know football players aren't known as the smartest group of people -- but come on, surely a whole team should have had more sense than to vote for this loser to win this award. There had to be so many better options!

Once again, I am ashamed of the Eagles. First for bringing him to my hometown; second for making a hero of him by giving him an award for courage -- a word that should not be used in the same sentence as the name Michael Vick.

One small victory that does make me happy however -- the passing of tougher dog fighting laws here in NJ:

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/20091228_Tougher_dog-fighting_laws_proposed_in_NJ.html

Even LESS tolerance for animal-abusers/dog-fighters like Vick in MY state now!!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

2009-12-24T07:25:00.001-08:00

May the blessings of the season extend to every one of you and my fervent hope is that 2010 is a wonderful year for all of us -- especially for our wonderful Akitas!!

Hope you enjoy the picture -- I love it when our adopters and other Akita owners send us fun photos of their Akitas!! So enjoy!!

Fleas Navidad Nibblers

2009-12-20T16:24:00.000-08:00

Here is a fun recipe to make for all your doggie family members for the Holiday -- hey, you bake for your human family, so go ahead and bake for your doggie family too!

My dear high school friend Judi Giangiulio sent it to me -- she has 3 rescued dogs of her own, her daughter is a vet tech (and owns her own bakery! HOW COOL!) and also has three rescued dogs of her own so its a very rescue-oriented family down there in Austin Texas -- no Akitas yet but I'll work on her....HA!!
Here you go -- and her directions at the bottom are for making them into mini-muffins:

Fleas Navidad Nibblers

2 Tablespoons honey
2 3/4 c. water
1/4 c. unsweetened applesauce
1/8 teas. vanilla
1 egg

dry ingredients:
1/2 c. chopped peanuts
4 c. whole wheat flour
1 Tbl. baking powder
1 Tbl. nutmeg
1 Tbl. cinnamon

350 deg. oven
In a bowl, mix honey, water, applesauce, vanilla and egg.
In another bowl mix peanuts, flour, baking powder, and spices.
Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir, mixing well. Spoon into greased muffin tin, filling each cup 2/3 full.

Bake 35 minutes
Store in sealed container. Makes 16 muffins

Kathy; the recipe is for regular sized muffins, but I make mini ones. Cut the baking time to around 15 to 20 minutes for mini. Do not forget to grease your pans; these will stick if you don't. Hope they enjoy them as much as my babies do.

HACHI the movie

2009-12-16T23:03:00.000-08:00

Well it appears after all has been written, agonized and panicked over, the movie HACHI with Richard Gere as its star, has been relegated as going straight to video instead of having its opening nationwide on 12/18/09 as previously reported.

We may all wonder why it went right to video -- I heard it was over legal dispute over distribution/viewing rights -- but it definately does avert what could have been a potential issue for our breed. While the movie did not target kids the way BEVERLY HILLS CHIHUAHUA did or 101 DALMATIANS also did, it still would be viewed by a large population who may have gotten the wrong idea about owning an Akita.

The biggest worry I had with people seeing the movie was that people may think allowing an Akita to run loose ANYWHERE is a safe bet. Allowing an Akita to run around a town off leash should surely make any viewer realize "Oh this is just a movie" but sadly it would make many idiots out there in viewer land feel they could get an Akita and let it do what Hachi did -- run loose in the streets without a leash. What a bad idea! But of course, if that didn't happen, there would be no movie -- as Hachiko the original Akita in Japan that the story is based on, would not have gone to the train station every day to wait for his master if he was leashed up and behind a fenced in yard! So leashed Hachiko equals no story about Hachiko!

But Akitas don't do well with being unleashed -- too many distractions, too strong a prey drive, to heightened a sense of dominance which most often leads to not coming when called. Too much of a potential for disaster -- so no Akita should ever be off leash unless in a secured area.

While I am looking forward to seeing the movie for many reasons (the biggest reason now being that I know Forrest, one of the adult Akitas used in the filming; that's him in the picture at the top of this page!) I am also rather secretly happy it will not be out for general viewing in movie theaters. Anything we can do to stem the tide of unwanted Akitas washing up on our doorsteps all over this country is a good thing.

But when it does come out on video, I will most certainly buy a copy. I own the Japanese version of this movie and it makes me cry just thinking of the beauty of the story, the Akitas in the movie, and the message it sends. The American version I am told is also beautifully done and has the same strong message about love, loyalty and devotion between man and dog. Definately a story worth telling and seeing.

Its Thanksgiving...

2009-11-25T18:36:00.001-08:00

and I'm thankful for everything this Thanksgiving. For my related family who stand by me no matter what I put them thru; for my rescue family who work tirelessly to help me save all these Akitas; for our adopters who make our work possible and take on our rescued Akitas to give them a forever life like they so richly deserve. I am thankful for everyone who supports us and works hard for us; and I'm so thankful for this wonderful breed of ours, the Akitas that make all our work worthwhile (like Katsu pictured here!)!! And most of all, I'm just thankful I am still here, able to be helping with rescue and starting to enjoy life once again.

What are you thankful for this year?

Holiday Safety Tips -- PLEASE READ!!!

2009-11-20T09:47:00.001-08:00

I found this great list on the internet, so rather than re-write it, I'm just going to post it here -- its FABULOUS ADVICE for the upcoming holidays to keep your pet safe -- read it in its entirety, its well worth the read:

* Many holiday plants can lead to health problems in dogs and cats. Among the plants to keep out of reach are holly, mistletoe, poinsettias and lilies.

* Snow globes often contain antifreeze, which is poisonous to pets.

* Pine needles, when ingested, can puncture holes in a pet’s intestine. So keep pet areas clear of pine needles.

* The extra cords and plugs of holiday lights and other fixtures can look like chew toys to pets. Tape down or cover cords to help avoid shocks, burns or other serious injuries. Unplug lights when you are not home.

* Anchor Christmas trees to the ceiling with a string to keep it from falling on pets.

* Do not let pets drink the holiday tree water. Some may contain fertilizers, and stagnant tree water can harbor bacteria. Check labels for tree water preservatives and artificial snow, and buy only those that are nontoxic. Some folks use screens around trees to block access to electrical cords and gifts.Very important: do not put aspirin in the water (some folks do this thinking it will keep the tree or plant more vigorous). If a pet ingests the aspirin-laced water, his health or even life can be at risk.

* Pets, particularly cats, can be tempted to eat tinsel, which can block the intestines. Hang tinsel high and securely to keep it out of reach of pets.

* Keep other ornaments out of reach of pets. Ingestion of any ornament, which might look like toys to pets, can result in life-threatening emergencies. Even ornaments made from dried food can lead to ailments. And remember, shards from broken glass ornaments can injure paws, mouths and other parts of the body.

* Put away toys after children open their gifts. Small plastic pieces and rubber balls are common causes of choking and intestinal blockage in dogs. Ingested plastic or cloth toys must often be removed surgically.

* Avoid toxic decorations. Bubbling lights contain fluid that can be inhaled or ingested, snow sprays and snow flock can cause reactions when inhaled, styrofoam poses a choking hazard, tinsel can cause choking and intestinal obstruction, and water in snow scenes may contain toxic organisms such as Salmonella.

* Keep candles on high shelves. Use fireplace screens to avoid burns.

* Hi-tech shooing: A timely product I’m not sure I’d recommend, but if you have any experience with it, let me know. The StayAway canister from Contech Electronics uses a motion-detection device to sense when a pet approaches some off-limits area (countertop, table-top, candles, fireplace mantel, holiday tree), then activates a burst of compressed air and a one-second warning screech.

Other low-tech methods: place sticky mats, crunchy aluminum foil or bubblewrap on or around the area … tie balloons around the area … put some pennies in empty plastic drink bottles and balance the bottles on the bottom branches of the holiday tree or plant so that they’ll noisily tip over if a cat or other pet jumps at or on the tree.

* Holiday guests and other activity can be very stressful and even frightening to pets. It can also trigger illness and intestinal upset. Make sure pets have a safe place to retreat in your house. And make sure they are wearing current I.D. in case they escape out a door when guests come and go.

* Reduce stress by keeping feeding and exercise on a regular schedule.

* Always make time to care for your pets. Some folks get lax about walking their dogs, and a few resort to letting pets out on their own. This puts the animal in danger, while also leading to nuisance complaints and dog bite incidents. Remind pet owners not to take a holiday from responsibly caring for their pets.

* When pets are stressed by holiday activity or during travel, they may require more water. Dogs typically pant more when they feel stressed. Keep fresh water available for them to drink.

* Rescue Remedy, a Bach flower essence available in most health food stores, is a natural stress reliever that many folks keep on hand at home and in travel kits. It can often help both people and animals recover from injury, fright, illness, travel fatigue, chocolate ingestion and irritation. Put a few drops in the dog’s water bowl or portable water container. For stressed or injured animals, rub a drop on their ear or put a drop on the towel in their crate or carrier. Flower essences are free of harmful effects and can be used along with conventional medicines.Another safe, nontoxic Rescue Remedy-like product is Animal Emergency Trauma Solution, available from www.greenhopeessences.com, where you can also get Flee Free to combat fleas nontoxically.Other flower essence sources include anaflora.com and perelandra-ltd.com.

* Do not let guests feed your pets human food. There are many holiday foods, including fatty meats, gravies, poultry skin, bones, chocolate and alcohol, that can cause illnesses from vomiting and diarrhea to highly serious pancreatitis and other toxic reactions. In addition, candy wrappers, aluminum foil pieces and ribbons can choke pets.

* Keep pets away from gift packages as well as your gift wrapping area. Ingested string, plastic, cloth and even wrapping paper can lead to intestinal blockage and require surgical removal. And pets have been severely injured by scissors and other items left on floors and tables.

* Keep pets away from the garbage. Use pet-proof containers.

* If you suspect that your pet has eaten something toxic, call your veterinarian and/or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s 24-hour emergency hotline at 1-888-4-ANI-HELP.

* If your pet ingests glass, broken plastic, staples orother small, sharp objects, call your veterinarian.In the meantime, you can give your dog supplemental fiber in the form of whole wheat or other high-fiber bread, canned pumpkin or Metamucil, any of which can help bulk up the stools the help the foreigh material pass through the dog’s digestive system. Dosages depend on the size of the dog. For Metamusil, try a teaspoon for a small dog, a tablespoon for a big dog. For pumpkin, feed one-quarter to two-thirds of a cup. Some folks recommend feeding the dog cotton balls to help pass the foreign objects, but others in the veterinary field caution against this since cotton balls can compound the problem.

