Small Breed Rescue of East Tennessee, Inc. EXCITING NEWS FROM SBRET!! We at Small Breed Rescue of East Tennessee (SBRET) are thrilled to announce that we have adopted or assisted in the rescue of 40 dogs so far this year! It s hard to believe that a group that started with such a small number of people has been able to expand and accomplish so much! First of all, we submitted and received our charter for incorporation! Then, we got the GREATEST person ever to develop and maintain what we think is one of the best rescue websites out there. If you haven t seen it, you HAVE to check it out (www.sbret.com). Next, we have gotten some of the nicest and hard-working fosters and volunteers, who have helped us with several activities, including SEVERAL very successful adopt-athons. We are so proud of the work our volunteers do, we have devoted an entire section of our website to them! Take a look! SBRET is in desperate need of foster homes! A lack of foster homes prevents us from rescuing additional dogs. Won't you consider fostering one of our little guys? The most frequent comment we get in regard to fostering is that "I couldn't bear to let the dog go - I would get too attached to it." It is true, it is always a bit In addition, we have gotten so much support from people out there, most of whom we have not even met, in the form of monetary and other donations! SBRET was even able to successfully run a fundraising campaign to get Max, a 2.6 pound Yorkie, $500 of medical tests needed to evaluate him for cataract surgery. (We even had someone willing to donate $1,000 for this surgery had he been a candidate!) Now, we are in the midst of another successful fundraising campaign to pay for multiple surgeries for Sugar, a Dachshund currently in the program! Can you tell we re excited? We are! If you would like to join in the excitement, please contact us! FOSTER HOMES DESPERATELY NEEDED!! Small Dogs...Big Hearts sad to see our rescues go. But, the SBRET adoption process is so strict, that by the time the dog is adopted out, we know it's going to a great place! If you are interested in fostering, please contact one of our representatives or visit our website at www.sbret.com for more information! Small Dogs Big Hearts September 2003 SBRET Contacts: Karen Houser 865-694-3914 Kaye Wimberly 865-481-0975 Tyrine Hawthorne 865-426-3955 Email: rescue@sbret.com Fax: 865-694-3914 Website: www.sbret.com Included in this Issue News, Foster Homes 1 Rescue/Senior of Month 2 Adoption Process 2 Available Dogs 3 Max/Activities/Seniors 4 Pet Emergency Plan 5 Special Thanks! 6
Rescue Story of the Month Sugar Sugar is a 4 year old female Dachshund that was surrendered to SBRET by a breeder. We were informed by our vet that Sugar would have to have her left eye removed the damage to this eye apparently resulted from a previous injury that was left untreated. In addition, she also had glaucoma in this eye. It was also determined that Sugar had cherry eye in the right eye, which would also require surgery. However, we were disappointed to find out that Sugar was not ready for surgery because her immune system, weakened by mange, would not allow her to heal properly. However, we are happy to report that we started a series of mange treatments for Sugar, and she was well enough to have both eye surgeries, as well as get spayed, on 8/27/03. Happily, she is recuperating well and is anticipated to make a full recovery. We actually think Sugar feels better after this surgery without the pressure of that bulging eye. Of course these surgeries were expensive, so any donations would be greatly appreciated. Donations can be mailed to SBRET; P.O. Box 22482; Knoxville, TN 37933. In the event that sufficient funds have been raised for Sugar when a donation is received, we will ask if this can be applied to vet care for another deserving dog! Even if you can t make a donation, help Sugar and those like her by telling everyone you know to NOT buy puppies from pet stores, as their parents often live in puppymills or commercial breeding facilities, like the one Sugar came from! Sugar, one day after multiple surgeries SBRET Adoption Process SBRET rescue animals are fully vaccinated, treated for any illnesses, heartworm negative, on heartworm preventative, spayed/neutered, and microchipped. Prior to adoption, SBRET rescue animals are placed in approved foster homes in order to evaluate temperament. A potential foster home is fully evaluated, and a foster contract is required, prior to placing a dog in a foster home. An application (available on our website) is required prior to meeting the dogs (unless you meet a dog at an adopt-athon). This allows us to evaluate your needs and try to make the best match! Also, this helps us determine who is really serious about adopting a dog! It takes considerable effort and time to arrange for showing of the dogs, so please understand! PLEASE DON T SHOP - ADOPT!!! Once your application is approved, you will meet the dog and we will jointly determine if this is the dog for you. Prior to final placement, a home visit is also required. At the time of adoption we require you to sign an adoption contract, and