* By the way, now is a good time to double-check smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and other safety devices and replace batteries. Safety, of course, is the key reason — but here’s another good reason. When batteries run low, the devices often emit alert or alarm sounds at frequencies that can be painful and frightening to many pets. If you’re not home when the alert/alarm sounds, your animals will have to endure that sound until you return, which can be traumatic. So always keep fresh batteries in those devices.

■Holiday sweets with chocolate are not for pets. Depending on the dose ingested, chocolate (bakers, semi sweet, milk and dark) can be poisonous to many animals. In general, the less sweet the chocolate, the more toxic it could be. In fact, unsweetened baking chocolate contains almost seven times more theobromine as milk chocolate. Vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, hyperactivity and increased thirst, urination and heart rate can be seen with the ingestion of as little as 1/4 ounce of baking chocolate by a 10-pound dog.
■Keep your pet on its normal diet. Any change of diet, even for one meal, may give your dog or cat severe indigestion and diarrhea. This is particularly true for older animals that have more delicate digestive systems and nutritional requirements. Boiled or grilled meats and fresh vegetables can be offered as a healthy alternative.
■Don’t give pets holiday leftovers and keep pets out of the garbage. Poultry bones can splinter and cause blockages. Greasy, spicy and fatty for spoiled foods can cause stomach upset and moldy foods could cause tremors or seizures.
■Alcohol and pets do NOT mix. Place unattended alcoholic drinks where pets cannot reach them. If ingested, the animal could become very sick and weak and may go into a coma.
■Keep aluminum foil and cellophane candy wrappers away from pets. They can cause vomiting and intestinal blockage.
■Be careful with holiday floral arrangements. Lilies are commonly used and many varieties including Tiger, Asian, Japanese Show, Stargazer and Casa Blanca can cause kidney failure in cats. Safe alternatives can include artificial flowers made from silk or plastic.
■Common Yuletide plants such as mistletoe and holly berries can be toxic to pets. Should a cat or dog eat mistletoe, they could suffer gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. Holly can cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and lethargy if ingested.
■Poinsettias are over rated in toxicity. They are considered to be very low in toxicity, however, they could cause mild vomiting or nausea if ingested by your pet.
■Christmas tree water may contain dangerous fertilizers, which if ingested, can cause stomach upset. Stagnant tree water can also act as a breeding ground for bacteria and if ingested a pet could end up with nausea and diarrhea.
■Decorate your tree with animal safe ornaments such as dried non-toxic flowers, wood, fabric or pinecones. If ingested, ribbons or tinsel can become lodged in the intestines and cause intestinal obstruction. This is a very common problem with kittens.
HOLIDAY FOODS & BEVERAGES THAT ARE TOXIC TO PETS

■Alcoholic Beverages: Alcoholic beverages can cause alcohol poisoning. If ingested, the animal could become very drunk and weak, may become severely depressed or may go into a coma.
■Yeast Dough: Uncooked yeast dough, if ingested (most cases are with dogs) can rise in the stomach and cause severe pain. Pets who have eaten bread dough may experience abdominal pain, bloat, vomiting, disorientation and depression. Since the breakdown product of rising dough is alcohol, it can cause an alcohol poisoning. Many cases like this require surgical removal of the dough. Even small amounts can be dangerous.
■Chocolate (bakers, semi sweet, milk and dark): If ingested, chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, hyperactivity and increased thirst, urination and heart rate. This can be seen with the ingestion of as little as 1/4 ounce of baking chocolate by a 10-pound dog. Chocolate poisoning does not seem to be a problem in cats, although it is possible if enough would be ingested.
■Nicotine: Tobacco products can be fatal to dogs and cats if ingested. Signs of nicotine poisonings often develop within 15 45 minutes. Symptoms include excitation, salivation, panting, vomiting and diarrhea. Muscle weakness, twitching, depression, coma, increased heart rate and cardiac arrest can follow.
■Coffee (ground, beans, chocolate covered espresso beans): Contain caffeine which is a stimulant and depending on the dose ingested, stimulation, restlessness, increased heart rate, tremors, or seizures could be seen.
■Macadamia Nuts: Macadamia nuts can cause muscular weakness, depression, vomiting, disorientation, tremors, abdominal pain and muscle stiffness in dogs. The effects can last 1-3 days. This has not been reported in any other species.
■Grapes and Raisins: The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is aware of recent reports of dogs alleged to have developed kidney failure following ingestion of large amounts of grapes or raisins. There has also been one case of renal failure occurring in a cat who ate raisins. Veterinary toxicologists at the APCC are currently investigating these cases in an attempt to determine the causative agents or disease processes. At this time the exact role of grapes or raisins in these cases is unclear.
ALWAYS Be Prepared !!!!Your cat may become poisoned in spite of your best efforts to prevent it. You should keep telephone numbers for your veterinarian, a local emergency veterinary service, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435) in a convenient location. If you suspect that your cat has ingested something poisonous, seek medical attention immediately.

eBay Auction!!

2009-11-18T09:53:00.000-08:00

It’s Holiday Auction time on Ebay for ARWNY! Shop now and save the rush of Black Friday! Purchase your Holiday Cards and save the headache and gas of making a trip to the store!

Some of the items we have listed up for auction are:

-5 different design holiday cards – all professionally printed and gorgeous. You won’t believe the quality on these cards. They come in a pack of 15 cards – 1 design per pack.

-The ever-popular Italian charm bracelet featuring laser etched akita images. Available in silver, gold, or a silver/gold combo. These are an ARWNY exclusive!

-Corian cutting board in the shape of an akita head. This is another ARWNY exclusive!

-7 different akita mug designs. All mugs have 2 fabulous full color akita pictures per mug and are a large 15 oz. These are heavy duty mugs and are even dishwasher safe! Yet another item exclusive to ARWNY!

All the items up for auction can be found at: http://shop.ebay.com/akitarescuewny/m.html

Its all about the money....

2009-11-16T09:48:00.000-08:00

when you do rescue because without MONEY rescue can't function. In this time of economic trouble, donations have dwindled for all of us in rescue -- we are all hurting yet we are having more and more Akitas in need of homes than ever before.

So, since I am well-known to NOT be of much help when it comes to fund raising (I spend it, Ms. Nancy tears her hair out wondering how to get more, then I just spend it again because food, vets and boarding all cost money, eh?) I decided to try my hand at something with Ms. Nancy's blessing. This past weekend, I sat at my computer and taught myself how to use CAFEPRESS and ZAZZLE. Don't laugh -- for a computer-challenged dolt like me, it was HARD WORK!!

But I finally did it and I put all the designs my son did for us recently along with some older designs we love, up on both sites so you can order away, get something for the money and we get a portion for our rescue work!!

http://www.cafepress.com/akitarescuewny

http://www.zazzle.com/kathydnj

Of course, we still have our ARWNY store which has the biggest selection of our items -- but do check out the two other sites and let me know what you think!!

And be kind -- I'm still learning so if you have any suggestions, I'm willing to hear them and learn but if you just want to tell me I'm a boob & have no clue what I'm doing, don't hurt my feelings -- my physical therapist does that on a weekly basis & I have to PAY her to hear that! *SMILE*

Rescue work.....and common sense....can they mix?

2009-11-15T12:28:00.001-08:00

There has been a lot of discussion on the internet about a very sad situation with a little pitbull named OREO who was at the ASPCA in NY. I won't go too much into specifics but you can read the story here:

http://www.aspca. org/pressroom/ press-releases/ 111309.html

I will say this -- after 5 months of daily working with this little pit, who was so horribly abused by her 19 yr old owner (may he never have another moment's sleep or peace!) it was decided her human fear aggression issues were too severe to allow her to be safely rehomed. It had NOTHING to do with her breed, as the ASPCA saves thousands of pitbulls & rehomes them. It had NOTHING to do with BSL. It had EVERYTHING to do with her having "triggers" that incited aggression, with having no bite inhibition when it came to humans due to her fear, her abuse. I don't blame her, the story broke my heart, & I felt nothing but sadness & pity for Oreo. But I also would NOT have placed her with another rescue, in a sanctuary or in a new home. I know a dangerous situation when I see one.

The big hue & cry is that she should have been sent to "sanctuary", or to a no-kill facility or to another rescue, because many rescues were just SO SURE they could do what this facility failed to do after 5 months of the best possible behavior help available. Herein lies the problem for me -- I guess because I have too much common sense to just think that would have been a nice easy solution.

First, the term NO-KILL is a misnomer (wow I'm full of big words today!)because no shelter is truly NO-KILL despite what they say. Use your common sense -- if they truly did NOT kill ANY animal surrendered, how long do you think it would take for them to be TOO FULL to take in any more dogs until all these unplaceable dogs died a natural death? So, what they mean is, THEY don't kill the dogs themselves -- they just send them elsewhere to have it done for them. Hence, no such thing as a true no-kill shelter.

As for sanctuaries -- there are a few in this country with huge amounts of land, with big money behind them, that are well-run and can hold out hope for a VERY select few dogs that are social with other dogs but possibly not with humans. These dogs can be given big areas to run & play in together as a pack situation, with shelter, where no human has to come into direct touching contact with them; just goes in to feed, water & clean the big area, big enough so the dogs can move around & not be handled. Now, use your common sense again here. If every human-aggressive-but-social-with-other-dogs dog was sent to these places, how quickly would they fill up -- my educated guess is -- OVERNITE. Then once again, they would be full, have no room, so would be unable to take any MORE dogs to help since they are truly no-kill. So, in reality, they take very few new pets, they are very selective in who they take, and they don't get in over their heads. Those are the well-run places, of which there maybe only 4 or 5 in the whole country.

Then there are the poorly run but wonderfully advertised places with big-names & big advertising campaigns who make themselves out to be the wonderful saviors of THE SPECIFIC DOGS THEY PUBLICIZE no matter what its issues, that are called no-kill facilities also. What happens there is this -- pets that are human aggressive end up in a cage for the rest of their lives there while the other unknown/unadvertised pets that never got publicity go to a kill facility so they have room here. Unable to be held, petted, loved, touched, the ones they keep live in daily fear of the humans that must open their cage, rabies-pole them to get them to move so they can clean the run, feed them, water them. The poor dog is a prisoner, no contact with other pets & unable to be handled by humans. My common sense tells me, this is INHUMANE. I've been to some of these places -- some are BIG NAME, big money-makers and people donate to them without ever visiting them to actually SEE what goes on behind closed doors. Easier to donate than to actually SEE what happens, that's what our society is all about -- help from a distance & don't get your hands dirty. These places are inhumane and I will not ever allow any Akita in my care to be condemned to hell at places like this. Yet daily, weekly, monthly, I see people saying "Why wasn't such & such a place contacted to help this dog?" It drives me crazy.

Dogs sit in local shelters, dying for a home, yet posters all over the internet are working their butts off to save a dog 2,000 miles away -- then rescues from 2,000 miles away offer to take THAT one dog to save it, when dogs just like it are dying less than 2 miles away from their back door. Where is the common sense in that? Why has it gone down the drain? Common sense says -- if there are 100 dogs sitting in your local shelter & you have room, you help one of them. You don't go 2,000 miles away & spend time, HUGE money and effort to bring in one from across the country. When you do that -- it means a dog next door is condemned to death.

Can common sense work in rescue? When I started in rescue, it was what everyone I was associated with, who did good rescue, had in huge quantities. Lately I'm starting to think its gone the way of the Dodo bird -- its becoming extinct!! Common sense tells you to help those dogs close by that take less money, less time & can be helped safely & humanely, to get them into homes so less dogs die for lack of space in that same facility. Or common sense says, if you have room, take a dog in from one county over if there are NONE in your local shelters that you can help. But now -- now we have dogs from the south being brought to the north to fill our shelters, even from Mexico & Puerto Rico to become "unwanted" in the north, to force dogs FROM the north to be euthanized for lack of space (I know b/c I had to RESCUE an Akita brought as a puppy up from Puerto Rico who was adopted out then RETURNED unwanted to a northern NJ shelter b/c the rescue group that brings up these puppies doesn't take back "adults"!).

We have well-meaning but definately ill-conceived notions that a rescue from one part of the country should expend thousands of dollars in transport money, time & space to bring in a dog from another part of the country when exactly the same breed of dog is sitting in the HUNDREDS in their own state. I would never let an adoptable Akita near me die so I could bring in one from the south or any other part of the country. I have taken in Akitas from other areas but in doing so, NO local Akita to me died for that lack of space.

Sadly I do have to decide which Akita we can help sometimes when faced with two we need to consider -- the one with 6 bites on its record who has become so used to biting humans that it has become second nature & will NEVER be safely rehomed or at the very least, will sit for a year or two in our rescue waiting for just that ONE home up on a mountain with no company, no visitors & no other family who could possibly live with his issues -- or the sweet one further away that has bite inhibition & will be safely rehomed without biting someone just for the heck of it. Thats when common sense intervenes saying "you know exactly which Akita you need to save!" But if faced with saving two Akitas with the same issues from different areas -- I will always opt for saving the one in OUR region that I can help locally. I will not risk someone being bitten transporting a bite case, scaring the dog by sending it from driver to driver to get it to us here. Common sense prevails.

And worse, we have people who figure that EVERY DOG can find a home despite common sense saying "a dog that bites humans is NOT a safe dog to rehome when thousands of NICE dogs are dying all around you." Some dogs are just not safe to ever rehome -- period. Like it or not, there are psycho dogs out there - dogs so badly damaged that they cannot be safely rehomed. Just like with humans, dogs can also be mentally damaged beyond repair.

I was taught to do rescue using common sense factors. I had great mentors with great common sense. Yes my heart used to tell me to do one thing but my common sense intervened & helped me do the right thing. Of course I cry like a baby when I know I have to make a decision that means an Akita will have to be humanely euthanize. But I would cry even more & probably loose my mind if I let an Akita I KNEW had human aggression issues go to a home & it ended up hurting someone.

So in this case listed above, after carefully reading the whole story, I feel the ASPCA did the responsible thing, and humanely let Oreo go "Over the Rainbow Bridge" never to fear humans again, never to suffer or go crazy or feel terrified of something a human might do to set her aggression issues off again. I feel that is our responsiblity as rescuers. I feel that is common sense. In this case, I feel the ASPCA used commone sense. They gave her 5 months of rehab & behavior work. Most dogs in shelters get 5 days.

Lets all start using a bit of common sense & realize there are many more who are the same breed as OREO who perhaps CAN be quickly rehabbed b/c they aren't so badly abused to hate ALL humans, and lets concentrate on them. Lets look to our local shelters to see just who we can help locally. Lets pull that ole' common sense back out of the moth balls where its been hidden lately & start to use it in the rescue world. Lets spend what limited funds we all have in rescue wisely, on dogs that CAN be saved, on dogs that CAN be rehabbed and not waste it for months on end on dogs that are too badly abused to be salvaged or to transport dogs across the USA when we have dogs JUST THE SAME AS THIS ONE sitting locally begging for the chance to be saved. There needs to be more common sense in rescue work -- doing rescue work with your heart only does NOT work in today's world. Put your heart in 2nd place and let your brain be in first.

Oreo, run & play "Over the Rainbow Bridge" and hopefully you have found the humans there with you are kind, gentle & sweet so that you can start to love human beings. I am glad you are no longer scared, sad nor aggressive any longer.

The Nationals!!

2009-11-07T09:15:00.000-08:00

We are back from a week in St. Louis MO to attend the ACA Nationals. What a fun week even if we froze, got rained out, had to stand in floods and lost out on a lot of shoppers due to the weather! It was still a great week!!

First, huge thanks to Ms. Nancy, her wonderful friend Ms. Jackie who doesn't even have Akitas but comes to Nationals to help us out, to my wonderful daughter Jenn who knocked herself out, to Deb & Chris Karfs for driving out & helping us all week. They did all the work - decorated the booth, redecorated every day after when the rain and wind caused issues. They schlepped the stuff from the hotel back & forth (and up and down stairs as our hotel had NO ELEVATOR!)and they packed the van up at the end as well as helped load up the ARSF booth to help Kathy Stoudt!! The gals were troopers -- laughing the whole week, making jokes and being upbeat despite the weather and other issues we ran into. I love these people -- they are the reason I love doing the Nationals every year!

Add to that, we get to see a lot of great friends -- people we only see at the Nationals because of distance. We got to have dinners with good friends, spend the evenings at either meetings or with other good friends and nothing is better than getting to be with friends!!

This year's Parade of Titleholders (that includes the Rescue dogs) was fabulous!! They brought back the music and as a surprise, had the agility dogs show off their skills -- what a fun thing to watch!! I didn't get to see much of the show due to my health and other times being at the booth but this I did get to watch -- hats off to the ACA for making this so much fun to watch! And hats off to the new ACA President Mike Bennett (those who attended the AKITA PICNIC got to meet him!) for speaking up and making a very impassioned speech about rescue -- you rock Mikey!

All in all, while the 15 hr drive out each way was a bummer, it was great to be able to be there this year -- we missed last year's National and I hate to miss any National!! Its a good way to keep Rescue in everyone's mind, a good way to connect to those that donate to us all year long and a great way to meet up with friends!!

Next year's National will be in Gettysburg PA -- I will be writing a lot about that in upcoming months, as we want to have a LOT of ARWNY rescue dogs marching in that Parade of Titleholders so be prepared -- the date for the parade should be Sept 24, 2010 but I will check to be sure.

Here is the info for the 2010 National:

September 21-25 2010

Eisenhower Hotel
2634 Emmitsburg Road
Gettysburg, PA 17325

1-800-776-8349 Or 1-717-334-8121

Contact : Mary Lou or Amber 8:30 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. EST

More on the 2010 National later!!!

Last chance for iWON tickets!!!!

2009-10-22T17:47:00.001-07:00

Unless you are coming to the Nationals, you better act quickly if you want to be part of our big iWON RAFFLE!!! We have a few tickets left so buy early to avoid missing out! Ms. Nancy must have payment by Saturday 24th at noon.

So hurry up -- go to

http://akitarescuewny.com/Nationals%20raffle/NationalRaf2009/natsraf2009.htm

and buy your ticket before 10/24/09 at 12 noon!!!!

And if you are coming to the Nationals, be SURE to stop by the ARWNY booth -- we have some really amazing surprises planned and some new exciting Akita designs on t-shirts, sweats, mugs, etc. So plan on spending some time at our HALLOWEEN BOOTH this year -- we are really "scaring up" a good time this year!!!

Kathy D-ARWNY

RIP Babe...

2009-10-20T18:03:00.000-07:00

The world is a bit dimmer now due to the loss of Babe. A fabulous 5 yr male Akita when placed, he has lived for many years with his beloved family in upstate NY. Babe lost his fight with cancer last Thursday & passed over the Rainbow Bridge, leaving us all very saddened. This outstanding stray boy was placed by ARWNY with this loving family in NY and has lived happily with them all these years, accepting their special-needs son as if he were Babe's purpose in life, making them all feel safe and loved. He accompanied them everywhere and was beloved by everyone that met him. I am so sad that the family has to do without Babe now -- he was a very unique Akita and he lived with a very unique family. It was a very wonderful adoption and ARWNY is proud to have been able to match them up. We miss you BABE and while we are glad you are painfree now "Over the Bridge", the world is a bit less bright without you in it!!

Akitas off-leash....and at dog parks...

2009-10-18T08:50:00.000-07:00

Every so often this subject pops up -- and when it does, I cring. I remember so many horror stories of Akitas who were killed due to being allowed to run off leash -- hit by cars, by trucks, one drowned when he fell thru the ice of a lake....the horror stories sadly are endless. But the subject crops up over and over because, as humans, we like to think we can overcome centuries of inbred genetics in our animals. So recently when this subject cropped up on an Akita group I am part of, I had to respond. Here is part of my response:

After 22 yrs of handling at least 1,500 (probably more!!) Akitas of EVERY kind, from breeders, to pet stores, to puppymills, to some of the best trained Akitas by professional trainers to Delta Therapy Akitas to multi-titled Akitas in obedience, in agility, in the show ring, I have never met a single Akita I would trust off leash 100% ALWAYS. At some point, either in a year, or 5 yrs or 10 yrs, you will have a problem with recall. You can train til your heart's content -- but you have a breed that THINKS for itself and at some point, something will be more important than listening to YOU say "come back". Trust me on this -- it will happen -- in 22 yrs, not one person I have said that to was able to come back to me 10 or 15 yrs later once their Akita passed on to say "Ha ha, you were wrong." Every person I have ever told this has come back to me at some point (some 10 even 15 yrs later!) to say "God, were you right and it was HORRID!!".

As long as you KNOW this will happen at some point, you will be on top of it and prepared, I hope. But if you put your head in the sand and convince yourself all your training will make your Akita totally trustworthy on recall, you will be shocked and in trouble. So heads up -- just be prepared. I don't need to know you, or your wife or your training methods -- because see, I know AKITAS. I know them inside and out, completely and totally -- I have devoted my life to them for 22 yrs and I have handled more Akitas in a month than most people ever see in a lifetime -- I am NOT bragging, trust me -- I am just trying to help you prevent a problem down the road. You can let your dog off leash all you want -- its your dog. Just realize that some day -- you will hang your head and say "damnit, I was warned." You never even have to admit to anyone that people were right & you were wrong -- but it will happen. We are just trying to help you prevent a problem. Its NO indication of you as an owner in ANY way -- its that we know Akitas.