pay a $150 adoption fee to help defer veterinary and other expenses. Senior of the Month-Ginger Hi! My name is Ginger and I am a 10 year old, female Lhasa Apso. My previous owner passed away so SBRET was contacted for help. been in a couple of different foster homes and haven t had an accident yet. I m so smart, I will TELL you when I need to go out! As you can see, I am super cute, if I must say so myself! I am a very laid back girl, and am content to lay beside you and just chill out. In case you are wondering, I have EXCELLENT housemanners, and my SBRET friends won t say this about many of their rescues! But, I ve Ginger, 10 Year Old Female Lhasa Apso Just so you know, I do occasionally have ear infections, but these are controllable with medications. But this is just a minor inconvenience in order to have the pleasure of my company! So if you re interested in me, contact SBRET! Page 2 Small Breed Rescue of East
DOGS LOOKING FOR FOREVER HOMES Daisy, 6 year old female Cocker Spaniel Winkie, 8 month old male Chihuahua mix Ginger, 10 year old female Lhasa Apso Jasper, 1 year old male Terrier Mix Joey, 2 year old male Yorkie Lady, 5 year old female Rat Terrier Wheatie, 1 year old female Terrier Mix Sugar, 4 year old female Dachsund Shaggy, 8 year old male Silky Terrier Mix Cheyenne, 4 year old female Rat Terrier Referral: George, male Rat Terrier Mix Sweet Pea, 10 year old female Chihuahua Referral: Rosie, 8 year old female Yorkie Referral: Trista, 7 year old female Yorkie Referral: Lexi, 2 year old female Chinese Crested Referral: Zeke, 8 year old male Maltese Volume 2 Page 3
Max s Story Max is a 12 year old Yorkie that was surrendered to a local vet s office. The vet called Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue (who works with SBRET) and Max was accepted into the program. As you may be able to tell from the picture, Max was completely blind due to cataracts. Yorkie Rescue was unable to pay for the tests needed to determine if Max would be a candidate for cataract removal surgery, SBRET volunteered to lead a fundraising campaign to raise the money ($500) for these tests. Due to the generosity of some very special people, SBRET was able to pay for all the needed tests for Max. Unfortunately, it was determined that Max was not a candidate for surgery (he had retinal degeneration beneath his cataracts). However, it is a great relief to know that we have done EVERYTHING possible for little Max, Oh, and in case you are feeling sad for little Max, you shouldn t! He has been adopted by a wonderful family (see Max, he is the one looking indignant in his red sweater) and it has been reported that Max s favorite foods are prime rib and fettucini alfredo! We figure at his age, why worry about cholesterol! Halley (Luana s dad) with Poqui, and Luana (holding Pipi, Max, and Pudi) Activities and Adopt-a-thons What are adopt-a-thons? Adopt-a-thons are events where either one rescue group or several rescue groups get together at one location, bring their dogs and informational materials, and meet and greet the public. We don t adopt dogs out during an adopt-a-thon, but we do take applications. Our next group activity is scheduled for September 20th (12:00-3:00) at the grand opening of Callahan Drive Animal Hospital in Knoxville, TN (on Callahan Drive closest to Clinton Highway and Lowe's, in B&P Industrial Park). Please come by and visit with us and our dogs. These are always a lot of fun! But, as you can tell by this picture, these events aren t for those afraid of hard work they are tiring! Sparky, after a long hard day at our adopt-a-thon at Pet Safe Village! SASSY Seniors SBRET typically has a large proportion of seniors up for adoption at any given time. Sometimes it takes a long time to adopt out a Senior, and sometimes it doesn t because certain people specifically desire a senior for a variety of reasons. We here at SBRET would choose a senior over a puppy ANY DAY! You ask why? Well chewing, frequent bathroom trips and accidents, constant activity, and a variety of other things make puppies a lot of work! Sure, puppies are CUTE! But Seniors...they have already gone through most of these phases. And remember, seniors are S-A-S-S-Y, which stands for: Seniors are Special, Silly Younguns! Sweet Pea Another SASSY Senior Available for Adoption from SBRET! Page 4 Small Breed Rescue of East
Pet Emergency Planning Are you prepared in the event disaster strikes? What will happen to your beloved pets? Planning ahead could save your pets lives. United Animal Nations created an organization called the Emergency Animal Rescue Service (EARS), which is devoted to saving animals affected by disasters. Unfortunately, due to poor planning, and a lack of shelters for pets during such emergencies, many beloved pets are left behind, without adequate resources to survive, during disasters. EARS volunteers are prepared to get to any area within the country, within 24 hours, to help save our furry friends. EARS Provides Food and Water to those Pets Left Behind However, it isn t enough that we count on EARS. It is our responsibility as pet owners to protect our pets and preplan for the unexpected. To help us do this, UAN and EARS have developed a check list for pet owners to use to help prepare: 1. Always keep a collar and identification tag on all animals all the time! 2. Always have a reserve supply of food and water (at least a weeks worth). 