Now -- my problem with dog parks is -- they are DIRTY places, they allow diseases to be passed among dogs and they cause issues because other people do NOT train or socialize their dogs correctly. So that is why my adoption contract states that NO adopted Akita of mine may ever be allowed in a dog park -- period. I personally want to keep my dogs safe from other people who do NOT take as good care of their dogs as I do of mine!! I don't spend my life rescuing and caring for all these adopted Akitas to end up having them loose their lives due to a disease they caught in the dog park or from a problem that happened in the dog park. I end that problem before it starts -- my contract is strict and people do understand once I discuss it with them!!! Many of the serious diseases we are dealing with like the canine influenze are prevelent in dog parks right now here in the northeast -- its just not worth playing Russian roulette, hoping YOUR dogs won't catch something today at the dog park -- if I had a nickel for every person who came back to me to say "boy were you right, my dog caught this or this at the damn dog park" I'd be driving a BMW instead of a beat up Kia van!! As a former kennel owner I got to talk to hundreds of dog owners -- and the dog park stories I heard over the years are NOT pretty!!

ARWNY Drawing

2009-10-05T15:57:00.000-07:00

Every year ARWNY goes to the Akita Nationals if we can. We missed it last year but have attended most years recently. Its a great way for us to reconnect with the breeders, talk about our rescue efforts and to raise funds for our rescue work by having a booth where we hold great drawings!!

Nancy knocks herself out thinking of ways to make each National drawing new and exciting. This year, she began a whole year ago, by figuring out some great new ideas for a drawing.

SO, you have to go to

http://akitarescuewny.com/Nationals%20raffle/NationalRaf2009/natsraf2009.htm

and see what this year holds -- its very special, very limited and you better buy your tickets NOW before they are sold out!!

Also, we have some new exciting designs coming on T-shirts & sweatshirts too -- we will debut them at the Nationals then will put them on our online store to sell. So be watching for that!!

Its vital for us to make money to fund our rescue work and drawings, raffles, items to sell are a big help to us -- so please, support us by buying tickets and buying shirts when they are available, ok?

Good rescue vs bad rescue???

2009-09-16T09:39:00.000-07:00

Sadly just as there are good breeders and bad breeders, we have good rescues and bad rescues. Its a very sad thing that we have to admit that -- anyone saying they are helping Akitas should be doing it right and be a good rescue.

BUT -- just as human charities have bad people involved in them, so too does rescue. People with ego issues, who can't and don't work well with others, whose agenda is about themselves and NOT about the dogs are doing bad rescue; doing it for profit, for ego, to make "heros" of themselves.

But also, there are those who are deluded enough to think that ALL dogs can be saved. That's a very dangerous way to feel with a breed that has the strength and possible aggression our Akitas can have. Sadly -- much as we wish we could -- we cannot save them all. And anyone who thinks they can "save them all" need only realize they will quickly be overloaded with unadoptable Akitas with human aggression issues that cannnot be overcome. All Akitas must be properly evaluated before being taken into rescue and rehomed. They must be safely euthanized if they cannot live in society as a trusted family member. It breaks my heart with each Akita I must euthanize but I cannot risk a child, a person, being mauled due to my "bleeding heart".

How much space and resources do we have to save all the Akitas in need -- the ones untouchable due to mental issues, the aggressive ones due to bad breeding & bad training, the fearful/aggressive ones who will bite anyone out of fear of humans, the unstable ones that are nice one minute and attack the next minute?? We don't have enough space for all the GOOD, adoptable Akitas out there -- sadly as the economy gets worse and worse, we find ourselves begging more & more for donations to cover our monthly expenses for food, boarding, vetting. How could we take up spaces for unadoptable dogs, that will never get homes due to being unsafe to place, due to aggression issues we cannot overcome???

So another form of bad rescue is the rescue that insists that all Akitas can be saved -- when in fact, after 22 yrs in rescue, I have sadly learned that is not true. Today's society does not tolerate nips, growls, bites even when the dog has been provoked/prodded/pushed into it, so they will never tolerate an Akita that simply bites due to mental issues, bad training, unsocialization issues. We all know when a dog bite is reported, that legal action follows.

So its imperative that we do rescue in a responsible, safe manner so NO human is hurt, no other dog is hurt. Those who are so sure they "know better" than those of us who have been in the trenches so long, will sadly find out we DO know what we are doing -- but sadly, they won't learn it until someone is badly mauled, a dog is killed, a child is maimed, and they get sued, due to a bad placement.

Anyone that promises you they will save ALL Akitas and will be able to work with ANY Akita is doing the breed a disservice and misleading the public. There sadly are not enough days in the week, not enough space, not enough money, to save ALL Akitas. Our breed is being given up in record numbers today -- even groups as large as ARWNY are being pinched by the drop in adoptions, drop in donations, drop in space for these big dogs. Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) is aimed at our breed now and doing bad placements only adds fuel to that fire.

Please take the time, when working with a rescue, to determine what the difference is between a good and bad rescue. The Akita Club of America's Rescue Committee, which I co-chair, has just instituted a Rescue Code of Ethics -- which these types of bad rescues could not possibly sign -- a first sign they are not good rescue. Check on a rescue person's website for the Code of Ethics -- that will help you determine you are dealing with an ethical rescue, who does good safe placements.

Unless someone is doing rescue RIGHT, its not fair to our breed!! I'd rather there be NO rescue rather than BAD rescue -- bad rescue hurts all of us. Please think long and hard about this subject -- its a very serious one.

Its AKITA PICNIC TIME again!!

2009-09-16T08:19:00.000-07:00

My favorite thing we do with our wonderful group ARWNY -- our AKITA PICNIC!!!

YEAH!!

September 19, 2009, at the Salem County Fairgrounds in Salem County NJ on Rt. 40 in Woodestown NJ. You can see more info at our ARWNY website
http://akitarescuewny.com/Picnic/2009drawing/2009akitapicnic.htm

This event is so fun -- lots of great food (yummy Deb Karfs cake yeah!) and great demos -- the DANCIN'Dogs are back, we are also hoping for a fun sled demo as well as an obedience demo - but you can count on our great fun contests for sure!! So dress up that Akita of yours and enter our contest!! Or show us your Akita's new trick to enter a contest!!!

Lots of good food, good people, lots of fun -- we have CGC Testing also that day so come on - don't miss this day, we would LOVE to see you!! Our great drawing will also be held that day and you won't want to miss that either!!

Remember, only well-behaved Akitas should be brought that day -- no flexi leads or flat collars, all dogs must be wearing martingale/choke/prong collars on regular leashes, please!! Bring crates, chairs, etc to enjoy the day!!

Any questions, feel free to email me at kdewees@hotmail.com

Been away for a bit...

2009-08-16T18:01:00.000-07:00

due to the knee replacement. Had a lot of time to think while laying around in pain.

So many of our Akitas have hip and knee injuries. It hit me when going thru this, how much pain our dogs must be suffering with and how little we can do to help them to understand when having these types of operations -- we did it for their own good but how do we tell them that? We can explain to a human that we are trying to help, that this pain will go away, that the reason for their suffering is to ultimately help them in the long run. But how do we tell our dogs that -- how do we make them understand their pain is temporary, will go away, is for their own good? And how do they let us know how much pain they are really in -- our breed is so stoic!!!

I realized after going thru this, just how difficult this must be for our dogs who have no voice, no words to tell us what they need or must have. I was able to ask for more pain meds when needed, to say this wasn't working or that wasn't working -- but our dogs can't do that!! SO if your pets have to go thru something like this, please be vigilent and caring, please keep logs of their meds, how they appear to be handling the pain, and be on top of things such as knowing about different pain meds to offer, different methods of helping our pets to handle the pain involved. Learn all you can before putting your pets thru an operation of this magnitude. Take it from me -- its more painful than you can imagine and our pets need us to be sure to help them thru it all!!!

Off line...

2009-07-20T09:08:00.000-07:00

I have my upcoming knee replacement surgery on 7/22/09. Thanks to everyone who has wished me well!! I look forward to getting back on line soon. But until then, send positive thoughts my way -- I want to be able to get back to physically handling the Akitas again so I'm more of a help to our rescue work!!! In the meantime, hug your Akitas for me!!

Public education...

2009-07-19T11:19:00.000-07:00

while you like it or not is being done by everyone that owns an Akita every time you step out the door, take a photo, write an email, post a video -- so its up to you to be sure its positive public education! In today's world, with cell phone videos, picture sites, YOUTUBE, Facebook, websites, blogs, etc -- everything we all do is some form of public education even if you don't realize it is. So its really vital that as Akita owners of any type (show, breeders, trainers, pet owners), we do the right things with our Akitas at all times. Because others are watching, possibly taking cues from us, or even worse possibly using it against our beloved breed. Animal Rights groups like PETA & HSUS are always watching, wanting to have something to use against us as pet owners since their hidden agenda is all about completely ending pet ownership. Our breed has it hard enough without adding anything as fuel to their fire. And then there are new Akita owners who see something being done and think its ok to do it with their Akita -- even if its NOT ok to do. Everything we say, we do, we post, we photograph, we send to anyone anywhere, instantly becomes some form of public education!!

So please remember -- if you are going to send pictures, post videos, or even just be out in the public's eye with your Akita on a walk, at a dog show, visiting a friend -- please always remember to conduct yourself in a way that presents our breed as positively as possible. Don't put your Akita in a situation that could result in someone photographing or sending video of your Akita in a negative way. I love this breed so much and want all the public education out there about our breed to be as positive as possible for the breed so I need all your help in doing this!!

Just a heads up for today!!

Good people...

2009-07-18T01:55:00.001-07:00

Recently on the AKITA FORUM, an Akita owner that I helped with some information and direction for his Akita Ridley, wanted to do something nice for our rescue ARWNY, as a way of thanking me. So Sean issued a challenge to the whole group. He said he would match donations made to ARWNY up to $500 in the name of Ben, the blind Akita we have that is need of an operation to have his eyes removed.

It was a superbly generous offer, considering all Sean has spent on trying to get his own Akita, Ridley, healthy. Yet he made the offer, in this day and age of financial instability. And the group came through!! We had $520 donated by others in the group. Sean then matched that with his $500. That's an amazing amount of money raised by someone making a challenge.

Its because of people like Sean, and members of the Akita Forum, that ARWNY can continue to do the work we do. Helping a worthy Akita like Ben is what our rescue is all about. Its not about saving only the young, healthy and easy-to-place Akitas. Its about helping the worthy Akitas no matter what the age, as long as we can make them healthy again for rehoming. The Akitas like Ben, who are mistreated yet still remain loyal to humans. Who are denied vet care and suffer, yet still reach out to humans with a happy tail wag and a kiss. Who are locked away in cages without ever knowing what its like to sleep on a soft bed, yet still follow a human happily on the end of the leash once they come to rescue. This is who we do rescue for.

And its because of Sean and the members of the Akita Forum, that we can continue to do it.

If you want to read about Ben's story, go to our website at http://www.akitarescuewny.com and you'll find it on our homepage.

Learning the right dance moves...

2009-07-16T21:04:00.001-07:00

Moving to a "neighborhood" has proven to be a chance to learn to dance in our house. We never realized how easy we had it where we used to live -- no other dogs, no foot traffic, no neighbors. You never know what you have until its gone, eh?

Now we live in a neighborhood with dogs, kids, people walking back and forth all the time. People working in their front yards, dogs running loose (yes I know there are leash laws but no one seems to know that here!) and kids riding big wheels, bikes and skateboards up and down the sidewalks and streets. Moms push babies in carriages on walks, people from blocks away all walk their dogs up our streets for exercise. And of course, are next door neighbors, with whom we share a front porch, have two little doxies who have been the "only pets" here their whole lives.

Suddenly, the BIG DOG lives here. Baebae adores every human he has ever met. Kids especially. But kids see him lumbering off the front porch and run screaming, dropping everything and taking flight. Moms see him and can't get the baby carriage off the sidewalk to the other side quick enough. Poor BaeBae, he has a very unearned reputation as "That Big Scarey Dog" and he has no clue why people run from him in this neighborhood. And of course, the doxies lay in wait now for the Big Dog -- he has become "the nemesis dog". Baebae does NOT adore other dogs. So this poses a big issue also.

All of this combined made us realize -- we had to take precautions we never had to take before. So we have new dance steps that had to be learned at our house. Its the "Take BaeBae Outside" Tango and here is how it goes:

First -- look out the side windows in living & dining rooms to make sure no loose dogs or kids are in the driveway or coming down the sidewalk to the left.
Second -- look out front living room window, to be sure no moms, kids or dogs are in the front of the house.
Third -- Cautiously open front door, peer onto porch next to us to be sure neighbors are not outside with their dogs off-leash.
Fourth -- Put leash on BaeBae and lead him cautiously to front porch while looking to the right to be sure neighbors are not in side yard with their two dogs off leash.
Fifth -- slowly descend steps all the while craning neck to be sure no dogs/kids/adults have shown up in the last 2 mins that you may have missed.
Sixth -- get BaeBae to the fenced in yard so he is safe. Dancer does stay with BaeBae, we do not let him in the yard alone yet.

To bring him back in requires the dancer on the end of the leash to scan the area constantly while coming slowly back up the driveway, then peering onto the porch before approaching the front steps to come in.

Once, without realizing it, BaeBae went out after all steps were taken, and there, sitting on the bottom step of his front porch out of view of door or window, was our neighbor -- with his doxies off leash!! It was instant frenzy, as they realized BaeBae was coming long before he knew they were there. They rushed him -- all 15 lbs each of them, rushing the big ole' 100 lbs slow-moving-but-dog-hating Akita coming down the steps, like little flamenco dancers with quick movements and snapping jaws dancing around to BaeBae's slower Tango. Poor Justin was the leash dancer that day -- who had to lift his partner up under his front legs in a quick movement so BaeBae couldn't reach down and nail the little ankle-biters who were snapping furiously and barking up a storm.

Justin does the daily Tango with BaeBae. Jenn does the weekend Tango with BaeBae and she has learned the steps really well too. She does however carry "direct stop" with her as added protection. Since its not harmful but will make another dog run away, it helps her feel more protected.

Once my son finds the right house, and moves out with his two Akitas, no one will have to do this dance anymore. His two Akitas have the back room for now, and since Kuma is blind & KoTenshi is deaf, we try not to upset them by making them move out of the room so we can use the back door for BaeBae.

But once they have moved out, we will only have the ChaChaCha going on at our house. ChaChaCha right to the back door, open it, let BaeBae outside to do his business in the fenced in yard. Then ChaChaCha back to the door to let him back in. Simple, easy dance to learn. So easy, so simple. A much better beat for our household!!

And once my knee is replaced & I am all healed, I can do the ChaChaCha too. Then we'll be a dancing family, all in step, all dancing to the same beat -- at least as far as BaeBae is concerned!!

Common sense is dead...

2009-07-16T00:22:00.000-07:00

it must be -- or why else would this video have been posted to YOUTUBE:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bpYmGOWujc

WHY would any sane adult human being post a video showing their toddler climbing & standing on their Akita's ribcage? Why would you even ENCOURAGE that? Why would you say to eh world that its OK for their child to do this?

And then we wonder why any dog BITES in this country--when children are taught NO respect for another living creature? Not only taught NO RESPECT but actually (so they can film it) encourage your child to climb all over your sleeping dog, to allow your child to possibly hurt your dog by standing on its ribcage. These are the same type of parents that will dump their Akita in a few months, or a year or a few years, when the Akita finally has had enough of the abuse & growls at the child who will be bigger, hurt it more and show even less respect. They will then tell the world Akitas are aggressive, they have problems with children -- and will never blame themselves as being the cause.

It never ceases to amaze me how people can have so little sense. To actually encourage a toddler to stand on a dog (of any size!!), to insist an Akita tolerate this behavior -- to FILM IT no less. I just don't get it.

I guess I have too much respect for animals in general to think this is ok. I have too much respect for Akitas in particular to be able to even view this more than once without having tears pour down my cheeks.

I am outraged, at a time in our breed's history when BSL leaders & Animal Rights groups are labeling our breed VICIOUS & naming them to BANNED LISTS, that an owner would teach his child its OK to disrespect and be cruel to an Akita. Dogs have a right to protect themselves from harm, from cruelty by any human of any age -- but when they do try to protect themselves , its ALWAYS the dog's fault never the human's fault in our society.

When a child sticks a pencil thru a dog's eardrum, I feel the dog has a right to bite the hand that is hurting him. When a child jumps off the sofa repeatedly on the sleeping dog, I feel the dog has a right to growl at that child. When a human decides to punish a dog, for eating a scrap of food that fell on the floor, by kicking it in the side, I feel the dog has every right to growl or even snap at the offending foot that has just kicked him. Yet over and over, dogs are killed daily for doing just that. Its sickening and if YOUTUBE is any indication, its only getting worse!!

I'm so angry I can't even sleep --

Boy did this hit home!

2009-07-15T07:47:00.000-07:00

This is very long -- but please read it -- you will see what we in rescue get as phone messages and they also come like this in emails too. This wasn't written by me but it was sent to me from a friend who does Mal Rescue. The sad thing is, ARWNY has had almost exactly every call listed here -- even the one about the change of decor!! How sad is this world today????

A Rescuer's Answering Machine- Any town- USA

Hello: You have reached 123-4567, Tender Hearts Rescue. Due to the high volume of calls we have been receiving, please listen closely to the following options and choose the one that best describes you or your situation:

Press 1 if you have a 10-year-old dog and your 15-year-old son has suddenly become allergic and you need to find the dog a new home right away.
Press 2 if you are moving today and need to immediately place your dog & human aggressive 150 pound, 8-year-old dog.
Press 3 if you have a dog, had a baby and want to get rid of your dog because you are the only person in the world to have a baby and a dog at the same time.
Press 4 if you just got a brand new puppy and your old dog is having problems adjusting so you want to get rid of the old one right away.
Press 5 if your little puppy has grown up and is no longer small and cute so you want to trade it in for a new model.
Press 6 if you want an unpaid volunteer to come to your home TODAYand pick up the dog you no longer want.
Press 7 if you have been feeding and caring for a "stray" for the last three years, are moving and suddenly determine it's not your dog.
Press 8 if your dog is sick and needs a vet but you need the money for your vacation.
Press 9 if you are elderly & want to adopt a cute puppy who is active & is going to outlive you.
Press 10 if your relative has died and you don't want to care of their elderly dog because it doesn't fit your lifestyle.
Press 11 if you are calling at 6 a.m. to make sure you wake me up before I have to go to work so you can dump your dog off on your way to work.
Press 12 to leave us an anonymous garbled message, letting us know you have left a dog in our yard in the middle of January, which is in fact better than just leaving the dog with no message.
Press 13 if you are going to get angry because we are not going to take your dog that you have had for fifteen years & euthanize it for you, because it is not our responsibility.
Press 14 if you are going to threaten to take your 12 year old dog to be euthanized because I can't take it to find it a home.
Press 15 if you're going to get angry because a volunteer had the audacity to go on vacation & you can't reach someone who is authorized to take your pet off your hands.
Press 16 if you want one of our PERFECTLY trained, housebroken, kid and cat friendly purebred dogs that we have an abundance of.
Press 17 if you want us to take your dog that has a slight aggression problem, i.e. has only bitten a few people & family members, and killed your neighbor's cats.
Press 18 if you have already called once and been told we don't take personal surrenders but thought you would get a different person this time with a different answer.
Press 19 if you want us to use space that would go to a stray to board your personal dog while you are on vacation, free of charge, of course.
Press 20 if it is Christmas Eve or Easter morning and you want me to deliver an eight week old puppy to your house by 6:30 am before your kids wake up.
Press 21 if you have bought your children a duckling, chick or baby bunny for Easter and your dog is trying to kill it so you want to dump the dog on rescue.
Press 22 if you want us to take your female dog who has already had ten litters, but we can't spay her because she is pregnant again and it is against your beliefs to spay her.
Press 23 if you're lying to make one of our newer volunteers feel bad and take your personal pet off your hands.
Press 24 if your dog has severe health issues that mean you have to give him pills or shots & it makes you "squeamish" to do so, and want to dump him in rescue for someone else to handle.
Press 25 if your two year old male dog is marking all over your house but you just haven't gotten around to having him neutered.
Press 26 if you have an outdoor only unspayed dog and are calling because she is suddenly pregnant.
Press 27 if you have done "everything" to housebreak your dog and have had no success but you don't want to crate the dog because it is cruel so you want to dump it on us instead.
Press 28 if you didn't listen to the message asking for an evening phone number and you left your work number when all volunteers are also working and you are angry because no one called you back.
Press 29 if you need a puppy immediately and cannot wait because today is your daughter's birthday and you want the puppy NOW this minute.
Press 30 if your dog's coat doesn't match your new furniture and you need a different color or breed.
Press 31 if your new love doesn't like your dog and you are too stupid to get rid of the new friend (who will dump you in the next month anyway) instead of the dog.
Press 32 if you went through all these 'options' and didn't hear enough. This press will connect you to the sounds of tears being shed by one of our volunteers who is holding a discarded old dog while the vet mercifully frees him from the grief of missing his family.