3. Identify several possible locations to take your pets in the event an evacuation is necessary. 4. Start a buddy system with someone in your neighborhood to check on each others pets. 5. Have a pre-assembled cat carrier for each cat in the house. 6. Have a harness (not collar) and leash for each dog in the household (frightened dogs may pull out of a collar). 7. Have a pet first aid kit available. Check with your vet regarding recommended supplies, but some suggestions are: pet first aid book, varying sizes of bandages and gauze, antiseptic wipes, emollient cream, tweezers, scissors, instant cold pack, latex gloves, and a proper fitting muzzle. 8. Be prepared to confine your dog in the event that Page 5 fences and walls are damaged. Choices include a wire or plastic dog crate, or a stake out chain. In either event, please ensure that adequate shelter, food, and water is available to your pets. 9. In the event your dog is kept in an outdoor run, ensure it s in a location safe from falling debris, such as tree limbs or power lines. 10. Keep current pictures of your pets in a safe place, along with other valuables. Include yourself in some of the pictures in case you have to prove ownership. In addition, keep these pictures in a waterproof bag to prevent potential water damage in the event of flooding or other similar event. 11. Keep a minimum 2 week supply of any long term medications your pet may require. If the medication requires refrigeration, a cooler may be required. Also, check with your vet do they have a disaster plan? Be prepared with pictures and identification to report and claim lost pets! Hopefully, if we will follow some of these precautions, we can save the lives of our pets in the event of some horrible disaster, and prevent what happened to this dog! This dog was left chained during a disaster with no food or water EARS fortunately was there to save this dog! Small Breed Rescue of East
Small Dogs Big Hearts Karen Houser 865-694-3914 Kaye Wimberly 865-481-0975 Tyrine Hawthorne 426-3955 Email: rescue@sbret.com Fax: 865-694-3914 Www.sbret.com Small Breed Rescue of East Tennessee, Inc. (SBRET) is a non-profit organization dedicated to finding forever homes for displaced or abandoned small breed dogs. We are also dedicated to educating the public about pet overpopulation, the benefits of spaying/neutering, and the horrors of puppymills. SBRET is desperately in need of volunteers and donations. If you are interested in helping in any way, please contact us! Small Dogs...Big Attitudes!!! Special Thanks!! SBRET has been the recipient of MANY generous donations. There are too many to list everyone individually, but please know that we are in the process of updating our webpage in an attempt to thank everyone! So keep an eye out for that! In the meantime, we would like to send out a general thank you to everyone that has helped us in SO MANY ways. We of course have to personally thank the staff at Jackson Square Animal Clinic in Oak Ridge TN, as well the staff at the Anderson County Animal Hospital in Clinton Tennessee. Without their willingness to treat our rescues at reduced prices, and perhaps more importantly, allow us to run a tab, we could not continue to rescue these precious pups! We would also like to offer a special thanks to Linda at Pet- Safe Village, who has groomed several of our rescues at reduced prices, and even some for free! Also, we absolutely have to thank Carmen Trammel and Peaceful Kingdom, for their continuing support and willingness to post our rescues, at no charge, in Critter magazine. And of course we must thank Pam, for her artistic skill and devotion to updating our website! In addition to these businesses and individuals, whose contin- ual support keeps us going, there are MANY individuals who have generously donated either their time, money, or much needed rescue items to support us! Again, because of space limitations (and our great fear of leaving someone out) we have decided here to simply list the types of donations that have been received. These donations have included monetary donations, such as contributions to the Max Fund ($500 in total was raised), donations to the Sugar Fund (over $200 to date), and general monetary donations to our rescue. We have also received donated items, such as: art auctioned on Ebay, crates, food, a phone card, gates, collars, leashes, toys, and even pet clothing such as jackets! Of course we cannot forget the constant and continual donations of people s time without this we would never make it. First of all, a VERY SPECIAL thanks goes out to our foster homes! Without fosters, there would be no rescue. Also, volunteers have helped transport dogs, participate in adopt-a-thons, drive all over the state (and beyond) to conduct home visits, answer phone calls and emails, and many other behind the scenes tasks that have to happen in order for us to survive! Thanks everyone! THANKS!