Author Unknown

Well....

2009-07-14T18:10:00.001-07:00

after Jenn went to talk with our next-door neighbor (we'll call her S.) we found out we were right -- it is the neighbor (we'll call her B) across the street. Per the talk, seems that B. was asking others if they 'saw' our dogs out & she was going to complain about mess, etc. But S. told her that since she sees Jenn, Jim and Justin out with the pooperscooopers in our own yard, that she knows the mess is not ours, its not even the right size for our dogs for heaven sakes!! And seems that b4 we moved in, this B. harrassed the other dog owners on the street all the time too. Guess since we are new, we are getting the heat now.

SO -- after Jenn discussed this, she feels the best thing to do is just give them nothing to complain about, to keep the neighbors we KNOW are not complaining on our side and just act like nothing happened. If this B. dares to complain to the township & try to pin something on our Akitas, we will be ready for it -- they will have to prove it is our Akitas -- so they better have some pictures to show as proof along with DNA tests done on the poop!! And then we will retaliate -- harrassment letters from our lawyer might work!! But all in all, Jenn felt much better after her talk with our next-door neighbor S. today so its all smooth again for now.

Its funny -- I've spent years advising people on these issues but never had to deal with it myself -- now here I am, at this point in my life, and I'm NOT as mellow as I once might have been -- and definately will NOT "slip silently into the night" as they may hope I will!!!

Thanks for the comment left here on my earlier post, CJ -- it was well-taken, thanks so much for your thoughts!!

Neighbors....

2009-07-14T07:05:00.000-07:00

We've been so spoiled, living at the kennel, never having to worry about "neighbors". But oh, are we dealing with them now!

Its obvious our "big dogs" are not welcome in this neighborhood. We have a fenced in yard, the dogs are only out to do their business in that yard, they are not left in the yard for more than 5 minutes at a time. Yet its just constant complaints now -- how have you all dealt with this stupidity all these years? I've been so spoiled!

There are people in my neighborhood that walk dogs or allow dogs to run off leash. These dogs run along, doing their business on everyone's lawn -- who did they blame before we moved here? Suddenly, its "notes" left in our mailbox "Please clean up the yard next door to your yard so no one calls the Township to complain." What? Clean up the yard NEXT to mine when my dogs aren't even out of my own yard? My dogs don't make the mess in that yard -- yet you want us to clean up someone else's yard??

So now what -- we are to live in fear that someone who has lived here for years & is well "known" to the neighborhood, will call the township to blame OUR dogs for making a mess in someone's yard?? Suddenly our dogs are responsible for all the dog poop up and down the street -- even though my dogs never leave our back yard? We don't even walk our dogs in this neighborhood -- my son takes his dogs down to his in-law's property at the shore to walk his dogs. Our own Baebae doesn't want to be walked because his arthritis is too bad so up and down the steps & out in the back yard is enough for him. Yet now, the tiny poop from the doxies, the cocker, the pitbull that all run off leash is OUR worry everywhere? Not to mention the old golden from 2 blocks over who poops as he walks because he is so old -- his poop is now our worry?

I hate living in a neighborhood like this. I am so sick of busybody neighbors who are big-dog haters, who want to blame my yard-only Akitas for all the mess on the whole block. We just moved here and we are already thinking we should move out!! ARGHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

Training methods are like opinions....

2009-07-13T17:37:00.000-07:00

everyone has one!! No matter who you talk to in Akitas, they will have a method that they use for training -- and you may never hear the same one twice. Seems to me that its gottten a bit crowded out there in the world of training -- so many different ways to skin a cat these days!! But if you take the time to read and learn, you might find many of them have a LOT more in common than you may think!!

I like a lot of different trainers for different reasons. I like people like Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson for their well-thought out methods of working with the dogs & their willingness to learn & change as they grow. I like Cesar Millan for his common sense in how to handle dogs and how to make humans realize their dogs aren't HUMANS!! I like Carol Lea Benjamin because she understands Akitas and writes very common sense books designed to make you understand how to work with your dog. I appreciate the teachings of Suzanne Clothier because she understands Akitas and has never shied away from helping an aggressive Akita. I am thankful for the website that Leerburg Dog Training, by Ed Frawley, has set up, because some of the articles there are indispensible to me when helping people with problem Akitas.

There are also tons of people I turn to for help with training who've never written a book but should have! Each and every person I work with, have met and read, all have VERY different methods yet there is something to be learned from each and every person -- even the ones whose methods I totally disagree with. After all, you have to know what you don't agree with in order to understand what you DO agree with, eh?

If you have a computer, you have a great tool to help you learn about training. But don't take everything on one site to heart. Read everything you can -- learn something from everyone -- take methods that make sense to you, that will work for you and then apply them. ONLY you can be honest to yourself about what you are willing to do, how much time you are willing to invest in your Akita or your future Akita. No use promising yourself the stars when you know you won't even get on a stepladder to change a lightbulb, right?

Its the people who are most honest with themselves, who know their own limitations, who are willing to read, learn and work with what they believe in, that make the best Akita owners. And you know who you are -- yes, you do!!

Rescue Code of Ethics

2009-07-12T09:13:00.001-07:00

As part of the Akita Club of America, I am happy to report that we have decided on a Code of Ethics for all Akita Rescues to follow.

However, on the down side, I'm sad we even needed to set up a Code of Ethics. You'd think anyone wanting to do rescue would do it right -- would do it for the good of the Akitas and not for any personal agenda. After all the very word rescue means: to free or deliver from confinement, violence, danger, or evil. But if I've learned one thing over the years, its that some people in rescue can be just as rotten, just as selfish, just as evil, as people in puppymills, petstores, or bad breeders can be also.

Way back when I started in rescue, I was so idealistic. After all, I was helping in rescue, and rescue was about saving Akitas' lives so everyone in rescue with me must be in this for the same reasons I was, right? I couldn't sleep at nite thinking about the Akitas in my care -- I worried constantly about finding the right homes, about making sure I wasn't allowing an Akita to die in a shelter, about how to find a way to get more qualified adopters, about how to find more good volunteers to help us spread the word. I went bankrupt over rescue at one point, I lost a marriage to rescue at another point, and ultimately I lost much of my health to rescue -- but it didn't matter, because I was saving Akitas' lives and MY GOD that was what kept me going. I was sure everyone in rescue felt the same way, right? I was sure if someone called themselves a 'rescue' it meant they had the good of their breed at heart.

So imagine my heartbreak the first time someone I thought I could trust ended up showing the only reason they were in rescue was for the ego, the power of it, not really caring at all about good placements or caring for the dogs. Or how sad I was when I found that another treasured friend I thought I could trust was actually breeding the rescue dogs, then selling the puppies to make money for personal profit. These & other things just devastated me -- that I could trust people for so long & find out down the road about their real motives for being 'rescue' . The more I learned about people like this, who I trusted & called friends for years, the more I considered getting out of rescue because I felt I could no longer trust my OWN judgement.

Instead of quitting rescue completely, I simply let it harden me, made me wary of just accepting anyone calling themselves a rescue. I started to watch for signs of 'bad rescue' in people -- and sadly I found it, more times than I care to admit and each time, it broke my heart over and over. HOW can someone call themselves a rescue only to use the dogs in their care for profit, to use the word 'rescue' to get them what they want; how could they harm the very dogs they promised to help and save?? Boy was I naive over and over again.

There are those calling themselves Rescue who will only take puppies under 15 months old so they can make a quick profit -- they make the person giving up the dog pay for all vetting and also charge a big give up fee, then charge the adopter another big fee while paying for nothing but a few days worth of food for the rescued dog themselves -- thus making a huge profit that goes right in their own pocket.

Or the Rescues who start out like they are already experts without ever volunteering with any other group first. They won't work with anyone else, thinking they know it all; they end up doing bad placements, getting sued and giving the name of rescue bad publicity. People like that cause so much harm to rescue because bad publicity hurts us all -- good rescues get lumped in with bad rescues simply by the name association of the word RESCUE; lawsuits cost everyone money, time, bad press. People get hurt by poorly evaluated dogs, children can be maimed by bad placements. Why do rescue like this? Why not do it right?

Then the worst is the hoarder/collector rescue people -- who start out with good intentions, who slowly or in some cases quickly get in over their heads but instead of asking for help, allow the pets to suffer, in some cases die. This is happening more and more. We had it a few years ago with the Palmdale situation involving over 50 Akitas http://palmdaleakitarescue.tripod.com/id5.html.
Recently the Chow Rescues had to deal with it in PA with over 90 Chows http://www.ohmidog.com/2009/05/22/92-chow-chows/.
And all breed rescues sadly have it happen all the time http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_hoarder .
In all cases, it points fingers at those of us doing rescue ethically because it makes the general public wonder -- "Are you really doing right by the dogs in YOUR care, how do we know YOU aren't like these people, how do we know YOU are using the money/donations we give correctly, how do we know YOU won't be a headline next week, next month, next year?"

Everyone knows we need as much help as we can get in rescue. But too often, we are quick to embrace someone calling themselves a rescue without really knowing who they are or what they are doing; and its only after we have embraced them that we start to see cracks in their facade. How do you "out" someone you suspect may not be doing right by the dogs in their care, or doing rescue for the wrong reasons (ego, money), or is already in over their heads? Many are afraid to speak up, afraid to point fingers, afraid to be the one to say "Something's wrong with this person" for fear no one will ever trust them now that they have pointed fingers. We all know what happens to 'whistle-blowers' -- we see movies & TV shows about it, and we know how they get ostracized by their co-workers, their peers, for speaking out. But when its lives (dogs) at stake, how can we not speak out? How can we not question, worry, wonder?

One tool to help us is that we now have a CODE OF ETHICS. Its a good one too -- much input given from some really great rescue people who helped hone it to bring it to this final stage. It covers all the basic groundwork of good rescue -- vetting, altering, nutrition, temperament, evaluations, proper placements & use of paperwork. No one wants to be the "rescue police" but it will help in some ways I hope prevent bad things from happening.

Its a good strong COE and while I hate that we even need to have one in rescue, I'm glad its there now. I salute those who helped put this together and I am proud we could agree on what ethical rescue is and how to implement it. Akita Rescues are some of the best breed rescues in the country -- and some of the longest working breed rescues also. There are a lot of good, ethical, knowledgeable people doing recognized Akita Rescue, people I am proud to say I volunteer with as a whole. For a list of them, go here: http://www.akitaclub.org/rescue/resgroups.html
Those of us who will be signing this COE will be publishing it on our websites. If you are seeking a good ethical Akita Rescue in the future & they are NOT listed as a signing group with this COE, ask why not. Ask why they don't feel they agree with the terms of this COE, ask why they feel they don't need to follow this COE. It certainly should warn you to seek another Akita Rescue!!

I wish ALL breed rescues had a COE. Some do, many don't. I hope they all implement one in the future. Perhaps then we can prevent future situations like the one with the Chows or the Palmdale situation from happening. Perhaps we can save the name of "rescue" from future bad press with this COE. Perhaps it will help me to not be heartbroken again when someone I trusted & believed in turns out to NOT be doing rescue for the right reasons. Perhaps it will make those people stop and think before continuing in rescue at all. I can hope, can't I?

Dogs & Heat

2009-07-11T07:48:00.000-07:00

What's with all the police officers (who should know better!) leaving their service dogs in their locked cars to boil to death in the heat? I am shocked -- surely they know better or should know better? Its bad enough when a pet owner does it, but I can't believe the K-9 police officers aren't drilled on that stuff in school? For any dog to suffer and die that way is just horrid -- I've called the police several times over the years to release a pet that was locked in a hot car during the summer months. But who do you call ABOUT the police when their service dog is locked in a police car? Another police officer? The firemen? I mean really....that saying "Common sense is no longer common" is definately applying to today's world...

http://dogs.suite101.com/article.cfm/dogs_and_heat_stroke

http://dogs.about.com/od/dogandpuppyhealth/qt/heatstroke.htm

How to know when its...time...

2009-07-10T09:54:00.000-07:00

This sad subject has been on my mind a lot lately, because of dear friends who have had to put their beloved Akitas to sleep due to illness & old age. When your dog is old, sickly, showing signs of fading, or suffering from a horrid disease, how do you "know" when its time to let them go "OVER THE RAINBOW BRIDGE"? If only the decision was always made for us -- like my Brae, who just kissed us good nite like always with a happy tail wag; then the next morning there she was, curled up in death looking just like she always did when sleeping. Her heart just stopped beating during the night -- she was 15 but acted and looked like she was no more than 5. We were stunned, she showed no signs of being sickly or slowing down. But it was a decision we didn't have to make for her. We should all have that decision made for us, so we don't have to decide it on our own.

Because OH! its such a hard decision to make, one we agonize over & stress over for what seems forever before we can feel we are making the right decision. My vet Dr. Phyllis addressed it in one of our ARWNY Newsletters & as a vet she has had to deal with it daily with clients, and also with her own beloved Akitas. Numerous articles have been written about this subject on the internet and there are "pet grief counselors" who hold group sessions to help people cope with the loss of their pets. Its such a profoundly personal decision that its hard to be able to help another person decide when its "time" to let their pet go. I just know that I've been there & had to make this type of decision too often with the rescues in my care -- decisions I'm glad I didn't have to make alone, since all of us in our group confer when its a rescue about decisions like these. As hard as it is, helping a rescue "Over the Bridge" I can do for the good of the Akita, the good of the group, the good of the breed.

But making this decision for my own pet was far harder. I had to learn to make the right decision with the help of someone else. I've learned that now for me, it boils down to not being selfish in wanting to keep the dog with you; to be humane enough to be able to say "I love you, you shouldn't suffer anymore" and letting them go.

At one time, I was too blind-sided to be able to make the right decision. I was selfish, and convinced myself my Akita was ok when it was my own selfishness that kept her with me longer than I should have. I'm talking about my beloved KumaChan, my first female Akita that joined us as a puppy in 1986. My daughter Jenn had to practically force me to finally admit it was time for my Kuma to be let go from the pain in her knees and hips. I cared for Kuma daily, feeling she was still "holding her own" and having a good quality of life. I realize now, Kuma was hanging on because I couldn't face reality with her. Then my daughter Jenn went away to college in CT; when she came home at Christmas time, it was her being away from the situation that allowed her to see Kuma's pain far better than I could see it. I still had convinced myself that Kuma was fine, still able to handle her pain, still enjoying life. It took Jenn's fresh eyes to finally make me realize I was wrong, that Kuma had no quality to her life by then & was suffering more than I could admit.

When I held Kuma in my arms to let her go, I just kept telling her I was so sorry, so so sorry for letting her suffer. Kuma was the brave one, who let me know she was ok with my decision -- I was the mess, she was the calm one that sad day.

So I know, when people tell me they don't know if its time to let their pet go, I do truly know how they feel. But sometimes, it does take a fresh set of eyes to see things for what they really are. When people ask me how they will know, I tell them "You won't always know, because often we are blinded to it by our own need to keep our beloved pet with us." And that's so true. I am mindful of that now when dealing with my own pets. I think back to my Kuma and try hard now to make sure I never allow any Akita in my care to suffer due to my own selfish need to keep my Akita with me.

Now when people ask me if "its time" for them to let their pet go, I tell them to search in their own hearts to be sure they aren't overlooking their dog's suffering just because they can't bear to lose the dog. If the dog can't be cured, has no hope of going back to a normal life & is suffering, you need to really figure out if you are holding on to the dog because the dog still has any quality of life or if you are holding on to the dog for yourself. Its hard to let your dog pass on. No one realizes that more than me. But at the same time, I have to feel its our humanity that allows us to prevent our pets from suffering more than they should have to suffer.

When its time, its time. Only you can make that decision -- so be sure whatever decision you make, its for the good of your pet, not for yourself. That's all I can ask of anyone, including myself.

Too many emails...

2009-07-09T05:47:00.000-07:00

I try so hard not to look at pictures of Akitas in need from areas I can't help, b/c seeing their faces, looking into their eyes just kills me. My inbox is filled with emails from shelters and owners from all across the country asking for help with an Akita or Akitas in need. I try to just pass them on to the group I know is closest to them without looking at the pictures so I don't get more upset over not being able to help.

But yesterday I got an email from a shelter worker in Indiana and made the mistake of looking at the two older Akitas in need -- there are 3 there, but one is a baby around 6 months, the other two are a bit older, not sure the ages listed are right since another rescue evaluated them & feels they might be off on the ages listed, that they may be younger than aged by the shelter (which does happen a lot). Anyway, its always easy to help the baby -- puppies under a year of age are easy to adopt out & easy to find a foster home for. Its the older ones that break my heart.

So now there are 3 Akitas in this one shelter and the shelter wants them all rehomed, not just for someone to rescue the puppy but to give all three a chance. Therein lies the problem -- people are coming forward offering to save the puppy, which is fine; but no one has come forward offering to save the two adults -- and that just kills me. If we can find 3 people wanting the puppy to foster, why oh why can't all three Akitas be saved, spread out to the 3 people already saying they can take on the puppy?

I know, I know -- I realize people "think" its easier to take on the puppy but in reality -- if you can crate the puppy, keep it separate from your own dogs, until someone else has room for it, then you could do the same for one of the adults, eh? I mean really -- think about it. Makes sense, eh? We've been doing that for years in rescue -- rescue should be about all ages, not just puppies. Sure, the public wants only puppies -- but maybe if all we offer to the public IS puppies, we are setting them up to only want the puppies. Maybe if all they saw were adult dogs available for rescue, they would get the "hint" and rethink rescue -- realize that older dogs are the only ones available so that is who they will save. Nice idea, right?

Why oh why do I have such a bleeding heart for these 2 adults? I don't know. I do know we are overloaded, ARWNY cannot take them on when we have dogs sitting in our local shelters -- dogs we are working hard on to find spots for in our rescue already. But these two older dogs haunted me last nite -- I couldn't fall sleep, I kept worrying in my mind how to figure out a way to help these two. And I failed -- I cannot come up with a way to help them.

So I'll have to spend the day saddened & depressed that 2 more fabulous, wonderful Akitas will probably lose their lives -- for being older, for being "not a puppy"....

I have to stop looking at pictures of Akitas in need that I cannot help....its getting to me.....

Where are the qualified adopters...

2009-07-08T06:08:00.001-07:00

Its been raining Akitas lately -- so many wonderful ones in need, but no room because we just aren't getting the right homes to come along!! Usually by this time of year, we have placed at least 40 Akitas but this year, we just placed our 25th Akita. And all the other Akita Rescues are singing this same sad tune. So where are the qualified homes? We have some wonderful Akitas sitting in our care that should be lounging away in someone's living room.

Why is Yogi still with us? He is super handsome, with a great personality -- big deal he doesn't like other dogs, does that mean he can't be a great pet? Its sadly a bit of an Akita trait to not get along well with strange dogs so he's definitely NOT abnormal for an Akita. Yet here sits Yogi still. Or BayBay -- a gorgeous boy with a collie mixed in there somewhere, and he's sweet as can be. He so deserves to be playing ball with someone in their backyard not sitting in a kennel run wondering when he will get to go home!! And what about the 3 breeders' dogs we rescued after they were left to dehydrate and die alone in NY? Zeus, Athena & Romuleus all are gorgeous, wonderful Akitas with a LOT of love and happiness to give someone yet they languish here with us instead of being loved & spoiled in a real home. The list just goes on and on -- like our Oki, Spirit and Gordon, all big handsome boys but all 3 real Akitas, just what the breed was meant to be. Yet not getting any applications asking for them; people passing them by just because they are a bit older too!! And Sammy -- no issues at all, lost his home due to divorce, but at age 9, no one cares and no one wants him. He's super perfect yet everyone passes him by on our website. Go visit our website and see these sweethearts, you too will wonder why they are still there!! http://www.akitarescuewny.com

I don't get everyone out there just wanting a puppy. Puppies are SO much work! And in today's hectic, crazy, busy world, who has time for all that work? People don't think things thru -- they hear 'puppy' and they become fixated. These wonderful adult Akitas we have are all housebroken, most are crate trained, they walk great on a leash, are calm, intelligent, healthy and loving. Yet all we get are applications asking for puppies!! People mistakenly think a puppy will "bond" better, I hear that all the time -- and its SO not true! Adult Akitas bond just as strongly to a family as a puppy does. An adult Akita is just as playful and fun as a puppy is. An adult Akita is just as loving as a puppy is. What an adult Akita isn't is tiny but then neither are Akita puppies for very long. Adult Akitas aren't as much work as puppies are either. But for some reason, everyone wants a puppy. I don't get it. I'd never own a puppy -- the last puppy in my life was in 1986 and that was enough for me -- I will always own an adult Akita, and my preference now is middle-aged -- 6 or older!! Such wonderful Akitas in that age bracket -- loving, calm, playful yet not wild or out of control. Yes, there are times when a puppy is needed but not usually and not always. Yes, I will recommend good breeders when someone really should have a puppy in their home because we don't have the right adult or an adult won't work in their specific situation -- but that's not the usual case yet people just convince themselves they must get a puppy to "train it" or to "bond" with it. NOT TRUE!

Then on top of that, the other problem is the people who don't do their homework, don't read our site thoroughly before filling out the application -- it clearly says "we do not do any same sex adoptions" yet we get application after application from people with 3, 4 or 5 other dogs of both sexes in their household already. Or the people who ask for a certain dog that specifically states on its write up "no cats" when they have 1, 2, 3 cats. Or the people with small toddlers that insist on having the dog that is listed as "no kids under 12". We put those things in a write up for a reason -- our placements must be safe, must be permanent and must work for both the Akita and the adopting family!! So sadly those are wasted applications, wasted time in responding to those applications, wasted hope that one of our Akitas might get a home when we see a new application come in.

I don't mean to sound negative and heavens knows, we have some fabulous adopters for whom we are eternally grateful. But we need more of them -- the number of Akitas in need has risen dramatically but the number of good adopters has dropped drastically and its very sad for our Akitas. They shouldn't be sitting in kennels or foster homes -- they should be at home by now, being loved and cherished as someone's pet!!

So spread the word, send good adopters our way, won't you? Its very disheartening to keep turning away wonderful Akitas in need because of lack of space -- and the lack of space is because the Akitas we have in our care just aren't getting adopted!!!

How sad for old stray Akitas...

2009-07-06T23:10:00.001-07:00

I spent some time at Joann's place today, with Deb Karfs and my daughter Jenn. Soon I won't be able to go anywhere because of the knee surgery, so wanted to take up some things I had for Joann & see the dogs in her care b4 that happens.

Let me tell you about a really old gal I got to meet that Joann saved from dying alone, scared and with no one that loved her in a NYC shelter. This old gal was found wandering the streets, with a brand new red harness on her but in such terrible shape and so old, she could barely drag herself around. Her coat was filthy and matted, she could barely stand, and yet there was-is- a sparkle in her eye and a dignity to her that Joann couldn't pass by. So home to "Casa Dimon" she came to live out her days with love and happiness, even if those days are obviously so numbered. She's not up for adoption -- Joann and her family are keeping her with them for whatever short time she has left.

So we sat poolside today, meeting all the dogs but finding ourselves being drawn mostly to this old gal, Ginger. She was totally non-dog aggressive, with such beauty to her, such confidence in her gaze, being social with all of us that she has never met. I was especially appreciative of how mellow she was, as she spent the afternoon walking around and sniffing, watching, looking, confident in her own Akita-ness that she never cared if any of the other Akitas there were NOT happy to have her near them. She paid them no mind -- not b/c she was afraid of them or shy, but because in her mind, OH they were not worthy of her attention!!!! Yet for us humans, her attention was so easily won over with a cookie that we laughed over and over as she watched to see who had food, who didn't, her "why bother with you if someone on the other side of the table had a morsel for me" attitude!!

Amazingly, for as slow as she walked, let her see the gate to outside open & her speed picked right up as she trotted towards the open gate, because she loves her walks around the block, thinking I am sure that she is being admired by all the neighbors for her beauty, that she doesn't know has long since faded -- in her mind, she is still that young & gorgeous Akita you can tell she once was!! She was an Akita version of Norma Desmond from SUNSET BLVD, still the movie star wanting the world to admire her despite her age & faded beauty -- what a true Akita!!

And while her age may have slowed her body down, her mind was sharp as a tack -- she was not about to be put back in her kennel, not with all us there feeding her cookies -- oh no, she was ALL Akita then, using those brains to figure out how to get around the idea of "back inside" when Matt tried at one point!! She was all about being a true Akita -- stubborn!! It was so funny to watch the "wheels turning" in her head as she out thought her humans!

At approx 13, who could have just left her go, who wouldn't have turned over heaven and earth to find this sweet, gorgeous, smart & mellow girl? What kind of unthinking, uncaring person would just not worry about her anymore -- after she was such a loyal and loving Akita to them?

Why can't humans be at least partly as loyal to their Akitas, as their Akitas are loyal to them? I just don't get it. But I do know this -- if she had to end up a stray, if she had to be dumped on the street, at least she ended up at Casa Dimon with Jo's family. At least when her time comes, she won't be sad, alone and feeling unloved. I wish there was a Casa Dimon out there for every single unwanted, stray, dumped Akita....at least Ginger is one of the lucky ones.

P.S. Seeing Ginger safe & happy today, I was reminded in my heart to say: Thank heavens for all the volunteers in Akita Rescues around the country -- around the world -- that work hard to keep as many Akitas as they can from feeling unloved, scared and alone!!

Cabinets, here we come!!

2009-07-06T08:20:00.000-07:00

When Jenn was looking to buy a house after we left the kennel, she wanted one with a yard big enough to foster Akitas. So we ended up with this house -- it has a nice yard with shade and already has a nice cement pad to put in a dog run for fostering, just needed to be fenced in. But guess what -- it didn't have a kitchen! There was a stove & a sink, and 3 plastic cabinets -- you read that right, plastic cabinets and they are so thin, you can't even put a dinner plate in them. Bet you don't remember ever seeing plastic cabinets! So we have to put in a kitchen and of course, that takes money and time.

But just so you know what dog people we truly are, while we have been here for months with NO kitchen, we DO HAVE a fenced in yard now, thanks to all those wonderful ARWNY people who came and put up the wooden fence Jenn bought!! One of them, who shall remain nameless, even got on a ladder and cut down the huge magnolia tree that was in the way of the fence (while his wife was off with me doing a transport for a rescue dog!!) which made the fence look so much more wonderful & saved Jenn about $900 in tree removal costs!! But oh my poor Jenn had an anxiety attack watching him up on the ladder, she had knots in her stomach!! So now, boy do we have a gorgeous fence in our backyard! Once my son buys his house & moves out with his Akitas, we will start fostering a dog at a time here!!

As for the kitchen -- now, today, finally, after being here for months with no cabinets, no dishwasher, nowhere to even put dishes & no counter space -- Jenn is ordering unfinished kitchen cabinets that she will then paint. She ordered a dishwasher, an over the stove microwave, a kitchen fan for the ceiling, and even got BaeBae a new food/water stand!! Now she just has to pick out the counter tops and the floor. And one day soon, we will actually have a useable kitchen. But hey, we have had a useable dog yard for weeks now!!

Just goes to show where our priorities are, right? Dog people just will always be dog people.... LOL

Another Akita dumped...

2009-07-05T20:22:00.000-07:00

Carla Boyd, our Philadelphia PA volunteer, got a call from a local PA shelter -- a 6 month old female puppy was dumped by its owner on July 4th. *SIGH* Why are we seeing so many young ones? Carla pulled her immediately the same day to prevent her from getting sick in a shelter at her young age. So now -- one more in rescue. And so many more in local shelters -- a gorgeous male in Delaware County Shelter, a female sweetheart in Chester County Shelter. All young adults, adoptable, healthy. And that's just in one weekend in one area. So many Akitas in need, so few qualified adopters!

And then of course, when people apply they always seem to have special needs -- already have multiple dogs, cats, toddlers -- makes our job harder to try to match up the right Akita to these homes. This breed needs just the right placement. So we can only do placements when we have just the right home come along. That means some of our Akitas must sit in kennels for weeks, even months waiting for the right match.

I can only hope that more really good applications come our way. Its sad to see these wonderful Akitas sitting in shelters, knowing we have no room for them, no homes for them.

Sunday, 7/5/09

2009-07-05T16:03:00.000-07:00

Well, I have spent the better part of 6 hours today learning how to set up this blog -- I am NOT computer savvy to say the least! (Stop laughing!!!) But Nancy already has too much to do with all the other computer things, the fundraising, the paperwork end of ARWNY -- so I figured this much I could teach myself!! Trust me, I'd rather be driving, or working with the Akitas -- I hate being crippled but hey, if I am, I might as well be useful in some small way, right? That knee replacement is coming -- 7/22/09!!!! But for now, its stuck on the computer??? I am so poor at these kinds of things -- so be kind when viewing this new blog, ok? THANKS!!

One big exciting bit of news today: Our volunteer Joann Dimon just worked a miracle -- she was finally able to save the two neglected 10-month old Akitas in northern NJ she has been monitoring for months on end! That's in addition to saving Ben, the blind Akita who came from a horrid puppymill situation; as well as taking in Mochi the 10 month old male whose owner is sadly very ill. What would we do without Joann and her family Matt, Max & Arizona?

Just to give you an idea of the work involved in rescue -- these two pups Joann just saved will need now to be altered and vetted -- which means Joann does the driving necessary to pick up these two then gets them to the vet's office, so that's hours on end of transports from one end of NJ to the other end. Add to that, the driving already done in getting Ben (with the help of Paul Lavoie!) to Joann's house, in driving back & forth all the time (Thanks Deb Karfs!) to the kennels we use in Burlington County (Bless you Angie & Jeff for your kenneling space!) to house the Akitas so they can be socialized, etc. Then the paperwork involved in keeping all the records, making sure all vet records are up to date, etc. (Thank you Nancy!)

Now add to that, the work in keeping the website updated (Thank you Nancy again!) as well as sending out Thank you's for donations (Thank you Jenn!) and now working on the upcoming Sept 19th Picnic (surprises planned, keep watching our website) and the upcoming Akita Club of America Nationals where we always try to man a big booth! Then we have the phone calls to return (Thanks Donna for the phone help!) and emails we return on a daily basis, our Facebook sites I monitor, and the applications pages we all try to check on a daily basis!!

Do any of you reading this post today, realize how much transport work, how much exercise, how much training work, how much paperwork & computer work, goes into each and every dog we rescue? Whew, I'm tired just writing it all down for you to read!!!

Now that my knee has blown out, its all on the shoulders of Nancy, Joann, Deb, Carla, John, Diane, Paul, and others to do the physical work, all of whose help has been invaluable. And of course, I've dragged my daughter Jenn into ARWNY kicking & screaming, so she helps as well as my son Jim & my sig. other Justin. But we still have room for more help! If you want to help rescue in some way, consider becoming a volunteer to help ARWNY -- we always need help with transport, with home evaluations, with shelter evaluations!!

Sadly we can't save them all - but with your help, maybe we can save a few more!! Send adopters our way -- older, housebroken, trained Akitas make fabulous companions!! See our website at http://www.akitarescuewny.com/

Over the years, I've considered giving up rescue -- for health reasons, for personal reasons, because of rescue burnout, because of disappointment in humans....but you know what, I just can't because these Akitas are all too special, and they need me -- no, they need US, they need ARWNY!!! So I stay -- and so does everyone else who does rescue for the right reasons -- we stay for the Akitas. Not for ego, not for public admiration, not for any other reason but for the Akitas.